Book Review: 'Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden' by Marthe Jocelyn

✰✰✰✰½ The third book in the series takes the young detective, Aggie Morton, and her pal, Hector, to a Yorkshire spa, where Aggie's recently widowed mother can take the waters and recuperate. Along with Grannie Jane, they all could use a break. As Aggie's mother settles in to her schedule of treatment, Aggie and Hector stumble onto not one crime, but two! The two young sleuths are delighted at the challenge, but with two mysteries to solve the stakes are higher. Together with the help of a young disabled patient and Grannie Jane, Aggie & Hector must get help before they meet their demise.

The Bottom Line: This installment was a quick, pleasant read that takes one back to a different era. The two sleuths have grown in their abilities to solve crimes and work well together as a team. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Details: Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn. Published by Tundra Books in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0735270817 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'A Street Cat Named Bob' by James Bowen

✰✰✰✰½ James Bowen was one of many buskers in London. Originally from Australia, Bowen had struggled to make his way. As a recovering addict, he had recently secured a flat. One day he noticed an injured cat in the hallway. He was immediately inspired to help this creature even though he could barely take care of himself. With little to spare, James sought medical help for the cat, now named Bob. After nursing Bob back to good health, Bowen released him. Given the choice, Bob had other ideas and decided to follow Bowen on his busking jobs. The man and cat quickly became an inseparable duo. And this is their story…one of friendship, adventure, survival, and love.

The Bottom Line: This heartwarming tale is perfect to read anytime…on a lunch break, while traveling, or even at the beach. It’s an easy read that will inspire you to look at people differently. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2020, but this story will live on and continue to inspire. Highly recommended for everyone interested in human-animal relationships, friendship, homelessness, and addiction.

Book Club Notes: In a nutshell, we loved this book! On a scale from 1 – 5 with 5 being the highest, the average rating for this book was 4.5. The movie was entertaining and captured the essence of the book. We enjoyed the unique perspective of seeing things from Bob’s point of view; how cute was that?

All in all, the book/movie taught us to see things from a different perspective, to stop stereotyping, and to give people (and animals) a chance. Most of us have interacted with a special animal sometime in our lives, so it was easy to connect with Bob’s story. Discussion questions are plentiful online, but the resource that stood out is available from the Okanagan Regional Library.

This book club pick is very highly recommended for book clubs interested in a feel good title that still has lots of deep topics to discuss. Check it out for your book club today!

Details: A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen. Paperback published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2012. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-04867-7 

Book Review: 'The Secret Starling' by Judith Eagle

✰✰✰½ From the moment Clara Starling was taken in by her Uncle, her life has been full of routine and gloom. Nothing ever exciting ever happened until the day her uncle dropped her off at a cafe and disappeared. With no other options, Clara heads home to Braithwaite Manor only find an orphan named Peter and his cat. With no adults around to spoil the fun, the children can do whatever they want. Soon their games uncover a worn ballet slipper that takes them on an adventure to London and the Royal Opera House. As Clara begins to uncover information about her parents the duo are chased by villains and uncover a tale of glamour, romance, and murder. With time of the essence, it's up to Clara and Peter to unravel the secrets of the Starling family.

The Bottom Line: Although the beginning was a bit of a slow read for me, the pace picked up to reveal family secrets and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Although the final interior images were not available in the advance reading copy, the preliminary sketches were charming. An enjoyable treat for middle grade readers who favor historical fiction about dance and friendship.

Details: The Secret Starling written by Judith Eagle & illustrated by Jo Rioux. Advance reading copy published in 2021. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-536213652 [NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the publisher and the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Below Stairs' by Margaret Powell

✰✰✰✰ A teenaged Margaret Powell had her sights on becoming a teacher, but lack of money squashed her plans. Instead she entered domestic services as a kitchen maid, the very lowest level of domestic service there was. The job was bewildering at first; the cook expected her to know how to do things like blacklead the grate, scrub the steps, and iron bootlaces. No one showed her anything, and she had to quickly learn on the job. Margaret soon realized there was little time for fun. As Powell worked her way up to cook, she tried to bide her time until she could fulfill her real goal: finding a suitable husband. Filled with wit and wisdom, Below Stairs gives the reader a look at the many challenges and scant rewards of being in domestic service during the first half of the 1900s in England. 

The Bottom Line: This quick read is perfect for the beach or a rainy weekend. Powell takes the reader on a behind-the-scenes tour of life in domestic service. Things have changed a bit since Powell was in service, but many of her insights and observations are still relevant today. This memoir will appeal to fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey. Also, recommended for fans of tell-all memoirs and British social history. 

Book Club Notes: On a scale from 0 - 5, with 5 being the highest, this book averaged 4 stars. Our book club has the option of reading the book, watching the movies, or both. A good number of our group watched either Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs and noted that both series were more about entertainment and romanticism than the book. The book was very detailed and written in a diary-like form. Powell's observations were intelligent, and someone noted that Powell could have gone far in life if she had been born into a different family. 

We enjoyed reading this book and taking a look at a different era. Although the stories may not have been as juicy as expected, Powell was spunky. Servants had very limited opportunities back then, but she challenged herself to do better in life. She achieved her lifelong goal of find a husband and even managed to go back to school. 

The reprint edition includes discussion questions, but you can also find them in a guide from the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. 

Details: Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey by Margaret Powell. Paperback published by St. Martin’s Griffin in 1968. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-02321-6   

Book Review: 'Aggie Morton: Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano' by Marthe Jocelyn

✰✰✰½ When well-to-do, but shy, Aggie Morton discovers a body, the young girl quickly learns to accept getting out of her comfort zone. With the help of a young boy from Belgium, the new friends begin to uncover the clues to solving the crime. Unfortunately, the police seem to be following the clues down a different path. With time running out, the timid young girl and her foreign friend must sort everything out before danger befalls them as well. Pick up this mystery set in the seaside town of Torquay, England in 1902 for a tale of adventure and mischief.

The Bottom Line: This middle grade novel is a sweet nod to the real Queen of Mystery (Agatha Christie) and one of her leading characters (Hercule Poirot). While the beginning was a bit slow, the story picked up the pace in the middle and end for a surprising ending. Young fans of mystery and historical fiction will enjoy these characters in this new mystery series.

Details: Aggie Morton: Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano by Marthe Jocelyn. Hardcover published by Tundra in 2020. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6546-2 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. 

Book Review: 'Bryant & May: Hall of Mirrors' by Christopher Fowler

✰✰✰½ Take a trip back in time to 1969 with Arthur Bryant and John May as they go undercover and leave London for a quiet weekend in the country. Stuck at crumbling Tavistock Hall, the two men stand out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, they must keep the prosecution's star witness safe from harm until he can testify. Despite the quiet setting, Bryant and May run into unexpected trouble when their charge is nearly killed. With an eccentric cast of characters, secret passageways, and a band of hippies on the premises, the detectives have their work cut out for them.

The Bottom Line: It took a while for me to warm up to this novel; however, it may have been  because this is the first installment of the series that I have read. While the story seemed slow to start, I hung in there and was rewarded with deadpan humor and clever fun to liven up this classic manor house mystery. Recommended for fans who enjoy mysteries with a twist of British humor. If you are new to the series, I recommend starting at the beginning.

Details: Bryant & May: Hall of Mirrors: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler. Hardcover published by Bantam Books in 2018. 432 p. ISBN: 978-1-101-88709-7     NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. 

Book Review: 'The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery' by Allison Rushby

✰✰✰✰ Twelve-year-old Flossie Birdwhistle may have thought death meant peaceful rest, but she was wrong. She has a job in the afterlife, a very important job. As turnkey of London's Highgate Cemetery, she cares for all the souls buried there making sure they are content and at rest. Unfortunately, this is especially difficult during World War II.

When Flossie happens to spot the ghost of a German soldier, she has a feeling it is up to no good. It's only a matter of time before she uncovers a plot that could jeopardize both her cemetery and all of England. Flossie and her ghost friends must find a way to save both and set things right before it is too late.

The Bottom Line: This Gothic mystery for middle grade readers is a delight to read. Filled with relatable characters, a bit of history, and a dash of the supernatural, this quick read takes the reader on many twists and turns. Highly recommended for middle grade and YA readers looking for a slightly dark, but engaging mystery. I hope there are more books to follow.

Details: The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2018. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-9685-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Lost Property Office (Section 13)' by James R. Hannibal

✰✰✰✰½ Jack Buckles has arrived in London with his mom and sister to search for his missing dad. It seems that their father has disappeared without a trace, so when his little sister Sadie thinks she has caught a glimpse of his coat, she takes off after him. Jack, in turn, takes off after her. When he finally catches up, he finds himself at the Lost Property Office.

As he fills out the appropriate paperwork, Jack learns that things are not always what they seem. His dad is actually a Tracker and has been kidnapped by the mysterious and dangerous Clockmaker. If Jack wants to save his father, he and Gwen, an apprentice clerk with the Ministry of Trackers, must recover what is known as the Ember. There’s not much to go on, but Jack does possess a magical ability to read clues on objects. As Gwen helps him hone his skills, Jack must learn to trust himself. Working as a team, Jack and Gwen follow the clues of a mystery dating back to the Great Fire of 1666. With family secrets and twists and turns, this is one mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bottom Line: This fast-paced read will appeal to the middle grade set. With lots of action, adventure, and just a hint of the supernatural, this debut series is fun for all. Enthusiastically recommended for kids in grades 5 – 7 and libraries.

Details: The Lost Property Office (Section 13) by James R. Hannibal. Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2016. 400 p. ISBN: 978-1481467094

Book Review: 'Lucifer's Harvest' by Mel Starr

✰✰✰½ Prince Edward has requested that Lord Gilbert Talbot provide soldiers for a battle in France. And so it is that Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, reluctantly leaves his growing family in Bampton, not to fight, but to treat the wounded. Along the way Master Hugh has a run-in with his nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe. Master Hugh vows not to let his guard down. Unfortunately, when Sir Simon ends up the victim of foul play, naturally everyone blames Master Hugh. With the help of his allies, Master Hugh has little time to investigate in order to try to clear his name before the battle begins.

The Bottom Line: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon is a cozy mystery series that I always look forward to reading. The 9th installment is a page-turner. It's a very quick and enjoyable read. Plus, I always learn something new about medieval life. Those new to the series will find ample backstory included without having to read the books in order. Enthusiastically recommended to fans of medieval mysteries, Christian fiction, and cozies. A glossary of medieval terms and a map are included.

Details: Lucifer's Harvest (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon) by Mel Starr. Paperback published by Lion Fiction in 2016. 160 p. ISBN: 978-1-78264-188-9 NOTE: I received a free copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Library of Souls' by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰ The third installment of the Miss Peregrine trilogy dives right back into the action. The situation is bleak as our heroes Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom along with Addison, a talking dog, continue to search for their beloved Miss Peregrine and the other missing ymbrynes. Their urgent quest transports the trio from modern-day London to Victorian England via a boat ride with the sinister boatman, Sharon, as their guide.

As the trio makes their way through the dark alleys of Devil's Acre, hallowgasts and wights are around every corner. Time to save Peculiardom is running out as Jacob struggles to understand and harness his special peculiar gift. The quest eventually leads them to a library in which the essences of peculiar souls are stored.

It doesn't look good for the Peculiars or the Ymbrynes as they bravely enter a final showdown against their evil nemesis, Caul. Will darkness take control of all Peculiardom or will goodness prevail? You'll be on the edge of your seat as the epic battle is fought.

The Bottom Line: Our peculiar friends are once again faced with adversity and loss. Despite all odds, they persevere and overcome by using their unique gifts and working as a team. This book was packed with adventure and action, while the ending of this trilogy was bittersweet. Riggs has created a hauntingly beautiful fictional world that I have enjoyed immensely. The story along with the vintage photos makes a lasting impression.

Enthusiastically recommended for young adults and adults who enjoy fast-paced adventures with a supernatural twist. To get the most out of this trilogy, I highly recommend reading the books in order. For those of you who long for more stories of the peculiar, Tales of the Peculiar is due out in September, and I can't wait to read it. Enjoy!

Details: Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2015. 464 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-758-8

Book Review: 'The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches' by Alan Bradley

✰✰✰✰ It's the spring of 1951, and Flavia de Luce's long-lost mother, Harriet, has finally returned to her beloved ancestral home, Buckshaw. It seems the whole town of Bishop's Lacey has turned out to welcome Harriet home. The gathering includes extended family, friends, a famous politician, and a mysterious stranger, who ends up dead soon after delivering a cryptic message to Flavia. Immediately Flavia's interest is piqued, and she must once again don her sleuthing hat. Working around her grieving family, with the funeral just hours away, Flavia must work quickly to uncover even more family secrets and discover the cause of her mother's untimely death.

The Bottom Line: Flavia is captivating, sweet, and just a little bit morbid at times. Her character continues to mature as she is confronted with death on a personal level; however, she's still that spunky, tomboyish free spirit I adore. As more family secrets are revealed, Flavia uncovers and struggles with her destiny. This quick and quirky mystery is enthusiastically recommended for both YA and adult readers who enjoy cozies set in England. It's always fun to read about Flavia's fascination with science.

Details: The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2014. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-34405-0

Book Review: 'Hollow City' by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰½ The most peculiar children you have ever met are back in the next installment of the series. As Jacob Portman struggles to understand and control his newfound peculiar ability, the group continues to London on a quest to restore Miss Peregrine to human form. With time running out, the group makes their way through the war-torn city in search of another time loop that will take them to the last free ymbryne. Only Miss Wren can help them save their beloved headmistress. Along the way the peculiar kids encounter other peculiars and fantastical beasts while trying to stay clear of hollowgasts and wights. The second adventure will leave you wanting more as Jacob comes face-to-face with the most difficult decision of his young life.

The Bottom Line: The second novel picks up exactly where the first novel left off. Once again the intriguing vintage photos and text work well together to provide the reader with a unique experience. This book is a fantastically dark page-turner. The peculiar children demonstrate teamwork, friendship, and loyalty. Enthusiastically recommended for teens and adults who enjoy books with supernatural and time travel twists. For the best reading experience, be sure to pick up and read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children first.

Details: Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Paperback published by Quirk Books in 2015. 416 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-735-9 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Pierced Heart' by Lynn Shepherd

✰✰✰✰ After an Austrian nobleman offers a sizable donation to the University of Oxford, private investigator, Charles Maddox, is sent on a quest to vet the mysterious benefactor. Maddox soon discovers that the Viennese countryside is steeped with superstitious tales about the baron and his castle. As the days go by, disturbing dreams and incidents haunt Maddox. After nearly dying, Maddox returns to London where a series of horrific murders have taken place. The deaths are rumored to be the work of a vampire, but Maddox suspects his nemesis, the baron. With another young woman missing, Maddox must race against time to find her before another innocent dies.

The Bottom Line: This is the third book in a series; each book pays homage to a literary classic. This dark installment plays off Bram Stoker's Dracula. Although I have not read the previous books, Shepherd includes plenty of back story so the reader does not feel lost.

This book got off to a slow, smoldering start as I adjusted to the writing style. The story jumps back and forth between different points of view and times. However, the book is full of mystery and intrigue. Shepherd has braided together the elements of superstition, science, and classic literature to create a gripping suspense that I couldn't put down. With the paranormal twist and Gothic mood, this book will appeal to fans of historical fiction. A word of caution though...this tale is not for squeamish readers.

Details: The Pierced Heart: A Novel by Lynn Shepherd. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2014. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-345-54543-5 NOTE: I received a free copy from Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. 

Book Review: 'The Abbot's Agreement' by Mel Starr

✰✰✰✰✰ Things are not as they should be at tranquil Eynsham Abbey. On his way to Oxford, Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, happens upon the mutilated body of a young Benedictine novice. At the nearby abbey, Hugh learns of a lad who has been missing for four days. Upon further examination of the body, Hugh discovers 'twas not the plague that did him in, but murder. To Hugh's dismay, the abbot commissions him to uncover the culprit in exchange for a Bible. Although the abbot only asks for his best effort, Hugh soon questions his decision to accept. The investigation takes several complicated twists and turns as Hugh seeks a killer and uncovers a sinister secret hidden within Eynsham Abbey.

The Bottom Line: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon are one of my favorite mystery series. In the 7th installment, Hugh's character continues to evolve as both his family and his responsibilities grow. Like the previous books, this is written in the first person in the form of a journal. This quick read touches on darker topics than previous books, and author Mel Starr includes plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. My only complaint is that this installment is too short; I'm already looking forward to the next one. Readers of medieval mysteries and Christian fiction will want to give this series a try. Those new to the series will find ample backstory included without having to read the books in order. A glossary of medieval terms and maps are included.

Details: The Abbot's Agreement (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon) by Mel Starr. Paperback published by Lion Fiction in 2014. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-78264-109-4 NOTE: I received a free copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Great Trouble' by Deborah Hopkinson

✰✰✰½ Eel is a young orphan just trying to scrape by on what he finds as a mudlark. As he struggles to save what he earns in order to protect a secret, a disease descends upon Victorian London. Hundreds of people in the Broad Street district succumb to what is believed to be bad air. In an effort to help his neighbors, young Eel turns to Dr. John Snow. However, instead of doctoring to the people of Broad Street, Dr. Snow takes a different approach. Drafted into helping the untiring Dr. Snow, Eel works ceaselessly to help create a map that will both enlighten the scientific community and help solve this medical mystery. Eel must race against the ravages of the disease to find where it all began, before it starts all over again.

The Bottom Line: This book will appeal to young fans of historical fiction. While cholera is an unpleasant topic, this fictional story brings to light a disease that rears its ugly head even in modern times. Recommended for middle grade readers and young adults who enjoy Dickensian tales and historical fiction set in London.

Details: The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson. Hardcover published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2013. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0375848186

Book Review: 'The Ghost Map' by Steven Johnson

✰✰✰½ During the summer of 1854, a cholera epidemic broke out in Victorian London. It began with a single case, but the outbreak spread like wildfire. With over two million people in the city and without the proper infrastructure to handle all the waste, it became a race against time to stop the spread of the disease. While families left the city in fear, two men with vastly different viewpoints set out to find answers. At the time theorists believed disease spread via noxious or bad smelling air. The Reverend Henry Whitehead, who believed in the miasma theory, visited his flock both to bring comfort and gather valuable information. But something was amiss with the miasma theory. Dr. John Snow, a respected physician, decided to pursue another course to identify the source of disease. Dr. Snow was on the search for microscopic waterborne pathogens, but he needed evidence to make his case. With the help of a skeptical Reverend Whitehead, Snow was able to create a groundbreaking map. Snow’s map visually showed that most of those who died from the cholera outbreak were clustered around a single source of water. The map helped debunk the theory of miasma and shut down the pump. The tireless efforts of these two men would impact the way scientists looked at disease for years to come. The Ghost Map is a thrilling chase through Victorian London to find the cause of a deadly outbreak before more people died.

The Bottom Line: This was an era when drinking water could be hazardous to one’s health. Dr. Snow’s forward thinking about germs and how they are passed on was at odds with the scientific community at the time. While it is obvious today, the poor disposal of human waste contributed to the unsanitary condition that caused the epidemic. Although this book was somewhat repetitive and slow in places, I found it to be informative. In fact, the information in this book has come up time and time again in other books, films, and conversations. The brief biographies about Snow and Whitehead were fascinating as was the shift away from miasma theory. Cholera is still a problem in some parts of the world today making this is a very timely topic. Recommended for those who enjoy medical mysteries and history. Also, recommended for students of public health or medicine. The book could benefit from better illustrations, especially of the famous map.

Book Club Notes: While the group agreed that this was an informative book, many took a pass on this one. Talking about human waste isn’t for everyone. Overall, this was an interesting discussion, and we agreed that we all learned something by reading this book. For book clubs wishing to discuss this book, there are discussion questions provided at Penguin. Also, be sure to check out the “Notes” section at the back of the book as well for more information. Finally, I ended up searching online for a better map for discussion purposes as the one in the book wasn’t adequate. Two sites that contain useful information are Cholera and the Thames and Professor John Mackenzie's GIS Analyses of Snow's Map.

Details: The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson. Hardcover published by Riverhead Books in 2006. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1594482694

Book Review: 'Ten Lords A-Leaping' by C. C. Benison

✰✰✰ The Leaping Lords have agreed to perform in a skydiving event to benefit a church in Thornford Regis. When the vicar, Tom Christmas, is injured during a jump, he and his daughter become reluctant guests at Eggescombe Park along with several members of the Allan and fforde-Beckett families. In the very early hours of the next morning, a body is discovered on the expansive grounds. Father Christmas is once again called upon to put on his sleuthing hat and help solve the crime. Despite his injury, Father Christmas follows the many twists and turns of this case to the very end. With a cast of inter-related family members, there is no shortage of suspects and plenty of motives. Author C. C. Benison keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The conclusion will surprise you.

The Bottom Line: This is the third book in the series, but it was the first one that I have read. While there was plenty of backstory included in this installment, it might be best to read the books in order. This installment included so many suspects that I had to take notes at times just to keep up. Add a confusing family tree into the mix, nicknames, and titles and you have a very complicated mystery. Set in the British countryside, this cozy mystery was slow to start; however, the last one hundred pages were engaging. Finally, although the main character is named Tom Christmas and the title of the book reminds me of a Christmas song, this is not a holiday book by any means. Recommended for those who enjoy house party murder mysteries and for viewers who enjoy Masterpiece Mystery! A family tree is included in the front of the book.

Details: Ten Lords A-Leaping: A Mystery by C. C. Benison. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2013. 512 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-34447-0 NOTE: I received a free review copy from Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Behind the Shattered Glass' by Tasha Alexander

✰✰✰½ Lady Emily is just settling into married life and enjoying being a new mom, when the peace of country estate life is shattered by a murder. On a warm autumn evening the new Marquess of Montagu, Archibald Scolfield, staggered through the French doors and died on the library floor. The family is stunned, and Lady Emily is thrown into a new mystery to solve. Having just arrived the day before, the dead Marquess didn't have time to make enemies or did he? His cousin, Matilda, stood to gain the most from his death, but when Archibald's engagement to an American heiress comes to light, so do other family secrets.

With a zeal for finding clues, Lady Emily wastes no time in getting involved. It seems that Archibald was popular with women from all stations in life, and left a trail of broken hearts behind where ever he went. When an unknown relative arrives to claim the Montagu title, the plot thickens. Meanwhile, Colin's friend, Lord Flyte, has taken a fancy to one of the maids causing jealousy and strife amongst the servants. Lady Emily must not only solve the mystery and help her friend Matilda, but she must continue to oversee managing the busy country estate as well.

The Bottom Line: This installment is Book 8 in the series; however, it is the first book in the series that I have read. While it has received mixed reviews elsewhere, I found the story to be fun and fanciful. It's a quick and entertaining read that's perfect for the weekend. I enjoyed the period details and descriptions of country estate life. Lady Emily is spunky and forward thinking. Each chapter includes an upstairs part and a downstairs part, which I enjoyed as well. Fans of historical mysteries and Downton Abbey will enjoy this novel. There was also quite a bit of romance in this book.

Details: Behind the Shattered Glass: A Lady Emily Mystery by Tasha Alexander. Hardcover published by Minotaur Books in 2013. 304 p. ISBN: 978-1250024701 NOTE: I received an Advance Reading Copy from Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'An Unholy Communion' by Donna Fletcher Crow

✰✰✰½ As the third book in the Monastery Murders series begins, Felicity is looking forward to Ascension morning. Running late to the tower at the College of Transfiguration, Felicity can hear the heavenly sound of voices singing. Tragically, as she looks up at the tower, a figure in black plummets to earth and lands before her. As Felicity steps away, the hand of the dead man releases a simple scrap of paper with a strange emblem on it. The police are quick to dismiss the incident as a suicide. However, neither Felicity's fiancé, Father Antony, nor the dead man's widow believes it.

Hoping for a little peace and quiet, Father Antony encourages Felicity to accompany him as he leads a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Unfortunately, evil influences and sightings of the strange emblem seem to be around every corner. The group encounters a series of sinister, almost paranormal, events aimed at defeating their progress. As the group makes their way to St. David's, the paranormal events become even more sinister and seem to threaten their very lives. However, along the way, the group learns to work together and with the power of prayer they struggle to overcome the forces of evil. Meanwhile, as Felicity and Father Antony tend to the pilgrims, they must try to solve the mystery of one man's death before any one else gets hurt.

The Bottom Line: Fans of crime fiction featuring clerical sleuths will want to check this series out. Also, those who enjoy mysteries set in the English countryside may want to give this one a try. An Unholy Communion is chock full of historical information making this book an interesting read. The themes of teamwork, friendship, and good overcoming evil make this book a worthwhile read. Although I have not read the first two books in the series, I was able to pick up this installment and read it without feeling like I was missing anything. While this isn't a quick weekend read, I did enjoy the author's ability to make the English countryside come alive. I felt as if I was on the pilgrimage myself, especially after I checked out  Donna Fletcher Crow's photos on her website. Finally, this book includes a glossary for those of us not familiar with British history and terminology.

Details: An Unholy Communion (The Monastery Murders) by Donna Fletcher Crow. Paperback published by Lion Fiction in 2013. 384 p. ISBN: 978-178264-004-2 Note: I received a copy from Kregel in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewer program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Puppeteer's Apprentice' by D. Anne Love

✰✰✰½ As the scullery maid at Dunston Manor, an eleven year old girl called Mouse struggles to survive. Orphaned at birth, Mouse is used to a life of constant work, hunger, and abuse; it’s the only life she has ever known. Mouse has nothing, not even a proper name. Many times she has dreamed of running away, but she has always returned. Always…until one day when it all became too much. Beaten and accused of stealing, Mouse starts to run and doesn’t stop. Having never set foot outside of the manor before, Mouse has no idea where she is going. As luck would have it, she is rescued by a group of travelers, who all too soon go their separate ways.

One day Mouse is enchanted by the most wonderful performance. The puppets are magical, colorful, and almost seem alive. Believing her destiny is to make the puppets dance, Mouse hatches a plan to hitch a ride on the puppeteer’s wagon. But Mouse soon discovers that the life of a puppeteer is filled with hard work, practice, and danger. While young Mouse struggles to find the determination to pursue her dream and create a life, her beloved puppeteer has a secret to hide that could put them both in danger. Mouse’s adventure of a lifetime takes her on a journey filled with startling revelations and secrets; mayhap Mouse will even find a real name for herself someday.

The Bottom Line: This is a charming tale about a plucky young girl determined to find her way in the world. As she struggles to learn the trade, Mouse grows up from a scared little girl into an independent, strong, young woman. Along the way she learns about friendship, determination, and believing in oneself. This short and enjoyable read is recommended for girls in grades 5 – 8 who enjoy reading historical fiction with strong female characters. A few scenes contain some violence.

If you like The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love, be sure to check out The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman.

Details: The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love. Hardcover published by Margaret K. McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division) in 2003. 185 p. ISBN: 978-0-689-84424-9