This historical novel explores the character of Frida Kahlo and her fascination with Tehuanas – indigenous women from Oaxaca, renowned for their stronThis historical novel explores the character of Frida Kahlo and her fascination with Tehuanas – indigenous women from Oaxaca, renowned for their strong matriarchal society and vibrant traditional attire – famously adapted by Frida.
Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas.
In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond.
In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. This leads Paloma to uncover her grandmother’s past. The past of a woman she thought she knew as she raised her but it turns out she didn’t know the most passionate tale of her grandmother’s.
Personally, I prefer past story without any modern twist, and I felt a stronger connection with the past story.
This historical fiction reflects well Frida’s passion, resilience and her independence. The senses of smell and taste awaken with Nayeli’s cooking. The descriptions of places give strong sense of surroundings. The customs and beliefs are rich part of the storytelling. Overall, it is a fascinating story and beautifully presented.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It Girl brings to light the story based on real-life of Evelyn Nesbit - model, actress, and one of those first girls for whom beauty and talent alloweIt Girl brings to light the story based on real-life of Evelyn Nesbit - model, actress, and one of those first girls for whom beauty and talent allowed to become independent. They were one of those giving birth to the pop-culture.
Evelyn’s story begins in 1897 Pittsburgh when she is an apple in her father’s eye who encourages her to dream big, but the fairy tale talk ends when her father dies suddenly.
In order to help pay the bills, the mother takes thirteen year old Evelyn out of school and gets her a job at department store. Evelyn is told to present herself as sixteen year old, and to observe what life could be.
Evelyn’s features grab attention of a customer who is a sketch artist and approaches Evelyn to pose for her. This is the beginning of cascading steps that lead Evelyn to the Broadway stage and ultimately her greatest fame.
After arriving in NYC in 1899, she begins her career in the city with the city’s most venerated artist James Carroll Beckwith. Then, Charles Dana Gibson, the famed sketch artist who wants Evelyn to be the next Gibson girl.
But when a stage agent approaches Evelyn, that’s when her interest truly peaks. She wants to sing and dance on stage. Movement makes her feel alive, so different from stagnant posing.
As she becomes a chorus girl, she catches an eye of Stanley Pierce (based on real-life architect Stanford White), a much older admirer who becomes her benefactor, showering her and her mother with luxury living, goods and travels.
When things get rocky between them, to pacify her, he gets hear a lead role in Shakespeare’s beloved masterpiece –The Tempest. She resents his help but here is her big chance to become a serious actress.
When she nears twenty, she becomes one of the oldest girls backstage. The girls her age move on as soon as they receive marriage proposal. It seems as at the right time the right man appears, Hal Thorne (based on real-life railroad tycoon Henry Thaw) – steel and railroad heir.
The novel is narrated in the first person with eloquent prose. The voice of Evelyn sounds very real and endearing. She exemplifies a character of someone who at young age loses support much needed at such fragile age, and someone who becomes a supporter of the family at very young age. The characters are well-developed, intriguing and flawed.
The author is known for staying close to the facts with historical figures and events in her biographical fiction. With this biographical fiction, the author takes more creative liberties. The very ending is completely different from the real one.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Skylark explores timeless themes through two storylines separated by nearly three centuries. Time is an illusion - but human traits and actions transcSkylark explores timeless themes through two storylines separated by nearly three centuries. Time is an illusion - but human traits and actions transcend it, shaping lives across generations.
In 1664, Alouette Voland, the daughter of a master dyer, dreams of escaping her constrained existence. One morning, while drawing water at the river, she notices a tanner downstream at his work. In that instant, a single movement of his inspires hope for the secret experiment she’s been conducting – her quest to achieve the legendary indigo color. But her discovery is forbidden. As her father tries to protect her, both find themselves ensnared in dangerous circumstances.
Alouette’s misstep leads her to the Saint-Lazare ward, where women are confined for daring to think and question knowledge deemed off-limits. She has heard whispers of the interrogations that take place within such institutions - but not of women sent there by their own husbands, as punishment for defiance. Now, imprisoned and isolated, Alouette begins to dream bigger than ever before.
In 1939, Kristof Larson, a medical student completing his psychiatric residency in Paris, believes his duty is to help people. Discussing resilience and survival is one thing; living those principles is another.
Kristof performs his duties without question – until he begins to notice that food shortages in chronic wards are no accident. Starvation is quieter method of eliminating those deemed “unworthy of life.” It leaves fewer traces. His trust in the wrong people blinds him to what has been before him all along. It takes a friend’s betrayal for him to finally see the truth.
Despite asking himself countless times how he might make a difference, when the opportunity arises, he hesitates. In a time when conviction is vital, he wrestles with doubt. Under pressure, will he become something new?
Both storylines uncover lesser-known historical truths. The horror comes not from graphic depictions of abuse, but from moments of quiet, positive resistance – small acts that create powerful, edge-of-your-seat tension.
The two narratives run in parallel, carrying a shared message: where there is evil, there is also good. Blind acceptance invites an external reckoning, forcing clarity upon those who refuse to see.
In each story, a character feels an urge to change but takes no action - until life itself demands it. Skylark is a timeless mediation on human nature – on courage, curiosity, and the will to act. Poignant and fast-paced, it lingers long after the final page.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The novel brings to light two extraordinary women: Evelyn Herbert who helped uncover Tutankhamun’s tomb, and Hatshepsut with her mysterious reign as tThe novel brings to light two extraordinary women: Evelyn Herbert who helped uncover Tutankhamun’s tomb, and Hatshepsut with her mysterious reign as the first woman Pharaoh of Egypt.
1919, England. The novel begins with the backstory of Evelyn Herbert who comes from privileged family. Her father, Lord Carnarvon, employed Howard Carter to lead excavations in Egypt. Howard Carter has been tutoring Eve in history and archeology of ancient Egypt every summer since her childhood. And that’s when her fascination with Hatshepsut began – why her successors tried to erase her from history. That’s the puzzle she’s been determined to solve.
The story portrays well the spirit of Eve and her fascination with Hatshepsut. While traveling to Egypt with her parents, she witnesses the excavations of the final layer at the site possibly tied to Tutankhamun and Hatshepsut. Her anticipation is contagious. She also experiences what she only heard of and never imagined that could happen to her until it did – collapsed tunnels and tombs, and archeologists and others not making it out alive. She stumbles upon other challenges that make her question others’ motives when she learns of Howard Carter procuring some artifacts for himself and not his patron. Thus, exposing her smarts, sophistication, and determination.
The story weaves in another timeline beginning in 1486 BC, Thebes, when Hatshepsut is a priestess. Her father Pharaoh Thutmose teaches her how to command and make decisions. After the death of her two brothers, she remains the sole highest-born royal child in the land, but no woman has ever ruled Egypt. Who succeeds and what happens next reveals the puzzle Eve has been searching for. Hatshepsut’s character reveals a strong woman who is highly-intelligent and creative in navigating the world she lives in.
The story has a rich historical background and weaves in Hatshepsut’s story interestingly – and the answer Eve is searching for. The narrative has a feel of telling rather than showing.
Eve’s voice has that distinct aristocratic tone. On the other hand, Hatshepsut’s voice lacks the authoritative tone and is missing the tension between her and her subordinates.
The novel brings to light two women who have not received enough credit for creating history as they lived in a male dominated world. Both are such fascinating characters that I wish there was even more to their character-development.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
The Moonshine Women brings a fascinating story of three sisters from the Ozark Mountains and the regions’ rich folk tradition of moonshine whiskey.
RebThe Moonshine Women brings a fascinating story of three sisters from the Ozark Mountains and the regions’ rich folk tradition of moonshine whiskey.
Rebecca, the oldest sister, loves the farm life, surrounded by animals and nature. Elsie, the middle sister, craves beauty and a family atmosphere far from rural hardship. Shine, the youngest, is full of verve and the most inclined to carry on their father’s legacy.
The story begins in 1929 Missouri, with seventeen-year-old Shine introducing the moonshine tradition. Even before the Prohibition, their father made his own moonshine, as many respected farmers did. None of them would waste money on store-bought alcohol. The formulas for moonshine were handed down from generation to generation like cake recipes. When crops became nearly worthless and couldn’t feed the family, they turned them into something that could. And with human nature, what was forbidden quickly became lucrative - especially when Grandma Lidy Strong added her own secretive ingredients.
There are other captivating characters woven into the story. John Flanagan is a federal agent enforcing prohibition through the Volstead Act. His harsh childhood shaped his strict allegiance to the law. He is proud of what he has achieved in his life and determined to track down those he beliefs waste their money on alcohol.
After the death of their mother, the girls’ father drowns himself in grief and liquor. He never saw the moonshine business as wrong - it was legal before after all. But after his death, the sisters device creative ways to transport contraband across state lines. Shine has an additional motive: she wants to find. She wants to find the person responsible for their father’s death.
After setting in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Shine eventually encounters the notorious gangster she’s heard so much about - Al Capone himself. He’s come to Hot Springs, tired of Chicago’s alcohol scene, and brings with him his own beliefs about what women should and shouldn’t do. Working at the bar of the Southern Club, Shine faces Capone’s smirks and chauvinism, each encounter stoking a fire of her vengeance.
The character-driven story explores themes of sisterhood and reinvention. The characters are compelling, the threads of the plot come together seamlessly, and the prose is both beautiful and entertaining. The descriptions of the Ozarks and its traditions are vivid and immersive. The Moonshine Women delivers a memorable story full of heart, grit, and cultural richness.
The first half of the story had a faster pace than the second half. The first half had the character-development which I enjoyed and was more absorbed by rather than the second half which was more about events.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Girl in the Green Dress explores the true mystery set in 1920s New York, involving the unsolved murder of the gambler Joseph Elwell.
Morris MarkeyThe Girl in the Green Dress explores the true mystery set in 1920s New York, involving the unsolved murder of the gambler Joseph Elwell.
Morris Markey arrives in New York to become a writer, and is searching for a story that would give him his big break. He happens to live across from Joseph Elwell and witnesses Joseph entering his building with a gorgeous woman dressed in a green dress. Shortly after, Joseph’s murder is announced by a screaming housekeeper. Morris skillfully makes his way inside Joseph’s house before anyone else to gain as much information as possible.
Morris approaches the Fitzgeralds as they were the last ones to see Joseph alive, right before his murder. Zelda Fitzgerald is more than happy to join the forces with Morris as it gives her a purpose in her life which she feels is missing.
This story offers scenarios and methodical search through clues. It might be an engaging read for those who like delving into scenarios and analyzing them without much action or pace. The writing is quite descriptive.
The novel captures the vibrant atmosphere of the period with themes of fame and desire, the parties and overindulgences, the famous and yet troubled life of Zelda, and Markey’s PTSD.
Personally, I struggled to connect with the characters as I prefer deeper character-development. But on the other hand, it is a standard with mystery stories.
The story mixes real people and events with fiction, for example, Morris Markey and Zelda Fitzgerald never met. Personally, I prefer true stories to stick to the facts as much as possible. This is a huge mix of facts and fiction and is a personal preference.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Last Assignment brings to light a trailblazing woman photojournalist known for her work as a war correspondent from WWII through the Vietnam War –The Last Assignment brings to light a trailblazing woman photojournalist known for her work as a war correspondent from WWII through the Vietnam War – Georgette Meyer Chapelle, known professionally as Dickey Chapelle. She worked for major periodicals and captured the raw, human side of war with remarkable clarity.
The story begins with her failing marriage and the backstories of how she lost her previous job and struggled to return to work she loved the most.
The pace quickens when she convinces her boss, Leo Cherne of Life and the IRC, to send her to Hungary to cover the 1956 uprising. In Vienna, she meets with Dr. Faust to expedite the delivering of antibiotics for refugees, even as the window for safe passage closes rapidly.
Leo warns her not to cross the Hungarian border illegally - something she is notorious for doing – and reminds her to report to RIA in New York on December 10 for debriefing. As other war correspondents begin to leave, having gathered enough material, Dickey can’t understand how that could possibly be enough.
Posing as part of a humanitarian mission, she throws herself into the rescue efforts, often caring more about others than her own safety. Her courage is chilling at times – brought to life through gripping writing that creates intense, suspenseful moments.
On December 5, Dickey is reported to have crossed the border illegally and is arrested.
Upon her return to the United States – having missed her assigned debrief date - she finds a new job at Reader’s Digest. Their next assignment takes her to Cuba, where she covers the rebels in the Sierra Maestra. There, she witnesses the revolution of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara against Batista’s regime.
By photographing people’s struggle and getting to know some of the fighters - including children – she begins to understand why so many are willing to risk their lives. When oppression is all you’ve ever known, it can feel like you have nothing to lose.
Fidel Castro’s victory over Batista is short-lived in her eyes. On a return visit, she witnesses growing anti-American sentiment. Once embraced in Cuba, she now finds herself treated as an outcast.
In 1961, her piece on Laos – where she once again risked her life - is rejected by Reader’s Digest for being too critical of the government. She refuses to soften the truth, and as a result, her relationship with the publication continues to deteriorate.
After completing various assignments, her heart remains in South Vietnam, where she returns for her final mission.
The character-development of the real-life heroine shines through as she treks through war zones, constantly placing herself in danger. Her story highlights the unspoken bond and mutual understanding among war correspondents who feel deeply called to their work.
The book is portrays the camaraderie of combat zones realistically: relying on one, appreciating every meal, drink and sunrise as if it might be the last.
The historical background is vividly rendered - often revealed through action or dialogue - making for an engaging and fast-paced read. The book touches on many fascinating faucets of history, including the personal drive of a woman determine to pursue her calling in a male-dominated field.
The Last Assignment is an engrossing and powerful account of a pioneering woman in journalism who risked everything - her life and her career – to uncover the truth. Through her photojournalism, she created “a quilt of pictures. A legacy. A requiem.”
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Mademoiselle Alliance is a fascinating account of a real-life heroine who risked everything to reclaim a free France – for her children and her coThe Mademoiselle Alliance is a fascinating account of a real-life heroine who risked everything to reclaim a free France – for her children and her country.
Morocco, 1928. At eighteen, Marie-Madeleine Fourcade marries Edouard Meric, an army officer working for the French Intelligence Service. He is eight years her senior. It doesn’t take long for her to realize their energies don’t align. Her memories of growing-up in Shanghai reawaken her adventurous spirit - something her husband struggles to accept.
Her time in Morocco reveals her natural gift for assembling the pieces needed to gather intelligence. She defies her husband by taking secret camel rides to visit the tribal groups he needs to befriend, proving herself adept at winning trust and navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Paris, 1936. Now, separated from her husband and raising two children, Marie-Madeleine refuses to let conventions limit her. She becomes a journalist in Paris defying societal expectations that mothers should stay home. She delights in uncovering the stories of remarkable women often ignored by conservative French newspapers.
After competing in the Monte Caro Rally and finishing third, she meets Navarre, one of France’s most prominent military intelligence officers. At party, he tells her he’s launching a newspaper – and that he’s aware of some of her work in intelligence. He needs her rare blend of skills: journalism and intelligence.
When France falls under occupation, Navarre secures a position under Vichy France to collect and relay its secrets to the Allies. As he gains the trust of Marshal Petain, leader of Vichy, Marie-Madeleine rises as key figure in recruiting the agents for the Resistance.
If it means disguising herself as a man, she does it. She does whatever it takes to restore free France for her children. Like a chameleon, she adapts to every challenge, skillfully interviewing men and enlisting some in their crusade against the Vichy regime.
Seven years after her separation, while recruiting men, one man stands out in the crowd: Leon Faye. He becomes the leader of the new North African sector. When both Leon and Navarre leave for North Africa, the network is left without leadership. Now thirty-one, Marie-Madeleine realizes the men trust her more than Navarre – they know her; she recruited them. She feels an unshakable responsibility to carry on their mission.
But danger is ever-present. The Nazis pressure Vichy to crack down on the Resistance in the Free Zone. Someone in Vichy begins to suspect Marie-Madeleine of deception. A warrant is issued for her arrest.
Readers are given a front-row seat to the workings of the Resistance. It’s heartbreaking to witness the fate of some agents - and inspiring to see the strength and determination of those who risk everything for liberty. Even under capture, they guard their secrets with astonishing courage.
The resilience depicted in this story is nothing short of incredible. How could someone survive ten hours crammed in a mailbag? Or squeeze through the bars of a prison cell?
Even as Europe celebrates liberation, the final pages hold readers in suspense: will that one person survive the Nazis’ brutality?
The extraordinary achievements of the Alliance are masterfully portrayed, with richly developed characters and believable dialogue. Marie-Madeleine’s daring spirit shines throughout the narrative.
The Mademoiselle Alliance, by spotlighting the courageous work of the Resistance, is a deeply moving and profound read – one that urges the reader to pause, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices made by others so that we might enjoy freedom today.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Sonora sheds light on a fascinating true character - an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers.
Sonora Webster, after seeing the HSonora sheds light on a fascinating true character - an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers.
Sonora Webster, after seeing the High-Diving Horse Act, is mesmerized and instantly knows what she wants to do in life: be part of the history created by Dr. W. F. Carver. But it comes with sacrifices. She must leave behind home and family to be on the road, performing.
At almost twenty, she begins practicing the dives intensely, both on her own and with the horse. The act gives her a thrilling sense of freedom. As someone who adores horses and craves adventure, her spirit quickly shines through her performances. As a result, she captures the attention of crowds and newspapermen alike.
The dimensions of the protagonist are beautifully explored - her grueling training, the tense relationship with her trainer Al (the owner’s son), and her belief that Al dislikes her and is begrudging training her. After learning about Al’s strained relationship with his father, she begins to soften toward him and question her own feelings. Her emotions are stirred.
Even though she’s completed the dive many times, nerves still flare - especially when she spots a man in the audience investigating alleged cruelty to the horses. Then she learns the real story: the man is after the owner himself, not the animals. These layered tensions are well presented.
When an accident leaves her blind, Sonora becomes bitter about life. Her sister, a straight shooter, shows her that she can still live a full, meaningful life. And when another threat emerges – a potential shut down the show - Sonora gathers the courage to dive again. Except now, she must learn to rely on her other senses to avoid being toppled by the horse in the water.
Sonora vividly captures the spirit of a woman who craved an extraordinary life. When life through a major challenge at her during her heyday, she faltered - but then got back up and regained her momentum. She became the epitome of what life is about: pursuing happiness and rising after a fall. Her story is an inspiration, not just for what she achieved, but for how she handled adversity and kept going, encouraging others to do the same.
The writing is captivating, with suspenseful scenes that take the reader on a rollercoaster ride alongside a character larger than life.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Paris, 1934. When Colette turns ten, her mother Annabel, teaches her how to steal. When Colette questions stealing, she is explained the story of RobiParis, 1934. When Colette turns ten, her mother Annabel, teaches her how to steal. When Colette questions stealing, she is explained the story of Robin Hood. It’s about taking from those who are cruel and helping those who are kind. And the golden rule is they never keep anything for themselves, except the twin bracelets belonging to her mother’s friend Helene.
Annabel and Helene are part of underground network. Annabel tries to persuade her friend Helene to leave Paris due to possible mass deportation of Jews. When Helene with her family are deported and the twin bracelets appear on mistresses’ wrist of a German officer, Annabel decides to do the right thing. At least, it’s the right thing in her mind, but that’s when she makes a fatal mistake. She lets emotions get in the way and loses her full concentrations, leading to fatal events.
Meanwhile, the bracelets are split in half, just in case, if the worst comes to pass, each girl, Colette and her younger sister, would have something to bargain with to keep them safe during the war. But her younger sister later is found dead and the bracelet sewn into the hem of her nightgown for safekeeping is gone until it turns up in the museum almost seventy years later.
This dual time line, switches between WWII and the present time when Colette is almost ninety and is proud of her achievement, funneling well over $30 million in stolen jewels to deserving organizations. One of the bracelets resurfaces at the Diamond Museum. As the bracelet reappears, it brings the painful memory back. Colette gathers her strength to find out where the bracelet came from.
As engaging as the story is, there are parts that are questionable if it’s believable. How did she support herself? Some dialogue of a young girl didn’t sound believable. The confirmation of the found body was questionable.
At the end, the story makes a good point that there is no point of holding on to the past. It robs one of good experiences.
Overall, the story has a good flow, is engaging and fast-paced, the characters are well-developed and interesting. The story doesn’t go into atrocities of the war which I personally preferred.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Set in 1900 Skerry – a small Scottish fishing village, where a child’s arrival, washed up at shore, shakes this tight-knit community.
Dorothy takes theSet in 1900 Skerry – a small Scottish fishing village, where a child’s arrival, washed up at shore, shakes this tight-knit community.
Dorothy takes the temporary care of the child. Despite the resemblance, she knows it can’t be her child lost to waters years earlier, same age as this boy now.
The story goes back in time, and at first, is narrated between two women. Dorothy when she comes to this tiny village as a teacher and how she is mocked by other women for no reason and how isolated she feels. And Agnes, who has her eyes on Joseph, but Joseph has his eyes on the newcomer.
The past narrative of Dorothy and Joseph reveals touchingly the story of Moses, Dorothy’s son, and who the father is. The present narrative uncovers the story of the mysterious boy.
There is much more to the storyline, uncovering human relationships, how we assume things, instead of asking questions. How those assumptions can lead to wrong decisions, lasting lifetime. There is also mother’s grief of losing a child. The backstories are poignantly woven, touching on human emotions.
As the story progresses, it moves to other people’s narrative and it continues to switch between present and past time. It may sound overwhelming with different points of view and two timelines but it’s not. It’s very clearly narrated.
The storyline is absorbing. The prose is splendid. The chapters are short, making the pages flip quickly.
It might sound as a sad story in its entirety but there is something heart-warming about discovering oneself, finding the way through grief, opening oneself once again to others. And what one receives in return when becoming vulnerable, can bring rewards one may not have even imagined.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Knave of Diamonds is a historical mystery series giving center stage to a fictional female character - Mary Russell – along the famous Sherlock HolmesKnave of Diamonds is a historical mystery series giving center stage to a fictional female character - Mary Russell – along the famous Sherlock Holmes.
The story begins with reappearance of Jake Russell – Mary’s uncle who has disappeared for a few years, and is considered the black-sheep in the family. Once, her beloved uncle. Now, she is a bit bitter about his disappearance. Nevertheless, she gets involved in his somehow involvement in the infamous disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels from Dublin Castle.
Mary and her husband Sherlock Holmes are clever detectives who pull the reader into their work of solving another mystery case filled with secrets, lies, and deception.
This cozy mystery progresses at cozy pace.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Not They Who Soar is book 2 of historical mystery series that gives center stage to Katharine Wright, the sister of the legendary Wright Brothers.
Set Not They Who Soar is book 2 of historical mystery series that gives center stage to Katharine Wright, the sister of the legendary Wright Brothers.
Set in the early 20th century, at a time when Wilbur and Orville Wright already had their first flight and were working on improvements. Thus, were not ready to attend the St. Louis Exposition in Missouri. Instead, Katharine attends it where she reunites with her best friend from Oberlin College.
As Katharine arrives in St. Louis, right at the train station, she encounters a mystery woman who has been attacked. Katharine is unable to help the woman, but as she encounters her the second time, her last words are - aeronautics competition.
Unable, to forget the mystery woman, Katharine convinces her best friend to join her investigation.
Katharine is a curious, tenacious and likeable character. The premise is fascinating, giving Katharine space to shine as she lived in the shadow of her brothers. She was an educated woman, forward thinker and observer, strong supporter of her brothers, and certainly deserves her spot in history. Those mystery stories thrown into her life make her a perfect candidate as an amateur sleuth to solve the mystery. At the same time, letting her name get acquainted with readers who are still unfamiliar with her.
This mystery offers linear story with a slower pace. It’s a perfect read for those who prefer cozy mystery woven with historical characters and events.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Saint Laurent Muse brings to life the Paris of the 70s with the greatest names in fashion, their rivalry, nightlife, glamour and vanity.
Loulou deThe Saint Laurent Muse brings to life the Paris of the 70s with the greatest names in fashion, their rivalry, nightlife, glamour and vanity.
Loulou de la Falaise comes from aristocratic family. Her childhood wasn’t nurturing. It involved divorced parents, foster families, boarding schools, and unloving grandparents. It led her into unhappy marriage at young age, followed shortly by divorce. But there was one crucial lesson which her mother, Maxime, instilled in her that it was important to create one’s existence. Her mother always looked forward, never backwards, and understood that the key to happiness was to find something you love to do. For Maxime, it was fashion collections in Paris where she also took Loulou who was mesmerized by the clothes.
Loulou’s career path takes her from assisting at in-store fashion shows in Europe to some odd fashion jobs in NYC. While visiting a friend in Paris, she is invited to a Saint Laurent couture fashion show. And that’s when everything changes for her. She gets involved in designing with Yves and also becomes his muse. The fashion world becomes her family which she never experienced as a child.
The friendship between Loulou and Yves reveals all the glamour and excesses of high society, the decadent parties and underworld nightclubs. The professional rivalry between Yves and Lagerfeld leads to division and tensions among friends, which further leads to deception.
The Saint Laurent Muse exposes how in fashion boundaries of propriety are pushed to the brim and scandals. It reveals the time when haute couture was being rivaled by new trend of lucrative world of ready-to-wear clothes. Tumultuous time is vividly exposed with all the rivalry and tensions among fashion designers and personal friendships. The narrative and richly imagined interactions are authentic.
The story involves more of overindulgences rather than fashion designing itself, not shying away from graphic descriptions. Nevertheless, the subject is portrayed by a very talented writer who chose to tackle this challenging subject.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Who was Virginia Hill? What made her become part of Chicago Mob?
This story explores briefly Virginia’s childhood and her abusive marriage at very younWho was Virginia Hill? What made her become part of Chicago Mob?
This story explores briefly Virginia’s childhood and her abusive marriage at very young age, giving an understanding what might have led her to become one of the mobsters.
Set in 1930s Chicago, Virginia’s path to the Mob starts with her search for her missing friend who disappeared in New York. But when you deal with a mafia, once you’re in, there is no way out. In order to be sent to New York, Virginia has to prove that she can be trusted. She is put at racetracks and told on which horse to bet money.
At the racetrack, she meets charismatic Ben (Bugsy Siegel), and that’s when things take a turn, and she feels her trust is being tested.
Her path also crosses with Velma Capone who taches Virginia how to rise in popularity and reputation as Virginia is told to create a new persona.
Virginia goes from racetracks to money laundering and along the way discovering mafia’s involvement in things she didn’t expect. The freedom she sought seems to be closing on her as she learns more about mafia’s involvement.
As she searches for her friend, she discovers that those who she thought she could trust turn opposite. It seems that the sides constantly switch who she can trust. Her relationship with Ben is pretty complex and volatile.
As the story begins, it reveals backstories of both women. The backstories are short but they give enough depth to understand the subject and get attached to the characters. The progressing story has much longer descriptions which at times slow the pace. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read, at times, making you cringe due to the reality of mafia’s work.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Let’s Call Her Barbie reimagines the story of Ruth Handler and her best known invention namely Barbie doll. She was ahead of her time with an idea of Let’s Call Her Barbie reimagines the story of Ruth Handler and her best known invention namely Barbie doll. She was ahead of her time with an idea of a doll that wouldn’t imitate mothers but rather bold women who could be anything.
Los Angeles, 1956. Ruth Handler gathers a team of engineers and designers to create a unique doll. She’s had this idea for quite some time and almost gave up on it when she saw this kind of doll in Switzerland. Now, with an example in her hand, she presents it to the team what she wants to recreate. She strongly believes that there is a marketplace for it which is untapped.
Along the way, there are many setbacks, but Ruth’s vision is unwavering. After three years of hard work, it doesn’t get any easier at the Toy Fair in NYC. The buyers are not convinced about a doll that looks like a woman. The Barbie launch is a colossal failure, but Ruth strongly believes in TV commercial. When most would give up, despite the Fair failure, she proceeds with commercial advertisement.
Then, there is something happening behind the scenes, something that no one sees from Mattel group, (created by Ruth and her husband), until there is a flood of orders that can’t be fulfilled.
With the smashing success of Barbie comes an idea of creating a boy doll, and other products associated with the two most famous dolls.
This fascinating story brings a strong woman who took risks when no one else dare doing it, along the way exposing private tensions of Ruth’s family, and other co-workers who took part in creating Barbie doll. Behind the big success, there were many struggles and challenges which are exposed in the story; giving it dimensions and making it feel very real.
Let’s Call Her Barbie is richly imagined. This empowering novel is narrated with fun and crisp prose, turning the pages of the story quickly.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
This book 3 of trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, is based on the leader of a notorious gang of shoplifters, Alice Diamond of the Forty ThieThis book 3 of trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, is based on the leader of a notorious gang of shoplifters, Alice Diamond of the Forty Thieves. She was inspired by the first Queen of Thieves, a daring girl from the London slums of the 1880s, called Mary Carr.
London, 1900. The story begins with Lady Harcourt venturing into the dangerous alleyways of Seven Dials, despite the warnings to avoid the area. As an artist, her curiosity wins out, leading her to explore the lives of ordinary people, which she captures in her sketches.
In Seven Dials, while watching her brother play at the fountain, Mary notices a lady in a fancy dress. The woman offers Mary a coin and asks her to show her around. The encounter sets Mary on a new path. She begins to pose in ragged clothes for Lady Harcourt and later, secretly, for her husband. Mary is a quick learner and observes how people look at her differently when she wears fine clothing. This realization sparks an idea.
Alice grew up in Seven Dials, where stealing comes naturally as a means of survival. She has no interest in toiling in a factory. Instead, she prefers to ‘liberate’ fine things from people’s pockets or counters at posh shops. It’s there that she meets another accomplice, Kate Felix. With her refined accent and her own gang of the Forty Thieves, Alice is exceptionally Skilled at what she does. But it only takes one man to distract one of them, leading to dire consequences.
The sharp and engaging prose makes the story fast-paced, and there is a surprising moment when the connection between the two protagonists is revealed. The novel also vividly portrays the grim reality of London’s poor neighborhoods, evoking sympathy for the girls who long for a better life. It also highlights the attitudes of the privileged, who often look down on the less fortunate as if they were mere obstacles to be crushed.
At the forefront of the story is a gang of women who take charge of their lives, but behind this façade lie deeper issues, including incarceration - in both jails and mental institutions. The narrative delves into the psychological toll of separation, exploring how isolation can exacerbate anxiety and lead to further mental damage. The story touches on real and timeless themes with remarkable depth.
Queen of Diamonds is a must-read. It challenges readers to weigh two sides of ethics dilemmas: those who steal without remorse and those who dismiss others with cruelty and a lack of empathy. While the story may seem superficial on the surface, it delves deeply into societal issues, making it powerful and though-provoking read.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Queens of Crime bring five powerful women crime writers who demand recognition of their mystery genre. It is inspired by a true story of Dorothy SThe Queens of Crime bring five powerful women crime writers who demand recognition of their mystery genre. It is inspired by a true story of Dorothy Sayers’ own life.
London, 1931. The five great female writers come together and form Detection Club - an organization of mystery writers created due to lack of consideration for their work as literature. Dorothy L. Sayers leads the group which includes Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. Their goal is to elevate the mystery genre so the detective novels are seen as good as literary fiction. But in the male dominated world, their club rather causes them to be even more ostracized. To prove their worth, they decide to solve a real-life murder.
Recently, the murder case of May Daniels, a young English nurse, resurfaced as her body was found in a park in France. Four months earlier, she disappeared into thin-air in France, after stepping into a bathroom at the train station before bounding for England. Police reported that there was only one way in and one way out, and her friend was waiting for her outside the bathroom.
Dorothy’s husband is a journalist who previously covered the story. Now, he’s heading back to France to cover the story again. This gives Dorothy an idea to tag along with her husband, and her four co-detectives would travel to France in secret and reconnect there to get a scoop on the details.
As the women uncover details, they follow in May’s footsteps in the order they occurred. There are perplexing clues but they are good at untangling them. But this private investigation turns against Dorothy when the killer targets her, threatening to expose a secret which she’d prefer to keep hidden.
This insightful story delves into a theme of the marginalized women and how they had to propel themselves to be taken seriously. There was a reluctance to investigate the murder of a woman, and the women became serous about solving it.
The narrative is original and each of five women has her distinct voice, but I wished there was more to character development. This is a plot-driven story which is different from this author’s previous books which are character-driven. This is an excellent read for those who enjoy plot-driven stories.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Follow Me to Africa imagines real story of Mary Leakey who became one of the world’s most distinguished paleoanthropologists despite not having formalFollow Me to Africa imagines real story of Mary Leakey who became one of the world’s most distinguished paleoanthropologists despite not having formal education. Her passion, determination, curiosity and hard work earned her numerous prestigious awards and four honorary doctorate degrees.
Her story runs alongside a fictional character which purpose was to question “What would you tell your younger self?”
The story begins in 1983 when Grace arrives in Tanzania at Olduvai George where she feels unwelcomed by Dr. Mary Leakey. When Grace arrives at the archeological dig’s camp with her father from England, she is still in a state of sorrow after losing her mother.
When Mary lost her father at a young age, she found her strength in following her passion for archeology. Thus, Mary, knowing that Grace lost her mother, recognizes the need for mentorship for Grace who is lost in her sorrow and doesn’t have any goals in her life. When a cheetah in a dire state approaches the camp, she creates a bond between Mary and Grace as they care for the animal.
With dual timeline, the story goes back to 1930s London and reveals how Mary’s father had a big influence on her; and how she set her heart on archeology; how her passion led her toward the right people assisting her in her growth; and further leading her to meeting her husband, and their common interest on finding evidence of early hominids in East Africa.
The narrative is thoughtfully imagined with backstories beautifully building the dimensions to the characters. Mary’s archeological accomplishments make this biographical fiction very rich in historical background. The personal growth is caringly woven into this story, touching upon themes of parental influence, mentorship of others, setting goals, being passionate about one’s pursuits, challenging one’s believes, and influence of experiencing certain place.
Follow Me to Africa, a story of two strong female characters, is set against the wild African nature and bringing out the dimensions of the setting through vital ecosystem and animal conservation. Further showing how thoughtfully the story is imagined. The dimensions of this story are superb.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity set in the era troubled with anti-Chinese sentiment.
Portland, end of 19th ceThe Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity set in the era troubled with anti-Chinese sentiment.
Portland, end of 19th century. Celia’s family escaped China for America, a place advertised as the Golden Mountain, only to face a new set of hardship. As Celia’s father works at a coal mine, she works as a maid for mayor’s family, where she falls in love with the mayor’s son. It’s a challenging situation for both of them, and they’d have to move to Washington Territory for their marriage to be legal.
The story begins with a romance which has dire consequences for Celia. It is further intertwined with her abduction and stark reality for Chinese immigrants, and scary underground world of the Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels.
The story tangles between two timelines. It takes time to make sense and get connected with the present timeline, which is abduction. Once, present timeline makes more sense, then the story becomes more engrossing in its entirety.
Celia, half-Chinese, had to learn how to adapt to prejudice. She is a strong character who quickly learns resilience and finds her ways out of difficult situations. A protagonist that searches every fiber within her to find the strength to fight for what she believes in.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
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