ARC Review: A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly

A Traitor in Whitehall
Author: Julia Kelly
Series: The Parisian Orphan (Book 1)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 3, 2023)

Description: From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Parisian Orphan series, A Traitor in Whitehall.

"Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched."—Susan Elia MacNeal

1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?

My Thoughts: Evie Redfern is working at a munitions factory in London in the mystery set in 1940. She is a university graduate who had been working in advertising before the war began. As a child she was known as the Parisian Orphan because the custody battle between her English father and French mother made headlines. After her mother's death when she was thirteen, her father dumped her into an English private school and more-or-less abandoned her. 

One evening Evie meets Mr. Fletcher who was a friend of her parents during their Parisian days. He offers her a job working in the Cabinet War Rooms in the typing pool. He wants to get an undercover viewpoint of what is going on there. Very soon after her arrival, she discovers the body of one of her fellow typists and, not having a high opinion of the men sent to investigate the murder, decides to investigate herself. After all, she has had the experience of reading countless mysteries by such luminaries as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. 

She also finds herself working with David Poole who has been sent to investigate a number of leaks that have made their way to Germany. It seems apparent to both of them that the murder and the leaks are related.

The story was well written and engaging. I liked the World War II setting complete with nightly bombings, ration books, and other privations. I liked Evie's intelligence and curiosity. I liked the way she worked with David Poole and the banter between them. 

Since this seems to be the start of a new series, I am looking forward to more adventures for Evie and David. 

Favorite Quote:

I shuddered at the thought. Had Hercule Poirot, Lord Peter Wimsey, or Detective Chief-Inspector Roderick Alleyn ever felt the same unsettled sense when they realized that they might be in the presence of a killer? Probably not, for they were all men, and no man I'd ever met had displayed that level of natural common sense. 

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

Friday Memes: A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly

 Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City Reader. The 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:

"Miss Redfern!" snapped Miss Wilkes, causing me to jerk up and my pencil to skitter across the page of my notebook.

Friday 56:

It was, I'm sorry to report, an abysmal night.

This week I am spotlighting A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly. This is from my review stack. Here's the description from Amazon:

From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Parisian Orphan series, A Traitor in Whitehall.

"Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched."—Susan Elia MacNeal

1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?

Audiobook Review: Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters

Lion in the Valley
Author: Elizabeth Peters
Narrator: Susan O'Malley
Series: Amelia Peabody (Book 4)
Publication: Blackstone Audio (March 28, 2003)
Length: 10 hours and 48 minutes

Description: The 1895-96 season promises to be an exceptional one for Amelia Peabody, her dashing Egyptologist husband Emerson, and their wild and precocious eight-year-old son Ramses. The much-coveted burial chamber of the Black Pyramid in Dahshoor is theirs for the digging. 

But there is a great evil in the wind that roils the hot sands sweeping through the bustling streets and marketplace of Cairo. The brazen moonlight abduction of Ramses—and an expedition subsequently cursed by misfortune and death—have alerted Amelia to the likely presence of her arch nemesis the Master Criminal, notorious looter of the living and the dead. 

But it is far more than ill-gotten riches that motivates the evil genius this time around. For now the most valuable and elusive prized of all is nearly in his grasp: the meddling lady archaeologist who has sworn to deliver him to justice . . . Amelia Peabody!

My Thoughts: The fourth Amelia Peabody mystery finds Amelia, Emerson, and Ramses back in Egypt and excavating at Dahshoor. But things are not destined to go smoothly. From a kidnapping attempt of Ramses to Amelia's decision to reform a drug-addicted Scot and her desire to help out a young woman accused of murder, this is an action-packed season.

And behind it all is the Master Criminal, Amelia and Emerson's archnemesis. This master of disguise is determined to press his suit with Amelia who has eyes for no one but Emerson.

This is filled with the usual humor of the series and has less archaeological detail than earlier volumes mainly because Amelia is too busy assisting young lovers and tracking down the Master Criminal to actually do any. 

Fans of the series will enjoy Ramses' growing role in the stories and the strong relationship between Amelia and Emerson. Susan O'Malley did an excellent job with all the various voices. 

I got this one via Audible Plus. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: A Cold Highland Wind by Tasha Alexander

A Cold Highland Wind
Author: Tasha Alexander
Series: Lady Emily Mysteries (Book 17)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 3, 2023)

Description: In this new installment of Tasha Alexander’s acclaimed Lady Emily series set in the wild Scottish highlands, an ancient story of witchcraft may hold the key to solving a murder centuries later.

Lady Emily, husband Colin Hargreaves, and their three sons eagerly embark on a family vacation at Cairnfarn Castle, the Scottish estate of their dear friend Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge. But a high-spirited celebration at the beginning of their stay comes to a grisly end when the duke’s gamekeeper is found murdered on the banks of the loch. Handsome Angus Sinclair had a host of enemies: the fiancée he abandoned in Edinburgh, the young woman who had fallen hopelessly in love with him, and the rough farmer who saw him as a rival for her affections. But what is the meaning of the curious runic stone left on Sinclair’s forehead?

Clues may be found in the story of Lady MacAllister, wife of the Laird of Cairnfarn Castle, who in 1676 suddenly found herself widowed and thrown out of her home. Her sole companion was a Moorish slave girl who helped her secretly spirit her most prized possessions―a collection of strange books―out of the castle. When her neighbors, wary of a woman living on her own, found a poppet―a doll used to cast spells―and a daisy wheel in her isolated cottage, Lady MacAllister was accused of witchcraft, a crime punishable by death.

Hundreds of years later, Lady Emily searches for the link between Lady MacAllister’s harrowing witchcraft trial and the brutal death of Sinclair. She must follow a trail of hidden motives, an illicit affair, and a mysterious stranger to reveal the dark side of a seemingly idyllic Highland village.

My Thoughts: This seventeenth book in the Lady Emily Mysteries takes place in Scotland. Emily, her husband and three sons are visiting Emily's friend Jeremy who is the Duke of Bainbridge. When the body of Jeremy's gamekeepers is discovered near the loch after a party, Emily and Colin are on the case.

I enjoyed the Highland setting. I also liked the way the personalities of their three sons are developing and I enjoyed watching Emily and Colin as they interacted with their children and fought for some private time of their own. 

With a variety of suspects including a number of women who were romantically interested in the gamekeeper, there was a lot of investigating to do. Throw in that the gamekeeper wasn't who he said he was, and a nice mystery develops. 

I will admit that I wasn't very happy with the resolution of the mystery but can see that it was appropriate to the time and place. I was a little confused about the flashbacks to 1676 and really don't see how they were relevant to the 1905 story.

Fans of the series and of historical mysteries will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:

She shifted in her seat. "Angus Sinclair was not at the ceilidh."

"He most certainly was," I said. "I saw you speaking to him outside."

"You saw me with a man, but he was not Angus Sinclair, the man who fled Cairnfarn for Edinburgh. I was engaged to Angus for two years and can tell you, unequivocally, the duke's gamekeeper was not he."

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

ARC Review: Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black

Caught on the Book
Author: Laura Gail Black
Series: Antique Bookshop Mystery (Book 4)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (October 3, 2023)

Description: For fans of Ellery Adams and Paige Shelton, in Laura Gail Black’s fourth novel in the Antique Bookshop mysteries, Jenna Quinn is going to have to go all out—hook, line, and sinker—in order to catch the killer.

The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high-water mark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.

All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.

This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?

My Thoughts: Jenna has brought all of her used fishing books to the annual fishing tournament and expo. When a local author is stabbed to death and Keith's former partner Frank Sutter is arrested for the crime, Keith asks Jenna to investigate since he can't without compromising the police department. Jenna is reluctant since Frank has made her life in her new town very difficult. Jenna was acquitted of murder but Frank thinks she was really guilty and was determined to find something on her. 

Jenna also has to deal with a group picketing outside her shop and looking for signatures on a petition to force Jenna out of town. Then there is the local writers' group who is looking for a new venue for their meetings. Only a number of them are better suspects than Frank for the author's death. 

Jenna investigates her suspects and finds things that help the police with their investigations. I liked her persistence and determination to help a man who had been at all nice to her because her boyfriend asked her to. 

This was an entertaining story with interesting characters and a nicely twisty plot. I really liked Jenna's dog Eddy and I liked that a friend was trying to push her into adopting a kitten too. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this story. 

Favorite Quote:

"Remember when I said it couldn't get worse?" I stepped toward the front window.

Keith sighed. "What now?"

"Lavinia Scoddin and her two besties are picketing my store. They're literally walking in an oval on my sidewalk with big signs."

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

Audiobook Review: The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths

The Lantern Men
Author: Elly Griffiths
Narrator: Jane McDowell
Series: Ruth Galloway (Book 12)
Publication: Recorded Books (July 14, 2020)
Length: 10 hours and 15 minutes

Description: Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway changed her life - until a convicted killer tells her that four of his victims were never found, drawing her back to the place she left behind.

Everything has changed for Ruth Galloway. She has a new job, home, and partner, and she is no longer North Norfolk police’s resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried - but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travelers to their deaths.

Is Ivor March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?

My Thoughts: Ruth has taken the job at Cambridge and has moved in with Frank. However, she is drawn back to Norfolk and Nelson when a man convicted of murder says that he will tell Nelson the location of two more of his victims but only if Kate will do the excavations.

Kate discovers the two victims that Ivor Marsh said were in the garden of an abandoned inn, but she also finds a third body. As she and Nelson try to identify the victims, more murders which echo those for which Ivor Marsh was convicted occur which leads everyone but Nelson to question whether or not Ivor Marsh was guilty of the crimes for which he was convicted.

Being back in Norfolk leads Ruth to question whether or not she made the correct decision when she uprooted herself, her daughter, and her cat and moved them to Cambridge. And when her old boss at Norfolk has a heart attack after being attacked one evening and decides to take early retirement, Ruth needs to decide where her future lies. 

Meanwhile, a villain is working in the background and the true murderer has Ruth in his sights. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Overdue or Die by Allison Brook

Overdue or Die
Author: Allison Brook
Series: Haunted Library Mystery (Book 7)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (October 3, 2023)

Description: Carrie Singleton has a wedding to plan, a killer to catch, and a conspiracy to uncover in this charming seventh novel of Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor's home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor's collection.

Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery.

How far will Carrie go to find the killer and uncover the truth? If the killer finds her first—will Carrie finally be taken out of circulation?

My Thoughts: Carrie Singleton is really busy in this seventh Haunted Library Mystery. The new wing is opening. She's trying to find a venue for her wedding. She's worried about losing her best assistant to the local art gallery. And she has three murders to solve.

A local art dealer is murdered in her shop which leads to an art forgery ring. Dylan has spotted a forgery at the home of Victor Zalinka who has a wonderful art collection. In fact, he will be showcasing some of his collection in the library's new gallery. 

Then an elderly lady with dementia is murdered. She's the same lady who disrupted the dedication ceremony of the new wing by claiming that the building belonged to her. Evelyn, the library ghost, is encouraging Carrie to find her murderer since Evelyn knew and liked her when she was alive. 

This story was filled with twists and turns and with lots of suspicious characters who have all sorts of hidden relationships with each other. I like the way Carrie manages to gather clues and share them with the police. 

Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode. New readers will find great characters and an interesting plot. 

Favorite Quote:

"I think I'll stop in at the wake tomorrow evening," I said, remembering other wakes that had provided me with unexpected information. "Maybe I'll be lucky and solve a few mysteries while I pay my respects."

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (September 25, 2023)

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 a quiet week with lots of cloudy, foggy and rainy days. I didn't get as much read as I had hoped but two audiobooks one over 16 hours long and the other over 14 did slow my progress. And Fourth Wing clocks in at 663 pages. All were entertaining but none were fast. 

Since I'm almost finished with my October review books or would be if I hadn't accepted a publicist's offer to add another, I began looking at my November calendar. I didn't have a lot of spaces to fill in since I have 12 November review books and six December review books releasing on December 5. I did add in a couple of Kindle books I got in 2009 to gradually chip away at that collection. I do have room for reviews of five more audiobooks but haven't decided which ones to read. 

I'm running into a problem with my Amelia Peabody rereads. The book order at Fantastic Fiction doesn't agree with the book order at Amazon. I have to decide if I want to reread in the order they were published (Amazon) or according to the internal chronology of the books (Fantastic Fiction). In any case, I've run out of Audible Plus titles and will be using some of my Audible credits if I want to continue listening. 

With the baseball season coming to an end and the playoffs starting I still have lots of baseball to watch. Hopefully, my Atlanta Braves will be taking part in all of the post-season. Adding to my viewing, The Voice is starting a new season too. 

My brother's vacation week is over, but he works today (Sunday) then has two days off again before he resumes his regular schedule. He did try out a couple of new recipes last week but nothing really noteworthy. He had bought a package of spaetzle and forgotten what recipe he bought it for. So, he found a new recipe with pork and mushrooms served over spaetzle. It was good but neither or us really liked the spaetzle which were a little gummy. The leftovers will be served over plain old egg noodles. And since the pork recipe called for whipping cream and he had half the bottle left, he made some fettucine alfredo to go with spice rubbed salmon which is a recipe he's made many times. 

I don't have any appointments this week and should be able to spend a lot of time reading. I'm looking forward to it. 

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.)

• Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop (Audiobook Reread) -- The conclusion to The Others series kept me engaged for 16 hours and 21 minutes. No new review is planned for this rereading.
• Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly (Review; October 24) -- New lodge owner Misty has rented her lodge to a London Property investor who wants to convince his guests to invest in his new resort. When he is found dead, Misty investigates. My review will be posted on October 18.
• Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa (Review; October 24) -- Set in the Pacific Northwest, this thriller is as much about grieving the loss of a child and the breakdown of a marriage as it is about investigating the fates of two missing men. My review will be posted on October 19.

• The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters (Audible Plus; Series Reread) -- I spent 14 hours and 29 minutes in Egypt circa 1900 with Amelia Peabody and her family. My review will be posted on October 24.
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Mine) -- Excellent fantasy but at 663 pages quite a time commitment. My review will be posted on November 1.

Currently

• Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters (Audible Plus)
• The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin (Review; October 24)

Next Week

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Mine since August 15, 2009) -- This been on the calendar for a while. I think I've moved it twice. 
• The Engagement Party by Finley Turner (Review; November 7)
• Forgotten Trail by Claire Kells (Review; November 7)

• Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie (Review; October 31) --Just got this one this week because a publicist offered it and it sounded good.
• The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry - I have the Kindle and the Audible Plus version. I'm not sure if I'll read with my eyes or my ears.
• True Fiction by Lee Goldberg (Mine) -- I have the Kindle by may at the audio since it is available for $3.18.

Reviews Posted

• The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths (Audiobook)
• The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters (Audiobook)
• A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney

• New Tricks by David Rosenfelt
• Unleashed Holiday by Victoria Schade (Review Book)
• Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss (Review Book)

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie (Review; October 31)
• Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman (Review; December 26)

Bought:

• Love Hard by Nalini Singh
• Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh
• Starter Villain by John Scalzi

• Crystal Wing Academy by Marty Mayberry (BookBub; $.99)
• Clues to You by Claire Huston
• The Immortality Thief by Taran Hunt (BookBub; $.99)

• A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson
• The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters (Kindle Replacement for print copy)
• Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters (Kindle Replacement for print copy)

What was your week like?

Book Review: A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney

A Treacherous Tale
Author: Elizabeth Penney
Series: A Cambridge Bookshop Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (August 23, 2022)

Description: A Treacherous Tale is the second in a charming new cozy series from Elizabeth Penney, set in an English bookshop and following Molly Kimball, who has a habit of bookmarking trouble...

“A cozy mystery that will delight your booklover’s heart and satisfy your hunger for intrigue—and crumpets!” —Paige Shelton, New York Times bestselling author of the Scottish Bookshop series on Chapter and Curse

Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she's reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.

Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour.

My Thoughts: Molly Kimble is settling in well at Thomas Marlowe--Manuscripts and Folios in Cambridge. She's making friends and helping revitalize the bookstore. Her latest plan is to host another author event. Iona York is coming out with a new edition of The Strawberry Girls which was a childhood favorite of Molly's. 

When she and her Aunt Violet go to confirm the details at Iona's lovely country cottage, they weren't expecting to find a body in the garden. Robin Jones, an old friend of Iona's, wasn't supposed to be there and certainly shouldn't have fallen from the roof which is being re-thatched by Molly's Uncle Chris.

To find out who wanted Robin dead and to clear the names of both her uncle and Iona, Molly decides to look into things. She discovers a web of interrelationships that might have started with the death of Iona's husband perhaps coincidentally similar to the death of Robin. 

Her search leads to an archaeological dig on nearby land which may lead to Saxon treasure. Iona's daughter, one of the original Strawberry girls, is working on the dig but disappears which adds another thread to the mystery Molly has to solve.

I enjoyed the setting. I also liked Molly's love of literature and especially her love for a favorite childhood book. I enjoyed the way the original story was woven into the mystery. I liked Molly and her family and friends. 

Favorite Quote:

"I'm really excited about the reading," Iona said as she poured steaming water into a teapot. "Haven't done one for years." She laughed. "Typical introvert, all hidden away with my pencils and paints."

"Nothing wrong with that," Aunt Violet said. "Hard to create in a crowd."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney

 Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City Reader. The 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:

Books, books, glorious books. Mug in hand -- I love tea, but my mornings require coffee -- I stood in the middle of the bookshop reveling in the sight. Dusty, musty, gilded and plain, stacked on tables and crammed in shelves. Everywhere I looked, books.

Friday 56:

At its most immersive, reading can feel like walking through a door into a different world. The new version of The Strawberry Girls, with expanded colored illustrations and complementary but easy-to-read typesetting, didn't disappoint.

This week I am spotlighting A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney. This recent arrival on my TBR mountain is the second in the Cambridge Bookshop cozy mystery series. Here is the description from Amazon:

A Treacherous Tale is the second in a charming new cozy series from Elizabeth Penney, set in an English bookshop and following Molly Kimball, who has a habit of bookmarking trouble...

“A cozy mystery that will delight your booklover’s heart and satisfy your hunger for intrigue—and crumpets!” —Paige Shelton, New York Times bestselling author of the Scottish Bookshop series on Chapter and Curse

Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she's reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.

Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour.

Audiobook Review: The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths

The Stone Circle
Author: Elly Griffiths
Narrator: Jane McDowell
Series: Ruth Galloway (Book 11)
Publication: Recorded Books (May 7, 2019)
Length: 10 hours

Description: In a chilling entry to the award-winning Ruth Galloway series, she and DCI Nelson are haunted by a ghost from their past, just as their future lands on shaky ground.

DCI Nelson has been receiving threatening letters. They are anonymous, yet reminiscent of ones he has received in the past, from the person who drew him into a case that’s haunted him for years. At the same time, Ruth receives a letter purporting to be from that very same person—her former mentor, and the reason she first started working with Nelson. But the author of those letters is dead. Or is he?

The past is reaching out for Ruth and Nelson, and its grip is deadly.

My Thoughts: Ruth finds modern bones when she is called to an archaeological site which draws Nelson into the investigation of a cold crime. A young girl disappeared from a street festival celebrating the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. Now in 2016 her bones have been discovered.

Nelson has also finally told his adult daughters about his daughter Kate with Ruth. And he is the father of new baby boy with his wife Michelle. Michelle meets Star in her mother and baby class and becomes friends with the young woman who is the unwed mother of Ava. It happens that the missing girl whose bones were discovered by Ruth was her aunt. 

When Ava is kidnapped, Nelson and his people are in a high-pressure search to find the baby who is less than one month old while also investigating the cold crime. 

This was another enjoyable episode in a long-running series. I really like the relationships between the many characters. I also like the archaeology. 

Jane McDowell does an excellent job with the voices of all the characters. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss

Case of the Bleus
Author: Korina Moss
Series: Cheese Shop Mysteries (Book 4)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (September 26, 2023)

Description: What in the bleu blazes is happening in Yarrow Glen now?

Cheesemongers from across the Northwest have come to the Sonoma Valley for the Northwest Cheese Invitational. As owner of the local cheese shop, Curds & Whey, Willa Bauer loves it. The event showcases custom cheese creations, and it’s the perfect time to gather with old colleagues to honor her former boss, the late and grate cheese legend, Max Dumas. He was famous for journeying into the wild bleu yonder to where he aged his award-winning custom Church Bleu. Only Max knew the recipe and location to his beloved cheese, and many are eager to have these revealed at his will reading.

But instead of naming someone to inherit his cheese and its secrets, Max stuns everyone with one cryptic clue. When a fellow cheesemonger dies under mysterious circumstances––the woman they all thought would get the secrets to Max's prized possession––everyone falls under suspicion. Willa adores Church Bleu as much as the next cheese connoisseur, but it’s not to die for. Is a killer trying to get away with murder...and the cheese?

My Thoughts: Team Cheese is on the case again. Willa Bauer reconnects with old co-workers when the Northwest Cheese Invitational is scheduled for the town where Willa has opened Curds & Whey, her own cheese shop. 

The invitational is honoring Max Dumas after his death. He created a unique, special and valuable cheese and his employees hope that he has shared the secret of its creation in his will. The formula could lead to fame and fortune for the person who inherits it. 

When the will proves a disappointment, the co-workers, Max's daughter, and the president of the cheese organization need to find another way to find the cheese. Willa doesn't want the cheese but finds herself in the middle of things when it is learned that a book Max gave her when she left to open her own shop is filled with clues. 

When one of the co-workers is murdered, Willa realizes that this is a secret someone is willing to kill for. And since a former dating partner is under suspicion because his mead was the murder weapon which killed highly-allergic-to-honey Kendall, Willa has to get involved despite the problems it will cause with potential date Detective Heath. 

The story was fun. The characters were interesting. And the recipes in the back for some of the cheese treats enjoyed during the story sound good too. 

Favorite Quote:

As Mrs. Schultz had once pointed out, when you're a woman of a certain age, you become invisible to the public, which is only a plus for listening in on conversations.

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

ARC Review: Unleased Holiday by Victoria Schade

Unleashed Holiday
Author: Victoria Schade
Publication: Berkley (September 26, 2023)

Description: When an old rival reappears right before the holidays, a professional dog trainer must decide if the melting frost between them can make up for their ruff past, from the USA Today bestselling author of Dog Friendly.

Chelsea Higgins is doing just fine. She’s heading into the holidays at the helm of a thriving dog training business, and she’s got a mellow senior dog at home to keep her warm at the end of the day. What more could she need? Enter certified gym bro Andrew Gibson: Chelsea’s former nemesis, and now the newest neighbor in her business complex, who also wants to expand into the vacant space Chelsea’s been eyeing for months. Who cares if it’s the season of joy? Let the turf war begin.

When an unfortunate (and literal) run-in with Andrew’s lawless dog leaves Chelsea with a bum wrist, the two strike a deal: Andrew will help Chelsea rehab the injury if she’ll work with him to train his adorably uncivilized boxer.

Their typical bickering soon turns to bantering, and Chelsea finds herself inexplicably drawn to the man she thought she had nothing in common with. As she gets to know Andrew and his parents, she realizes she needs to refocus on her own family, especially with a milestone Christmas speeding toward them. But Chelsea can't help wondering if she and Andrew are training for keeps, or if this unexpected Christmas gift is just too good to be true.

My Thoughts: This contemporary romance was engaging and a quick read. It hits a lot of the romance memes. It is an enemies to lovers romance. At least it is on the heroine's part. She has an embarrassing memory of a drunken hookup with the hero. 

Chelsea Higgins runs a successful dog training business. When she learns that her new next-door neighbor is Andrew Gibson, she's less than thrilled. They have known each other since college when he was her best friend's roommate. Now he's opening a gym next door and has an untrained deaf boxer that he doesn't keep on a leash often enough for Chelsea.

The rivalry they had in college soon turns to bantering and to romance as Chelsea gets to know the real Andrew as opposed to the person she made him in her mind when they were in college together. 

Besides the romance, Chelsea is also still dealing with the death of her father from cancer and the changes that has made in her family. She's also distanced herself from her best friends as a part of her grief. 

I liked the people in this story, and I really liked the dogs. Chelsea's senior dog Birdie and her new puppy Edith and Andrew and his deaf Boxer named Duke were all active characters in this romance. 

Fans of contemporary romance will enjoy this one.

Favorite Quote:

It was just like Carly to call me on my b.s., but she didn't understand my history with Andrew. Sure, I'd always been quick to knock him down a few pegs, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. With Andrew, I had no choice but to be on the defensive. I'd always forced myself to ignore my embarrassing involuntary response to him--that seasick, racing heartbeat, shaky hands feeling--because whenever we were together his "jokes" didn't stop, and I was his favorite target.

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

Audiobook Review: The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters

The Mummy Case
Author: Elizabeth Peters
Narrator: Susan O'Malley
Series: Amelia Peabody (Book 3)
Publication: Blackstone Audio (November 15, 2002)
Length: 10 hours

Description: The irascible husband of Victorian Egyptologist Amelia Peabody demonstrates again why he has been nicknamed "Father of Curses." Denied permission to dig at the pyramids of Dahshoor, Emerson is awarded instead the "pyramids" of Mazghunah: countless mounds of rubble in the midst of nowhere. Nothing in this barren spot seems worthy of interest - until an antiquities dealer is murdered in his Cairo shop.

When a sinister Egyptian spotted at the crime scene turns up in Mazghunah, Amelia can't resist following his trail. There's a mysterious scrap of papyrus and a missing mummy case to investigate, while she keeps at least one eye on their precocious son Ramses and his Egyptian cat. But the digging turns truly dangerous when Amelia and Emerson look for answers in an ancient tomb - one that could become their grave.

My Thoughts: This third Amelia Peabody adventure is the first where Ramses has a role. He is Emerson and Amelia's precocious son and has a character which stands up nicely to Amelia's. Emerson was denied permission to dig at the pyramids of Dahshoor but given a permit to dig at Mazghunah. This was a terrible disappointment since the "pyramids" were almost completely flattened and the major features of the area were old cemeteries dating from much later that the period of the pyramids of Dahshoor.

However, that doesn't mean that things would proceed in a quiet, boring way. From the discovery of the body of an antiquities dealer in Cairo to thieves breaking in to attempt to steal something to the emergence of a Master Criminal, Amelia's season is destined to be filled with activity.

Ramses adds excitement of his own when he steals a lion cub from a cruising German lady and does his own digging at Dahshoor. His digging is fortuitous since it is his explorations that allow him to find his mother and father after the Master Criminal's henchmen have dropped them into a water filler burial chamber in one of the pyramids of Dahshoor.

The story also references religious issues. First of all, the conflict between the Muslims and the Copts and then the arrival of fanatical American missionaries raises the tensions in the area and gives the Master Criminal room to do his thieving. 

I like that these stories are told from the eccentric viewpoint of Amelia Peabody Emerson. I like her relationship with her husband and her son. This was altogether a fun story to listen to. Susan O'Malley does an excellent job with all the various characters. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: New Tricks by David Rosenfelt

New Tricks
Author: David Rosenfelt
Series: Andy Carpenter (Book 7)
Publication: Grand Central Publishing (July 18, 2009)

Description: In this "taut thriller full of whiplash plot twists and wisecracking dialogue," a lawyer will do whatever it takes to make sure an adorable Bernese puppy -- whose owner was brutally murdered -- doesn't fall into the wrong hands (Entertainment Weekly).

Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs. However, the playful new friend he just inherited is valued by several people, many of whom are willing to resort to violence to get what they want. It will take more than Andy's usual courtroom theatrics to save this dog, including a little help from his beloved golden retriever, Tara.

Andy soon discovers that anyone around him is in danger, including his long-time girlfriend Laurie, and he will have to muster all of his wits to save those he holds most dear.

My Thoughts: It all starts when Judge "Hatchett" Henderson assigns Andy a pro bono case: a Bernese Mountain dog puppy is in a custody battle after his owner was murdered. Andy is all for helping find the perfect home for Waggy, a very active puppy.

He happens to be at the home of the widow discussing the matter and meeting the estranged son who is there arguing with his stepmother when the house explodes killing the widow and narrowly missing Andy and Waggy. 

The custody case should be easy except a third party, the former dog show partner of the murdered man, files his own claim for custody of the puppy and the son is arrested for the murder of his father and stepfather. 

Andy takes on the case of the son and needs to prove that he didn't kill his father or stepmother despite all the evidence pointing toward him if he wants Waggy to have a happy home. And it seems that someone wants Waggy dead. An assassination attempt on the dog hits Andy's long-time girlfriend Laurie and almost kills her. 

This story was filled with twists and turns and is also filled with Andy's usual snark. I really enjoyed this story.

Favorite Quote:

"You don't really have to take it anywhere, you know. You won the case."

I think about that for a moment. The way I do my job, the way I've always done my job, is to think of it as a competition, a game. I won't feel like I've won the game unless I figure it out. Laurie already knows this about me, so I smile and say, "The game isn't over yet."

"And if you win the game it means a murderer gets caught," she says.

"That's what makes it a really great game."

I bought this one November 26, 2022. You can buy your copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (September 18, 2023)

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 a quiet week. The skies were mostly gray and gloomy. The temperatures were seasonal with a low one morning of 35 degrees. Our high for the week was 71. We had major thunderstorms run through on Tuesday night which gave us anywhere from 1 to 4 inches of rain depending on where you lived in Duluth. There was some flooding downtown, but we live on top of the hill and didn't have any near us. We probably got closer to the one inch of rain reported by the National Weather Service than the four downtown got.

I didn't read as much as I wanted since I've gotten sucked into another reread of The Others series. Those audiobooks are all around 15 hours long. I couldn't sleep one night, grabbed my Kindle, and looked for something new to read. I found Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros which is really engaging but is also over 600 pages long. I plan to review it on November 1 but need to set is aside for now until I read the books that come before it on my calendar. 

This week's highlights include a dentist appointment on Monday. My brother who had maxed out his vacation hours decided to take this week off to use some of them. He doesn't have any plans that I'm aware of. He'll just be hanging around. 

I stopped yesterday at a food truck that has been on my radar for a while. I bought a sampler of their offerings, so we have plenty of barbecue to last us for a couple of days. BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket and sausages are providing an enticing scent whenever the refrigerator door is opened. 

I'm planning to try out a recipe for Amish Cinnamon Bread before my baseball game starts today to help use up some of the quart of buttermilk I bought a couple of days ago. The recipe sounds like one I've enjoyed in the past though that one had sour cream instead of buttermilk. 

Just when I thought I was catching up on review books, I was approved for one title I had requested earlier and decided to look around NetGalley while I was downloading it. Big mistake! Nine books caught my attention and were added to my review stack. 

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.)

• Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop (Audiobook reread) -- Second in The Others Series.
• Home at Night by Paula Munier (Review; October 17) -- Fifth in the Mercy Carr mystery series. Great setting, great characters, and an interesting mystery. My review will be posted on October 11.

• Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop (Audiobook reread) -- Third in The Others series.
• In the Wick of Time by Valona Jones (Review; October 17) -- Cozy mystery with some magic. I thought it could have used more editing. My review will be posted on October 12.
• Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop (Audiobook reread) -- Fourth in The Others series.

• Claws and Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis (Mine) -- This was a lovely romantic comedy with dragons. My review will be posted on October 14.
• The Fatal Folio by Elizabeth Penney (Review; October 24) -- Third in the Cambridge Bookshop mystery series. An entertaining and engaging story. My review will be posted on October 17.

Currently

• Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly (Review; October 24)
• Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop (Audiobook Reread)
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Mine)

Next Week

• Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa (Review; October 24)
• The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin (Review; October 24)
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Mine since August 15, 2009)

• The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters (Audiobook reread; Audible Plus) -- Amelia Peabody book 8
• The Engagement Party by Finley Turner (Review; November 7)
• Forgotten Trail by Claire Kells (Review; November 7)

Reviews Posted

• Miss Aldridge Regrets by Louise Hare (Mine)
• Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (Audiobook)
• The Golden Gate by Amy Chua (Review book)

• Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delaney (Review book)
• Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman (Review book)
• Redemption by Deborah J. Ledford (Review book)

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• The Buried Hours by R. S. Grant (December 5)
• Dream Town by Lee Goldberg (January 16)
• The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (January 23)

• The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong (February 20)
• Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough (February 20)
• A Deadly Endeavor by Jenny Adams (March 5)

• Cirque du Slay by Rob Osler (March 5)
• Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh (March 19)
• Death in the Details by Katie Tietjen (April 9)

Bought:

• The Wizard's Daughter by Barbara Michaels (Kindle Daily Deal; free with Kindle Rewards)
• Seven Crows by Kate Kessler (free with Kindle Rewards)
• Where the Heart Is by Elizabeth Lowell (free with Kindle Rewards)

• Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni (Kindle and $1.99 Audiobook)
• Who Let the Dogs Out? by David Rosenfelt (Kindle)
• Tinderbox by Rachel Grant (Bookbub, Free)

What was your week like?