Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

#ThePieMashDetectiveAgency #NetGalley

I knew that I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw the cover and title. These made me feel that this book would have some humor along with the mystery itself.

I enjoyed getting to know Jane Pie and Simon Mash. They are a couple who are opposites in many ways. Together, they are taking a class on becoming a private detective. One of them seems to take this more seriously than the other but they will both use their skills as they try to solve a complex case with tendrils in the present and past.

This title offered an enjoyable read. I hope that it is the first in a series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 March 2026

Post first published on 11 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Oddball couple Jane and Simon take a private detective class and must use their (admittedly limited) skills to solve a series of mysterious disappearances in this delightful debut mystery.

Jane Pye and Simon Mash are a millennial couple with a little extra time on their hands. Jane was recently let go from her position as a back-end programmer, having never been quite sure what that meant. And Simon’s career as a corporate collaboration consultant seems to be less collaborating and more scrolling the internet in search of matching velour tracksuits and well-balanced charcuterie boards. When they sign up for a private detective class on a whim, they quickly realize they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. 

Their instructor, having a feeling his two worst students don’t have a chance of solving anything beyond finding the classroom, assigns them the case of Nellie Thorne, a woman recently reported missing. But she’s not the first Nellie Thorne to disappear. In fact, she’s the fifth in fifty years. Jane and Simon set out to solve the case, armed with just a few days of notes, matching trench coats, and a feeling they should have enrolled in a different class. The investigation leads the newly minted Pie and Mash Detective Agency to places they never thought they’d go, including haunted woods, mysterious archives, and, most terrifyingly for Jane, Simon’s mum’s house. 

As clues emerge, more questions than answers begin to pile up. What links the missing Nellies? Why do locals think she’s a ghost? Is their teacher hiding something? So what if they’re heavy on heart but light on experience. Jane and Simon are determined to uncover the truth in time to pass the class and save the day.

This book comes highly recommended by three very trusted sources. See below:

“Gunasekera’s marvelous debut centers on New York City taxi driver Siriwathi ‘Siri’ Perera, who picks up a passenger headed to JFK, only to discover once they arrive at the airport that the man has been murdered in her backseat… Gunasekera, an attorney with the Innocence Project, pulls no punches when it comes to detailing the hostility Siri faces from law enforcement, but she never loses sight of the brain-teasing fun inherent to the best locked-room mysteries. Meanwhile, Siri herself—an only child who deferred her dreams of law school in order to become the family breadwinner—is a character well worth spending time with. Readers will be rapt.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This is a richly detailed, well-crafted debut mystery led by an appealing amateur detective duo in Siri and Amaya. Recommended for fans of Nita Prose and Jesse Q. Sutanto.”—Library Journal, starred review

“Mystery readers should be drawn to this lively loner, perhaps the most engaging whodunit heroine since Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone…A charming debut mystery told with panache.”—Kirkus Reviews

The publisher describes the book this way:

When the last fare of the night turns up dead in her backseat, a Sri Lankan American taxi driver works off the clock to clear her name in this mystery novel by debut author Yosha Gunasekera.

Siriwathi Perera doesn’t quite know where she’s going in life. She never expected to be a taxicab driver in New York City, struggling to make ends meet and still living with her parents at twenty-eight. The true-crime podcasts that keep Siri company as she drives don’t do much to make up for the legal career she imagined for herself, or the brother she’s grieving.

When public defender Amaya Fernando gets into her cab, they make a quick connection through their shared Sri Lankan roots. Siri, whose social circle is limited to her grade-school best friend, Alex, thinks things might finally be looking up with this new potential friendship. But she’s suddenly dropped into her own true crime when she discovers her next passenger murdered in the backseat, and she has to call Amaya sooner than she’d expected.

Pinned as the obvious and only suspect, and desperate to clear her name, Siri chases down leads across the boroughs of New York City with Amaya’s help. But with her court date looming, they have just five days to find out who really killed the midnight passenger—or Siri’s life will be over before she can even truly live it.

The author:

Yosha Gunasekera is a Sri Lankan American attorney who represents people who have spent decades behind bars for crimes they did not commit. She teaches a course at Princeton University focused on wrongful conviction and exoneration. Yosha is a former Manhattan public defender and has written and spoken extensively on the criminal legal system.

My thoughts:

I loved the idea of a New York City set book that has a taxi driver as a protagonist. These often nameless people help to keep those who live in a very populated place to get where they need or want to go. How clever to think of finding a passenger dead after a ride. The case will have to be solved or driver Sirwathi will be in deep trouble. She may be found responsible for the murder of her passenger, a public defender.

Sirwathi, the self-deprecating main character connected with this passenger. They shared a Sri Lankin heritage.

Readers learn that Sirwathi loves true crime podcasts. Will the knowledge that comes from these help her to solve the case? Read this one to find out. Then hope that this might be the start of a series.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for the invite to this blog tour. Thanks too to NetGalley for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 10 February 2026

Post first published on 10 February 2026.

#WelcometoBeachTown #NetGalley

Welcome to Beach Town will be a real treat for both new and old readers of Susan Wiggs’s books. WTBT is a well written, emotional novel with characters about whom readers will care. The plot is carefully developed and the locales are well described. As a bonus, readers will learn a lot about surfing, to say nothing of human relationships; there are those of parent figure/child, romantic partners, friends and others whom the characters meet along the way.

The story opens as Nikki is about to give her valedictory address at high school graduation. This poor student at a prestigious private school changes her planned remarks at the last minute. Why does she say what she does? How will this decision impact the rest of her life? Pick up this novel to find out.

Nikki grew up in Alara Cove where she was raised by a widowed father and later by an artistic foster mother/family friend. Both of these people had influence on her as did her love of surfing. Readers will get to know others who are important to Nikki as well including her foster sister and close friend Cal as well as Nikki’s first love.

Nikki faces both tragedies and good moments in these pages. As a reader, I longed for her to find happiness and hoped that Ms. Wiggs would not disappoint in that respect. Well, read the story to find out for yourself.

I highly recommend this book. It is one of the author’s best. Library Journal agrees and gave it a starred review. They state: Fans of the prolific Wiggs and of strong women protagonists will stay up all night to finish this speeding bullet to the best-seller list.

Many thanks to NetGally and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date; 20 June 2023

From the Publisher

An e book bargain today

When readers who have heard of Dorothy Parker think of her, they often imagine her at the Algonquin Hotel issuing bon mots. Sarcastic and seemingly in possession of herself, many envied her. However, this historical novel about Dorothy and some of her friends and acquaintances reveals that she had many reasons to feel unsettled and unhappy. The support of three friends helped her to get through.

Early in this novel readers learn that Dorothy is having trouble finding work. She is also having many difficulties in her marriage; her husband came back from WWI a changed (and unpleasant) man. Dorothy’s friends include Jane, a newspaper reporter; Winifred who is an actress and, Peggy who works at a magazine. They form a bridge group where they not only learn to play cards but reflect on life.

These characters are surrounded by many men. They include those who spent time at the Algonquin. All are men of their time and their treatment of women is often condescending.

Will these friends find their happy/happier endings? Find out in this well written work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/09/books/review/literary-love-lines.html

#HowToUnderstandYourself #NetGalley

The School of Life publishes a wide ranging number of titles. To name just a couple there are Serenity and Quotes to Live By. In this newest title, readers can take a series of psychological tests in an effort to better understand themselves.

The book is divided into a number of sections. These include Dreams and Projections; Childhood and Family; Relationships; The Self; The Body; and lastly, Emotions. There are many sections within each of these.

This title can be approached via any place that intrigues the reader. I found that there was much to think about in these pages. I think, though, that if issues arise that are troubling, the reader should look for support outside these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The School of Life for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 20 January 2026

From the Publisher:

50 psychologically inspired tests and questionnaires to develop emotional intelligence.

We spend our lives inside ourselves and yet understanding our inner world remains one of our most complex challenges. This enlightening and practical book offers a collection of transformative psychological tests designed to illuminate the hidden dimensions of our psyches.

Through a curated selection of 50 psychological exercises, you’ll embark on an intimate journey of self-discovery. These tests invite you to look beneath the surface of your conscious thoughts, uncovering the subtle narratives that shape your emotions, relationships and sense of self.

Each test is an invitation to explore your unspoken fears, your deepest desires and the unconscious patterns that drive your behaviours, providing unprecedented insight into your inner workings.

What’s inside:

• Includes classic tests: Rorschach, TAT, Word Association, Sentence Completion
• Original tests to help you make sense of yourself
• Self-assessments for love, boundaries, defensiveness, and family patterns
• A guided toolkit for insight and emotional intelligence

A toolkit for self-knowledge.

How to Understand Yourself, brings together 50+ psychological exercises to reveal our unconscious patterns, desires and behaviors. Drawing on thinkers from Carl Jung to Hermann Rorschach, it offers a thoughtful way to start the year — with clearer self-knowledge and more meaningful intentions.

Build emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence isn’t about “being calm” all the time — it’s about noticing what you feel, understanding where it comes from, and choosing how to respond. The exercises here help you recognize your triggers, decode your reactions, and become more mature in the way you handle life and relationships.

Learn, heal and grow.

The School of Life is here to help you learn, heal and grow. We are devoted to bringing you calm, self-understanding, better relationships, deeper friendships, greater effectiveness at work and more fulfilment in your leisure time.

#EmilyDickinson #NetGalley

This title is part of a series on women in poetry. It does a wonderful job of both showcasing and illuminating the works of Dickinson.

I loved the cover of this volume and was so interested to see that it was inspired by one of Dickinson’s poems that begins “The robin is the one.” That poem, and many of the others, seem deceptively simple but they are often profound.

The poems are thematically organized into the following categories:

Love

Death & Spirituality

Identity & Creativity

and

Nature.

Readers can dip in wherever they like and will find something to think about. In addition, readers can go for a deeper dive by reading the notes.

All in all, this is a lovely addition to Dickinson collections. It would make a perfect gift.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gemini Book Group for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 05 February 2025

Description:

from the publisher

Explore the enigmatic life and poetry of Emily Dickinson, whose poetry delves into themes of death, nature, love and the complexities of the human soul, making her a timeless figure in American literature.

This volume offers a deep dive into Dickinson’s most iconic poems, organized into thematic sections that illuminate her contemplations on individuality, spirituality, nature, love and the afterlife.

From the haunting stillness of Because I Could Not Stop for Death to the vibrant celebration of nature in A Narrow Fellow in the Grass, Dickinson’s poems resonate with an intimacy and depth that remain remarkably relevant today.

This collection features both well-loved works and lesser-known gems, paired with insightful commentary that places them in their historical and personal context.

Poet and literary critic Pelé Cox writes an introduction to the book and analysis of ten of the more complex poems, providing readers with a greater understanding of Dickinson’s solitary life, her reclusive nature, and the quiet genius that has captivated generations of readers.

As Dickinson’s poetry continues to inspire new generations of readers and feminists, this book is the perfect companion for anyone fascinated by her unique voice and profound impact on poetry.

#MissinginStIves #NetGalley

Cornwall makes such a lovely setting for a mystery even as nefarious events unfold in this third in a series. Readers will enjoy watching how Merrin deals with the situations that form the plot. They will also enjoy watching Merrin and the Chief Inspector as their relationship develops.

Those who enjoy this one can then go back to read the first two in the series. Traditional mystery fans may well want to add these to their reading lists.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2025

Post first published on 08 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Merrin McKenzie has returned to her hometown of St Ives, putting tragedy behind her. She has settled into a busy but peaceful life with a lovely cottage and some fulfilling pro bono legal work. New friendships, including with Chief Inspector Louis Peppiatt, are also beginning to blossom in the unfolding spring season.

When Merrin takes a call from Jane, a friend going through a messy divorce, Merrin wants to help in any way she can, which leads to her taking in Jane’s teenage daughter, Emily. But then Emily disappears. When a ransom demand is made for the girl’s safe return, matters take a distinctly sinister turn.

Can Merrin restore the shattered tranquillity of the stunning Cornish coastline?

A Novel

by Chris Chibnall

#DeathattheWhiteHart #NetGalley

When I was offered an early read of this title, I was beyond excited. I had already known about Death at the White Hart and knew that I would want to read it (as would anybody who saw Broadchurch). So, did it live up to my expectations? Definitely, yes.

This book has a somewhat cinematic feel to it which makes sense given the author. I could very much picture it as a TV series with the multiple settings, many characters, and some strong visuals (antlers attached to a dead man, anyone?)

The story is well told but, initially, asks that the reader pay attention as the characters are introduced. Their interrelationships are very much a part of the plot. There are pub keepers, police officers, many people in the community, relatives and acquaintances, as well as at least one more organized crime figure type.

The detective has her reasons for having come back to the community where she grew up. Still, Nicola had expected a somewhat better station. How will she and her team fare? Will her marriage make it?

All in all, this was a most enjoyable read. It is easy to suggest that mystery/thriller readers pick this one up. Kirkus Reviews states “Hopefully, this is the start of a beautiful series.” I most definitely agree.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group- Viking Penguin for this time. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

I read and enjoyed many novels by Victoria Benton Frank’s mother, Dorothea Benton Frank. Were she still alive, I think that this parent would be very proud of her child.

Like Dorothea BF, Victoria writes stories that are set in the Low Country. The settings are beautifully described and offer a virtual trip South for her readers. She also writes women’s fiction as did her mother. That said, Victoria is an author in her own right and she tells a good story here.

Readers will care about these characters as they watch them grow. They will leave this story eager for the author’s next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 August 2025

Post first published on 7 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A heartwarming and empowering novel about thriving after tragedy, from the author of the “enchanting, hilarious, and insightful” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times author) My Magnolia Summer.

Violet Adams is the perfect, youngest child in a family of loud, passionate women on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. As the sweet, traditional one, she’s always been the steady hand in her family but after a sudden breakup and subsequent tragedy, she doesn’t know who she is anymore.

Aly Knox, Violet’s best friend, is a young influencer still struggling with the loss of her mother and adjusting to joining Violet in Southern living. With her best friend’s help, Violet is determined to break out of her shell—and who she thought she was—no matter what. And what better place to look for success, meaning, and possibly love than the Lowcountry of South Carolina?

From the Publisher: