The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon

 

The epitome of a cozy this story had it all. Village setting, eccentric and nosy characters, beautiful scenery and plenty of intrigue.

England 1941 a naked body on the beach. A harmless Italian prisoner of war, set to work on a nearby farm. Jane and Arthur have been sent down to enquire into this death and to check whether it is linked in some way to the black marketing racket rampant in the region. Add to this the sudden appearance of exotic animals, a black panther supposedly the cause of two deaths and a mauling, a talkative macaw and a smiling big rat, a quokka a native Australian.

Trying to put the various pieces together amidst maybe a budding attraction between Jane and Arthur added much interest to the story.

Very enjoyable read.

Sent by Bookouture for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The House of Lost Whispers by Jenni Keer

 

Olivia lost her parents when the Titanic sank in 1912 and she was sent to live with the Fairchilds who welcomed her into their lives. She felt a bit lost in a household of three boys but her guardians were kind people. The twist in the story is what if those we think are dead, live on in a alternative universe and Olivia continues to live with them as their much loved only child, growing up and having a very different life.

The alternative life is looked at closely in this story which takes you to fantasy (which could be probable) Shouldn’t be ruled out totally though! 

Part mystery, a lot of history, a touch of romance, heart breaking love story in part the story held my interest throughout.

Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

A Death on Corfu by Emily Sullivan

 

Minnie Harper widowed with two young children lives in Corfu. Bound by old customs she is careful of her position as a widow and her reputation amongst the gossipy expat population. When a young girl is found murdered, and the local police try to close the investigation, just arresting a vagrant for the murder Minnie and her new neighbour (a mystery murder writer of repute with a unsavory past) try to get justice of some kind for the girl.

Beautiful setting, varied characters and a mystery set in 1898 in a very insular community of British expatriates. I liked the cover too!

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

A Lethal Engagement by April J. Skelly

 

An airship in 1890 set the tone for this story. Cora Beaumont is the owner. Sole owner. Does not go down well with many who are used to see husbands, fathers and brothers controlling their fortune. A brutal murder on the first day of its transplanting voyage does not help. Added to that Cora has just got engaged to the second son of a Duke of the enormously influential Tristam family, a point not taken well with the aristocratic daughters of the English who are travelling on the airship.

Cora’s fiancée is mainly absent and neglectful of Cora, and it is left to his brother Nicholas to step into the breach and act as protector and along with Cora, act as detectives when a second and third murder takes place. That someone is out to disrupt the entire line, and besmirch Cora’s name and reputation is obvious.

The setting of the airship travelling through rough seas, the restricted area and then the class distinctions and protocols which governed the people, added so many strands of interest and variety to the story. I also enjoyed the era.

Sent by Crooked Lane Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

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An Unquiet Peace by Shaina Steinberg

 

Evelyn Bishop formerWWII spy has settled into her new space as head of the Bishop firm and is settling in well with the former detective Nick Gallagher, whom she intends marrying shortly. Her hopes for a quiet wedding are dashed by the arrival of her Aunt Taffy who like a whirlwind starts wedding preparations.

On top of that Evelyn gets called in for a covert op to find out the whereabouts of a wife and daughter of a German scientist, who was rescued and whose family was supposed to follow and who never did. Going back to Berlin is dangerous for Evelyn who has many people who will wish her dead. The enquiry is convoluted, nothing is as it seems and the person who is seeking revenge is much closer than she thinks.

The whole book was a complete package combining all that one looks for in a story of history, mystery, intrigue with a touch of romance to add balance.

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review,  courtesy of Netgalley.

My first read from this author. I hope I will be able to track down other books.

 

The Bookclub for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

 

Its the 1960s four very different personalities join a book club and four very deep friendships are forged. Each one had strengths and weaknesses, and it is unbelievable that even in the 1960s the amount of power men had over women’s lifestyles, their attitudes, definitely their finances. 

The Feminine Mystique was the first book that the club read. It opened up vistas for many and for these four it struck a chord that they could be doing more for themselves, their families and their marriages by living the way they wanted to, and not a facade dictated by society, mainly men.

The story about how four women supported each other through crisis after crisis, forming a unique group giving strength to carry out dreams, and live a life they wanted to. 

I was engrossed in reading this book, cheering madly from the sidelines.

Sent by Harper Collin’s/Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Sufi Storyteller by Faiqa Mansab

 

My knowledge of Sufism was restricted to pictures of the dervishes and I knew nothing else. This story was informative on several issues.

A mother and daughter have been separated for decades but now Layla is almost sure she has found her mother. Two murdered women found in proximity to Layla is too much coincidence not just for the detectives but also to Layla. Mira knows more on the subject and realises that Layla is in grave danger, and that somehow she is the key.

Revealing the truth and her history is painful for Mira, but it is the only way that Layla will accept her abandonment at the orphanage. All the minor characters are themselves of much interest including the cat Gul. The preparation of food which was unique to Layla’s background added another layer of interest.

Sent by Unbound/Neem Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley