Peter Maxwell aka Max is Head of Sixth Form at Leighford High. When a reality tv show descends on the school, Max expects trouble ahead but he certainPeter Maxwell aka Max is Head of Sixth Form at Leighford High. When a reality tv show descends on the school, Max expects trouble ahead but he certainly didn’t anticipate the murder of one of the show’s crew. Max’s wife is part of the police investigating team but Max decides to do a little investigating of his own, only the murderer isn’t finished and Max just might be putting himself in their crosshairs.
Maxwell’s Reality is the 22nd entry in the cozy mystery series, Schoolmaster Murder Mysteries by M.J. Trow. I did find it a bit slow at first but, overall, it was an enjoyable read with a compelling mystery, plenty of twists, lots of interesting characters, and a nice touch of humour. Although I have several other books in this series. this was the first I have read because, well, so many books, so little time. I will say, though, it worked well as a standalone but those other books have definitely moved up several places on my tbr shelf.
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review...more
The Library Game is the fourth novel in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian and, in this outing, the Secret StairCase Construction company The Library Game is the fourth novel in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian and, in this outing, the Secret StairCase Construction company has been hired to work on a house that is being converted into a library dedicated to mystery novels. To introduce the new library, Tempest Raj and the owner have hired some local actors to put on a mystery play. Things are going well until the body of one of the actors is found before the rehearsal and then disappears before the police arrive. The police think the man is playing a joke but Tempest is not so sure and now it is up to Tempest and friends to figure out what really happened.
This is a fun story with a likeable cast and an intriguing mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. And, if that's not enough to pique your interest, there’s plenty of references to classic mysteries as well as a rabbit named Abracadabra. An entertaining read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries that are more puzzle than action.
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review...more
I don’t normally read memoirs but I found the title, How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron, intriguing. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect I don’t normally read memoirs but I found the title, How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron, intriguing. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect except, of course, a recount of an encounter with a bear certainly and, yes, it recounts the story of a couple who encountered a bear in 1991 but did not survive. Cameron visits the spot where it happened and theorizes, using considerable research into the habits of black bears and accounts of other bear attacks which, fortunately, is a rare occurrence in Canada, to try to understand what may have happened leading up to and during the attack.
But it is so much more than that. It recounts the author’s own experience of cancer and how it, too, is an attack on the body. She gives a very honest account of the fear and pain she experienced as she went through the varying treatments involved.
And it is also a love letter to the wilderness beauty of Algonquin Park and the peace and pleasure it has provided her and her family over the years. A fascinating memoir and one that will definitely stay with me for a very long time. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author which added even more to my appreciation of the book.
I received an advance audiobook from Netgalley and Penguin Random House Audiobooks in return for an honest review...more
The Maid’s Secret is the third in the Molly the Maid series by Nita prose The story is divided into two timelines. In the present, as Molly and Juan pThe Maid’s Secret is the third in the Molly the Maid series by Nita prose The story is divided into two timelines. In the present, as Molly and Juan plan their wedding, they find themselves caught up in the investigation of an art heist at the Regency Grand Hotel where they both work. In the past, through excerpts from Molly’s gran’s diaries, we learn more of her backstory which fleshes out the characters while giving hints about the stolen treasure and how it relates to Molly and her family.
I will admit, I found this book a tad slow in the beginning but, once it got going, it was very entertaining. Molly, as always, is a quirky and extremely endearing protagonist and her grandmother’s story fills in a lot of gaps in their shared history. For fans of the series or anyone who likes mysteries with very likeable characters, this one is definitely for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
In The Left in Power, Steven High gives a well-researched and objective account of the New Democratic Party’s 1990-95 government in Ontario, Canada, uIn The Left in Power, Steven High gives a well-researched and objective account of the New Democratic Party’s 1990-95 government in Ontario, Canada, under Bob Rae. The victory of the Social Democratic NDP was a surprise to everyone and no more so than to the party itself and, as High makes clear, it showed. These were tumultuous years as the west was shifting to globalization and neoliberalism and, in an effort to cope, the NDP government abandoned many of their progressive ideas much to the dismay of their membership and allies in the labour movement. This is not to say they didn’t do some good especially in northern Ontario but their embrace of many neoliberal policies including austerity resulted in the abandonment of the party by many of its members and staunchest allies and, eventually, loss at the next election. In clear and concise language, High gives an in depth look at what the NDP accomplished and how and why it failed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Literary Press Group of Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire by Henry Gee gives a well-researched and fascinating look at our species and its possible future. He describeThe Decline and Fall of the Human Empire by Henry Gee gives a well-researched and fascinating look at our species and its possible future. He describes how we homo sapiens survived when other hominid species didn’t. He analyses our present and why we are on the brink of extinction but he also gives some suggestions about what we can do to delay our demise. He does it all in concise but easily understandable language for those, like me, with no background in science. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author who does an excellent job.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review...more
A Lesson in Dying is the first book in the Inspector Stephen Ramsey series by Ann Cleeves. It was originally published in 1990 but is now being rereleA Lesson in Dying is the first book in the Inspector Stephen Ramsey series by Ann Cleeves. It was originally published in 1990 but is now being rereleased. Set in a small village in Northumberland, when the headmaster of the local school is found murdered, the fact that he was hated by just about everyone including teachers and parents, creates a real problem for the local police.
In a note at the beginning of the book, Cleeves states that, although the series is based on Ramsey, he stays on the periphery of the tale and that is certainly the case. Rather than on the police, the story focuses mainly on the village, the school, and its staff. The main protagonists are Jack, the school custodian and his daughter, Patty, a very likeable pair, who do most of the investigative work.
I have read many of Cleeves� later books and will admit it was hard not to compare this early book but, in fairness, if it doesn't quite match them for overall quality of storyline, it is still a very well-written and entertaining tale with complex and flawed characters, and a compelling mystery that kept me guessing. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this series in the not too distant future.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
Silent as the Grave, written by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, is the 21st installment in the Molly Murphy Mystery series. It’s set in 1909 New York. WSilent as the Grave, written by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, is the 21st installment in the Molly Murphy Mystery series. It’s set in 1909 New York. When Molly and family are invited to the filming of D.W. Griffith’s latest moving picture, no one is more excited than Bridie, Molly’s adopted daughter, and even more so, when she is asked to replace one of the actresses. But when she is almost the victim of a serious accident and Molly learns that it is just the latest in a series of such incidents, Molly is determined to uncover who is responsible. But then there’s a murder and, suddenly the stakes are so much higher both for the family and Molly’s family.
I found this to be a very enjoyable, as well as suspenseful, entry in this long running series. The authors have clearly conducted thorough research on the early movie industry and have done a terrific job weaving real events and people into the tale, creating a very compelling tale which kept my interest throughout. For anyone who enjoys well-written historical fiction, especially those set during the early days of the movies, this one’s definitely for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for an eArc of this novel in exchange for an honest review...more
Just when Finlay Donovan and Vera feel like they’re finally free of any possible criminal entanglements, a body is discovered in the backyard of theirJust when Finlay Donovan and Vera feel like they’re finally free of any possible criminal entanglements, a body is discovered in the backyard of their nosy neighbour, Mrs Haggerty. Finlay and Vera have no desire to get involved but then Finlay’s ex, Steven, is arrested and, if that’s not bad enough, Mrs Haggerty’s house remains an active crime scene and Finlay faces her worst nightmare as the nosy neighbour becomes her not so wanted house guest. Now, Finlay and Vera have no choice but to get involved.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the fifth entry in the Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano and, like the rest of the books , is just a whole lot of fun. If I have any criticism, the story was a bit predictable but that didn’t interfere with my enjoyment and I did enjoy it a lot. Cosimo has an amazing ability to mix a good mystery with plenty of humour and a whole lot of heart and has created one of the most addicting cozy series available. Loved it and can’t wait to see what new shenanigans Finlay and Vera get up to next. I received an audiobook of this novel by narrated by Angela Dawe who does an amazing job of giving individual voices to a very large and diverse cast of characters, while maintaining all the suspense and humour.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review...more
The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen is a beautifully written and gentle story providing four interwoven tales of grief, hope, and, finally, acThe Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen is a beautifully written and gentle story providing four interwoven tales of grief, hope, and, finally, acceptance and peace. The Chibineko Kitchen is a small cafe just outside Tokyo which offers patrons a last encounter with a deceased loved one with the aid of the young chef who somehow knows the perfect remembrance meal for each meeting and the little cat who acts as guide for the deceased to the table.
Written by Yuta Takahashi and translated by Cat Anderson, this book is, at times, both heartbreaking and heartwarming and I felt as satisfied, at the end, as the patrons of the cafe. This is a fairly short but lovely book and one I recommend highly.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
The Rhino Keeper is a beautifully written story by Jillian Forsberg based on a true story of a sea captain in the 18th century who travelled Europe wiThe Rhino Keeper is a beautifully written story by Jillian Forsberg based on a true story of a sea captain in the 18th century who travelled Europe with an Indian rhinoceros. Although, as Forsbear tells us, little of the story has survived, she has taken the bare bones of it and created a very compelling tale.
The story is divided into two timelines, 2022 when a young American student in Holland finds a very old document hidden in her dorm and 1740, when a sea captain, on a stopover in India, purchases a young rhinoceros named Clara and they, along with the young boy who has been caring for her, travel across Europe, displaying Clara to a mostly appreciative audience of both peasants and royalty. Along the way, the three bond as they experience adventures, hardships, dangers, but also joy over the next several years.
It is hard not to love a well-written animal story and The Rhino Keeper is a truly immersive and enjoyable tale that manages to touch on the reader’s emotions from laugh-out-loud humour at Clara’s antics, tension at some of the dangers they encounter, to a few moments that, at least for me, bring on a few tears. Yet, it never felt like emotional manipulation. A very enjoyable read for anyone who likes historical fiction or animal stories. I received an audiobook of this book narrated by Caroline Hewitt who does an exceptional job of bringing the story to life.
Thanks to Netgalley and History Through Fiction for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
A Box of Frogs by Josh Hellyer is a compelling tale of blackmail, family secrets, and a possible murder and it is one completely original, complex, anA Box of Frogs by Josh Hellyer is a compelling tale of blackmail, family secrets, and a possible murder and it is one completely original, complex, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny mystery. I won’t say it’s perfect. There is a huge cast of characters, many of whom are the embodiment of the title, and it was hard at times to keep their relationships straight. Still, despite this, I found it extremely entertaining and it kept me up reading long into the night. This is the first book in the Highclere Inn & Carriage House Mysteries and I look forward to many more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and MapleCrest Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak provides a well-written, well-researched, and indepth look at four women, whose work in the new Morale Operations divisPropaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak provides a well-written, well-researched, and indepth look at four women, whose work in the new Morale Operations division of the Office of Strategic Services, provided strategic aid to the Allies during WWII. The four women, Elizabeth ‘Betty� McDonald, Jane Smith Hudson, Barbara ‘Zuzka� Lauwers, and well-known German-American actress, Marlene Dietrich developed black propaganda, that is, ‘any leaflet, poster, radio broadcast, or other public or private media that appeared to come from within the enemy country, either from a resistance movement or from disgruntled soldiers and civilians�. It's purposes were manyfold - to convince soldiers to surrender, to make the general population believe the war was unwinnable, and to encourage occupied countries and POWs to resist. Women were specifically recruited because it was thought they would be more imaginative in developing gossipy but believable stories to undermine the enemy.
The story delves deeply into the lives of the women before, during, and after the war, including the discrimination they faced while serving, despite the important and effective work they were doing. And the propaganda they developed proved to be very effective at undermining the enemy in both Europe and Japan. A fascinating look at the rarely mentioned but important role women played in creating black propaganda and, in so doing, helping to end the war.
I read an eARC of the book from St Martin’s Press while listening to the audiobook from Macmillan Audio narrated bySamara Naeymi who does a marvelous job. I received both book and audiobook from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review....more
Indigenous History from 1961-1977: The Civil Right Era by E.A. Hale is a very interesting and well-researched nonfiction account of Indigenous movemenIndigenous History from 1961-1977: The Civil Right Era by E.A. Hale is a very interesting and well-researched nonfiction account of Indigenous movements in the United States during the Civil Rights Era. It is aimed at grades 3 to 5 and is quite short, only 32 pages, but packs in a lot of information as well as photographs and questions to aid in classroom discussions. It provides a very good start to understanding Indigenous relations with the US government as well as their important contributions to the civil rights era while remaining accessible to its target audience and I would recommend it highly to both school and public libraries.
Thanks to Netgalley and North Star Editions for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
When Alice is contacted by her ex, asking her to sell off his collection of chess sets, she agrees. With the aid of her lodger and her neighbour, theyWhen Alice is contacted by her ex, asking her to sell off his collection of chess sets, she agrees. With the aid of her lodger and her neighbour, they plan a chess tournament at the local school to attract buyers while also creating interest for a chess club among the students. All goes well until they discover a dead body in the school parking lot.
For the most part, I enjoyed Death at the Village Chess Club by Debbie Young. It is an engaging cozy mystery with a mostly likeable cast of characters. My main criticism is Alice who, although 50, comes off as much younger, almost like an immature adolescent at times. The story also started out fairly slowly and it was almost 40% of the way before anything much happens. I will say, though, that when it did, it got very entertaining and kept my interest right through to the end.
3.5
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review...more
The Lost House is an atmospheric and compelling nordic noir thriller by Melissa Larsen.The story is set in Iceland where, forty years previously, a woThe Lost House is an atmospheric and compelling nordic noir thriller by Melissa Larsen.The story is set in Iceland where, forty years previously, a woman and her infant daughter were murdered. The case has remained unsolved and her husband, the main suspect, moved to United States shortly after the murders. He has recently died and, as the anniversary approaches, Agnes, his granddaughter, is invited to Iceland to take part in a podcast. She immediately accepts, determined to prove, once and for all, his innocence. But, the same weekend she arrives in Iceland, a local girl goes missing and she quickly finds herself swept up into the investigation.
The pace of the tale tends to be a bit slow at the beginning but this gives time to introduce the many characters and lay out all aspects of the old case. It also gives time to weave together the strands of the two crimes which Larsen does masterfully. A very engrossing and suspenseful read. This is my first novel by Larsen but it definitely will not be my last. I read an eARC of this book while listening to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who does an amazing job infusing individual life into the many characters.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio for the eARC and audiobook in exchange for an honest review...more
Red Clay, by Charles B. Fancher, is a compelling multigenerational tale of two families, one Black and one White, in the American south from 1863 to 1Red Clay, by Charles B. Fancher, is a compelling multigenerational tale of two families, one Black and one White, in the American south from 1863 to 1943. The characters are three-dimensional with interesting backstories, the pace is steady, the history seems very well researched, and the story kept me engaged throughout. This is Faucher’s debut, based on his own family’s story, and it is a very impressive debut indeed. I look forward to reading more by him in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review...more
Sariyah has a very unique power - she hears what people need whether it’s gum or a knife and she feels compelled to provide it. While at a music conceSariyah has a very unique power - she hears what people need whether it’s gum or a knife and she feels compelled to provide it. While at a music concert, she hears her friend Deja’s need for pepper spray. Very shortly after, while Sariyah is looking away, Deja disappears. The police assume she’s just another run away but, given her need, Sariyah is not so sure and is determined to find her.
Needy Little Things is a very compelling and nigh unputdownable novel by Channelle Desamours which combines a well-plotted mystery with paranormal elements and social commentary and she blends them all seamlessly. It starts out at a fairly even pace as we meet Sariyah and her friends and family and we learn their backstories but the pace quickly picks up and never lets go until the end. It’s aimed at a YA audience but, as someone way outside this demographic, I can confidently say that it can also be enjoyed by adults. I would add, though, that parts of it may be too violent for young children. A definite high recommendation from me and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review...more
He Lost his Keys in Space is a fun and darkly humorous graphic novel by Lizzy Lang with art by Luke Lang. Earth’s first & worst diplomat to other planHe Lost his Keys in Space is a fun and darkly humorous graphic novel by Lizzy Lang with art by Luke Lang. Earth’s first & worst diplomat to other planets has finished his mission and is ready to return home except he can't find his keys. As he retraces his steps with his very reluctant crew, he is confronted by the chaos he created by bringing some of the worst western values like extreme commercialization and greed to once happy laid back alien planets.
This was a very entertaining and satirical read and I laughed out loud more than once. I also liked the art that displayed nicely the overall theme of the tale. The ending was somewhat surprising but, after some thought, I felt it was a fitting end to the story.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review...more
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