4.3

pirate, artist, outcast…

The tale of Patch Macauley, a 13yo one-eyed boy and his friendship with Saint Brown. Patch saves a girl, Misty Meyer, from abduction, only to become a victim himself.

The story of the intertwining of their lives spanning 25 years. The character’s decisions and actions will lead to struggles and challenges, conflicts, and hopefully solutions.


A character study of imperfect characters. Quite an unusual tale. Very imaginative.

Very descriptive writing of small-town life. I could see and hear the sights and sounds.

First time reader of this author. I’m curious now about We Begin at the End.

A tiche too long for my taste. I prefer a book I can read in 2 days. Great beginning & ending, but the middle portion dragged a bit.

All the feels.

Ripple effect is evident.

4.4

Adrenaline, Dictaphone, no regrets…

Raise the curtain for Richard Osman’s latest production! We Solve Murders stars Steve Wheeler, father-in-law / retired policeman with 25 years of service and daughter-in-law Amy Wheeler, who works as a private security officer.

Three murder victims, all clients of Maximum Impact Solutions (Amy’s employer) have been found. Evidence found at each crime scene ties Amy to the crimes.

Steve and Amy will team together to solve the puzzle and to learn the identity of Francois Loubet. Nothing will stop them in their quest!

Well, ALMOST nothing!


THAT LAST LINE!!! (Don’t peek!)

Osman has a unique way of writing. Count me in as a recent fan!

A frenzy of a story! Funny, twisty, and refreshing characters! Lots of high jinks! Rosie is a hoot!

I started reading Osman and Stevenson at the same time. I did not expect to like the books by either author. (Cozy mysteries are NOT my usual genre). I have now read 5 books by Osman. I am waiting for the next Thursday Murder Club book and now look forward to the next book about the Wheelers!

4.5

Less than, parlay, mischief…

Amber, Daphne, Daisy Ann and Jackson return in The Next Mrs. Parrish.

From guttersnipe to power holder, Amber is up to her usual shenanigans, clawing her way to the top. Her effort and determination to grab every golden opportunity in life is in evidence.

Meanwhile Daphne has returned to Connecticut. She is “caught between her old and new life,” concerning Jackson.

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” That is, keep them as close as you dare. You’ll be safer if you know more about your enemies - definitely the case here.


I attended the Liv Constantine author event on July 10, 2024. A great event!

I reread The Last Mrs. Parrish & then binged The First Shot and The Next Mrs. Parrish in the last 3 days. I’m glad I read all 3 back-to-back. It’s not necessary but I’m glad I did because I didn’t remember much about Book #1.

A feverish plot!
A satisfying end result!

Enjoyed reading about the mischief of these characters! All 3 books were fun reads!

3.9

Thank you to Book Browse and Sourcebooks for this unique read!

Haze, energy field, cycle…

Lexi is dealing with her Saturn return - basically "her astrological coming of age," which happens approximately every 30 years in a person's lifetime. Her infatuation with energy healing and energetic fields will cause distance with other important people in her life, including her husband and close friends. It will be a time of reckoning for Lexi - a call to step up and take responsibility for her life. How successfully will she be able to navigate her Saturn return?

Lexi's navigation will deal with denial, coping, acceptance, grief, and relationships. Lexi will feel other's emotions which will cause confusion and turmoil.


This book is not my typical read. It was unique with an unusual storyline.

I do not share Lexi's worldview. This is the first time I've heard of Saturn return. Much info available online. I also haven't heard much about the mixture of 5 different personality elements . Again, much info online.

Plot involves self-discovery and transformation.

AVAILABLE Aug 13, 2024

Warning: miscarriage

Thank you to Book Browse and W. W. Norton for this great read!

5.0

Entrust, mystery, unravel…

The Stolen Child has several storylines:

1917- American soldier Nick Burns is in a trench on a French farm. He paints a mural on the trench wall while waiting for the Germans to arrive. Camille, who lives on the farm with her husband, gives Nick her newborn baby and some of her personal paintings, saying, "Save them."

1935-1970s - Enzo and his brother Massimo are craftsmen in Naples, Italy, specializing in Nativities.

1973 - Rhode Island IHOP waitress Jenny loves everything Italy. She answers an ad to accompany a dying man, Nick Burns, to France "to look for a baby." Except now this "baby" would be approximately 60 years old!

A tale of doubt, decisions with long-term consequences, secrets, regrets, fate, and forgiveness. What happened to a vanished artist and an abandoned baby?

AVAILABLE May 7, 2024

THOUGHTS:

I knew on page 1 that I was going to like this book! I read it in one day! This will likely be in my top reads for 2024!

A WWI story that doesn't dwell on the war. This story is definitely a well-developed character-driven story.

So descriptive, starting on page 1 when recounting Enzo & his Nativities.

This is such an ageless story! The Stolen Child was definitely a page-turner. I couldn't wait to learn Nick's story!

A spellbinding story; heart-wrenching at times.

I have not read this author before but will be checking her backlist .

5.0

Charges pending, witness, diary…

A death, a rape, a trial…. Justice???

Martha is a midwife in 1780s Hallowell , Maine. When a body is found in the icy Kennebec River, she is called to determine the cause of death. The new Harvard-educated, male doctor in town, Dr. Page, disagrees with her findings, citing “accident” as the cause of death.

The body found in the frozen river just happened to be accused of raping the pastor’s wife (along with another “respected” towns person).

A tale of everyday frontier life in the 18th century, journaling, tending to women’s health, prejudice, and equal justice for all.

BRAVO - a great read!


I bought this book last month. I wish I had read it sooner! This will DEFINITELY be in my top reads for this year! Highly recommend!

I have read / enjoyed all of Lawhon’s books but this is my new favorite! This will be a hard act to follow!

Much interesting info about court procedures. Example: court in a tavern and who can & cannot testify in this period of time.

Martha was ahead of the times. A confident, bold, candid, commanding personality. Info online about the real Martha and her diary / journal. The author’s note is a must - read.

Great characters - some you will love and others to hate!

4.4

Outlandish, misjudgment, legend…

The four septuagenarians of the Thursday Murder Club at the Coopers Chase retirement village - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron , and Ibrahim return.

Relaxation didn’t last long after their involvement in their last case. Now their current caper includes diamonds, M15, a dead man who never was, the mafia, and several murders.

Elizabeth is good at “making people believe what she wants them to believe.” But in the end, sometimes things are “exactly as they seem.”


Book #2 is a fun, witty read. Love the quirky characters! Elizabeth is my favorite!

Another good read - unputdownable! I will be reading #3 soon!

Much humor throughout the book. Ex: “My palace has many rooms. Some are dustier than others.” (Referring to her brain / memory). p. 133

5.0
Naive, family image, shame…

17yo Lorraine is a senior in high school. She is an “it girl” - pretty, has a steady boyfriend, from a reputable family, a good student, and the sure-to-be class valedictorian. “Decency, modesty, and reputation” are of the utmost importance to her 1960s NC family.

When Lorraine becomes pregnant, her family sends her away to a maternity home for unwed girls. Here we learn of the daily manner of living, routines, rules, relationships ( and non-relationships), with others in the home. During her 3 month stay, Lorraine will often feel a sense of loss and despair.

But Lorraine can be feisty and braver than she thinks. What will be her fate? What does the future hold for her?

A moving, spellbinding story about families, relationships, shame, secrets, dreams, fear, loneliness, and heartbreak.

Beautifully written. Very descriptive writing. Lots of foreshadowing. Ex: watching the stars in the dilapidated farmhouse (p.42) and concerning secrets (p.54) to name just a few.

What an ending!

I highly recommend this unputdownable story!

I loved The Last Carolina Girl & now this book by this author. I will continue to read future books. Grab The Last Carolina Girl if you haven’t read it yet!

I attended Meagan Church’s author event in NC on 3-1-24. I enjoyed meeting her & enjoyed her stories about the drowning, her childhood home, and her children. A fun event!

Catch “This Week’s Best New Books” in Women’s World magazine . 3-18-24. This book is included! Congrats!

4.5 — Last box, illusion, adventure …

In 1939 14 yo Hazel and 5 yo Flora are evacuated as part of Operation Pied Piper from London to the countryside of Binsey .

A train ride from home and now living with Bridie and Harry Aberdeen , Hazel creates stories to calm and entertain her little sister. Hazel’s stories are like a pacifier for Flora, and Hazel feels that her little stories keep them safe during these wartime years. Their favorite story is about Whisperwood, a fairy tale Hazel fashioned about a magical place just for the two of them.

Then in 1940 Flora vanishes near the river. What could have happened to her?

20 years later, Hazel finds a book at her bookshop job, published in America. It’s titled Whisperwood and The River of Stars - just like the story Hazel once developed so long ago just for her little sister. Known only to the two of them, how could this possibly be?

“Not that long ago and not so far away…”

I bought this book in May 2023. It’s been on my TBR pile this long. I should have read it sooner!

I read Surviving Savannah by this author in 2021. It was in my top 3 books of the year! I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet!

The tale of the magic of storytelling, sisterly bonds, and relationships.

I absolutely love the pictures on the end pages! Gorgeous!

I’ve read several books about Operation Pied Piper but this book has a unique storyline. Much info online.

I couldn’t put this one down! I knew Hazel’s stories and couldn’t wait to hear Flora’s story!

4.0

Broken, loyalty, rift…

The four Padavano sisters - Julia, Sylvie, and twins Cecelia and Emeline grew up in Chicago inseparable.

Julia met William Waters in college. He didn’t have the same loving , loyal, contented upbringing as the sisters. His past will play an important part in more than one sister’s life.

A tale of loss, rejection, flaws, rift, and depression, as well as love, acceptance, and forgiveness.


An emotional family story. A saga of a family circle.

Bittersweet ending.

A lot of boxes checked in this one - depression, gay character, single mother, walking away, and divorce. Of course , the girl’s mother was horrified by these events.

First time reader of this author.

4.5

Shard, artists, chatroom…

Detective Matthew Venn returns for a new case in Book #2 of the series. Many of the same characters but a new investigation. One murder will lead to more at the rural home of a group of artists. Is there a link with the earlier suicide of a young man?

Matthew Venn will lead the investigation into the deaths. His husband Jonathan compares Matthew to a heron . “So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on the prey.” While Matthew at times feels muddled - “too much going on. Too many connections. Too many motives.”


I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event in Sept 2023. I had never read any of her books at that time. Book #3 of the Matthew Venn novels was included with the ticket. I also bought Book #1 at the event. A few days after reading/enjoying #1, I ordered #2. Unfortunately , I’m just getting to Book #2 now three months later. I should have read it sooner!

You will learn a lot of details in Matthew’s team briefings / meetings.

Lots of new-to-me vocabulary. Ex: boring sod, Billy-no-makes, hubby is a dry, old stick, and dogsbody.

Lots of possible suspects & motives. I did not figure it out!

Another gripping whodunit/mystery/police procedural.

I said this in my review of #3 The Raging Storm, but it’s worth repeating. Consider me a new fan of this author!

Mayhem, convent, shadow…

The “Japanese Opera” group that schedules the Jigsaw room for two hours each Thursday is really “The Thursday Murder Club.” They book the room under the name Japanese Opera to ensure their privacy and to keep the unwanted out of their meetings.

Four of the retirement village residents- Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, all over 65yo and with varying backgrounds, like to study the files of unsolved murder cases. They like to thoroughly study witness statements, photo evidence, and read any reports line by line.

And now they are involved with their first real-life case, right on the retirement village property. “A real case with a real corpse, and a real killer “ who is out and about. So now, of course, The Thursday Murder Club will try to do their duty and come to the aid of the police.


Thanks to Mindy at @bookendsnmb for suggesting I buy the debut book instead of the current book in the series!

I am tardy on starting this series! Now I will check on the next 2 books in the series!

A witty, fun read! Entertaining , quirky characters!

I was MOST curious about Elizabeth’s background story!

Lots of misdirection!

Inevitable, writing slump, secrets…

Friends since childhood, Emily and Chess, now 30ish , book an Italian villa for a summer of togetherness, inspiration, and writing. Both are writers, but of different genres of books.

This same villa was rented for a summer in 1974 by a rock star and his three guests. A best-selling horror novel will be written, a hit album will be created, and a murder will occur before their summer visit in 1974 is over.

Emily begins to dig for secrets from the villa’s historical past. Of course “stories change depending on who’s telling them.” “The villa is like a perfect jewel waiting for some other story to unfold in its walls.” How will their summer visit end?

This has been on my TBR pile for quite some time. A quick, entertaining read.

I also read /enjoyed The Wife Upstairs. Actually I preferred The Wife Upstairs.

Lots of plot twists.

Escape, survival, justice…

Bright Young Women was inspired by the real events surrounding a serial killer in WA, UT, CO, and FL in the late 1970s. The focus of the story is on the sorority house girls in FL, rather than on The Defendant, who remains unnamed in the story.

The FL sorority house victims include two deceased and two maimed. Pamela is the president of the sorority, who wants justice for her best friend’s death.

Tina, from Seattle, has been trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her roomie/friend Ruth four years ago. Tina travels to FL when she suspects the FL suspect may be the same person.

The gripping tale of hair-raising events and the distressed but courageous characters.

Lots of publicity about this one- that’s why I chose to read it!

Author captured the feel for the timeframe.

First time reader of this author.

Ruth’s chapter/story near the end is an eye-opener!

I liked the focus on the victims & survivors rather than sensationalizing the accused.

4.5

Stolen, truth bends, puzzle…

1, 2, 3 = 1 victim, 2 murders, & 3 suspects

4 women -

80yo Edith, ex store detective, lives at The Windsor Care Home and desires more than anything to return to her home and her dog. She is estranged from her daughter.

18yo Patience works the jobs at The Windsor Care Home that nobody else wants. She is the youngest employee and is just one of the invisible help.

30something Frankie works at the prison library. She counts everything in her surroundings. Her compulsion to count is how she calms herself. “Numbers buzz like bees until they escape her lips & fly away.” She doesn’t trust anyone and thinks today just MAY be her last day at work.

50ish Clio is a therapist. But “ the person she presents to the world no longer has much in common with the person she has become.”

Of course there is an unknown link between the women! All are harboring long-term secrets . Abandonment, rejection, struggling, failed relationships , regrets, and lies play a major part in all of their lives.

And now there’s been a murder! DCI Chapman is hot on the trail of discovery. Who is responsible? What is the motive? Will she be able to solve the puzzle?


Lots of plot twists! This should keep you guessing! What a finale!

I have subscribed for 2 years to my local indie bookshop’s Mysterious book subscription. This was one of my surprise books - I am playing catch-up. It’s fun to get a surprise book each month!

I would have bought this book anyway, if it hadn’t appeared as my subscription book!

4.5

Reminisce , chance encounter, park…

A tale about loneliness, feelings of isolation, and a disconnect with others.

Missy is a 79yo woman who lives alone. Her two adult children live at a distance. She is without meaningful relationships with her family and she is lacking friends and social connections.

Until one day after a chance encounter, everything begins to change for Missy. She gradually engages with others and starts to develop a sense of belonging.

An uplifting tale of loneliness, relationships, companionship, and worthiness.


A winning debut!

This was the book chosen for November 2023 by my book club. Curious to hear other opinions at today’s meeting! I already know one other’s opinion!

Emotional story. The main character became more likable as the story progressed.

Tearjerker ending! I loved the ending!

A huge secret is revealed …. It’s jaw -dropping!

5.0

Dreams, glamour, legacy…

Two 1950s storylines —

Marion has either danced or taught the beginners at the ballet and dance studio for much of her young life. At 19 yo, on a whim , Marion auditions for the Rockettes . Surprisingly, Marion is among the 46 chosen to be hired. Her father is furious with her decision to accept the job - he wants her to quit and marry her boyfriend Nathaniel. Nathaniel finds it hard to believe that she would pass up this opportunity for marriage.

From 1940 - 1956, an unidentified man has placed 31 pipe bombs around NYC public locales. The latest bomb was at Radio City Music Hall during a Rockettes performance, resulting in one fatality. Police investigations for 16 years have not led to an arrest.

An acquaintance , Peter, a resident doctor at a state hospital is interested in the “personality road map” of profiling. His goal is to publish.

How do Marion and Peter become involved in trying to solve the crime?

What does F P mean?

What secret is her father hiding?


Fiona Davis is an auto- buy for me. This is my favorite historical fiction book of hers!

I have read all of her NYC books. I’ve visited NYC 7x and I feel I’ve done a fair amount of sightseeing. I wish now I had gone to Radio City Music Hall!

I bought this book on my recent vacation. Imagine my surprise when I got home & realized I had a signed copy! Maybe from her author event at the store a few weeks earlier???

A dramatic final act of an ending!

Good cast of characters!

A nice mixture of mystery, suspense, romance, & NYC history.

Don’t skip the author’s note at the end! Photos & info online about RCMH history and the real NY bomber. He left bombs in phone booths, restrooms,& lockers in many of the iconic NYC locales.

Highly recommend! Historical fiction devotees will love this one!

4.2

Thank you to Book Browse and Flatiron books for this unique read!

Loneliness, quickie divorce, independence…

Lois is one of several women staying at the Golden Yarrow Ranch, a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada. All of the women are wannabe divorcees, living at the ranch for six weeks, in order to meet Reno's 1951 residency requirements for obtaining a divorce.

The women have diverse backgrounds and varying reasons for wanting a divorce. Mysterious Greer appears in the middle of the night, and proceeds to change everything. She influences the others in both good and bad ways, but definitely "toppling the scales" of the ranch format. They will all "enter a world Greer has willed into existence ."

Not all is as it seems…


Available March 28, 2024

Thoughts / comments:
A good debut set in the 1950s razzle dazzle of Reno. A unique storyline of female friendships, secrets, starting over, self-discovery, and consequences. I would read future books by this author.

Descriptive writing of desert scenes and casinos! I could behold the sights and sounds!

Liked the cover!

Somewhat abrupt ending - not what I expected.

Superstitious , artifacts, resentful…

A giveaway win from @jordys.book.club. So exciting! Thank you!

19yo identical twins Olivia and Clara “Marionetta” (née Smith) are both ballerinas dancing for the Vic-Wells Ballet in 1933 London.

A tale of obsessive love and new beginnings. What happens when one twin gets a marriage proposal? What happens when only one twin gets the career offer of a lifetime? What happens when one twin wonders if she is “talented enough, strong enough, beautiful enough, without her sister to reflect back on her? Without her twin, she might be just ordinary Olivia Smith again.”

Thank you to Union Square & Co & Jordy for this entertaining read!

Duffel, superstitions, besotted…

Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team are back and working on a new case. Jeremy (Jem) Rosco, local celebrity/sailor/adventurer is back in Greystone. His body has just been found naked in an anchored boat in Scully Cove, posed as “if for the lifeboat crew to find.” Detective Venn finds the crime meticulously planned , with almost TOO much information. His intuition says it “looks like a show, a performance.”

Another body is found. Was Barty pushed off a cliff at Scully Cove or did he commit suicide?

A tale of love of power, charisma, manipulation, resentment, envy, and revenge.

Superstitions and legends abound about Scully Cove- the locals are leery. “Skulls and bones and white, white light.” Why was this location chosen? Is there a connection between the two deaths? Why does Detective Venn think its all been staged?


Captivating page-turner! Whodunit / mystery and police procedural. Couldn’t put it down!

Loved the returning characters, plot, and plot twists!

Very descriptive writing.

Roller coaster ride right up to the final reveal!

Treat yourself - read all 3!

I read Book #1 before Raging Storm (but not Book #2). Of course with a new crime, there are new characters. I already knew Detective Venn & his team from Book #1. It isn’t necessary to read the others first. You could read this as a stand-alone.

I need to get #2!

I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event last month. I bought # 1 at the event and received #3 with my ticket. I’m hooked! Consider me a new fan!