How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond

How to Win at Chess is a thought-provoking and information dense chess monograph by Levy Rozman (GothamChess). Released 24th Oct 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an all-around volume, from the minutiae and basics of the rules, including scoring and notation, to the nuts and bolts of gameplay, including early-mid-and-endgame strategies. The author includes his thoughts and experiences as a chess teacher (and high-end competitive player) to help readers approach problem solving in game thoughtfully and improve their repertoires gambit-wise.

He has millions of followers on youtube and chess.com, and is the most-followed western player in the world (there are some few with more followers in Asia, India specifically). He's in a handful of chess players and teachers worldwide with a finger on the pulse of competitive gameplay and has analyzed thousands (tens of thousands?) of games for followers. His almost real-time commentary on competition play is pithy and insightful and very colorful.

Readers who are familiar with his work in film/audio media will immediately recognize the same brash bright attitude and humor in the book. He makes a number of salient points and really does offer insight into improving readers' performance at all stages of their game. 

It's enchanting to see people doing things they clearly love, and doing them very well. He's unvarnished (a bit "in your face" at some points), very very clever, well spoken and funny, and it's clear he REALLY loves chess.

Five stars. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, for gifting, and for chess afficionados. It would also be a good choice for more formal instruction, for chess clubs' libraries, gaming clubs, and similar. 

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

Basics with Babish: Recipes for Screwing Up, Trying Again, and Hitting It Out of the Park

Basics with Babish is an -interactive- cooking guide with recipes and info curated by Andrew Rea. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 464 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a useful and warmly written guide with lots of recipes, but it's also a learning guide/cookery course which aims to help readers acquire useful skills and develop their cooking repertoire. There's a very "trouble-shooting" vibe to the recipes which will help readers understand where things might've gone differently from their goal and how to improve results next time. 

There's a logical layout and chapters are grouped roughly thematically: bread, pizza, pasta, eggs, vegetables, seafood, poultry, pork, beef, and desserts. Each of the recipes include a title and introduction, ingredients in a bullet list, and step-by-step prep instructions. Ingredients will mostly be readily available from any moderately well stocked grocery store. Measurements are given in metric SI units (yay!); so a kitchen scale is a must.

Recipes are accompanied by many (many) process photos as well as styled finished shots of the dish. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. Nutritional info is not included. The author has included many alternate preparations/forms (loaves, muffins, individual servings, and pull apart loaves, for example) for most of the dishes. 

The standout for this volume is the author's exploration of why individual recipes have gone wrong, a troubleshooting discussion, and techniques for improving results.

There's a lot of personal detail here, and for current fans of the author's work on youtube, etc, the background makes for entertaining reading.

Four and a half stars. This is a really useful and beautiful book. Highly recommended for public library acquisition, home use, and gifting. 

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

Hooked on Shakespeare: Crochet Projects Inspired by The Bard

Hooked on Shakespeare is an adorable collection of crocheted amigurumi patterns for Shakespearean characters (and the bard himself) written by Gurinder Kaur Hatchart. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is such a fun collection of small amigurumi crochet dolls with a surprising amount of detail, and made with readily available yarns and supplies. The tutorials are easy to understand, and all of them include tools and supplies lists, along with step by step instructions and process photos in colour. There are dolls from 14 of the plays as well as an adorable "Wooliam Shakespeare" himself. 

The author has also included tips and basic instructions for getting started with 3 dimensional crochet. Although the instructions are well written and detailed, it would be best for absolute beginners to have access to an experienced crochet friend or local yarn boutique for help along the way. More experienced beginners will have no problems following the tutorials to create the projects included in the book. 

Most of them use very small amounts of individual colours and are thus perfect for stash-busting and using up the yarns which readers already have on hand.

Four stars. Adorable and well written patterns. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, maker's groups, and for crocheting for "educational" toys for children's play/doll show for an audience. A good and relevant introduction to the major plays for youngsters (all ages, really). 

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

The Natural Home Wheel of the Year: Crafting, Cooking, Decorating & Magic for Every Sabbat

The Natural Home Wheel of the Year is an accessible and useful guide to the natural/magical calendar written and curated by Raechel Henderson. Released 8th Dec 2023 by Llewellyn, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The book is graphically pleasing, with simple line drawn illustrations and clear color photography throughout. It's arranged around the 8 high holidays of the pagan/Celtic calendar (Samhain,Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon), with recipes, crafts, and activities for each. The crafts are simple, attractive, and do-able without a lot of extra tools or supples. 

The author's voice is friendly and positive, and there's a lot of practical wisdom scattered throughout the book. Salient points appear in highlighted text boxes, and the author/publisher have included appendices with templates and links/bibliography lists for further reading and learning. 

There's an emphasis on nature crafts, and ecofriendly tutorials. Each tutorial includes a bullet list of tools & supplies, followed by step-by-step instructions. The tutorials are well photographed and "action" shots are well staged without hands or other items blocking the steps. 

High quality, well written book with useful tutorials. It has a definite pagan/wiccan slant, but the author is *not* heavy-handed or proselytizing in language or philosophy. The tutorials run the gamut from making runes, to creating wreaths, altars and ritual, and making teas and other recipes.

Five stars. This would be a great choice for public library acquisition (with the codicil that in the USA at least in some areas, there are active book bans happening and this book could be a lightning rod for controversy for some not very valid reasons). It would also be lovely for gift giving or for home crafters, smallholders, and self-sufficiency fans. 

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

Universal Principles of Color: 100 Key Concepts for Understanding, Analyzing, and Working with Color

Universal Principles of Color is a well written and accessible theory guide by Maggie Maggio and Stephen Westland. Released 21st Nov 2023 by Quarto on their Rockport imprint, it's 216 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a very useful and information dense textbook treatment of concepts of color: perception, light, object reflectivity, shape, nuance, and much (much) more. Each idea is presented on a 2 page facing spread with text explanation on the left side and facing illustrations/photos on the right. The text is easy to understand and there are surprisingly complex concepts presented in bite-sized pieces. 

Five stars. This would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, artist's studio collections, as well as for more formal classroom instruction in design, art, and allied subjects. 

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

A History of the Cotton Industry: A Story in Three Continents

A History of the Cotton Industry is a well written and layman accessible monograph on the cotton industry from ancient times. Originally published in 1984 to coincide with the documentary TV production of "The Rise and Fall of King Cotton", this reformat and re-release due out 6th Feb 2024 from Pen & Sword is 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a very well researched and annotated volume. The author provides an unvarnished history and overview of the culture surrounding the agriculture and manufacture of cotton. It makes for often brutal reading; from the closely allied trade in human slaves, the politics and corruption of great power and profit (at the cost of human life), and the eventual decline and collapse of the social structures which grew and flourished over centuries. 

Readers should be aware that in this second edition, the author has made a conscious decision -not- to remove the 6 historical quotes in the text which use the "n-word". It's shocking and distressing to see it printed in black and white each time it appears, but it's very important in context and the author made the right (albeit presumably difficult) decision to leave the quotes intact. There's also a fair bit of historical material which reflects a breathtaking amount of imperialist/sexist/racist/misogynist world view, which again, is appropriate and important in context to understand the unquestioned historical prevalence. 

The language is layman accessible. It's well annotated throughout and the author/publisher have included numerous archival photos and facsimiles of historical documents which add a lot of depth and interest to the read.

Five stars. Well written and very thought provoking reading. 

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

Stitching through the Seasons: Evocative Patterns and Projects to Capture the Magic of Each Month

Stitching through the Seasons is a is a tutorial and pattern book with example projects by Yumiko Higuchi. Released 28th Nov 2023 by Roost Books on their Shambhala imprint, it's 96 pages and is available in paperback format.

The included projects are all stylishly appealing and full of colorful surface embroidery featuring floral subjects arranged by month. All of the tutorials include full color pictures as well as detailed line drawings with stitch guides and directions. Materials are readily and widely available. Although the tutorials are specific to finished projects (eye mask, bags, Christmas stocking, and several others), they could all easily be adapted to whatever finished form the reader wishes, or simply framed as pictures.

The stitch diagrams which are provided include clear pictures of straight stitch, lazy daisy, satin, French knot, chain stitch (used in most of the projects), and other surface embroidery techniques. It would be possible to complete the projects in the book by just using the stitch tutorials, and despite their seeming complexity, they're built up of simple elements and should be accessible to anyone, even beginners. 

Full size templates are included as well as materials lists and suggested finishing instructions. 

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch.  It's lovely to see tutorials and an upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance.

I enjoyed the book very much.  It's a worthwhile and fun introduction and guide to learning embroidery. Many of the designs in the book could also serve as a good jumping off point for dimensional embroidery/stumpwork.

Four and a half stars

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

How to Plan a Wedding: A Month-by-Month Guide for Modern Weddings

How to Plan a Wedding: A Month-by-Month Guide for Modern Weddings is a well written and logically arranged planner for readers who are planning (or helping plan) an event, primarily weddings. Released 12th Dec 2023 by Penguin Random House on their 10 Speed Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

It's arranged as a planner, with tasks and lists (many customizable) arranged in a calendar format: 12 months to event... 11 months... 10 months...etc, down to two weeks before. The author, Terri Pous, is an experienced planner and has written about event planning in the NYT, among other media outlets. 

This is an inclusive guide, and it's nice that the author presupposes no gender roles, or type of couple. Much of the language is gender-neutral, which is a nice touch for couples who don't fit a rigid formula. There are interactive quiz type worksheets to fill out and many (many!) ideas for less traditional ceremonies. 

Graphically, it's very simple and formatted/typeset in a restful and serene typeface. The illustrations are simple, mostly floral themed, and line drawn. Salient special points are written into highlighted text bars. 

There is no index in the pre-release ARC provided for review, but the book does include an abbreviated resources and links lists as well as a very short glossary with some useful terms which might be new for some readers.

Four stars. Very simple (but logical) layout, restful graphics, and accessible, no-nonsense language.The inclusive language and flexibility are a big plus for non-traditional couples, or for couples who are planning a less traditional wedding. 

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

NetGalley Reading Journal

NetGalley Reading Journal is a tracking journal and book review kit by the folks at We Are Bookish. Released 18th Dec 2023, it's 104 pages and is customizable with stickers and extra pages to format. 

There are numerous electronic (and paper) planners available to track everything, including a large and vibrant BuJo community, but it's always exciting to find another journal system to try out. This one can be uploaded to other tablet apps like Goodnotes and Xodo (amongst many) and customized to best suit the reader's wishes and needs.

Five stars. Electronic journaling and tracking is absolutely the future. Even for readers who still own paper and pen journals, electronic formats offer a lot of flexibility and make a good alternative. 

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

Mrs Beeton and Mrs Marshall: A Tale of Two Victorian Cooks

Mrs Beeton and Mrs Marshall: A Tale of Two Victorian Cooks is a nonfiction history monograph/biography of Victorian/Edwardian cookery and two of its iconic giants, by historian Emma Kay. Due out 29th Feb 2024 from Pen & Sword, it's 216 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This is an interesting deep-dive into the history of both titular persons and the ancillary figures in their lives. Although Mrs. Beeton is still a (relative) household name, Mrs. Marshall, at her time was equally well known, and the author does a very good job of rendering the minutiae both accessible and interesting. 

The book's layout is straightforward. The first half covers the life and work of Agnes Marshall, the second half Isabella Beeton. They were very different people and from different backgrounds but lived and worked in the same general areas, separated by some decades. 

The book is written in a layman accessible style and non-historians will find it easy to understand. The author has included copious notes and references throughout. It's also enhanced by the inclusion of numerous archival photos of antique kitchenalia and salient places to the story. 

Five stars. It would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, gift giving to fans of domestic history, kitchenalia, foodies, and biography lovers. Admittedly a niche book, but a very well written and readable one. 

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

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies - The Ill-Mannered Ladies #1

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is the first book in a new historical mystery series by Alison Goodman. Released 30th May 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 464(!) 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.  

This is an exceptionally well written mystery romp, full of skullduggery and with a basically historically accurate framework, done so seamlessly that it's not easy to tell where real history fades into fiction. The protagonists are deliciously written, especially Gus, who is -firmly- on the shelf, thank you very much, and has absolutely no desire to put up with anyone's foolishness.  

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 15 hours 33 minutes and is expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton. She has a well modulated, professionally trained alto voice with a cut-crystal RP accent which translates well to this read. She doesn't overpower the read, and listeners will find her pleasantly neutral and not invasive (or screechy or difficult to listen to). 

Four and a half stars for both the audio and print versions. Definitely one for the fans of historical mysteries. The feminist overtones and "protagonists of a certain age who are unwilling to put up with the world's nonsense" are delightful and not -too- heavy handed. 

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

この間取り、ここが問題です！

 この間取り、ここが問題です！is an interesting and well presented troubleshooting guide for interior/house/apartment planning. Presented by Aki Factory, it's 220 pages and is due out 16th Jan 2024.

The layout is practical, showing 25 cases with their design problem areas (see cover), and proposing solutions to each problem to promote good movement flow, efficient use of available space, etc. There are a lot of creative solutions presented with unusual and unexpected "found" space and storage. The book seems to be mostly aimed at houses (not flats) with an emphasis on landlords and property owners and remodeling on a professional basis. The author is an architect with a great deal of experience, and it shows in the analysis of the cases presented.

It's only available in a Japanese language edition, so proficiency in Japanese is helpful/necessary. 

Four stars. 

InstaKnits for Baby

InstaKnits for Baby is an attractive and quick-to-knit collection of baby things by Melissa Leapman. Released 5th Dec 2023 by Rowman & Littlefield on their Stackpole Books imprint, it's 168 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The patterns are simple and most don't take a large time commitment. The books patterns are arranged by rough time estimates for completing each project: from under 5 hours to around 20 hours (or more). Each tutorial is accompanied by clear step-by-step photos and easy to understand instructions. Nearly all of the projects are beginner-friendly and perfectly doable by anyone. Many (most) of them use very little yarn and would be great for using up odds and ends which every knitter has lying around. 

Four stars. These would also be great for charity knitting projects, gifts, maker's groups, etc. (Limited reproduction allowed by the author/publisher, but commercial production in large scale expressly forbidden). There are a number of soft cuddly stuffies included which is a nice bonus. 

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

Kawaii Drawing: Learn to draw more than 100 super cute things

Kawaii Drawing is an adorable tutorial and drawing guide for a huge number of cute line drawn subjects by Becky Castañeda. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 112 pages and is available in paperback format. 

It's a truly accessible and beginner friendly guide and readers of all ages will be able to draw cute doodles and small drawings pretty easily. The author introduces the kawaii (cute) style clearly and understandably along with a short tutorial on tools and materials choices. 

The tutorials themselves are arranged in chapters and include both character drawings (bunny, cute cat, kitty, mermaid, etc) as well as objects (trees, flowers, sushi, cakes, and more). Each short tutorial includes step-by-step drawing instructions with accompanying explanatory text. They really are cute and easy to understand.

This would make a great selection for public or school library acquisition, home use, as well as for child-minders, babysitters, or anyone who would like to improve their drawing ability with the youngsters in their lives. Doodling is a fun hobby and this book will get readers drawing quickly and easily.

Four and a half stars. 

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

Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

Being Henry is a warm and inviting memoir by Henry Winkler of his life and experiences as The Fonz, and other roles as well as a generous sprinkling of honesty and personal philosophy told with wit and humor. Released 31st Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their Celadon imprint, it's 251 pages and is available in all formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.  

This was such an engaging and interesting read. He's such an iconic part of American culture and for most people who grew up in the 70s and 80s, he was a huge part of their childhoods and teenage years. He of course went on to work in many other films, series, production capacities, as an author, etc etc, and he does discuss his other work in the book, but it's the background details and stories which really make the memoir shine. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 22 minutes and is beatifully narrated by the author himself. His voice is instantly recognizable and he reads with warmth and humor. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and gifting to fans of memoir and biography. 

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

Making Custom Signs in Wood: Learn to Letter, Sand, Paint, Frame & Everything In Between Wooden Sign-making Tutorials for Scroll Saw and Woodworking, with Patterns and Projects

How to Make Wood Signs is a well written and accessible tutorial instruction guide by Kendra Chura. Released 15th Nov 2023 by Fox Chapel, it's 120 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a very well written and logically arranged tutorial guide featuring lots of contemporary and attractive signs in wood. The author manages to convey the necessary info to allow readers to gather materials and begin creating projects in wood safely and successfully.

The introduction covers tools, materials, setup, choosing and sourcing wood, and safety. The choice of scroll saw is covered in depth, as are the newer-to-the-hobby-market laser cutters (lots of good info here). The practical tutorial chapters which follow include info on the process of cutting, forming, finishing, detailing, hanging the finished project, lettering, etc. 

There's an in-depth chapter covering epoxies, resins, oils, and inlays. The text is accompanied by plenty of clear, color photos throughout. 

The final project tutorial chapters include four full projects with step-by-step instructions. Scale templates are included. Each tutorial includes an introduction, a highlighted text box with full list of tools and supplies, and step-by-step photo/text directions.

Four stars. Well written and accessible. Very well photographed throughout. This would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, gift-giving, activity groups, maker's groups, and for the woodworker's home studio library.

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

The Cat On the Roof: A Cozy Cat Crime Caper - Cozy Cat Thrillers Book 4

The Cat On the Roof is the 4th Cozy Cat mystery by Peter Scottsdale. Released 28th March 2023, it's 166 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 and references throughout.  

This is a fluffy cozy(ish) thriller mystery written from the first "person" PoV of a cat who, with his cat siblings, is trying to foil a plot against his human, Jamie. Although it's not derivative, it's very much in the same genre as Spencer Quinn's Bernie books, and Sneaky Pie Brown books by Rita Mae Brown. 

The dialogue is often over the top and tongue in cheek. It's a short, light, enjoyable cozy and will likely appeal to fans of the aforementioned authors. Despite being the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone read.

Four stars.

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

Thief Liar Lady

Thief Liar Lady is a readable and fresh reimagining of Cinderella by debut author D.L.Soria. Released 11th July 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in all formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is an upside down retelling of Cinderella, except in this version, Cinderella is in cahoots with her stepmother and stepsisters to con the prince and take over the magical resources of the kingdom. She's a sort of anti-hero and grows/develops a conscience along the way. 

The writing was surprisingly uneven, and there are some areas of "love magic" which are fundamentally iffy and problematic. That being said, it's an entertaining, romantic, sarcastic tale, and would find a ready audience with fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo. 

Four stars. 

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

All That Glitters Isn't Old - Whit and Whiskers Mystery #3

All That Glitters Isn't Old is the 3rd Whit and Whiskers cozy mystery by Gabby Allan. Released 25th July 2023 by Kensington Books, it's 256 pages and is available in paerback 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. 

This is a fun light series which combines rom-com and cozy mystery. It's not -overly- heavy on the former, and readers who usually avoid romance altogether in their cozy reads won't be overwhelmed here, but there is significant rom-com content (fun and lighthearted). The mystery is well constructed and the dialogue is solid. 

It's got an island paradise setting, with summer vibes and nice mystery; a perfect escapist read for a cold dark winter afternoon. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, or for fans of island rom-com mysteries. With three books in the ongoing series, it would also be a good choice for a weekend binge/buddy read. 

Four stars. 

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

Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters

Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is the first book in an engaging and well written middle-grade UF series by Ciannon Smart. Released 8th Aug 2023 by HarperCollins on their Children's imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in all formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

It's always exciting and fun to find a new series and voice in UF, especially one which is kid-friendly. This intro has a cool and tough (but generally good) protagonist, who happens to be a demi-monster (his dad's Bogey Mann (yes, that one)). His backstory is well written and fleshed out, and if teachers reading the story can imagine how challenging he could be in a classroom, the kids reading will find a relatable, believable outsider hero, and grand adventure.

It's also nice that Rayleigh's background, and much of the lore, are from the Caribbean. Representation is so important, and having a well written story with a main character who isn't white shows kids of color that they -can- be the main character, and exposes caucasian kids to a wider circle of cultures and lived experiences. The book manages to tread the line without being preachy or obvious; it's nice to see what I hope is a sea change coming for literature and entertainment media. 

One note about the spelling and editing. The story is set in urban London (UK), but the spellings and vernacular are AmEnglish. It's noticeable and clearly an intentional editorial decision. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours, 55 minutes and is capably narrated by Jake Fairbrother. He has a crisp, very well modulated, classically trained voice and handles the various accents very well.

Four stars. It's a good book. A well written and an exciting fantasy romp, after a slightly slow background start; the fate of many series first intros. It would make an excellent public or school library acquisition, for gift giving, and home use. 

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

The Shell House Detectives - Shell House Detectives #1

The Shell House Detectives is the first book in a new British cozy series by Emylia Hall. Released 1st  July 2023 by Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 384 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 book (and the others in the series) are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This was such a fun and engaging read. The characters, including main protagonist widow Ally Bright, are rendered believably and the author gives readers realistic and natural dialogue and interaction throughout the read. The mysteries in the plot follow on from occurrences decades earlier, when Ally's husband, the local police sergeant was still living and serving in the area. The plot is well engineered and the clues are fair play and cleverly presented. 

Although not as adept (in the reviewer's humble opinion) as the inimitable Ann Cleeves' Vera books, fans of the latter will find a lot to enjoy with this book and the follow up. The settings (the Cornish coast and Northumberland respectively) feature prominently in both series.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, home reading, and gifting. With two books extant, and a third due out late 1st quarter 2024, it would be a good candidate for a light binge or buddy read. 

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

The Spectacular

The Spectacular is a very well written historical drama set in NYC in the late 1950s. Released 13th June 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Dutton imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

The story revolves around a mostly-appealing upper middle class young female dancer who is feeling stifled within the constraints of the life her family and society have given her. She auditions for the Rockettes on a whim and wins a place in the troupe, which turns out to be more challenging than even she had anticipated.

Loosely based around a series of real historical bombings in NYC in the late 1950s, author Fiona Davis has used dual timeline narrative and flashbacks to very good effect to create an engaging and readable story. The scenery and background research are also impressive (and must have been a prodigious task). 

Four solid stars. It would make a good choice for library acquisition, gifting, personal reading, and would be an excellent book club selection. 

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