Month: February 2025

Jane Austen’s Bookshelf, by Rebecca Romney. Simon Element/S&S/Marysue Ricci Books. Feb. 18, 2025. 400 pages.

With a light, almost conversational style, this book offers deep insights into the history of the novel, and especially the women writers of the 18th century.

Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction

The Queens of Crime, by Marie Benedict. St. Martin’s Press, 2025, 308 pages.

This 1931 fictional adventure is narrated by Dorothy Sayers, who also explores her complicated relationships with those closest to her. Her character describes her fellow female crime novelists with their signature styles and quirks, and gives us an engaging mystery to solve.

A Podcast focused on classic mystery novels of the “Golden Age,” mostly by women: Shedunnitshow.com delves into the authors and mysteries behind classic detective stories. It is free, though one can join the reasonably-priced Book Club for more in-depth discussions and events.

2/4/25
Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley Books, 2025. 400 pages.

This inspiring, evocative novel joins several others by the same author about important but forgotten Black women in the first half of 20th century America.

Please see “Reviews – Fiction.”