Review: Ripples in Time

At long last the wait is over! Kendra Donovan is back in “Ripples in Time.” In this sixth book in the series, where a 21st century American FBI agent has been transported to the early 19th century, Kendra and a cast of supporting characters work to discover who shot the Earl of Craymore in the back and find the mysterious and VERY large diamond he was carrying at the time. After discovering Craymore has been visiting his sister at a nearby asylum before he was shot, Kendra is confronted with the barbaric treatment of women who were committed by husbands, fathers, uncles, and, in this case, brothers. When another body shows up, this time on the grounds of the asylum, Kendra knows the deaths are connected and the killer will stop at nothing to get what they want. 

I read the first five books in the series two years ago and wanted more. This sixth installment was worth the wait. The cast of characters, including her “guardian” the Duke of Aldridge and her fiance, Alec, is delightful. Kendra is still viewed as an odd creature because of her involvement in solving murders and her strong opinions, but she is learning to adjust to 19th century living. There are times though where Kendra still chafes at the restrictions imposed upon her by society. She is horrified by the treatment of women who dare to step outside of society’s expectations, but is encouraged to find constructive ways to help bring about reform. 

This book is great for readers who like time travel stories, Regency era mysteries, and mysteries in general.

Review: A Fatal Illusion

“A Fatal Illusion” opens with Kiera and Sebastian Gage arriving in the village where Sebastian’s father is recovering from a near-fatal encounter with a group of Highwaymen. They quickly ascertain that the attack was targeted, but why? And why are the villagers so reluctant to talk about the ongoing attacks in the vicinity? Kiera and Sebastian rush to find the answers and identify the culprits before they can strike again.

This is the 11th book in the Lady Darby series and is just as riveting as the others. I love the background detail on life in 1830s England. It transports the reader to the era and makes one thankful for paved roads. In this particular installment in the series, rebellion and reform are prominently featured.

Kiera and Sebastian, individually and together, continue to work on overcoming challenges from their respective pasts. Kiera discovers that the long shadow of her abusive and otherwise sketchy first husband reaches into the far corners of rural England, but she approaches those who would snub her with wit and grace. For his part, Sebastian learns about his father’s past and begins to understand the roots of their strained relationship.

This book is great for Lady Darby fans and those who love historical mysteries.

Review: The Sanatorium

I’ve looked at “The Sanatorium” for a long time. I finally purchased it when it was on a super sale as a Kindle book. I decided to read it yesterday. Yes, the whole thing. It kept me interested and I was entertained, but I’m glad I sat with my thoughts for a day. Yesterday, I basked in the rosy glow of finishing an entertaining book with only mild annoyances. Today, the annoyances have surfaced at the expense of the rest of the story.

Basically, the story is a locked room mystery where the characters are snowbound at a renovated hotel in the Swiss Alps. The hotel building was originally a sanatorium so there are creepy vibes. Elin, an on extended leave detective from England, is there to celebrate her estranged brother’s engagement and to spend some quality time with her beau. Unfortunately, her brother’s fiance goes missing. When a hotel worker is found dead, Elin’s instincts kick in and the hunt for a killer is on. 

The set up isn’t bad, but I was really hoping for something MUCH more gothic. Early on, characters mention a feeling of creepiness or think they see shadows, but that is not developed into a hold-your-breath kind of tension. Horror tropes abound (e.g. “I must go into this creepy space under the floor RIGHT NOW without telling anyone where I’m going.” …this is not a direct quote, but a representation of the idea).

My biggest beef is Elin’s dependence on her inhaler. Early on in the story it appears that she has severe asthma that flares up and must be treated with a rescue inhaler. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Elin, who suffers from anxiety, uses it as a coping mechanism. Toward the end of the story she admits as much to her brother. WHY does this have me up in arms? Simple, it sends a BAD message (e.g. the off-label use of powerful drugs to cope with anxiety). The drugs in these inhalers can be dangerous if overused and can even trigger feelings of anxiety because of the physical effects of the drug on your system (that’s on the drug information sheet that comes with your prescription and been there, done that). The thought of one of my anxiety-prone students reading this book then thinking that an inhaler should be used this way is, frankly, horrifying.

The discussion of sanatoriums in the early 19th century was interesting and is important to know, but it was not well-integrated into the story. 

Overall, though I read “The Sanatorium” and enjoyed it in the moment, I can only give a lukewarm recommendation at best.

CW: stories of rape, avalanche disaster, dismemberment

Review: Mistress of Bhatia House

“Mistress of Bhatia House” is the latest book in Sujata Massey’s mystery series featuring solicitor Perveen Mistry. In this story, Oxford-educated Perveen grapples with her own complex feelings about women’s treatment in Indian culture and law while trying to exonerate her client, a former ayah, AND figure out who poisoned a leading businessman in Bombay. She knows the two cases must be connected, but will she figure it out before a killer strikes again?

A host of changes in Perveen’s life, including a new baby in the family and a forbidden relationship, challenge her interactions with others at the beginning of the story. I like that as the story progresses Perveen comes to terms with the changes in her life and finds a way to move forward. This story focuses particularly on the issues women faced in 1920s India, including access to healthcare and status in the justice system. Though Perveen has always been aware of the injustices women face, these issues make her more aware that some women, including herself, have an easier time in society than others.

“Mistress of Bhatia House” is an enjoyable mystery with many twists and turns, while also providing good food for thought on the treatment of women by society and the legal system (and, yes, the reader can easily make connections to today).

This is a great book for those who like historical mysteries. CW: stories of rape.

I received a free e-ARC from NetGalley and Soho Crime. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: The Story of Conservation

Catherine Barr’s “The Story of Conservation” is a lushly illustrated overview of human interaction with planet earth. It explores the positive ways people have worked with the natural environment as well as the ways humans have caused harm.

I liked that the story is well-balanced in that there isn’t a consistent message that human land use is bad. It makes clear that we have work to do to protect our planet, but does so with a message of hope rather than of doom. 

The illustrations enhance the story. Amy Husband does a great job with the rich, yet whimsical pictures that help tell the story. As a read aloud, it would be great to pause and have students describe what is happening in the illustrations.

This story is great for children who are interested in learning about human interactions with our planet. “The Story of Conservation” would also be a great way to introduce older students to the topic in an easy to understand way.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment

Allison Matulli’s “Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid’s Guide to the First Amendment” is an excellent introduction to the topic. It breaks down the First Amendment into its five freedoms, defines each, then provides relevant examples. Matulli uses current examples, but does explain that those examples could be out of date because of changes in the legal landscape. There is a good explanation of the federal court system and how it works.

Though written for middle grade students, this book is suitable for high school students as well. Specialized legal vocabulary is included within the text and complicated court decisions are explained thoroughly. 

This book would be great to have in social studies and journalism classrooms at the middle school and high school levels. I would even recommend it for AP U.S. Government classes for students who are having a hard time breaking down required cases or understanding the federal court system.

“Your Freedom, Your Power” will be out in July 2023.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Running Press Kids. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Squirrel is Alive!

Mary Rostad is horrified by what the Nazis are doing in her beloved Belgium. She begins with small acts of resistance, then commits to joining the larger resistance movement. As a teenager, she leaves her family without telling them and begins walking across western Europe. Along the way, she meets interesting people and delivers messages. 

Mary tells her story in a clear voice that looks back on her life. The reader can almost see the shake of Mary’s head as she describes the risks she took as a young girl. She also reflects on the pain it must have caused her family to not know what happened to their daughter for two years during World War II. 

“Squirrel is Alive” came about because of a community of people who encouraged Mary to tell her story. Susan Heissel helped Mary write the story and they got through a first draft before Mary passed away. Heissel finished the revisions on Mary’s behalf. Darryle Cloet, who worked closely with Mary for many years wrote an afterword about the impact Mary’s story had and continues to have on others.

This book would be great for teens who are interested in acts of resistance during the Holocaust. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishing Group for an advanced review copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Penance for the Dead

“Penance for the Dead” is the fourth installment in Cara Devlin’s Bow Street Dutchess mystery series. In this episode, Audrey and Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden must once again join forces to ferret out a killer, though Hugh is the prime suspect!

The relationship between Audrey and Hugh continues to develop. The mystery of Hugh’s background unfolds in surprising ways after his half-sister turns up asking for help and then, shortly after, is found dead in a ballroom. I can’t say too much more without going into spoiler territory.

Suffice it to say, I devoured this book. It was scrumptious. The series is different and creative, with challenges for the characters that seem insurmountable at times. The slow burn romance is on point as is the use of Audrey’s ability to learn about the victims of murder. This episode was the quickest read yet. If you like historical mysteries with a slow burn romance and a touch of the paranormal, this is a series not to be missed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Gray Lady

Madame Elinor Chalamet is back for another installment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries novella series. This time Elinor is summoned to a seaside home to determine if a soon-to-be bride is about to become a victim of the ghostly Gray Lady. With the attractive Duke de Archambeau at her side, Elinor attempts to separate ghostly activity from human machinations before it’s too late.

This is another delightful episode in the series. The heat is turned up a bit on the slow-burn romance between Elinor and the Duke, which causes even more gossip than what is already swirling around the two of them. Even though she is dismayed to find herself the subject of gossip, Elinor will not be deterred in getting to the bottom of the mystery of the Gray Lady. 

If you like historical mysteries with a bit of the paranormal this is a great series for you. I continue to be impressed with author Byrd Nash’s world building in the series. This is a quick read sure to leave you clamoring for more!