Moonlight Murder by Uzma Jalaluddin

 

Title:  Moonlight Murder

Author:  Uzma Jalaluddin

Narrated by:  Deepti Gupta

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Length: Approximately 11 hours and 56 minutes

Source: Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial the review copy of the physical book.  Audiobook purchased from audible.

Where was the last book that you read set?  I just finished Moonlight Murder this morning and it was set in Toronto, Canada.

Kauser Khan has moved back to Toronto to be near her family.  She soon finds herself involved in investigating the mysterious death of Qasim, a young man who was dating her granddaughter, Maleeha.  This mystery also inspires Kauser to investigate the hit and run death of her son, Ali, eighteen years before.  Was it an accident or was there more involved for both mysteries?

My thoughts on this book:

·       Moonlight Murder is the second book in the Detective Aunty series.  I did feel a bit behind in the beginning, but I soon caught up. I would like to read the first book in this series.

·       This was a cozy mystery that was relaxing to read.

·       This was great on audiobook.  Narrator Deepti Gupta has great voices for all the characters.

·       Kauser was a great character.  I loved how she is really coming into herself at her stage in life.  She no longer will fade into the background and lets her thoughts be known.

·       I liked the glimpses into the Muslim Pakastani heritage world.

·       The grief of losing a child is a theme and part of the discussion. 

·       Teenagers and bullying is also a theme.

·       I loved the female friendship between Kauser and her friend May.

·       There is a second chance for romance after being widowed for Kauser.

·       I enjoyed the family drama.

·       I really liked how the mystery was revealed, layer by layer with a few red herrings thrown in.  Kauser was great at talking to people, really listening to their stories, and putting together the puzzle pieces to solve the mystery.

·       I would recommend this book for those that love character driven mysteries such as The Thursday Murder Club.

·       There was a great ending for both mysteries – I did not guess how they would end.

·       There was also an awesome cliffhanger to set up the third book. I am ready to read it right now!

Overall, Moonlight Murder by Uzma Jalaluddin was very engaging and was a well-paced cozy mystery with great characters.

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly

 

Are you in a May flower season where you live?  Flowers are blooming in Northeast Wisconsin, but it is still very chilly.

Three extraordinary women formed a friendship in the late 18^th century:  Abigail Adams of the United States, Queen Charlotte of England, and Marie Antoinette of France.  With limited power and many problems both personnel and on the world stage, how will these ladies navigate life and support one another?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This is a book that is meant to be read slowly and savored.

·       Each chapter starts with quotes from fiction letters to each other. The POV of each chapter alternatives between the three ladies.

·       Abigail Adam was the wife of future president John Adams who before he was president served as the ambassador to France and England.  She misses home and feels like a fish out of water at times.

·       Marie Antoinette is a scapegoat in France as the country descends into revolution.

·       Queen Charlotte deals with a problematic oldest son, her husband’s descent into madness, and the loss of her children.

·       These three women were in high positions but didn’t have much power to change their own fates.  They were able to find the strength to make what changes they would with what they had.

·       Great research with a bibliography at the end.

·       There are good discussion questions for book clubs at the end of the book.

·       The afterword explains what happened to Abigail and Charlotte after Marie Antoinette’s death.

Favorite Quotes:

“What was left for her after accomplishing those things?  She had influence but no power.  She had position but no authority.  She had plenty of finery but no lasting significance.”

“Their friendship lived and breathed in a way that human life did not.  It surpassed mortal bonds and physical distance.  It remained unharmed by wars, but loss, but fear, or by hate.”

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly is a beautifully written historical fiction novel about three extraordinary women in history.

Book Source:  Thank-you @author.rebecca.connolly @shadowmountainpub @greatreadsbookpromo for the review copy as part of the Great Reads Book Promotion Tour.  Thank-you!

One Leg on Earth by 'Pemi Aguda

 

Title:  One Leg on Earth

Author:  'Pemi Aguda

Narrated by:  Délé Ogundiran

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Length: Approximately 6 hours and 39 minutes

Source: Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @w.w.norton for the review copy of the physical book.  Audiobook purchased from audible.

What country is your current book set in?

Yosoye is a lonely women, excited to be in Lagos for an architectural internship.  After a one-night stand, she finds herself pregnant.  As other pregnant women start being found drowned in the sea, Yosoye feel herself pressed by a fear that she will be next.  Does it have anything to do with the new development she is working on that is located on reclaimed land that is meant for the rich?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       The title comes from a saying, one leg on earth and one leg in heaven.

·       This is a literary novel that is also a women’s contemporary fiction novel.

·       It was a slow paced, but short novel.

·       It was interesting on audiobook.

·       The story explores the loneliness of motherhood.

·       I thought it was an interesting look at the parallels of growing a city as a designer and growing a new life within you as a mother.

·       I really enjoyed the setting in Legos.

·       The story never does resolve why the women were drowning.

Overall, One Leg on Earth by 'Pemi Aguda was an interesting literary fiction novel with a riveting setting in Lagos.

Fast and Fastidious by R.M. Caldwell

 

Title:  Fast and Fastidious

Author:  R.M. Caldwell

Narrated by:  Fiona Hardingham

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 22 minutes

Source: Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for the review copy of the physical book.  Audiobook purchased from audible.

Do you like to watch any type of racing?  My daughter is in track so I’m often at track meets these days.

Lucy Elliot strives to be a proper lady, but she secretly attends the Night Races.  The Night Races are carriage races on country lanes where unchaperoned men and women gather from all social classes.  When her new neighbor, Captain Dashwood starts racing, Lucy is afraid her secret will come out.  As carriage robberies start to take place in the neighborhood, will Lucy and Captain Dashwood be able to find the culprit?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       This a fun adventure story which was what I needed during a stressful week.

·       This novel is set during the Regency time period.

·       I loved how Lucy is a mechanical engineer at heart with her “fastidious” mind and she works on several item to make racing carriages go faster.  I love engineers in novels – especially lady engineers as I am an engineer myself.

·       Lucy seems like she is on the spectrum and it was interesting having her as a neurodivergent character.

·       The audiobook was entertaining.

·       I liked the unique concept of having racing in this novel.

·       The description on this book cover was Pride and Prejudice meets Fast and Furious which is accurate.

·       This is not really a romance even though it is labeled as one, it is more a mystery with espionage.

·       The loved the relationship between Lucy and her very different sister, Margaret.

·       This is a debut novel.

Overall, Fast and Fastidious by R.M. Caldwell was a light and fun regency historical mystery.

Nearly a Bride by Sabrina Jeffries

 

Title:  Nearly a Bride

Author:  Sabrina Jeffries

Narrated by:  Beverley A. Crick

Publisher: Recorded Books

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes

Source: Audiobook copy from NetGalley and physical book copy from Kensington Books as part of the TLC Book Tour.  Thank-you!

What type of books do you need when you need a lighthearted read?  I like to read romance when I need a good lighthearted book.

The Earl of Hearthbrook, Heath, was trapped in France for ten years.  His first goal upon returning home is to claim guardianship of his brothers.  In order to look respectable, he enters into a faux engagement with Giselle Bernard.  A stranger is threatening Giselle and her mother by saying her immigration papers have been forged. Heath agrees to help her out with this problem, if she helps him with a fake engagement.  Will these two find that their feelings are more than fake?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       There was an intriguing note at the beginning of the novel of how in 1802, the Treaty of Amiens was signed which seemed to be the end of the Napoleonic Wars.  Many British citizens flocked to France to see Paris for the first time since 1792.  The peace did not last, and hostilities started again on May 18, 1803.  Napoleon captured all British male citizen will in France (and their families) and they were held prisoner until 1814. These prisoners were called detenus and the story focuses on them.

·       I loved the great banter between the two leads.

·       This novel is a historical regency romance with a fake engagement and opposites attract tropes.

·       This novel was the second in the Lords of Hazards series.  I read it as a standalone and it worked.  I did feel like there was background that would have enhanced the story that was set up in the first book.  I need to go back and read Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart.

·       I listened to this on audiobook. The narrator, Beverley A. Crick was fantastic.  I enjoyed the distinct voices she gave all the characters and the French accents.  It was a light entertaining book that was perfect for a stressful time of year.

·       I liked the heroine, Giselle, a lot.  She was a caring person who helped those around her including her mother and Heath’s brothers.

·       This was a steamy romance with great chemistry between the leads.

Overall, Nearly a Bride by Sabrina Jeffries is an entertaining historical regency romance that is a perfect way to escape from the stressors of the day.

 

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

 

Title:  Murder on the Orient Express

Author:  Agatha Christie

Narrated by:  Dan Stevens

Publisher: William Morrow

Length: Approximately 6 hours and 37 minutes

Source: Checked out in Libby through the Kewaunee Public Library.

What book have you read that has the best ending?  Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie has one of my favorite endings where justice is ultimately served in an unconventional way. 

Hercule Poirot is heading home from the Middle East aboard the famed Orient Express.  An American, Rachett, tries to hire him for protection as he has received death threats, but Poirot refuses.   When Ratchett shows up dead when the train is stopped due to a snowstorm, Poirot must investigate.  Someone on the train must be the murderer, but who and why?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       I read Murder on the Orient Express for the #ReadChristie2026 challenge.  This year is Agatha Christie’s Biggest, Best, Beloved stories.  The theme for April is “Beloved in your Collection.”  I’m showcasing a picture of my son Daniel’s very nice copy of Murder on the Orient Express and other novels.  Daniel has started reading Agatha Christie novels on audiobook and he is a fan.  He is going to pass me up soon on how many I have read.  It is fun discussing the books with him.

·       As this was my second read (first time on audiobook), it was interesting to focus on how Poirot was investigating the crime rather than who did it.

·       I loved how methodical Poirot was interviewing the witnesses.

·       This book was inspired by the Lindburg baby kidnapping case which is such a sad crime in history.

·       This is one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels.  It is so well written.

·       The ending is perfect with a mike drop moment.

·       Dan Stevens was a good narrator to give unique voices to the characters.

Overall, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is one of Agatha Christie’s best mysteries.  It is a classic for a reason, and it is best to read it for the first time not knowing much about the plot.

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? By Sarah McCoy

 

Title:  Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?

Author:  Sarah McCoy

Narrated by:  Cassandra Campbell, Helen Laser, Stephanie Németh-Parker

Publisher: William Morrow

Length: Approximately 10 hours and 11 minutes

Source: Audiobook purchased from Audible and hard cover copy from the Kewaunee Public Library.  Thank-you!

Do you have a favorite film star from the 1960s?  I love classic films.  One of my favorite stars of the 1960s is Julie Andrews.

Lou Tibbott is struggling to finish her senior thesis in American history in 1990.  She suddenly is inspired to write about her Aunt Lori.  Lori was a 23-year-old Hollywood starlet who gave it up all up in 1969 to become a Benedictine nun.  Why did Lori choose to leave her Hollywood life and become a nun?  Prior to this, Lori had denied all interviews, so the world is still wondering.

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was the January read for the Brenda Novak book group, but I just got to it in April.  I’m running behind!

·       This was a dual narrative novel.  One narrative focused on Lou in 1990 interviewing her aunt and the other narrative is her aunt’s story set in the 1960s.

·       I had a hard time thinking about how Aunt Lori would only be in her 40s in 1990s and not an old aging nun.

·       This was great on audiobook with interesting narrators.

·       I guessed how the book would end, but it was still entertaining.

·       I love Hollywood stories and the making of old movies.  Lori was the star of a Romeo and Juliet film with a handsome heartthrob, Lucas Wesley.

·       I loved that in the afterward, Sarah McCoy stated that it was based on the story of three real life classic actresses.  McCoy had correspondence with former actress now nun Dolores Hart and also met her. 

·       The section of the novel where Lori is discovered through the display of her portrait in the family store reminded me of how Lana Turner was discovered.

·       I love the cover of this book!

·       I also loved how Lori found the people and life she was looking for by going to the Catholic faith and becoming a nun.

·       This is a character driven historical fiction novel with found family, romance, and romantic drama.

·       Part of this novel was set in Italy.

Overall, Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? By Sarah McCoy is an intriguing historical fiction novel set in 1960s Hollywood with family drama and romance. 

Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst

 

What type of books do you like to gift to friends and family?

Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst has the subtitle “What to pray when you need the Lord to still your thoughts, calm your heart, and guide your way.”  This is a perfect description of this Christian devotional.

My thoughts on this devotional:

·       This book is beautiful with thick pages and a ribbon bookmark.  It would make a great gift.

·       There are fifty short chapters, one chapter per prayer.  It is perfect to read one per night.

·       Each of the chapters in the first half of the book begins with a Bible verse, the authors thoughts on the verse or topic, a prayer, and the prayer in action (how can you make a change with prayer.)

·       The book also includes scriptural payers such as “a prayer for when you feel lonely,” “a prayer for your husband,” etc.  There is a discussion on the topic, followed by Bible verses to pray.

·       There was very thoughtful discussion on prayer, life, and how the teachings of the Bible fit into it all.

·       I found reading this devotional to be a peaceful way to end my day.

·       This is a book that I am going to keep on my nightstand for thoughtful contemplation and prayer in the evening.

·       I enjoyed the authors personal journey in her prayer life.

Overall, Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst is a very heartfelt, calming, nice devotional with a collection of beautiful prayers.

Book Source:  Thank-you @tnzgift @lysaterkeurst @tlcbooktours for the review copy as part of the TLC Book Tour.  Thank-you!

Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack

 

Title:  Murder Bimbo

Author:  Rebecca Novack

Narrated by:  Jennifer Pickens

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio. Thank-you!

What is a book you’ve read lately that was out of your comfort zone?  Murder Bimbo is a thriller told through the eyes of a sex worker and is out of my typical comfort zone for reading.

Murder Bimbo is a 32-year-old sex worker, and she has just murdered a political extremist, Meat Neck.  She thought she was working under cover for the government, but things may not be what they appear to be.  She begins writing her story to Justice Bimbo who writes and produces a popular podcast series to get her story out and goes into hiding. Will she be able to save herself?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       This book was weird and funny.  It was just what I needed to capture my attention over a long drive on bad roads.

·       The book does try to explain away sex work as just another job, but the nature of the story shows the dangers, disadvantages, and abuse of sex workers.

·       It is told as a first-person narrative story through emails.  The narrative shifts and changes as she tells it. Murder Bimbo is an unreliable narrator that tells her own story with a humorous, snarky, light tone.

·       Trigger warning in that there is s@#ually explicit material and r#pe. 

·       You think you know what is going on with the story, but then it is told differently to a different audience.  The first part are emails to Justice Bimbo where Murder Bimbo is an unwitting part in assassinating Meat Neck.  Part 2, she is emailing her lover what happened, and the story is a lot more complicated.  Part 3 she may be telling the true story of what has happened to the audience. 

·       I was looking for a crazily entertaining novel and this book met the need!

·       The book was full of terrible people, but it was fun, which seems weird to say.

·       What is true?  How do we change our narratives depending on who we are telling our story to?

·       I liked it on audiobook and the narrator captured the tone perfectly.

Overall, Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack was a unique political thriller that captured my attention that explored the nature of storytelling and truth.

Sorry for Your Loss by Georgia McVeigh

 

What is a thriller novel, show, or movie that you have enjoyed lately?

Iris has recently lost her fiancé and has joined a local grief group to work through her loss.  While there, she meets the very handsome Jack who has recently lost his wife to cancer.  As Iris plots ways to win Jack’s affections, she discovers things are not what they seem.  What is real and what is deception in Iris and Jack’s world?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This is a contemporary psychological thriller.

·       It’s hard to write a review for this one as I don’t want to give anything away.  It’s best to go in not knowing much about the story.

·       There were many twists and turns in this one, some I figured out, and some where a surprise.

·       The story alternates between the present and the past.  Iris lost her twin sister, Marcie, growing up and it details their relationship and Marcie’s fate.

·       The story is set in London.

·       Iris is not a very likeable person, but I was intrigued to see what she would do next.  I also felt sorry for the losses that she had in life.

·       The novel was very action packed at the end and I couldn’t put it down.

·       The story is told as Iris’s inner monologue.

·       I can’t believe this is a debut novel.  I’m interested to see what Georgia McVeigh writes next.

·       The ending did leave me wondering what could happen next. 

Overall, Sorry for Your Loss by Georgia McVeigh was an intriguing contemporary psychological thriller. 

Book Source:  Review copy from Penguin Random House.  Thank-you!

The Navigator’s Letter by Jan Cress Dondi

 

Do you believe in coincidence?   I think it’s really a small world overall and it is fun to meet people in places you don’t expect them to be.

The Navigator’s Letter details the story of two WWII heroes from the same small town in Illinois that were connected to one woman, one as her brother, and the other as her boyfriend.  Although they joined the military at different times, they both ended up as navigators in air raids over the oil fields of Ploesti, Romania.  This was the primary fuel source for the Nazis.  Only one man will make it back alive.  This is their story.

My thoughts on this nonfiction book:

·       I loved how this was the personal story of two young men from the same small town.

·       The training process in the miliary in WWII was fascinating to read about.  I didn’t really think about how a navigator was a plum position and required a high level of math.

·       I loved all the talk of planes in WWII.  I love WWII aircraft and it’s been a lifelong fascination.

·       I also enjoyed how the author put together the letters, diaries, newspaper articles, historical records, etc. into a comprehensive story.  It was a fascinating and a personal story.  The author found a trunk full of memorabilia and that is what started her journey to write this story.

·       This was a nonfiction history book that read like a fiction story.

·       I did not previously know about the August 1, 1943, air road at Ploesti, Romania and how it was one the riskiest air raids of WWII.  I was intrigued.  52 aircraft and 532 crewman were lost on this mission.

·       I would highly recommend this book for those that love WWII history and aviation stories like Masters of the Air, 30 Seconds Over Tokyo, Memphis Belle, Midway, etc.

·       This book humanized the story of the war by following these two airman through their lives, training, and wartime activities.  When friends were killed in action, the reader felt it.

·       It was interesting how the book discussed looking for U-boats off of the Florida coast and how U-boats sank a tanker just off of Florida.  I don’t remember learning this before.

·       I’m passing this one to my husband and sons as I think they will all enjoy it.

·       Great pictures were included.

·       There is a touching afterward that pulled the story together.

Favorite Quote:

“The oldest of five children, John Brown White, Jr. (John B.), was born into a family that instilled the belief of giving back to a life given much.”

Overall, The Navigator’s Letter by Jan Cress Dondi was an amazing nonfiction history book that was the personal story of two airman who made a difference.  I couldn’t put this book down!