Tuesday, November 1, 2022

A Five Star Review


 Five reasons I’m giving Five Stars to 
Smoke & Cracked Mirrors by Karen Charlton:

1. The Setting - the story takes us to 1940 York, 
a time full of intrigue and atmosphere. WWII books 
featuring young women are very popular right now 
but the author finds a fresh angle, an interesting location 
and a great plot.

2. The Detectives - Jemma James and Bobbie Baker 
are among the nicest, cleverest and most resourceful 
protagonists I’ve met in a long while. They never put 
a foot wrong, really (but I don’t hold that against them). 
And the secondary characters are every bit as good.

3. The Record -  author Karen Charlton has 
previously written the Detective Lavender Mysteries, 
a fun regency mystery series. I was quite looking 
forward to her new series and, indeed, I’ve enjoyed 
both her excellent writing and clever storytelling.

4. The Format – Charlton surprises us (no worries, 
this is a spoiler-free zone) with the structure of the plot, 
some cases are easily solved, others require the whole 
book, and they flow together very well.

5. The Summary – this is the first book in a new series 
and a fine start, IMO. If you’re in the market for an 
enjoyable, gentle, heartwarming mystery with unexpected plot 
twists, this could well be the book for you.

Featured: baskets made out of t-shirt yarn




44 comments:

akiko hiramatsu said...

Great review, Amalia! I am so interested in those detectives!!
Can't believe those lovely baskets made from t-shirt yarn<3
Happy Halloween!

akiko

Vee said...

I have a happy little list of book possibilities for gifts. This sounds very intriguing and I like that it is the first in a series.

VeggieMummy said...

Thank you for the book review; I do love a series to get my teeth into. The T-shirt baskets are amazing. xx

Rosie said...

Thank you for the review, this sounds like a book I would enjoy:)

eileeninmd said...

Great review Amalia! I love the mysteries, it is good to find a series that is new to me. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

linda said...

Thank you for the review I love murder mysteries. x

Dewena said...

You've sold me on this one, will look for it soon! And pass it on to my daughter-in-law who is also writing a book set in that era, located in the southern U.S. though. Very good review and sweet little baskets!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

There were about four posts I needed to catch up on. My, how the time flies. And I loved each one. Thanks for the book chat and for photos of the sweet crafts you create. It's always so much fun to visit here. My child within delights!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Thanks for your book review! I'll look for it next time I visit our local library. I like mysteries. Your t-shirt fabric baskets are so clever and look handy to use.

Lorrie said...

Thank you for the positive book review. I went straight to our library website, but we have no books by Karen Charlton, so I just might order this for myself. Love your crocheted baskets.

creativejewishmom/sara said...

Gorgeous baskets! T-shirt yarn is on sale at my local art store for 5 for 100 shekels, so couldn't resist, though went with neutral colors, hmmmm, what shall I make? thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!

white and vintage said...

Vielen Dank für diese spannende Buchvorstellung. Jetzt wo die Gartenarbeit draußen ruht, komme ich wieder mehr zum Lesen.
Liebe Grüße
Christine

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Lovely little baskets, and thanks for the book review, I'm not that into detective stories but maybe I should give this one a try
Jillxo

Kim said...

Might have to pick it up! I've been researching my dad's military history during WWII so I have that era on the brain. Love the baskets!!

Andree said...

OK, sounds good for the middle of winter. I've put on my Amazon list!

Rhodesia said...

Great review, those baskets are very interesting.
Have a good day, Diane

Carla from The River said...

I always enjoy your book reviews. Keep them coming. :-)

FlashinScissors said...

I’ll be looking for this one! Great review.
Thanks Amelia.
Hugs,
Barbara xx

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

This sounds like one I'd enjoy. Thank you for your review! xo

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks for your review.

I like your baskets.

All the best Jan

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Great book review. The baskets are amazing. Hugs

Veronica Lee said...

Sounds intriguing!

I enjoyed the review, Amalia!

Hugs and blessings 💐

Snowbird said...

Great review. Loving those baskets.xxx

Tom said...

...I give your handiwork 5 stars too.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Sounds like a winner

Junkchiccottage said...

Good Morning. This sounds like a great read. I am getting ready for winter to set in so I am trying to find some good reads for those long winter months. Thanks for the suggestion and review. Happy New Week. xoxo Kris

Conniecrafter said...

Your baskets are so pretty, love the colors, I have made one out of old blue jeans, they go pretty quickly.

R's Rue said...

Thank you for sharing.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Margie said...

Thanks for the book suggestion! I always enjoy a good mystery!

Pam said...

Sounds great.

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

I love those baskets! I can well imagine them with beautiful herbs sitting on a kitchen windowsill :)

Jo said...

That sounds right up my street, I shall look out for it.

Pam Richardson said...

Thank you for the book review, Amalia. It sounds like one I would enjoy!

Nancy Chan said...

Pretty baskets made with t-shirt yarn. Thanks for the book review. I love mystery.

Shooting Stars Mag said...

This sounds intriguing. I do like this time period, and a good mystery!

Lauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net

EricaSta said...

Your baskets are very fine, Amalia. Thank you too for your recommendation, the book sounds interesting.

Happy MosaicMonday

DeniseinVA said...

I do like your baskets Amalia, always so cheery and colorful. I also enjoyed the book review. I have often enjoyed books set in another time, and this one is now on my list. Thank you so much! Great review!

NCSue said...

Thank you for the recommendation and for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/11/checking-out-fall-color.html

EL INVENTARIO DE MJ said...

Muy bonitas las cestas y muy interesante la historia me gusta el suspense.

BESOS

Amy Johnson said...

Glad you enjoyed the book! Those yarn baskets are adorable!

Arun Goyal said...

Beautiful post ! Thanks for sharing with Garden affair.

EricaSta said...

Thank you for sharing, I read your Post with pleasure.

Hugs by Heidrun

Little Wandering Wren said...

Everyone loves a good plot twist and a fab book recommendation! Thank you, and happy weekend! Wren x

Diane said...

Your review is so unique -- I love how you structure it. There is your creativity really shining, in another art form.