The Secret of the Three Fates - Jess Armstrong

I really enjoyed The Curse of Penryth Hall - the first book in this series from Jess Armstrong. The second book, The Secret of the Three Fates is newly released. 

 

Our lead character is again, Ruby. She was quick minded in the first book and that trait has only grown. She continues to speak her mind. She is still working for Mr. Owen and they have an upcoming trip to buy some rare books. But that's not quite true. Instead, Mr. Owen has them up in the Scottish Hills - attending a séance. And one of the attendees has been killed....

The supporting cast play their roles very well. But there's one player named Ruan Kivell, who is definitely more than a supporting player. He's a Pellar - a term I had not come across before. "A Cornish term for a sorcerer or wizard." Ruan and Ruby have a history and this new book visits that history and builds on it. 

The plot is wonderfully rich. I like the time period and how that period opens up so many other ways for the plot to go with magic and gothic in the mix. Again, I wasn't able to out the culprit before the last pages. Another great book from Jess Armstrong. See for yourselves - read an excerpt from The Secret of The Three Fates. I'll be waiting for the third entry!

Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency - Josie Lloyd

Josie Lloyd's newest book is Miss Beeton's Murder Agency. It was wonderfully fun to read!

In the author's notes, Josie reveals that this is her first 'cosy' book. Well, she's done a great job in gathering and creating all the requisite pieces needed for a cosy. 

The biggest need is for a lead character. Ours is Alice. She's the owner of The Good Household Management Agency - it provides a myriad of fully vetted staff for just about anything you could think of. She's very easy to like. And she has a dog named Agatha - after Agatha Christie of course. The core supporting cast is just as well drawn. The friendship between Jinx and Alice is well written. 

It's easy to find the "baddies", but are we sure we've got the right person? The ah-ha took me right down to the final pages and explanations. 

What else? Ahh yes there is! A possible romance with a member of the local constabulary? The same copper who warned her away from sticking her nose into the case.

And lastly a lovely cosy set of vintage recipes handed down to Alice. "...her Victorian ancestor the very famous Isabella Beeton - she of the Book of Household Management." Those recipes are included!

I really enjoyed this cosy! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Miss Beeton's Murder Agency. I'll be watching for book two in this series. 

Silent Evidence - Clea Koff

Clea Koff’s new book is Silent Evidence, the first book in a planned series. There are two leads - Jayne and Steelie. The two women both have a set of unique forensic skills based on their time in Rwanda. They’re ready to share their knowledge with law enforcement.

A bundle of human parts falls out of the back of a van on a Los Angeles highway. Agent Scott Houston knows that Jayne and Steelie are who he needs to help crack this awful case.

Koff rapidly introduces us to the two leads, as well as a number of supporting characters. There’s a lot of banter back-and-forth between the various characters. Much of it is case based but some it is personal as well. I was concerned that the book would be too romantic based  for me. I was happily wrong. Instead it added to plot.  Although, I admit I'm not a fan of the name Steelie.   

The plot is excellent and really well written, and after looking the author up I can see why. She is taking pieces from her own life and giving it to her characters. The authenticity of the book benefits greatly with this knowledge.

I chose to listen to Silent Evidence. The reader was  Rachel Handshaw and she did a fantastic job. She has an interesting, gravelly tone to her voice that is perfect for this book. She portrays the characters with distinct voices, including males. The emotions and actions are captured. She enunciates well and is easy to understand. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt. 8 hours 49 minutes I would happily listen to the second book in this series.

I Died on a Tuesday - Jane Corry

I Died on a Tuesday by Jane Corry has just released.

I was hooked by the time I finished the first chapter in Jane Corry’s new book. That first chapter takes place 20 years ago and we witness a horrific crime. We are then whisked to present day and the characters we will come to know. But, are we really going to get to know them? It seems that every character is hiding something ~ a lie, not the truth. Even the characters that I thought were 'good', are up to something.

Everything seems to stem from an eighteen year-old cyclist who was hit by a vehicle, 20 years ago.  I wondered how Corry was going to connect the two time frames, and what would come with that.

I really enjoy not knowing how a book is going to play out. Corry lays clues in front of us, but that changed many times, as well. She takes us right to the last pages tying up ends. A fitting finish.

I chose to listen to 'I Died on a Tuesday'. There was a cast of four readers - Anna Burnett, Joshua Riley,  Sophie Alfred and Roy McMillan. They all did a wonderful job of bringing Corry’s book to life. I often find that I am more immersed in a story when I listen to it - and that was the case with I Died on a Tuesday. Everyone spoke clearly and was easy to understand. Each of them has dived into their roles and provided us with a voice that matched the characters. They also capture the emotion and danger of the plot. A wonderful presentation of a very good read. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

11 hours and 59 minutes

I Died on a Tuesday - Jane Corry

I was hooked by the time I finished the first chapter in Jane Corry’s new book - I Died on a Tuesday

That first chapter takes place 20 years ago and we witness a horrific crime. We are then whisked to present day and the characters we will come to know. But, are we really going to get to know them? It seems that every character is hiding something ~ a lie, not the truth. Even the characters that I thought were 'good', are up to something.

Everything seems to stem from an eighteen year-old cyclist who was hit by a vehicle 20 years ago. I wondered how Corry was going to connect the two time frames, and what would come with that.

I really enjoy not knowing how a book is going to play out. Corry lays clues in front of us, but that changed many times as well. She takes us right up to the last pages tying up ends. A fitting finale. I quite enjoyed this book and would pick up another title by this author. See for yourself - read an excerpt from I Died on a Tuesday.

Now or Never - Janet Evanovich

I've read every book in Janet Evanovich's long running Stephanie Plum series - and enjoyed them all, The latest is Now or Never and it's number 31!

The Plum books are my choice for some light hearted, escapist reading, that doesn't take itself too seriously. Familiarity is another draw for me - I know who, and what I'm going to find in the recurring characters. But there are surprises found in the visiting players in each story. You see, our lead character Stephanie works as a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinny in Trenton, New Jersey. This time around, Stephanie is tracking down three separate bail jumpers. I'll let you discover who and why.

Stephanie is easy to like, with a good sense of humor. The supporting cast includes sidekick Lula, a big hearted former hooker. The banter between Stephanie and Lula is always fun. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur (my fave) is often involved in whatever is going on.

The real question though, is who Stephanie will settle down with! For thirty books she has vacillated between Trenton police detective Morelli or private security firm owner Ranger. Is there an answer to be found in Now or Never?  

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Now or Never.

Know Your Newlywed - Elena Armas and Hillary Nussbaum and Heather Taylor

I love audio books and I often pair one up with - cleaning the house, doing laundry, or maybe just a quick rest on the couch with my eyes closed.

Hillary Nussbaum, Heather Taylor and Elena Armas made it very hard to get back up off the couch with their audio book  - Know Your Newlywed!

 

Do you remember watching game shows that had newlyweds for contestants? And the prizes might have been a kettle or a fridge? This new version boasts a prize much larger than that! And that's what prompts Javi and Cleo to apply. Javi and Cleo are characters that you can't help but like. I had my fingers crossed for them! A wonderful rom-com plot ensues. 

I've often said that I get more immerged in a tale when I listen to it. The was definitely the case with Know Your Newlywed. I loved the two leads, Tyler Posey and Mary Mouser. Their voices were perfect for the characters. Posey has a little gravel in his voice that really works for the character and his nature. He doesn't rush. Mouser easily captures her character with a faster pace of speaking. Her voice matches the character. The supporting cast is one of the largest I've ever listened to. I really liked that - I never had to guess who was speaking. A large cast presents a richer listen for me. Everyone spoke clearly and was easy on the ears. And another nice detail was the background noises - telephones, clapping, horns, and more.

An excellent presentation of a excellent and fun rom-com!  An easy 5 stars,

4 hours and 54 minutes

Murder of a Suffragette - Marty Wingate

Marty Wingate's new book - Murder of a Suffragette. This is the 4th in the London Ladies' Murder Club series. (But you don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this latest.)

I was not aware of the difference between Suffragette and Suffragist until I read this book. The first were 'deeds not words' and would use violence, but the latter eschewed violence. In 1918 women thirty and over gained the vote, but both groups are trying to get the vote for women 21 and up. This is an interesting time and setting to use for the book.

Mabel is the lead character and I really enjoy her curiosity, her tenacity, and determination. She works for the Useful Women  Agency. She is booked to be the secretary of this large meeting of women, but finds herself back in an investigation when a body is found on the grounds of the large manor. There is a plethora of suspects to choose from. 

The supporting cast is just as engaging as Mabel. They've been in the first books and Wingate keeps their lives moving forward. And what every cosy read needs a dog or cat. Gladys the dog figures into the plot. And a cosy needs some romance as well! I really enjoyed this latest and am looking forward what Wingate has in store for characters. See what you think - read an excerpt.

"Marty Wingate is a USA Today best-selling author of both mysteries and historical fiction. Marty enjoys weaving humor into her books and creating characters—from quirky and loveable to sinister and duplicitous—that leap off the page. Before embarking on her series about the London Ladies Murder Club with Bookouture, Marty published three contemporary cozy mystery series (the Potting Shed, Birds of a Feather, and First Edition Library books). She has also published two standalone books of historical fiction and found stories of the past to be compelling. She’s delighted to combine her penchant for both mysteries histories to bring her readers more satisfying stories. Marty currently resides near Seattle, Washington." You can find Marty at her web page, on Facebook as well as on X.

The Third Wife of Faraday House - B.R. Myers

The Third Wife of Faraday House is new from B.R. Myers.

If you enjoy Gothic fiction like me, you're going want to add this tale to your 'must read' list.

What makes a book a Gothic story? Well, let's start off with an isolated setting - an island that is home to a dark and dreary manor. The help are downright rude. They're not welcoming at all to our lead character. It's 1816 and Emeline Fitzpatrick has been shipped to the manor by her guardian - she has made some bad choices. There are tales of ghosts, haints and more in the history of the manor. Are are they really in the past? And take a hint from the title of the book......

I liked Emeline quite a lot, but I worried about her naiveté. She does grow as the book progresses. The plotting was excellent. I had no idea who was telling the truth. What was real? What was imagination?

Kudos to Myers on bringing in the details from the time. Manners, expectations, mores, food, clothing and more. And let's bring in one last thing - romance....

I chose to listen to the book as it has one of my favourite narrators reading - Imogen Church. She captures the emotions and actions with her voice. She’s truly an excellent reader. Hear for yourself - check out an audio excerpt. Five stars for me on this wonderful read!

A New Lease on Death - Olivia Blacke

Olivia Blacke caught me off with the the first few pages of her new novel -  A New Lease on Death. Well, with the title and the image on the cover, you might have an inkling of what you’re going to find inside…

Ruby moves into a Boston apartment that’s advertised as fully finished. It is, but the last tenant died in the bathtub. And all her items are still there. There’s another death and Ruby decides to investigate as the police don’t seem to think it  is a crime.

 

I really liked Ruby as our lead character. She’s determined to do the right thing. But along the way she gets herself into some sketchy situations. Our supporting player is Cordelia and she’s a bit harder to get to know. She doesn’t talk much in the beginning of the book but things change for her too. And we know much more about her life as the book progresses.

A New Lease on Death is a mix of amateur detecting, supernatural elements, friendship and doing the right thing. I enjoyed the detective parts. I did wonder about Rudy's reasoning for and the impetus for her jumping in both feet. The who dunnit was a good one and it was one I hadn’t considered. Nicely done.

A New Release on Death is also setting up everything for a new novel using these characters. And there’s a burning question that I would love to know the answer to. All in all, it was an entertaining story. See what you think - read an excerpt of A New Lease on Death.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books - Kirsten Miller

I think that little libraries are just the best thing. You can share with friends or make new connections. I routinely leave books I’ve finished around the neighbourhood little libraries. So with that in mind, I happily picked up Kirsten Miller’s new book - Lula Dean‘s Little Library of Banned Books. 

Banned books. I’ve worked in public libraries and for profit bookstores. And this is a topic that comes up and up again. Kristyn Miller has penned an absolutely delightful book that takes on the question - who can tell you what you can read? Well, in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia Lula Dean decides that it’s her that will carry the banner. And...things don’t go quite the way she planned.

I like the eclectic characters. I loved some of them. I really got angry at some of them. I laughed out loud. And I really like, really like the whole conversation this book brings to us. I absolutely recommend this book! Read an excerpt of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books.

The Mistletoe Mystery - Nita Prose

I was so excited to see that Nita Prose has penned a Christmas novella called The Mistletoe Mystery. And yes, this is a book that features  Molly (the Maid) Gray as the main character. 

If you're a big fan of this series like me, you're in for a wonderful read or listen. And if you've never read the first two books...what are you waiting for! This is a great way to get a taste of this series. 

Molly works at the upscale Regency Grand Hotel as a maid and she loves her job. Now, the other thing you need to know about Molly is that she struggles with social skills and can't read the nuances of interactions - facial and conversational.

With Christmas looming, and a staff secret Santa event, and her boyfriend acting odd, she is stressed -  and worried.

I just adore Molly and you will too! I chose to listen to this novella. The reader is Lauren Ambrose and she has done a fantastic job of bringing Molly to life with her voice. She captures Molly's emotions, inner dialogue and her struggles and her joys with her performance. I appreciated the connectivity, as Ambrose has narrated the first two books.  Read an excerpt. Listen to an excerpt.  Novella - 2 hours and 38 minutes

And keep your eyes out for the new Molly tale coming out April 8/25. I can't wait!

Mystery at Lockley Grange - Clare Chase - Blog Tour!

A Bookworm's World is a blog stop today for Clare Chase's new book - Mystery at Lockley Grange. This is book 13 in the Eve Mallow Mystery series, but it's a first read of this series for me.

Someone has killed famous diplomat Lance Hale in his own home - right after a event held that night. One of the caterers is Eve Mallow and she also writes obituaries for the press. And....solves mysteries. 

There are many supporting characters, but enough history was included to help me know who was who. Eve has a personal connection to Hale and his family. That makes things easy - or perhaps harder. Eve has her work cut out for her. There are so many candidates for the whodunit. Just when I thought I had it right, Chase throws in another twist and sends the narrative down another path. I wasn't successful in guessing the killer until the final chapters. Which is a good thing. If you love cozies, you'll love Mystery at Lockley Grange.

"Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.

Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder on the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.

Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books."  You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com.

Check out what other bloggers thought below.

Missing White Woman - Kellye Garrett

I picked up this book based on the premise as I thought there were many ways the plot could go. It wasn't a new one, but it's one I like. 

Bree and her boyfriend Ty go to bed in the sumptuous rental they took for a weekend together. But when Bree wakes up, Ty is gone - and there's a body at the bottom of the stairs.

Race plays a part in this book - Ty is missing, but so has a young white woman. Guess who gets the coverage. Sadly this is reality. As is the added social media trying to direct things from their devices. Also very true.

The plot of Missing White Woman twins a mystery and current headlines. 

Identity Unknown - Patricia Cornwell

Identity Unknown is Patricia Cornwell's new book - and its the 28th entry in her long running series featuring chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Kay is called out to a body found in an abandoned amusement park. She's stunned when she views the victim - they had a relationship years ago. The Feds are called as they have questions about this case as well. And Kay has another case that is hard to read about. 

The supporting cast returns with Investigator Pete Marino right by Kay's side. The two have had a fractious relationship over the years, but they're both dedicated to finding the truth. 

Niece Lucy also has mad skills and also works for the Feds. Much of  her job is classified. As is Kay's husband Benton's job. Kay's sister Dorothy just annoys me so much! She is a narcissist. 

I am always intrigued with the technology, reasoning, methods and more that are used in the books. I've gone online few times to read more. It's fascinating. They figure heavily in this latest.

The Scarpetta books are all told from Kay's point of view. Cornwell keeps the time line moving forward - the characters are aging. I enjoy Kay's inner dialogue very much. 

Cornwell gives the reader a page turner in this latest. The ending of Identity Unknown is satisfying - but I happily can say that there's a door that's been left open for the next entry... I'll be watching for it.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Identity Unknown.

Identity Unknown - Patricia Cornwell

Identity Unknown is Patricia Cornwell's new book - and its the 28th entry in her long running series featuring chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Kay is called out to a body found in an abandoned amusement park. She's stunned when she views the victim - they had a relationship years ago. The Feds are called as they have questions about this case as well. And Kay has another case that is hard to read about. 

The supporting cast returns with Investigator Pete Marino right by Kay's side. The two have had a fractious relationship over the years, but they're both dedicated to finding the truth. 

Niece Lucy also has mad skills and also works for the Feds. Much of  her job is classified. As is Kay's husband Benton's job. Kay's sister Dorothy just annoys me so much! She is a narcissist. 

I am always intrigued with the technology, reasoning, methods and more that are used in the books. I've gone online few times to read more. It's fascinating. They figure heavily in this latest.

The Scarpetta books are all told from Kay's point of view. Cornwell keeps the time line moving forward - the characters are aging. I enjoy Kay's inner dialogue very much. 

Cornwell gives the reader a page turner in this latest. The ending of Identity Unknown is satisfying - but I happily can say that there's a door that's been left open for the next entry... I'll be watching for it.

I chose to  listen to Identity Unknown. The reader was January LaVoy again. I appreciate the continuity as her voice has become Kay for me. LaVoy has a smooth, low voice that's easy on the ears. She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. She easily captures the emotions, danger, suspense and more with her performance. LaVoy has created different voices for all of the characters. It is easy to know who is speaking. each voice is perfect for the players. A great performance. 

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Identity Unknown.

The Waiting - Michael Connelly

I've been a fan of Michael Connelly from the first book. For me, he's never written a book I didn't enjoy. And that's also the truth for this latest - The Waiting. 

"In cold cases, it’s not the hope that kills you. It’s the waiting".

Detective Renée Ballard runs the cold case unit in the LAPD with volunteers and retired staff. A new member has joined to replace the now retired Harry Bosch. But don't count Harry out - he still has the skills and the nerves that Renée needs when her badge and gun are stolen. She can't report them as she's on thin ice with her superiors. The politicking that seems to be seething underneath the public eye has always been part of the books, but is quite blatant in The Waiting.

The cases in The Waiting are brilliantly written. A historical case that you may recognize is one. Another uses new and modern methods to chase down a old case. I was fascinated by the description of these tools. And the hunt for Renée's badge uncovers an unexpected case.

I had to actually put the book aside when the suspense ratcheted up! I didn't want to skim either. So I got the breathing under control and picked it back up! The writing is so very, very good. 

The lead roles have changed over the years as Connelly keeps the series (plural) moving forward. I thought the this was the 'Ballard" book so far. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Waiting.

The Treasure Hunters Club - Tom Ryan

When I was young I loved maps. (And I still do). I would trace the lines on the map, marking the final destination. I kept also kept copious lists of places that my family's station wagon drove through. And yes, I dreamed about finding a map to a treasure chest. I'm still looking - and I've found a treasure in Tom Ryan's new book - The Treasure Hunters Club.

There is so much to love in this book. I loved the setting by the sea, and the town of Maple Bay. The legend of the pirate's booty draws in quite a few tourists. As well as a number of permanent residents.

Ryan tells this wonderful tale with three main characters - Peter, Cass and Dandy (she's my favorite!). Each of the three have their own voice. There's a wealth of supporting players from the present and the past. 

Who's telling the truth? Who are lying? Is the legend of the pirate plunder true? 

Ryan kept me on my toes the entire way to the final ah hah! There's a twist that is epic! Things did not turn out as I had thought they would. And I adore being wrong! 

Get comfy in your favourite reading spot - you're not going want this one down. Bravo Tom Ryan!

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge - Nancy Naigle

Yes, another seasonal read! Nancy Naigle takes us to Christmas in Chestnut Ridge.

Sheila is our lead character - and her life is not what she wants. She's successful in business, but not in love. Her best friend has moved to Chestnut Ridge and  insists that Sheila come to her new home for Christmas. She reluctantly agrees.

Well, Chestnut Ridge celebrates Christmas in a really big way! There's some great ideas scattered throughout the book. These celebrations are all tied together by a large group of supporting characters. Including Tucker, the town's Fire Chief and all round beloved good guy.

So, what do you think might happen next? Uh huh, Tucker and Sheila hit it off. The sparks fly - but will they ignite? 

Naigle really does a nice job of portraying the community, its' values and caring for all members of their town. 

I like comfort reading when the snow starts, twinkle lights appear, Christmas cookies abound and so much more. This was a classic Christmas tale. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Christmas in Chestnut Right. :0)

The House Hunt - C.M.Ewan

I liked C.M. Ewan's premise for his new novel, The House Hunt. Something so everyday as a realtor holding an open house is the starting point. When the realtor is late, the homeowner takes her place...

The book bounces back and forth between two viewpoints - that of Lucy and her husband Sam. I really like this style of story telling - I need to know what is going on with each of them.

Ewan has a dark imagination. There are a few 'over the top' machinations, but just go with it. It's hard to put this one down! If you like thrillers, this one's for you. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The House Hunt.

Uglies - Scott Westerfeld

Well hello Scott Westerfeld! I was quite happy to spend the weekend with you. Wait, that's not quite right...I spent the weekend listening to the audiobook of Uglies. I loved it!

I am a big fan of dystopian fiction. It's always intriguing to see what an author has created in their version of the future. In Uglies, Tally is looking forward to her 16th birthday - as that's the day she gets her surgeries - to be pretty. And then all she is to do is have fun. Her friend Shay doesn't want to "be pretty" and she leaves the enclave to see what's out there...

This was the setting I was keen to hear more about. I always take the time to mentally draw the settings and compare to our world and the path we're taking. 

The characters are well drawn and engaging. Tally will keep you on your toes as the story unfolds. I quite liked David who lives 'out there'. There's a great supporting cast. And though I had partially guessed what might happen next, I couldn't stop listening. And when I listened the last chapter, I just wanted to get my hands on the second book!

I chose to listen to Uglies and that was a great choice. The narrator was Brianne Tju and her performance was perfect. Her 'teen' voice is believable. Her speaking is clear and easy on the ears. She has easily captured the action, emotions and the tenor of Westerfeld's work with her voice. I've said it before, I feel more immersed a story when I listen. This was the case with Uglies. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.  An easy five stars. 

(Uglies is now available on a streaming service. Brianne Tju plays Shay in the film.)

Dead Tired - Kat Ailes

Dead Tired is the second book in Kat Ailes' Expectant Detectives Series.

I read the first book and quite enjoyed it. Dead Tired revisits Alice and her mommy/amateur sleuth friends. The babes are growing up and are mobile now. And the moms are looking for a few hours of catch up sleep. Why not chain themselves to trees in an eco protest?! Yes, they got a few winks...but there's an extra body when they wake up - one that's quite dead.

Ailes is a fun writer. She has a small child and I imagine she draws on her own experiences for these books. Alice is a great lead character and I liked her. The supporting cast are a mixed bunch and it makes things much more interesting.

Dead Tired is a cosy murder mystery. All the pieces are there - a small village, quirky players, a dog named Helen, enthusiastic amateur detectives, and a police dept that Alice thinks needs some help. There are lots of red herrings along the path to the final aha moments. Another fun, light hearted read from Ailes. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Dead Tired.

A Midwinter Murder - Verity Bright - Cover reveal!

"Homemade baubles, reindeer-shaped cookies and snowy walks across the rolling moors… but Lady Swift’s festive plans are ruined when a body turns up!

Winter 1924. When Lady Eleanor Swift unexpectedly finds herself a guest of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, she’s determined to enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings at his sprawling manor house. And that includes kisses under the mistletoe and cozying up by the fire with her fiancé, dashing detective Hugh Seldon.

Instead, the season of goodwill turns frosty as she finds the Duke’s studious secretary, Mr Porritt, dead in the storeroom. Clasped in his chilly hand is a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. The Duke denies ever having seen the necklace before. But Eleanor can see the lies in his eyes… Did it belong to his mysteriously absent wife?

Hugh and Eleanor must ditch relaxing with hot cocoa in favour of interviewing the Duke’s holiday guests. Every suspect has a secret they’d kill to keep: the socialite with the false name, the Sir with a questionable inheritance and the husband hiding a crack in his marriage.

As the blizzard outside rages, Auldwyke Hall becomes cut off. Trapped by the snow, Eleanor and Hugh must skate around the increasingly secretive Duke to unwrap the identity of the killer. But does the answer to the secretary’s murder lie with a ghost of Christmas past? And when an attempt is made on the Duke’s life too, they realise the killer is closer than they think…

A gripping and twisty Golden Age murder mystery set in a country house on the Yorkshire moors, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss!" 

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s.

Will End in Fire - Nicole Bokat - Spotlight!

 

Christmas for the Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin

Oh, I've been looking forward to reading Christmas for the Home Front Girls -  the latest book (#3) in Susanna Bavin's Home Front Girls series. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a wonderful series to read.

This latest book focuses on Betty, Sally and Lorna. Settling in to read this latest is like catching up with old friends. They all have back stories but you can absolute read this as a stand alone.

Christmas is the air - and unfortunately, so are the enemy bombers. Manchester is taking a beating, but they'll never give up. Bavin has done a wonderful job of capturing and presenting this time in history. The devastation and the losses don't stop the residents from adopting the the 'The 'Keep Calm and Carry On' attitude, looking out for your neighbours, the social mores, and family. There are lots of hard choices to be made - and duty to follow.

But life continues on - and romance is also in the air. I quite enjoyed this plot line very much. Making  the most of what you have. And embracing life. I also enjoyed learning about how the shortages were dealt with and Christmas was celebrated.

And the big one is the relationship of the three. We all need friends like Betty, Sally and Lorna. I'm looking forward to another entry in this series. 

"Susanna Bavin has written 4 standalone sagas and her new WW2 trilogy, The Home Front Girls, will be published by Bookouture in 2024. She also writes as Polly Heron (The Surplus Girls 1920s saga series) and Maisie Thomas (The Railway Girls WW2 saga series)

Susanna lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her husband and their two rescue cats. She is originally from Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester, where her family has lived for several generations and which provides the setting for her family sagas."

You can find Susanna's web page here as well as on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter. 

See who else enjoyed Christmas for the home Front Girls. 

The Christmas Inn - Pamela M. Kelley

I know, I know - Christmas fiction already?! Yup! Starting off the season for me is Pamela Kelley's new novel - The Christmas Inn.

Riley Sanders was stunned when she lost her New York job right before Christmas. But her mom could use her help with her B&B over the holiday, and she's not been home quite a while. Cape Cod is calling to her - it's where she was brought up. And it's where she broke her high school boyfriend's heart. Aidan is still on the Cape...

Kelley does a great job giving many women of all ages a romantic plot line. She also explores friendships and family. I loved the setting and would happily visit the B&B - especially at Christmas. Indeed the characters themselves say it feels like they're in a Christmas movie!

There are bumps on the road to true love, which is expected with this genre. Kelley does a wonderful job of putting all the pieces where they should be. A perfect story to start my seasonal reading. 

Definitely recommend for romance readers. See your self - read an excerpt of The Christmas Inn.

A Golden Life - Ginny Kubitz Moyer - Spotlight

Oh this sounds wonderful! Find out more about the book and the author at https://ginnymoyer.org/.

Counting Miracles - Nicholas Sparks

Counting Miracles is the new book from Nicholas Sparks. And it's a really great one!

Tanner Hughes is a retired Army Ranger. He's searching for a family member in Asheboro, North Carolina before he heads out on the road again. His path crosses that of Kaitlyn - a doctor - and her two kids. And there's one more player in this triangle.... 

I was immediately caught up by the first few pages. I settled in for the afternoon. 

Sparks' characters are always so wonderfully drawn. They're someone you'd like to know. And that's what Tanner and Kaitlyn  feel as well. Their interactions are respectful and mindful and I had high hopes for their future.

But the road to happiness is not always smooth sailing. There are some truly antagonists that are awful. I didn't even want to read their chapters, but I did.

And that third person...their life is visited and recounted. (Have a tissue or two ready)

How these lives interact with each other is at times a miracle. Sparks' plot does reference faith.

A satisfying read on so many levels. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Counting Miracles. 

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife - Anna Johnston

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is Anna Johnston's wonderful debut novel.  

Fred is eighty two now and he’s lonely, broke, and has just been informed that he will be evicted. And then.....oh I loved this 'then'. Fred has landed in the last place he could have expected. He tries to explain things but no one really listens. So, he decides to stay.

Fred is a wonderful lead character. He's kind, thoughtful and loves people. He's found a place for himself and he is welcomed by all he meets. But someone questions his story and that's the start of the ending. Or is it?

I've been a little obtuse as I don't want to spoil this book for you. 

I've really been enjoying tales with 'seniors' in the lead roles lately. I think those characters have so much to offer an author - wisdom, experience and a voice. Fred's voice is one we should listen to. 

Johnston deftly tugs on our heart strings as she explores loss, redemption, forgiveness, friendship, family and more. (With a side of humor!) You'll want a tissue or two.

A joy to read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife. 

Hampton Heights - Dan Kois

Hampton Heights is Dan Koi's latest release. I'm sure the cover caught your eye - it did for me. And it gives you a very good idea of what awaits you in the book. Not quite sure yet? How about the subtitle? - One Harrowing Night in the Most Haunted Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1987. Three pairs of newsboys are in the Hampton Heights neighborhood soliciting subscriptions to the local paper. At night. None of them have ever been in this part of town. It's kind of spooky - but the prize is too good to walk away from. One night changes so much with our paper boys- and. their manager Kevin.

There's a Stranger Things /Brothers Grimm / Stand by Me feel to Hampton Heights that's just right. The book is funny, spooky and yes, thoughtful. 

I ended up binge reading Hampton Heights  - I just had to know what happened. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Hampton Heights. 

The Examiner - Janice Hallett

Janice Hallett is a brilliant writer! I was so excited about her latest book - The Examiner. I just knew it would be another fantastic read. (It was!)

A group of six artists comprises the inaugural group of students hoping for a masters in art degree. They're a very mixed bunch but all are eager to take the course. And their professor is thankful for having the funding to run the program. But...

Oh, there's a fabulous but! Each one has their own agenda - and that's the fun of this book. Can you suss out what everyone is up to?

 Hallett reprises the epistolary style of writing that I adore. The book is told through emails, coursework, texts, message boards, essays and their inner dialogue. The reader is the quiet seventh student, hearing everything that is going on and and trying to put the pieces together.

Good luck with that! The plotting is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. The clues are sometimes right there to see, while other times they're longshots. Hallett throws in more than one twist and turn on the way to the final 'aha'. 

Fantastic! A very easy five stars. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Examiner..

The Examiner - Janice Hallett

Janice Hallett is a brilliant writer! I was so excited about her latest book - The Examiner. I just knew it would be another fantastic listen. (It was!) 

A group of six artists comprises the inaugural group of students hoping for a masters in art degree. They're a very mixed bunch but all are eager to take the course. And their professor is thankful for having the funding to run the program. But...

Oh, there's a fabulous but! Each student has their own agenda - and that's the fun of this book. Can you suss out what everyone is up to?

Hallett reprises the epistolary style of writing that I adore. The book is told through emails, coursework, texts, message boards, essays and their inner dialogue. The listener is the quiet seventh student, hearing everything that is going on and trying to put the pieces together. 

Good luck with that! The plotting is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. The clues are sometimes right there to see, while other times they're longshots. Hallett throws in more than one twist and turn on the way to the final 'aha'. Fantastic! A very easy five stars.

I've said it before - I sometimes find myself more immersed in a story by listening. That was the case with The Examiner. A cast of six narrators was used in this production. Each one was perfect for the role they were playing. They used accents, speed of talking, tones, emotions and more to bring Hallett's work alive.  It was easy to know who was speaking. And yes, I felt like was part of the students. Brilliant. 

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

Death in the Mayfair Hotel - Fliss Chester

A Bookworm's World is today's stop on the tour for Death in the Mayfair Hotel, the sixth entry in Fliss Chester's - The Cressida Fawcett Mystery series. 

It's Christmas Eve in 1925 London, Cressida Fawcett is at the Mayfair Hotel with her chums and acquaintances - including her wee dog Ruby. The festivities have just begun when Cressida discovers a body. And it's someone she knows...

This is the first book I've read in this series. I was easily able to suss out who was who and some background. 

I really liked the characters. Although she is part of the upper crust, Cressida is keen on helping the local constabulary find out who the culprit is before midnight and the doors are opened. This isn't the first time she's helped them. She's smart, curious, and determined. I liked puzzling over the clues with her. The supporting cast was just as good, especially her best friend Dotty.

This setting gives us a large locked room mystery. Chester describes the setting very well and I could imagine  the ballrooms and the down belows. The customs, mindsets, expectations and rules of the time period are part of the setting - and the plot. There were a number of choices for the 'whodunit'. Chester gives us that and some red herrings on the way.

Cosy mysteries are my 'get away from it all, escapist' reads. Death in the Mayfair Hotel has all the bits that make up a cosy tale. A spunky lead that's an amateur sleuth, a dog or cat that helps out, a possible love interest yes, there's one or two of these. And while it's not a small village, the upper crust are the stand ins for that component. A fun read and a lovely cosy. Thanks Fliss Chester!

"Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter."

You can find Fliss on Instagram as well as on X (Twitter)

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Fliss Chester here.

Have a look at what other bloggers have to say!

The Murders in Great Diddling - Katarina Bivald

Oh, I got a laugh when I read the title of Katarina Bivald's newest book - The Murders in Great Diddling.

But really, this small village isn't living up to to it's name. Run Down might be a better descriptor.

And author Berit Gardner is looking for a story to tell. She's in Great Diddling when an explosion kills a man in the library...

... and that death spurs on the villagers to use the event as.. well....an event that might just save the village and the residents. They are indeed a quirky bunch. But there may be some who have their own plans.

This is the perfect tale for booklovers. Amongst the shenanigans (which had me laughing outload), there are many truths about why and how we can't without them. 

 

I chose to listen to The Murders in Great Diddling. The reader was Helen Lloyd. She did a wonderful job in presenting Bivald's work. There many characters in the book. Lloyd gives each a different voice and they suited the players. She captures the action and emotions with her voice rising and falling, low and rising. Her voice is easy on the ears, clear and easy to understand. Her accent is lovely. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Murders in Great Diddling.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust - Alan Bradley

I let out a squeal when I discovered that Alan Bradley had written a new Flavia de Luce book - What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust. The titles are always quite enigmatic and it's fun seeing how they fit the story.

Now, this is number eleven in this series. You could read it as a stand alone, but you'd be depriving yourself of an addicting series! And some context. 

Flavia is a 'young woman' now, but she is still the irrepressible ten year old we met in the first book in the series. I love her inner dialogue, her running feud with her sisters and now her young cousin, her joy in solving cases ahead of the constabulary, tinkering in her laboratory and working with her poisons. Still riding her beloved bicycle Gladys that was her mothers. I could go on and on about this absolutely wonderful lead character. As a ten year old myself I always wanted to be a certain character in a mystery. But I think being Flavia would a lot more interesting!

So, a great character, now how about the mystery found in every book? Just as good! They're always well written and are satisfying. Bradley brings forward happenings and clues from the last book and weaves them into the current book. Whoa! I did not see the plotting going where it did in this latest! The whodunit was surprising and satisfying but left the door open for more. Please Alan Bradley!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust.

Flavor Lab Creations - Dr. Logan Richardson

It might still be drinks on the deck where you live. Or maybe it's the season for warmer fare, or just an everyday drink. No matter where you are, Dr. Logan Richardson, has a number of  suggestions in his new book - Flavor Lab Creations: A Physicists' Guide to Unique Drink Recipes.

Yes, Logan is a scientist, but his writing is interesting, knowledgeable, engaging, funny, and easy to read. I found the 'how' and why' fascinating. That's what makes this book more than just a recipe book. There are info boxes and various facts throughout. Color photos accompany the recipes. Instructions are very clear.

Pumpkin Spice Latte anyone? Buttered Popcorn Soda? Make your own Instant Coffee? Kombucha? And so many more! Great for the curious mixologist in your life. 

(And check out Logan's  YouTube channel for Flavor Lab food.)

Wordhunter - Stella Sands

Wordhunter is the latest book from Stella Sands.

I picked it up as the premise caught my eye. The lead character is Maggie and she is studying to qualify as a forensic Linguist. When the police ask for her help she is thrilled. I did find the 'how to' of this field really interesting. I can see how this could be used as a tool in so many ways.

I wasn't as enamored of Maggie. She's loud, abrasive, she has issues with pills and alcohol and more. I felt like I should be behind her as she's had a hard life in many ways. Losing her best friend was one of those hard ways. Her dialogue and pushy ways annoyed me. As did using that 'c*** word in the first few pages.

Maggie ends up working a second case with the police and is paired up with a Detective. Cue up the fractious relationship. Throw in another crime, no, make that two at least. Maybe three. Perhaps too many threads. 

There is a crack in the door for a follow up to this book. I have to be honest and say that I won't be looking for it. But, see for yourself - read an excerpt of Wordhunter. I also encourage you to check out the other reviews for this book on Goodreads.