Book Club Librarian: November 2019

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Autumn Greetings and Fall Readings

I'm taking some time away from blogging for grateful reflection and time with family and friends . . .


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. . . for my blogger friends, book club groups, publishers,

authors and books I've discovered along the way . . .


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What I'll be reading during the break . . .

I'll be back to the blogosphere in early December. Until then, enjoy all the wonderful things and reads this season has to offer . . .

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Source: cliparts.co

This Autumn Greetings and Fall Readings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, Book Club Librarian. It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Hazards in Hampshire by Emma Dakin

Today I'm participating in the Hazards in Hampshire Blog Tour. In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review. And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Kindle copy of the book.

About the book . . .

Hazards in Hampshire (A British Book Tour Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Camel Press (October 15, 2019)
Paperback: Number of Pages 190
ISBN-10: 1941890601
ISBN-13: 978-1941890608
Digital ASIN: B07V2K7QTB

Synopsis . . . Moving to a quiet English village should have been tranquil, but Claire Barclay learns that even an invitation to tea can be deadly. Who killed Mrs. Paulson, the president of the local Mystery Books Club? Was the motive for murder located in the archives of the book club? The members of the books club might have reason to want Mrs. Paulson out of the way. She had lived in the village all her life, been involved in many organizations and societies, and knew many secrets of the villagers. Was one secret too dangerous for her to keep? She had been wealthy and left her money to a member of the club. Could the legatee have been impatient for her inheritance? Who cared enough to want her dead? Claire, an expert in solving problems in her job as a tour guide, decides to delve into the archives and into the lives of the villagers—and find out.

My review . . . Claire Barclay is an avid fan of British mystery novels, and has parlayed that love into a dream job leading tours of mystery aficionados to the settings of classic series throughout England. She has never imagined living an actual murder mystery as part of a tour, yet she does just that in her current tour with a group of four American women from San Francisco.

It all begins when Claire receives a sizeable inheritance from her stepfather, which she uses to relocate from Seattle back to her native Great Britain, where she buys a home in the picturesque Hampshire village of Ashton-on-Tinch and starts her own tour business. As she settles into her new residence, Claire receives an invitation to tea from one of her neighbors. Upon arrival, she finds the lifeless body of the hostess, Isobel Paulson, sprawled on the floor of her garden gazebo. Mrs. Paulson was a prominent villager who served as president of the Ashton Mystery Books Club and the local Women’s Institute. Given her age and the condition of the scene, it is initially thought that Mrs. Paulson died of natural causes.

When the police confirm that Mrs. Paulson’s cause of death is poisoning, Detective Inspector Mark Evans is assigned to the investigation. Who killed Mrs. Paulson and why? Suspicion immediately falls upon Claire as an “outsider.” Claire teams up with DI Evans to clear her name, and together they explore the usual motives of classic mystery plots—greed, revenge, and jealousy.

Hazards in Hampshire, the first book in the British Book Tour Mystery series, weaves a story around a lively cast of villagers, relatives, and tourists; an archive of Agatha Christie memorabilia; and noteworthy social relationships and events. The novel’s main appeal lies in its armchair travel to the English countryside, use of uniquely British phrases, and mention of other mystery authors and series set in England (a great resource for adding to one’s personal reading list). All of these aspects make it an enjoyable read.

Giveaway . . . Enter the Hazards in Hampshire Giveaway of a Kindle copy of the book by using this link.

About the author . . . This is Emma Dakin’s first series, set in Britain the homeland of Emma’s grandparents. Emma channels her mother’s inherited English culture along with the attitudes and sayings of the modern Brits. She travels widely in England and at one point this May while travelling through the Yorkshire Moors she had all the tourists in a tour bus looking for a good place to hide a body.

As Marion Crook, she has published many novels of adventure and mystery for young adult and middle grade readers as well as non-fiction for adults and young adults and non-fiction on social issues. Firmly in the cozy mystery genre now, and committed to absorbing the culture and changing world of Britain, she plans to enjoy the research and the writing of cozies.

Author links . . .

Webpage/Blog: emmadakinauthor.com
Facebook: http://tiny.cc/ilk3az
Goodreads: http://tiny.cc/ttk3az

Purchase links . . .
Amazon Digital Amazon Paperback B&N Kobo IndieBound

Tour participants . . .

November 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 11 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
November 12 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
November 13 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
November 14 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 14 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
November 15 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW, RECIPE
November 15 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 16 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE
November 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 19 – Carole’s Book Corner – GUEST POST
November 19 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
November 20 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 21 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 21 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
November 22 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW, RECIPE
November 23 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
November 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Hazards in Hampshire from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog. It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Hazards in Hampshire by Emma Dakin. The excerpt shared is from an eBook version I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Hazards in Hampshire (British Book Tour Mystery 1)

CHAPTER ONE

I had expected my hostess at the tea party to be boring. I hadn't expected her to be dead. When I first glimpsed her, I wasn't sure if the body was my hostess. But she was the only person in the gazebo and she had asked me to meet her there. This must be Mrs. Paulson. I swallowed, tired to steady my breathing and looked for someone to ask. The street was screened by a trellis of roses, preventing me from seeing anyone passing by. I couldn't hear anyone. There was no one to accept the responsibility of dealing with this except me. Mrs. Paulson wasn't a friend of mine. I didn't even remember her. She claimed she'd met me at a conference and sent an invitation to tea which arrived just as I was looking for an escape from my house.

What do you think? Would you continue reading?

The opening is certainly attention grabbing. This novel, the first book in The British Book Tour Mysteries series, is a delightful read. It provides armchair travel to a picturesque country village, and is enhanced by its mention of mystery authors and series set in England (which I consider great reading suggestions), and uniquely British phrases.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com. It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Friday Focus: The Friday 56, Book Beginnings & First Line Fridays

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.
The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.
First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books, where bloggers share the first sentence of a book they're reading.

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry, the latest novel from Mary Higgins Clark.

Beginning: Prologue

October 12

Gina Kane stretched in her window seat. Her latest prayer had been answered.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part I - Chapter 1

Gina's apartment was on 82nd Street and West End Avenue. Her mother and father had given it to her after they retired and moved to Florida.

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Page 56: As the owner, he'd likely be suspicious of anyone asking questions about an accident involving one of his rentals, Gina decided.

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My thoughts: The opening snippets tell us a little bit about one of the characters: Gina is going on a trip and she lives in Manhattan. Beyond that, I am eager to read MHC's newest novel to find out more. I'm a huge fan of her stories, and have read most of her books.

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From Goodreads: When investigative journalist Gina Kane receives an email from a “CRyan” describing her “terrible experience” while working at REL, a high-profile television news network, including the comment “and I’m not the only one,” Gina knows she has to pursue the story. But when Ryan goes silent, Gina is shocked to discover the young woman has died tragically in a Jet Ski accident while on holiday.

Meanwhile, REL counsel Michael Carter finds himself in a tricky spot. Several female employees have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Carter approaches the CEO, offering to persuade the victims to accept settlements in exchange for their silence. It’s a risky endeavor, but it could well make him rich.

As more allegations emerge and the company’s IPO draws near, Carter’s attempts to keep the story from making headlines are matched only by Gina Kane’s determination to uncover the truth. Was Ryan’s death truly an accident? And when another accuser turns up dead, Gina realizes someone—or some people—will go to depraved lengths to keep the story from seeing the light.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56, Book Beginnings & First Line Fridays post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com. It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Tell Me No Lies by Shelley Noble

Today I'm participating in the Tell Me No Lies Blog Tour. In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review. And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of the book.

About the book . . .

Tell Me No Lies: A Lady Dunbridge Mystery

Historical Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Forge Books (November 5, 2019)
Hardcover: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 0765398745

ISBN-13: 978-0765398741
Kindle ASIN: B07LF6FR2L

Synopsis . . .

Miss Fisher meets Downton Abbey in Tell Me No Lies, part of the critically acclaimed Lady Dunbridge Mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble.

Rise and shine, Countess, you're about to have a visitor.

Lady Dunbridge was not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s come to New York City, ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm. The social events of the summer have been amusing but Lady Phil is searching for more excitement—and she finds it, when an early morning visitor arrives, begging for her help. After all, Lady Phil has been known to be useful in a crisis. Especially when the crisis involves the untimely death of a handsome young business tycoon.

His death could send another financial panic through Wall Street and beyond.

With the elegant Plaza Hotel, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the opulent mansions of Long Island’s Gold Coast as the backdrop, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.

My review . . . In Tell Me No Lies, the second book in the Lady Dunbridge mystery series, author Shelley Noble reprises her winning formula of spinning a tale with the most irresistible elements: Gilded-Age Manhattan high society, romance, rogues, scandal, intrigue, and delicious gossip.

Since relocating to New York City, Lady Philomena Dunbridge has proven herself to be a trustworthy and resourceful confidant—one to whom wealthy women turn when they find themselves or their families at risk of scandal and ruin. Thus, when Perry Fauks, the young heir apparent to a manufacturing company fortune is found murdered at the Pratt mansion after an extravagant gala, Gwen Pratt calls upon Lady Phil for guidance. Indeed, just the slightest hint of scandal can undermine patriarch Luther’s prospects for an appointment to the Banking Commission and daughter Agnes’s social reputation.

Just who stands to gain from the murder of Perry Fauks? Detective Sergeant John Atkins is formally assigned to the case, but it is soon apparent that powerful people are determined to derail his investigation. Reluctantly, he turns to Lady Phil for assistance. She proves to be an astute ally, using her access to the scene of the crime and her social connections quite effectively. Phil discovers that Perry was a cad in both his personal and business lives, operating outside of acceptable norms. Was Perry’s murder revenge for his personal peccadillos, or retribution for a shady scheme that caused financial devastation for several in his circle? In either case, there is a substantial number of suspects.

Tell Me No Lies is filled with vivid historical detail and a lively cast of above- and below-stairs characters—a veritable New York-style Downton Abbey. Protagonist Lady Phil is a force to be reckoned with, and her playful banter with DS Atkins is highly spirited and entertaining. Moreover, Noble uses the classic technique of drawing room questioning of the assembled group of characters to great advantage, and the daring chase to capture the fleeing killer after the identity is revealed is icing on the cake.

Author Shelley Noble has created an exciting series with massive appeal for fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and old New York. And while Tell Me No Lies brings Lady Dunbridge’s latest adventure to a satisfying close, it also leaves readers pondering ongoing mysteries still swirling around our heroine: Who is her faithful lady’s maid Lily? Who is the anonymous donor responsible for funding Phil’s lavish apartment at the Plaza Hotel? And who is Mr. X, the mystery man and master of disguise watching over Phil, providing perfectly-timed clues for her investigations? Such curiosities give ample reason to anxiously await the further escapades of Lady Philomena Dunbridge.

Giveaway . . . Enter the Tell Me No Lies Giveaway of a print copy of the book by scrolling down the tour page using this link.

About the author . . . Shelley Noble is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s

fiction (Beach Colors, Whisper Beach, Lighthouse Beach), and the author of the Lady Dunbridge Gilded Age Manhattan mysteries. Tell Me No Lies is the latest of the series.

She has written eighteen amateur sleuth and historical mystery novels and novellas as Shelley Freydont (The Sudoku Murders, Celebration Bay mysteries), and The Gilded Age Newport mysteries.

A former professional dancer and choreographer, Shelley lives at the Jersey shore where she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses, vintage carousels, and the past.