Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

 Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

As always, lots of twists and turns with humor for good measure

I've been addicted to this series since it began and thoroughly enjoyed "Yowling Yetis". I've come to enjoy my virtual visits to characters, even the not necessarily likeable at first glance ones, and, of course, enjoy the antics of the corgi Watson. As usual, Watson does play a role in the unfolding mystery, one that kept me stumped to the very end. I won't detail the plot since others are surely better at that than I am, but it has lots of action and interplay between the suspects and main character (Winifred) Fred's friends and associates. Their continued growth throughout the series is one of its strengths and never more than here. My corgi mix and I give it four paws up and a tail wag. 

 

5 Stars for Fun Mixed With Mystery 

When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods, by Aimée M. Bissonette (Author), Erin Hourigan (Illustrations)

It should come as no surprise that as the first real snow of the winter begins to fall on my beloved adopted state's mountains that I'd be drawn to this charming, poetic children's book. It's a good reminder to those of us who live in snow globe settings much of the year that the pristine, silent white expanse we view isn't empty or, for that matter, silent. Far from it.

The author's writing is simple and easy to read and follow while the illustrations are, and I live in Alaska, a lovely rendition of reality with a smidgen of fantasy winter tossed in there. (I've never tucked any wild creatures into my own bed, not to mention a mix of them). Having been stunned to learn about an Alaska frog that freezes in the winter and thaws out, very much alive, as it warms, I found the mention of how many small creatures survive the frigid temperatures a nice touch, as was the mention of all the life going on under the snow and frozen bodies of water.

In other words, the book is not only delightful but, dare I say it, teaches, too, but gently. It'll make you look more closely at wandering tracks in the snow. You'll learn to pay more attention to the trees and how they work to shelter birds and small climbing critters like those pesky squirrels that amaze no matter the season. You'll learn and maybe, shh, come to appreciate poetic musings, too, as you enjoy this gentle visit to the woods on a snowy day.

Thanks #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks - #LittleBigfoot for reminding me of the wonders of the season that grips my adopted home state for so many months of the year. It's cold but, yes, magical. This book does a wonderful job capturing that sense of wonder. 

BONUS PIX FOR BLOG READERS: My own winter wonderland photo of a snow covered tree on a day it was a balmy -26 degrees. (F) The frosting on the tree is known as hoar frost and it's one of winter's lacy wonders. 

 

Mystery at Southwood School (Eve Mallow Mystery #9), by Clare Chase

 

Publication Nov. 10, 2022

How far would you go to protect loved ones?

Eve Mallow and her friend Viv are catering a Founder's Day event at the Southwood School, a boarding school for girls. Quite frankly, even before we get to the murder, the place sounded dismal. Ironically, aside from the head girl, the student body gets little attention as the story focus is on the adult staff members for the most part. They are an interesting, even odd bunch who, quite frankly, don't seem at all happy with the choice of former student Natalie as guest of honor. Natalie, now a rich and famous talk show host, seems to create not just tension but anger. No surprise, she is the murder victim. Who killed Natalie?

Why was she even invited given that most seem to find her appearance unwelcome? Why does Eliza seem to openly hate her? Why is she so cutting to head girl Scarlett? Who were the people Eve saw outside her window at night meandering about? Are they connected to the murder? Gasp, did Eve see the murderer? And, hey, how did Natalie know Robin, Eve's boyfriend who is incognito and definitely doesn't want to attract police attention? How will Robin's story tie into it all, if at all? Who stood to gain from Natalie's death? As an obituary writer for a high profile magazine, will Eve find herself in danger as she snoops, er, interviews various suspects (and there are many) for the obituary? I bet you know the answer to that one. Eve may write obituaries but she doesn't want to write Robin's or, for that matter, her own. Why....oh, more than enough teasers. Read the book. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the invite to Founder's Day. As always, it was fun to practically see Eve's brain cells whirling as she tries to unravel the crime and protect Robin. Let's hope the future is less stressful for them.

The Women of Rothschild: The Untold Story of the World's Most Famous Dynasty, by Natalie Livingstone

 

Publication Oct. 25, 2022

About the only thing I knew about the Rothschild family when I started this book was that they were rich. Very, very rich. To be honest, I'd never thought about how they got that way. This book tells us and, wow, it wasn't easy. It was even harder for the women of the family given the blatant sexist attitudes of the time Gutle Snapper married Mayer Amschel Rothschild in 1770. I won't even attempt to summarize this book as it contains exhaustive research and reaches into the early 2000s, so would direct you to the book blurb for more specific bits of info within. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724796-the-women-of-rothschild

I have to also admit that I was expecting a drier, more scholarly read. Thank goodness I was wrong about that. Yes, it's long, but it also focuses on the people and how they reacted to events, not just the events of their lives. And, what amazing lives they lived. From Gutle's days in the surely claustrophobic confines of the Judengasse, a narrow, shadowy, crowded stretch of land on the east side of Frankfurt where Jews were basically confined (and forced to pay), to Miriam in more modern times as she moves about the world, they had an impact upon not just the family but the world. Let's just say, modern Israel owes the Rothschild family. 

It was interesting to see how each generation moved within the norms of the time, from Gutle's days when Mayer's will cut her and his daughters out of his inheritance and basically turned over their well-being to their brothers, to Miriam's world which spanned the resistance movement of WWII into more modern times as a respected scientist and benefactor. Famous faces make an appearance, all of which kept me busy aligning my own knowledge of the time (being a history major helped) to movies given appearances by Clark Gable and Alec Guinness. 

Bottom line, there's a great deal to take in from this book and I'll admit to reading it in bits and pieces and, gasp, yes, even skimming sections at times. I also spent some time going back and forth from the index to the topic listed to make sure I hadn't missed anything, wishing I had the time to read the lengthy list of articles and citations at the end. Admittedly, this isn't a book for everyone, making it difficult to rate, but if you love history, are intrigued at the idea of a woman's place in historic events, or are just simply curious about how this one family that began in dire poverty not only survived but thrived, give it a read. Yes, it's long but, hey, no one said you have to read it in one day.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for opening my eyes to not only a fascinating family and the role of its women throughout history but introducing me to some bits of history that I had only a passing knowledge of. Kudos to author #NatalieLivingstone for making that possible.

Pets, Pens & Murder: A Dickens & Christie Mystery, by Kathy Manos Penn

How would you react if you were accused of murder? Leta finds herself in just that position in this installment of the Dickens and Christie Mystery series. And it all started over a seemingly fun jaunt to a literary festival with boyfriend Dave, newly relocated to England from the US, and friends, aka the self dubbed LOLs (Little Old Ladies).

I love the depth of Kathy Manos Penn's writing. Not only do we have well developed characters, both likable and not, but there is a depth to this cozy mystery series. It left me asking myself why someone would be driven to kill.  And, not only do we have a twisted killer but romance, friends helping friends, tours of Agatha Christie's residences and frequented spots, plus a wicked smart cat and dog that speak to Leta and join with boyfriend Dave to keep her safe. Toss in so many literary references that I lost count, and glimpses of some of Agatha Christie's most frequented places, and I was in heaven. Oh, and as with many discussions that involve Christie, a bit of a tutorial on poisons. Well, it was a gathering of the mystery lovers, so perhaps that is expected. What isn't expected, however, a real murder. 

I won't detail the plot as it's fascinating to try to sort things out along with Leta and her sleuthing friends. Even better, they're not on their home turf. I was delighted to see Dave has not just arrived to stay in England but seems to have fit easily into the group. And, as a cozy mystery fan, it was fun to be able to be a fly on the wall at some of the fictional sessions held at the festival. I've never been to such a festival but imagine it would be fascinating tho' fear my shallow depth of knowledge about the genre and its authors would leave my head spinning. 

Anyway, the plot centers about who killed festival organizer Emily. There are several suspects, none of them Leta. Only later, when a suspect who Leta has mentally and vocally labeled a stalker is killed does Leta, who finds the body, probably predictably, become a potential suspect. Leta will need every bit of her powers of observation and putting together clues to clear herself and find the true killer. Leta being Leta, it probably goes without saying that she will find herself in danger at one point but, well, I didn't see the ending coming. There is a great deal of depth to it as we discover the motivations of the killer and what drove them to kill. In the process, we're introduced to new sights and characters and, quite frankly, I had a blast enjoying my virtual visit with Leta and the very likable friends. 

If you haven't read this series, don't wait another moment. Grab this book and be ready to lose yourself in the story. You'll also want to check out some of the books/suggestions at the end.

The Wedding Ranch, by Nancy Naigle

 

Publication Dec. 6, 2022 (I just love the cover)

Although the beginning of this was sweet, with eventual ex-husband Craig giving Lorri the mastiff puppy, which they name Mister, it also failed to engage me as much as I expected. I'm going to blame that on myself, however, as I was trying out a program that reads the book to me rather than reading myself, so I may have been more focused on that aspect than the actual story itself, bad me. In any case, Mister is a loyal, lovable hit and I liked Lorri, but considered Craig a selfish jerk. Lorri's friends, aside from the "foot-in-her-mouth" Stacy were also likable thought I didn't feel we intially got to know them well. Again, may have just been the format as I didn't give that up until later. Ryder on the surface initially seems the typical cowboy type, reticent, lover of the land, and shunning "having fun" as his friends urge after the death of his wife and child some years ago. Seven, he would remind you quickly. That quick response is evidence of the depth of the pain remaining.

Given the title of the book, I was expecting the ranch to be a more prominent part of the story, especially after its introduction by owner/managers Ross and Reese. Ryder is their only backer, it's a family thing, and they're excited to have gotten a request from a country music star and prominent photographer to host their wedding events. Ryder, again, the loner cowboy sort, opts to camp out after agreeing to allow them to use his home for the couple. Don't get me wrong, the ranch doesn't just vanish from the story but it isn't really as important a part of the plot as I'd expected, either, aside from the symbolic images the title conjures up.

Ryder and Lorri, of course, do eventually meet after we're treated to their individual stories in alternating sections. I'm not sure I'd call Ryder rescuing Lorri from a cranky steer at the fair a "meet cute" but it served its purpose. I definitely liked that it also didn't instigate an immediate, hot relationship. They approach their friendship slowly, both cautious of being hurt again, and it rang more true than most "meet cute" couples' meetings. 

I won't detail the plot further as part of the fun is simply being that proverbial fly-on-the-wall as you watch these two wary people slowly open up to each other as they find out they have more in common than not. Oh, and Mister, the huge mastiff puppy (think it said he'd weigh in at about 180 lbs) certainly has a role to play. If you're a Hallmark fan, you'll love this one. It's an easy read, with characters with depth, surrounded by likable friends and family, with twists and turns on the road to happiness. Definitely worth a read. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress for introducing me to the "Wedding Ranch" characters. Now, true, Mister might be a bit intimidating on first meet but he's a real character, too.

Rock N Roll Nanny, by Sally Arnold

 

Publication October 17, 2022

Sally Arnold lived the rock'n'roll fantasy that most fans could only dream about. Hanging out with famous musicians, meeting the rich and famous, and seeing exotic places are only the surface of that reality, however. Even with some background in concert photography and interviewing many an artist myself back in "the good ol' days", I was astonished to read of the unending, constantly changing list of responsibilities she shouldered just to get the artist onstage, let alone keep them alive and healthy. 

What from the distance looked alluring was tiring, frustrating, and required her to be on alert and ready at all hours. Just reading the tasks she handled, from setting up offices to supervising stage set-up and frequently not-very-cooperative artists, to managing to herd the often egotistical, wasted performers on stage, was exhausting. From working as a nanny, honest, she was trained at a highly respected school, for Mick and Bianca Jagger after the birth of Jade, to working on all aspects of mega-shows for the likes of the Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, the Who and others, to charity events that brought her into contact with the likes of royalty, Arnold navigated it all in an admirable way.

That said, tho' I'm probably odd man out here, I found myself as intrigued by her early travels as her rock'n'roll experiences. True, reading of how she taught Mick how to change a "nappy" (British terms used) to Charlie Watts taking her shopping for baby supplies for Jade added a touch of reality, but so, too, did her experiences traveling to the likes of China and Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. This was at a time when foreign travelers of either sex there were rare and not only looked at with suspicion but frequent targets of theft. Amazingly, she seemed to love every moment of it, even being held for a time when her Visa proved incorrect. She also details later travels that are a delight to read but I was most impressed by her courage as a young girl taking on her dream of travel against some pretty big odds. Her experiences and travel both seem to have colored her world.

Those with an interest in not just rock'n'roll but how the music/touring industry works will find this a fascinating read. If you're into travel and other cultures, so much the better. There's lots of name-dropping, of course, but that doesn't distract from the real story, a young woman overcoming odds to find her place in the world, a world that ultimately included surviving cancer.

Thanks #NetGalley and #SilverwoodBooks for introducing me to Sally Arnold. What a fascinating life she has led.

Baker and Taylor and the Mystery of the Library Cats, by Candy Rodo

 

Makes learning purrfect fun.

Great concept and new series for independent readers. Two inquisitive library cats who love to read also learn that there is more to the world than they imagined. They set out in search of the "library cats" they're told about and it takes them on an adventure. It's also a mystery of sorts because they have no idea where these cats are located. They follow clues to find them. In the process, they meet lots of interesting people, not to mention statues, see lots of feet and legs, and even ride the NY subway. Oh, and there's pizza.

I see lots of potential for this series. I wonder where their curiosity will take Baker and Taylor next. They met the "library cats" and along the way we learn bits of info in boxes of factoids included. There's also more detailed info at the end along with ideas for other places one might visit in NYC. Great idea, fun execution with adorable, colorful illustrations. Loved it and I'll note that there was no danger implied, a plus for sensitive young readers.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BakerAndTaylor - #PawPrintsPublishing for allowing me to tag along as Baker and Taylor get to know their city a bit better. Looking forward to their next outting.

How To Write a Novel in 20 Pies: Sweet and Savory Tips for the Writing Life, by Amy Wallen, Emil Wilson(illustrations)

 

Publication October 11, 2022

While I don't know that reading this book will turn me into a best-selling novelist, it's fun and full of solid, basic info every writer should know and take to heart. It's also heavy on pies, pies you make and pies as a metaphor for the writing process. Trust me, it all makes sense as you read. And, oh, lots of recipes for said pies, too.

I liked the premise of the book, a sort of not just "do as I do" type lesson but also a "don't do as I did" one. Author Amy Wallen shares what worked and didn't work for her when she set out to write her first novel. I'm a sucker for a writer with a sense of humor and Wallen has it in spades and the cartoon illustrations by Emil Wilson are cute and full of humor. 

I'm not going to offer up a list of the ideas/suggestions, sorry. For that you'll need to read the book. Wallen begins with what I'll call the "I want to write a book" stage, and goes through the stages or writing, rewriting, then writing some more, repeat. Perseverance is the key, to be simplistic. One of the things I especially liked was that Wallen takes you though not just the writing process, which can be a long, solitary task, but finding and agent, query letters to said agents, and a reminder that you have to impress the whole team at a publisher, not just one overworked agent. Nor does Wallen stop there. She goes on to talk about the various "fun" post-publication events, which are also work, such as local appearances, book fairs, and being prepared for questions that an audience might ask. In other words, writing the book is just the beginning.

Bottom line, there's a great deal of solid, helpful information to be found here by aspiring writers. It will help you see beyond your dream of writing a book and give you guidance on not just what to do but what not to do. Thanks #NetGalley and #AndrewsMcMeelPublishering for sharing this helpful guide to getting published. Now, I'm feeling the urge for something sweet. Hmm, a pie, maybe?

Murder in Plein Air by Karen Leigh Charles, aka Karen Neary Smithson

 

Publication Oct. 18, 2022

The premise intrigued me. An artist who also works as as private investigator. Toss in that her best friend, Pix, is accused of murder and you have the makings of an interesting cozy mystery. Becca seems more at home dealing with the likes of cheating spouses and such, however, than actual murder, but vows to do her best for Pix, even if it annoys detective Daily. To be honest, although I didn't find myself warming much to either Becca or Pix, a younger, more trendy audience may find this one a fun read. I found Pix more annoying than not, however, with her seemingly insatiable flirting, even though she seems to have a steady, dependable boyfriend. I mean, it's when she flirts with a Hollywood cameraman and stands up Chuck, the boyfriend, to go out with him that things go wrong. Nick, the Hollywood guy, winds up dead and Chuck, while an obvious suspect, winds up injured and in the hospital from an unknown attacker. On the positive side, Pix does seem to have matured in her attitude by the end of the book, so let's hope that common sense holds.

Why are the townspeople largely so against Pix's lingerie business? I mean, she even has historical aspects of it highlighted in the shop windows, perfectly meshing with the town's historical bent. Could someone have snapped when her business drew the attention of a Hollywood reality show? Pix's parents are rich, former hippies? That's an odd combo, you have to admit. Is Robert Sullivan a figment of Pix's imagination or is he really a ghost haunting her shop? I really wanted to know more about his story. Is he gone now or will he be a recurring, albeit invisible character? Why does Chuck feel unworthy of Pix? Why has Becca drawn the attention of a rich patron, Geoffrey Taylor? How many men seem unable to resist Pix's innocent flirting? Could PTSD have triggered a murder? Why.... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Not the book for me but others may thoroughly enjoy it.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MichaelDolan - #WindingRoadStories for inviting me over to meet Becca and Pix.