The Plant Protein Revolution Cookbook

The Plant Protein Revolution Cookbook is a tutorial guide and recipe collection by Robin Robertson. Due out 11th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Harvard Common Press imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The book follows a logical and easy to follow format. The first chapter covers the background of plant proteins and explains the different sources, and how to streamline meal planning and prep (including a pantry staples lists of protein rich nuts, grains, legumes, and processed plant based protein sources like seitan and tofu) as well as a very general beginner-accessible discussion of the time-saving and streamlining techniques. The recipe chapters are arranged thematically: snacks, salads, sandwiches, stovetop dishes, baked dishes, breakfasts, sweets, and staples and ingredient recipes. Nutritional information is included in the footer at the end of the recipes and includes calories, fat (incl. saturated fats), protein, carbs, fiber, and sugar. Some special dietary information is included (protein plus,etc).

The recipe chapters include a surprisingly varied selection of different world cuisines: Eastern European, American, Asian, Southwestern, and more.

The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard with metric/SI units in parentheses (yay!). Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. The book also includes a short author bio, bibliography/resource list, and a cross-referenced index.

My one quibble with the book is that the recipes are mostly not photographed. There are some photos, and they're clear and attractive, but they are a minority of recipes in the book. These are appealing "everyday" recipes which are tasty and family-friendly (no kale smoothies).

Four stars.

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

The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales

The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales is a stunning collection based on the 1897 Margaret Hunt translation of the original tales alongside the gorgeous illustrations by Arthur Rackham from the 1909 Constable edition. This reformat and re-release contains 211 stories (The Three Sluggards and The Twelve Idle Servants are split into two stories in this collection as in the Hunt translation). Due out 4th August 2020 from Quarry on their Rock Point imprint, it's 752 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).

This is a -stunning- collection full of margin art, chapter headings, beautiful reproductions of Rackham's creepy-but-beautiful illustrations, and so many wonderful absolutely archetypal stories which resonate on an almost prehistoric consciousness. They're so much a part of our shared history that most people can't recall where they first heard them. The included support materials in this edition provide useful background context and history in the form of an erudite introduction by Dr. Lori M. Campbell, along with historical notes and a timeline, alphabetical index for finding stories quickly, and an abbreviated bibliography/further reading.

It's worth noting that these are the non-Bowdlerized versions of these stories. For people who grew up on Mother Goose, there is a lot more appendage cutting, murder, mayhem, dishonesty, and darkness here than people might remember. I had, back in my childhood, been gifted my grandmother's copy of these stories and remember being absolutely terrified by them. This is a classic historically important work, but I don't recommend them for bedtime reading for small children (unless you want them to probably grow up to be like me - a grisly fate).

This collection deserves all the stars.

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

First Time Beekeeping: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Beekeeping

First Time Beekeeping is a reformat and re-release tutorial instruction guide for the people who want to get started with bees. Originally published in unabridged form in 2010, this edition is due out 11th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint. It's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a compact, well written, accessible guide to sourcing, choosing, and succeeding with beekeeping as a hobby. This guide presupposes no prior experience and covers all the basics including equipment, siting, getting started, and bees themselves. For a short(ish) book, it's quite comprehensive and will definitely provide enough good factual information to help new keepers avoid the most common mistakes. Sidebars throughout highlight important information keeping it easier to find. The photography throughout is clear and easy to follow. There's a good chapter on how-to perform the tasks necessary to keep bees healthy and (hopefully) happy and includes troubleshooting information on controlling diseases, inspections, and fall/winter management of the hives.

The book also includes a resource links list as well as a cross referenced index.

This would make a good selection for the smallholder's library or for anyone information-gathering before making the commitment to start beekeeping. I've been keeping bees off and on for 50+ years (I learned at my grandfather's side), and I still *strongly* recommend getting a mentor and finding like minded beekeepers to get off to a good start, but this book will definitely fill a gap and provide enough information to at least get started with beekeeping.

Four stars.

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

The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror A Bad Luck Cat Mystery #5 (A Bad Luck Cat Mystery #5)

The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror is the 5th book in the "Bad Luck Cat" cozy series by Kay Finch. Released 21st July 2020, it's 243 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is an appealing and well written cozy mystery (and series). For some reason, my reading list has been too heavily slanted toward very serious 'deep' and angry books lately. This was the perfect antidote to too much current events, philosophy, and politics. It's lighthearted and although it's a murder mystery, it's a fun read and not too demanding.

There's a lot to like here. The book is well written technically, the plotting and characterizations are fine and the dialogue is fairly well done and not clunky or awkward. The story arc moves along at a good clip and the clues follow the rules of engagement. Like many other 'cozy mysteries with food and cats', this one does actually include some recipes at the end of the book. The icebox layer cake is one of my go-to cakes for social occasions and the others look good too.

The language is clean (a couple of 'damn's, nothing worse) and there's no racy content, nothing to make anyone blush. This was my daily bus commute read and it was a good one.

Four stars. I'll be sticking with Hitchcock and Sabrina for the next books in the series.

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

First Time Chicken Keeping: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Chickens

First Time Chicken Keeping is a reformat and re-release tutorial instruction guide for the new backyard chicken wrangler. Originally published in 2011 and revised in 2017, this third edition is due out 11th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint. It's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a compact, well written, accessible guide to sourcing, choosing, and succeeding with chickens. This guide presupposes no prior experience and covers all the basics including researching zoning laws, preparing a suitable home which will keep your flock healthy and protected, a -really- good chapter on incubating eggs, to brooding, feeding, management, and troubleshooting. For a short(ish) book, it's quite comprehensive and will definitely provide enough good factual information to help new keepers avoid the most common mistakes. Sidebars throughout highlight important information keeping it easier to find. The photography throughout is clear and easy to follow.

The book also includes a short glossary and resource links list as well as a cross referenced index.

This would make a good selection for the smallholder's library or for anyone information-gathering before making the commitment to start a home flock.

Four stars.

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

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 4th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and vibrant illustrations were well done. The art by Amy Blackwell is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look. (Many of her outfits in the book are taken from photographs of events at the time, for example).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. I also appreciate that there are suggestions for further reading in the back of the book with the timeline of Aretha's life.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Aretha was an intelligent and accomplished woman and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic entertainer.

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

Kosmic Kitchen Cookbook : Everyday Herbalism and Recipes for Radical Wellness

Kosmic Kitchen Cookbook is a well curated recipe collection and tutorial guide to food and wellness by Sarah Benjamin and Summer Singletary. Due out 4th Aug 2020 from Roost Books, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The book is quite well written, layman accessible, and it has an easy to follow logical format. The sections are split thematically: First, an introduction to the classical elements (earth, air, fire, water, ether) and how they relate to life processes, there's a bit about Ayurveda also. The second section contains info on tools and ingredients as well as processes in the kitchen and daily life. The third section contains the recipes and tutorials arranged around the seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter). The recipes are mostly made with easy to source ingredients (some specialist/herbalist ingredients may be slightly more difficult to source).

Ingredients are listed in a bullet sidebar with only American standard measures given. Info and tips about the ingredients or the recipes themselves are given in sidebars below the preparation information. Yields are given in the header info.

The authors have also included a hefty resource section with glossary, bibliography, and reading lists which include information for further learning/education, as well as a cross-referenced index. The photography throughout is clear, colorful, and illustrative. The text is printed in an easy to read font and graphically the whole is cohesive and appealing.

I feel most readers will find useful recipes and information here, but it will be of special interest to readers who are interested in alternative healing, Ayurveda, or classical elemental healing (earth, air, fire, water, etc). Four stars.

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

The Book of Wild Flowers: Color Plates of 250 Wild Flowers and Grasses

The Book of Wild Flowers is a reformat and re-release by the National Geographic Society of botanical illustration plates from Nat'l Geographic between 1915 and 1924 (much of it by Mary E. Eaton). Released 15th July 2020 by Dover, it's 128 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a lovely book of  color plates which are detailed, botanically correct, recognizable representations of 250 different grasses, wild flowers, and shrubs. Each of the illustrations contains the botanical name, common name, and plant family. The pictures are clearly rendered and contain multiple items for each of the entries including the flowers, foliage, fruit/capsels, growth (including roots and/or rhizomes), etc.

This would make a lovely reference for the home or school library, as well as for artists. It would also be a good selection for pleasant browsing just for the lovely illustrations themselves.

Five stars.

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

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook is a new cookbook with basic farmhouse/country staple dishes in a simple style. Released 1st June 2020 by Barbour on their Shiloh Run imprint, it's 224 pages and available in spiral bound format.

The eARC provided was a 66 pages sample with recipes for breakfast, (non-alcoholic) drinks and snacks, breads & rolls, salads & side dishes, main dishes, desserts, condiments, home remedies and helpful tips for cooking, pest control (farmyard), and more.

The photography is appealing and warm and emphasizes the comfort and simplicity of good food with good friends and family. The typography and layout are homey, with recipes presented individually, organized by section.

Many of these recipes will be familiar to cooks who have had family recipes handed down for generations. The recipes all have ingredients listed in American standard measurements only. The written directions are clear and easy to follow. There is no nutritional information given for the sample recipes, and the contributors names are listed for each. I was surprised (and pleased) to see that some of the recipes included convenience ingredients. Also many of these recipes have large yields, perfect for parties, reunions, gatherings, etc.

Five stars. (With the assumption that the rest of the recipes and book quality are to the same standard as the sample provided).

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

The Midwest Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden

The Midwest Native Plant Primer is a gardening guide with herbal encyclopedia covering a plethora of indigenous plant species for gardeners in the midwestern USA. Due out 21st July 2020 from Timber Press, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

As we learn more about the interconnectedness of local biomes and the desirability of supporting indigenous pollinators, plant, and animal species, more gardeners are moving to reduce or eliminate potentially invasive species and substitute with native species. This is a regional guide aimed at the midwestern USA and includes a huge variety of native plant species and their uses in the garden.

I liked the layout of the book which was very well organized and easy to follow. The introduction provides a good overview of native plants, why they're desirable for habitat and food for local species, how the choice of these species for our gardens actually benefits us as gardeners (less maintenance, suited to the climate and growing conditions already, hardiness), and more.

The plant primer itself takes up the majority of the page content and is split into plant types: native plants, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials and vines. Each of the primer entries contains the botanical and some common names for the plant, habitat/soil conditions and culture requirements, active growing seasons and other special info, size, light requirements, a good description, and a clear picture. There are 225 species contained, enough to provide lots of alternatives for almost any garden role.The end of the book contains appendices which include a hardiness and climate chart, bibliography, good resources list, and index.

This is one of the better regional gardening guides which I've reviewed. Five stars.

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

The Big Book of Modern Fantasy

The Big Book of Modern Fantasy is a massive anthology of shorter speculative fiction and a sister volume to the Vandermeer's Big Book of Classic Fantasy. Due out 21st July 2020 from Knopf Doubleday on their Vintage imprint, it's 896 pages (for the print edition) 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Every single story in this collection is top-shelf, there are no weak stories.  All of these have been published previously and date from 1946-2018. Many of the stories are quite difficult to find and several were new to me in any form. One reason I prefer collections and anthologies is that short fiction is really challenging.  It's spare and the author doesn't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting.  Well written short fiction is a delight. I also love collections because if one story doesn't really grab me, there's another story just a few pages away.  I can only recall a few times where I've read a collection (or anthology) straight through from cover to cover.  This one I did. I even re-read the stories which I had read before.


The stories are very well curated in my opinion, and include titans of speculative fiction (Le Guin, Borges, Delany, and more too numerous to list) alongside authors lesser known (Zenna Henderson) or not generally associated with speculative fiction (Nabokov, Henry Dumas) but no less worthy of inclusion. Before I get the Zenna fan club after me, she's one my favorite authors and I still have my first edition (paperback) copies of The People: No Different Flesh, Pilgrimage, and The Anything Box, and I revisit them regularly. The inclusion of the titular short story, The Anything Box, fit well with the other stories in this anthology and I recommend her other work highly.


I am a fan of the Vandermeer's work as editors and writers and this is another top notch quality anthology, massive in scope and size. Five stars.

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

Vera Kelly Is Not A Mystery (Vera Kelly #2)

 Vera Kelly Is Not A Mystery is the second book in the series by Rosalie Knecht. Released 16th June 2020 by Tin House Books, it's 249 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a complex, intricately written book which works well enough as a standalone. Part espionage/PI novel, part slice of life character driven drama, it has a fully retro-1967 pre-Stonewall-riots-NYC vibe that has so much verisimilitude it could easily have been *written* contemporaneously. The dialogue is exquisitely well done without a false note in the entire narrative. I really liked the fact that although Vera was a problem solver, physically adept and clever, she certainly wasn't immune to physical or emotional pain. She puts her head down and keeps on going, despite the difficulties. I related very much to her insecurity navigating the minefields of personal interaction and dating and her weird relationship with her disapproving and difficult mother.

Many readers who read a large volume of modern fiction might have trouble quantifying precisely what makes for a standout book but know it when they read it. Is it the quality of the narrative, the pacing, the characterization, the tension and story arc? Whatever it is, this book has it in spades. This is top shelf fiction and it's delightful that it's a PI novel (and the mean streets of NYC in the latter half of the 60s was a really big bonus for me).

Five stars. Definitely one of my top reads for 2020. Highly highly recommended.

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

Dragon Dilemma (Supernatural Consultant #3)

Dragon Dilemma is the third novella in a fantasy M/M series by Mell Eight. Originally published in 2016, this reformat/re-release is due out 20th July 2020 from NineStar Press, it's 107 pages and will be available in ebook format.

This installment sees the series progressing with more world building and magic systems, new characters, and still featuring a demigod paranormal investigator (Dane) and his partner bronze dragon dad Mercury + their non-traditional family unit. It's sweet and lightly humorous and full of romance. It's not erotica, there's no on-screen physical descriptions apart from a few passionate kisses and a lot of soulful longing.

It's very light, the characters are anthropomorphic fantasy creatures, there are a whole bunch of young dragons whom foster dad Mercury has adopted/rescued from evil humans experimenting on them in an earlier book in the series. Just add magic and stir.

Very clean content, a few "damn"s, one "shit" and nothing worse.

The author writes clearly, readably, and well. It's above average for the genre (paranormal romance).

Four stars.

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

The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care: Rhythms, Routines, and Home Remedies for Natural Healing

The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care is a DIY and technique manual for wellness and natural healing by Kate O'Donnell. Due out 28th July 2020 from Shambhala publishing, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This book provides a broad survey course in Ayurvedic wellness from the beginner concepts through more advanced uses and lifestyle applications. The content is split into three sections: what Ayurveda is and some ways our bodies and minds work and interact with the energy around us, Ayurvedic lifestyle changes  (and the attendant benefits) in the context of daily & seasonal changes, and finally a collection of DIY tutorials and recipes.

The book is logically formatted and written in an accessible and understandable style. I was also glad to see useful recipes with a minimum of pseudoscientific emphasis. The book is full of safe and natural suggestions for everyone, no matter what life-stage they're at. The recipes include ingredients which are relatively easy to source and should be easy to find in most places. Recipe ingredients are listed with American standard measures only (there's no conversion chart in the book, but it shouldn't be problematic to convert to metric measures if necessary. The author has also included a resource/bibliography list for further reading, glossary, chapter notes, and a cross referenced index. The book throughout, including the recipe sections is well photographed with clear and attractive tutorial and recipe photos which are easy to follow.

All in all it's a good beginner to intermediate handbook for Ayurvedic concepts.

Four stars.

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

The Old Man and the Sea: The Hemingway Library Edition

The Old Man and the Sea: The Hemingway Library Edition is a reformat and re-release of the 1952 classic by Ernest Hemingway. Due out 21st July 2020 from Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint. 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. 

This is a powerful story written in direct and simple language. It won the Nobel Prize in literature (1954). I believe it's still a part of the educational curriculum for most young people growing up, so the actual novel isn't covered in the review; most people have read it.  The entire original content is included in this edition. What sets it apart, though, is the inclusion of other content, appendices, notes, and supportive information which provides background, context, and a deeper understanding for the novel itself. Roughly 35% of the page content is bonus material. There are musings from Hemingway himself on sport, hunting, and philosophy. There is also a foreword and introduction provided by his descendants Patrick and Seán, respectively. The most interesting to me, however, was the inclusion of selective edits from the original manuscript showing some of the iterations which occurred during the evolution of the final novel we read today.

All in all, the Hemingway Library edition books are worthwhile and interesting for the additional material in addition to their value for the books themselves. 

Five stars.

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

Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones

Decoding Your Cat is a reference guide to cat behavior and health written under the auspices of the ACVB. Due out 21st July from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 448 pages (ebook edition), 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.

This is a lavishly illustrated and well structured book of essay chapters written by experts in behavioral science. The topics are wide ranging and include identifying and interpreting body language, non-vocal signals, and interpreting and modifying undesirable behaviors. Training is a two-way street and the contributors do a good job of explaining how we, as pet owners, can also change our own behavior and expectations to help our feline companions succeed.

Terminology and concepts are well defined in text sidebars as they appear in the chapters. Illustrative photographs also show postures and behaviors along with definitions and explanations. The concepts are factual and science based. The early eARC of the book which I received for review purposes did not contain the table of contents or index, but these will obviously be included in the release copy.

This would make a superlative reference for pet owners as well as in a more professional setting (for veterinarians, students of animal behavior and similar professions). Five stars.

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

Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome: Projects, Skills, and Ideas for Young Makers

Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome is a guided tutorial and DIY manual aimed at youngsters from Chris Peterson and Stanley. Due out 21st July from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a good beginner level book aimed at younger readers (circa 8-12 years, but suitable for beginning woodworkers of all ages, really). The included projects are represented by both utilitarian (birdhouse, bird feeder, workbench, tool carrier,+) and fun/games items (catapult (!!), tic-tac-toe board, toss across, toy car parking garage and more). There are (by my count) 12 different projects and all are attractive and appealing.

The introductory chapters provide a thorough beginner's reference to tools, supplies, and safety. The text is well written and clear, and would be understandable to the average reader in the target age group. The tools-workshop-and skills building content represents about half the page content, with the other half taken up by the DIY tutorials. Each of the tutorials contain a difficulty rating, a bullet list of tools and materials (measurements in American standard units, though there is a metric conversion chart included in the references), an exploded isometric arrangement drawing showing the construction parts and how they fit together, a step-by-step tutorial and abundant photographs. The photography is clear and illustrative and will help the reader to complete the projects with minimal frustration.

This would make a superlative selection for a library makers' group, school / scouts activity, or weekend build (especially when we can safely gather together again). The projects are useful, engaging and at an appropriate difficulty level to appeal to the crafter whilst only requiring minimal guidance or input from an adult. I really liked the inclusiveness of the photos (undoubtedly intentional, but nevertheless appreciated). The photos include both boys and girls of various ethnic backgrounds having fun and making useful things.

Four stars.

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

Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便 / Kiki's Delivery Service #1)

Kiki's Delivery Service is the first book in the series by Eiko Kadono which inspired the classic animated movie from Studio Ghibli. Originally published in 1985, this English translation from Random House Children's was published 7th July 2020. It's 208 pages and available in hardcover and ebook format. 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. 

This is such a heartwarming and well written book. It has a nostalgic vibe for me as well because, although I was older than the target audience at the time, I remember the Ghibli animated movie very fondly. It's really lovely to see it being brought out for a new generation of readers. The translation work is seamless; it reads very well and the scansion is well rendered and never feels choppy or confusing. 

The art is appealing and enhances the story very well. I loved the chapter heading art and section illustrations. They're different from, but reminiscent of, the 1989 Miyazaki film. 

Everything about this translation and reformat/re-release is high quality. I recommend it unreservedly. I hope a whole new generation of fans discover this gem. Five stars.

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

Archeologists and What They Do

Archeologists and What They Do is a cute illustrated book for young children by Liesbet Slegers. Originally published in Dutch in 2019, this English translation from Clavis Publishing is due out 21st July 2020. It's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

I love these profession type books for small kids. My own kids were very eager to learn about different jobs and I think most young kids are fascinated by what grownups do. Being exposed to a variety of different fields of study is enriching for kids and can open them up for previously unknown possibilities.

This one is full of simple text and cute colorful illustrations. Each page shows step-by-step in simplified terms what archaeologists do and how many digs are typically built up. The book even shows some underwater archaeology. The book also includes a simple DIY activity at the back.

This would make a good choice for classroom or homeschool use or just for a fun read.

Four stars.

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

Death at the Dance (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #2)

Death at the Dance is the second Lady Eleanor cozy mystery by Verity Bright. Released 8th July, it's 290 pages (ebook version) and 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 first in the series) are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a sweet and light genteel English cozy with a young female protagonist amateur sleuth back again investigating murder with her dogsbody sidekick butler Clifford. There's a huge romance subplot around which the plot turns. The language is very clean and there is no on-page violent content. The dialogue is occasionally a bit too precious, but overall, it's a fun read and not to be taken seriously. There is quite a lot of "I say, what", and "old fruit", and it does read at times as if the author is channeling her inner P.G. Wodehouse, but the overall effect is mostly cute and it's a quick and easy read.

Four stars, I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for the series as it develops more. 

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