Saturday, July 30, 2022

ARC Review: The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley

The Secret of Bow Lane

Author:
Jennifer Ashley
Series: Below Stairs (Book 6)
Publication: Berkley (August 2, 2022)

Description: In Victorian-era London, amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway must solve a murder to claim an inheritance she didn’t know she had in a riveting new historical mystery from the bestselling author of Death at the Crystal Palace.

A stranger who appears on Kat's doorstep turns out to be one Charlotte Bristow, legal wife of Joe Bristow, the man Kat once believed herself married to—who she thought died at sea twelve years ago. Kat is jolted by Charlotte’s claims that not only was Joe murdered, but he had amassed a small fortune before he died. Charlotte makes the cook an offer she cannot refuse—if Kat can discover the identity of Joe's murderer, Charlotte will give her a share of the fortune Joe left behind.

With the help of Daniel McAdam, her attractive and charismatic confidante, Kat plunges into her own past to investigate. When it becomes apparent that the case of Joe’s death goes far deeper than simple, opportunistic theft, Kat and Daniel's relationship is put to the test, and Kat herself comes under scrutiny as her connection to Joe is uncovered. She must race to catch the real killer before she loses her job and possibly her life.

My Thoughts: In this fifth episode in the Below Stairs series, Kat Holloway takes on a case very close to home. When Charlotte Bristow appears on her doorstep begging her to help locate her husband Joe's supposed fortune, Kat is reluctant. After all, she was part of a bigamous marriage with the departed Joe and can't believe that he ever had a fortune. 

Kat gets involved because she is hoping to finally find some answers about Joe Bristow before her soon-to-be twelve-year-old daughter Grace begins to seriously ask questions about him. The case requires her to go back to Bow Lane where she was raised and where she lived with Joe. 

She's not alone in investigating. Her friend Daniel McAdam is willing to help. Their relationship has been growing closer, but Daniel is a man with secrets and Kat is afraid to enter into another relationship with a man who is keeping secrets from her. She also has help from Lady Cynthia and fellow kitchen maid Tess.

Their investigation leads them to a theft of gold coins from the Goldsmith's Hall a short time before Joe was believed to have been lost at sea. The case has not been solved in the twelve years since Joe was found dead on a London Dock. 

This was an engaging episode in an excellent series. I like the historical detail of the 1880s and like Kat who is content with her place among the working class in London. Fans of the series won't want to miss this latest episode.

Favorite Quote:
"I am always happy to help a beneficent society." Miss Townsend's shapely nose wrinkled. "Perhaps I can keep them from quashing the girls into spiritless automatons."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, July 29, 2022

Friday Memes: The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley

 Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
"Woman's asking for you, Mrs. Holloway." Elsie, the scullery maid, popped her head into the kitchen one Wednesday morning after breakfast service to make this announcement. "She's waiting up on the street."
Friday 56:
The guests ignored us as we hastened by, heads down. "That's what my aunt wants for me," Cynthia said after we'd passed. "For me to be a grand lady, with soirees every night. Heaven help me."
This week I am spotlighting The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley from my review stack. It is the sixth in the Below Stairs historical mystery series. Here's the description from Amazon:
In Victorian-era London, amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway must solve a murder to claim an inheritance she didn’t know she had in a riveting new historical mystery from the bestselling author of Death at the Crystal Palace.

A stranger who appears on Kat's doorstep turns out to be one Charlotte Bristow, legal wife of Joe Bristow, the man Kat once believed herself married to—who she thought died at sea twelve years ago. Kat is jolted by Charlotte’s claims that not only was Joe murdered, but he had amassed a small fortune before he died. Charlotte makes the cook an offer she cannot refuse—if Kat can discover the identity of Joe's murderer, Charlotte will give her a share of the fortune Joe left behind.

With the help of Daniel McAdam, her attractive and charismatic confidante, Kat plunges into her own past to investigate. When it becomes apparent that the case of Joe’s death goes far deeper than simple, opportunistic theft, Kat and Daniel's relationship is put to the test, and Kat herself comes under scrutiny as her connection to Joe is uncovered. She must race to catch the real killer before she loses her job and possibly her life.

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Book & Audio Review: A Liaden Universe Constellation Volume 2 by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

A Liaden Universe Constellation Volume 2

Author:
Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Narrator: Kevin T. Collins
Series: Liaden Universe
Publication: Baen Books; 1st edition (December 15, 2013); Tantor Audio (June 28, 2022)
Length: 538 p.; 19 hours and 44 minutes

Description: Fifteen short tales of the Liaden Universe brought together for the first time. Space opera and romance on a grand scale in a galaxy full of interstellar trading clans.

Thirty-three shorter tales of the Liaden Universe brought together for the first time in two mega-volumes. Fifteen tales complete Volume Two!

The nationally bestselling Liaden Universe novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world-building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge-of-the-chair action.

Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe with the excitement, action, and romance that fans of the hit series have come to adore.

My Thoughts: This second collection of Liaden Universe short fiction was great for filling in some of the blanks in the main line novels and fleshing out events that were formative for many of the characters but only briefly mentioned.

Veil of the Dancer tells about Inas Bhar's childhood and the first steps the lead her to become Natessa the Assassin and ultimately Pat Rin's lifemate. 

The Beggar King tells the story of Clarance O'Berin's arrival on Liad to be the Juntavas boss. It also tells how he and Daav become as friendly as they can be given that they are working for opposing sides.

Lord of the Dance takes place on Surebleak and tells the story of Pat Rin's final acceptance of the fact that he is truly a pilot of Korval.

Fighting Chance tells how Miri gets off Surebleak the first time and joins the mercenaries. Prodigal Son tells weatherman Ichliad Brunner's story which incidentally tells the story of Miri's heroism at Klamath.

Hidden Resources tells what happens at Runig's Rock while the clan children along with Lady Kareen and Luken bel'Tarda are sheltering there while the adults in the clan make a new home after being thrown off Liad.

The other stories also tell about other people caught up in Korval's adventures or just trying to lead their lives in peace. I liked Skyblaze because I had often wondered what happened to the taxi driver who drove Cheever McFarland to Korval and who later ferried mercenaries from Higson's unit when Korval attacked the Department of the Interior on Liad. It was a great story about someone who was just a "spearholder" in the mainline, but whose life was changed by the events, nonetheless.

All of the stories were entertaining. I thought that they could be introductions to the Liaden Universe for new readers. It is hard to judge that though because I've read the Liaden Universe stores over and over again since I discovered them in the 1990s. I loved finding out more about characters I already love.

Favorite Quote:
"You, my daughter. You're about to begin the adventure of your life. Be bold, which I know you are. Be honest as you can. Trust Angela. If you find love, embrace it."
I bought this one using some of my banked Audible Credits. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Round Up the Usual Peacocks by Donna Andrews

Round Up the Usual Peacocks

Author:
Donna Andrews
Series: Meg Langslow Mysteries (Book 31)
Publication: Minotaur Books (August 2, 2022)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews first introduced us to Meg Langslow as a crime-solving bridesmaid. In her 31st mystery, Round Up the Usual Peacocks, Meg returns to her roots, juggling cold cases and wedding guests.

Kevin, Meg's cyber-savvy nephew who lives in the basement, comes to her with a problem. He's become involved as the techie for a true-crime podcast, one that focuses on Virginia cold cases and unsolved crimes. And he thinks their podcast has hit a nerve with someone . . . one of the podcast team has had a brush with death that Kevin thinks was an attempted murder, not an accident.

Kevin rather sheepishly asks for Meg's help in checking out the people involved in a couple of the cases. "Given your ability to find out stuff online, why do you need MY help?" she asks. "Um . . . because I've already done everything I can online. This'll take going around and TALKING to people," he exclaims, with visible horror. "In person!" Not his thing. And no, it can't wait until after the wedding, because he's afraid whoever's after them might take advantage of the chaos of the wedding at Trinity or the reception at Meg and Michael's house to strike again.

So on top of everything she's doing to round up vendors and supplies and take care of demanding out-of-town guests, Meg must hunt down the surviving suspects from three relatively local cold cases so she can figure out if they have it in for the podcasters. Could there be a connection to a musician on the brink of stardom who disappeared two decades ago and hasn't been seen since?

My Thoughts: Meg will do almost anything to get out of assisting her mother with her brother Rob's way over-the-top wedding preparations. So, when her nephew Kevin comes to ask for help, Meg is all-in.

Computer nerd Kevin and his friend Casey have started a true crime podcast. Someone isn't pleased. In fact, Casey was almost hit by a car when he was walking back to campus one evening. The main problem is that the two don't know which of their podcasts stirred someone up. 

After some discussion, they decide to focus on three of the more local crimes. The first has to do with a man perhaps wrongly accused of murder in the death of a convenience store clerk. The second has to do with a twenty-six-year-old cheating scandal in the Business Department of the college where Meg's husband teaches. The final case has to do with a disappearance of an up-and-coming young singer who disappeared without a trace two decades ago.

As Meg looks for suspects and witness to these crimes, she's also running errands for her mother. One of the errands includes borrowing some non-molting peacocks to provide ambience at the wedding reception. What she gets is chaos as the peacocks are very aggressive and attack relatives trying to get the yard ready for the festivities. The solution relies on a herding sheep dog who gathers them up and then trains a bunch of Pomeranians to herd. 

This was a fun addition to a long-running series. I really like Meg and all of her crazy relatives. 

Favorite Quote:
He wore his hair in a shaggy mop reminiscent of the early Beatles, but I suspect it was less a style decision than a form of camouflage. The way he peered over his wire-rimmed glasses and through his long bangs made me think of a shy forest creature peeking out from a thicket. 
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

ARC Review: Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose

Quarter to Midnight

Author:
Karen Rose
Series: A New Orleans Novel
Publication: Berkley (August 2, 2022)

Description:  Discover New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose’s brand-new series set in the sultry city of New Orleans and featuring a tough team of high-end private investigators who are after justice—no matter what they have to do to get it.

Good cops. Bad cops. Only one will win.

After completing her tours with the Marines in Iraq, Molly Sutton knew she could take down any bad guy she met. But when a family tragedy exposes the dark side of her local police, she joined up with her former CO Burke Broussard, who left New Orleans PD to set up a private investigative service for people who couldn’t find justice elsewhere.

Gabe Hebert saw the toll that working for the NOPD took on his dad and decided instead to make a name for himself as one of the best young chefs in the French Quarter. But when his father’s death is ruled a suicide after a deliberately botched investigation by his former captain, Gabe knows his dad stumbled onto a truth that someone wants silenced.

Gabe goes to his father’s best friend, Burke, for help. Burke assigns the toughest member of his team, Molly, to the case. Molly can’t believe she’s being asked to work with the smoking hot chef whose chocolate cake is not the only thing that makes her mouth water. Sparks fly as they follow the leads Gabe’s dad left them, unraveling a web of crimes, corruption, and murder that runs all the way to the top.

My Thoughts: When Celebrity Chef Gabe Hebert needs someone to investigate the suspicious death of his retired police officer father, he turns to his father's friend Burke Broussard who is a private investigator. Burke assigns one of his best agents, Molly Sutton, who is a former Marine. 

Molly knows Gabe. She's dined in his restaurant on many special occasions and been attracted to him. The case gets complicated fast. First, they have to find a young man for whom Gabe's father Rocky has set up a trust fund. Gabe fears that his father had been unfaithful to his mother who died of cancer, but soon learns that the young man was someone his father rescued as a five-year-old from a rooftop during Hurricane Kristina. Xavier had seen a murder, but when Rocky is able to go back and check it out the body is gone. 

Rocky has investigated the case often over the years despite being discouraged by his superiors. Now that he is dying of cancer, he is making one last push to solve the long-ago crime. Then he dies of a supposed suicide, but Gabe commissions his own autopsy when the department wants to accept the verdict as suicide. Rocky wasn't a suicide! 

But someone named Lamont wants to finally clean up all the loose ends remaining from his murder of his mistress during Kristina and Xavier and Gabriel on high on his list of loose ends. As the deaths pile up, at one they count fifteen victims, Gabe and Molly and the rest of Broussard's team have to quickly track down witnesses who can help solve the crime. They are in a race with Lamont and his confederates who are killing them before Gabe and Molly can find them.

This was an entertaining, but very long, romantic suspense title. I enjoyed the romance between Gabe and Molly. I also enjoyed trying to figure out who Lamont was as the heroes try to figure out who the villains are. 

Fans of intricate romantic suspense titles will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:
Molly shrugged. "Antoine can do a lot of things. Most of the time I can't understand even when he tries to explain. I just accept it. Like..I don't know. Like the miracle that is bacon."

Gabe shook his head. "Bacon is not a miracle. It comes from pigs."

"Hush. I don't want to know that."

"You grew up on a farm!"

She looked guilty. "It was hard. Pigs are cute. But bacon is delicious. It's a real moral dilemma."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

ARC Review: Just Another Love Song by Kerry Winfrey

Just Another Love Song

Author:
Kerry Winfrey
Publication: Berkley (August 2, 2022)

Description: Two high school sweethearts get a second chance at their perfect ending in this charming new romance by Kerry Winfrey, author of Very Sincerely Yours.

Once upon a time, Sandy Macintosh thought she would have her happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Hank Tillman. Sandy wanted to be an artist, Hank was the only boy in town who seemed destined for bigger things, and they both had dreams to escape town together. But when Sandy’s plans fell through, she stayed in their small town

Fifteen years later, Sandy runs a successful greenhouse while helping her parents with their bed and breakfast. Everything is perfect…until Hank rolls back into town, now a famous alt-country singer with a son in tow. She’s happy with the life she’s built by herself, but seeing Hank makes her think about what might have been. There aren’t enough cliché love songs in the world to convince Sandy to give Hank another chance, but when the two of them get thrown together to help organize the town’s annual street fair, she wonders if there could be a new beginning for them or if what they had is just a tired old song of the past.

My Thoughts: JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG was an engaging contemporary romance with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. 

Sandy Macintosh and Hank Tillman had a sweet high school romance. They both had plans to leave Baileyville and make their marks on the larger world. Sandy had her art and Hank had his music. But when finances kept Sandy at home, she broke up with Hank so that she wouldn't hold him back. Her break-up broke both their hearts and threw Sandy into depression.

Encouraged by her friends, she came out of it determined to make a happy life for herself in Baileyville. She owns a successful greenhouse, helps her parents with their B&B, and volunteers for just about everything in town. She tries to convince herself that she's happy, but still loves Hank.

Hank, who went off to build his music career, has married, divorced and has a young son. He is also a successful musician. Now, he's come back home, ostensibly so that his son can spend time with his parents, but he also wants to see if he can rebuild his relationship with Sandy.

The story was filled with Sandy's reticence to risk her heart and Hank's persistence. There were lots of funny moments and some that were quite emotional and touching. 

Fans of contemporary romance with enjoy this wonderful story. 

Favorite Quote:
What I do know is that I spent way too long picking out my outfit tonight before going with a red gingham dress that I was hoping would say, "vintage Americana," but might be saying, "repurposed tablecloth from an abandoned picnic."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Monday, July 25, 2022

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (July 25, 2022)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.


It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I will be combining my YA and adult reading and purchases on this one weekly roundup.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

This was another quiet summer week. It is hard to believe that it is almost the end of July already. 

I'm starting to see back-to-school sales and posts from my teacher friends who are getting ready for a new year. My former district is also going through a bunch of changes this year. They'll have a new Superintendent of Schools, a new Elementary Principal, and a new High School Principal along with some new teachers. The district is also trying to pass a referendum to do some upgrades to the two schools. So many changes make me even more glad to be retired.

I have spent the week reading and writing reviews. The break for the MLB All-Star game was good for adding more reading time to my schedule. I'm still not as far ahead as I would like to be, but my August calendar isn't looking quite so bare. I have a number of much anticipated books on my Review stack with August release dates. I plan to fill in around them with books from my TBR mountain and some of my new, short audiobooks. 

Read Last Week

If you can't wait until the review shows up on my blog, reviews are posted to LibraryThing and Goodreads as soon as I write them (usually right after I finish reading a book.)

Review Books:
  • Round Up the Usual Peacocks by Donna Andrews (Review; August 2) -- 31st in the Meg Langslow humorous mystery series. I've only read a couple. They stand alone well and are very entertaining with a large touch of humor. My review will be posted on July 28.
  • Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose (Review; August 2) -- I kept reading and reading and didn't seem to be making any progress. Then I looked and saw that the book was 608 pages long! It was an entertaining romantic suspense title with the emphasis on the suspense. My review will be posted on July 27.
  • The Dark Circle by Robert J. Mrazek (Review; August 9) -- After losing his job as campus security, he takes a job trying to locate a missing college student and finds himself deep in danger from a cult that preys on young virgins. My review will be posted on August 2.
  • In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury (Review; August 9) -- A nice cozy set in the Pacific Northwest. Vivian Wainright, who owns a tea shop, gets involved in investigating a murder when she sees a souvenir she sold on his shelf. My review will be posted on August 3.
Books from my own stack.
  • I Dare by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Audiobook Reread)
  • Royal Valentine by Jenn McKinlay (Audible Daily Deal & Kindle) -- This cute novella was an entertaining contemporary romance. My review will be posted on August 2)
  • Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris (Audible Sale) -- This is the first book in the Lily Bard mystery series. I read it originally more than 20 years ago. It was still an entertaining story. My review will be posted on August 6.
  • Lady Fortescue Steps Out by M. C. Beaton (Audible Plus) -- The engaging Regency Romance stars poor relations and tells how they band together to start a hotel. My review will be posted on August 9.
Currently
  • A New Clan by David Weber and Jane Lindskold (Mine; Kindle) -- This is the fourth book and latest in the YA prequel series to the Honor Harrington series. It is a fun adventure so far.
  • Death at the Manor by Katharine Schellman (Review; August 9)
Next Week

The rest of my August Review books.
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:
Audiobooks:

Audible had another sale!
Kindle Books:
  • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman (BookBub deal for $2.99)
  • Amber Beach by Elizabeth Lowell (BookBub deal for $1.99)
What was your week like?

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Book Review: The Jigsaw Assassin by Catherine Asaro

The Jigsaw Assassin

Author:
Catherine Asaro
Series: Major Bhaajan (Book 4)
Publication: Baen Books; 1st edition (July 5, 2022)

Description: Selei City is the capital of the Imerialte and one of the most desired locales in all of the Skolian Empire. But its thin veneer of civilization is cracked when a series of brutal crimes implicates those in political power in a vast conspiracy. Three prominent scientists have lost their lives to a serial killer—and notes at the scenes of the crimes lead to a connection to the Royalist political party.

Major Bhaajan, former military officer turned private detective, is called back to Selei City to solve the crime. Bhaaj and her crew of Undercity Dust Knights plunge into the Byzantine world of Imperial politics—a jigsaw world where none of the pieces seem to fit. As the assassination plot becomes more and more convoluted, Bhaaj is kidnapped, threatened with death, and must fight for her life against the growing number of people threatened by her investigation. Bhaaj has faced all this and more, but now she must deal with something far deadlier—interstellar politics.

My Thoughts: Major Bhaajan is called to Selei City to investigate three very mysterious murders. There are no clues, and there seems to be no reason these people would be targeted. The case becomes political really fast...and Bhaaj hates politics.

With five major political parties, fingers are pointed at each and tensions between them threaten the stability of the government. Bhaaj calls in two of her Undercity Dust Knights to help her with her very complex case. 

Bhaaj herself was born in the Undercity and used her intelligence and determination to find her way out via the military. When she left the military, she became a private eye who works for the very powerful Majda family. But Bhaaj has never forgotten her Undercity roots and is determined to help her people improve their lives. 

The story is filled with action as Bhaaj survives a bombing and is kidnapped. But the strength of the story is the great worldbuilding which includes Evolving Intelligences who assist people and other unusual technologies. Bhaaj has all sorts of body mods that give her abilities that helped her as a soldier and still help her as a private investigator. 

I really enjoyed this story.

Favorite Quote:
I swam to consciousness like a sea dragon in an ocean of molasses. Or something. My thoughts, never poetic, were even more blunted today.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, July 22, 2022

Friday Memes: The Jigsaw Assassin by Catherine Asaro

 Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
My supposedly nefarious self couldn't get into the city.
Friday 56:
I plunged on, branches whipping past my shoulders. This was so different from the City of Cries, where you couldn't even walk on a lawn without a drone accosting you, informing you of whatever city ordinances you'd broken while giving you a ticket. 
This week I'm spotlighting a recent arrival on my TBR mountain - The Jigsaw Assassin by Catherine Asaro. This is the fourth book in a futuristic mystery series. Here is the description from Amazon: 
Selei City is the capital of the Imerialte and one of the most desired locales in all of the Skolian Empire. But its thin veneer of civilization is cracked when a series of brutal crimes implicates those in political power in a vast conspiracy. Three prominent scientists have lost their lives to a serial killer—and notes at the scenes of the crimes lead to a connection to the Royalist political party.

Major Bhaajan, former military officer turned private detective, is called back to Selei City to solve the crime. Bhaaj and her crew of Undercity Dust Knights plunge into the Byzantine world of Imperial politics—a jigsaw world where none of the pieces seem to fit. As the assassination plot becomes more and more convoluted, Bhaaj is kidnapped, threatened with death, and must fight for her life against the growing number of people threatened by her investigation. Bhaaj has faced all this and more, but now she must deal with something far deadlier—interstellar politics.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

ARC Review: Touchstones: A Collection by Stephanie Burgis

Touchstones: A Collection

Author:
Stephanie Burgis
Publication: Self-Published (July 11, 2022)

Description: The glass molded to my foot as neatly—and as chillingly—as if it had been made for me

“This,” I said, “is a most unfortunate coincidence…”


From tongue-in-cheek fairy tale reframings to forbidden Victorian-era romance and contemporary ghosts, dive into an immersive world of magic.

Touchstones is a collection of sparkling short fantasy fiction from Stephanie Burgis, including two new stories as well as fourteen short stories and novelettes that have been previously published in magazines and anthologies.

This collection includes The Wrong Foot, Undead Philosophy 101, A Cup of Comfort, Dreaming Harry, Offerings, Dancing in the Dark, The Disastrous Début of Agatha Tremain, The Wildness Inside, The Art of Deception, Midnight, Clasp Hands, Crow, True Names, Good Neighbors, Love, Your Flatmate, and House of Secrets.

My Thoughts: TOUCHSTONES was an entertaining assortment of fantasy stories. I liked that some of the stories take place in a fantasy world and have a fairy tale feel, while others take part in our real world but with a lovely taste of magic. 

Many of the stories were new to me. I had read before others before. They range in tone from humorous to mildly creepy. I liked that the main characters all had agency and unexpected depths. I liked that some of the stories include some romance too. 

I recommend this collection which gives a nice taste of the author's writing style. 

Favorite Quote:
My father's house is full of secrets. 
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from the author. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Storm Echo

Author:
Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity (Book 6)
Publication: Berkley (July 26, 2022)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us into the hearts of two fractured people in a world on the brink of a psychic Armageddon . . .

Silence has fallen. The Psy are free to feel emotion. Free to love. But Silence was never a prison for Ivan Mercant. The biggest threat to his future lies dormant in his brain—a psychic monster that wants only to feed. And now, the brutal leash he’s kept on that monster is slipping. He prepared for this day, for the end of Ivan Mercant . . . but that was before he met Lei.

As primal as she is human, this wild changeling brings color into his life, laughter to his soul. Then the dream shatters in a rain of blood, in silent bodies in the snow. Lei is gone. Vanished without a trace . . . until he meets strangely familiar eyes across a busy San Francisco street.

Soleil Bijoux Garcia is a healer who has lost everything. She exists in a world of desolate aloneness . . . till the day she finds herself face-to-face with a lethal stranger. The animal who is her other half knows this man, but her memories are tattered fragments. Sorrow and a need for vengeance are all that drive her. Her mission? To kill the alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack.

But fate has other plans. Soon, a deadly soldier who believes himself a monster and a broken healer might be all that stand between life and death for the entire Psy race. . . .

My Thoughts: This is the sixth book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series. While it is a romance, it also moves the larger story arc begun in the first Psy-Changeling book along. 

The romance features Psy Ivan Mercant and Changeling Soleil Bijoux Garcia. Both are deeply troubled people. Ivan was exposed to drugs while he was in his drug-addicted mother's womb which changed his brain structure. He had a difficult childhood until his mother died and he was found by the powerful Mercant family. The Mercants are spies but they also have a strong, close family structure despite the rules of Silence which should have governed them. Lei also had a difficult childhood. She's a healer who was raised by her loving parents, both loners, who lived outside their clan. They died in a car accident when Lei was about eight. At that time, she was taken to her grandfather's clan but was never accepted by him or by his son when he became the alpha. 

Ivan and Lei meet in Texas when Ivan is at a wolf training course and Lei is contemplating leaving the clan that doesn't accept her. They are fascinated with each other, but before their relationship can go anywhere, there is a rupture in the Psynet which causes the Psy who live adjacent to Lei's pack to go on a murderous rampage killing most of Lei's pack. Lei herself is almost dead when Ivan finds her. He loses track of her when she is sent from one hospital to another in the aftermath of the rupture.

Lei has lost her memory of ever meeting Ivan. She is living only for revenge when Ivan encounters her again in San Francisco. Lei is determined to kill Lucas Hunter who is the alpha of DarkRiver. She believes that he killed the few survivors of her former pack. She doesn't remember Ivan but her cat does and chooses him as her mate. Only Ivan believes that his will shortly go crazy because of his pre-birth brain damage and, while he wants Lei, he doesn't want to take her with him when he goes insane.

I enjoyed Ivan and Lei's hard-won romance. I also liked having some of the questions that have been left unanswered in earlier books finally answered. Of course, there are still many unanswered questions remaining about this unknown enemy's determination to bring down the PsyNet and kill countless Psy.

Fans of the series will enjoy this episode. Ivan and Lei are both characters who are badly in need of a happy ending.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

ARC Review: The Unkept Woman by Allison Montclair

The Unkept Woman

Author:
Allison Montclair
Series: Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery (Book 4)
Publication: Minotaur Books (July 26, 2022)

Description: Allison Montclair returns with the fourth Sparks & Bainbridge mystery, The Unkept Woman: London, 1946, Miss Iris Sparks--currently co-proprietor of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau--has to deal with aspects of her past exploits during the recent war that have come back around to haunt her.

The Right Sort Marriage Bureau was founded in 1946 by two disparate individuals - Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge (whose husband was killed in the recent World War) and Miss Iris Sparks who worked as an intelligence agent during the recent conflict, though this is not discussed. While the agency flourishes in the post-war climate, both founders have to deal with some of the fallout that conflict created in their personal lives. Miss Sparks finds herself followed, then approached, by a young woman who has a very personal connection to a former paramour of Sparks. But something is amiss and it seems that Iris's past may well cause something far more deadly than mere disruption in her personal life. Meanwhile, Gwendolyn is struggling to regain full legal control of her life, her finances, and her son - a legal path strewn with traps and pitfalls.

Together these indomitable two are determined and capable and not just of making the perfect marriage match.

My Thoughts: This fourth Sparks & Bainbridge mystery continues the adventures of Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge. 

When a woman comes to the Right Sort Marriage Bureau, it is under false pretenses she'd really like to find Iris's former lover. Iris had dumped him some months earlier but is still living in the apartment he provided when she was his mistress. When he shows up again, she leaves to stay with Gwen. But when that woman's body is discovered in the apartment, the first thought is that it is Iris. It is soon discovered that Iris is still alive and now she's a suspect in the woman's death.

Since both her ex-lover and the woman are spies, there is little that Iris can do to help the police in their investigations. Iris has cut ties with her intelligence gathering past and now that past has cut ties with her leaving her alone to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Gwen is in the process of trying to prove her competency after her nervous breakdown at the death of her husband. She needs to stay out of trouble if she wants to regain her independence, her fortune, and her son. All of them are under the control of her father-in-law. But she can't abandon Iris in her time of need. 

I enjoyed this mystery. The setting is well drawn and the characters well-rounded. The dialog is crisp and snappy. I enjoyed the way the characters are both trying to rebuild their lives after World War II. 

Favorite Quote:
"So I should drop her as a suspect because she's a more proficient murderer than whoever did this?"

"Something like that."

"I'm so tired that that actually makes sense," said Cavendish, yawning. "God help me."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Book & Audio Review: A Liaden Universe Constellation Volume 1 by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 1

Author:
Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Narrator: Kevin T. Collins
Series: Liaden Universe Collection (Book 1)
Publication: Baen Books (December 8, 2013); Tantor Audio (June 7, 2022)
Length: 522 p.; 18 hours and 55 minutes

Description: Thirty-three shorter tales of the Liaden Universe brought together for the first time in two mega-volumes. Seventeen tales to start with in Volume One!

The nationally bestselling Liaden Universe novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world-building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge-of-the-chair action.

Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe with the excitement, action, and romance that listeners of the hit series have come to adore.

My Thoughts: This is a collection of seventeen stories set in the Liaden Universe. This is the first time that I have listened to the stories. They aren't new to me. I read them first in chapbooks published by the authors and again when they were collected and published by Baen.

There are a wide variety of stories. Quite a few of them are origin stories that provide more depth on the characters who are stars in the main series. We learn how Val Con meets Edger and becomes his brother. We learn how Ren Zel came to be clanless and a pilot on the Dutiful Passage. There are a couple of stories that star Pat Rin and a couple more that tell the backstory of Priscilla Mendoza and how she came to leave Sintia.

There are a few stories that star Moonhawk and Lute and give more of their history. There is a story about Er Thom and Daav when they are first separated sending Daav to the Scouts and Er Thom to his mother to learn to be a trader. Still another story tells what happens when Daav saves the day when Nev'Lorn is attacked by the Department of the Interior.

The stories were all wonderful as stories, but for fans, filling in some of what happened outside of the main stories adds a whole bunch of depth and richness to an already complex and intriguing Liaden Universe.

Favorite Quote:
One of the questions that readers often ask writers is, "Where do you get your ideas?"

There are a couple of ways to reply to this, depending on your writer. In general, answers range from Harlan Ellison's now-classic, "I get my ideas from a post office box in Schenectady," to the more factual, and most often disbelieved, "Ideas are easy," to the in-your-face, "Do you mean to say that you don't have ideas? For God's sake, tell me how to make them stop."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

The Wedding Plot

Author:
Paula Munier
Series: Mercy Carr (Book 4)
Publication: Minotaur Books (July 19, 2022)

Description: The Wedding Plot,  USA Today bestselling author Paula Munier's fourth Mercy Carr mystery, finds Mercy and Elvis at a deadly Vermont wedding.

Love never dies a natural death…

When Mercy’s grandmother Patience marries her longtime beau Claude Renault at the five-star Lady’s Slipper Inn, it promises to be the destination wedding of the year. Just as the four-day extravaganza is due to begin, the inn’s spa director Bodhi St. George disappears―and Mercy’s mother Grace sends Mercy and Elvis to find him. But what they discover instead is a stranger skewered by a pitchfork in the barn on the goat farm where St. George lived.

As Mercy tries to figure out who the victim is and where St. George is hiding, the bride and groom’s estranged relations gather for the first of the pre-wedding festivities. Long-buried rivalries and resentments surface―and Mercy realizes that they’re all keeping secrets that could tear both families apart. When Elvis interrupts the escalating melodrama to alert Mercy to an intruder on the estate, she finds a wounded St. George in the cottage where she and Troy are staying. St. George is not who he says he is―but when he escapes from the hospital and disappears again, Mercy thinks he’s gone for good. With the wedding imminent and the families at each other’s throats, she decides finding St. George will have to wait.

The big day arrives―but the danger is far from over. With the families and the festivities still under threat, it’s up to Mercy and Elvis together with Troy and Susie Bear to stop the killer and save the bride and groom―before death do they part.

My Thoughts: Things keep going wrong as the family gathers at a nearby inn to celebrate Mercy's grandmother's wedding to long-time-beau Claude Renault. Mercy's mother is very organized, but her plans are derailed when the head of the spa disappears. She sends Mercy to find out what happened to Bodhi and to get him back to work. 

When Mercy and her K-9 Elvis visit the goat farm where Bodhi lives, they don't find Bodhi but do find another man who has been stabbed through the heart with a pitchfork. Mercy tries to identify the man and find Bodhi while her mother is urging her to get things settled before the wedding day arrives.

Meanwhile, back at the inn, family tensions are growing both with the appearance of an Aunt Mercy has seldom met who really irritates her mother, and the groom's sons and nephews who all seem to have agendas that don't relate to the wedding. 

Then one of her great-uncle's men who was supposed to be guarding the goat farm is also killed, and a storm by the inn uncovers bones that had been previously buried. A prologue dated 2001 indicates that that body might have some influence on what is happening now. The inn used to be the site of a summer camp that a lot of the Renaults attended when they were children. But then, the conflict between the Renaults concerning their billion-dollar business also provides potential for murders.

This was an entertaining story. I really like Mercy and Elvis. I like the Vermont setting. I especially liked that each chapter begins with a quotation having to do with love. 

Favorite Quote:
"The wedding's still on." Prudence gazed out toward the entrance of the inn. "But there's rain in the forecast."

"Officially?"

"Officially. Even the weatherman says so."

"They say a wet knot is harder to untie," said Mercy.

"Maybe, but don't tell that to a bride planning an outdoor wedding."
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. You can buy your copy here.

Monday, July 18, 2022

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (July 18, 2022)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.


It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I will be combining my YA and adult reading and purchases on this one weekly roundup.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

We had a nice sunny week and made lots of solar energy. The temperatures were really nice until Saturday when the temperatures and humidity got a little high for my comfort. The temperature hit 84 degrees F which I know isn't a big deal for a lot of you. It is high for my part of Minnesota.

I went outside and walked a couple of times, walked on my treadmill for a couple of minutes on a day I didn't want to go outside, and walked the aisles while doing some grocery shopping a couple of times too. It isn't much, but it is a start to getting used to walking again. 

I also spent a lot of time watching baseball on television. My Atlanta Braves are hanging in. I was disappointed that they couldn't beat the New York Mets when they played head-to-head though. This week is a baseball desert since it is All-Star Game week. Maybe I'll be able to really tackle some reading. 

Read Last Week

If you can't wait until the review shows up on my blog, reviews are posted to LibraryThing and Goodreads as soon as I write them (usually right after I finish reading a book.)
  • The Jigsaw Assassin by Catherine Asaro (Mine) -- This science fiction mystery is the fourth in a series starring retired soldier turned PI Major Bhaajan. I enjoyed it. My review will be posted on July 23.
  • Agent of Change by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Audiobook Reread)
  • Just Another Love Song by Kerry Winfrey (Review; August 2) -- Really nice contemporary love story. My review will be posted on July 26.
  • Carpe Diem by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Audiobook Reread)
  • The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley (Review; August 2) -- The fifth Kat Holloway mystery concerns a secret fortune that her long-dead husband might have had. It was an entertaining story. My review will be posted on July 30.
  • Plan B by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Audiobook Reread)
Currently
These are both really long and are taking quite a while.
Next Week

These are the next ones on my Review Stack.
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:
Purchased:
What was your week like?