4.5

Shard, artists, chatroom…

Detective Matthew Venn returns for a new case in Book #2 of the series. Many of the same characters but a new investigation. One murder will lead to more at the rural home of a group of artists. Is there a link with the earlier suicide of a young man?

Matthew Venn will lead the investigation into the deaths. His husband Jonathan compares Matthew to a heron . “So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on the prey.” While Matthew at times feels muddled - “too much going on. Too many connections. Too many motives.”


I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event in Sept 2023. I had never read any of her books at that time. Book #3 of the Matthew Venn novels was included with the ticket. I also bought Book #1 at the event. A few days after reading/enjoying #1, I ordered #2. Unfortunately , I’m just getting to Book #2 now three months later. I should have read it sooner!

You will learn a lot of details in Matthew’s team briefings / meetings.

Lots of new-to-me vocabulary. Ex: boring sod, Billy-no-makes, hubby is a dry, old stick, and dogsbody.

Lots of possible suspects & motives. I did not figure it out!

Another gripping whodunit/mystery/police procedural.

I said this in my review of #3 The Raging Storm, but it’s worth repeating. Consider me a new fan of this author!

Mayhem, convent, shadow…

The “Japanese Opera” group that schedules the Jigsaw room for two hours each Thursday is really “The Thursday Murder Club.” They book the room under the name Japanese Opera to ensure their privacy and to keep the unwanted out of their meetings.

Four of the retirement village residents- Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, all over 65yo and with varying backgrounds, like to study the files of unsolved murder cases. They like to thoroughly study witness statements, photo evidence, and read any reports line by line.

And now they are involved with their first real-life case, right on the retirement village property. “A real case with a real corpse, and a real killer “ who is out and about. So now, of course, The Thursday Murder Club will try to do their duty and come to the aid of the police.


Thanks to Mindy at @bookendsnmb for suggesting I buy the debut book instead of the current book in the series!

I am tardy on starting this series! Now I will check on the next 2 books in the series!

A witty, fun read! Entertaining , quirky characters!

I was MOST curious about Elizabeth’s background story!

Lots of misdirection!

Inevitable, writing slump, secrets…

Friends since childhood, Emily and Chess, now 30ish , book an Italian villa for a summer of togetherness, inspiration, and writing. Both are writers, but of different genres of books.

This same villa was rented for a summer in 1974 by a rock star and his three guests. A best-selling horror novel will be written, a hit album will be created, and a murder will occur before their summer visit in 1974 is over.

Emily begins to dig for secrets from the villa’s historical past. Of course “stories change depending on who’s telling them.” “The villa is like a perfect jewel waiting for some other story to unfold in its walls.” How will their summer visit end?

This has been on my TBR pile for quite some time. A quick, entertaining read.

I also read /enjoyed The Wife Upstairs. Actually I preferred The Wife Upstairs.

Lots of plot twists.

Escape, survival, justice…

Bright Young Women was inspired by the real events surrounding a serial killer in WA, UT, CO, and FL in the late 1970s. The focus of the story is on the sorority house girls in FL, rather than on The Defendant, who remains unnamed in the story.

The FL sorority house victims include two deceased and two maimed. Pamela is the president of the sorority, who wants justice for her best friend’s death.

Tina, from Seattle, has been trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her roomie/friend Ruth four years ago. Tina travels to FL when she suspects the FL suspect may be the same person.

The gripping tale of hair-raising events and the distressed but courageous characters.

Lots of publicity about this one- that’s why I chose to read it!

Author captured the feel for the timeframe.

First time reader of this author.

Ruth’s chapter/story near the end is an eye-opener!

I liked the focus on the victims & survivors rather than sensationalizing the accused.

4.5

Stolen, truth bends, puzzle…

1, 2, 3 = 1 victim, 2 murders, & 3 suspects

4 women -

80yo Edith, ex store detective, lives at The Windsor Care Home and desires more than anything to return to her home and her dog. She is estranged from her daughter.

18yo Patience works the jobs at The Windsor Care Home that nobody else wants. She is the youngest employee and is just one of the invisible help.

30something Frankie works at the prison library. She counts everything in her surroundings. Her compulsion to count is how she calms herself. “Numbers buzz like bees until they escape her lips & fly away.” She doesn’t trust anyone and thinks today just MAY be her last day at work.

50ish Clio is a therapist. But “ the person she presents to the world no longer has much in common with the person she has become.”

Of course there is an unknown link between the women! All are harboring long-term secrets . Abandonment, rejection, struggling, failed relationships , regrets, and lies play a major part in all of their lives.

And now there’s been a murder! DCI Chapman is hot on the trail of discovery. Who is responsible? What is the motive? Will she be able to solve the puzzle?


Lots of plot twists! This should keep you guessing! What a finale!

I have subscribed for 2 years to my local indie bookshop’s Mysterious book subscription. This was one of my surprise books - I am playing catch-up. It’s fun to get a surprise book each month!

I would have bought this book anyway, if it hadn’t appeared as my subscription book!

4.5

Reminisce , chance encounter, park…

A tale about loneliness, feelings of isolation, and a disconnect with others.

Missy is a 79yo woman who lives alone. Her two adult children live at a distance. She is without meaningful relationships with her family and she is lacking friends and social connections.

Until one day after a chance encounter, everything begins to change for Missy. She gradually engages with others and starts to develop a sense of belonging.

An uplifting tale of loneliness, relationships, companionship, and worthiness.


A winning debut!

This was the book chosen for November 2023 by my book club. Curious to hear other opinions at today’s meeting! I already know one other’s opinion!

Emotional story. The main character became more likable as the story progressed.

Tearjerker ending! I loved the ending!

A huge secret is revealed …. It’s jaw -dropping!

5.0

Dreams, glamour, legacy…

Two 1950s storylines —

Marion has either danced or taught the beginners at the ballet and dance studio for much of her young life. At 19 yo, on a whim , Marion auditions for the Rockettes . Surprisingly, Marion is among the 46 chosen to be hired. Her father is furious with her decision to accept the job - he wants her to quit and marry her boyfriend Nathaniel. Nathaniel finds it hard to believe that she would pass up this opportunity for marriage.

From 1940 - 1956, an unidentified man has placed 31 pipe bombs around NYC public locales. The latest bomb was at Radio City Music Hall during a Rockettes performance, resulting in one fatality. Police investigations for 16 years have not led to an arrest.

An acquaintance , Peter, a resident doctor at a state hospital is interested in the “personality road map” of profiling. His goal is to publish.

How do Marion and Peter become involved in trying to solve the crime?

What does F P mean?

What secret is her father hiding?


Fiona Davis is an auto- buy for me. This is my favorite historical fiction book of hers!

I have read all of her NYC books. I’ve visited NYC 7x and I feel I’ve done a fair amount of sightseeing. I wish now I had gone to Radio City Music Hall!

I bought this book on my recent vacation. Imagine my surprise when I got home & realized I had a signed copy! Maybe from her author event at the store a few weeks earlier???

A dramatic final act of an ending!

Good cast of characters!

A nice mixture of mystery, suspense, romance, & NYC history.

Don’t skip the author’s note at the end! Photos & info online about RCMH history and the real NY bomber. He left bombs in phone booths, restrooms,& lockers in many of the iconic NYC locales.

Highly recommend! Historical fiction devotees will love this one!

4.2

Thank you to Book Browse and Flatiron books for this unique read!

Loneliness, quickie divorce, independence…

Lois is one of several women staying at the Golden Yarrow Ranch, a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada. All of the women are wannabe divorcees, living at the ranch for six weeks, in order to meet Reno's 1951 residency requirements for obtaining a divorce.

The women have diverse backgrounds and varying reasons for wanting a divorce. Mysterious Greer appears in the middle of the night, and proceeds to change everything. She influences the others in both good and bad ways, but definitely "toppling the scales" of the ranch format. They will all "enter a world Greer has willed into existence ."

Not all is as it seems…


Available March 28, 2024

Thoughts / comments:
A good debut set in the 1950s razzle dazzle of Reno. A unique storyline of female friendships, secrets, starting over, self-discovery, and consequences. I would read future books by this author.

Descriptive writing of desert scenes and casinos! I could behold the sights and sounds!

Liked the cover!

Somewhat abrupt ending - not what I expected.

Superstitious , artifacts, resentful…

A giveaway win from @jordys.book.club. So exciting! Thank you!

19yo identical twins Olivia and Clara “Marionetta” (née Smith) are both ballerinas dancing for the Vic-Wells Ballet in 1933 London.

A tale of obsessive love and new beginnings. What happens when one twin gets a marriage proposal? What happens when only one twin gets the career offer of a lifetime? What happens when one twin wonders if she is “talented enough, strong enough, beautiful enough, without her sister to reflect back on her? Without her twin, she might be just ordinary Olivia Smith again.”

Thank you to Union Square & Co & Jordy for this entertaining read!

Duffel, superstitions, besotted…

Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team are back and working on a new case. Jeremy (Jem) Rosco, local celebrity/sailor/adventurer is back in Greystone. His body has just been found naked in an anchored boat in Scully Cove, posed as “if for the lifeboat crew to find.” Detective Venn finds the crime meticulously planned , with almost TOO much information. His intuition says it “looks like a show, a performance.”

Another body is found. Was Barty pushed off a cliff at Scully Cove or did he commit suicide?

A tale of love of power, charisma, manipulation, resentment, envy, and revenge.

Superstitions and legends abound about Scully Cove- the locals are leery. “Skulls and bones and white, white light.” Why was this location chosen? Is there a connection between the two deaths? Why does Detective Venn think its all been staged?


Captivating page-turner! Whodunit / mystery and police procedural. Couldn’t put it down!

Loved the returning characters, plot, and plot twists!

Very descriptive writing.

Roller coaster ride right up to the final reveal!

Treat yourself - read all 3!

I read Book #1 before Raging Storm (but not Book #2). Of course with a new crime, there are new characters. I already knew Detective Venn & his team from Book #1. It isn’t necessary to read the others first. You could read this as a stand-alone.

I need to get #2!

I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event last month. I bought # 1 at the event and received #3 with my ticket. I’m hooked! Consider me a new fan!

Doctress, Ming Dynasty, heritage…

A tale loosely based on Lady Tan Yunxian, circa 1469. Tan Yunxian’s circle of women include Grandmother Ru, a doctor to women; Meiling, her friend who is in-training to be a midwife; Poppy, her maid; Miss Zhao, Father’s concubine; and Lady Kuo, her mother-in-law.

The story begins in 1469 when Tan Yunxian is 8yo and continues to unfold until 1556 when she is 96yo. You will learn about her childhood, learning about Chinese medicine from her Grandmother, her lifelong friendship with Meiling, her role as a dr to women, and her role/burdens/obligations as Lady Tan, “ running the household.”

Tan Yunxian’s life tells of an inner strength. Female friendships and family relationships will become known.

The author mentions “mind pictures.” I can see & hear all that is described in this beautifully scripted story.

Very descriptive writing. Ex: gardens, customs, fashion, and medical formulas/practices.

Detail-oriented. Well researched.

Held my interest from begin to end.

Elegantly written. Ex: “Even the best banquet must end & the guests depart.” (p. 305 describing death)

An addictive read - was hard to put down.

This would be a great book for book club. Lots to discuss!

Don’t skip the author’s note.

What a splendid story created especially when little is known about the REAL Tan Yunxian.

Kudos! I highly recommend for your TBR pile!

4.5

Reputation, weak link, atonement….

The Woodyard is a combo day centre/ community hub that includes A- level students and those with learning disabilities. Woodyard’s purpose is to “provide a glorious community, bringing people together.” A board of trustees runs Woodyard , with Jonathan being the general manager. Woodyard has paid employees as well as many volunteers.

Now a volunteer has been found murdered and a Woodyard attendee has gone missing. Parents expect Woodyard to be a safe haven , where their children should be safe and protected. It should not be a place where horrific things happen.

Detective Matthew Venn and his team are only finding stray leads. “Things are getting complicated. Too many coincidences. Too many people circling around each other, without touching. No real evidence.” One thing is crystal clear — all these stray leads seem to lead back to Woodyard.

A first time reader of this author! I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event last month. Although she talked about The Raging Storm, I decided to also get book #1 to meet the characters. I will be reading # 2 and #3 next!

Consider me a new fan of this author!

Kept me guessing! Didn’t know who to trust or who to believe! Surprise ending. I recommend!

Very descriptive writing.

Follow the money!

Swanky, stunning, persistent…

Headline! Death at the Claremont Hotel!

Berkeley’s Claremont Hotel 1930 - after a game of hide n seek with her younger sister Isabella, 7yo Iris Stafford’s (of THE Bainbridge family) body is found in a pile of dirty laundry at the bottom of the laundry chute.

Same Claremont Hotel 1944 - political candidate Walter Wilkinson is found in a humiliating condition, shot in the head. A possession of Iris’ is found in the closet in the room.

Homicide detective Al Sullivan thinks the “Wilkinson murder is connected to the Bainbridges in some complicated way,” but isn’t sure how. But what is it with the Bainbridges? “If there is a crisis at the hotel, a Bainbridge always seems to be in the middle of it.”

Join the search for a killer! Encounter a web of lies and coincidences! As D A Doogan says,” Infidelity, betrayal, and revenge - the red meat! Juries will love it!”


A great fiction debut! I will read future books by this author. I would like to read more stories about Detective Al Sullivan!

This kept me guessing!

Intricate plot.

Very descriptive writing. Ex: hide n seek in the hotel and Lincoln Highway

Enjoyed Mrs. Bainbridge’s disposition throughout the book. Clever!

Well researched. Detail oriented. Liked reading about the Golden Gate Bridge - building & opening!

RULES, survival, captivity…

After “living” in the shed for five years, you learn the rules to survive. “#1 he always wins, #2 you are always sorry, and #3 everything that happens must always happen to both of you.”

And now father / daughter Aidan / 13yo Cecilia have to move. “Rachel” plants the seed of her also moving with them. And now the new house has a whole NEW set of rules in order for her to survive. She will constantly deal with the uncertainty of making a mistake. A mistake that could prove fatal…

“She saved herself on the first day she was taken and every day since for five years. Nobody has rescued her.” She will be responsible for any rescuing. Why has she been spared for so long by this serial killer?


A debut thriller. I would read future books by this author.

A melodramatic story! I was curious about how this one would end!

A captivity story told by 3 women in his life. His 8 victims also comment throughout on their spotlight pages. Bleak reading at times!

Lots of buzz about this one - that’s why I read it.

I’ve read 2 back- to-back captivity books and now need to read a lighter story next! @thefictionphysician told me to move this one to the top of my TBR list. Good advice!

Lesser than, ambition, Roaring 20s…

1924 - Zora, from an impoverished Seattle family of nine, helps Mother with the sewing she takes in. Zora has a reputation as "bring a magician with a needle." Her wildest dream would be to become a designer and to own a boutique.

2023 - While restoring / repairing film costumes for the Hollywood Glamour Exhibition at the Smithsonian, Sylvia finds the name Zora Lily under the designer label. Just who could this unknown be?

A tale of the burdens of poverty and pulling oneself up by "the bootstraps to start on a better path."

ARC — available on Oct 3, 2023

Author paints a vivid snapshot - easy to imagine the characters, locations, fashions, and clubs. Story & characters feel real and relatable. Very descriptive writing. Ex: "Pale green like the beginning of spring…" (Too many good quotes to mention…)

Breathtaking story and a great ending!

I highly recommend! I will look for author's previous books!

This will likely be in my top 5 for 2023!

Thank you to Book Browse & Harper Collins for this great read! Hats off to Noelle Salazar! Thank you!

Kumquat, wedge, trunk…

Banyan Moon is the tale of a family of three women — Ann, her mother Huong, and her grandmother Minh. Males have flitted in & out of their lives, but it’s mainly a single mother portrait. Ann and her mother are estranged; they “don’t speak, having run out of things to say a long time ago.” Ann and her grandmother however, have a close relationship , although they haven’t seen each other for a few years now.

Secrets abound, especially with Minh and Huong. One horrific secret has driven a wedge between the two. Banyan House “keeps it all caged within.”

Minh passes away, leaving Banyan House to both Ann and Huong (but excludes her son.). Her death will be a mixture of joy and grief for the remaining two women. But they will learn that Minh has “hoarded her secrets to the last and is just now doling them out.”

This debut is a hit!

A saga of decisions, legacy, and relationships & how they can change over time. Decisions will have long-term effects.

I read this because of all the buzz about it. It’s unique - a different type of storyline from my recent reads.

What an ending!

Eloquent writing. Ex:
1. “A couple of fractured mirrors- no longer seeing the same reflection.”
2. He is “like polish with no substance. She hitched her wagon to a handful of glitter.”

Sensitive situations - physical abuse is included in the storyline.

Lucy and William, a long-divorced couple, leave NYC together for Maine before the pandemic lockdown. William is a scientist and appears to be aware of the necessary precautions, while Lucy is unconcerned, innocent, and naïve about what to expect. She thinks William is bring an alarmist. She is certainly not aware that her “entire life will become something new.” Changes include death, changing relationships ,and never seeing her apartment ever again.

A tale of coping, isolation, grief, forgiveness, discovery, and relationships with friends and family.

Lucy is a relatable character.

I did not read any of the previous books about Lucy. Perhaps reading the earlier books would boost this story?????

I was able to follow the plot of the book. It was not essential to read the earlier books.

Lots of reflection by Lucy. A touching story.

Humility, cutting edge, diverse…

A perceptive accounting of the women’s contribution to the WWII wartime effort. 350,000 were involved in diverse roles including pilots, instructors, ferrying supplies and planes, codebreakers, translators, signal units, and artists. Positions went far beyond nursing, typists, and “Rosie the Riveter” (check the connection to Pittsburgh & Westinghouse to that!) An important chronicle of their stories, especially since the number of survivors is dwindling.

Available August 1, 2023


Author Lena Andrews has a very impressive resume!

Highly sourced!

Thank you for the organization chart at the beginning.
I referred to it often, especially at the beginning.

I loved the methods of faking height, weight, age requirements!

Love US history! Even better if it’s something I can go see when traveling!

Don’t miss the WWII Museum in NOLA. If you are interested in history, it’s a must-see!

This book is NOT historical fiction. This non-fiction book is a definite for anyone thirsty for knowledge.

Although I had read bits & pieces previously (especially concerning the men), much of the women’s role was unknown to me.

Liked the focus on & inclusion of so many women & their stories in each chapter.

Don’t skip the epilogue! What a tribute!

To Lena Andrews— Yes, it’s an inspiring story!

Grandiose, precarious, elusive…

Almost 70yo brilliant oceanographer Adam is struggling to feel relevant in his job and life. He has (mostly) raised his two children Ken and Abby as a single parent after his wife died young. His “little monsters” (his words) are now adults — Ken is a successful businessman / wannabe politician and Abby is an artist.

Bipolar Adam is spinning from “I have one more discovery left” to depression leading up to his 70th birthday bash.

All in this complex family are hiding buried secrets. Is it possible to “hide an entire life behind a lie?” Envy and jealousy among family members will gradually climax and culminate at the birthday bash. The skeletons will come out of the closet by the end!

Hearing lots about this one! I enjoyed it!

Many characters have secrets from themselves, as well as from others.

A tangled story of dysfunction, guilt, competition, and emotions!

Author paints a vivid picture of Cape Cod. I could “see” the locations described! Enjoyed my trip there!

Text, stalker, maybe you’re next…

Murderpalooza is a thriller writers conference in NYC with many authors, agents, and publishers attending.

On the day of the awards ceremony , bestseller Kristin Bailey is found stabbed to death. And four authors have an anonymous social media account targeting them with threats about past secrets. The four authors being earmarked include a “midlister, an egomaniac, a has-been, and a newbie.” How are all four connected to the victim?

Unique approach to the whodunnit!

First time reader of this author. I will definitely read other books by this author.

Liked the reveal of tidbits / clues throughout the book.

A fun, entertaining read! I recommend it!

Great ending ! A surprise twist at the very end.