To Be A Trans Man

To Be A Trans Man is a heartfelt collection of stories about transition, discovery, and experience collected and written by Ezra Woodger. Due out 21st Oct 2022 from Jessica Kingsley Publishers, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

This is a very well written survey of trans men, transmasculine folks, and gender nonconformity. The author speaks from a place of ruminative authority and experience and does so with a surprising amount of maturity given his (relatively) young age. The bulk of the book is taken up with interviews of 8 trans and/or transmasculine men and include wide ranging interview format Q&A on identity, activism, art, aesthetics, the process of transitioning, and sometimes joy. Most of the interviews had a palpable sense of relief and a feeling of the decisions surrounding their transitions having been innately right and correct for them. 

The particular format of the interviews meant that there was less information about lived experiences and challenges, and more a collection of profiles showcasing each subject's activism and spheres of influence. I still think that the information which is covered is -vitally- important and improving awareness and access to services and resources is literally lifesaving, important work, I just wish it could've been slightly more one-on-one personal (obviously not in a prurient way). 

I think this is an important book, and I'm not aware of any others with precisely this focus; certainly there aren't many. This would be a superlative choice for library acquisition, for LGBTQIA+ and allies, for families in transition, and for fostering genuine dialogue.

Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico: A Cookbook

 Mi Cocina is an exuberantly colorful and well written ode to the beauty and variety of the Mexican culinary tradition with recipes curated by Rick Martínez. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Crown Publishing on their Clarkson Potter imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book is arranged as a grand tour of the Mexican states, with each local cuisine taking a star turn on the stage. Recipes are formatted with title (in Spanish and English), an introduction, followed by ingredients in a bullet list. Ingredient measurements are given in both imperial (American) and metric (yay!), followed by step by step cooking instructions. Special tips and alternate preparation methods are provided in highlighted colored text in the recipes. Nutritional info is not provided. The book is also packed with extra useful information and knowledge including charts for evaluating and using different types of spices and chili peppers, and kitchen tips and tricks for getting the most out of ingredients.

Throughout the book, the warmth and fondness the author has for his culture and food shines through. The recipes are chosen with care and all the classics are represented alongside many which were new to me. I loved reading about his experiences as a second generation immigrant kid in south-central Texas, although the overt racism which he experienced was appallingly sad. 

The photography throughout is spectacular, clear, and in color. Serving suggestions are attractive and the food styling is superb; everything looks appetizing. 

Five stars. This is a classic and very useful cookbook.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game (Mr. Lemoncello's Library #0)

Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game is a prequel/flashback to the popular Mr. Lemoncello middle grade reader series by Chris Grabenstein. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function. 

This is such a richly imagined world with a cast of colorful and engaging characters. Despite the fun and fast paced action, the author manages to convey some really important points about honesty, loyalty, integrity, family, friendship and warmth without ever once sacrificing fun or being preachy. 

The writing is accessible and warm with a lot of humor and carefully engineered plot arc. The resolution and denouement were satisfying and well done. It's enhanced by the inclusion of puzzles and rebus illustrations which are integral to the plot and move the story along. 

This would be a good selection for public or school library acquisition as well as for the home library. It would also make a fun choice for book club discussion or buddy read.

Four and a half stars. Definitely one for fans of the series and can be read as a standalone. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage (Aunt Dimity Mystery #25)

Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage is the 25th (!) book in the Aunt Dimity village cozy mystery series by Nancy Atherton. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Viking imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function. 

It's always a delight when a beloved long running series gets a new entry, and this was no exception. It's very much like a visit with a dear friend. The books are safe. They're comfortable; and the author is competent and dependable. Despite being a very long running series, this one could be read as a standalone. The author is adept enough to provide the necessary back-story without info dumping or bewildering the reader. 

This is not an action packed thriller - it's a sedate country village cozy. There are light paranormal elements, the titular Aunt Dimity is no longer living and offers life advice and benevolent guidance from beyond the veil. For fans of the series, this is another fine visit to the village of Finch and its inhabitants. For fans coming to the series now, I recommend at least the first book (they're all consistently pretty good) to get up to speed, before reading this one. 

The language is (as always) squeaky clean and unproblematic. 

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 6 hours, 27 minutes and is narrated by Christina Moore (linked interview is about another book, but does provide audio of Ms. Moore's voice). I found her voice very gravelly and very American. It's certainly true that the main protagonist is an American, but the books are mostly set in England and to me personally, the narrator's accent was abrasive. It wasn't by any means a disaster, I had no trouble completing the read, but it was distracting and not very complementary to this specific book. Sound and production quality were high throughout the recording.

Four stars for the book overall, three for the audiobook. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Truth About Elves

 

The Truth About Elves is an odd holiday (?) novella about healing and family and emotional growth by Ekta R. Garg. Released 19th Oct 2021 by Atmosphere Press, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

I'm not at all sure who the target audience is for this book, but as a short read, I did find it well written and engaging. The subject matter is deep (trauma from loss of a child/family member, PTSD, grief) and there is some non-graphic sexual content, so it's not really a kid book (along with the fact that the main protagonist is a 30 something guy working through a lot of life-changing trauma). 

There's not a linear plot, the book shifts timeline often and it felt choppy and uneven in places as a result. There's a lot of discussion and description of the whole Christmas eve present delivery and of Mr C himself. The elves are mostly human seeming and the whole elf shtick is traumatized people working through their grief until they're ready to re-integrate into their lives "before". 

The language is clean and there's no graphic NSFW content. One strong positive which I liked is that the characters are quite diverse ethnically and it's not an anomaly, they're just written in as real people, not props. 

For me personally, the whole elves as folks working through trauma never got off the ground. It's not a fun happy bouncy read and that's fine, but there's very little magic with the magical realism. It's a very very short read, so I certainly didn't feel the time spent was wasted. There were some plot elements which felt contrived and yanked me out of my suspension of disbelief, but again, not egregiously so. 

Three and a half stars. It's not polished, but it is certainly competently written and readable.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

In Hot Water (Misty Bay Tearoom #1)

In Hot Water is the series debut for Kate Kingsbury's cozy tea-room mystery. Released 12th Oct. 2021 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function. 

The author is experienced, with several ongoing cozy series, In Hot Water is a promising start to a new small town storefront cozy, this time set in a tea shop. Protagonist Vivian is a widow in small town touristy Misty Bay, when her friend's ex-husband falls to his death wearing a pink negligee. Local police seem determined to put Vivian's friend Jenna in the frame for the murder. The secondary characters are sometimes a bit two dimensional and I felt that some were simply written in to provide plot points and move the scene along.

The plot resolution was a little more linear than I'm used to, but all in all the denouement was okay and well written. The language is fairly clean (PG rated) and there's no on-page blood or gore. I would recommend it to fans of amateur sleuth small town cozies. There were a few plot twists which challenged my suspension of disbelief, but all in all, it's an engaging and fun book. The second book in the series is due out

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Hunters of the Lost City

 

Hunters of the Lost City is a superbly written middle grade chapter fantasy by Kali Wallace. Released 26th April 2022 by Quirk Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The writing is immersive and descriptive. Although it's essentially a coming of age quest fantasy, there are a lot of deeper currents: found family, loyalty, choosing a life path, expectations, loss, and xenophobia which will resonate with middle grade readers. The storytelling isn't derivative at all, but the story will likely appeal to fans of Holly Black and Catherynne M. Valente.

This is not a shy and fluffy tale. Danger, death, and scary monsters lurk. The writing is intentionally direct and might be a trifle overwrought for adult readers in places.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public library acquisition. It might be a bit scary and too easy to challenge, given the current political climate for banning books in the USA, for inclusion in school library collections. Definitely one for the fans of middle grade fantasy, and this one has a refreshingly adept and courageous/stubborn protagonist.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Traditional Dyeing (Heritage Crafts And Skills #5)

Traditional Dyeing is a broad ranging historical survey and informational guide to working with dye materials and techniques for colouring fabric and fibres written by Lynn Huggins-Cooper. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

This is the newest book in the Heritage Crafts series which cover many traditional and heritage subjects such as leatherworking and tanning, dyeing, fibre crafts, felting, and others which are in danger of being lost forever. This book makes a nice addition to the series and provides a surprisingly comprehensive look at dyeing as both a practical and decorative skill. 

The material is presented in chronological chapters with history from ancient times to the modern day. With such a massive timeline, the coverage is brief for each time period, but provides a lot of tantalizing glimpses to follow up later. The last chapters include interviews with several different individual artisans and collectives. The format provides the same questions to each interviewee and it's interesting to see how they came to their craft from often disparate origins, cultures, and geographical locations but their enthusiasm and respect is shared by all of them.
 

The photography is sparse and mostly confined to a gallery chapter at the end of the book, but the included pictures are beautifully clear and illustrative. There is a short general tutorial (for direct printing on fabric with botanicals), short discussion of plants which are suited to a dye garden, as well as a wealth of links provided (slanted toward readers in the UK) in the form of a solid bibliography and links section to stockists and teachers. This would make a superlative library selection for a guild or shop, as well as for any crafter's home library.

This is a good, accessible, clearly written introduction the materials, history, and techniques in dyeing. The series as a whole would be superlative for library acquisition, maker's groups, homesteaders, historical re-enactors, and similar uses. The inspiration gallery is full of gorgeous photos.

Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

The Vanishing Type (Secret, Book, & Scone Society #5)

 

The Vanishing Type is the fifth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series by Ellery Adams. Released 26th April 2022 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function.

This is a comfortable cozy mystery series set in a fictitious small town in North Carolina. The town is renowned for its therapeutic healing, both physical and mental.  There is a slightly magical 'vibe' to the healing, with sort-of magical baked & knitted goods and book therapy as an integral part of the deal. This installment contains a lot of exploration on the meaning of family and found family. The author treats the subject sensitively and sensibly.

It's sweet and charmingly written and the secret society spends a fair bit of time making anonymous gifts to distribute to sad/lonely/needy people they know. Luckily for local law enforcement, they're also amateur sleuths and like to solve crimes. There is mild language (a 'sh*t' and a couple of 'd*mn's). All of the above are in context in the story and not gratuitous.

The story as presented is self contained and any necessary back story and characterizations are included in the narrative, so it works well as a standalone novel.  It's not necessary to have read the first books to keep up with the characters or plot.

It's a good, warm, comfortable, small town cozy series with a mostly female cast and a good denouement and resolution.

Four and a half stars, recommended to fans of light cozy mysteries. It would make a good book-club read and in fact, there is an included reader's question guide to help along a discussion group. The author has also included a bibliography list of books included in the text for fans looking for specific recommendations for further reading and discussion.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Three Tainted Teas (Kitchen Witch Mysteries #3)

 

Three Tainted Teas is the third book in the paranormal Kitchen Witch cozy mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Released 26th April 2022 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this first two books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. There are also a couple of adjunct short stories for binge reading.

This is a small-town catering cozy with light paranormal overtones complete with human trapped in cat form, feisty grandma, (and a recipe for peach cobbler crisp at the back), and local law enforcement officer. This series has found its stride at this point. There were some clunky bits of dialogue scattered about, but nothing egregious which dragged me out of my suspension of disbelief. Some of the characterizations are a bit cartoonish; shapeshifters and pack dynamics and all. The story arc, denouement, and resolution are satisfying however and the author is experienced and writes well.

I do recommend the book to readers who are especially fond of small-town cat cozies with outlandish plots, but understand that there are some issues going in and bring a hefty suspension of disbelief to the party. It's gratifying to see this developing into an appealing and engaging cozy series. The language is squeaky clean and there's no on-page gore. The mystery puzzle and denouement and resolution are satisfying and well constructed.

Four and a half stars - for what it is. It's not classical deathless prose, but it is entertaining and well written.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

London Serial Killers

London Serial Killers is a true-crime biography of historical murderers from London and its environs curated and written by Dr. Jonathan Oates. Due out 12th May from Pen & Sword on their True Crime imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

The author writes accessibly and well, without resorting to overly lurid detail. The chapters are arranged chronologically by subject, starting with the perennial (Jack the Ripper), and including both well and lesser known killers, both male and female down through the 20th century. The author examines both motives and methods along with the biography and historical highlights. There are a number of fascinating transcripts from the trials of the murderers.

The text is meticulously annotated and written in accessible and easy to understand language. The chapter notes and bibliography will provide hours of further reading for students of true-crime history. The text is enhanced with an appendix which contains historical and modern photos of the environs and some of the sites where the murders occurred as well as facsimile documents. There are no lurid crime scene photographs.

Four stars. Well written and absorbing. Recommended for readers of true crime history. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

Shadow Fire (Shadow Riders #7)

Shadow Fire is the 7th Shadow Riders urban fantasy series novel by Christine Feehan. Released 26th April 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. Large print library edition due out in July. 

This is .entirely. character driven and has a huge cast of continuing characters. This isn't (necessarily) a bad thing, but it is a definite feature. It's a series novel in a series whose purpose is chiefly continuing character development and mapping out their relationships and interactions. Readers will be frustrated and lost if they try to jump into the series with this book and I would strongly recommend picking up at least a few of the earlier books to get a feel for the world building and background scaffolding as well as helping keep the characters straight. 

The writing is competent, if overwrought in places. For fans of paranormal romance erotica, this book will likely tick a lot of boxes. There's kink and exhibitionism, consensual BDSM, and explicit sexual content. There are also some potentially problematic/triggering contents including child abuse and human trafficking (on the part of the bad guys who are blissfully free of any redeeming qualities). I tend to roll my eyes whenever authors write the word "mate" with a straight face regarding human interactions, and that style of writing is prevalent here.

Four stars. I would recommend this one to fans of paranormal erotica who want more than a blind nod to plotting and story arcs; it really is well written (as the author's extensive sales attribute). It's not Anaïs Nin, but it's not bad - just not as a standalone, unless the reader only wants to flip through to find the NSFW bits. It could be problematic for school library acquisition, especially given the censorship problems in much of the world today, but shouldn't be an issue for most public libraries. For firm fans of the series/author, this is more of the same primarily featuring the character of bad boy (jerk) Elie Archambault.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

Rosebud

Rosebud is a dystopian locked-room SF time-bending mystery novella by Paul Cornell. Due out 26th April from Macmillan on their Tor/Forge imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.

Above all, the author can write. I unhesitatingly recommend his media output to anyone and everyone because, at the end of the day, whatever he does is more-than-competently written. That being said, this is one that readers will love or hate. It's admittedly somewhat difficult reading; there are representations of an end-game reality where the conservative capitalists have "won" and the end result is not pretty. It's also quite cerebral. I am maybe slow, but it took me til about 30% in to have an inkling of what was really going on. I was also uncomfortable with representations of torture (attack and ritual torture of non-binary and trans characters) and the weighty dystopian melancholic dread of being able to draw distinct correlations between where we are *now* and where the protagonists in the story find themselves. 

This is a story which not only invites but almost requires more thought. It's slick and thought provoking. I found it effective and moving. I suspect many readers will consider it pretentious and overwrought. It's only 112 pages, so it's a quick read, either way.

Four stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

Broadmoor Women: Tales From Britain’s First Criminal Lunatic Asylum

Broadmoor Women is a succinctly written collection of short biographies of 7 infamous residents of Broadmoor by Kim Thomas. Due out 30th June 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 240 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a very well researched and meticulously annotated history of some of the women who were committed to the institution for the criminally insane in the middle to late Victorian era (1863 - 1896). It was interesting and more engaging to me because the author chose to concentrate on a more detailed history with a narrower focus (7 particular women) rather than a more general and less detail oriented survey of the hospital. The introduction does give a general overview of the classification and treatment of mental health and illness in those days as well as a short history of Broadmoor.

The biographies of the subjects are full of pathos and it's easy to feel compassion for the women who were often desperate and otherwise powerless. 

The writing is accessible and flows well. It's academically competent, but not overwrought or intentionally obfuscated. The chapter notes and bibliography are well worth a perusal and will provide many hours of additional reading.

In many places, I found the reading difficult and sad. Nobody who was resident at Broadmoor had an easy time of it, and most of these women lived exceedingly difficult lives full of pain and sorrow. The author does a very good job of showing despite vastly different backgrounds, they all came for a time to the same place (over a 30 year period). 

Four stars. Fascinating (if somewhat depressing) history. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Umboi Island: A Creature X Mystery (Creature X Mysteries #3)

 

Umboi Island is the third book in the Creature X adventure/mystery series by J. J. Dupuis. Released 5th April 2022 by Dundurn, it's 280 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a well written offbeat mystery about a group of ragtag journalists and scientists who are looking for proof (or disproof) of crypto-zoological creatures like bigfoot and giant eels and the phenomena surrounding them. They investigate local myths and culture and uncover long-buried dangerous secrets along the way. This time leader Laura is taking them on a hunt to Papua New Guinea.

The plotting is not at all straightforward. There are several intertwining subplots which meander along side paths adding background information and oral history of the "ropen" (a bioluminescent flying creature around whose presence the team's podcast episode centers). The characterisation is adept and well rendered and I found most of the main characters both distinct and believable. I struggled quite often trying to keep the secondary characters straight in my head and finally gave up, but they're mostly interchangeable.

The author successfully combines murder, cryptozoology, reality TV, and investigative journalism. The climax and denouement were fairly heavily telegraphed throughout the book, so for most readers it won't be a race to the finish to figure out whodunnit and why, but the writing is competent and I enjoyed the ride enough to seek out the other books. The author is adept at his craft. The language is as expected for an action/thriller type book (R-rated).

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

A Parting Shot (Allie Cobb Mystery #6)

 A Parting Shot is the 6th Allie Cobb small-town cozy mystery by J. C. Kenney. Released 19th April 2022, it's 206 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

Although it's the 6th book in the series, this small-town cozy works perfectly well as a standalone. The author provides the necessary backstory without spoon feeding or info dumping all over readers. The characters are competently written and mostly believable with a protagonist who's a literary agent and a former professional kickboxer. The action moves along at a fast pace and never drags or meanders. There are some slightly rough spots with the dialogue in a couple of places, but it never detracted or yanked me out of the story. I liked the information the author provided about the publishing industry and marketing, as well as the author and series name-dropping recommendations throughout; I found it interesting. 

The plot resolution was a little more linear than I'm used to, but all in all the denouement was satisfying and well written. The language is squeaky clean and there's no on-page blood or gore. I recommend it to fans of small-town cozies with amateur sleuths (plus cat, and fiancé with dog). It's a quick and satisfying read. I would recommend it to fans of amateur sleuth small town cozies. Definitely one for cozy binge readers who love having series at their fingertips.

There was one very minor "foul play" twist included in the epilogue which wasn't entirely cricket, but it will no-doubt thrill fans of the author and the series.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Britain and Rome: Caesar to Claudius The Exposure of a Renaissance Fraud

Britain and Rome: Caesar to Claudius The Exposure of a Renaissance Fraud is an accessible and well written examination of a contentious bit of early British history by P. J. O'Gorman. Due out 30th June from Pen & Sword Military, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Most of accepted history is built up in countless layers by historians starting from a common point and adding and filling out detail from newly (re)discovered sources. Occasionally, however, someone comes along and causes a sensation by refuting the commonly accepted basis, forcing a re-examination of the entire framework. In this case, the author has boldly stated that the stanchions of early British history, including Tacitus (who, according to O'Gorman, invented Boudicca whole cloth) and Cassius Dio who also was less factually inclined and more a writer of fiction. That later historians based their work on the shoulders of what were essentially writers of fiction (which may have been invented by later renaissance authors whole cloth), obviously casts our modern history into doubt.

I was fascinated by the boldness of the claims, and I do applaud the skepticism with which he examines and presents evidence piece by piece. I am not enough of a real scholar of history (more of a keen amateur), but I admit that I was fascinated and he certainly makes a cogent argument. 

This is the sort of book which could either change the entire paradigm, or be debunked as the work of a crank by other academics. I'm a bioengineering nerd and my real bonafides lie in other fields, but I confess that I am fascinated by what he has to say. I am also enough of a history nerd to love the sort of "gauntlet throwing" language he uses in the book and I would love to see a peer-review of the work here.

For actual historians and fans of deep-diving subjects in history, the language is quite accessible, and the author has done a meticulous job with the annotations. It appears in my admittedly inexpert opinion, to be rigorously built up and correct. The maps, timelines, and facsimiles and photos helped to add a layer of context and helped me to keep track of the chief actors. 

Five stars. I can't say absolutely without reservation that the author really knows what he's talking about, but he certainly seems to make a good case. I liked that he wasn't mealy-mouthed in the least about throwing down the gauntlet. I've made a note for myself to come back in a couple years and check the peer reviews for this book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects, and Field Trips for Every Season

100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects, and Field Trips for Every Season is a well illustrated fun book by Greta Eskridge absolutely full of good ideas for fun family friendly activities to get people into the outdoors and having fun together. Due out 3rd May from Thomas Nelson, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The illustrations by Emily Paik are clear and colorful and full of detail. The suggested activities are grouped thematically by season: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. They include physical activities like hikes, volunteering, nature cleanup, as well as more cerebral observational activities like star-watching, poet practice, and indoor cooking and reading. The activities are varied and fun and there's literally something for everyone.

The activities are also full of checklists for measuring and recording progress. Although it's not specifically stated, there -are- lots of inclusive activities which are perfectly do-able by disabled readers. Although the book is aimed at the middle grades, there are good tips scattered throughout for caregivers and facilitators.

It's a fun and worthwhile book with something for everyone. 

Five stars. This would be a good selection for public or school library acquisition, activity/scouting groups and home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

Casting Onward: Adventures in Search of America's Native Fish (2nd in a Series)

Casting Onward is the second book of fishing stories by Steve Ramirez. Due out 1st May from Rowman & Littlefield on their Lyons Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is not a "how-to" tutorial guide. There are no maps or directions to recommended fishing areas, and no photographs. What it does include is a warm and conversational bunch of essays about specific game fish in the USA and the author's experiences with them, and with the outdoors people who care for and fish them. The author is quite gifted at conveying a sense of calm and meditative respect for the sport of fly fishing. I grew up with fishermen and have always enjoyed camping and outdoor pursuits. They fished, I read (or foraged, or took photographs). Reading this book reminded me a lot of my younger days. There is quite a lot of history interspersed in the stories: mental attitude, fishermen/women, fish, locations, human interaction, and the bigger philosophical life questions. I wasn't expecting to be as engaged in the read as I was. 

The illustrations, which are simple charcoal and graphite sketches, really added a lot to the book. This would make a superlative gift to a fisherman, library acquisition, or for the home library. Highly recommended to fans of nature/sport writers, naturists such as Thomas McGuane and/or Norman Maclean. There are no photographs in this edition, except the covers.

The book also includes a short bibliography for further reading.

Five stars. Beautifully written. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.     

Glowing Bunnies?!: Why We’re Making Hybrids, Chimeras, and Clones

Glowing Bunnies?!: Why We’re Making Hybrids, Chimeras, and Clones is a accessible, science based exploration of genetic technology by Jeff Campbell which is aimed at older middle grade to high school readers. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Lerner on their Zest Books imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback, library bound, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.

This is such an engaging look at genetics, hybridization, ethics, current technology, and more. The topics are arranged thematically and the necessary terminology is explained in context in the text as it's introduced. The author has also included an abbreviated glossary and bibliography in the back of the book. 

The writing is age-appropriate and not overly technical. It gives a good overview over the diverse topics, but doesn't go into depth on any of them. The bibliography and chapter notes (with links) will provide a good starting point for further reading. I was, admittedly, a complete biology nerd from a young age, but in my estimation, this book is more suited to the needs and educational level of the younger end of the suggested age range (11-18 years) and might be too simple for some students.

The photography and illustrations are well done, clear and in color.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition or for the home library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.     

Edible North Carolina: A Journey across a State of Flavor

Edible North Carolina is a panoramic overview over the gastronomic landscape of North Carolina along with a superb cross section of profiles of leading culinary VIPs edited and curated by Dr. Marcie Cohen Ferris. Due out 3rd May 2022 from the University of North Carolina Press, it's 296 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Deep-diving regional cuisine when traveling has always been a favored hobby in my family. We have always sought out the "townie" restaurants and (as much as possible) eschewed the touristy ones. This book is tailor made for us. There are profiles and essays by 20 North Carolina foodies, families, and culturally relevant people. The essays are as varied as the writers: an indigenous family, local commercial seafood fisherman, pork farmer, families of color, Latinx, first generation NC restaurateur, and more. The recipes are as varied as the subjects with a smattering of standard classics (sweet potato pie, strawberry preserves, and scallop fritters) as well as the refreshingly unexpected (pecan polverones and pork shank posole). 

Recipes contain a background/introduction, ingredients listed bullet-style in a sidebar, followed by step-by-step directions. Ingredients are given in imperial (American) units. There are no metric equivalents. The majority of the ingredients will be available at any well stocked grocery store or farmer's market. Some of the sauces and spice blends will possibly require a regional specialist grocer or mail order. 

Most of the photographs contained in the book are of the contributors, but there are some food pictures. The photography is in color, clear, and well done. Serving suggestions are appetizing and attractively styled. 

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as for foodies. The biggest value for me was reading the stories of the contributors and not so much for the 20 included recipes (although they're appetizing). 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Built by Animals: Meet the creatures who inspire our homes and cities

Built by Animals is an illustrated book for middle grade readers showing how human engineering problems sometimes have solutions found in nature. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This is a fun STE(A)M book with lots of facts about animals and how they can give us insights into engineering, architecture, transportation, materials sciences, and more. Author Dr. Christiane Dorion is an experienced educator and author. She writes clearly and well about the subject and kids will find much of the information engrossing and educational. I would've devoured this book at that age. 

The art by Yeji Yun is colorful and full of small details which will fascinate young kids and which illustrate the engineering and design points well. The animal builders in the book are anthropomorphic and explain the concepts themselves to add a level of fun and whimsy to the experience. Corner banners on each two page spread show the category they come under: construction, materials, shapes, energy, and water. 

The book includes a table of contents and index for convenience. There's also a short fun quiz at the end which invites readers to match awards (best digger, best weaver, best artist, best dam engineer) with the animals in the book who deserve each award. This can be used as a fun activity to facilitate discussions and further learning. 

Five stars, a fine choice for public or classroom library acquisition, and for the home library. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States is a well written and colorfully illustrated book about the celebration of the end of slavery in the USA. Due out 3rd May 2022 from Quarto on their becker&mayer! imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Aimed at the youngest readers (ages 6-9 years), this is an engaging and age appropriate retelling of the story of the end of slavery and the codification of the Emancipation Proclamation which was ratified into law as the 13th Amendment. Despite being freed, many former slaves in Texas weren't aware that they were no longer slaves until General Gordon Granger read in Galveston: 

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free . . .”

The text is simple and accessible and lends itself to interactive reading either with a classroom reading circle or one on one with one's own children. The art is full of small details which invite readers to ponder and take a closer look. 

The author has also included a short timeline of events from the beginning of the trans-Atlantic European slave trade down to 2021 when President Biden signed into law Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Well written and important history, told in an age appropriate manner. 

Five stars. This would be a good choice for public library or classroom use, as well as for the home library.

 Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Fifty-Four Pigs: A Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery

Fifty-Four Pigs is the first Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Released 19th April 2022 by ECW Press, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

This fictive amateur sleuth mystery debut by real-life veterinarian Philipp Schott features a fictional problem solver who is also a veterinarian alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. I appreciated the nerdy culture references which the author wrote into the story, and it's cool that his wife is a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.

The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterisations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true for me at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. The overarching mystery is heavily foreshadowed and not a surprise, but there were motivations and hidden aspects which definitely surprised me. The climax, denouement, and resolution had a bit too much deus-ex-machina to be entirely satisfying, but overall I enjoyed it very much. 

It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of blood and fire/explosion damage to a skeleton. Language and dialogue are R-rated with some casual f-bombs scattered around. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours and 2 minutes and is capably narrated by Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

Four stars. Very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Peter, Laura, and Pippin (&co).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Alexander the Great, a Battle for Truth and Fiction

Alexander the Great, a Battle for Truth and Fiction is a layman accessible and interesting monograph on the analysis and evaluation of historical sources, specifically sources detailing the history surrounding Alexander the Great written by David Grant. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Alexander the Great and his generals and ancient Macedonian history are perennially popular subjects and always fascinating to revisit. Recent political and media "truthfulness" should have left every one of us more jaded and cynical about their objectivity. How much more so are accounts of ancient history, sometimes written centuries after the fact by people who had a distinct desire to present a biased view (unconsciously or with conscious inclination)? 

The author, who is a specialist in the subject, takes on the task of evaluating sources and attempts to tease the actual facts out of the historical hyperbole. The book is arranged thematically and the chapters include a pretty good general resource evaluation which will be of use to any students of history, as well as specific instances of historical sources on Alexander the Great and using sources to evaluate and interpret their objectivity by comparison and contrast. 

It could have been an impenetrable dry-as-dust bore-fest but the reality was that it's anything but. I honestly began reading without unusually high hopes (I'm a keen reader of ancient Greek & Roman history, but by no means an expert). I was genuinely surprised at the accessibility and readability here. The book is extensively and meticulously annotated, but it was never boring. As a relative neophyte with the period, it was an information rich deep-dive into the histories of the surrounding characters. The chapters which contained glimpses of his familial and conjugal alliances were particularly illuminating, showing how polarized many of the sources were. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for readers of history as well as for public or school library acquisition. The chapter notes and bibliography alone are worth the price of admission. It's not lavishly illustrated at all, and most readers will want to keep a period atlas at hand to look up places and events. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook: 290 Fresh Recipes for Eating with the Seasons

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook is a well written and beautifully photographed seasonal cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Due out 1st May 2022 from Barbour Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in spiral bound paperback format. 

Over the last decade, with transportation and delivery costs on the rise, there's been a sensible trend toward sourcing local foods and other supplies and eating more seasonally. Additionally, locally sourced food is likely more nutritionally sound and with the possibility of varieties of fruit and vegetables which don't transport well but are delicious and outside the usual selection at the big-box stores. 

All of the cookbooks by the author conjure images of Amish country, farmer's markets, locally grown produce and healthy ingredients. This one is an ode to eating seasonally. Recipes are grouped by season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, with a bonus chapter which includes year-round recipes. 

Recipes are credited with their contributors and whomever does the curating has done a good job with selecting appealing ones. Recipe ingredients are basic and will be familiar and readily available to anyone. The book also includes kitchen tips and tricks for convenience and good results. Ingredients are given in a bullet list, with measurements in imperial (American) units - no metric measures. The recipes are written in a very chatty informal style which is cozy and appealing. 

Most of these are very much like the sort of recipes which are handed down in families across generations. I have a collection of my own family recipes which I treasure, still hand written on old index cards. 

The recipes, tips, and instructions are interspersed with relevant verses from the bible. It's an Amish themed cookbook, so expressions of faith and family are expected and in this case, didn't feel proselytizing at all. One thing I really liked is that there's a full index as well as an *ingredient* index. Readers can look up "maple syrup" and find all the recipes which contain it as an ingredient easily and quickly. 

Four and a half stars. This is a nice homestyle cookbook. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Bella Loves Bugs: A Fact-filled Nature Adventure Bursting with Bugs!

Bella Loves Bugs is a science based and adorably illustrated book on entomology for young readers (ca 4-7 years) by Dr. Jess French and Duncan Beedie. Released 19th April 2022 by Quarto on their Happy Yak imprint, it's 48 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is such a whimsical and charming book. I was impressed with the number of engaging facts and nature information crammed into the pages. The pages are set up in frames with text boxes explaining safety, equipment, how-to find and interact with insects and information relevant for both children and their caregivers/facilitators. Although the illustrations are drawn and there aren't photographs, species pictures are clear and specific enough for general identification. 

The grouping of insects is also charming and logical for small kids. The author and illustrator have grouped them into "bees", "hopping insects", "pond creatures", "beetles" and so on. Scattered throughout are gentle reminders for readers about how they can help support, feed, and guard habitat so bugs will always be there. The book also includes a bit of info on other invertebrates (snails and slugs). 

The collection details in the book emphasize catch and release and gentle observation. The author never mentions collecting for display, and there are no kill-jars or euthanasia details included.

For educators, the children in the book are ethnically diverse and main character Bella is a little girl with friends who are both male and female. It's refreshing to see a wide variety of representation. It's never emphasized in the text, but it is there.

Five stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, classroom use, or the home library.  

Disclosure: I received a pre-release recording at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Fireside Reading of A Study in Scarlet

Fireside Reading of A Study in Scarlet is an enhanced recording of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes adventure. Due out 26th April 2022 from Dreamscape Media, it will be available in video and audiobook formats. 

Besides being a classic of Victorian sensational literature and a beloved standard (I can recall having it read to me at a very young age by my grandparents), this is a nicely updated and accessible way to listen. The recording is enhanced with music and some sound effects. It's an unabridged reading and the run time is 5 hours and 56 minutes with an introduction and short background information. The narration by Gildart Jackston is superb and he reads with nuance and facility. There are a number of different accents for both male and female characters and he manages them distinctly and well. 

Although I've read the book several times and was previously familiar with the plot and resolution; I think anyone hearing it read for the first time would have no trouble following along. There are also links on the affiliated youtube channel which connect to both free and paid content. 

Five stars. Really enjoyable read. Not entirely sure the music and sound effects enhanced the read, but the narration is top notch. 

Disclosure: I received a pre-release recording at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Revolting Recipes From History

Revolting Recipes From History is a humorous, honest, and well curated choice of culinary oddities, weird combinations, and potentially dangerous recipes by food historian Seren Charrington-Hollins. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 216 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

The author does a very good job of exploring the real cultural and biological background behind some people's visceral reaction to different widely divergent foodstuffs. Why do we react with revulsion when faced with fermented shark and/or lye treated - saponified whitefish when people in some places consider them a delicacy? It should be noted that the book does not contain actual recipes (and most of the subjects are for things I can't imagine actually eating; certainly not willingly).

Although admittedly a niche book, it's well annotated throughout and the author writes knowledgeably on the subject, The bibliography is comprehensive and will provide many hours of further reading and information. The book is largely without illustrations, but there are a number of facsimile adverts and period photographs and documents contained at the back. I especially enjoyed seeing the period ads for frog farming (for fun & profit), and the very early tinned and preserved foods.

As a historical insight, I found it fascinating and devoured it (haha) cover to cover.  This was well worth the read, and for recreators and SCAdians (and the like) this would make really great source material.

Five stars. Weirdly fascinating.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Tropical Birds

Tropical Birds is a beautiful pictorial look at birds of the tropics written and curated by Tom Jackson. Due out 10th May 2022 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This book is collected from mostly stock photos, but exceptionally well curated and written. It's illustrated throughout with photographs and illustrations from detailed macro photos by talented nature photographers. The chapters are arranged thematically by bird families: parrots & cuckoos, toucans & woodpeckers, hornbills, hummingbirds & swifts, ground birds, and songbirds. The photos are captioned and provide insight into species' habitat, food and habits. Photos are very high quality and colourful. 

The species included in the book are referred to by common (not scientific nomenclature). There is also little information about the ranges of the species. There was also no index in the eARC provided for review, although that might be included in the release version of the book. The book does include a comprehensive and specific photo credits appendix.

Four stars. I found the book engaging and beautiful, but the bottom line is that it's a collection of gorgeous photos with limited additional information.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Head Full of Magic

A Head Full of Magic is an engaging and whimsical fantasy for middle grade readers by Sarah Morrell. Due out 25th April 2022 by Hashtag Press, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is such a fun and compassionate story. Fleur is a young girl whose life was more or less on an even keel; she had two best friends and her mum and gran, and if she wasn't terribly popular at school and even though animals (especially birds) took an unusual interest in her, at least she had Anais and Ruby and generally knew what to expect. That all changed when a new girl moved in, commandeered her friends, and made her school life an utter misery every day. To make matters worse, she doesn't know how or why, but she can hear animals talking to her. 

I just loved this story. Fleur has a sort of genuine warmth which resonated with me. She's brave and kind and loyal but she's no Polyanna and I love how she reacts to the denouement and resolution in this book. The secondary characters are very well rendered and I adore her Nan and her irascible sarcastic and tetchy African grey parrot, Sir Barclay. The magical realism is well done and there are genuinely funny bits throughout. 

Fleur & her nan were a bit caustic about her mother's lack of ability cooking, but I think it'll resonate with the target audience as more typical 10 year old talk and not cruel. Spelling and vernacular are UK standard English (tyre, crisp, biscuit) which is something of which to be aware for readers from the USA. This is a standalone novel, although there is scope for future adventures for Fleur and co.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for school or public library acquisition or for fans of magical realism. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.    

Mining for Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery #3)

Mining for Murder is the third Happy Camper cozy mystery by Mary Angela. Released 5th April 2022 by Kensington, it's 207 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.

This is a small town shopfront cozy set in South Dakota. The protagonist is an intelligent young woman with a largely unknown past (she was surrendered as an infant to the authorities). The murder mystery revolves around the gold-rush history of the town and surrounding Black Hills and a rare antique book with local history which comes up at auction. There's a fair bit of fascinating real history interwoven into the fictional narrative and it lifts the story a lot. It is apparent that the author has done a good job of background research. 

As a small town cozy, it's full of the sort of quirky eccentric secondary characters who are a bit two dimensional and who seem to exist to move the plot along and provide light comic relief. The pool of suspects is small, and although the denouement and resolution are fairly easy to guess beforehand, they're well written and satisfying. It works well enough as a standalone with the understanding that this book contains some major spoilers for earlier books in the series regarding the growth and family history of Zo, the protagonist. The language is clean, and there's no graphic violence. This would be a good choice for lovers of light cozies, the kind with whimsically eccentric characters, a town diner, and rural countryside. There's even a cake recipe mentioned in the plot at the end of the book

I found the plotting and development slow and the secondary characters mostly stage scenery. That being said, however, the author is adept at writing and much of the descriptive prose is well done and engaging.

Four stars. This will appeal to cozy readers. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.     

The Brownie Diaries: My Recipes for Happy Rimes, Heartbreak and Everything in Between

The Brownie Diaries is a food therapy ode of love to brownies and chocolate-cakey things by Leah Hyslop. Due out 12th April 2022 from Bloomsbury, it's 176 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.

This is such a fun and upbeat book, crammed with delicious brownie recipes. I've always been a fan of sweets and there are enough varied recipes here to keep the most dedicated brownie fan going for ages. The introduction does a much better than average job of introducing tools and ingredients for brownies and explaining what they do in context in the recipe to make the finished products not too cakey or too gooey or otherwise less-than-perfect.

The following chapters contain the recipes, grouped thematically:  brownies for everyday, comfort, celebration (fancy!), and not-quite-traditional-brownie things.

Recipes contain a description and introduction, bullet lists of ingredients (measurements are given in metric units), followed by step-by-step instructions. All the recipes are photographed and illustrations are attractively styled and appetizing. Nearly all ingredients will be readily available at the local grocery store. Tutorial photos are accompanied by clear understandable captions which really help.The book is mostly slanted toward bakers in the UK and ingredient terms are in UK English (caster sugar, sultanas, golden syrup), but substitutions and conversions won't be a problem for readers elsewhere.

Five stars. Sensible. Beautifully written. High production quality throughout.I want to try all these recipes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Beginner's Guide to Candy Making: Simple and Sweet Recipes for Chocolates, Caramels, Lollypops, Gummies, and More

The Beginner's Guide to Candy Making is a well written visual tutorial guide to making confections and candy by Elizabeth Labau. Due out 12th April 2022 from Quarto on their Quarry Books imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

This is a book full of beginner accessible recipes for attractive sweets. It's arranged logically, with an introduction which gives an overview over techniques and tools and supplies. The chapters which follow include the recipes, grouped thematically: sugar candies, fondant, caramels, toffee, fudge, truffles, chocolate candies, marshmallows, and fruit&nut candies. 

Recipes include a description, ingredients in a bullet list (measurements are given in imperial/American and metric units), followed by step-by-step directions. The instructions are easy to understand and the photos are clear and in color. There are numerous tutorials included and none of the recipes should be beyond the skills of a keen amateur without any background training. Most ingredients will be easily found at any large grocery store. Some esoteric ingredients for some recipes may need an international grocery store or online retailer.

The final section of the book shows a variety of finishing and decorating techniques for extra professional results. The author has also included a resource and links list for sourcing ingredients, forms, and specialty supplies.

Four stars. Very good selection of appealing sweets with great looking results.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Mindful Sketching: How to Develop a Drawing Practice and Embrace the Art of Imperfection

Mindful Sketching is a technique and philosophy guide with prompts for developing and maintaining a drawing habit written by Peggy Dean. Due out 22nd May 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Spruce Books imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

This is an encouraging and gently written book which will hopefully help readers develop confidence and support a drawing habit. The emphasis is very much on embracing imperfection and serendipity in the process and concentrating on the journey and not necessarily only the product.

The author has an inviting and calm style of writing. She explains some of her own background and reasons for starting with  mindfulness in her drawing, and she invites the reader to find the methods and inspirations which work for them. This is much more of a philosophical treatment of the subject rather than straight drawing tutorials. It includes a lot more examining feelings and thoughts than advice on shading and rendering different subjects. The book is full of self-examination and prompts for drawing, but light on actual technique instruction.

The author has also included a number of small gallery illustrations from artists with varied styles for inspiration and reference. This is a very pretty book with a lot of useful information and tips for self examination and some drawing

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Pickled Petunia (Motts Cold Case Mystery #3)

Pickled Petunia is the third Mott's Cold Case cozy mystery by Dahlia Donovan. Released 6th Nov 2021, it's a compact and fast read at 212 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.

Although it's the third book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info-dumping. The plot moves along at a good pace and the scenery and interaction between the characters are engaging and well written. The characters are -all- quite quirky, several (including the main protagonist) are neurodivergent. That's not a bad thing, but it is noticeable and permeates the whole of the story. One of the things with which main character Mott struggles is serious anxiety. Some of the descriptions of her anxiety episodes are quite heartrending and might potentially be triggering to some readers. I liked that she and her friends help and support one another no matter what. 

Mott's friends and her pets (one sphinx cat, one turtle (who is on sabbatical with Mott's parents)) along with Mott herself solve mysteries and gently educate readers on pronoun use, neurodivergence, and genuine friendship. For readers outside of the British Isles, the spelling and vernacular are British English (scooter, chips, crisps), but should pose no difficulty for readers in context. One relatively small quibble though - in the books, the author describes her cat, Cactus, as both male and tortoiseshell. I'm willing to allow that there *are* male tortoiseshell cats, but colour is a sex linked trait on the X chromosome and only really occurs where the cat has an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter's syndrome) and it seemed to me that it would be an odd thing to write into the books without any mention or explanation. Then again, I'm a biology and genetics nerd, so it's probable that most readers won't even notice.

I did enjoy this installment enough to compel me to go seek out the first book in the series. It's also nice to see neurodiversity and positive ethnic diversity and representation in media. 

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.