The Chase by Felix Francis

THE CHASE by Felix Francis continues in the tradition of the excellent horse racing mysteries by Dick Francis. In this case, his son, Felix, shares a tale about almost fifty-year-old Fabian Tulley who runs an art gallery. The paintings and sculptures he buys and sells are generally related to the racing world and horses; plus, Tulley’s father is a trainer with horses in major races, so he is definitely involved in that world. Easing into retirement does not look likely for Tulley when an unpleasant client very publicly accuses him of knowingly selling a forged painting. Troubles compound when more paintings are vandalized and Tulley is physically attacked. To me, THE CHASE is stronger (and closer in style to an original Dick Francis novel) than Francis’ previous offerings largely because of the way he shares Tulley’s musings and suppositions with the reader. THE CHASE received a starred review from Booklist (“It’s fascinating to follow his [Francis’] hero into art galleries and auctions as well as the stable and racetrack.”) and is scheduled to be published on September 8.

Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson

MOST ARDENTLY YOURS by Freya Sampson is another rom-com of sorts from this creative author (Nosy Neighbors, The Busybody Book Club) and a LibraryReads selection for July. My favorite of Sampson’s titles, The Lost Ticket, also took place in London and dealt with issues that happened decades earlier. In her latest, Sampson draws on events from centuries earlier … and fictional ones at that. Imagine avid romance reader Zoe Knight’s surprise when a man appearing to be Mr. Darcy arrives at the café where she works in modern day London. She convinces him that he has time traveled there - rather than being summoned by magic related to a copy of Pride and Prejudice which Zoe stole from the grumpy, but handsome bookstore owner, Nick Baskerville. See where this may be going? Library Journal says, “The many book lovers who have dreamed that their favorite fictional characters could leave the pages of a novel and join them in the real world will want to pick up Sampson's latest.” Perhaps, but only if they are willing to endure Zoe’s almost constant crisis of self-worth. Publishers Weekly calls MOST ARDENTLY YOURS “a charmer,” citing Darcy’s amusing reactions to present day culture. In addition, there are numerous references to romance novelists and the plot of Pride and Prejudice. A reading group guide and author interview are included.

An Artful Dodge by Karen Odden

AN ARTFUL DODGE by Karen Odden is an historical fiction mystery story set in 1879 London. The main character is Kit Jimeson, a twenty-year-old orphan who has been responsible for raising her younger sister, Sarah. Kit does so by acting as a thief (like her mother before her) in an all-female gang that is managed by Amelia. In fact, Odden introduces roughly three dozen characters (even providing a helpful list) and the relationships, spanning multiple generations, are a bit complex. Trouble really begins, though, when Maggie (whose mother used to run the gang) returns after being sent as a criminal to Australia and wants to replace Amelia and take things over. Kit then needs to balance Maggie’s demands (especially related to an expensive necklace) with safety for herself and Sarah. She relies on a small trusted group with surprising ties to Fleet Street and Scotland Yard, and the dangerous heist is on. The pace picks up in the last third of the book and while the ending is a bit abrupt, it looks like there will be more adventures to come. Publishers Weekly gave AN ARTFUL DODGE a starred review (“Odden matches vivid details of the hard-knock life in Victorian London with complex backstories for her large cast. Readers will be rapt.”). An entertaining, twisty and suspenseful tale from an award-winning author.

The Queen's Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

THE QUEEN'S CORONATION by Jennifer Ryan (The Kitchen Front and more) is a work of historical fiction set in early 1950’s Britain. Based in large part on reminiscences from her grandmother, Ryan has written numerous books set during WWII and I would recommend those over this latest. Here, readers will again find women building a community and supporting each other, but this book seemed to focus more on their problems and to be more repetitive than Ryan’s other novels. THE QUEEN'S CORONATION is still a good story involving Caroline, an assistant dresser to the Queen; Lucy, a beautiful aspiring singer who is taken advantage of; and Miranda, a self-centered, independent newspaper woman. Because of events in their pasts (an out of wedlock pregnancy, potential for stepparent abuse; and widowhood), each of these women struggles with her own feelings of inadequacy. Whereas Ryan’s books are often more about a group of women actively encouraging each other, this one seems to focus on the individual plights and the unhappiness and abandonment faced by Caroline, Lucy, and Miranda. Earlier works are more uplifting; this one compensates with some “inside” details on the coronation and the young queen as she, too, copes with 1950s gender stereotypes and expectations.

Death at King's Cross by Rosanne Limoncelli

DEATH AT KING’S CROSS by Rosanne Limoncelli (The Four Queens of Crime) is the second in the series to feature four famous mystery writers (Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham) and pioneering policewoman Detective Chief Inspector Lilian Wyles as they all work together to solve a puzzling crime in 1941 London. A young woman is found stabbed at King’s Cross Station and the case is given to MI5 where the higher-ups seem reluctant to share information. The writers and Wyles are increasingly convinced that several more women’s lives may be at stake; it is only combining their findings (regarding stolen medicines, missing relatives, and blackmail threats) that they are able to concoct a plan and act upon it. Although the plot rests a bit too heavily on coincidences, it is still suspenseful and entertaining, especially the reflections on the role for women in the police force at that time. Look for this title when it becomes available in July 2026.

The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths

THE FROZEN PEOPLE by Elly Griffiths is the start of a new mystery series which features Ali Dawson who has the extraordinary capability to travel in time. She leaves the modern day to go to 1850 London in an attempt to find out whether the ancestor of a government official is guilty of murder. But, something goes wrong, and she is trapped there while a modern-day murder results in her son being arrested. Ali’s colleagues frantically try to return her so that she can apply her crime-solving skills to her son’s case. This series is quite different from the historical mysteries and police procedurals that Griffiths’ fans have come to enjoy, but it does convey a dark feeling of menace and readers will be engaged. Kirkus says, “Murder on several time planes is a fascinating premise enhanced by an enthralling look at Victorian London.” Griffiths herself notes, “Even though the plot is somewhat fantastical, I wanted to make the details as convincing as possible.” Her research and clever writing shine through.

A Case of Life and Limb by Sally Smith

A CASE OF LIFE AND LIMB by Sally Smith is the second volume in The Trials of Gabriel Ward series (after A Case of Mice and Murder) and was recently reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, referring to “its lawyerly shenanigans and emotional poignancy.” This is a delightful series written by a lawyer and resident of the Inner Temple so the affection which Ward feels for his surroundings seems genuinely based on Smith’s own feelings. Set at Christmas time 1901, this puzzle concerns some rather gruesome body parts delivered as gifts and containing indirect threats to leaders of the community. Gabriel Ward grows as a character while continuing to battle some of his reservations about getting involved in investigations and also arguing a libel case involving a young actress. A CASE OF LIFE AND LIMB received starred reviews from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly ([with] “Elegant prose, expert pacing, and a well-drawn protagonist …. This series deserves a long life.”).

Dear Miss Lake by AJ Pearce

DEAR MISS LAKE by AJ Pearce is the final novel in an excellent four book series which began with the award-winning Dear Mrs. Bird. These historical fiction titles should be read in order and are set primarily in London or the English countryside during WWII. Emmy Lake is a major character who becomes an active correspondent for a magazine titled Woman’s Friend.  In the latest book, she is devoting time to an advice column dealing with issues like financial worries, problems with relatives living together, unexpected pregnancies, and unfaithful husbands. In addition, Emmy works with the British government by conducting interviews and profiling the contributions that women like nurses and factory workers make to the war effort, especially on the Home Front. It is all quite upbeat even when she becomes involved in trying to obtain answers about British POWs. Throughout, there is a strong comradery amongst the team (e.g., brother-in-law Guy Collins, fashion editor Monica, young assistant Hester, and stalwarts like Mrs. Shaw and Miss Peters) at the magazine. And, happily, there’s a wedding or two to plan despite the wartime shortages impacting food and clothing. Resilience, resourcefulness, and courage combine again and again in this hopeful, inspiring read: “Tonight as I kiss the glass of the photo frame and wish Charles goodnight, I felt sure he would know I was thinking of him. … ‘whenever you think of me, I will feel it in my heart and be thinking of you too.’” 

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith

A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER by Sally Smith is book one in The Trials of Gabriel Ward mystery series (a second book is coming in November). This story is truly charming and delightful; it is set in the Temple area, a tradition-bound center of London's legal world (the year is 1901). Smith introduces readers to an unassuming and unwilling sleuth, Gabriel Ward, a well-regarded barrister but a recluse who finds himself investigating a judge’s death while being drawn into the problems of the lower classes, including a scullery maid and a homeless man. Gabriel Ward also has a challenging task of defending a publisher against a young woman who claims to have authored the best-selling Millie the Temple Church Mouse. And, all the while he must skirt the politics as rival lawyers jostle to succeed the murdered judge. In her promising debut, Smith interweaves the storylines, builds suspense, and develops affection for her characters, especially Sir Gabriel who says he “just tried to remember all that I knew from my books and to apply psychology to the facts; It is the only way I can think of to be a detective.”

LibraryReads Hall of Fame

Both of these titles were included in the LibraryReads Hall of Fame and received some positive reviews. Sadly, I was not excited by either one. Read one or both and decide for yourself:

MURDER TAKES A VACATION by Laura Lippman, a best-selling author, was a disappointing surprise to me. I had high expectations for a fun read after noting that this new title had received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal (“a warm and cozy romp”) and appeared in the LibraryReads Hall of Fame for June. While I agree that business class travel can be disorienting if one is not used to it, why would an older woman traveling alone trust a seatmate enough to go with him to a hotel, upending her own travel plans on the advice of someone she has just met? That is exactly what the widowed Mrs. Blossom does in the opening chapters of this mystery story. Eventually, she reunites with her tour group and heads to Paris and the cruise on the Seine, but her decision-making is still poor when she does not correct another, much younger, man she just met as he tells the police he is her son. I can understand why the subtle humor and slightly awkward character might appeal to fans of Richard Osman or Nita Prose, but I missed something here -- there are so many other excellent mysteries to enjoy instead. 

WORTH FIGHTING FOR by Jesse Q. Sutanto was also a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for June. Part of a five book series (Meant to Be) about Disney heroines by different authors, it is a rather obvious retelling of Disney’s Mulan set in the present-day financial world. I had an extremely hard time accepting that the main character, Mulan, would be both a well-respected member at her firm and willing to let her cousin/assistant style her hair and choose her clothes when meeting with potential clients. That was a big disconnect although it clearly added some humor and pushed the story along. This title could work as a very light beach read if one is willing to overlook the repetitive nature of Mulan’s musings about her various roles, combatting toxic masculinity, and raging hormones. My suggestion is to look for Vera Wong mysteries by this author instead. I also saw a preview of a 20 page Book Club Kit for WORTH FIGHTING FOR which included an author interview, printable bookmarks, and discussion questions. Apparently designed for adults (the “Bites & Sips” section references a cocktail made with bourbon and banana liqueur), I am surprised that an adult book group would choose a title like this, especially when they could read a classic like The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston or Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See or even immigrant stories like Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok (or maybe, if the book club wanted an adventure with a more young adult feel, Spin the Dawn or Flame in the Mist or Divine Rivals) instead.  

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay is described by the publisher as “perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.” Given that I enjoy their work (and Fiona Davis praised it, too) I truly expected to be able to recommend Reay’s latest historical fiction/mystery. The cover is beautiful and eye-catching, but the story moves slowly and the alternating narrators, young Lily and her boss, Diana, who work at London’s Tate Gallery, are not very engaging. Lily, especially, has issues of confidence and is constantly apologizing. Diana, though bravely battling misogyny in the 1970’s curation and art world in Britain, also struggles for recognition, especially from her older husband. They put on a terrific exhibition, but Lily naively (and publicly) calls Picasso’s Woman Laughing a forgery. Is it? Can she prove it? Will their careers survive? Why did she say that? Booklist calls THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE “[a] fascinating look behind the scenes of art dealings and the workings of the museum;” hopefully readers interested in that aspect (like the Historical Novel Society which recommended this title) will have more patience than I did. The audiobook is narrated quite well by Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld, but even listening at a higher speed does not really move the story along. 

I also just finished SOMEONE ALWAYS NEARBY by Susan Wittig Albert for a book group discussion. I was struck by the parallels since this, too, is historical fiction, about art, told by multiple narrators, and the younger main character apologizes profusely. Albert is writing about Georgia O’Keefe, and her “slave” (a term apparently used by O’Keefe), Maria Chabot. Chabot managed O’Keefe’s New Mexican properties for many years, apparently for little monetary reward. Once again, it is hard to understand the characters’ motivation. O’Keefe is described in third person and her thoughts about creativity and art are rarely shared. Instead, Maria relates a story (in first person) of exploitation for several decades beginning in the 1940’s. Albert clearly did a great deal of research; even though these women are not presented in a particularly flattering way, much of the book is based on the many letters between O’Keefe and Chabot. Albert also provides a list of recommended reading and her descriptions of the area rekindled my hope to visit New Mexico. 

The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly

THE DRESSMAKERS OF LONDON by Julia Kelly is a work of historical fiction set in WWII London and the English countryside. Two sisters, Sylvia and Izzie, were once close, but they have become estranged since Sylvia married and moved away from the flat above the dressmaking shop her widowed mother had established. Izzie is younger but she is the one who inherited sewing and designer skills and desperately wants to run the dress shop. Sylvia is busy with her new husband and trying to fit in with his rather snobbish social set until their Mother dies and leaves the shop to both sisters and then old resentments flare. The situation worsens when Izzie is conscripted, and Sylvia has to take over the daily shop activities. I especially liked the author’s inclusion of letters written between the two sisters; these illustrated their feelings and ultimate concern for each other. Kelly also added some romantic aspects for each woman and plenty of historic details about wartime clothes rationing and barrage balloons. In addition to other titles by Julia Kelly, interested readers may also enjoy The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle or other historical fiction works by Jennifer Ryan.

Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident

MRS HUDSON AND THE CAPRICORN INCIDENT by Martin Davies is Book 7 in the series; Others include Mrs Hudson and the Malabar Rose and Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary. Davies follows a similar pattern with Mrs. Hudson and the housemaid, Flotsam, integral to solving a case while righting other wrongs along the way. In this case, there is to be a royal wedding, but both bride and groom have gone missing, and an international crisis is brewing. Simultaneously, the amusing socialite Miss Peters is upset about people who are being swindled and she, too, contributes to a solution by leveraging her many connections. Flotsam’s quiet bravery and Mrs. Hudson’s clever, careful thinking are very much on display. As Flotsam says, “It seemed utterly impossible that Mrs Hudson should know so much … when everyone else knew so little, but of course Mrs Hudson did have a habit of knowing things that no one else knew, so although I was bewildered, I wasn't perhaps as astonished as you might expect.” Enjoy this light, entertaining mystery.

The Liberty Scarf

THE LIBERTY SCARF by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan is a work of historical fiction set on both sides of the Atlantic during WWI. This novel has three parts and they all share the connection of a beautiful Liberty scarf. Thoughts of Liberty fabrics and the main store’s gorgeous building in London were some of the reasons I so liked this book. The heroines were strong women and self-reliant. In the first section, readers meet Iris who aspires to be a designer for Liberty, and Rex, a wounded soldier/architect. The second part is my favorite and features Geneviève Tremblay. Jenny, as she is called, is a telephone operator who faces prejudice in the States because of being a French Canadian. Ironically, it is her native language (and operator skills) which makes her especially valuable in the war effort in Europe where she meets Maxim, a vintner. The third part of the novel tells the story of Clara, a nurse, and Roman, a violinist.  The three stories connect eventually in December 2018 and combine romance and history; as the publisher says, THE LIBERTY SCARF is “a testament to the resilience of women and the enduring power of hope and unity in the harshest of times.” Emily Dickinson’s Hope is the thing with Feathers is an oft-quoted reference and there is reflection about having faith and courage to find a new path. The authors’ notes further explain their writing to celebrate unsung heroines like the telephone operators. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; and Saskia Maarleveld; I would definitely recommend.

Christmas with the Queen

CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a work of historical fiction spanning the years from 1952, when Queen Elizabeth gave her first Christmas speech, to 1957. I had really enjoyed Hazel Gaynor’s The Last Lifeboat, but found this latest collaborative offering to be more predictable, though still entertaining. CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is told from three points of view: mainly Olive Carter, an unwed mother and young reporter with the BBC, and Jack Devereux, a budding chef who suffers a loss and ends up working for the royal household, although Queen Elizabeth is also quoted and adds some commentary. Olive and Jack have known each other for a long time (flashbacks to 1945) and the spark of attraction never seems to line up in a more permanent way which involves much of the story’s tension. If readers liked The Crown, they will enjoy the behind the scenes glimpses involving the royals, their homes, and yacht. The authors clearly have a great deal of affection for Sandringham, in particular, and make that evident in their final note as well as through the descriptions in the novel itself. Gentle and fun with a festive air.

The Trap by Ava Glass

THE TRAP by Ava Glass, while perhaps not quite as harrowing as earlier thrillers in this series (Alias Emma and The Traitor), is still highly entertaining. Emma Makepeace poses as Anna Case, an executive in the energy sector, in order to get close to a Russian oligarch, Nick Orlov, who lives in London and has recent ties to the Russian intelligence community. The majority of the action takes place in Edinburgh, site of a G7 Summit where political leaders plan to issue sanctions against the Russian government. A plethora of national security resources, including MI5 and MI6, plus the “Agency” for which Emma works, are involved with planning and protection against a possible assassination. One of the more appealing aspects of the latest novel from Ava Glass is the introduction of “Mack,” a Scottish cop who partners with Emma and just might be involved in future exciting assignments. THE TRAP received a starred review from Publishers Weekly (“In the crowded field of contemporary spy thrillers, this series continues to lead the pack”). 

You Are Here by David Nicholls

YOU ARE HERE by David Nicholls (One Day) is a novel about making sure that someone sees us. Set post-pandemic in the North of England near the beautiful Lake District, the story features Michael Bradshaw, 42 and a geography teacher, and Marnie Walsh, 38 and a freelance copy editor. She is recently divorced, and he is soon-to-be. A mutual friend, feeling each has had too much alone time, has invited them on an outdoors walk along with a handsome pharmacist who like Marnie, lives in London and Tessa, an outdoors-y type whose interests match Michael’s. Little, especially weather, goes according to plan and pretty quickly just Marnie and Michael are left on the walk, heading across England from one coast to the other. Their adventures with nature and a different hotel or pub each night are quite comical. Plus, the walks promote some soul-bearing and a simmering romance as the two start to bond. More details in reviews from The New York Times (“each is such good company for the other and for the reader.”) and The Wall Street Journal (“falls halfway between the serious novel and the breezy fantasy of the beach read”). As I read the thoroughly enjoyable YOU ARE HERE about finding oneself and finding one’s way in the English countryside, I repeatedly thought of Raynor Winn’s The Salt Path and The Wild Silence – also well worth reading. 

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley is a unique debut novel which has received quite a bit of “buzz,” including being named a LibraryReads selection for May, the #1 pick on the Indie Next List, and a starred review from Kirkus. I was excited to learn that it will become a six-part series for the BBC. Looking for time travel, romance, espionage? Then this book may be for you. Bradley, a British-Cambodian writer and editor based in London, has produced a work of which Ron Charles (Washington Post book critic) writes “Imagine if The Time Traveler’s Wife had an affair with A Gentleman in Moscow.”  This new tale actually features five “expats,” people who have been transported from their time to present day London and their “bridges,” the Ministry staff assigned to be “day-by-day dictionaries” and help with assimilation in the 21st century. The unnamed female narrator is the bridge for Graham Gore, also known as eighteen forty-seven, who was an Arctic explorer and Bradley’s inspiration for this innovative novel. There is a slow burn chemistry between the two and several ethical questions develop. The first third of the book, filled with banter is especially fun: “‘You have enslaved the power of lightning [electricity],’ he said, ‘and you've used it to avoid the tedium of hiring help.’” But the tone changes as it turns more philosophical with THE MINISTRY OF TIME offering an intriguing perspective on time travel: “This was one of my first lessons in how you make the future: moment by moment, you seal the doors of possibility behind you.”