A Deception at Thornecrest (Amory Ames #7)

A Deception at Thornecrest is the 7th Amory Ames mystery by Ashley Weaver. Released 8th Sept 2020 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 pages and 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a nicely wrought English murder mystery very much in the classic golden age manner. Amory and Milo are awaiting the birth of their first child when they're drawn into investigating another murder in the village complicated by the sudden appearance of a hitherto unknown brother for Milo and a young woman claiming to be Milo's wife (much to the dismay of Amory, Milo's actual wife). Add in village gossip, undercurrents of love and hate, and seething resentment and the well written result is a worthy successor to Christie, Allingham, Freeman, Brand, Iles and the rest of that cadre of worthies. 

Whilst this book does work quite well as a standalone and the author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without spoon-feeding the reader, I strongly recommend reading the books in order as there is a lot of history behind the main characters. 

The story arc is well plotted, with a plethora of possible suspects and motives. The disparate plot threads (Milo's brother, the surprise visit from his supposed other wife, the murder mystery, the impending birth) interweave well and culminate in a satisfying and well written denouement. I've been reading the series since the beginning and always look forward to each new entry with anticipation. 

A lovely and entertaining mystery. Four stars.

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

A Desperate Place: A McKenna and Riggs Novel

 

A Desperate Place is the first book in a new modern mystery series by Jennifer Greer. Released 11th Aug 2020 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 311 pages (print version) and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. t'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 a modern murder mystery set in the Pacific northwest with an investigative duo of journalist and police detective with the medical examiner's office. They collaborate while investigating a string of local murders staged to look like accidents. The common thread between the victims is the basis for this medical thriller/mystery. 

The writing is competent but the pacing was glacial for much of the book. Probably 20% of the book was flashback descriptions of McKenna's traumatic experiences as an investigative journalist in Afghanistan. She is also preternaturally lucky in her present day assignment, since she gets instant access and full honest disclosure from almost everyone she interviews (starting with 2 young boys who were important eyewitnesses and tell her everything immediately). The medical parts of the story made me roll my eyes on numerous occasions. (Trust me, medical professionals are too busy to give the Dr. Mengele-worthy performance of the head psycho-bad-guy in this book). The denouement was way over the top and felt tacked on rather than a natural progression of the story arc. 

Negatives aside, this is a fairly well written medical murder mystery. Fans of crime fiction who like strong female characters will find a lot to like here. This is a strong series start from a debut writer, and judged on that basis, is worth a look. Three stars.

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

How to Hold Animals

How to Hold Animals is an interesting picture book for young readers(?). Due out 3rd Nov 2020 from Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a difficult book to review. On one hand, there are certainly times when knowing how to handle a pet or potentially injured animal safely is very important. On the other hand, most of this book's content isn't concerned with house pets, but with wild/exotic animals and especially insects and reptiles.  The book is divided into sections with photo tutorials from a veterinarian, a photographer, a pet shop owner, and a reptile handler (!!).

I can't think of many situations where children really should be learning this information. Most insects and many animals are relatively fragile and can easily be injured or killed by mishandling. Additionally, this book covers quite a number of poisonous and/or venomous animals and the author states quite clearly that handling these animals badly will result in painful bites or bloodshed or both. Since the book includes pictures of people handling crocodiles, monitor lizards, and poisonous snakes, I'm a little wary of enthusiastically recommending that kids should be encouraged to follow suit. The author does stop short of directly encouraging kids to grab their local alligators, but there are -numerous- photos of butterflies, crickets (which can give a fairly painful bite), praying mantids, and -scorpions- in the book. 

Maybe this book is meant as satire, and I'm just too square to get it, because I did get a giggle out of picture sidebars which said things like: "Always expect it to bite!" and "Poisonous lizards are rather excitable" and "Crocodiles are really strong". There are several places in the text where the author says straight out: "To me, merely watching animals is the same as not being interested in them. Instead of talking loftily about animal protection, I'd rather pick an animal up". Additionally, I found it troubling that the author said "You could take this home and look after it. It would be interesting". Everyone knows that every kid ever has brought home frogs, toads, tadpoles, etc, but just capturing wild animals and bringing them home is (and should be) very frowned upon.

No, I can't recommend this book. The pictures are interesting, but no.

Two stars. Major problems.

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

Draw Like an Artist: 100 Fantasy Creatures and Characters

100 Fantasy Creatures & Characters is a sourcebook and tutorial guide in the Draw Like An Artist series. Released 8th Sept 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 112 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. 

These books all follow the same format. A very short introduction (10% of the content) gives some basic tips and very (very) brief overview of recommended materials. The following chapters contain short step-by step progress illustrations for line drawing 100 fantasy creatures and characters grouped together by category: creatures first (gryphon, unicorn, kelpie, and so forth) followed by characters (sorcerer, dwarf, mountain troll, etc). The book also includes a final chapter with specific original studies in the same 6 step format such as lava swimmer and goulodon.

These are very simple single page 5-8 step illustrations. The finished drawings are not part of a composition, and there is no written direction involved. All of them are simple enough to not really require directions. None of them are beyond the ability of keen amateur level. Correspondingly, there is little here which will challenge advanced artists.

This would make a superlative choice for young artists or adult learners, especially bundled with drawing supplies. There are several other companion volumes available also (flowers, faces, and some others probably).

Four stars (given the limitations). I will say that very many of these were pretty darned cool and would look great printed on cards or used as coloring pages.

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

Animal Embroidery Workbook Step-by-Step Techniques & Patterns for 30 Cute Critters & More

 

Animal Embroidery Workbook is a tutorial and style guide for surface embroidery by Jessica Long. Due out 1st Nov 2020 from Fox Chapel, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback format.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The pictures are all very clear and colorful, the projects are well designed and appealing, and the text is upbeat and fun. The introduction includes a discussion of tools, supplies, and basic techniques. The bulk of the book is taken up by the 30 different animal projects. The projects themselves are varied and attractive. The display models in the book are shown mounted in hoops, but all of them could certainly be easily adapted to other finishes.  All of the templates are included. Each tutorial contains an introduction, materials list (nothing too exotic or difficult to source), and step by step photo tutorials from start to finish. Tips and alternative finishes are included in the tutorials. The book also includes line drawn templates and an index but no index.
 
It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch.  It's lovely to see tutorials and and 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 really love the breezy and sweet style, and the quirky friendly animal projects.

Beautiful projects. Four stars.

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

The Love Lives of Birds: Courting and Mating Rituals

 

The Love Lives of Birds is a well written, layman accessible manual written by Laura Erickson. Due out 27th Oct 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 152 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is a well written nonfiction collection of birds and their mating behaviors. The book contains a general introduction followed by more than 30 bird species arranged alphabetically by common name. Each of the entries contains an illustration (see cover), along with a short 2-3 page essay on basic mating and pairbonding behavior. The book is full of interesting facts and trivia about each of the birds included although the author's anthropomorphism was a bit heavy going sometimes. I also felt the lack of proper nomenclature was a significant minus.

The book is written in simple accessible language and would be a good choice for younger bird enthusiasts, public or classroom library book, or the like.

Three and a half stars, rounded up for the engaging text and beautiful illustrations.

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

What Cats Want: An illustrated guide for truly understanding your cat

 

What Cats Want is a cheerfully illustrated simple "everyman's" guide to living your best life with a feline companion written by Dr. Yuki Hattori (The Cat Saviour). Due out 27th Oct 2020 from Bloomsbury, it's 160 pages (in print format) and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a very accessible book with simple information in short paragraphs which are easy to understand. The information is arranged logically in short chapters: feline biology and wellbeing, behaviour and interpreting signals, everyday care and healthcare, keeping your cat happy, making a safe and happy home for your cat, and lifelong care. Each of the subchapters contains several informational subjects which are illustrated and 1-2 pages in length. Most of the chapters also include extra notes in highlighted text boxes with expanded info and tips. 

This English language translation is well done and doesn't read awkwardly, and the info presented was complete and understandable. Most of the info presented is common sense, and doesn't really seem to be revelatory. It would make a good beginner guide for younger or first time cat owners.

Four stars, well written basic information.

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

The Flavor Equation: The Science of Great Cooking in 114 Essential Recipes

 

The Flavor Equation is a science-based guide to flavor and sensory experience with accompanying recipes developed by Nik Sharma. Due out 27th Oct 2020 from Chronicle Books, it's 352 pages (print edition) and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Most cookbooks (even niche ones) are arranged thematically: breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Some of them have styling and serving advice in addition. This recipe collection is not at all like the usual cookbook presentation. First, the author spends roughly 16% of the book's content exploring the basis of taste, how we experience taste, mouthfeel, scent, and the roles they play in emotion and perception. There are a lot of interesting takeaways here and while many of them are interesting in their own right, there are also practical bits of information which can be utilized in other non-cooking situations. 

The recipes themselves are varied and interesting and represent a number of different world cuisines. They are arranged thematically: brightness, bitterness, saltiness, sweetness, savoriness, fieriness, and richness.  The book is lavishly and appealingly illustrated with large clear recipe and serving photographs.  Each of the recipes includes yields, prep and cooking time, ingredients (including metric measurements, yay!), a short description, and step by step instructions. The recipes also include a flavor profile and the reasons for the author's selection of certain ingredients. Nutritional information is not included. The appendices include staples (including spice blends), menu serving  suggestions, some info on flavor science (which goes into delightful detail about the molecular components of the food we eat and what they mean for us biologically), a bibliography and links for further information and an index. 

This is a wonderfully in-depth book which can also be used on a much less complex basis by simply following the author's suggestions in the recipes. I was impressed on a lot of levels. Definitely one which will appeal to all the bio-nerds, but also to keen cooks looking for more theoretical information for developing and varying their own recipes.

Four stars.

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

I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

 

I Heart Soul Food is a tutorial style/cuisine guide with 100 comfort food recipes developed by Rosie Mayes. Due out 27th Oct 2020 from Sasquatch Books, it's 256 pages (print edition) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

I grew up in a southern family. Our comfort food was a blending of Irish traditional and pure southern soul food. Family reunions (usually extended/combined because our family was so small) were food-centric affairs, accompanied by lots of hugs and *massive* competition levels of comfort food. The tables would be groaning. There were always ribs, sweet potato pies, collard greens, gravy & biscuits, deviled eggs, cakes & pies galore, and so much more. Reading through this cookbook collection had me nodding my head on every page. These are the comfort foods I remember from my childhood. 

The recipes are grouped thematically: breakfasts, snacks, staples soups salads & sandwiches, sides, supper, dessert, drinks. These are prefaced by a good introduction and background with a little bit of author bio. The introductory material includes a good overview over tools and staples for stocking the soul food pantry. 

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (US measurements only, though there's a conversion chart in the back of the book), and step by step instructions (often accompanied by process photos). I would estimate roughly 20% of the recipes are accompanied by photographs. The photos provided are high quality and clear. Serving sizes and yields are included. None of the recipes include nutritional information. 

The recipe ingredients themselves are easily sourced and will be available at most well stocked grocery stores. There are a very few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source, but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'. 

These are beautifully presented home-style comfort food, well developed, and lovingly made. I found so many favorites from my childhood. Five stars. This is a definitive and -usable- soul food cookbook. There's nothing pretentious here, just really good food, well made.

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

The Spirit of Botany

 

The Spirit of Botany is an interesting hybrid still-room book, practitioner's guide, and tutorial recipe book written and curated by Jill McKeever. Due out 13th Oct 2020 from Andrews McMeel, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully presented book with a layman accessible and well written "vibe". The layout is clear and attractive with a logical thematic chapter progression. The author provides her own background and experience, followed by chapters covering essential oils, perfumes, olfactory balance (the author calls it synesthesia, but it isn't, really), materials, incense, seasonal craft, moon craft, aromatherapy, dream work, and nature therapy. 

The recipes and tutorials include a list of tools and supplies (mostly easily sourced), and step by step instructions and suggestions. Ingredient measures are generally provided in either American standard and/or metric/SI units (sometimes both in one recipe). Some of the ingredients will be easy to source, others will require specialist vendors and/or more effort. The book also includes an abbreviated links/bibliography list for further reading, and an index.

This is an interesting alternative presentation of some personal self-care rituals as well as some recipes for incense and perfume. This isn't a collection of bath and beauty recipes and will likely be more appreciated by more philosophical/meditation/ritual leaning readers. 

Four stars. Interesting alternative ideas and recipes.

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

Act of Revenge: A Medical Thriller

 

Act of Revenge is the third book in the Doc Brady medical cozy mystery series by Dr. John Bishop. Released 10th Sept 2020, it's 247 pages and 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, the first book in the series is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Protagonist Jim Bob Brady is a likable and plain spoken Texas orthopedist and part time sleuth (this time with the backing of the Houston Police Department). A chance accidental meeting with a fellow practitioner leads to him being drawn into a convoluted plot of murder, revenge, and the labyrinthine intricacies of medical malpractice.

The medical terms are well explained in context and layman accessible. The elements of violence are not graphic and occur off-scene. The language is very clean. It's refreshing to see Dr. Brady's healthy relationship with his wife (some innuendo, and a couple moderately explicit scenes) and his adult son, who helps him out in his investigation. 

The pacing was good, the plot moved along at a pleasant clip, and I never felt like it was a slog or a race. The characters were well written, fleshed out and distinct and true to their various internal motivations and personalities. The full-on Texas dialogue got to me a few times, but I'm a Yankee, and, well, Texans do Texas (y'all). It was at least very true to the local vernacular and had the absolute ring of verisimilitude. The author's a Texas native, clearly.

Four stars. Well written and entertaining.

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

Ink & Sigil (Ink & Sigil 1)

 

Ink & Sigil is the first book in a new tie-in series by Kevin Hearne. Released 25th Aug 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 336 pages and 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is an exuberant Scottish romp and feels like a whiskey soaked script for a supernatural Scooby Doo adventure (including the tricked out van). It's an ensemble cast including a cursed sigil mage, a sarcastic hobgoblin sidekick, a more-than-competent-goth-battle-mage-accountant (who has a sweetly stable relationship), a cabal of international sigil mages keeping the peace over the interplanar beings, some shady government skullduggery, and a librarian for romantic interest. 

For fans of Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, Atticus (and Oberon) do make an appearance, but it's a very short flashback cameo. Obviously since they're on one another's radars, it's more than likely they'll be showing up in crossovers, but this book stands very well on its own merits, and fans who are looking for Iron Druid won't find him here. 

Many of the characters in this book are Scottish and the author has made a herculean attempt to translate the language and accent. It's mostly successful and I didn't have any trouble following (and got more than one chuckle out of the vernacular), but readers unfamiliar with spoken Scottish might find parts of the book slow going. The language is rough, but not egregiously so. There is violence and destruction aplenty (again, used in context). For readers familiar with the author's other work, it's on a similar level (or roughly equivalent to Jim Butcher, Charles Stross, and the like).  I couldn't help but hear the dialogue in my head in the Glaswegian accent as written). 

I liked that the main protagonist wasn't a 20something badass. He has to use age and experience to his advantage (along with magic). I like that he has a slight romantic interest who's a late-middle-aged librarian. I liked his egalitarianism, his morality, his kindness, and his pragmatism. I also liked that the book is genuinely funny. It's not often that I am surprised into laughter by reading (smiles, yes, laughter, no). This book actually made me laugh out loud a couple of times. 

Definitely worthwhile and highly recommended to fantasy humor fans. Five stars.

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

Busy Little Hands: Art Play!: Activities for Preschoolers

 

Busy Little Hands: Art Play! is a tutorial guide in the Busy Little Hands series aimed at preschoolers and their caregivers for creativity play. Due out 10th Nov 2020 from  Storey Publishing, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is an absolutely exuberant, brightly colored, and fun little book chock full of great ideas to engage young kids in exploring creativity and mastering fine motor skills. The text is very simple and the included projects are well photographed, and will appeal to almost everyone.  The steps which require some (minor) help from an adult helper are clearly marked in highlighted text sidebars in each tutorial. I liked that the children pictured are inclusive and representative of a wide variety of backgrounds. Representation is very important.

Each of the projects includes prep-steps for grownups showing suggested materials, tips for protecting surfaces, and cleanup. The tutorials themselves are photographed with step-by-step photos and finished projects pictures. The instructions are encouraging and supportive (you're the artist, you decide, you choose, etc). There are a number of tutorials with a huge amount of kid-appeal (playdough, painted building blocks (using an old salad spinner - very creative), painting with found objects in nature, and lots more.

This would be a superlative gift, excellent classroom or library group selection for activity groups, a wonderful parent/caregiver activity, or even for babysitters and child-minders looking to up their activity time with their small charges. Artistic exploration allows children to improve fine motor skills and gives them a feeling of accomplishment and control. 

I loved this one. It's simple but so well done. The tutorials are simple and the tools and supplies are easy to source and inexpensive

Five stars.

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

A Private Cathedral

 

A Private Cathedral is the 23rd Dave Robicheaux novel by James Lee Burke. Released 11th Aug 2020 by Simon & Schuster, it's 384 pages and 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The first thing that struck me whilst reading this book was the vividly eloquent prose. The author is one of a handful of writers living or dead who can reasonably be compared to Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and their peers. It really is that good. The second thing which struck me was the over the top casual violence. There's physical violence aplenty, people getting jumped on, stomped on, stabbed, stapled, and otherwise mutilated. There's spiritual violence in abundance, substance abuse, racism, actual honest would-be nazis (I refuse to capitalize the word), soul crushing despair and some cameos from the supernatural realm. The whole is a synergistic voodoo soup of the Human Condition. It's also more than a nod to Shakespeare and from anyone else would be a pathetic travesty, but this author just about manages to carry it off.

For readers who are familiar with the series and/or the author, this is more of what you love best about his work. For readers who are unfamiliar, the book works moderately well as a standalone; the author is adept enough at his craft to supply the necessary backstory without spoon feeding or info-dumping. Extreme graphic violence and language warnings. For "read alike" fans, this will appeal to fans of Hap & Leonard (though there's more comedy with H&L than you'll find here), Travis McGee (lots more violence, though), Spenser (more violent and with more graphic language). 

Gorgeously lush bayou gothic with a slight paranormal horror element.  Five stars. 

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

The Art of Tapestry Weaving

 

The Art of Tapestry Weaving is a tutorial guide for pictorial weaving by Rebecca Mezoff. Due out 27th Oct 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a well written manual covering a wide range of techniques. It's perfectly accessible for a keen beginner (especially with some help support), and the author covers everything from selecting a tapestryloom, through warping, materials selections, different weaving techniques, finishing, etc. The majority of the text provides good instruction in technique and color theory, warping, picking, shapes, outlining, and finishing. The step are meticulously annotated and outlined. The author has also included several appendices: plans for a galvanized pipe loom, conversion charts for metric/SI units, and a cross referenced index. 

The entire book is very well photographed with clear and concise instructions which are easy to understand. There is nothing intimidating about the book and it felt to me like the best parts of a teacher led class without any performance anxiety. This will become a go-to reference in the weaver's studio. 

This would make a superlative library book, gift for a fibre-arts enthusiast or addition to the weaver's home library.

Five stars.

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

Before She Was Helen

Before She Was Helen is a dark comedy of errors by Caroline B. Cooney. Released 8th Sept 2020 on Poisoned Pen Press, it's 336 pages and 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a well plotted, off-kilter murder mystery which kept me off balance and guessing throughout. Titular character Helen, a semi-retired Latin teacher, is a woman with a hidden past and another name. When Helen/Clemmie is involved in a series of coincidences, she's dragged into conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering, and murder. She's a kind and resilient soul with a tragic past and I found myself really rooting for her throughout the book. 

The pacing here is intentionally uneven and coincidence piles on coincidence. There's quite a lot of black humor involved (Helen's neighbor drops off a macaroni casserole for Helen and the scary psychotic bad guy winds up sitting in Helen's kitchen eating the casserole whilst threatening death and destruction). The dialogue is well written and the story is one of the most ridiculously twisty I've ever read. I did enjoy reading it, but the book does contain some potentially triggering material: rape, violence, and unwilling forced adoption. 

It was a somewhat uncomfortable read for me because the book is never clearly supposed to be humorous (though it is) or serious (though it is that as well). I always felt off balance. The author is adept enough at the craft that I've no doubt the effect is 100% intentional; it just felt uncomfortable. 

Four stars. I would recommend it to fans of Daniel Friedman's Buck Schatz myseries. Not exactly the same (Friedman's sleuth is an elderly detective still solving crimes - and Helen/Clemmie's trying to keep her past hidden and get on with her life). 

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

The Tea Dragon Tapestry (Tea Dragon #3)

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is a beautifully illustrated fantasy for all ages written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill. Due out 27th Oct from Oni Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook/comiXology formats.

This is such a beautifully written and illustrated book and a wonderful addition to the series. It defies genre, really, though if I had to classify it, I would call it fantasy realism.  There are a lot of heavy duty themes like found family, loyalty, truth, love and friendship through adversity, grief, finding one's own path.  It was very gently handled and I never felt preached at and the art and narrative fit together so seamlessly that it was delightful to fall into their world for a little while.

The art is gorgeous and whimsical and lush.  The story is wonderful.

Though the main characters (other than the tea dragons of the title) are young, it doesn't feel like a tweeny book.  I would recommend it to anyone at all who needs a bit of soul soothing and to escape the 'all-too-real' world for a little while (and isn't that really *all* of us with the current state of the world?).

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is a luminously beautiful book.  Highly recommended! The publisher's blurb states that this is a conclusion for the series. It didn't read that way at all to me, and I hope there are many (many) more to come. Potential trigger warnings: themes of overwhelming grief, disability, self esteem. All of them are handled in a positive, affirmative manner. The series also contain positive lgbtqia+ role models.

5 stars art and story.  Love this!

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

The Darkest Evening (Vera Stanhope #9)

The Darkest Evening is the 9th outing for Vera Stanhope and her crew by Ann Cleeves. Released 8th Sept 2020 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 384 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

There are relatively few authors whose work I know I will be seeking out no matter what.  Ann Cleeves is one of a handful on my list.  I especially love her Vera Stanhope books (as well as the wonderful TV series based on the characters. Brenda Blethyn has made such an indelible stamp on the character that I can "see" her in my head whilst reading).  I had pretty high expectations going into this book but never expected to be blown away. 

I really love the development of Vera and the people on her team.  From the first book (The Crow Trap), Vera and crew were well fleshed out and believable, and the plots have been solid and tightly written and plotted.  This book is so meticulously well  crafted - clearly the author has hit her (masterful) stride.  

Beautifully written and completely compelling.  The scenery is bleak and breathtaking and lends so much atmosphere to the book. Five stars.

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

The Colorwork Bible: Techniques and Projects for Colorful Knitting

The Colorwork Bible is a new tutorial guide for planning and using color in knitting projects written by Jesie Ostermiller. Due out 6th Oct 2020 from Penguin Random House on their Interweave Press imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The excerpt provided for review included a chapter selection from chapters 1 (understanding color) and 3 (stripes). Each of the excerpts included good basic instruction in the form of short tutorials, for example the use of color wheels to select and plan color as well as the use of greyscale to determine color dominance and contrast.

Interweave has a 45 year record of excellence in fiber-arts instruction and history. The two chapters which were included aren't comprehensive in terms of a review of the entire book, but they -are- well written and accessible, and the publisher's longstanding excellence allow me to say that the entire book will very likely be similarly well written and high quality and full of useful information. Note: the chapters which were provided did not contain any actual patterns, but the table of contents provided indicate that there are 11 project patterns in the book - including small projects: hat, socks, mittens as well as larger pieces: sweaters, shawl, cowl and jacket.

Four stars for the chapters with which I was provided, probably five for the book overall.

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

For Whom the Book Tolls (An Antique Bookshop Mystery #1)

For Whom the Book Tolls is the first book in a new bookshop cozy series by Laura Gail Black. Released 8th Sept 2020 by Crooked Lane, it's 264 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a fun and engaging 'shopfront' bookstore cozy set in a small town in North Carolina. I enjoyed the way main character Jenna shows grit and resilience finding her feet after a series of personal crises (being accused of murder and embezzlement and finding her uncle dead in the bookshop the morning after she arrives) and the interplay between her and her newfound neighbors and associates. There's a light romance element, a sleazy land developer, hidden treasure from long ago, missing diaries, and lots of hidden motives seething under the surface of the otherwise peaceful small town.

The book is admittedly formulaic, but it is quite well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. I liked Jenna's dedication to getting her life on a better footing, her honesty, and her loyalty to her friends. There were a few twists on the way to the denouement, and I liked the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book. Note to completists, the background (murder + embezzlement) plot threads are not finished in this book and strongly foreshadowed for future book(s) in the series.

Four stars, entertaining and fun.

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