Random Things Tours: Murder in Moonlit Square by Paul Waters

A semi-retired Irish nun - inspired by the author´s own auntie -, a hotel owner struggling with the local competition. The busy streets of Delhi. And enough crimes - a robbery, a corpse, a disappearance that may lead to an extended terror threat - to endanger the fate of the beloved historical hotel. The only chance to survive is to find out the reason of the crimes and the culprit. Preferably one step ahead of the law and order authorities. 

Murder in Moonlit Square by Paul Waters is a murder mystery set in India, with a fast forwarding pace and unexpected turns of events. So many that more than once I had to come back reading some details that felt I was missing to understand the context. It is the right type of challenge, because it requires your full attention and dedication, and that´s one of the reasons I love a good crime novel.

The unexpected duo Agatha Murphy-Avtar Mehta are people with a good heart, able to believe in the goodness in people, no matter the circumstances.The unfolding crimes and drama are a human fault, but what led those humans to commit it? Such questions are definitely far from being ´cosy´.

I liked how the elements of the whoddunit are setting the base of the story while adding on many other elements of a crime novel. The ambiance, as well as the unique characters do turn the story into an unforgettable, unputdownable novel. 

The book is the first from the Haveli Hotel Mystery and personally I cannot wait to read and review the next crime story. It promises a lot. 

Last but not least, just take one more minute and have a look at the fantastic cover: from the colour combination - those lavender purple shades are awesomely matching the yellow - to the graphic andd the lettering, everything is a great eye catching. 

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Boulangerie on the Corner by Susan Buchanan

Left without a job AND without a boyfriend, Lia is struggling to find her balance and a way to get back her happiness. The last time she fully enjoyed being alive was long ago when she spent time with the Molins in the French ´pink city´, Toulouse. Now at a crossroad, she wants to feel alive again, hence her decision to return. But it looks like she cannot stay away of trouble: the family bakery is facing serious financial difficulties, plus she has to chose between two charming men.

The Boulangerie on the Corner by Susan Buchanan is more than just a book about romance in France. I came for the love - and Toulouse - but stayed for the trouble. I loved how objective conditions - economic difficulties - challenge the characters, especially Lia, pushing them to find solutions and ultimately experience the feeling of belonging - to a family, a place, a community.

This feeling of belonging is very important in this book, creating the backbone of the story. And when we are really aware of its strength, maybe we can also be able to pick up better partners that would rather care about other person´s feelings than being focused on their own wishes only.

The plot is engaging and relatable, with characters being faced with real-life choices. My bonus was to be literarily back in Toulouse where I always spent a joyous time.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Mon Vrai Nom Est Elizabeth by Adèle Yon

Mon Vrai Nom Est Elizabeth/My Real Name is Elzabeth by Adèle Yon was a French literary hit last year, with translations in English and German, among other languages and the recipient of many prestigious French literary prizes. 

The story is built around a personal history: searching for traces of life of her great grandmother, who spent 17 years in a mental institution as diagnosed with schizophrenia, the author is revealing a story of abuse and manipulation, where medical science - Betsy/Elizabeth was one the first to undergo a lobotomy in 1950 - was used for oppression aims. 

The book has the authenticity of ´MeStory´ with a touch of documentary authenticity. The story is compelling because it goes beyond the individual account, as it reaches out to the longer duration of the history of mentalities.

Yon uses the investigative base, with a very clear objective - the fear of being tainted by the same mental condition - allowing space though for meditation on women history and the tragical fate of those who refused to submit. In the very specific case of the book, the Catholic milieu - not often portrayed, but very much real, because France means more than just the laic anti-religious Paris - plays a very important role in shaping the family interactions, the medical interpretations as well as the reactions of the family members.

The choice and approach of the topic did not surprise me: I was aware from the very few lines where the conclusion will lead to. However, the story is individual and is worth reading it for its uniqueness. By fiercely gathering personal memories, letters, fragments of conversations, Elizabeth´s fate may not be changed, but her personal story can be rewritten. The story of the many Elizabeths can be rewritten as well, hopefully. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: How to Be Fabulous by Carmen Reid

Annie Valentine the main character of How to Be Fabulous by Carmen Reid is a wearer of many glamorous hats: fashionista, busy mom, role model. Fabulous from all angles.  

But being so successful may attract envy, and once she is faced with misfortune, it seems there is no end to it: her children are going through hard times, and the fashion show she wants to help her friend to prepare for a charity event is about to glamorously fail. And it may be just the beginning.

Annie is bubbling, maybe unrealistic and with her head up in the clouds of success. Some of her people are too. But, it is so much fun knowing them, laughing with them. The character is very well developed, it almost feels like a real one - I can in any case relate her to some of my best girlfriends, by the way.

This is the book 8 from the Annie Valentine series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. However, I would be tempted to get more of it. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel Random Resources: The Colletta Cassettes by Bruno Noble

At the end of the 1970s, in Colletta, Liguria, a family is spending a beautiful summer time in Colletta. But as the young members of the family are busy either flirting with young waitresses or watching the Argentina World Cup competition, their father, Peter Kentish, an investigative journalist has other serious plans. His interview with an ex-CIA agent, a dissilusioned American.

His journalistic curiosity is rewarded with some precious details leading deep into the already dark realm of Italian politics. 

The Colletta Cassettes by Bruno Noble republished last year, is a perfect weekend read for readers passionate about politics and smart political conspiracies, set in a very enjoyable location. The author is informed, with passion for detail, and creating a well balanced story, where family interests are competing with ongoing geopolitical turmoils. 

The book is enjoyable and smart, with so many different elements from differents areas - geopolitics, social classes clash, Italian traditions, nature and many more - brought together to adorn an eventful story. I love stories with investigative journalists, therefore I followed up closely Peter Kentish endeavours.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Caller Unknown by Oliver Johnson

A group of children are found out drugged and dumped in Maine. The year is 1970. They have no memories of your previous lives or themselves. They will be adopted or taken care of by the social services. One of them, Ed Constance, who is also the main storyteller of Caller Unknown by Oliver Johnson, grows up a bit different with more awareness about what really may have happened. And as people from his past may reappear into his life, there is a feeling of knowing where things may go to although the missing details are terrifying. Because it was a plan and those children were supposed to be the pawns of achieving it.

This book is a thrilling pageturner, with a perfectly elaborated dark plot. I love how the details are coming up from the darkness of memories and how they are melting with the elements of the present time. It is an admirable execution perfectly paced and with deep psychological insights.

Conspiracy with cultish accent, fight for survival and coping up with deep identity crisis are skillfully used to create tensions, manipulate fears and prevent finding the truth. 

It is a very good thriller, indeed, but hardly to believe it is a debut. I can even see it on screens.

A note of appreciation for the cover as well: the right combination of colours - no blood, and so be it; the lettering size and format; the small and minimalistic yet poignant picture detail.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James

Recently widowed, Joy is trying to enjoy the Northern Lights on a cruise touring the Norwegian fjords without her late husband. On the other side of the deck, Henry, the eternal bachelor, is having a great  and interesting time. Two random destinies meeting under the spectacular lights. Are they though meant to be together?

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James is a suave story of later life romance, set in a charming environment and in a very intense social context. As expected on a cruise, there are so many different characters brought together, from all diverse lines of life; some are fun, some are annoying, some are great friends. Talking about friendship, it plays an important role in connecting the characters, in that slow yet solid way that usually happens at a later stage in life.

The slow pace suits very well the setting, as well as the personality of the characters. Personally, The Northern Lights are a travel dream of mine, but had the chance to explore the Norwegian fjords and I appreciated the geographical- and nature-based details of the landscape.

The book is the third in a series happening on a cruise, but it can be read as a stand alone as well.

I really enjoyed the pace and the ambiance of this book, as well as the interactions between the characters. A pleasant read that may inspire you to travel but also to believe in love, no matter how late in life it may occur.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own