Murder at an English Pub - Alice Castle

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog for Murder at an English Pub.

I have a fondness for cozy mysteries. And I'm always on the lookout  for new series. My latest find is Murder at an English Pub by Alice Castle - and this is book one in a new series!

"Retired doctor Sarah Vane moves to Merstairs, she has no idea that the quaint seaside town isn’t quite as friendly it seems, and something sinister is bubbling under the picturesque surface…"

 

Sarah doesn't have a lot of faith in the constabulary of this small villager. Sarah is curious by nature and can't help but launch her own investigation into the crime. She is helped (or perhaps hindered) by her longtime and somewhat scatterbrained friend Daphne. I quite like Saras as a lead character. And let's not forget Hamish - her black Scottie dog.

Sarah meets the villagers one by one and endeavors to interview them without it appearing so. There's a broad bunch of residents that could be the culprit. But just as Sarah thinks she has the answer - new information is uncovered. I think Castle does a great job of keeping the reader guessing right through to the last pages. 

Castle has created a detailed setting in Merstairs that appealed to me. Especially her little cottage.

And given that this is a cozy, it's best read with a pot of tea, a quilt on your lap and a dog at your feet. I'll be watching for the second book in this series. 

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Her latest cozy mystery, set in fictional seaside town Mersta s, stars retired GP Sarah Vane. It will be published in July by Bookouture, who also publish Alice's nine-book Beth Haldane Mysteries series set in south east London. Alice also writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle.

Website:https://alicecastleauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.castle.355

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AliceMCastle

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/alice-castle.

The Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog tour for The Home Front Girls - the first book in Susanna Bavin's planned trilogy.

If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you're  going to want to add The Home Front Girls to your 'to read' list!

I was hooked in the first chapter. Sally and her bestie, Deborah, work for the Food Office making sure that shop keepers are following the rules for ration books. But the latest 'sting' has repercussions for both Sally and the store clerk, Betty.  

I thought Bavin's settings were wonderfully described. The book is set in 1940  Manchester, England. Bavin and her family  lived in Manchester for many years and that personal view really works in creating a setting.

Her characters are also wonderfully created. It's very easy to have a favorite, one you'd like to know in real life. And those you wouldn't! Keep your eyes open for Mrs. Lockwood! And who else you ask? Well, I think a budding romance adds a lot this book as well! 

I really enjoy this time frame. The 'Keep Calm and Carry On' attitude, the looking out for your neighbours, the social mores, and family. There are lots of hard choices to be made - and duty to follow.

And Bavin has included all of that and more. I'll be watching for the second book - Courage for the Home Front Girls coming out May 2004.

"Susanna lives in Llandudno in North Wales with her husband and their rescue cats, but her writing is inspired by her Mancunian roots. She has written stories ever since she was a child and always wanted to be a published author. Susanna enjoys reading, walking and gardening and she loves living by the sea. She also writes as Maisie Thomas, for The Railway Girls series, and as Polly Heron, for The Surplus Girls series." You can connect with Susanna on her webpage or on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter.

Clover Hendry's Day Off - Beth Morrey

I like the cover for Beth Morrey's new book - Clover Hendry's Day Off. The title  immediately brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off to mind. In the author's notes, Morrey alludes to the movie as well. 

Clover is a middle-aged mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend and beleaguered employee. What would happen if for one day, she just did what she wanted and said what she wanted? Over the course of a day, Clover does just that. I think everybody has felt this way at some point and time. And how does that work out for Clover you ask?  

Well, that's the fun in this book. Clover hasn't really thought about her actions, instead she just jumps in. Some of her behaviour is fun, but some is a little darker and hurtful. So, the book isn't all 'Ferris' fun. There are some family and past issues that finally see the light. Clover's job is also a large part of the day. She works as a television executive. Morrey has a similar background and these parts of the plot benefits from that insider knowledge. While I appreciated the details 'behind the scenes', I found my attention start to drift. 

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I do think it could have been shortened up a bit. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Clover Hendry's Day Off.

Murder Most Royal - SJ Bennett

SJ Bennett has just released Murder Most Royal, the third book in the 'Her Majesty the Queen Investigates' series. I've read the previous two entries and have quite enjoyed them.

This third book takes place at Christmas 2016 at Queen Elizabeth's beloved Sandringham House. I love the details Bennett gives her physical settings. It lets me create vivid mental images, not just of Sandringham, but other settings that the book visits. And it's at one of those other locations that a severed hand, still wearing a signet ring, is found. It is the Queen who identifies the ring. 

Now, the Queen is not the one physically investigating. But she is conducting a secret inquiry of her own alongside the formal investigation. She again employs her Assistant Private Secretary Rozie Oshodi, to be her eyes, ears and legs, reporting back only to her. This time around the Queen is doing more investigating herself than in the previous two books. She knows all of the family ties of her titled neighbours and uses that information to gently direct the constabulary.

I initially had concerns over how the Queen would be portrayed in that first book. Well, I didn't need to worry. She is drawn as kind, gracious, wise, highly intelligent, well-spoken, observant, but imposing as well. All quite true. Her inner dialogue is a treat to read and her sense of humor is dry, as are her observations about her Royal family. The relationship between the Queen And Prince Phillip is lovely and loving

Rozie brings her own take on things as well. Bennett weaves current events from 2016, such as Brexit, through the book. 

The plotting is well done, giving a believable reason and victim by book's end. There are a number of characters to keep track of and more than once I had to stop and think who was who. 

I quite enjoyed Murder Most Royal. It's a fun, clever read that could be considered cozy. But with corgis and no cats. :0)  See for yourself - read an excerpt of Murder Most Royal. I'll be waiting for number four!

Zero Days - Ruth Ware

I've been eagerly awaiting Ruth Ware's latest book, Zero Days. I've enjoyed every book she's written, including this one.

This latest is another edge of your seat read! Ware plays with the reader's perceptions in the first chapter. I was quite certain I knew what was going to happen. And, nope - I was (happily) wrong.

Jack is our protagonist. I quite liked her, her thinking and her tenacity. She's been accused of an unthinkable crime and is determined to clear her name, and find the actual perpetrator. So, she goes rogue and her unusual skill set is put into play. I was fascinated by this bit - how she gets in and out of places, procures information, convinces people to believe in a bit of chicanery. I wondered how much of this part is true? And because I was enjoying the book so much, I decided to just go with it.

Almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, there's twists and the suspense just doesn't let up. (Love it!) Which makes for some addictive page turning! I had guessed the whodunit before the final reveal, but it's the journey there that so much fun to read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Zero Days.

I can see Zero Days as a movie and indeed, it will be one! Universal International Studios has acquired the rights. 

Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding

Speak of the Devil is Rose Wilding's debut novel. 

New Years Ave 1999. Seven women are gathered in a hotel room - along with the remains of a man. A man that all seven women have a connection to. Who killed him? Each women says they didn't. Does it matter? Will they be found out? Why are they all together? Why has he been killed?

It's this last question that brings us to know the seven and their connection to Jamie. Jamie - well, he's not a very nice man. Wasn't.

I found it a bit difficult in the beginning chapters to get a handle on and remember who was who. The eighth person is the female detective on the case. As the book progresses we slowly see learn about each of their relationships to Jamie - and each other. The women are all of different ages, so the book goes back and forth from 1964 to 2000, depending on who is 'speaking'. I think it's a big undertaking to have so many viewpoints. I found it to be very busy and in the end, I hadn't bonded with any of them. 

I think Wilding did a good job with constructing her antagonist. He was perfectly awful. I wasn't totally sold on the women and their situations though. Although they have been wounded, I was angry with more than one of them. I won't say why as I don't want to provide spoilers. But, no man is worth some of the choices made.

The answer to the questions above are answered by the last pages, but the ending was anticlimactic for me.

It's a good debut, but it isn't a standout for me. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Speak of the Devil. 

Gentle readers, there are many triggers and this may not be the book for you.

The Last Remains - Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths is hands down one of my favorite authors. She has written more than one series, but the Ruth Galloway books are dear to me. The Last Remains is the fifteenth book - and from what I've read - the last in the series. At least for now. Fingers crossed.

When a skeleton is found behind a bricked up wall, Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in to again help the local police. As always, the plot is wonderfully constructed and enjoyably solved. There's more than one candidate for the whodunit and I was kept guessing until the final pages. 

The setting of this series is the Norfolk area of England. It's rich in history, both tangible and verbal. I've enjoyed learning more about this setting over the years. It sounds so very beautiful. I've often thought that I would be quite happy living on the moors by the sea in Ruth's little cottage. 

Sitting down with the latest book is like sitting down with old friends. Their lives move forward with every entry and I'm always curious to see what's going on with them all. And those of you who have followed this series from book one will know what I'm talking about...Nelson and Ruth. The back and forth 'Will they or won't they' has been the question with every book. And one that is never fully answered - until now. No worries! I'm not telling! I must admit that my favorite supporting character has always been Cathbad, the self proclaimed Druid. His outlook on life is unique and well, mystical. And has been right in many ways in many situations over the years. He is again involved in this latest case.

Ruth herself has been a great protagonist - true to herself, intelligent and talented. Her inner dialogue reveals her insecurities and doubts which only make her more realistic. You will be missed Ruth. 

Read an excerpt of The Last Remains. 

If you haven't discovered this series yet, I encourage you to start with the first book, The Crossing Places.

Maureen - Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce is hands down one of my favorite authors. Why? Her books stay with me long after the last page has been turned. Her writing moves me, makes me laugh, cry and think. Maureen is another of those stories.

Maureen is the third book in the "Harold Fry" trilogy. If you've not read it yet, you need to read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy before diving into this last book. And for those who have read the first two - take the time to read the author's notes at the beginning of the book. I loved the insight into the how and why of this last book in the triptych.

'Harold' tells the story of a man who decides to walk across England to deliver a card to his dying friend Queenie. The second book is from Queenie's point of view. And at last, we get to better know Harold's wife Maureen.

My thoughts on Maureen had been gleaned from her actions and thoughts as Harold walked. And my opinion was that I didn't like her. But I didn't know what was going on in her mind - and at last we do. She's been carrying her anger, guilt, remorse, sadness and yes, perhaps some little flicker of hope. She's now going to take her own pilgrimage, both figurative and literally. 

Joyce scatters so many truths in Maureen's travels and thoughts. I always find myself stopping to re-read a passage, savoring the the ideas and truths woven throughout the pages.  Here's a few...

"It struck Maureen that a person could be trapped in a version of themselves that was from another time, and completely miss the happiness that was staring them in the face."

"Once again, she experienced that old feeling of being the wrong shape for the situation in which she found herself. Of being an intruder."

Joyce's exploration of the human spirit is by turns heart breaking and life affirming. (Note - have a box of issues handy.)

Maureen is a novella that you'll read in a afternoon. But chances are, you'll be thinking of it after turning the last page. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Maureen. 

The Twyford Code - Janice Hallett

I thought Janice Hallett's book, The Appeal, was a fantastic listen. But, I think The Twyford Code is even better! 

Steve Smith is in his fifties when he's discharged from prison. Having had lots of time to ponder on things, he is determined to solve a mystery from his childhood. As a child, Steve found an illustrated children's book left on a bus, took it to school and showed it to his teacher Miss Iles. As the five students in the remedial class cannot read well, she reads the book to them. And as a treat, she takes the children on a field trip to one of the places the book describes. And....she disappears.

Determined to find out what happened to Miss Iles all those years ago, Smithy starts investigating. Armed with an old iPhone, he records his thoughts, memories, interactions and more. What a novel way of telling a story. I love epistolary books and The Twyford Code is the audio version of that style. Brilliant!

I was completely caught up in the complex puzzles that arise as the search begins - and the direction they take. Hallett is a clever, clever writer. Listen closely to those iPhone entries - the answers are there. But they're difficult to see and hear. A story within a story is waiting for keen listeners. I was (happily) caught completely off guard at the final 'ah hah' moment. 

I've often said I feel more immersed in a tale when I listen to it. And that is absolutely the case with The Twyford Code. The narrator was Thomas Judd. His voice is pleasant to listen to and he enunciates well. The pace of his reading is just right. Judd interprets Hallett's book perfectly, capturing the emotions and actions of the plot. His voice is changed to work with different characters. An excellent presentation of a wonderful book! Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

The Girls Who Disappeared - Claire Douglas

The Girls Who Disappeared is new from author Claire Douglas.

Journalist Jenna Halliday wants to make her mark as a podcast host. She's found a cold case that she thinks will be perfect - the twentieth anniversary of the disappearance of three young woman. Four went out on the town and only one - Olivia - came home. Not a sign of the other three. Were they abducted? By something otherworldly? By someone? Could they still be alive? The small village that was home to the girls is not overly welcoming to Jenna. But she is determined to find the answer....but at what cost?

I liked the premise - having so many options for what might have happened keeps the reader guessing. 

Jenna was an interesting lead - braver than I think I would have been in some situations. She's quite pushy at times. Douglas worked as a journalist herself and I think that the book and character benefit from that inside knowledge. 

There's a dual narrative with the other voice being Olivia's. She has secrets and memories that she has kept quiet about, for all of those twenty years. Seeing the same supporting characters through different eyes and experiences again gives the reader more information than Jenna has.

There's an italicized group of short chapters that focuses on a number of unknown people. What is their story and connection to the book? And last, but not least - there's also a fairly large group of supporting/suspect players, each with a role to play. I did find some of these players a bit caricaturized.

The plotting of The Girls Who Disappeared is quite busy and does ask the reader to suspend disbelief at a number of junctures, including the police investigation and Jenna's involvement in it. But on the flip side, that brings our protagonist closer to the whodunit. Just go with it. The final whodunit wasn't who or what I had thought it was going to be. Douglas also adds one more twist in the final pages that was also unexpected. Nicely done.

The Girls Who Disappeared is another good read from Douglas. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Girls Who Disappeared. 

The Key to My Heart - Lia Louis

The Key to My Heart is the third novel from British author Lia Louis.

Natalie Fincher's life was upended when her beloved husband Russ unexpectedly passed away. All the plans they made, the dreams they had - gone. Two and a half years, Nat is still struggling with the loss. Her friends mean well, but she's just not ready to date again. She works, gets out once in a while, but the only high point is anonymously playing the piano in the train station.

When sheet music that seems directed specifically at Natalie starts appearing at the piano, she is intrigued, interested, excited even...

The Key to My Heart starts off slowly, matching Natalie's mood, demeanor and circumstances. Additional players are added to the cast. Everyone needs a Shauna - the wise, caring woman at the café in the train station. Natalie is not the only regular. There are others, all with their own stories. Slowly but surely, new friendships, relationships and more are built. But is Nat ready for more?

I liked Natalie and appreciated the care Louis afforded to depicting the loss of a partner and the aftermath. The emotions and feelings were believably portrayed. The supporting players each have a role and round out the novel. 

Louis has a penned a novel of love, loss and finding a way forward. Music plays a large part in the book. And is the impetus for the cute title. 

I chose to listen to The Key to My Heart. Some books just translate better for me when I listen. And such was the case with this novel. I became easily immersed in Nat's world. The reader was Victoria Fox and did a great job with presenting Louis's book. She has a pleasant accent and is easily understood. She has easily captured the emotions of the plot with her voice. I did find the speed of the speaking a bit slow for me, so I sped it up to .09. A lovely listen of a thoughtful, well written book. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Key to My Heart. 

Bleeding Heart Yard - Elly Griffiths

Bleeding Heart Yard is the third book in Elly Griffiths' Harbinder Kaur series. 

For me, it is Griffiths' characters that that have made me such a fan. Yes, Ruth Galloway is my fave, but Harbinder is a close second. She too, is not a cookie cutter character. She's 'real'and her personal life has been moving forward. I really like her inner dialogue. Her professional life is moving forward as well.  She's landed in London with her own squad as a Detective Inspector. The squad is a mixed bag of new players - that I hope will become regulars.

Harbinder's first 'in charge' case is a puzzle for sure. A MP is found dead at his school's twenty-first reunion. There are a number of suspects to choose from for the whodunit. But the focus ends up on the members of 'The Group' - an 'elite' group of students.  It took me a few chapters to solidify who was who in the group, specifically the women. 

Bleeding Heart is written from a number of viewpoints - Harbinder's and group members Anna and Cassie. Anna and Cassie's past entries give the reader background, memories and motives - for each and every player. They're all hiding something. Present day chapters let us see how the investigation is proceeding, even as events from the past take on more of a motive for the current day crime. I did find the numerous interviews a bit repetitive.

The settings descriptions are well drawn and I quite liked the lore behind some of them - especially Bleeding Heart Yard. I think Harbinder's change of locale will open up a lot of opportunities for future cases and plots. And for Harbinder's personal life!

 

All in all, Bleeding Heart Yard is another great entry in this series. A little bit slower than the previous two books but still a very entertaining read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Bleeding Heart Yard. And a quick P.S. - that cover is fantastic!

The Couple at the Table - Sophie Hannah

Sophie Hannah's latest book, The Couple at the Table, is a 'locked room' mystery - one of my absolute favorite premises.

Five couples are enjoying their their getaway at a small, luxury resort. It's all wonderful - right up to the moment when of the guests turns up dead. Ten guests and limited staff are on site. Only eight of those guest are suspect though. It turns out that one couple - Simon and Charlie - are police officers. The investigation begins immediately. You'd think it would be easy to suss out the culprit with such a limited pool of suspects - but you'd be wrong.

Hannah is a master at this style of tale. Things start to unfold and the  listener might feel they've got a handle on the whodunit....only to be proven wrong, over and over again. Hannah is a clever, clever writer. If you love a twisty, turny narrative, this one's for you. Although all is explained by the final pages, if you like to try and solve the case before the end, you'll have to pay close attention. You can't trust any of players!

Simon and Charlie are part of a series, but this could absolutely be listened to as a standalone. The two play off each other well, with two differing mindsets and skill sets. 

I chose to listen to The Couple at the Table. The reader was Julie Maisey and she did a terrific job. Her voice is pleasing, her accent lovely and the speed of reading is just right. She speaks clearly.  Maisey has movement to her voice, easily capturing the emotions of the characters and the actions of Hannah's plot. It was easy to know who was speaking. I often find I become more in a book when I listen and that was definitely the case with The Couple at the Table. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Couple at the Table.

A Murder at Balmoral - Chris McGeorge

A Murder at Balmoral is Chris McGeorge's new 'locked room' mystery. I absolutely adore this format!

The setting is of course, the Royal Castle at Balmoral. McGeorge's Royal Family is fiction, based on Edward VIII not abdicating the throne. One of his progeny - Eric - is the current King. Although, there are a few sly similarities to some current Royals. (But no disrespect in regards to the recent passing of the Queen)

It's Christmas and the King has directed that his immediate family come to Balmoral for the holidays. The staff are sent home - excepting the head of security and Jon, the chef. And what else is needed for that locked room mystery? A blizzard of course, which completely cuts off anyone coming in or going out. 

From the publisher's description: "The king is dead. The killer is in the family. Solving this murder will be a royal pain."

The book is told through Jon's eyes, ears and actions. He is to act as the de facto investigator as directed by the other family members. Here's where the Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot feel kicks in. He begins with individual interviews. But he really doesn't know what to ask. Jon has his work cut out, trying to still wear his chef's hat, remember his station - oft reminded by some of the Royals - and enduring some blatant racism. Where things go next is influenced by many unexpected twists and turns. Some of them are a bit unbelievable, but just go with it - those somewhat over the top moments make the book a lot of fun to read.

The culprit is indeed known by the end chapters. But the whodunit and epilogue surprised me with a situation that there's no way to predict. And the prologue now made sense to me. 

I enjoyed A Murder at Balmoral. McGeorge is a new to me author and I'll happily pick up his next title. See for yourself - read an excerpt of A Murder at Balmoral.

The Other Side of Night - Adam Hamdy

The early praise of crime writer Adam Hamdy's new novel, The Other Side of Night, caught my attention. 

Here's the description from the publisher:

"The Other Side of Night begins with a man named David Asha writing about his biggest regret: his sudden separation from his son, Elliot. In his grief, David tells a story. Next, we step into the life of Harriet Kealty, a police officer trying to clear her name after a lapse of judgment. She discovers a curious inscription in a secondhand book—a plea: Help me, he’s trying to kill me. Who wrote this note? Who is “he”? This note leads Harri to David Asha, who was last seen stepping off a cliff. Police suspect he couldn’t cope after his wife’s sudden death. Still, why would this man jump and leave behind his young son? Quickly, Harri’s attention zeroes in on a person she knows all too well. Ben Elmys: once the love of her life. A surrogate father to Elliot Asha and trusted friend to the Ashas."

Initially, this description is what caught my eye. But it's presented differently than I had expected. The plot is intricate, somewhat byzantine, and falls into the literary mystery genre in my opinion. To be fair, I found the book to be a bit overwhelming. The narrative explores a theory I won't name, to prevent a spoiler. What I will say is that it didn't interest me. Given the description, I had expected more of a traditional mystery. That being said, I did finish the book, but in jumps and spurts.  I grew tired of hearing about 'a secret' over and over again, but with no answer. 

I chose to listen to The Other Side of Night. The reader was Justin Avoth. He has a wonderful rich full voice with a wonderfully resonant undertone. He's easy on the ears and his speed of reading was good. He uses his voice effectively to accentuate the author's work. However, the same voice is used for all the characters. I would have preferred a different tone or tenor to discern who was speaking. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Other Side of Night. 

I'm in the minority of this one - I encourage you to check out the five star reviews on Goodreads. 

The Lost Ticket - Freya Sampson

I love my mystery and thriller reads, but the books that stick with me a bit longer are those that tug at my heart strings.

That's very much the case with Freya Sampson's latest novel, The Lost Ticket.

Libby is a newcomer to London, and arrived carrying some emotional baggage, along with her suitcase. An elderly passenger strikes up a conversation with her while they both ride the 88 bus. Sixty years ago, while riding the bus, he met a girl. A girl who he thought could be 'the' one for him. She gave him her phone number.....but he lost it. And so, every day, for sixty years, he's ridden the same route, hoping to find her. There's another rider that day as well that will become part of the search for Frank's lost girl.

Uh huh, all the right elements are in place for a 'tug at your heartstrings' read. Love lost, love found, loneliness, friendship, purpose, meaning and connections. What we all need - people, not things.

I adored the three main players in The Lost Ticket. Working together, they find what they were missing when they were alone. The supporting cast is just as endearing.

I loved the premise as well. The big question is of course, do they find the girl on the bus? I'm going to leave you to find out for yourself. The ending was, for this reader, satisfying. (But have a tissue handy.) An easy feel-good five stars!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Lost Ticket. Sampson's writing is a delight.

And be sure to check out Sampson's debut novel, The Last Chance Library. It's just as heartwarming! My review.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time A - Gillian McAllister

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a first read/listen of Gillian McAllister for me - but it certainly won't be the last!

The premise? "You’re waiting up for your seventeen-year-old son. He’s late. As you watch from the window, he emerges, and you realize he isn’t alone: he’s walking toward a man, and he’s armed. You can’t believe it when you see him do it: your funny, happy teenage son, he kills a stranger, right there on the street outside your house. You don’t know who. You don’t know why. You only know your son is now in custody. His future shattered."

Uh huh, I was hooked immediately. But that's just the catalyst. McAllister's plotting and execution are very, very clever. I went in blind on the full description of the plot, and I think the book was all the better for me that I did so. Some may say that one of the plot devices has has been done before. Well, yes it has, in varying forms, but I think McAllister's take on this idea was unique. And she also gives the listener/reader lots of unexpected twists and turns. (Love this!)  

The murder is a given, but finding out that 'why' is a deliciously winding, surprising path. Alongside this runs an exploration of maternal love, the inside of a marriage and the secrets we keep and the things we hide.

I chose to listen to Wrong Place, Wrong Time. The reader was Lesley Sharp and her voice absolutely suited the lead character of Jen. Her voice is low and throaty, the  kind of tone that you lean in to hear. Her British accent is lovely and pleasant to listen to. The speed of the reading is just right. Her voice rises and falls with whatever situation or emotion is taking place. She enunciates clearly. Sharp interprets and presents McAllister's work very, very well. An excellent reading of a fantastic novel. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Wrong Place, Wrong Time.

The Couple at Number 9 - Claire Douglas

The Couple at Number 9 is Claire Douglas's new suspense tale - and it's one you'll want to add to your 'must listen' list. 

Saffron and her boyfriend Tom are expecting their first child. Saffron's grandmother Rose has gifted a house to them as she is now in a care home. The couple decide to make a few renovations to the house. But the builders find something quite unexpected - two bodies under the back patio. The police want to question Rose of course, but she has Alzheimer's. What will she be able to add to the investigation? Saffy also thinks there's someone watching the house. Is it someone from Rose's past? The killer? 

I really like the multiple points of view used in the The Couple at Number 9. The timeline also goes from past to present. The pacing of the book is slower, which actually worked well for this book. There are clues scattered between the two that had me thinking I easily knew who was the culprit was - and why they did it. I'm happy to say that I was proven wrong! Douglas throws in a twist that you won't see coming at all. Well done! 

Relationships of all kinds are explored and are the backbone of the plot. The characters are well developed with quite a bit of detail. I liked Saffy as the lead player. She grows over the course of the book.

I chose to listen to The Couple at Number 9. The reader was Kenton Thomas. She's got a lovely British accent that is easy on the ears, clearly enunciated and a good speaking pace. Thomas does a wonderful job interpreting and presenting Douglas's story. She easily captures the emotions and situations in the book. Thomas provides different, believable voices for each characters, making it easy to know who is speaking. And like I've mentioned before - I become more drawn into a book when I listen. That was definitely the case with The Couple at Number 9. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

The It Girl - Ruth Ware

I'm a fan of Ruth Ware's writing. I don't even bother reading the flyleaf before jumping in - I just know I'm in for a great tale! Her new book is The It Girl. 

There's one on every campus - an 'It Girl' - popular, vivacious and somewhat catty. That describes April Clarke-Cliveden to a tee. And on the other side of the coin is her uncertain, quiet, studious new roommate, Hannah Jones, at Oxford. They're chalk and cheese, but strike up an unlikely friendship. Hannah also comes to know and become a part of a group of April's friends.

Hannah is the voice of this book. We see everything through her eyes in 'before' and 'after' chapters that span ten years. What event has Hannah marking time like this? It's the death of her friend April (not a spoiler as this is in the publisher's description) And the now is that the man associated with her death has died and a reporter is digging up the past. I love back and forth narratives, being left hanging at the end of a chapter. It makes for a lot of one more chapter' listening. 

Hannah is uncertain is so many ways - what is her own place in the group of friends, her marriage, her own self worth, her work and more. She questions every little bit of the past and begins to doubt what she thought was the truth. And how does that affect the present.....

I chose to listen to The It Girl. The narrator was Imogen Church, a favorite of mine. She's come up with voices that are absolutely perfect for the characters. Hannah's voice is hesitant, deferring to stronger personalities. April's voice is by turns, haughty, derisive, needling, but also kind. A few times I could hear a 'valley girl' tone. There are other female characters and quite a few male players as well. Church provides a different tone for each that makes it easy to know who is speaking. Church's voice is easy to understand, with clear diction and a perfect reading speed. I thought she captured and presented Ware's book very well. She brings the emotions and actions of the book to life. I know I became more immersed in this book by choosing to listen.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle - Matt Cain

I knew from the first chapters of Matt Cain's new novel, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, that I was going to love it.

Albert is a small town postman in England. He does his best to stay out of the spotlight and do his job, keeping himself to himself. His only company is his cat Gracie. But then he receives notice that as he is turning 65, he must retire. 

My curiosity was piqued. Why does he live such a small life? What has happened in his life? What will he do now, without his job to anchor him? I knew what I wanted to have happen....

Slowly, but surely Albert ventures out into the world, speaking to people, beginning to interact and more. And finally, he decides to rectify his biggest regret, the one that shaped his small world.

Ahh, what a great lead character. You can't help but behind Albert cheering him on as he takes hesitant steps forward. And your heart will break when you learn of the 'why', the 'who' and the how. Just as engaging as Albert are the friends he makes, the community he becomes part of, and the life he finds at sixty five. 

Matt Cain has penned a wonderful feel good listen. It's easy to predict what the end of Albert's odyssey will bring, but the journey there is enjoyable, uplifting and heart warming.

I chose to listen to The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. The reader was Simon Vance - one of my favorites. He has a rich tone to his voice and a lovely British accent, that's very easy on the ears. The voice he initially uses for Albert is hesitant and unsure. But as the book progresses, Albert's voice grows stronger. Vance provides different and identifiable voices for the other characters, including female players. I thought the voice for Nicole was spot on. Vance has captured Cain's work and does a great job of presenting it. The emotions and situations are well portrayed. I've often said that I become more immersed in a book when I listen and this was the case for The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

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