Vera Kelly Is Not a Mystery

This is the second book about Vera Kelly, a twenty-something gay woman trying to make a life in 1960’s NYC. I hadn’t read the first book–and hadn’t even realized that there was a first book– so it’s safe to say that this works as a stand-alone. In 1967, homosexuality is not accepted in mainstream society, and Vera’s outing after her girlfriend moves out costs Vera her job. She decides to fall back on the skills learned as a CIA agent and open a private investigator agency.

As might be expected, both her sex and her sexuality work against here, but Vera is undaunted. When she takes a case looking for a Dominican couple’s missing nephew, she finds a lot more than she bargained for. This is good mix-up of a missing person mystery and a spy thriller, and I was rooting for Vera all the way.

Recommended for those looking for a strong female lead in a setting that’s out of the ordinary.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher (WW Norton) via NetGalley.

A Body in the Bookshop

A Body in the Bookshop by Helen Cox

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the second book in the Kitt Hartley series, but it works as a stand-alone (I haven’t read the first book, but I had little difficulty in picking up the threads of the characters). I found Kitt’s friend, Evie, to be the more compelling character which is good as the book is centered on her. Evie has been left physically scarred after the events in the prior story, and spends time re-considering who she actually is. She is outraged to hear that DS Charlotte Banks has been suspended on charges of police brutality and she makes it her mission to set things right. Some interesting twists and turns and an enjoyable read. I hope that Evie continues to grow and perhaps she can take center stage in future books as well.

I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.



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