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A Dash of History with Your Mysteries: Even Though I Knew the End by CL Polk, Peril in Paris by Rhys Bowen, and Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders by Aliette De Bodard

9 Nov

Even Though I Knew the End
by CL Polk
I had previously read and enjoyed CL Polk’s novel about witches The Midnight Bargain so was curious to check out their latest novel, Even Though I Knew the End. Even Though I Knew the End is a supernatural noir which takes inspiration from The Great Gatsby and is set in an alternative Chicago in the early 20th century where magic and demons are real and deals at the crossroads bring your heart’s desire for the cost of your soul. The supernatural elements are cleverly integrated and the sweet Sapphic romance as well as a story of reunited siblings was fast paced. If anything, it was over a bit too quickly for my taste, I wanted more of the charming characters and their adventures. It also had probably one of my favorite fictional demons. Lucky for you no soul selling required, you can check out a copy from the library.

Peril in Paris
by Rhys Bowen
Peril in Paris, on the other hand, is a good choice for those looking for a historic mystery with less fantasy of the supernatural variety and a bit more humor. I wasn’t sure now that Georgina was married and pregnant with her first child if some of the adventure in the Royal Spyness might be lacking, but Peril in Paris cured any worries I’ve had. Although I’m always a fan of the capers of the poor yet aristocratic Georgina, this novel was one of my favorites with Georgie encountering such historic figures as Coco Chanel and Gertrude Stein when she visits her friend Belinda in France and assists her husband on a secret mission for Britain. Of course there is also a murder mystery to be solved. Rhys Bowen does a brilliant job of weaving together history, humor, romance, and mystery. Fans of cozy mysteries even those not typically interested in historic settings will be delighted. I received an early copy of Peril in Paris and Even Though I Knew the End for review from Netgalley. Hoboken Public Library patrons can borrow them using the Libby App from eBCCLS.

Dragons, Feasts, and Murders
by Aliette De Bodard
Another quick fantasy/mystery read, the novella, Dragons, Feasts, and Murders is the first in the Dragons and Blades series which spun off from the Dominion of the Fallen Trilogy. During Lunar New Year, the dragon prince, Thuan takes his husband Asmodeus, a fallen angel, home to spend time with family, however, the revelries are interrupted by a murder that Asmodeus can’t resist attempting to solve. The setting is an alternate history Vietnamese inspired kingdom at the bottom of the Seine River in post-apocalyptic Paris where characters have an aquatic creature side to their humanoid appearance, which is depicted in as intriguingly original a way as it sounds. You can also borrow the second in De Bodard’s series Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances from Hoopla.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Scrumptious Romances: Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble, Other Birds, and Chef’s Kiss

2 Nov

Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble
by Alexis Hall
Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble is the second in the Winner Bakes all Series, a series of novels set against a TV show similar to theGreat British Baking Show.  Readers of the previous book will be pleased with a passing mention updating the previous relationship, but the main focus is a whole new group of bakers so it is not necessary to have readRosaline Palmer Takes the Cake to enjoy this story.  I’ve been a fan of Hall’s for awhile and appreciate his complex well developed characters.  Paris is the son of a top fashion designer father and a super model mom, who are too busy living their jet set lifestyle to spend time or even communicate with their son.  Paris is entered into the show by his best friend and although at first successful, struggles with anxiety that he has been burdened by for most of his life.  His love interest is Tariq, another contestant, who hopes to one day be the host of a Halal cooking show.  I thought Paris’s mental health issues were handled in a nuanced and realistic way as was Tariq’s balancing of his sexuality and his religious beliefs.  Tariq’s family’s warmth was a lovely depiction of a functional family.  This sweet gentle read left me looking forward to what the next book and season will bring. You can also read my previous blog post including a review of Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake and another baking competition romance, For the Love of Cake by Erin Dutton.

Chef’s Kiss,
by TJ Alexander
Another sweet LGBTQ romance, I recently enjoyed was Chef’s Kiss, the debut novel, by TJ Alexander.  Simone has always dreamed of working for The Discerning Chef, a cookbook publisher in New York, (think Gourmet or Bon Appetite).  But she feels out of her depth when they begin to demand writers not only create recipes but also create social media videos to try and advertise and expand the brand.  Ray Lyton the new kitchen manager’s relaxed attitude at first irks Simone, but soon the two are working together on the video project and Simone begins to develop feelings for Ray.  When Ray comes out as nonbinary, some of The Discerning Chef reacts in a prejudiced manner, which causes Simone, who had previously kept quiet about her own bisexuality, to rethink whether her “dream job” is where she really belongs.  There is a sequel planned for next summer, but details have not been yet released if it will continue Simone and Ray’s story or follow other characters from this novel.

Other Birds
by Sarah Addison Allen
It’s been a while since we had been gifted with a new novel from Sarah Addison Allen, but Other Birds is worth the wait.  Mallow Island, located off the coast of South Caroline, is named for the plants that grow there that were used to make the marshmallow confections that the island is famous for.  The Dellawisp condos are hidden down an alley and its residents are also hiding from their pasts, that is in until 18 year-old Zoey Hennessey arrives.  Zoey is moving into her deceased mother’s condo before she starts college on the main land and she is curious to find out not only more about her mother, but also about the residents of Dellawisp including a chef who wakes up each morning covered in cornmeal and can tell the story of the seasons through food and a Henna artist that he has had a secret crush on.  A charming story of not only romance, but also found family with Allen’s magical realism sprinkled throughout such as the invisible bird that accompanies Zoey on her adventures.  You can read a previous post about Allen’s work here.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services




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