New ARCs I'm Willing to Try: Sunday Salon

 Why read these new books? A hit or miss selection.

The Astrology House

A Novel

by Carinn Jade

July 16, 2024; Atria Books, NetGalley

Description

A group of wealthy Manhattanites escape to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death in this fresh, twisty, and suspenseful debut.

Why I'll read: I'd like to see if the author is supportive of astrologists or not, as the astrologer host of the retreat in this book has a secret plan for her guests.

Wives Like Us

A Novel

by Plum Sykes

May 14, 2024; Harper, NetGalley

Description: A grand English country house, one American divorcee, three rich wives, two tycoons, a pair of miniature sausage dogs and one (bereaved) butler; in this impossibly funny novel.

Setting: the rose-strewn Cotswold villages of Little Bottom, Middle Bottom, Great Bottom, and Monkton Bottom, recently annexed by a glittering new breed of female: the Country Princess.

The wives have a falling out and chaos in the villages ensues. 

Why I'll read: I'm willing to give this humorous novel a try, as the Cotswold setting can be picturesque and the "country princess" wives have piqued my curiousity.

The Blue Hour

A Novel

by Paula Hawkins

October 29, 2024; Mariner Books, NetGalley

Description:

A new mystery novel of ambition, legacy, and betrayal from the author of The Girl on the Train. A web of secrets and lies and a present-day discovery that connects three people. 

Setting: An isolated Scottish island, accessible to the mainland only twelve hours a day

Why I'll read: in the mood for a mystery thriller, plus I like the Scottish island setting and love the cover of the book. 

Memento Mori

A Novel

by Eunice Hong

August 13, 2024; Red Hen Press, NetGalley

Description:

Don't look back. Did Eurydice want to return from the underworld? Did anybody ask?

In this portrait of rage and resilience, a Korean woman tries to connect with her younger brother and grapple with family tragedy through bedtime stories that weave together Greek mythology, neuroscience, and tales from their grandmother’s slipping memory.

Why I'll read: a literary novel to add to other genres of books. Besides, I love Greek myths and am interested in seeing how it's mixed in with neuroscience and how the brain functions.

What are you reading/watching this week?  

Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Sunday Salon, and Stacking the Shelves 

Sunday Salon: Books Reviewed and Books Not Yet Read

Finished reading:

Closed Circles by Viveca Sten, borrowed from Amazon Unlimited.

Genre: mystery, police procedural

I really enjoy the books in this series, and will be reading the next, #3, Guiltless soon. The setting of the Swedish archipelago and the touristy island of Sandhamn adds much atmosphere to the story. 

This is part mystery, part police procedural, cleverly written to always keep you on your toes. 

The sailing regatta organized by the Royal Swedish Yacht Club is the starting point for this excellent murder mystery. 

The Blue Hour

The Blue Hour by Douglas Kennedy, February 16, 2019, Atria Books

Genre: travel adventure, family drama, contemporary fiction

Setting: Morocco

Source: library book

A couple take their troubles with each other all the way to Morocco, at the insistence of the husband, Paul. His wife Robin goes along but finds out soon that all is not what it seems and that Paul seems to be living a double life, having a past that he never revealed to her.

This dramatic thriller involves accountant Robin and her talented but enigmatic artist husband Paul, in Morocco. Their relationship begins to deteriorate  on this trip, their actions drive them further apart. 

The realism of the novel, while telling a lot about traveling in this North African country,  made me wish for a more artistic and less stark telling of the story, however.

New books:

Cookies and Clairvoyance, Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates, August 27, 2019, Berkley

Baker Kathie Lightfoot makes cookies with magical properties. She also acts as an amateur sleuth. 

Silent Night, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany, August 27, 2019, Berkley 
In this Year-Round Christmas series, Merry, the owner of a Christmas shop, must solve a murder to keep the spirit of the holiday going.

Memes: 

The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also,  It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and the Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday.