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




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44 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 1, 2022 at 1:30 AM

    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

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  2. VeeNovember 1, 2022 at 2:38 AM

    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.

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  3. VeggieMummyNovember 1, 2022 at 9:21 AM

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

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  4. RosieNovember 1, 2022 at 10:40 AM

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

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  5. eileeninmdNovember 1, 2022 at 11:32 AM

    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.

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  6. lindaNovember 1, 2022 at 1:25 PM

    Thank you for the review I love murder mysteries. x

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  7. DewenaNovember 1, 2022 at 1:58 PM

    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!

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  8. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeNovember 1, 2022 at 8:41 PM

    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!

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  9. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiNovember 2, 2022 at 12:14 AM

    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.

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  10. LorrieNovember 2, 2022 at 1:26 AM

    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.

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  11. creativejewishmom/saraNovember 2, 2022 at 11:34 AM

    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!

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  12. white and vintageNovember 2, 2022 at 5:17 PM

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

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  13. Jill at emeraldcottageNovember 2, 2022 at 6:13 PM

    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

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  14. Kim November 3, 2022 at 1:13 AM

    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!!

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  15. AndreeNovember 3, 2022 at 2:03 AM

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

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  16. RhodesiaNovember 3, 2022 at 7:31 PM

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

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  17. Carla from The RiverNovember 3, 2022 at 8:55 PM

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

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  18. FlashinScissorsNovember 4, 2022 at 9:20 AM

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

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  19. The Joy of Home with Martha EllenNovember 5, 2022 at 9:53 PM

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

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  20. Lowcarb team memberNovember 6, 2022 at 1:43 AM

    Many thanks for your review.

    I like your baskets.

    All the best Jan

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  21. Linda @ Life and LindaNovember 6, 2022 at 1:53 AM

    Great book review. The baskets are amazing. Hugs

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  22. Veronica LeeNovember 7, 2022 at 5:57 AM

    Sounds intriguing!

    I enjoyed the review, Amalia!

    Hugs and blessings 💐

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  23. SnowbirdNovember 7, 2022 at 9:27 PM

    Great review. Loving those baskets.xxx

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  24. TomNovember 8, 2022 at 5:19 PM

    ...I give your handiwork 5 stars too.

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  25. Carol @Comfort Spring StationNovember 8, 2022 at 5:23 PM

    Sounds like a winner

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  26. JunkchiccottageNovember 8, 2022 at 5:30 PM

    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

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  27. ConniecrafterNovember 8, 2022 at 5:56 PM

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

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  28. R's RueNovember 8, 2022 at 10:56 PM

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

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  29. MargieNovember 9, 2022 at 12:04 AM

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

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  30. PamNovember 9, 2022 at 3:52 AM

    Sounds great.

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  31. Tandy | Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com)November 9, 2022 at 8:20 AM

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

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  32. JoNovember 9, 2022 at 12:11 PM

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

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  33. Pam RichardsonNovember 9, 2022 at 1:50 PM

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

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  34. Nancy ChanNovember 9, 2022 at 2:52 PM

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

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  35. Shooting Stars MagNovember 9, 2022 at 7:00 PM

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

    Lauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  36. EricaStaNovember 9, 2022 at 8:10 PM

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

    Happy MosaicMonday

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  37. DeniseinVANovember 10, 2022 at 12:27 AM

    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!

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  38. NCSueNovember 10, 2022 at 5:55 PM

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

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  39. EL INVENTARIO DE MJNovember 10, 2022 at 8:31 PM

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

    BESOS

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  40. Amy JohnsonNovember 12, 2022 at 6:15 PM

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

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  41. Arun GoyalNovember 21, 2022 at 9:05 AM

    Beautiful post ! Thanks for sharing with Garden affair.

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  42. EricaStaNovember 24, 2022 at 6:52 PM

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

    Hugs by Heidrun

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  43. Little Wandering WrenNovember 25, 2022 at 4:40 AM

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

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  44. DianeDecember 6, 2022 at 5:45 PM

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

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