It’s winter in Cornwall and Maddie Penrose – amateur sleuth extraordinaire – is baking up a storm for the village Christmas fair. All is merry and bright… until there’s a murder!
Maddie Penrose has been head-to-toe in tinsel, organising a delightfully cozy Christmas market. She’s just whipped up a fresh batch of mince pies and is serving them at the opening when stallholder Steve Granger pops one in his mouth… and instantly drops dead.
Determined to clear her name, Maddie must find out who poisoned the pies. It quickly becomes clear that many stallholders at the market had a motive to kill. Could it be grouchy Ruby, whose tea blends Steve mercilessly copied and sold as his own? What about Daisy from the dairy – she isn’t pleased Steve was selling Cornish cheese to rival hers. And local butcher Connor Davis has an axe to grind too… has he been plotting to handle more than just Christmas turkeys?
But who would go as far as poisoning a mince pie? Maddie is starting to get closer to the truth when there’s another murder, this time in the village bakery. Can she unravel the clues before the killer strikes again? Or is she next on their list…?
If you love amateur sleuths and cozy festive mysteries then you will adore Fliss Chester’s totally gripping novel, perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie!
Mince pies as a murder weapon! While Maddie Penrose may have a knack for amateur sleuthing, this latest murder deeply troubles her. She’s quite upset when the mince pies she made during the holiday season are said to have caused the death of one of her village’s residents. Naturally, she didn’t put anything poisonous in her pies. Determined to prove her innocence, she sets out to find the culprit.
This murder has certainly dampened the Christmas spirit. Maddie wasn’t just providing the pies for a Christmas market; she was the organizer. She had been excited to clean and redecorate her grandmother’s barn for the upcoming Christmas market. That joy was certainly cut short. Taking a natural pivot, she becomes relentless in clearing her name. Of course, there had to be a motive for the murder. If Maddie can figure that out, she’s certain she’ll find the true murderer.
Unfortunately for Maggie, not everyone in the village was excited about the Christmas spirit. It soon becomes clear to her that more than one person could have been responsible for the murder. And, it’s never far from her mind that her mince pies could actually be responsible for the murder. If that’s the case, then who put poison in one of the pies?
Maddie and her grandmother, Nor, are very close, and Nor wants the culprit found as well. With inclement weather overtaking the village of Cornwall, the beautiful snow that usually brings joy is now a curse. With a murderer on the loose, Maddie must work even harder at clearing her name. Will this determination result in Maddie becoming the next victim?
I enjoyed this third installment in the Maddie Penrose series. Both Maddie and Nor are delightful characters. It was easy to imagine being right there in Cornwall with them, enjoying their company, the beautiful weather, and the excitement of organizing the Christmas market. With Maggie once again showcasing her powers of deduction, much like she would prepare a recipe, this was a very entertaining read and a nice complement to the series. I look forward to seeing what next lies in store for Maddie.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
It was meant to be the perfect family trip at a house by a lake, miles from anywhere… until five-year old Gus disappears. Did he wander off into the empty fields? Or was he taken by someone close to home?
The mother: I never wanted to come on this trip but my sweet son Gus is so excited to see his cousins. My ex-husband Kyle is here, and his new fiancé. We’re all playing happy families until my beautiful little boy goes missing. My heart is broken. And the accusations start…
The new fiancée: I carefully apply my lipstick, ready to make the perfect impression. My husband-to-be thinks I’m excited to be a stepmother. But when I watch him with Gus, the darkest part of my heart wishes it was just the two of us – that Gus didn’t exist.
The uncle: My wife and teenage daughters think we’re in the middle of nowhere to spend time with our extended family, but I know why we’re really here. And I’m not the only one with secrets. Then Gus goes missing. We’re all exposed. And I don’t know who will survive the truth coming out…
An absolutely addictive psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and racing through the pages. Perfect for anyone who loves Andrea Mara, Shari Lapena or Claire Douglas.
I really enjoyed Nicole Trope’s writing in this novel! With three characters whose lives intersect, it quickly becomes clear that this is far from a happy family. When everyone gathers at a secluded farmhouse, the unthinkable happens: five-year-old Gus disappears. There’s his mother, Maisie, who is struggling with alcohol addiction; her ex-husband, Kyle, and his new fiancée, Kim; and Gus’s uncle, Daniel, who has his own reasons for being at the farmhouse.
Throughout the novel, I often felt uncomfortable, particularly when reading Maisie’s and Kim’s thoughts. Maisie seems to be losing her battle with alcohol, while Kim is happy to be marrying Kyle but far less enthusiastic about becoming Gus’s stepmother. And Daniel? He has secrets of his own.
Maisie and Kim were the characters who captivated me most. Maisie’s addiction adds another layer of emotional complexity, influencing both her actions and the reactions of those around her. Meanwhile, Kim’s unsettling thoughts about Gus kept me questioning her intentions. Nicole Trope does an exceptional job of portraying these complicated characters, drawing readers into their minds while maintaining an atmosphere of unease and suspense.
As the story unfolds, the questions keep coming. Is Maisie a bad mother? Who took Gus? Could Kim’s troubling thoughts lead her to harm him? And what role, if any, did Daniel play in the little boy’s disappearance?
Nicole Trope’s skillful characterization and ability to sustain suspense made this a compelling read. I particularly loved how she brought everything together in the ending, which culminates in three epilogues. As a fan of her work, I’m already looking forward to her next book!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because, as her professor pointed out, ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’
She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree. In between raising three children, working for her husband and renovating houses, she has published multiple bestselling novels. She lives in Sydney, Australia.
Reality and fiction collide in shocking violence for Detective Eve Ronin in a propulsive thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.
When Erin Casey, the actress who plays LASD detective Eve Ronin on TV, is gunned down after a ride-along, the intended target is the real Eve. What isn’t obvious is why.
As Eve hunts the shooter, her world fractures into more deadly reflections. The new sheriff forces Eve to exploit her fame to burnish his image—or he’ll destroy her partner, Duncan. And a reckless half sister Eve never knew she had pulls her toward a criminal conspiracy that’s already dumped a corpse in a Topanga Canyon ravine.
To save Erin, protect her half sister, and survive herself, Eve must find the killers before they strike again—and before her enemies inside the department finish the job for them.
I’m thrilled to be back in Eve Ronin’s world. Eve has been uncomfortable watching the television portrayal of her life. Despite her personal feelings, this is her new reality. Erin Casey, who plays the LASD detective, is shot and her life hangs in the balance, leaving Eve determined to find the culprit and uncover the reason behind the targeting. This is crucial for Eve because the shots were meant for her. Additionally, Eve is grappling with the revelation that she has siblings out there.
As if her load wasn’t heavy enough, she discovers that her half-sister, Lauren, is in danger. On top of that, things on the job are quite rocky, and Eve finds that she must tread lightly to avoid trouble. However, treading lightly is not Eve’s style. She just wants to get the job done and stop whatever perpetrators are in her path.
And then, there’s the beautiful narration of this book that makes this book and series a true joy. Please note: the author’s note states that this book can be read as a standalone adventure. For those who enjoy series, this book follows Fallen Star, book six in the series, and thus contains major spoilers of Bone Canyon, book two in the series. My advice? Head over to K+ and start the series from the beginning, with both ebook and audiobook for an immersive reading experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
Blinking back tears, the young woman gazes out across the wildflowers to the bay beyond. Her fingers clutch the precious locket, her only memory of the man she loves. Because the letter she was waiting for never came…
Running from a painful past, Rose is desperate for a new beginning. Confiding in Grace, the only friend who knows her secret, Rose is overwhelmed when Grace offers her a new life in her breathtaking second home on the wild Irish coast. Could this be the chance for Rose to finally heal?
As soon as she arrives in Orchid Bay, Rose falls under its spell, watching the waves glitter and the seabirds soar overhead. And as Rose rides horses along the windswept beach with handsome local farmer, Jim, she gradually begins to trust again. What could have happened to make Grace leave this magical place?
But just as Rose feels that she has finally found somewhere to call home, she discovers an unopened letter that changes everything. Could it explain why Grace left Orchid Bay all those years ago? And will the secret it contains drive Rose away from the bay too, or can she follow her heart and stay?
A totally gripping and heartbreaking read that will whisk you away to the Irish coast. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Tricia O’Malley and Mary Alice Monroe.
Rose believed she had escaped when she and her daughter, Chloe, fled to London to escape a stalker. However, he had found her again, leaving her in sheer terror. Now, she and Chloe had to flee once more. This time, they had to change their names and forget everything and everyone behind them.
Only one person from Rose’s past would have contact with her - an older woman named Grace. This was not the first time Grace had helped Rose, and her current act of kindness was truly remarkable. She bestowed upon Rose a bountiful blessing that would take Rose and Chloe to Ireland.
Arriving in Orchid Bay, Rose was filled with trepidation. Could she and Chloe truly start anew? More importantly, would they be safe? Initially hesitant, Rose gradually began to trust again and forge new friendships. The blessing she had received from Grace was a beautiful mansion. A letter from Grace assured Rose that this home was now hers. The location and scenery were stunning, and Rose hoped desperately that this blessing would keep her and Chloe safe.
This compelling story is a captivating read. While this third book in the Orchid Bay series can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, there are a few cameo appearances that readers are certain to relish. I have been thoroughly enjoying this series and eagerly anticipate what Ann O’Loughlin has in store for her readers next.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.
Welcome to The Friday Bookshop, a cozy little bookstore tucked inside a rustic train station north of Tokyo. Rumor has it, you’ll find the perfect book there—one that you need at that particular moment, even if you don’t know it yourself....
When college student Fumiya visits The Friday Bookshop as a last-ditch effort to find a book for his ill father, he is disappointed in its ordinary appearance despite whispers of its peculiar charm. But he soon discovers that it not only includes a café where the food menu changes daily on the chef’s whim but also a vast underground vault lined with bookshelves, lovingly converted from an old abandoned subway platform. The bookshop, run by a quirky trio who have been close friends since high school, quickly becomes Fumiya’s favorite place—so much so that he begins to work there part-time.
Fumiya, who was never really a reader, learns to embrace the joy of reading, and that books can be a means to connect with other people and navigate the twists and turns of life.
Through colorful interactions with the zany shop owners and their visitors, as well as mouthwatering dishes inspired by the books they recommend, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the seemingly ordinary yet enchanting little bookstore in the subway station in Kanto.
MY THOUGHTS
Fumiya, the son of a bookseller, might be expected to love reading. His life takes a turn when his father falls ill. In his desperate search for a specific book that his father wants, Fumiya discovers The Friday Bookshop, a place renowned for its uncanny ability to provide the perfect book for the right person. Managed by three friends, this bookshop really touches the lives of its patrons. The bookshop has hidden charms. Within its enchanting walls, Fumiya soon learns of an extraordinary underground vault filled with rows upon rows of bookshelves.
Although connecting with the characters wasn’t easy, this character-driven novel unfolded at a leisurely pace, emphasizing the significance of the relationships between its characters and the written word. Any book lover will appreciate the nods to renowned authors from around the globe. Interestingly, the book is divided into just four chapters, allowing readers to witness the interconnectedness of individual stories and characters.
The Friday Bookshop offers readers a captivating experience. One of its most compelling messages is the magic of books and the idea that the right story can find us at precisely the moment we need it. This resonates deeply with any avid reader. I am delighted that this book found its way into my hands as it weaves together themes of family, understanding, friendship, and personal growth, creating an engaging narrative.
Thanks to its English translation, readers can now immerse themselves in this delightful celebration of books and the connections they foster. Following the narrative, I appreciated the author’s memories that had an influence on the writing of this book.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
A war widow and a neglected boy form a chosen family in a profoundly moving multigenerational saga about the transformative power of kindness by New York Timesbestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
It’s 1970 in rural California where Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives with her two sons. It’s a routine life until she sees Cash Pierce, a scruffy eleven-year-old boy, trailing the fence alongside her Appaloosa, Phoenix. The horse never gave such a welcoming nicker to anyone but her late husband. Even her stubborn old dog Edsel takes to the boy. Out of curiosity and compassion, so does Shirley.
Abandoned by his father, his mother in jail, and raised by his teenage brother, Cash is lonely, bullied, but smart as a whip and starved for attention. Shirley begins inviting him for dinners, providing lunch money, sewing his shirts, and offering the maternal care he desperately needs. Neither realizes that such simple acts of kindness create a bond that will span five decades and redefine family itself. No matter where life takes Cash, he will never forget her.
Through war, loss, grief, illness, second chances, and years of separation they will meet again. Shirley was there for Cash. Now it’s his turn to be there for Shirley when she needs him the most.
Shirley’s old neighbor Gloria had a theory about people - ”Four out of five of the people you meet are people you really wouldn’t want to know at all.” Later, she shares this with her son. He immediately comes back with the rejoinder - “Meet ten people. There’ll be two good ones in there.”
MY THOUGHTS
This beautiful book demonstrates courage, strength and connection. In 1970, Shirley Bennett, a widowed mother raising her two sons alone, had slowly rebuilt her life after losing her husband in the Vietnam War. Still missing him and holding on to their memories, she maintained a special attachment to his horse, Phoenix. One day, she noticed a remarkable connection between Phoenix and a young boy. Learning of the sadness and neglect surrounding the boy’s life, Shirley found herself drawn to him. His name was Ludlow, but she gave him a nickname, and from then on, he would be known as Cash.
Although Shirley did much more than that for the broken young boy, their time together was short, and they eventually lost touch. Five decades later, after Shirley experiences a serious medical trauma, they reconnect. This is where the message of the story really shines: acts of kindness have a way of coming full circle. The novel beautifully explores how found family can create bonds as strong as those we share with our own families, while touching on grief, resilience, and loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It resonated with me in ways I hadn’t expected, and the narration made me feel especially connected to the characters and their story. Catherine Ryan Hyde has a wonderful ability to create memorable characters and emotional connections between people who might otherwise remain strangers. A beautiful reminder that a single act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Many thanks to Brilliance Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHO
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
