Murder on Devil's Pond (Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery #1), by Ayla Rose

 

Publication July 9, 2024

How well do we ever know other people?

This is a promising start to a brand new series. I'm not quite sure it'd be accurate to say I immediately liked Hannah Solace, the main character, she's pretty intense, but I definitely found her intriguing. She's smart and does think things through....most of the time. What makes her tick? Why, aside from her sister, is she closed off from family? Her B&B seems to be struggling, so how is she able to just leave so often to pursue leads to the murder of 80-year old Ezra, who she considered a friend, even if he was always cranky and lived in an old house that seemed ready to crumple on his head just any time. What secrets was he hiding? This is the focus of the plot but, oh, my, so much more.

The mystery was complex, involving lots of possible culprits with motive. Ayla Rose did an excellent job introducing us to them, but also in weaving a bit of a mystery around who Hannah and sister Reggie were and where they came from. Each has had a rough time of it and are very different while still bonded together. We even learn that Ezra, the victim, had a far more complex, interesting life than "victim", too.  I'm not going to detail the plot, see the blurb for that, but family dramas, intrigue, divisions, greed, secrets....oh, you get my drift. Danger? Of course, this is a cozy mystery. Grin. Lots going on, both related to murder and Hannah's Solace family and past. And, hey, you know I love books with dogs and this one has a sweet older dog, Moose, who belonged to the victim and is taken in by Hannah. You'll even learn a bit about plants and flowers as well as sustainable landscaping, so to speak, so have a note pad handy if you're looking for hints. 

It was perhaps just me but I will note that I stopped reading at one point fairly early on to double check if I wasn't mistaken about the book being the first of the series. There were so many questions early on, mostly relating to Hannah and her return and relationship to others. That was both good and bad. It made me curious but, as noted, it also slowed me down as I couldn't quite figure out who was who and how they were all connected. I'm sure that will be less of an issue as the series goes along, of course, as first books in any series tend to be either info heavy or leave you scratching your head at times as the characters' actions and words don't quite make sense to you. By the end of the book I felt like I had a good handle on connections but, well, it did take awhile, which kept me at a four star rating rather than the five, which was actually rather tempting given the complex, well-fleshed out characters we got to know, albeit slowly. Also, a caution for cozy fans. This is what I'd dub a rather dark cozy with some rather grisly murder descriptions. 

Bottom line, however, an excellent start that I'm looking forward to revisiting when the next book comes out. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Hannah and her life in Vermont. I'm looking forward to delving into the complex lives and backgrounds of these characters, especially her old crush Noah and the still mysterious to me Ash. And, for the record, I didn't quite figure it out until the end even if all the clues were there. Let's just say, I got lost in the red herrings.

Corgi Coloring Book, by Natalie Colors

 Love dogs, especially corgis? Like to color? This one’s for you. Beautifully drawn with mostly realistic rendering but a few more whimsical ones that should appeal to a younger or, well, more whimsical audience. The dog on the cover somewhat resembles my girl, so I was definitely drawn to this one. Have fun!

Writing on Empty: A Guide to Finding Your Voice, by Natalie Goldberg

 

Publication July 9, 2024

Many readers, if they think about it, would probably say writing is a solitary process. For some, that may be true. Locking themselves away and growling at those who'd dare distract them from the muse. For others, however, they need people. They flock to the nearest coffee shop, quaint little cafe, or even the library. They simply need people and the hum of life about them. That was Natalie Goldberg. She needed the energy, spark, sheer inspiration of not being isolated. Then covid happened. This is her story of dealing with writer's block during the forced isolation of the pandemic and ultimately reclaiming her muse..

Although marketed as a guide for writers, this is a partly memoir, partly a deep dive into herself and relationships, and, yes, a guide for writers. The guideline doesn't really appear in plain words until the end and then it pretty obviously wasn't written by Goldberg,.  It does, however, tie all the many, many threads together in my mind. I'm not going to detail them aside from saying personal experiences and structure are vital. In the process of getting to the guidelines/suggestions, you'll get to know Goldberg well, including her family and friends, not to mention idol Hemingway. Oh, he's dead you say? No reason you can't sit at his graveside and chat with him anyway, right? Goldberg is open and intense and her writing shines. I felt taken in by it immediately and as if she were talking to me, not writing words in a spiral notebook (more on that in the book). She shares those uncertain, uneasy early days of the pandemic when we all thought it would be brief,as well as real life outside, taking those of us who shared those same events back with her. It isn't always a comfortable journey by any means, but it's real and personal. We also get to see how her own past and sense of isolation as a child, in particular, helped form the Natalie Goldberg that is.

Bottom line, being more introverted than not, I realize now that my relatively easy sailing through the pandemic wasn't the norm. Yes, many of us arranged strategic, supposedly safe meetings in parks and such with friends, but in the process, Goldberg segues from topic to topic, sharing with friends and in her own head. It's all fascinating and a bit confusing at time but never dull. As noted, I felt pulled in from the first page. The epilogue, which is where the author instructions/suggestions finally appear, manages to maintain something of that air of intimacy while offering connections and possible writing prompts. This is a book that will draw you back from time to time, I'm thinking, too. Her personal saga and insights are worth the return visits. Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sEssentials for sharing this wonderful bit of memoir and inspiration with me. Writers or simply readers who wonder what might go on inside the writer's head while producing books, this book should be a must on your tbr list.

Puppy Love and Panic: A Talking Dog Cozy Mystery (Heywood Hounds Cozy Mysteries Book 4), by Carly Winter

 

Publication May 23, 2024

Has not just a clever amateur sleuth but a cute puppy and talking dog. Daisy, the talking dog, and Mustard, the adorable puppy Gina rescues from a dumpster on her way home from rescuing her son Jacob from ... well, more on that later ... are players in the story. While I rarely read stories with elements of...What genre are talking dogs? Fantasy? .... I find this series a fun, quick read. Gina is feisty and ready to take on just about anyone to save both dogs and the humans she cares about, though her mouth frequently gets ahead of her brain. I have to admit to being a bit taken aback by her revealing so much of what should be held back for the police investigation, including names and events. Maybe that's because she has so little respect for the Sheriff although, ironically, she's in a blooming romance with Trevor, who is an underling and forced to answer to said sheriff. Oh, my, the complications that creates for both, even when Trevor is on Gina's side. 

For me, having read previous books in the series, the major event in the story wasn't the inevitable murder but Gina's long delayed, unwanted encounter with her long-missing mother, Brandy. Trevor has been trying to share what he'd discovered when he looked into her mother's disappearance but she kept refusing to listen to his efforts to share. So, it's rather a shock when her mother shows up on her porch with her father. Gina is returning from the hospital where she's just been confronted with the fact the Sheriff Mallory is determined to charge her son with a murder. Let's just say, Gina and the sheriff have butted heads throughout the series and it's become downright nasty at times. Of course, maybe the sheriff is a tad more intense this go-round after Gina manages to outmaneuver her and help her son escape the hospital room where the sheriff had left him securely handcuffed to the bed. I won't spoil that bit of fun for you other than to say kudos to Gina for her efforts to establish an alibi. It's on her way home that she finds the cruelly abandoned puppy that Daisy, the talking dog, dubs Mustard. Dog lovers, not only do we get Daisy, the talking but very much a dog in impulse and behavior, but there's been another dog in every book, so extra fun. This time, whoa, Daisy even likes this pup.

So, who killed Ava, the seemingly perfect daughter? Even scarier, who drugged other party goers? Gina's son is found unconscious but holding the rope used to strangle the victim. It's up to Gina and Trevor, with help from Daisy and always interesting Annabelle. Her parents even play an interesting role, revealing a bit of their pasts in the process. So what it it involves a few, uh, shady actions in the process. There are several suspects and Gina is desperate to save her son from arrest. And, oh, no more hints/teasers. It's a fun story with a desperate, feisty amateur sleuth with intriguing characters and dogs. And, oh, boy. That ending. Thanks #BookSirens for letting me this advance peek at Gina's word once again. My own dog is named Daisy, the name I use on my review blog, so my smile is always extra big when I read the talking Daisy's antics. Toss in a (probably) Golden Retriever puppy and it was all the better.

Simone Biles, by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

 

Publication June 25, 2024

It'd be hard to find anyone who'd argue that Simone Biles isn't gymnastics' G.O.A.T., so it was a delight to be able to read this short but informative bio on her. While the details of her life are relatively well known nowadays, I liked how they were presented. No drama, no fuss. We go from her early days of being raised by her grandparents and discovering her innate ability in gymnastics after a random trip to a gym offering lessons. She mimicked those working on routines and thanks to a sharp eyed instructor/coach, was enrolled. An active child with ADHD, this was the perfect outlet for her energy and talents. 

This review is about the book, however, so a quick look at what your "LittlePeople, BIG DREAMS" reader will find within. I've grown to admire this series. Not only is the writing succinct and thoughtful, but the illustrations are well-done. I particularly liked the one showing a sort of stop-action look at the various, in the air, body positions of one of her signature moves. Nicely done. The no fuss, no ado over events mode of writing covers her equilibrium issues during the Olympics that forced her to miss most of her events, albeit the book makes a point of showing the support she got from her teammates. It also touches on another serious matter, noting the teamwork and courage of the young women who stood up against adults who'd let them down.  Fans surely know what that was about, so perhaps adults should be prepared to answer any questions young readers might have. 

Bottom line, her life and life events are handled in a respectful way, all designed for young readers. It mentions her comeback and marriage, I might note, while largely focusing on her childhood dream and ultimate success. I admire her greatly and this book is a worthy addition to the kudos and writings about her. Highly recommended, particularly if you have an energetic young one doing flips off the couch. Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this early look at the life of a remarkable young woman. Her dreams have surely inspired many we'll be watching tumble, whirl through the air, and perform moves most of us can't even imagine doing in future years.

How to Age Disgracefully, by Clare Pooley

 

Publicataion June 11, 2024

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. This is my first Clare Pooley book but it won't be my last. She does an amazing job of mixing humorous moments with heartfelt ones, never letting us lose track of either. From the hilarious opening scene on the bus/van to the very end, it held my attention completely and, more telling, kept me thinking about the story even when I wasn't reading. There's even an adorable dog, not to mention memorable senior citizens, a teenage father who had lost hope and his charming daughter that he is raising alone. 

The senior citizens, though, they dominate and I mean that in a marvelous way. Viewpoints switch, so we get to not only see most in action but see their innermost thoughts, hopes, and fears. As older citizens, most feel ignored, even invisible, and it's a delight to see the impromptu group responding to Lydia's meeting notice come together and bond for a cause: the need to save the sadly in need of repair community center. Oh, did I mention that having a collapsing ceiling fall on you can be fatal? Yep, that's one of the bizarre happenings. In any case, coming together isn't easy. None of them are particularly gregarious. Daphne and Art, who is estranged with his daughter, clash immediately. Ironically , they met beforehand on the street when Daphne, after years of isolation, went out to prepare to make friends. Let's just say, she was anything but friendly. Daphne is a bit of a mystery but with obvious organizational skills and the gumption to stand face-to-face with obstacles and those who'd oppose their efforts to save Mandel Community Center. She's the catalyst.

While some of their efforts and the resulting antics might not be orthodox, it does get them noticed. They even combine forces with the neighboring daycare center to present what must have surely been one of the most entertaining Nativity plays around. A mobility scooter as a donkey? Maggie the dog as a sheep?  You'll meet the children involved, too, including teen father Ziggy's lovely daughter as the Baby Jesus. Hey, she was the only one young enough to fit the part. The childcare center is his lifeline, allowing him to, hopefully, finish school and, assuming the "bad guys" don't end him first, maybe, just maybe go on to college with the help of a teacher who still believes in him, as does the mysterious Daphne.

And, just when things are finally going smoothly....well, I'm not telling, but it's one of those moments when hilarity and pathos collide. There are so many, from Lydia dealing with a worthless husband to the mystery yarn bomber, not that it's much of a mystery to readers. I probably felt more connection to Lydia than the others, sympathizing with her insecurities galore even without the complication of a worthless, cheating husband, but Daphne made the story. She's tough, outspoken, and retains that air of mystery throughout the book. Her story isn't fully revealed until near the end, but don't skip ahead. Too many heartwarming moments, often combined with belly laughs. Hopes and dreams are reborn, and this incredible group of senior citizens find themselves no longer ignored. 

Heck, there is even romance in the air. Romance, cute dog and baby, scenes that might provoke belly laughs and/or sad eyes/tears, and hope for tomorrow. Old age may slow them down but they are determined to live their best lives without being relegated to the shadows. Bottom line, I've only touched the surface of the plot. So much happening. So many human emotions. So much sadness....and joy. These are characters that are going to stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #PenguinGroupViking - #PamelaDormanBooks for introducing me to this marvelous book and cast of characters. In fact, I'm thinking this may be the perfect book to gift to the local retirement village library when it comes out. It shatters the image of the stereotypical senior citizen and that is a good thing.

Divinations and the Disappearing Dead (A Williams Witch Mystery Book 3), by Eloise Everhart

How would you cope as an adult suddenly discovering you're not who you thought you were? You're more. You're a witch. You have powers that you neither understand not, quite frankly, want. You have horrifying dreams and sense things others don't. No cute Samantha stuff with the twitch of a nose. Powers that control you more than you can control them. Then, to your dismay, you discover your college aged daughter is also a witch. She is also having frightening dreams, dreams that drive her away from her college and back home. She senses things that even you don't and is given to wearing gloves to distill the sensations she receives from even a simple touch. No, this is not the cute, fun, magical world of Bewitched. This is a darker world, one where powers can be used for good but must first be understood and controlled. That's where Dani Williams finds herself magic-wise.

Toss in a murder, which to her horror Dani dreamed would happen but couldn't stop, and her life seems to be in constant turmoil. Amazingly, she manages to keep going, even doing her job as an insurance adjuster in the midst of upsetting dreams and her daughter's struggles. She feels very much alone, fearing to trust her secret self with even her best, non-magical friend, Heather. Their friendship is tested as a result, with Dani learning a lesson about trust. Fortunately, there is help, help in the frequently amusing group of seniors that seem to travel in a pack. You'll learn there is more to their bond as this book and series progresses. You are definitely going to admire and like Grace, Dani's daughter. She's a sensible young woman who is determined to find answers rather than retreat. Then there's Dani's relationship with Chris, the deputy who seems to have a knack for saving her life. If murders and such keep didn't keep interrupting their date plans, who knows what might happen there. And, oops, she still hasn't told him she's a witch. That might be enough to put a real crimp in any relationship, huh? 

Dani's still limited control of her powers is utilized frequently, making me wonder how she'd manage without that magical ability to make people more willing to talk or to be able to see things through the eyes of even a face on a worn banner. Yep, lots of unusual stuff here. But, aside from that and that she often seemed more focused on finding the murderer than her own daughter's turmoil, I'm still drawn to the, oh, so very human element of this book. You're going to like Dani and admire her courage, even while questioning some of her decisions. Hey, it's a cozy mystery after all. Isn't the amateur sleuth almost required to be in danger a time or two? Grin. There's even a story to the "why" of the murder that will give you pause, so buckle up and prepare to ride Dani's magical life with all its bumps and joys. Thanks #BooksSirens for inviting me back to enjoy the Winter Extravaganza. I'll be back for Dani and Grace's next step as we see where Grace's hunch at the end leads them.

 

Old Girls Behaving Badly, by Kate Galley

 Publication May 13, 2024

Delightful. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story, expecting a bit of a mad-cap adventure story involving two older women, which sounded like fun, but it was that and much more. It's probably fair to say it edged into cozy mystery territory. Neither 89-year old Dorothy nor 71-year old Gina have had an easy time of it of late. Dorothy has a plan, however, but needs someone to help her execute it. When she discovers Gina's background in art, she feels sure Gina is the one. Gina's husband of 43 years recently left her to find himself, whatever that meant, and they needed to sell their family home, leaving Gina to find another home. Still reeling, Gina takes a one week job as companion to Dorothy and that is when the fun begins. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of the setting and lovely homes, making me almost wish I could visit. The boat house you'll hear more about also sounds absolutely perfect.

I won't detail the plot, read the blurb, but will say that I liked both Dorothy and Gina a great deal. Both have their moments, Gina usually underestimating herself while Dorothy's tendency to blurt things better left unsaid out adds to the human side of them. We alternate their viewpoints, btw, adding to our understanding of what is going on in their minds as needed. Dorothy isn't over her husband's tragic death and blames... well, I'll leave you to find out when you read .... and seems simply incapable of letting it go and moving on. She's financially solid, even well off, offering Gina not just a job but stability and a safe place. Both become a force to deal with in their own ways, especially when joined by a younger wannabe sleuth, granddaughter Juliet. You'll meet the rest of the family, too, but those are the standouts. The mystery of the missing painting and the strange family dynamics are intriguing, I must admit. Most importantly, Dorothy and Gina remind us to live our lives without being forced into a stereotyped age-appropriate lifestyle. I'm hoping this is to become a series. I'm not done hanging out with Dorothy and Gina yet and, hmm, Erik? 

Bottom line, a fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with a strong character focus, interesting situations, a lovely setting, and message of living our best lives, no matter our age. Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dorothy and Gina. I'm hoping there will be more chances to hang out with them, say in France? I mean, what sort of mischief can two ol' ladies get up to in France, especially simply with Gina doing a good deed for Dorothy?

Frances Perkins: Champion of American Worker, by Ruth Cashin Monsell

 

Publication April 16, 2024

The more you know, the more you realize what you don't know. 

Wow. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of who Frances Perkins was and her vital role in FDR's term. I was wrong. Well, not about what I knew of her from the Franklin Roosevelt presidential term. I had the basics of that, at least. I just didn't know the backstory, not only of all she accomplished there but how she got there in the first place. This book does a marvelous job of not only filling up that void in my knowledge bank but reminding me what the times she lived and diligently worked through for progress were really like. Born in 1880, in Boston, she grew up during a time when women's roles were trivialized and often discounted.

I won't detail her work, it's too vast and one bit builds on another, so trying to summarize it would not give it the due justice it deserves. Even her family members served a purpose in preparing her for dealing with frustration and outrage. Her younger sister threw uncontrolled temper tantrums and her grandmother. who urged her to develop her voice and learn to project, were all part of what made up Frances Perkins. All skills she utilized against an often male dominated world as she worked. Her parents promoted true discussions at meals, respecting and encouraging her to speak and help others less fortunate. She attended college at a time most women were usually encouraged to marry and have children. Shr became a fan of Theodore Roosevelt. Her parents were Republicans, btw. She later became a Democrat because she felt that party seemed more committed to helping resolve the problems of the poor and disadvantaged. Her first impression of the pre-polio FDR was that he was arrogant, however. She witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire but it only served to make her more determined to not just help but convince those in power to help. And, I've barely skimmed the surface of her life experiences and how they formed her lifelong determination to do all she could to help others. I could go on for pages.

I'll note that all this happened long before she worked with/for FDR, a period also covered in depth in the book. Seriously, her resume is long with lots of schooling, a rarity for women of that time, and her courage impressive. I will note, since I didn't know, she did marry and also dealt with a husband who eventually seemed to suffer from what we'd call bipolar disease....all while still working for all mankind. She suffered a miscarriage and had a child die at birth basically before having a daughter who survived. The stories shared are interesting and, quite frankly, often made me fume at the injustices. What a legacy this women left, not just for women but for everyone. I am so glad I got to know her better via this book and thank #NetGalley and #IndependentPublishersGroup for making this book available to me. It was an eye-opener and all interested in where we came from and where we want to go should give it a read. I doubt you'll come away untouched. One can only wonder how she'd deal with modern political landscapes.

Dog Day Afternoon (Andy Carpenter #29), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication July 2, 2024

It seems like only yesterday I picked up a copy of an interesting looking mystery with an adorable dog on the cover. It was by David Rosenfelt and I've been an avid fan ever since. As such, I am always waiting somewhat impatiently for the next-in-the-series and this one was not a disappointment. The usual cast of characters, not to mention dogs with unique personalities that I've grown to love like my own, and another unwanted case for reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter.

Andy has always seemed to be trying to retire ever since I met him. He's lucky enough to be independently wealthy, so working isn't a necessity. So, what can make him change his mind? A case involving not just a dog but a friend or, in this case, a friend of a friend. Most surprisingly, it's Marcus who comes asking a favor. Marcus, who's a bit of a Superman in my mind, has saved Andy's life countless times but never asked for anything. We're about to learn more about Marcus the man, not the Superman who can toss huge bodies around like pieces of fluff, fly planes, and practically dodge bullets, wants Andy to defend a young man he's taken under his wing. More on that in the story. The topping is that although Andy isn't quite sure Nick is innocent, all the evidence points at him, Nick just adopted a dog from Andy's beloved Tara Foundation. See, I told you a dog would be involved.

I'm not going to detail the plot, it's too much fun to ruin for you. I will note that the usual cast of characters, from ex-cop Laurie and their dogs, to the rest of the K-Team, an investigative team that is intriguing enough to have earned their own series. Marcus is, of course, a member of that team but Sam, the perpetual wannabe tough street sleuth who is actually far, far more helpful with computers than brawn, is a favorite. Did I mention he can probably hack into anything? True, it might take awhile and he does have help, a group of senior citizens who are no slouches themselves. In fact, they are very helpful this go-round. Andy's regular walks with Tara, the most perfect dog ever, are always both amusing and enlightening, not to mention this is usually where we get to see the various dog personalities emerge. One sort of twist, and there are many, many twists to this case, is that rather than Andy's usual at odds relationship with the opposing attorney, this time its an old friend. That provides a bit of a twist to the courtroom scenes but, never fear, snarky, smart-mouthed Andy is definitely still with us. 

Bottom line, wonderful characters, dogs, tricky, twisty opponents and potential witnesses that seem to have a habit of getting themselves killed, not to mention Marcus in Superman form, and, oh, so much more. I came for the dogs, loved the humor, was pulled in by the writing and my own curious nature as to how Rosenfelt, who is not a lawyer, can keep doing these amazing (and humorous but deathly serious) legal drama-comedies. I still don't know and, quite frankly, rarely have any firm idea who did it until the final review but I keep coming back. If all the evidence is stacked against you, down to eye-witnesses at the site of the crime, you'd want Andy for your lawyer. I also imagine any defense lawyer would wish for an investigative bunch like the K-Team, although I doubt they'd want to be as close to being killed as many times as Andy seems to be. Thanks so much #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me this peek into Andy's latest unwanted case. And, wow, what an ending.