“The Lost Melody” by Joanna Davidson Politano

Title: The Lost Melody
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher:  Revell
Year: 2022
Genre(s):  historical fiction, gothic fiction, suspense, romance
Part of a Series: Yes, but can be read separately

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: Accomplished concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant is surprised when she becomes the guardian of a ward at Hurstwell Asylum. When the asylum insists her ward doesn’t exist, Vivienne goes to investigate herself. But powerful forces conspire against her and she soon finds herself an inmate at Hurstwell. Will she be able to figure out the asylum’s dark secrets and bring light to its patients? Or will she succumb to the darkness and madness herself?

“The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James

Title: The Book of Cold Cases
Author: Simone St. James
Publisher:  Berkley
Year: 2022
Genre(s):  mystery, suspense, paranormal
Part of a Series: No

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: By day, Shea Collins is a receptionist at a doctor’s office. By night, she is a popular blogger who runs a site called The Book of Cold Cases. She writes about true crime, her way of coping with being a player in one as a child. Her two worlds collide when she meets Beth Greer, the last member of a prominent family in their Oregon town. Back in 1977, Beth was accused of being the Lady Killer – the murderer of two men who left behind taunting notes. Though she was ultimately acquitted at trial, suspicion has followed her since then. She decides to tell her story to Shea, who realizes that there is more to the story than anyone has known. Will she be able to tell the truth – or will some force make sure the truth remains a secret?

“Sisters of the Resistance” by Christine Wells

Title: Sisters of the Resistance
Author: Christine Wells
Publisher:  William Morris/HarperCollins
Year: 2021
Genre(s):  historical fiction, romance
Part of a Series: No

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club selection

Summary: Yvette returns to Paris a few years after the end of World War II and is recruited to be a mannequin for Christian Dior’s new fashion house. But this is not her first time working with the legendary designer – or his sister, Catherine. Yvette and her sister Gabrielle must finally come to terms with what they sacrificed and the risks they took in the final days of the Nazi occupation of Paris while working as part of Catherine Dior’s network of spies. Will they finally be able to move on and find happiness in their lives at last?