Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life by Lucy Worsley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life by Lucy Worsley is a captivating and insightful biography that offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most iconic figures. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview of Victoria’s entire reign, Worsley focuses on twenty-four pivotal days that shaped the course of her life and reign, offering readers a deeper…
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A Body in the Bookshop
A Body in the Bookshop by Helen Cox My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Body in the Bookshop in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Body in the Bookshop by Helen Cox is a delightful and charming cozy mystery that will appeal to book lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. Set in the quaint English village of Knavesborough, Cox’s novel follows the amateur sleuthing adventures of librarian turned detective, Kitt Hartley, as she investigates a murder that shakes the quiet community to its core. The Details Cox’s writing is…
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What Happened That Night
What Happened That Night by Deanna Cameron My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of What Happened That Night in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Deanna Cameron’s What Happened That Night is a compelling young adult thriller that delves into themes of trauma, family secrets, and the quest for truth. While the novel delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative, it occasionally falters in character development and pacing, making it a solid but not exceptional read. The Details The story centres around Clara Porterfield, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of a…
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Aix Marks the Spot
Aix Marks the Spot by Sarah Anderson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Aix Marks the Spot in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Anderson’s Aix Marks the Spot offers a light and engaging read, ideal for fans of cozy mysteries. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, the novel provides a delightful blend of travel, mystery, and a touch of romance, though it occasionally falls short in terms of plot complexity and character depth. The Details Anderson’s vivid descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are a highlight of the book, transporting…
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The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife
The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife by Liese Sherwood-Fabre My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Liese Sherwood-Fabre’s The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife is a captivating and inventive addition to the Sherlock Holmes pastiche genre, offering readers an intriguing glimpse into the formative years of the world’s most famous detective. This novel serves as the first in the “Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes” series, and it skillfully combines historical detail with a richly imagined backstory for…
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Terraformer
Terraformer by Colleen Houck My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Terraformer in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story centres around a young protagonist named Astra Meador, who is part of a pioneering team tasked with transforming a barren planet into a habitable world. As Astra and her teamwork against the clock to complete their mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and mysteries that threaten not only their mission but also their lives. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, as the team uncovers secrets about the planet and…
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The Night Girl
The Night Girl by James Bow My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night Girl by James Bow is a charming and inventive urban fantasy novel that reimagines the bustling city of Toronto as a magical playground where humans and faeries coexist in secret. Blending elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, Bow creates a captivating world filled with wonder, danger, and unexpected connections. The Details At the heart of the story is Perpetua “Pet” Farnham, a young woman with a…
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Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons
Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons by David Stafford My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Set in 1930s England, the novel follows the exploits of barrister Arthur Skelton, who is drawn into a perplexing case involving suspected poisoning. When Harriet Bugler is accused of murdering her husband, Skelton takes on the challenge of defending her. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns as Skelton navigates the complexities of the case, uncovering hidden secrets and confronting a…
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The Day Lincoln Lost
The Day Lincoln Lost by Charles Rosenberg My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Day Lincoln Lost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story is set against the backdrop of the 1860 presidential election, a pivotal moment in American history. Rosenberg presents a scenario where Lincoln’s victory is not assured. The novel explores the ramifications of a contentious and closely contested election, where political maneuvering and legal battles play crucial roles. As Lincoln faces formidable opponents and a divided nation, the narrative delves into the complex dynamics of…
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Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery
Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery by Laurie Williamson and Chet Williamson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story follows the investigation of a murder that links the past with the present. The protagonist, a seasoned detective, delves into a mystery that spans decades, uncovering secrets that have been buried for years. The dual timelines are woven seamlessly, providing a rich tapestry of historical context and modern-day sleuthing. The Details The characters…
