A dispatch from the Art Editor

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/03/20/unfamiliar-colors-leanne-shapton/

Sophia Rose is here with a review of the first novel in the Miss Austen Invetigates series by Jessica Bull. Miss Austen investigates a murder in The Hapless Milliner. Grab a spot of tea and check out Sophia’s thoughts.

The Hapless Milliner
by Jessica Bull
Series: Miss Austen Investigates #1
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

A witty, engaging murder mystery featuring Jane Austen as an intrepid amateur sleuth—the first in a series.
Jane Austen—sparkling, spirited, and incredibly clever—is suddenly thrust into a mystery when a milliner’s dead body is found locked inside a cupboard in the middle of a ball. When Jane’s brother Georgy is found with some jewelry belonging to the deceased, the local officials see it as an open-and-shut case: one which is likely to end with his death. Jane is certain that he is innocent, and there is more to the murder than meets the eye. Her investigations send her on a journey through local society, as Jane’s suspect list keeps on growing— and her keen observational skills of people will be put to the test to solve the crime and save her brother.

Featuring the same lively wit, insightful social commentary, and relatable characters that have made Jane Austen books into perennial classics, this first entry in the Miss Austen Investigates series is perfect for anyone who enjoyed The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl or other historical mystery books based on real people, as well as fans looking to add to their Jane Austen collection.

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Sophia Rose’s Review

When a young Miss Jane Austen is attending a ball on a neighborhood estate and encounters a murdered woman whom she knew in life, the future novelist lays aside her pen to do some detecting. 

I am a ready fan of historical mysteries set in the world of Jane Austen’s novels and in her own life.  I was eager to take up a new to me author’s debut effort with Austen as detective in her home neighborhood.

Miss Austen Investigates: The Hapless Milliner begins at the time of Jane Austen’s life when she’s fresh and nineteen.  Her head is full of romantic thoughts about a dashing Mr. Tom LeFoy who is visiting family in the neighborhood.  Jane is portrayed as a winsome girl untried and ripe for romance or adventure.  What she gets is a murder that the authorities have decided to pin on her sweet, innocent older brother who has disabilities, George.  To clear George of the crime of theft and murder, Jane is determined against opposition for a young lady involving herself to find the real culprit.  She’s well-placed as someone who is familiar with many of the people who were at that ball as coming from her own neighborhood.

I was immensely curious how the author would do with a very familiar world to me.  Jane Austen is a favorite author and I’ve read much on her life and the times she lived in.  I was pleased to see from the first chapter that the author had done her homework.  Oh sure, she interpreted the real life people’s characters in her own way including Jane herself and yes, there were occasional modern phrases slipping in now and again, but there was an establishing of Jane and the cast of characters, dialogue and actions in an historical setting that was done well.

The first half of the book was slow going and I confess that I struggled.  The author had a written grammar style that I found distracting.  I’m not sure exactly what, but the issue is related to tense and it seemed like Jane who is narrating is also referring to herself as Jane.  Though, I do think authors should be able to write a character the way they wish, this can get tricky when the character is a real person.  This Jane’s character was immature to me and more heedless of convention in the mode of a modern teenager at times which was also a distraction.  It took a bit for me to settle into the book as a result.  The last half portrayed an engaging mystery.  I had no idea who was behind it all or why, but I did enjoy Jane’s sleuthing efforts and arriving at the mystery and I enjoyed Jane’s surrounding family being involved and being such colorful characters. 

I think this was a good series opener and that the series will get stronger as it goes.  Those who enjoy cozy mysteries set in historical eras and real life people made into fictional characters should give this one a go.

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/the-hapless-milliner-by-jessica-bull.html

Titan’s Smelly Adventure by the remarkably talented 5th-grade author Ally Wilburn is an engaging and educational tale that captures the challenges and delights of personal hygiene through the eyes of Titan, a young tiger with an aversion to baths. This charmingly narrated story sees Titan’s sister, Talia, employing various creative strategies in an attempt to address his reluctance and improve his scent, from rolling in flowers to frolicking in fragrant fruit. It’s a journey that culminates in an enlightening and enjoyable discovery for Titan about the pleasures of bath time.

Wilburn’s narrative is both entertaining and instructive, offering young readers a subtle yet effective lesson on the importance of cleanliness. The story is brought to life by vivid illustrations, which add a layer of enjoyment and engagement to the reading experience. Titan, with his playful nature and initial obliviousness to his body odor, is a character that children can easily connect with, while Talia’s supportive and understanding approach embodies patience and ingenuity. Together, these characters form a relatable duo that young audiences are sure to find appealing and memorable.

Titan’s Smelly Adventure is a delightful and instructive tale for young readers. Wilburn’s skill in creating a narrative that is both educational and entertaining is commendable, especially considering her young age. Her ability to connect with her readers and convey essential life lessons through the adventures of Titan and Talia is a notable achievement in children’s literature.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CSXKSHLY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/20/titans-smelly-adventure/

In Child of Secrets From Afar, the author weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complex dynamics of an American family completing its circle through adoption. Belinda and Jonathan, after years of yearning for a sibling for their daughter, adopt two Vietnamese girls; one who has spent her whole life in an orphanage and the other with an enigmatic past. The story unfolds as the family encounters unforeseen challenges and secrets, particularly concerning the girls’ adjustment to their new life.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in the author’s nuanced portrayal of family and adoption. Quinn’s detailed narrative vividly depicts the character’s emotions and experiences, drawing readers into the heart of the family’s journey. The mystery element is skillfully interwoven, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truths hidden in the girls’ pasts. The character development, especially of Belinda, is a highlight. Her determination to protect and understand her daughters adds a layer of depth to the story, offering a resonant depiction of familial love and commitment.

The narrative style is immersive, allowing readers to envision the unfolding events and feel an integral part of the story. The novel presents a unique plot with well-crafted characters and an engaging mystery at its core. Quinn’s descriptive storytelling not only maintains the reader’s interest but also thoroughly examines what it means to be a family.

As the story reaches its conclusion, the intricacies of the family’s journey are revealed with a deft touch, providing a satisfying resolution to the mysteries that have been so central to the narrative. Quinn’s skillful storytelling ensures that the themes of family, belonging, and the enduring power of love resonate long after the final page is turned.

Child of Secrets From Afar offers a compelling tale and invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of adoption and the unbreakable bonds that can form within a family, regardless of its origins. It’s a poignant reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CVNBXZ98

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/20/child-of-secrets-from-afar/

Michael Dow’s Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an enlightening educational book tailored for elementary school-aged children. It masterfully intertwines scientific knowledge and human anatomy to demystify how our brains perceive time. Through the engaging narrative, Nurse Florence explains the complexities of time perception to her young friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, delving into why it seems to pass differently under varying circumstances.

Lindsay Roberts’ eye-catching illustrations significantly enhance the book’s educational value. These visuals are aesthetically pleasing and serve an educational purpose by featuring anatomical diagrams. This blend of imagery and text ensures that young readers remain captivated while absorbing intricate concepts. Dow’s writing style is both challenging and accessible, striking a balance between advanced vocabulary and understandable content. This approach fosters a learning environment where curious young minds can engage with real-world scientific terminology in a meaningful way. The comprehensive descriptions and contexts provided make complex ideas approachable for the target audience. In a creative twist, Dow draws inspiration from a historical nursing figure to craft the character of Nurse Florence, blending fact with fiction to create an immersive educational experience. This book stands out as a valuable resource for children interested in science, fueling their curiosity and enhancing their literacy skills.

Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an outstanding and commendable addition to the world of children’s literature. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of time, making it a valuable resource for young readers with a keen interest in science. The writing style is engaging, and the content is presented in a way that is both informative and captivating. Whether you are a young reader or an adult, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of time.

Pages: 66 | ISBN : 9781304865694

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/20/nurse-florence-how-do-we-understand-time/

In The Blackened Yonder: Planar Lost: Book One, J. Gibson invites readers into a richly imagined world, following the intertwining paths of Father Garron Latimer and Athenne. The narrative juxtaposes Father Latimer’s crisis of faith, sparked by his village falling prey to an enigmatic darkness he dubs ‘The Beast,’ with Athenne’s internal conflict arising from her involvement with the zealous group ‘The Saints.’ These multifaceted characters navigate their moral quandaries with compelling depth.

The book’s opening chapters set a captivating tone, with Gibson’s meticulous detail painting vivid scenes that engage the senses. This descriptive prowess anchor the reader firmly in the setting and heightens the emotional resonance of the characters’ experiences. The plot unfolds with a careful balance of tension and resolution, leaving some threads tantalizingly open while satisfyingly concluding others. A cliffhanger ending stokes anticipation for subsequent volumes in the series.

Athenne emerges as a particularly relatable character, her quest for purpose and identity rendered with empathetic insight. Similarly, Father Garron Latimer is portrayed with nuance, his knowledgeable yet troubled persona guiding not only his own journey but also that of Amun, a character who intriguingly evolves from a supporting role to a central figure. Gibson’s ability to flesh out characters extends beyond the written word, as demonstrated by an illustrative portrayal of Athenne at the book’s end, giving readers a glimpse into the author’s vision. This thoughtful touch adds an extra layer to the reading experience.

The Blackened Yonder: Planar Lost: Book One is a striking beginning to what promises to be a captivating series. Its intricate character development and immersive storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to the dark fantasy genre and leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Pages: 340 | ASIN : B096QX9YJ1

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/20/the-blackened-yonder-planar-lost-book-one/

Hindsight is 2020 follows a man and his family across five generations who reflect on how the past has brought him to where he is and what the future can hold. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

In 2020, my parents died. It was already a pretty tough time for me and my family and the pandemic just made things so much worse. It became really difficult for me to sleep. All I had left of my parents was in boxes. There were pictures and letters and even stories they wrote. I actually learned a lot about them. But I was also accepting the permanence of their death. And I found that writing a journal about my thoughts, things that were going on, really helped me. Then I decided to start writing fiction and that helped me even more. A lot of my ideas came from the grieving process. Those feelings that I couldn’t resolve like being angry. Angry at the world, at my situation. It gave me a way to let those feelings out and really understand them and think about what they meant to me. Eventually it occurred to me that I might put it all into a book. And I started thinking about how I could make all of those pieces fit together. And that’s what the book represents, all of those ideas and feelings.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

Curiosity. Curiosity, for me, is the driving force behind all of my writing. A lot of the characters in the book deal with the secrets that people keep and whether or not to pursue the truth. Being curious but ultimately left without answers because they realize that you never really know the whole story of someone’s life. You only get a few pieces. Those are the kind of feelings that I wanted to explore in the book. Curiosity about myself, too. Wondering about what would happen if an event in my life were different. What would happen if somebody was out to get me? For some reason I fixate on those things. The “what if” questions about my life. What would happen in this situation? How would this person feel? How would this affect their life? When I’m writing, I’m imagining what I would do under those circumstances. I try to really go deep into that character, to be them and get their thoughts onto the page.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Loss is definitely a major theme in Hindsight is 2020. The grief that comes with it and what it does to change a person whether they like it or not. How do you, how do I, recover from loss and become the husband, the father I was? How do I get back to feeling the way I used to? Which was something I really wondered about myself. Would I be able to recover, or would I always be stuck in this mode of grief and anger. Writing the book really helped me to come back. And I hope it can help others. I hope maybe someone can read it and feel like they’re not alone and they can find the strength they need to recover.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I actually had the idea for this book back in the mid-nineties, so it took me a really long time to work up the nerve to actually start writing and then to share it with somebody. That part was really hard. It was really hard for me to have the confidence to let anybody read it. Even my wife, she was the first person to read some of it and she said that I needed to keep going. She was critical too, she was very critical, but she said, “This is good. This is something. You can do this.” So then I started sharing it with some very trusted friends. Eventually I got the confidence to actually get the thing published. I hope to do it again because it was a really life-changing experience for me. But I don’t think that it’s going to happen again any time in the near future. Don’t hold your breath.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/20/curiosity/