Sunday, April 3, 2022

A Five Star Review


Five reasons I'm giving five stars to 
Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge:

1. The Time and Place: We are in 1930, 
that breath of fresh air between the two wars, 
and in the green pastures of the English countryside, 
in the home of famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie, 
there is a body in the library.

2. She Who Must Be Obeyed: Phyllida Bright is the 
head of the household (though the butler would probably 
argue the point). Phyllida is no ordinary housekeeper. 
She is good looking, fashionable, easily the smartest person 
in the room and prides herself on her cool and calm head. 
The house, of course, is beautifully run at all times.

3. The Hidden Past: Phyllida hints at many secrets, 
at a past full of twists and turns, but the author 
is in no hurry to reveal them all. This is a 
woman worth knowing and we should take our time 
to do so.

4. The Newcomer: Our Phyllida has grown used to 
being universally adored, from Agatha and her husband 
Max Mallowan to the reluctant butler and the rest 
of the stuff (herself included). But there is a newcomer 
to Mallowan Hall who is not as easy to impress, 
who knows just how to unruffle the unflappable, 
and keeps her human.

5. Gimme More: If you're in the market for a 
light and lovely read, filled with an unforgettable 
protagonist, a few bodies and fascinating details of the 
daily life of a manor house, this is the book for you! 
Can't wait for the next book in this fun new series. 


Featured: Knitted baskets, 
my winter obsession.


45 comments:

linda said...

Thank you for great book review it has certainly piqued my interest. Have a Relaxing Sunday. xx

linda said...

Forgot to say, I love your baskets. x

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

The little baskets are cute. I will do a search for this murder mystery. Thanks for the review. Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

Louca por porcelana said...

Thank you for the review.I need reading more books...I fell in love with your gorgeous baskets!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

You've pulled us in with your delightful review. Thank you, Amalia! It sounds like my cup of tea.

VeggieMummy said...

Thank you for the book review; I'm always on the look out for book recommendations. Your baskets are absolutely gorgeous! xx

Vee said...

A clever book review revealing just enough.

Creations By Cindy said...

Awe, those little baskets are adorable. Happy April. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Lorrie said...

After reading your great review, I have put the book on hold at the library. I'm 5th in line!

Polly said...

Thank you Amalia, it's on my list. Your baskets are lovely.

Jeanie said...

I think we like the same kinds of books! This one looks very good and lots of fun! Love your knit bowls!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh I just love your baskets, such pretty colors!!

MaryAnne said...

Lovely baskets! And a fun idea, to set a book in Agatha Christie's house.

Junkchiccottage said...

This sounds like a fun and intriguing read. Love the baskets. Happy Monday. xoxo Kris

Red Rose Alley said...

Those knitted baskets are so cute, Amalia. The colors are so Springy. There's so many things one can do with them. I'd love to have some around here for various things.

Have a great Spring week.

~Sheri

Maya Kuzman said...

These tiny baskets are pure joy! Love how the colors make them vibrant and playful!

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks for the book review.
I do like your knitted baskets.

Have a happy April.

All the best Jan

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Well written book review. Love those little baskets. I can see why they became your winter obsession :)

-Soma

Carla from The River said...

Another great book review, thank you my dear friend.
The colors of the baskets make me smile.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Thanks for the review, Amalia! It sounds like one I would like!

baili said...

gorgeous baskets dear Amalia ! they are delight to look at ,your winters are surly spend in lovely art wow

i enjoyed the story from your favorite book ,your narration is so engaging and i would love to read it if found around .
blessings more and more to you and loved ones!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

It sounds like a nice book you read and I love those pretty baskets you made. Enjoy the week Amalia.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Terrific review -- thanks. Sounds so interesting. Neat baskets, too. :-)

Rostrose said...

That really sounds like a great book tip - and your winter obsession :-) looks lovely!
All the best on Wednesday
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/04/marz-ruckblick-bad-voslau-und-mein.html

Happy Retiree's Kitchen said...

Beautiful little baskets, the children would love them. I'll take a look at this book, looks like a good read. Thanks so much Amelia for the review.

Snowbird said...

Gorgeous knitted baskets, how sweet they would look filled with mini Easter eggs. Great review, I'm intrigued!xxx

DeniseinVA said...

Those look like very interesting reads, and I love your colorful baskets :)

Kim said...

Sounds interesting!! And I love those bright baskets. Perfect for spring!! xo

Veronica Lee said...

I love your pretty little baskets, Amalia.

Great review.

Happy Monday!

Handmade in Israel said...

Such lovely baskets and great colours!

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog....

What a delightful sounding book suggestion!!!! thank you much!

I am in a reading slump, and sooooo need this suggestion. :-)

Gentle hugs,
🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸

laurensparks.net said...

Thanks for the review! Visiting you from the Good Random Fun link up.

Nancy Chan said...

Thank you for the great review. I am interested to get my hands on the book.

Betty J. Crow said...

I've added this book to my reading list. Sounds like a good one. Love the knitted baskets! Have a wonderful rest of your week.

Pam Richardson said...

Amalia, this sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for your informative review!

Tandy | Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) said...

sounds like the start to Cluedo :)

Sherry's Pickings said...

agatha christie was so clever! A novel about her and her husband sounds intriguing.

Sum of their Stories said...

Sounds like perfect holiday reading

akiko hiramatsu said...

That book seems so great and lovely, Amalia!
Those baskets are really cute<3 Love your colors always:)

akiko
https://kimonosnack.blogspot.com

EricaSta said...

Maybe in German one day... it must be interesting.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Your baskets are cute. The book sounds wonderful. I'll look it up - thanks!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Amalia, your baskets are so cute. Such a wonderful book. Happy Sunday. xo

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I love your book reviews Amalia ! There are a lot of good books set in that era that "breath of fresh air..." and I am adding this to my 'to be read' list.

baili said...

i loved the way you reviewed the book dear Amalia ,i am fan of Agatha so i would like to learn what secrets Phyllida posses :)

oh i thoroughly loved your baskets my friend ,you surly have magic in your fingers to knit such glorious baskets :)
hugs and blessings!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Ooh I love the setting for the book!

Lauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net