Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman

Source: From the publisher & Netgalley for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 26, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family.  For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened. 

     But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

     Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

Review: 

Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors. When I was in high school I picked up Curtain and then Body in the Library and was sold. I tried to read as many of her books as I could. I would often grab them at used bookstores while on beach vacations and read them while there. I love a murder mystery in the summertime. 

This synopsis stole my heart from the moment I read it - wouldn't it be cool to have the Queen of Mystery appear to you to help you solve a crime?! I thought so. Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library follows timid book conservator Tory as she is thrown into a murder mystery case linked to her cousin Nic. Together they, Mrs. Christie, a detective, a young girl, and her librarian work together to figure it all out and more bodies appear as they go. 

Tory was a great MC - she was vulnerable but determined, set in her ways, but also curious. Nic was a great side character, she is often so dramatic and over the top that she created comic relief when needed. Mrs. Christie was herself - she interspersed the dialogue with memories of her life, quotes from her books, thoughts about poisons, and ponderings about whodunit. 

The plot - although a murder mystery - felt like a cozy hug. I loved the premise, the solving of the mystery was done so well and it really felt like normal people inserting themselves into an investigation and running with their thoughts. I think that magical realism part was done well - Mrs. Christie appears when she wants to, only in her room, and only really for the duration of the case. The explanation is just that - she is there to help solve a crime from the afterlife because she is bored. Other than that explanations are left to float. And for me this worked. 

Overall, if you are a fan of Mrs. Christie, you will likely enjoy this book. It is a slower cozy read, but it is full of her vibe and facts about her and her life that I think you will enjoy. Super cute. 

About the Author

Amanda Chapman is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith.  An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City she found herself wondering, "What if someone recreated Agatha Christie's personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture -- in New York City? What would happen in that space?" And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY, the first in a new series, was born.

Building the Book Pile #501

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

It was a strange yet busy week last week. Monday was the holiday so we finished running errands and doing chores for the week ahead. Tuesday and Wednesday I was in the office and was overtaken with emails about things for next week (when recruiting season kicks off and companies start coming to talk to students). I had a few meetings but spent most my time slogging through emails. On Thursday I was off, my husband had an appointment midday and I wanted to be there to drive him/ help if he needed anything. Friday I worked from home and again was overtaken by emails and things to do to prep for Monday.

On Saturday we had to go up north a few hours to pick up his car from the dealer (normal service needed to be done and if we went up there is was 'free'). After picking it up we stopped by another dealer to look at cars. We have been talking about going down to a 1-car household for a bit/ getting an EV... after looking we came home and I played with the dogs and took a short nap. We ended up at another dealership... no car was taken home and we haven't made a decision yet. 

On the reading front - things have been slow going. Between waking up multiple times at night for the puppy to potty and early mornings for the same/ her wanting to play - I have been so tired. Any time I sit to try to read I pretty much fall asleep.  I did finally finish Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library. It was good and no indication of the book that it took me so long to read it. Review finally coming this week. 

Monday starts my business season, but I am going to try to stay on top of reviews and the blog - if I am MIA for a bit.. no worries this is likely why. I hope that you have had a restful weekend with good books.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu by  Mindy Hung - from the publisher for review

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: North of Tomboy by Julie Swanson (MG) -4 stars

Early Reader Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann (Youth) - 4 stars

Recap: August 2025

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Reading Recap - August 2025

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

In August... read 5 books, and I am in the middle of one more.

It was a slow-going reading month, and that is ok. September and October get very busy so I am slowing down a bit.

StoryGraph Visual (seems to be missing 1 book)

~~Books I Read in August~~   

 

Feel free to share in the comments! I would love to know what you are reading! 

Early Reader Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann, Illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 2, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Rating:


Synopsis: 

A sweet, joyous celebration of nine unique children and their lifelong friendship.

Nine little people are born on the same day. All of them experience love and care in their different families, and they grow up doing everything together. They become the best of friends.

9 Little People is an ode to friendship and family. It is an ode to belonging and acceptance. It invites children–and their families–to imagine a community where everyone is brought together by their commonalities, as well as celebrated for their differences.

In sweet, rhyming text, author Regina Feldmann shares how the nine children change and develop, celebrating important and silly moments together—and many moments in between. Martina Stuhlberger’s thoughtful illustrations bring their world to life in vibrant colors.

Review: 

9 Little People follows nine children born on the same day as they grow up together. The book does a lovely job showcasing diversity: across families and day to day experiences. It shared uniqueness and differences in a positive and uplifting light. Overall highlighting the celebration of friendship through their years and differences without being too deep in an accessible, age-appropriate way.

The rhyming text was engaging and playful, and it was fairly short, making it great for a single sitting, short attention spans, or before bedtime. 

The illustrations were appealing and I think that younger readers will enjoy the colors and the detailed characters that were showcased. The backgrounds were more soft and muted, in pastel tones that I think keep the focus on the children and their activities.

There is also a very lovely reader's note that adds warmth. 

Early Reader Review: North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review this in no way alters my opinion or review.

North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson 

Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date:  September 2, 2025

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

For fans of Kacen Callender, Lin Thompson, and Kyle Lukoff, comes a middle grade novel set in 1973 about a child who feels more boy than girl and is frustrated that people act blind to that when—aside for her stupid hair and clothes—it should be obvious!

Shy fourth grader Jess Jezowski turns the tables on her mom when she’s given yet another girly baby doll for Christmas. This time, instead of ignoring or destroying it, she transforms it into the boy she’s always wanted to be—a brave, funny little guy named Mickey. Making him talk, Jess finally lets the boy in her express himself.

But when Mickey evolves to become something more like an alter ego whose voice drowns out her own and the secret of him escapes the safety of her family, Jess realizes Mickey’s too limited and doesn’t allow the boy part of her a big enough presence in the world. She must find a way to blend him into her—so she can be that side of herself anywhere, around anyone.

Jess tries to wean herself from the crutch of Mickey’s loud, comical persona, and to get her family to forget about him, but she struggles to do both. What will it take for her to stop hiding behind Mickey and get people to see her for who she truly is? Based on the author’s experience growing up on Michigan’s rural Leelanau Peninsula in the ’70s, North of Tomboy includes artwork throughout.

Review: 

North of Tomboy is a moving coming-of-age story about nine-year-old Jess, a child growing up in the 1970s who feels out of place in the body and role others expect of her. Gender norms were especially rigid during that time, and Jess struggles to express her frustration at being forced to dress and act “like a girl” without having the words to explain her feelings to her parents.

When she receives yet another doll for Christmas, Jess transforms it into a boy named Mickey and becomes her bold, funny alter ego who finally allows her to express the part of herself that feels most true. Through Mickey, she gains a sense of voice and agency, even as she struggles with how to bring that self into the world openly.

This book is contemporary middle grade, though the 1970s setting underscores just how difficult it was to exist outside traditional expectations. It can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating read, as Jess cannot fully articulate who she is, and the family dynamics may be difficult or even triggering for some readers. Still, the story is impactful and meaningful, showing the power of self-expression and the complicated journey of identity.

Overall, North of Tomboy is a thoughtful and emotional exploration of what it means to grow up feeling different, taking the old idea of “tomboy” and revealing the deeper truths behind it. Young readers who connect with stories of identity, resilience, and self-discovery will likely find it powerful and validating.