3.7 Stars

Harriet Main and her twenty-year-old daughter Olive had moved to River’s End to start a bookstore. It is a dream come true for former librarian Harriet, even if she is still recovering from the pain of her divorce from Jason. 

Olive is supportive, and together they start fresh. One day, the mother-daughter duo comes across an old diary. Olive insists they read the contents. Soon, they uncover the mystery of the past and wade through the secrets. It’s up to Harriet to determine if she can help right the wrong. And how does this change her life? 

The story comes in Harriet’s third-person POV and Nettie’s first-person POV (past timeline). 

After enjoying the first book in the series, I wanted to try this and explore the lovely fictional setting in Australia. It is such a beautiful place (based on real locations) with cliffs, beaches, spacious farmlands, and cute homes. 

This is my second read this month set with a bookstore. It is also a second book with mother/ daughter dynamics. Thankfully, it works well on both fronts. 

We have books with good banter between friends, cousins, lovers, etc. Here, the banter between mom and daughter (Harriet and Olive) is a highlight. Even if it sounds too good to be true, Olive is a wonderful 20-year-old, the kind of daughter most mothers would want. I love her character. 

There’s a bit of romance for Harriet, though it is quite mature and doesn’t take the focus away from the central plot, except towards the end, where a closure is necessary. Even then, the contemporary plot is connected to the past track. 

The crux of the story is the diary the mom-dotty duo finds in their second-hand book purchases and the mystery in it. We get the journal entries in a first-person POV, with the first and last paragraphs in italics (written like how we would in a journal). I quite like this format. The mystery has enough elements for us to guess, though some questions have to be answered by the characters. 

A wee change in POV at one point made me wonder if it was an attempt to plug a plot hole. I tend to write myself into a corner and scramble to find a way out. This gives the same feeling. Not an issue as such. 

Of course, most characters are sweet and nice in the small town, and the bookshop is an instant hit with many sales. A bit hard to believe, but that’s okay. Some positivity is good (and much-needed after my previous read). 

The pacing is a bit slow, and I admit I liked Olive more than Harriet. Brock is, of course, a sweetheart in his friendly, kind sort of way. He is confident but in a calm and unstated manner. The hero from book one was just as good (and better since he had a bigger role). It’s refreshing to read such MMCs. 

To summarize, The Bookstore at Rivers End is a heartwarming story of moving on, making friends, valuing relationships, and doing what makes one happy without hurting others. This is a clean romance and works as a standalone. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheBookstoreAtRiversEnd 

 2.7 Stars

What happens to the dysfunctional immigrant Armenian family in Queens (NY) when a tragedy strikes? 

With the news of their father’s terminal illness, Kohar, Lucine, and Azad have to handle the mess in their personal lives, come to terms with the present, and lay rest to the past. Having a volatile and strict mother further strains their relationships. Will the family survive or break? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of the main characters (Kohar, Lucine, Azad, Jonathan, Garbiel, and Takouhi). 

I follow an Armenian lady on Instagram and love the pictures of her native place (the farms, plants, ancient cathedrals, etc.). This book seemed like a good way to get a glimpse into the community, even if it is from the immigrant perspective. 

Soon, I noticed it had a few parallels with other immigrant books – dysfunctional families, torn between two cultures, the attempts of first-gen immigrants to keep the native culture and traditions alive however possible, etc. Another similarity was in parental control, something we often find in Asian families. I rather liked this sense of familiarity. 

The writing is very good. I even forgot this was a debut work. Despite the lack of indication for time jumps, the plot was easy enough to follow. And most importantly, the characterization is good. It doesn’t matter that half of them are unlikeable and toxic. They make a strong impact. I even felt suffocated in some scenes. 

I like how Gabriel and Jonathan have such unconventional roles. Even with the book being dominated by women, we cannot imagine the plot without these two men. 

You may wonder why such a low rating when the book has such good elements. Well, we’ll tackle them next. There is where I should probably say, ‘it’s not you, it’s me’. 

Though I knew the book would be about toxic families and relationships, this was much like watching a massive collision. Can’t say I particularly liked it. And when things could have gotten a little better, they take a turn for worse. There’s only so much I can bear before getting annoyed. 

Azad was irritating. If there’s one person I couldn’t empathize with, that’s her. I don’t mind Bohemian characters, but she didn’t work for me. 

The book is divided into three parts. The first was good, and the second was okay, even though we see a change in the narrative. The third was off, and since I lost interest by then, I just wanted it to end soon. 

While I don’t mind the time jumps, I still had a hard time following the change in the characters. Of course, a few reveals made things clear, which I appreciate. 

The multiple POVs give us an insight into each character, even if we don’t agree with their actions. But for me, only Kohar’s POV was compelling. Next was Gabriel. 

Being lit fiction, I expected the narrative to be slow, but this one is super dragging. It feels as if the plot couldn’t carry its own burden, especially in the second half. And when there isn’t anything happy or light about the story, such pacing is a disadvantage (at least with readers like me who don’t equate the genre with misery and toxicity). 

And what’s with the last part of the book? I know such things happen often. I also know that woman deserved what she got. I am also glad the character I liked could finally move on. Still, it felt like were pushed from one universe to another. 

To summarize, All the Ways We Lied is a book about toxic people and what one person’s narcissism can do to the family. It is heavy, slow, and tough to read. Got a few triggers, too. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AllTheWaysWeLied 

 4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Oh, so adorable! 

A Tale as Old as Time is a bookshop on Ever After Street run by Marnie Platt. She had shut herself from everything after losing a dear one, but a letter from the property owner forces her to take action or lose her bookstore. Marnie is distraught, and her wit’s end when help comes from the most unexpected corner. 

No one knows Darcy O'Connell or has seen him. Many don’t even know his name, and that’s how he likes it. His is Marnie’s Scary Neighbor, who sells the most beautiful roses and flower arrangements. As he and Marnie start to interact with each other (with an overgrown hedge as a barrier), they become friends and slowly step out of their comfort zones. 

Things seem to look up, but Marnie knows they have a long way to go. With some help from friends, maybe she can save the bookstore and live again. But she first needs to convince Darcy he is worthy of loving. 

The story comes in Marnie’s first-person POV. 

The author is now officially one of my favorites. She writes such beautiful characters- layered and flawed but not too annoying (except for the supposed villain who is 2D). 

Darcy can win the grumpiest of grumps hand down. Yet, he is so human! Kind, sweet, and someone who can give without expecting anything in return (the author does grumpy men very well). 

Marnie isn’t sunshine. She is an introvert (someone who can talk non-stop if she feels comfortable with the person). She is lively enough and can do well in a group, except that she has entered a shell and is struggling to come out of it. Her arc is well-structured, and we get many glimpses of what she was before tragedy changed her. 

Marnie and Darcy’s relationship is slow and steady. It’s not without a few hiccups, either. They are both vulnerable, and it shows. The scenes where Darcy bonds with Mrs. Potts are too cute. Despite reading the whole thing in Marnie’s POV, we can feel the change in him and understand his emotions. 

Of course, the plotline is predictable, and there’s no attempt to make it seem otherwise. The writing makes it apparent that the readers are supposed to guess. We know more than the characters (at least the FMC). The focus is on when and how the FMC will connect the dots and what happens next. 

There are many bookish references given the premise. There are also several mentions of Beauty and Beast (all versions). In fact, this is an artful and contemporary retelling of the same, sans the fantasy elements, of course. 

We also don’t have a third-act breakup. Since this is a slow burn, the storyline doesn’t need one. I loved how understanding the characters are and their response when the ‘secrets’ come out. A mature take that aligns with their ages (mid to late 30s). 

Rick’s character feels clichéd, but then I know people who would give him company with their out-of-the-world delusions. 

The community steps in only in the second half and towards the last section. That’s when the plot needs them, though we always know they are there in the background, ready to support their fellow entrepreneurs whenever necessary. 

The pacing is slow and cannot be rushed. I’m used to it now. Can’t wait to see what the next book will be! 

To summarize, An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street is a heartwarming and poignant book that will make you laugh, smile, and even tear up a wee bit. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AnEnchantedMomentOnEverAfterStreet 

 

 2.5 Stars

Niamh Ó Conchobhair is a commoner but a gifted seamstress who can weave enchantments into the dresses she makes. This gets her an invitation to make dresses for the royal wedding in the kingdom of Avaland, a neighbor who has been oppressing her country for generations. Still, Niamh is not willing to let go of the chance to earn money and give her mother and gran a better life. 

Soon, Niamh realizes things aren’t great in Avaland. The groom, Prince Kit (Christopher) is rude and is nothing more than a pawn in a political wedding. As Kit and Niamh spend time together, friendship and love bloom. However, someone knows or suspects it and is now blackmailing them to reveal some crucial secrets. 

What will Niamh and Kit do? Fight for love, sacrifice for the kingdom, or find a way out to solve all problems? 

The story comes in Niamh’s third-person POV. 

The cover of this edition is beautiful. It is whimsical and has an other-worldly feel, which suits the premise. 

The bare bones (intentions) are good, be it the conflict between the oppressor and oppressed countries, rich vs. poor, or a magical setting. 

Kit’s magic is well done. It’s the only part of the magical system that was detailed. Niamh’s talents show promise, but that’s it. 

Some descriptions are beautiful and paint a vivid picture of the setting. 

Infanta Rosa, Miriam, Sofia, and Sinclair have great potential. 

Yes, I know this is YA romance. However, I can’t help but feel that the premise has been wasted and diluted. The book could have been more intricate and compact if it was written for an adult audience. (On that note, I’m not sure if Kit’s excessive smoking and the beginning of the love scene are suitable for younger YA readers.) 

Niamh reminds me of Bella from Twilight. A comparison I would have liked in my early 20s but not now. Despite the narration not being her first-person POV (thank god!), there’s a lot of rambling. We need Kit’s POV to balance the narrative. 

The political conflict and all that is so messy! Even if the conflict is meant for the lead couple to ‘overcome’ the obstacles, it should be streamlined. It’s apparently a fantasy take on England vs. Ireland history, not that it would make any difference. There isn’t a proper resolution, either.  

The side characters are way better than the main ones. They should have been more fleshed out. 

The romance between Niamh and Kit is okayish. We don’t really know what Kit thinks. We only know what others tell Niamh what Kit thinks/ feels. Convincing? Nope. 

I wish we had seen Niamh work. I mean work-work like the seamstress she is- delegating jobs to the staff the prince gave her, choosing between different materials, etc. However, we are told she is overworked and killing herself in the process coz she is so selfless and needs to learn to be selfish. She spends more time with her ‘friends’ and poking her nose into the internal matters. (Yes, there are scenes of her sewing, but I want her to do more than stitch and hurt herself with the stupid needle coz she is overworked.) 

The book has themes like class differences, political conflicts, civil unrest, political marriage, parental abuse, alcoholism, forbidden romance, a chronic, life-threatening illness (very vague stuff), etc. But none manages to make an impact. 

And… why do we have so many adverbs? 5-6 per Kindle page are too many for my poor brain to ignore. Lots of ‘golden’ light too. *sob* 

To summarize, A Fragile Enchantment has a fantastic premise but flatters in execution. Even for a YA read, it could have been better. It is just too disjointed to make an impact.  

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Wednesday Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.8 Stars

Teshima is a tiny peaceful island in Japan with a library of heartbeats. It’s where the heartbeats of people from around the world are collected and safeguarded. Away in Kamakura, Shuichi, a 40-year-old illustrator, arrives to renovate his home after his mother’s death. He spies an 8-year-old boy shadowing the house. After much deliberation, he approaches the kid in his own manner. 

As Shuichi and Kenta form a bond, they decide to travel to the library of heartbeats. Here, the journey is as important as the destination. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Shuichi and Kenta, with a few chapters from others. 

I went into the book with no expectations. From what little I’ve read of Japanese Lit, I know it’s different and needs patience. The beginning is vague and intriguing, even if the pacing is slow. The story comes together in the second half. However, the book will work better if you go with the flow. Categorizing the sections can be confusing. 

There is a short note about surnames and pronunciation before we get into the story. It was quite helpful. 

Suichi is not an easy character to like at times, but he manages to be very much real. Kenta is, of course, a darling little boy you can’t help but empathize with. Sayaka is fine, though she seems more like a side character. I couldn’t connect with her. 

I love the explanation of kanji (Chinese/ Japanese alphabet) and the mini-stories woven around them. Since the alphabet is also provided, it was easy to understand the explanation. 

While the writing is melancholic, halfway through, we realize there’s more sadness and death in the book. We see themes like grieving the death of loved ones, dysfunctional families, a wee bit of bullying, types of mourning and moving on, bonding between two seemingly unrelated people (the man and the boy), etc. 

A few recurring themes are happiness, past (memories), acceptance, and opening one’s heart to love. There are some ‘moral’ dilemmas too. 

The book needs to be read with proper formatting. The ARC (PDF) is missing italics and scene breaks. This made it a bit hard to track the jumps. Luckily, I thought I understood the pattern, but turns out I was wrong and figured it out in the last quarter. The saving grace is that what was supposed to be story-in-story was very much a part of the narrative. I didn’t skip those sections, so I didn’t miss any info. 

While the library of Heartbeats is the title, the book is about hearts and emotions. TBH, I expected a little more about the wonderful place and the setting. But the focus is more on the main characters. I’d have loved it if the island played a more prominent role. 

The book has an author’s note, glossary, and acknowledgement page, providing a little extra insight into the content. Don’t skip these, as you will understand why the entire premise has such melancholy to it. And the Heartbeat Archives is a real place (good if you already know; I thought it was fiction). 

To summarize, The Library of Heartbeats is a mellow and bittersweet story of loss, grief, family, friendships, and finding love (not romantic) to have the courage to live again. It may not be for everyone and definitely not a book I would NOT recommend if you are already down. While it does have a hopeful ending, the overall sadness will further affect your spirits. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Manilla Press), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheLibraryOfHeartbeats 

 3.8 Stars

Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago? 

Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case? 

The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV. 

After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator. 

As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away. 

The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things. 

We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver! 

There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced. 

The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more. 

There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery. 

Two things I like the most – 

Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept. 

The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements. 

But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster. 

To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance 

Emily Wilde is back in action and determined to find a door to the fae realm for Wendell Bambleby. She has been avoiding his marriage proposal, though she knows she feels a tingling sensation when with him. 

However, the duo has a major task ahead, with Wendell’s evil stepmother sending assassins to murder him. The fae king’s life in the mortal world is in danger, and so is Emily’s life. They go to explore the Austrian Alps with interesting company, but the path home is filled with dangers. And, of course, can Emily decide what her heart wants? 

The story comes in Emily’s first-person POV (in a journal). 

After enjoying book one, I was excited to read this and meet the adorable Wendell again. I think I like both books equally. 

There are quite many interactions with different Fae creatures, most of them belonging to the dangerous kind. This time, we visit Austria in winter, so it is super chilly and foggy, adding to the risk levels. 

The book has a few new side characters. While it takes time to warm up to Rose, Ariadne impresses almost immediately. She is Emily’s nineteen-year-old niece, a student at Cambridge, where Emily and Wendell are professors. I hope book three has this bubbly young girl. 

Wendell is not his usual self (for certain reasons), but that doesn’t dim his charm. His obsession with cleanliness, love for food, and offhanded magic (which sometimes gives hilarious results) are lovely to read. 

Emily is cool but can be so dense sometimes that it’s infuriating. She uses her brain cells only for research and studies, so even basic common sense can evade her at times. But that is her character arc and not something I complain about. 

The pacing is an issue, though. While the first book was slow throughout, this one is uneven. The beginning went faster as if we were reading only a first-person POV and not Emily’s journal. That was more than fine for me. But the middle is slow and heavy. Many events seem to occur, though the story goes in circles, and the % doesn’t move. Finally, things get better in the last section. 

The locals don’t have the same role or charm as the ones in the previous book. Shadow is his best, and we meet Poe again! There’s Snowbell, too, an addition to Emily’s fae friends. Then, we meet a few important characters who will play vital roles in the next book. 

And oh, the banter between Emily and Wendell isn’t that great, but there is good progress in their ‘not a relationship’. Maybe a wee bit of romance, too, though this is Emily’s journal, and you will not get any details. 

The last quarter of the book is really good. It ends right where it should, setting the stage for the (hopefully) last in the series. I have high expectations for the next one, given the high stakes. 

To summarize, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is an entertaining read with magic, faes, and danger. However, its main purpose is to connect the first and last books. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Group (Orbit), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #EmilyWildesMapOfTheOtherlands 

 3.7 Stars

Sister Helen Hopgood is a nurse at the temporary military hospital at the Merwood Farm. It has only a handful of patients left after the rush of the war. 

The owner, Joseph Wintringham, wants to sell the farm but can’t find buyers due to the rumors that the place has been cursed. Some time ago, a beautiful young nurse, Isabel Taplin, was murdered. No one knows who the killer is. Rumors say that her ghost is haunting the place. With more deaths occurring, it’s up to Helen to find the killer(s). 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Helen, Dr Samuel, and Richard.  

I wanted to try this since I enjoy the author’s Iris Woodmore Series. Right now, this book is a standalone. I’d prefer it that way since the ending suits the book (though the publishers might turn it into a series). 

Set after WWI, the book deals with the aftermath of war and what it did to the soldiers. The make-shift hospital has only a few patients who have almost recovered physically but have psychological scars. 

The setting (based on a real place, as mentioned in the author’s note) is bleak, grim, and part sinister. Though we get some lovely descriptions of the moon, lake, and birds, it’s hard to shrug off the dark tone. However, this suits the plot. 

The characters are flawed and hard to like in some cases. It took me a while to warm up to Helen despite being impressed by her efficiency. In the end, I was more than happy to support her decision, so she won me over.  

The mystery is solid. It has many twists- some predictable, some not. But they make sense in the bigger picture. I didn’t fully figure out the killer(s), so that’s good too. And for a change, the superintendent in charge of the cases is quite sharp and competent. I wouldn’t say Helen is the main sleuth. Others also contribute and make it a team effort. 

The book also deals with themes like obsession (different types), PTSD, trauma, anger, secrets, dysfunctional family, financial troubles, rumors, superstition, etc. My favorite is the various types of obsession the characters display and the extent to which they go to achieve what they want. 

The pacing is a bit uneven, though. The first quarter is slow, and there isn’t much to like about those we encounter. Also, given the multiple POVs, we don’t really know any of the characters. While it helps maintain the suspense, it’s hard to root for any of them or pick sides. 

There’s a minor love track and a touch of what could have been a triangle without all the angst and drama. The focus stays on the mystery most of the time. 

To summarize, Murder at Merewood Hospital is a worthy read if you are looking for a post-WWI cozy mystery with some intriguing themes. It is a bit heavy and may not be appropriate if you want a light and humorous read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderAtMerewoodHospital 

 4 Stars 

The book presents the history of Indian politics and the role of Hinduism from the medieval era to the current day. It talks about different ideologies while focusing on Hinduism and how it continues to shape the country’s politics, as well as socio-economic growth. 

It starts with an introduction where the author says the book would look at political Hinduism over the centuries without taking sides or passing judgment. It is more like a compilation of speeches, writing, and extracts. The book follows a timeline, starting before the independence and up to the current date. It ends with the author’s summation of how to overcome the obstacles and strengthen Indian politics, preferably with interference from vested foreign ‘activists’. 

Sharing a few quotes (in italics) from the book (my copy is an ARC, so the quotes may have been edited in the final version). 

Ananda Math by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay first used the word Hindutva in 1882. At the core of Bankim’s thinking in this regard was the concept of the Eternal Code, or Sanatana dharma. 

The BJP and the RSS do not define themselves based on US themes, and even though in the West they are termed right-wing, many of their ideas are, in fact, left-wing, especially on economics… 

Something the Hindu American groups have been trying to explain for a while. We would be much obliged if the US stopped superimposing its politics on other countries. Each country has its own history, different from what happened in the US. Trying to create non-existing parallels will only lead to distortion. 

The author highlights our history books have since long glorified invaders and put down the native leaders. For example, ‘…that Ghazni and his looting of Somnath are well known but his defeat at the hands of Sangamaraja is hardly mentioned is something that political Hinduism seeks to correct…’ according to Savarkar. 

‘…but the story of the courageous king of Travancore, Marthanda Varma, who prevented the imperialistic expansion of the Dutch East India Company in India is increasingly held up as a forgotten but vital example of India fighting back and winning in the colonial era…’ 

Countless leaders and intellectuals like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore, Jadunath Sarkar, Jyotirao Phule, Savarkar, and even Nehru used Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s name to inspire the desire for freedom from British rule. 

Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar wrote, “The first Semitic religion was Judaism, an intolerant faith. It was this intolerance that nailed Christ on the Cross. Then came Christianity, the child of the former. That, too, was equally intolerant. Doubtless, Christ was a great saint. But later, what went on in the name of Christ had nothing to do with him. It was no Christianity but only ‘Churchianity.’ The saying ‘There was but one true Christian, and he died on the Cross’ is true to the letter. The Christians committed all sorts of atrocities on the Jews by giving them the label ‘Killers of Christ.’ …Then came Islam—a long story of ‘Sword and Koran’ written in the tears and blood of millions of innocent human beings…. The fear that Hindu Rashtra will imperil the existence of other religious groups arises by applying the above Semitic yardstick to it and imagining that the concept of Hindu Rashtra is analogous to that of the Semitic states notorious for their religious bigotry and persecutions.” 

Shyam Prasad Mookerjee said, “…There is an important difference in the approach to the problem of minorities in India and Pakistan. The vast majority of Muslims in India wanted the partition of the country on a communal basis, although, I gladly recognize that there has been a small section of patriotic Muslims who consistently have identified themselves with national interests and suffered for it. The Hindus, on the other hand, were almost to a man definitely opposed to partition. . . . If anyone analyses the course of events in Pakistan since its creation, it will be manifest that there is no honorable place for Hindus within that State.” 

I’m yet to see a single global activist raise their voice for the minority Hindus and Christians in Pakistan and Bangladesh, even when young girls get kidnapped, raped, and married to men thrice their age. The courts give verdicts in favor of the kidnappers or send the girls to ‘care homes’ from which they are kidnapped in less than 24 hours. 

Decades ago, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya said, “…Borrowing any ‘ism’ and pasting it onto Indian conditions is not particularly useful…” 

He also said, “The concept of ‘Swadeshi’ is ridiculed as old fashioned and reactionary. We proudly use foreign articles and concepts... We shall forget our individuality and become virtual slaves once again.” 

As the author continues to talk about the politics and changing governments, scams, assassinations, the Emergency period, etc., there’s one thing that stands out. I can’t help but notice how Congress won elections despite a disastrous performance by somehow having its important leaders assassinated or murdered. This happened more than once. Sympathy waves rose high! 

To summarize, Soul and Sword is a solid introduction to the vast topic of political Hinduism. Contrary to Western opinion, we Hindus have always been a part of the political landscape in the country. It’s not a new phenomenon. What’s new is that a greater % of the common public is now refusing to bow down to others and ask for their approval. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #SoulandSword 

 4 Stars 

Mabel Canning has moved to London from her village in Sussex to live like an independent woman. Thirty-two and unmarried, she applies to freelance at the Useful Women’s Agency run by Lillian Kerr. No job is strange for the women from this agency. Be it writing letters or cleaning attics, they have to do it all to earn their living. 

Mabel’s job takes her to the house of wealthy Rosalind Despard. When a dead man rolls into the house at the event, Mabel can’t help but step in and offer support to the widow. Soon, she becomes involved in the mystery, hoping to find more information. Mabel works with Park Winstone, Rosalind’s brother, and his cutie dog, Gladys, to uncover the mystery.  

Soon, she realizes it is not an easy task. With her life at risk, can Mabel solve the crime before it’s too late? 

The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV. 

Well, here’s another historical cozy I couldn’t resist. It helped that book #2 is available for request in case I liked this one. 

Mabel is an easy character to like. She loves her father, nanny, and her friends back home. Yet, she has her ambitions and wants to give her best to find a footing in the city. She is open-minded most of the time. It helps that she is naturally inquisitive and can use her brain when necessary. 

I like how we meet an array of characters from different backgrounds. They are well-defined without being elaborate. Cora, Skeff, Rosalind, Bridget, and Mr. Chigley make a mark. Though Mrs. Chandrashekar (Mabel’s Indian nanny) doesn’t have an active role, we can see how much she has influenced Mabel. 

Park Winstone (former Yard detective) is the grumpy, protective brother (of Rosalind), though we know he can take a joke and be a fun person. His doggie, Gladys, is adorable. A bit of a naughty little thing but brave, too. 

Augustus, the eight-year-old, is a mischievous monkey. His mother is a recurring client of Miss Kerr and wants someone to keep her unruly son in check. I wish to see more of him in the series. The poor kid deserves a better mom. He is too smart for his own good. 

The mystery starts well. Right away, we have some suspects. The list grows as more information comes out. Of course, the Yard, for all its expertise, seems to miss important clues. The Inspector might not be that bad, though. We’ll know in the coming books. I could guess the criminal and am happy to say I got it right. 

To summarize, A Body on the Doorstep is a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series. I’m excited to read the next book and see Mabel solve more crimes. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #ABodyOnTheDoorstep