Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Dorothy Sayers is tired of men taking control of everything. In spite of the literary accomplishments of her female colleagues, they are being completely minimized by the men who are initiating the new Detection Club. a club for mystery authors seeking to heighten the prestige of the genre. Well, Dorothy will not take this lying down! After her little gathering of five women authors she feels have proven themselves worthy of being included, she hatches a plan to have them inducted into this club as well. Nevertheless, the men continue to ignore, even denigrate them. What if they, as writers of murder mysteries themselves, solve an actual, real-life murder mystery? Perhaps then their male peers will take them seriously. This, however, turns out to be more complicated than she ever imagines.

If you’re looking for a bit of morbid fun, this book is for you! The “Queens” as they call themselves, find themselves deep in the mire of a brutal murder that could potentially stump even them. As they delve deeper and deeper into the details, they learn to work together, to appreciate each other’s strengths and support each other through their weaknesses. We learn that everyone appears to have some sort of secret, some part of themselves that they would prefer be kept hidden from the public eye. They are vulnerable, because particularly at the time this story takes place, the interval between the great wars, women had little in the way of independence and relied not only on their “upstanding” reputations but also, of course, on the men around them. Even women with means. Even women who were as famous for their brilliance and talent as this authors were.

The characters themselves, as well as the plot, hold intrigue, humor, sensitivity, and surprise – keeping at least this reader completely engaged. Once again, Marie Benedict has done it!

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Margo and Ian have been searching for her dream house for months now. Thinking ahead, they’d bought an apartment in an up-and-coming neighborhood, anticipating that they’d sell at a higher rate and increase their money for a down payment on their “forever home.” Of course, this was all Margo’s idea; Ian could rarely be counted on to plot this far ahead, being consumed with his job solving the world’s climate crisis. And, as Margo reasoned, one cannot be too aggressive in this overwhelmingly frustrating market. After losing not one, not two, but ten houses because of being outbidden by entitled, cash-wielding competitors, she is ready to do what it takes. No matter the cost…

This is an outrageous story that begins benignly and builds to an utter “Gone Girl” crescendo. We learn of Margo’s repeated disappointments, her challenges growing up in a financially unreliable family, and her first taste of stability upon visiting her husband’s more privileged family. When Margo learns of a “perfect” home coming onto the market – the one she MUST have – she is determined to convince the owners to sell it to her and no one else. In Margo’s world, this perfect home equals happiness and she will make it her own – no matter the cost…

This is the type of novel you can swallow whole. It is that story that keeps you reading until the wee hours, perhaps sneaking it out during your lunch at your desk. Even while Margo becomes more and more unhinged, and Ian, her husband is more and more stumped by her behavior, we also see her humanity, her desperation. Her attachment to her friend’s dog, Fritter, is an example of her more tender and vulnerable side. When Natalie seems to ignore the needs of her own dog, Margo steps in to care for him. At the same time, Margo is also truly flying off the deep end.

If you were held captive by such books as The Girl on the Train or the Woman in Cabin 10, you will be excited to read this one as well. It is clever, twisty, and unputdownable.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Nora Stephens has been convinced by her younger and very pregnant sister Libby to come away with her for a few weeks to a small town made famous by a book Nora has actually promoted. While Nora is usually impossible to tear away from either her work as a literary agent or her home in NYC (and her Peleton…), she agrees to come because she will do anything to make her sister happy, as she’s done since their mother died when they were teenagers. So here she is, in this sad little town, still trying to sneak a bit of work into her day, in spite of the task list Libby has created for them to try to break out of their usual routines. And no good deed goes unpunished, for the only spot where she can find any bit of reliable wifi is where she runs into – to her utter shock – her absolute work nemesis, Charlie Lastra. Immediately, there is an email exchange between them which grows into an outright battle of wits. And even as Nora is focused on her sister and her sister’s welfare, she finds herself becoming more and more entangled in this mystery that is Charlie Lastra.

If you’re looking for a light, fun, and very summery/vacation-y read, this should be the first thing you pack to take along. While it is somewhat predictable – ok, very predictable – it is also replete with witty (giggle-along-with) dialogue, endearing family drama, and even a few steamy romance scenes. While Nora thinks of herself as being a “shark” and not exactly a people-person, she is actually someone who loves deeply and protects those she loves with the ferocity of a mother bear. She becomes the character we cannot help but love back – and this makes the story so utterly engaging.

So even despite the many romcom tropes to be found here, I still found this book a delight to read (or, in truth, listen to). I believe you will too!

The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Three timelines and three narratives come together in this mystical, haunting story of heartbreak and misguided love. We meet Maddy in 1999 who comes to London for her sister’s wedding and becomes entangled in a tragic love triangle. We then meet Frieda, a young woman mistaken for a rule-follower who goes to London in mutiny against the father she’s always idolized. And finally, we meet Lucy, a 12-year old girl who, while trying to overcome her mourning for the mother she’s lost, is brought also to London, where she is expected to participate in her stepmother’s sister’s wedding. Each of these women has in common their rebellious streak, their stark honesty, and their connection to London’s Lion Park Hotel.

As I struggle to sort my feelings about this novel, I have to go back to my inclination, initially, to abort it entirely. I am glad I did complete it, just to see where it would lead, but I have to admit it was more work than a book should be. While each story line had potential, I believe the characters were so unlikeable – or at best, difficult to engage with – that it was hard to feel invested. Their stories were also a bit contrived, and not only because of the mystical elements (which I often flinch at). Throughout each narrative, it was emphasized how strong and independent each of the women characters were. Yet, each, in her own way, was waylaid by a man of dubious virtue and usually selfish intentions. Of course, the earlier stories of both Frieda and Lucy, took place in the 50’s and 60’s, when women had less power, particularly within their family structures. But still… smart and “independent” women should not have been so easily duped by such utterly shady men.

So, all in all, not my favorite. there are so many other choices that would better fill your time, in my opinion!

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Joe appreciates his privileged life, with the opportunities and luxuries it affords; and at the same time, he also feels bogged down by the expectations it carries. His father, long dead but whose brave military service and philanthropy keeps him well in the minds of the public. Certainly it remains in the mind of Joe’s mother, who maintains the highest ambitions for her only son. And although he rebels against it, he also knows it is likely his destiny. Of course if he ever does forget, the paparazzi certainly remind him on a very regular basis.

Cate, on the other hand, has grown up with very little, but she still has fond memories of when it was just her and her mom. Her father having died when she was very young, Cate feels protective of her mom and watches carefully as she dates men who are not always nice. When Cate sees her mom considering marrying Chip, a cop who uses his power against both of them, she fears for her mother but also feels the urgency to escape their toxic home.

When these two characters’ lives collide, almost by accident, it feels like it could either be magic or heartbreak.

This Cinderella story is based loosely on the lives of John Jr (Kennedy) and Carolyn Bessette. It’s a story of how love can grow between two people even when their backgrounds differ so widely. While Joe is used to women falling for him – and all over him – he becomes dazzled by beautiful and mysterious Cate, who seems to be indifferent to his fame and fortune. And while Cate knows exactly what Joe’s background is, she feels insecure about her own. How will they continue their relationship? How will their respective parents react to their differences? How will the press react?

So many aspire to fame and fortune, but it carries a good deal of responsibility and anxiety. To be constantly under the scrutiny of the public is a burden, particularly with the press having so much access and when information can be distorted and distributed so widely. While it is certainly wonderful to have a financial cushion such that money is not a concern, it also carries the onus of what one does with that money. How it is managed, how generous one is with it.

This book is a delightful read, mixing in some of life’s ugly realities with both romance and glamor. Definitely one to pack with you for any upcoming spring/summer vacations!

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Violet looks forward to her book club meeting each week. It has become the only time during her week where she can escape the mind-numbing routine of prison life. She finds that Harriet, the volunteer who leads the meetings, while quite a bit older (and who dresses even older than that) is actually pretty cool in her own way. As for Harriet, she feels blessed to be a part of this group; feeling as if here, in this claustrophobic room with a group of outspoken and demanding women, she can be utterly herself. Frank, who helps out in the bookstore where Harriet obtains her books for the group, is pleased to feel useful there. Especially if it might give him a chance to meet Harriet…

This story, with its rotating narrative between these three characters gives us a window into the life of a young woman who has and still is paying dearly for a tragic mistake she’s made. For even after she’s paid her dues, she still must contend with the impact of what she’s done. Whether it is in the challenge of finding employment with a felony record, the guilt she carries about her crime and the impact its had on others, or the abandonment she feels from everyone in her former life.

This is also a story of forgiveness. We see many unable to forgive, and we see how happiness comes to those who do.

It’s a truly heartwarming story stemming from an unlikely beginning.

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

The police of Manassus, Virginia, have their hands full. They are being forced to reopen a long-resolved (albeit sloppily processed) murder investigation as well as deal with a missing person. Are the two connected? It appears that the names that keep popping up in relation to both are those of Sarah Morgan, a high-profile criminal defense attorney turned non-profit founder, and her husband, Bob Miller, an attorney as well. As the two become more and more embroiled in their brutal divorce dispute, they both also become more and more connected to the investigation.

I defy anyone to claim they’ve figured this one out before all is revealed! There are more twists and turns in this novel than there are on the Amalfi Coastline! The vicious competition between Sarah and Bob over who will outsmart the other is the beating heart of the plot and with a rotating narration giving insight into their motives and frustrations, we think we will figure it out. But just when we believe we are onto them, the story is flipped on its head and we are given an entirely new perspective. It is an incredibly complex construction and it keeps us guessing until the finale.

Apparently, also, I did it again. I read this in the wrong order, as it is a sequel to The Perfect Marriage, which I didn’t realize. But it absolutely stands on its own and is a delightfully wicked read even without having the knowledge of the first book.

I highly recommend this novel – it’s the perfect escape!

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Beatriz has been waiting… stewing actually. She has had to flee the home she adored, has been mourning the untimely death of her twin brother, and has been trying to see a way to extracting revenge for all of it. While her sisters have taken to the society life in Palm Beach, Florida – albeit at a lower social situation than they were used to – Beatriz has held fast to the belief that she’d return to Havana, that Fidel Castro will be ousted, and that they will see Cuba return to better days. When she meets a tall, broad-shouldered, extremely handsome stranger at the ball she’s been made to attend, she is shocked by how he so quickly rocks her world. At the same time, she struggles to remain firm in her desire to pursue justice for her brother and for Cuba.

This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that enlightened me about this piece of history about which I admittedly knew too little. Written by the author of Next Year in Havana (which I’ve not yet read. I know, I’m going in the wrong order!), this book centers on the aftermath of the revolution that Fidel Castro led, focusing on those who fled mainly to Florida. We are given a close, personal experience of what it was like to live through the Bay of Pigs with family who were affected, followed of course by the Cuban Missile Crisis. We learn of the subterfuge, the Communist agenda, and the complicated spy network that Castro spun in order to hold onto power, and we come to understand why there was suspicion of Castro’s involvement in President Kennedy’s assassination. I certainly knew bits and pieces of this history, but learning about it from the Cuban perspective is extremely helpful.

I am also enamored by Beatriz’s character. She is staunchly independent, resists the comforts she might have felt entitled to, even risks her life in order to do what she feels is right. Particularly for the time she in which she is living and the family she grew up in, she is unusual and admirable.

I highly recommend this book. It’s exactly what I love about historical fiction: the opportunity to learn important pieces of our past but in the most entertaining way.

Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Adam Gardner is rapidly approaching his 70th birthday, and he knows he will accomplish his life goal by then. Just wait until everyone sees what he will have discovered! It will make all of his many other achievements – and there have been a great many – seem small in comparison. He just has to adjust his meds so that he remains in this manic phase long enough to figure it all out…

Meanwhile, his children are continuing to experience the friction they’ve had between them since their youth. In spite of Ken having married his sister Abby’s best friend, Jen, they have yet to reconcile their very different values, their very different life goals. While Ken anticipates a huge financial deal that will situate him better for his run for congress, Abby is content with her quietly growing status as an artist.

At the same time, Steph, a Boston cop on vacation in Cape Cod, where the Gardners live full-time, is interested in getting to know them. Could this be her family?

With complex characters as well as a complex plot, this story is a winner – and not only because of all the Cape Cod references…! (Always appealing to me!) As Abby and Ken work toward the planned celebration of their father, Adam’s, 70th birthday, the tension builds and it is anyone’s guess how the event will play out. And it doesn’t disappoint, in my opinion. There are so many layers of conflict, so many issues needing to be resolved, and they all seem to be on a collision course.

I also feel that this is a thoughtful depiction of bipolar disorder and its ramifications. The author describes the allure of the mania so well: its intoxicating energy, the grandiose notions, the illusion of invincibility. There is also the fear of numbness, of coming down, and hitting rock bottom, which, as it says through Adam’s thoughts, can’t be described by the word “depression” alone. The narrative also reveals the impact the disease has had on Adam’s children: the fear of the swings, the not knowing which father they would be dealing with, and the abandonment they periodically experience. It is a complicated and painful disease that may impact those around the individual struggling with it.

I highly recommend this novel – it’s substantive, fun, and engaging. (And did I mention it takes place on Cape Cod?)

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner: 9780399585975 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Pauline and Thomas Bright have uprooted their young family from their rural tobacco farm to the city of Philadelphia. The Great War is still raging and yet it feels like the right move. They have just suffered the loss of their youngest child from a heart defect and a fresh start might be just what they need. Moreover, there is opportunity, as Thomas’s uncle Fred has agreed to bring him into his funeral home business and, as Uncle Fred is himself a bachelor, he has plenty of room in his large home for the Bright family. When the Spanish flu descends upon the city, it wreaks havoc on the family, however. On the other hand, it also brings new joy, in the form of baby Alex.

This is an emotional piece of historical fiction, blending the impact of both the first World War and the Spanish flu pandemic – a mighty double blow to our country. While we have the Covid pandemic fresh in all our minds, we forget that we have been here before, coping with a terrifying disease for which we have no immediate cure or vaccine, and from which there were thousands of deaths. While science has moved forward quite a bit since the Spanish flu, and we do have flu vaccines, this story reminds us that we never know what may be around the corner, lurking and waiting to challenge our knowledge, challenge our resources.**

That said, the story on the whole is well-written, providing details through a rotating narration, predominantly via the three remaining sisters in the Bright family. They are poignant characters, both vivid and endearing. Evie, the eldest is the most academic, setting her sights on medicine as a career. Maggie is more the maternal one, interested in helping her mother prepare the bodies for visitation. And the youngest, Willa, gradually finds her (musical) voice and seeks pleasure where she can find it. We come to love them, root for them, and pray for their happiness.

Not quite a “MUST READ” but this novel will move you and engage you.

**Which is why it is terrifying that our current administration has cut back on research funding, particularly for vaccine research. One would imagine that having had such a recent pandemic, we’d be smarter than this…!