Earlier this year a new idea whose time had come quietly established. An online bookstore like no other. It is called Bookshop.org and it can save the Indie Bookstores around the country. It is more than a coalition. It is billed as a "socially conscious alternative to Amazon" that allows readers to purchase books online while still supporting your local bookstore! And it set up and went live just before COVID 19 hit and made millions within a few weeks.
Here is how it works, local bookstores sign up to be part of this. When you buy a book, you select which local store in the system you want your purchases to credit. If the book is listed with Ingram, then it is in their system, it is that simple.
This can save all our wonderful indie bookstores across the nation. Andy Hunter, the co-founder of Literary Hub, is the mind behind the idea. And I must say it is brilliant! Now you may be able to order from your local bookstore and have it shipped, which is the best case. But if your local independent bookstore doesn't have that capability, this is the next best thing. Or, if your little bookstore doesn't have the particular book on the shelves and you can't wait for that special order, you can credit the store and get it through Bookshop.org and they will still get some money for your purchase.
JUST in time for the holidays. If you give books for presents (oh, I so hope you do!) then this combines the convenience and safety of purchasing online and having everything shipped to your doorstep while still supporting your favorite local independently run bookstore. Even if there is another shut down because of Covid, your store can make money.
It made such a big hit in such a short time, they are opening up one for the United Kingdom shortly too.
I love this idea and can't shout it from the rooftops enough. Had you already heard about this and I am late to the party?
Please check them out at Bookshop.org, bookmark them, use them for the greater good!
This is a new historical mystery series. I reviewed the first in the series, Murder in Belgravia (click here) a few months ago and now I am sharing my thoughts on the second novel in the series.
Author: Lynn Brittney
Copyright: March 2020 (Crooked Lane Books) 336 pgs
Main Character: Chief Inspector Beech, head of a special task force
Setting: 1915, London
Obtained Through: Library
Cover blurb: "In the dark days of World War I, an aristocrat's suspicious suicide propels a one-of-a-kind crime-fighting team into a sordid world of blackmail, betrayal, and tragic secrets.
When the phone rings at the Mayfair 100 exchange, the news is rarely good, and this time is no exception. The Duchess of Penhere's daughter, notorious society gossip queen Lady Adeline Treborne, has been found dead in her room in what appears to be a suicide--but her family suspects foul play.
The secret Mayfair team of amateur female detectives has been restlessly awaiting their next case, and this will prove one of their thorniest. When Dr. Caroline Allardyce performs an autopsy, she is able to conclusively prove that the woman was murdered. Lady Treborne had made many enemies through her vicious gossip column, so there's no shortage of suspects.
Supported by a cadre of professional police officers, the Mayfair women launch their investigation, but there's much more to this case than meets the eye. As they venture into a world that lays bare London high life at its lowest, the team soon begins to comprehend the danger at hand--and how this tangled web of treachery could ensnare anyone who gets too close."
Chief Inspector Peter Beech is an openminded police detective who has the vision of women aiding the police and heads up the unique team. Victoria is a female lawyer who at one point had been "dating" Beech, but that ended and now they attempt working together. Caroline is the female doctor on the team. She is waiting for Beech to see her as more than a friend, but just may be ready to move on.
Rigsby is the younger male of the team and the handsome one that women seem to flutter eyelashes at despite a scar from the war. Tollman is an older and grizzled policeman that knows more about the goings on in London and who to talk to than most anybody else alive. Tollman takes Rigsby under his wing and begins mentoring him. Lady Maud is Victoria's mother and provides a large house as the team's headquarters. Billy's mom, Elsie, and his Aunt Sissy provide some comic relief and are gems in the story. We have the addition of Mabel Summersby, a pharmacist who works with Caroline and gets into the forensic side of the investigation.
This proved a complicated and twisting investigation that kept my attention glued to the pages. The ensemble cast each working the investigation from different angles made the pacing a steady driving force. The climax is tense with a standoff and quite realistic. The wrap-up shows the team bonding and ties up all the threads wonderfully.
I have to say that Ms. Brittney is setting a high bar in this series. The books are rich in period detail, the characters are all layered and engaging, the plots are just intricate enough without losing the reader, and the writing weaves it all effortlessly together for an engaging and memorable book. If you enjoy historical mysteries, then this series is a must read.
Rating:Near Perfect - A must read , buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.
I came across this unique book concept and thought this would be good for Halloween coming up. This is a completely new to me author and series. Nancy Warren has 70+ books to her credit and started with Harlequin way back in the day. So read on to find out more about this new series featuring vampires who knit like fiends.
Author: Nancy Warren
Copyright: October 2008 (Ambleside Publishing) 258 pgs
Series: 1st in Vampire Knitting Club Cozy Paranormal Mysteries
Sensuality: mild
Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Main Characters: Lucy Swift, just inherited a knit shop in Oxford
Setting: Modern day, Oxford England
Obtained Through: Purchase
Book Blurb: "At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.
Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door—including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?
When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 600-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan.
The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat ... or is it ... her familiar?"
Lucy Swift is an average character with a lot of potential to be more memorable. Her grandmother, Agnes Bartlett, who is now a vampire, is fantastic as a dear older lady who is adjusting to now being a vampire. Her character was much more vibrant and spunky. Sylvia is the vampire best friend of Agnes and they make a fun pair.
Rafe Crosyer, vampire and leader of the local fanged residents is only described as "seriously hot". He is known in the mortal world as an expert in book restoration and a dealer in rare books and manuscripts. But for the book, he is a close friend to Agnes and seems to like Lucy more than a little. Detective Inspector Ian Chisholm is the second potential romantic interest and was interesting enough for the limited time on page he received. Nyx the kitten, her newfound familiar, is one determined cat with some abilities of her own and a fighter. Nyx is the star of the book in my opinion.
Oxford England is presented as a quaint college town with danger lurking. I'll be honest, it could have been anywhere in the world with a smattering of older buildings. The specific setting wasn't utilized but it did provide an old world backdrop.
With this being the first book, time is spent setting up the premise that Agnes was killed in her shop and to save her she was turned by her best friend. The pacing picks up once Lucy accepts this information, and she switches from mild grief to sleuth almost immediately.
The killer reveal turns into an opportunity for Lucy to exercise her new-found witchy gifts in self-defense. This provides a combination of danger and humor. The wrap up ensures the continuation of Lucy's story as a knit shop owner in Oxford.
If you are looking for a mild paranormal mystery story for a little Halloween fun, this is a good bet. The idea of knitting vampires is fun and is set up with many of the standard cozy mystery tropes to satisfy most. This is a fun outing to while away a few hours for a little fun.
Rating: Well Done - A fun, quick, and easy read I enjoyed.
Here is an interview with the author writing the series.
Plus a wonderful interview with Ms. MacNeal (click here).
Today I review the newest addition to the series. Occasionally the Maggie Hope storyline is more of a regular mystery than spying and intrigue. This is one of those times. People expecting another great spy adventure be warned, this is a suspenseful search for a killer.
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Copyright: February 2020 (Berkley) 354 pgs
Series: 9th in Maggie Hope Mysteries
Sensuality: Moderate
Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery
Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American now British Secret Service
Setting: 1942, London
Obtained Through: Library
Cover Blurb: "Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders.
London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.
But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past."
Maggie, who originally started out as Churchill's Secretary and is now a Major and hasn't dealt with her emotional baggage from her many harrowing close calls with death. She is now acting out and reckless, which I understood. But be forewarned, this could turn some off. Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin is the potential romantic interest. He is likable and thinks the world of Maggie but worries about her current state.
1940s London is portrayed like I have never read before as we follow Maggie defusing unexploded bombs that dropped during German air raids but didn't detonate. The bombed out shells of buildings all around captures England's suffering better than any other I have read.
The plot of hunting a serial killer during such devastating times of hardship is intense to say the least. The subplot of Maggie working in bomb disposal and her relationships are fraught with the tragedies of the war add to the overall serious tenor of the book.
The killer confrontation is heart-pounding, an adrenaline rush while reading. The wrap up is tender and sets up the next book taking place in California.
This Maggie isn't the gal we fell in love with in the first book of the series. She feels betrayed by the government (see The Prisoner in the Castle) and disillusioned after all she has sacrificed. I think it was necessary to show how damaged the character is from everything in the last eight books. Which is a whole lot of physical and emotional damage. I kept reading to see how she deals with her bruised psyche as well as solve the murders. I appreciate the author giving us a realistic Maggie who struggles and falls down occasionally.
This novel tackles a few tough issues with a deft touch, I felt. Questions over the death penalty and conscientious objectors are pondered in the context of the story. I appreciated bringing to light that British objectors worked in bomb disposal and other life saving areas in service to their nation. While this is a darker story than the prior books with Maggie's emotional wounds and a serial killer to hunt, it is still a well crafted plot with excellent characterization that wraps the reader in that world.
I must give a caveat to readers who look for mistakes. Each of these books has reviewers on Amazon who seem eager to find every teensy mistake in the minutest of details. Yes, Maggie calls it oatmeal not porridge (she is American living in England), or the name of a hospital. I find the nitpicking of the color of a uniform or such more to build up the reader's ego than a good appraisal of the writing and story. Please don't read the story at all if such minute mistakes are going to outrage you. Read a history book, not fiction. I had to get that off my chest.
Rating:Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list
Here is a video of the author talking about this book at the Poisoned Pen bookstore.
Yes, (for the USA) there is an election in just a few days - if you hadn't noticed. So, to give you something to entertain yourself besides all the ads on television (and everywhere you turn), how about some political mysteries or thrillers to read!? Here is a listing, only a few of which I have a review, but several I have read and recommend.
Back when they were huge hits. Tom Clancy was the first author to get a $1 million book deal.
1 Hunt for Red October (Movie with Alec Baldwin rocks too!)
2 Patriot Games
3 Clear and Present Danger
4 The Sum of All Fears
5 Cardinal and the Kremlin (follow-on to Red October)
6 The Bear and the Dragon
7 Red Storm Rising
8 Red Rabbit
9 Debt of Honor
10 Executive Orders
11 Teeth of the Tiger
12 Rainbow Six
Moscow Rules (Gabriel Allon #8) by Daniel Silva (read years ago, good book in the Allon series)
The English Girl (Gabriel Allon #13) by Daniel Silva (review)
I hope this list provides entertainment in this political season. I know I have no doubt missed some, so please leave your suggestions in the comments (go ahead, share those political fiction mystery/thrillers). These are good to read even after an election (wink). Enjoy!
A warm welcome to each and every guest, grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and join me. This is a blog for mystery, suspense, and thriller lovers.
Monday's: musings on the mystery genre, some author interviews, book giveaways, blog tours, mystery related games or trivia, even an occasional mystery/thriller movie review depending on what I scare up.
Julienne's ideal resort management career may come to an abrupt end when a celebrity pastor dies at the buffet table.
Nailed: Resort to Murder Mystery II
Julienne is snow bound in the middle of the Rocky Mountains with a killer striking at will.
SPIKED: Resort to Murder III
Julienne must solve the murder of a private investigator found with her business card on his dead body.
ARROWED: RESORT TO MURDER IV
It all began when a dying man with an arrow in his chest grabs her ankle.
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I’m a Colorado gal who loves the mountains and low bug population but hates the snow and cold. I have been a book worm from second grade and my first venture into writing stories was fourth grade.
I love pretty much all mysteries and those with a paranormal angle in particular. I look forward to sharing my adventures in reading with you.
