I began reading pieces for our May 25 issue while in London visiting family and friends. This included a trip to Charleston, the country home in East Sussex where the Bloomsbury group sometimes convened. I brought a stack of galleys in my bag for the ninety-minute train ride from Victoria Station to Lewes, but they […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/17/words-into-images-leanne-shapton/
I admit I dove straight into Murder at Half Moon Gate by Andrea Penrose. This is the second audiobook in the Wrexford & Sloane series narrated by James Cameron Stewart. This Regency London series is proving to be quite addictive thanks to the clever whodunits and unique characters.
Murder at Half Moon Gate
by Andrea Penrose
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #2
Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Length: 12 hours and 36 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Audible Plus
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A wealthy lord who happens to be a brilliant scientist . . . an enigmatic young widow who secretly pens satirical cartoons . . . a violent killing disguised as a robbery . . . Nothing is as it seems in Regency London, especially when the Earl of Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane join forces to solve a shocking murder.
When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor’s widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband’s designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune . . . and very dangerous in the wrong hands.
Joining Wrexford in his investigation is Charlotte Sloane, who uses the pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. Her extensive network of informants is critical for her work, but she doesn’t mind tapping that same web of spies to track down an elusive killer. Each suspect—from ambitious assistants to rich investors, and even the inventor’s widow—is entwined in a maze of secrets and lies that leads Wrexford and Sloane down London’s most perilous stews and darkest alleyways.
With danger lurking at every turn, the potent combination of Wrexford’s analytical mind and Sloane’s exacting intuition begins to unravel the twisted motivations behind the inventor’s death. But they are up against a cunning and deadly foe—a killer ready to strike again before they can recover the inventor’s priceless designs . . .
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Wexford finds himself drawn into another murder-mystery when he is approached by the dead man’s widow. Besides knowing of the man, he cannot help but get involved when bow street seems to have written it off as a robbery. The widow believes he was murdered to steal his designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine. Designs that are now missing.
Wexford engages the help of Mrs. Sloane. He is hoping the contacts she uses for her work will also have knowledge of the designs and murder. The tale that unfolds once again captured me and the outside world slipped away. This story is wonderfully paced, with a complex mystery that will keep you guessing. Suspects, danger and the characters themselves will hook you.
We learn more about Sloane, and see her soften towards accepting help from Wexford, who cleverly lends it under the guise of helping the urchins. As before, I delighted in their back-and-forth banter and an underlying chemistry that neither addresses. Danger, rescues, and red-herrings made for a nail-biting adventure. Indeed, the author kept me guessing.
James Cameron Stewart continues his brilliant narration. He captures our characters perfectly, even the exuberant youth. I feel the romance is enhanced with the audio as well, bringing voice to their building attraction.
Fans of Lady Sherlock will simply delight in this series, if they haven’t already done so. I am excited to begin the next audiobook, Murder at Kensington Palace.
Amazon | Audible
Andrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com.
James Cameron Stewart trained at Hull University and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Some theater highlights of his thirty-six-year career include Frank-n-Furter (The Rocky Horror Show), Thénadier (Les Misérables), the poet Philip Larkin in Larkin with Women (Best Actor nominee, MEN Awards 2005), and originating the part of Hamish in Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s Things We Do for Love. In 2008 he published his grandfather’s World War I memoirs and toured his one-man show based on them from 2008 to 2011. His television/film credits include Outlander, Jericho, Flying Blind, Golden Years, Emmerdale, London’s Burning, Eastenders, Coronation Street, Holby City, and Taggart. He often appears on Radio 4, and is a regular presenter on the weekly The Economist podcast. James loves recording audiobooks and is delighted to have had the opportunity to narrate such a variety of magnificent authors, from Seneca through Max Hastings and Antony Beevor, to superlative fiction by J. M. Coetzee, Michael Dibdin, Stuart MacBride, and more.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/murder-at-half-moon-gate-by-andrea-penrose.html
Deciphering Autism by Robert DePaolo is an authoritative and exhaustive exploration of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This book ventures into the multifaceted nuances of ASD, investigating its origins, manifestations, and potential treatment options. DePaolo masterfully navigates through the historical and societal backdrop of autism, while simultaneously providing an updated scientific perspective on the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in ASD development.
DePaolo’s quest to demystify autism leads to a lucid explanation of the neurological and cognitive mechanisms underpinning the disorder. His analysis of the hurdles encountered by individuals with ASD—especially in social interaction and communication—is particularly enlightening. His evaluation of diverse interventions and treatments underscores the critical need for personalized approaches.
Deciphering Autism is a compassionate and illuminating guide, offering invaluable insights for individuals with ASD, their families, and caregivers. The empathetic discourse within this book marks a notable departure from traditional resources that often focus primarily on ‘managing’ individuals with ASD. DePaolo’s narrative, in contrast, is distinctively shaped by the lived experiences of those with ASD.
The author’s emphasis on the vital necessity for tailored treatment strategies is particularly praiseworthy. He firmly advocates that ASD, far from being a monolithic condition, necessitates the consideration of each individual’s unique requirements, thereby rejecting a generalized, one-size-fits-all approach.
DePaolo’s comprehensive examination of ASD occasionally leads to scientific explanations that may come across as technical to the non-specialist reader. While this detailed approach might not be a stumbling block for those well-versed in the subject, readers seeking a basic understanding of ASD might find it somewhat daunting.
Deciphering Autism is an exceptional and powerful resource on ASD. As such, I recommend this book to anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/17/deciphering-autism-a-discussion-of-neurobiology-adaptation-and-experience/
Wild Thing and The Bagel shares your family’s story about adopting two dogs and the challenges that people may face when rescuing an animal. What inspired you to share your story?
Wild Thing was 13 when I started the book a couple of years ago. His favorite human has always been Brady. When Brady went off to college, Wild Thing went through a horrible depression, missing his best friend so much. We had talked about getting another canine companion, but always wondered how Wild Thing would handle sharing his humans. We made the leap that first summer of Covid, when everything was just re-opening. The Bagel immediately made her way into our hearts and became friends immediately with Wild Thing. Wild Thing had always provided us with entertainment and tales to tell ever since the day we brought him home 14 years ago. When The Bagel joined the family, the stories more than doubled. I knew then I needed to put their stories in writing—and every single story in the book has happened. As Wild Thing is getting older, I knew putting this book together would be my little ‘love note’ to him.
One thing I loved about this children’s book is that it is told from the perspective of Wild Thing. Why did you choose to tell the story from his perspective rather than your own voice?
These are Wild Thing’s tales to tell…and for anyone who has had pets, you know you can just tell when they are ’telling’ you about their day or about the other family pets’ antics. Getting these stories out to everyone needed to be told from Wild Thing’s point of view to give it authenticity.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I hope children, and adults, see the love and bond between humans and pets, and that rescue pets are simply awesome. And, who knows, it might give someone the little push they need to make that leap to rescue a pet. My purpose was to write the book so that kids of all ages could enjoy the stories.
Are you working on more stories about Wild Thing and The Bagel?
Wild Thing and The Bagel give me new stories everyday—so, there is plenty of material. My hope is to be able to put some of them into another book…or to possibly do a theme book (such as a holiday book or a book about different adventures).
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/17/these-are-wild-things-tales-to-tell/
In Finbar Manghan’s novel, The Prisoners of Allred, he navigates the complex and often heart-wrenching narratives of five incarcerated individuals. Drawing from his profound experience as a volunteer chaplain across six Texas state prison units, Manghan candidly highlights the systemic flaws inherent within the justice system. This discerning novel not only exposes issues such as false incarceration, medical negligence, psychological torment, and the pressing call for reform, but also challenges readers to critically appraise the trustworthiness and ethical standards of our legal institutions.
Through the diverse experiences of the five inmates, Manghan unveils how the profound inequities within the justice system are not bound by racial or societal divides. As he dissects their personal histories leading to their unjust confinement, the author’s meticulous detailing and persuasive arguments for their innocence invoke a deeply touching response of empathy and sorrow. Manghan humanizes the courtroom and prison experiences of these individuals, urging readers to perceive them beyond the cold, impersonal realm of statistics. This nuanced narrative fosters a palpable connection that resonates long after the last page, imprinting a haunting afterimage on the reader’s psyche.
What truly distinguishes this work is Manghan’s steadfast dedication to not only illuminating the deficiencies within the penal system but also advocating for feasible remedies. His astute analysis and insightful observations underline the urgent necessity for reform and insist on a higher level of accountability within our justice framework. By providing a comprehensive exploration of the prevalent issues and their potential resolutions, he equips readers with a substantial foundation for reflection and further discourse.
The Prisoners of Allred can aptly be compared to a riveting documentary, wherein the author’s compelling storytelling progressively dismantles the false premises that confine innocent individuals, laying bare the chilling reality of life behind bars. It presents a stark, enlightening depiction of the deeply-rooted failures and injustices that pervade the American justice system.
Manghan’s commitment to articulating his experiences in such a potent and thought-stirring manner is commendable. The Prisoners of Allred is an indispensable read for those keen on dissecting the intricate dynamics of the justice system and the urgent call for its reform. This book stands as a testament to Manghan’s relentless pursuit of unveiling the shortcomings and inequities within the American justice framework, and I recommend it to anyone seeking a profound understanding of this vital societal matter.
Pages: 270 | ISBN: 1956373152
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/17/the-prisoners-of-allred/
Omar Imady’s Catfishing Caitlyn is an exhilarating and refreshing thriller that engages readers from its compelling opening to its dramatic culmination. The novel encapsulates an immersive journey marked by Imady’s exceptional prose and vibrant descriptiveness, immersing readers into the core of the developing narrative. Catfishing Caitlyn takes its readers on a suspenseful voyage, maintaining constant intrigue as they maneuver through a complex maze of unexpected developments. Consistent with Imady’s past literary contributions, this narrative explores the profound human encounter with isolation and the relentless quest for significance in an increasingly adversarial world that resists clear-cut resolutions.
Central to this narrative is the character of Caitlyn O’Keefe, a distinguished Ph.D. scholar from Yale. Her portrayal as a resilient, captivating, and compelling protagonist ensures readers’ full investment in her narrative. Caitlyn’s extraordinary intellect and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge allow her to flourish in demanding circumstances. Yet, just when life seems to corner her with disillusionment, an intriguing invitation to engage in an enigmatic game presents itself, challenging her cognitive and emotional boundaries. This unconventional contest involves a sequence of skillfully devised questions with high stakes, enticing rewards for correct responses, and instant dismissal for wrong ones. However, the pursuit of a victory rapidly evolves into an intense mission to uncover the mysterious entity posing these questions and decipher its underlying motives. In addition, Caitlyn’s poignant past resurfaces, infusing additional layers of fascination and emotional depth to her noteworthy journey.
While the narrative is primarily based in the United States, Caitlyn’s tireless quest for truth drives her to traverse diverse locales worldwide. From the time-honored streets of Jerusalem to the mystical terrains of Tibet, from the vast Arabian deserts to the historical landscapes of Mesopotamia, and even to the renowned Christie’s auction house in London and the opulent Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul, her journey is truly global.
Imady’s remarkable novel is an essential read for aficionados of suspense-filled psychological thrillers, complex familial narratives, and assertive female protagonists. I recommend Catfishing Caitlyn to any reader searching for a captivating literary adventure that will leave them mesmerized.
ASIN : B0C3WSDPS3
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/17/catfishing-caitlyn/
Engelstatt follows a group of university friends who decide to spend spring break in Austria and end up in a fight for survival.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Engelstatt is in large part inspired by stories from my childhood. I grew up in a rural area of western Germany near the Rhine. It’s this beautiful fairytale landscape dotted with castles and medieval ruins, but underneath there are still remnants of the Nazi period that were just always at odds with the beauty. In my backyard was an undetonated bomb leftover from the war, buried in a mountain of dirt. Looking back, it’s a bit strange!
Plenty of people who lived through the war were still around when I was a kid. One of our landlords was a former Panzer driver who lost his eye to a Soviet soldier in a Gulag, and my mother was close friends with a concentration camp survivor. I used to spend a lot of time around her and her husband, and grew up immersed in stories from the period. Engelstatt is broken up with this fairytale inspired by a legend told by the Brothers Grimm that I often heard as a child. In the story, a king is sleeping underground, waiting to awaken and return to rule Germany. As I was writing, that story became intertwined with everything.
Despite all those childhood memories floating around in my head, the concept actually hit me while I was visiting a friend in Denmark to work on a film project. We went to this small, picturesque village and we were standing in the town square with a camera getting some footage when these little blond children started peeking around the corners of buildings at us like dwarves in a storybook. They just wanted to see what we were filming but it was a little spooky. Somehow the idea just clicked then.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
First and foremost, I wanted Engelstatt to feel modern. With the resurgence of fascism and hate, it feels a bit like the Weimar period where a villain like the one in the book really would have a fanbase. I used a lot of newspaper clippings and social media excerpts throughout to try to capture the way that media create platforms for extremism. As far as the setting goes, most of Engelstatt is set in the Salzkammergut. It’s a region of Austria that is shockingly beautiful but also known by locals as the ‘Devil’s Dustbin’ on account of all the Nazi artifacts hidden in the mines and lakes. I was fascinated by the contrast between the overwhelming beauty of the landscape and the horror of what happened there in real life.
Some of the book is also set in the US, which is shown in a state of decay. New York City feels as if it is in shambles, with derelict subways and garbage strewn streets, which contrast the sleek, clean locales seen in Germany and Austria. I wanted there to be a seductive quality to the surface level of Engelstatt, the same way that propaganda lures people in. For the villains, there had to be pieces of truth in their insane philosophy, and the protagonist Jacob is very vulnerable in that way. As the survivor of a school shooting, he represents all the failings of the USA, and the antagonists see that and use it against him.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I have a lifelong love of horror that has a few origins. When I was a kid, my great-grandmother—who was an English teacher—gave me a box full of horror books, and I read constantly and fell in love with the genre.
Part of my fascination with horror also comes from my own odd experiences. When I was thirteen or so, my family moved from Germany to England, and we moved into an 18th Century house in a small city called Ely. I recall touring the house with my parents and the landlord before we moved in, and the landlord casually mentioned that the house had ghosts. Initially, I remember laughing, and we all thought he was just a bit eccentric.
I have a few stories from that house but one in particular takes the cake. While we were living in that house, my father ran off and abandoned the family. The day he disappeared, a raven had somehow found its way inside and my mother and I spent forty minutes chasing it to get it out. A fitting omen! Later that night, I was standing with my mom and my brother in the kitchen, and all of a sudden, coins started flipping off the counter one by one. And then at the end of the room, a jar full of coins lifted up in the air and got thrown across the room towards us. We all saw it. Afterwards, we found out that my father had just emptied out my mom’s bank account.
I haven’t seen my father since, and to me, it seems like it was some sort of warning. It’s a bizarre experience that I still haven’t made sense of, and for me writing horror became an outlet for exploring the unexplainable in a way. I’m a big believer in the old adage that truth is stranger than fiction.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently absorbed in finishing a ghost story I started several years ago. I will release it this summer if I’m happy with it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
“Samuel Church brings your worst nightmares to life in a methodical fashion… They don’t make them like this anymore.” -Reader’s Favorite
Evil is waking up…
On the surface, the mountain town of Engelstatt, Austria is picture-perfect. It offers guests stunning views, fresh air, and the chance to experience an Alpine village untouched by time. For university student Jacob Liro, a school shooting survivor and aspiring artist, it is the perfect place to spend spring break with his classmates and a chance to hit the reset button on his life. What Jacob and his class don’t know is that beneath its fairy-tale facade, something sinister lies in wait in the salt mines below the town—and horrors from Engelstatt’s Nazi past threaten not only their lives and their sanity, but the entire world.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/17/the-horror-of-what-happened-there/