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

#TheMasalaChaiMysteryClub #NetGalley

The cover of this traditional mystery appealed to me and made me want to find out what happened in the story within its pages. It offered an enjoyable read highlighted by lots of delicious sounding Masala Chai and yummy snacks, along with some Shakespearean quotes and other book references.

Soni’s book may be compared to something like The Thursday Murder Club because it features a group of sleuths within a closed community. They are amateurs who readers know will find out what is going on. They have the help of one police officer much as The Thursday Murder Club had Donna on their side.

A man, Rohit, has been killed. He was disliked by many but, of course, this does not make his death okay. Neeti has known Rohit for many years and owes him for something big that he did for her in the past. Neeti wants to investigate as she does not believe that his death was natural. Having just read Dumb Witness, she also wonders if Rohit’s dog will help to solve the case. So, she forms the Masala Chai Murder Club.

Helping Neeti are her best friend Peggy, Peggy’s husband, and her niece Myra. (Myra also has a precocious young son but he is a bit young to be a detective.) The group follows where the clues lead which is largely to members of the community’s HOA.

This book is worth a look for those who enjoy traditional mysteries that do not feature overt gore. It is refreshing to have a protagonist from India as the main character and readers meet others of color in this story. I think that Neeti will be back for another case in the future.

One niggle: The Agatha Christie book is referred to as The Dumb Witness. I believe it is titled just Dumb Witness.

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

Pub date: 21 July 2026

Post first published on 28 March 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Suspects abound when a much-despised neighbor is killed, perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.

Retired librarian Neeti Shah was hoping for a restful life with her chai-loving friends, but when the body of a neighbor, a childhood friend of Neeti’s, turns up dead and the killer’s MO is similar to that of Neeti’s most recent book club read, things start to get out of control.  

When Neeti hears a commotion at a neighbor’s house, she finds Rohit’s body sprawled across the bottom of the staircase with Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness nearby. Blackmailing his neighbors, threatening them with lawsuits, and calling them by nasty nicknames were only some of the hateful things that made him so disliked. But were they angry enough to kill?

Neeti is indebted to her old friend, and she’s determined to find his killer. But she can’t do it alone, so she enlists her mystery-loving friends, the Masala Chai Mystery Club, to get to the bottom of the murder. 

But Neeti and her club members need to be careful. As more bodies turn up and more suspects start to appear, they’ll need to find the killer before they end up in hot water!

#DeathatKingsCross #NetGalley

Mystery & Thrillers-Historical Fiction

326 pages

Pub date: 21 July 2026

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My thoughts:

The Four Queens of Crime were among the very best of the best writers of detective fiction’s Golden Age. They were Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh. Anyone who loves classic crime stories knows their names and all serious mystery readers have a treat in store for them if, somehow, these authors passed them by.

Limoncelli has included these four as key characters in two books, of which this is the second. She also includes an historical personage in Lilian Wyles, a police inspector. I thought the first book was very good and found this second title to be even better.

In this story set during WWII much happens. There is murder, at least one missing person, stolen pharmaceuticals, spies and many suspicious activities. There are also friendships and other relationships.Everything comes together in a crackerjack plot.

I highly recommend this title to those who enjoy historical mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

DCI Lilian Wyles is confronted by a troubling case, one that only the four queens of crime can help solve—even amidst the ongoing war efforts.

Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham, and Ngaio Marsh are back in the follow-up novel to The Four Queens of Crime.

1941, London. When DCI Lilian Wyles finds a young woman murdered at King’s Cross Station, she needs the help of someone she can trust, but Richard Davidson, her former Scotland Yard partner, has joined MI5 and is busy tracking black market routes outside of London, so for now, she is on her own. 

After having met the four queens of crime during a murder investigation two years earlier, DCI Wyles has kept in touch. But Agatha, Dorothy, Margery, and Ngaio are all involved in the war effort and have problems of their own.

Agatha is volunteering at the University Hospital Pharmacy, where a dangerous anesthetic has been stolen. Dorothy has heard unsettling information from her connections at the BBC regarding members of the Royal Navy. Margery, who has been in the countryside helping families escape the city from the bombing, is worried about one of her charges whose older sister has gone missing. And Ngaio, who has relocated to New Zealand and is volunteering as an ambulance driver, has begun gathering secret intelligence from wounded soldiers and sailors that may put her in danger. 

When the four queens contact DCI Wyles for help, the information they share makes the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place. DCI Wyles once again finds herself collaborating with her old partners in crime to solve the mystery and close the case in this thrilling sequel, perfect for fans of Nicola Upson and Anna Lee Huber.

Editorial Reviews:

“An intricate and tense whodunit . . . Fans of British historicals will appreciate the challenge.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Limoncelli skillfully handles bringing four iconic mystery writers to life, as well as highlighting women pioneers in law enforcement . . . This twisty mystery delivers.”
—Library Journal

“London and the English countryside in 1941 are vividly brought to life . . . Limoncelli skillfully weaves facts and fiction to create an exceptional, page-turning historical mystery.”
—Booklist

384 pages

Romance

Three stars***

Pub date: 15 September 2026

My thoughts:

Imagine getting married young, and with the baby on the way. Nonetheless, you love your husband and have high hopes for the marriage. You go on to have two more children, your twins. While it is true that all marriages have stress points, you definitely weren’t seeing this one coming.

Imagine that you run a wine bar. You’re very proud of it but find it stressful to have your older brother interfering all the time. Your goal is to take a master sommelier qualification. Will you be able to do it?

Imagine that these two meet, each with their baggage, and that he is considerably younger than she and has no children. Can they have a relationship? will things work out for the? Trust the author to let you know while providing an enjoyable read.

I would note that, to me, this book was pretty spicy. Keep this in mind while deciding if it is for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this title. All thoughts on my own.

Post first published on 22 July 2026

Description:

The author of the “brilliant” (Library Journal) An Academic Affair proves that the best love stories start with a pop with this sizzling romance about a recently separated single mom who’s absolutely not looking for another relationship…only to fall for the younger owner of her favorite wine bar.

Fiona Fisher thought she had it all: a loving husband, three kids, and a life far away from the suffocating expectations of her family. But when her husband reveals that he’s leaving her for his secret second family, Fiona is left devastated and humiliated.

Satoshi Tsukamoto wants it all. He’s the owner of a popular wine bar, and he’s studying for the hardest test in the world: the Master Sommelier exam. There aren’t enough hours in the day for anything else—except maybe for Fiona, his favorite customer, and the woman he’s absolutely, catastrophically in love with.

On paper, Fiona and Satoshi make no sense. He’s eight years younger than her and has no time for romance. She’s a single mother and doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to trust anyone again. But how can Fiona resist when Satoshi suggests they give into their mutual attraction and let off some steam? And how can Satoshi resist when the woman he adores is finally within his grasp—even if they’ve agreed to keep things casual?

The perfect read for fans of Jasmine Guillory and Abby Jimenez, A Study in Sparkling proves that Jodi McAlister truly is “a writer to watch” (Booklist).

Editorial Reviews:

“This carefully crafted and effervescent contemporary romance balances a woman’s inner journey with a tender love story.” 
—Kirkus (starred review)

“This refreshing standalone, a Tasmania-set contemporary from McAlister (An Academic Affair), revitalizes the friends-with-benefits trope…Steamy moments build quickly, even as subplots explore what’s next in both characters’ lives: a challenging sommelier exam for Sato and a new career in writing for Fiona. The fun, spicy dynamic between the appealing leads keeps the pages flying. Readers are sure to root for these two.”
—Publishers Weekly

“In this expansion of the world that began with An Academic Affair, Jodi McAlister flawlessly combines wit, steaminess, and heartwarming family dynamics to deliver an engrossing romance that’s a testament to her skillful storytelling. This is a book you’ll want to sink into.”
—Lydia San Andres, author of Only Friends

“A beautiful champagne pop of a novel, this is romance at its finest.”
—Nina Kenwood, author of The Wedding Forecast

About the Author:

Jodi McAlister, PhD, is an author and academic from Kiama, Australia. She is the author of An Academic Affair and the Marry Me Juliet trilogy. She is currently a senior lecturer in writing, literature, and culture at Deakin University in Melbourne and is the president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance. For more, visit JodiMcAlister.com.au or find her on Instagram @JodiMcAlister.

From the Publisher

#TheHiddenLibrary #NetGalley

368 pages

Women’s fiction-Romance-Mystery

Pub date: 15 September 2026

Four stars ****

My thoughts:

I had previously read and enjoyed this author’s novel, The Forgotten Garden. I was delighted to have a chance to read her newest book. This one seemed a bit different to me but that is no bad thing.

When the story opens, life could not be better for Helen. Her novel has been published and is going to be on the screen, but then…something happens that leads to Helen needing an escape. Helen’s mother suggests that she could be of help to her. This will entail Helen going to a small and remote island to catalogue the books and more of the recently deceased Cy. The job is appropriate for Helen who has library and rare book skills.

Also on the island is a gardener/caretaker, a housekeeper and the housekeeper’s somewhat surly teen daughter. Helen connects with them all and also with a couple of mysterious men who visit. Which one of them can be trusted?

With its setting described in a way that makes the reader feel it, the characters, and the book references (something will be important), this novel offers an engaging read. Those who pick it up will be waiting for a happy ending.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Post first published on 21 July 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A heartwarming mystery filled with books, secrets and second chances, perfect for fans of Freya Sampson, Evie Woods and Sally Page – and everyone who loves books about books.

Sometimes the right story leads you home . . .

When bestselling author Helen finds herself at the centre of a scandal, she escapes to Rathbrooke Hall on a remote island off the Northumberland coast. Tasked with cataloguing the books of a reclusive collector she’s relieved to be out of the glare of publicity, even if the locals are less than welcoming.

But as she spends more time among the dusty bookshelves and rare first editions, she uncovers clues to a secret collection of books that could save the island – and the community that she’s begun to feel part of. Can she unravel the mystery of the hidden library and can she trust Thiago, a charming librarian with secrets of his own?

Praise for Sharon Gosling’s The Forest Hideaway

‘Ethereal and enchanting. I loved it!’ Heidi Swain, All Wrapped Up

‘Aching romance’ Woman’s Weekly

‘Unusual, absorbing and engaging . . . A fascinating novel’ Rachel Hore, The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge

‘Full of hope, friendship and new beginnings – the perfect autumn escape’ Holly Martin, The Cottage on Christmas Gardens

‘Evocative and atmospheric . . . a beautifully depicted story about hope, connection, and not giving up on your dreams’ Holly Miller, The Spark

‘An uplifting and atmospheric tale’ heat

by Roz Noonan

 #PuzzleMeaMurder #NetGalley

Those who enjoy reading traditional mysteries will, I think, enjoy this first title in what I hope will be a series. It has a good setting, good characters, an interesting mystery and jigsaw puzzles.

When the husband of Alice’s best friend Ruby is murdered, the stage is set. George was cheating on Ruby but would this be enough for her to murder him? Who was the mysterious wigged woman with George right before he died? Still, all of the motives may not be personal; is it possible that his role in the government with budget power led someone to go too far? Could there be other reasons based on George’s behavior? Find out and enjoy spending time with Alice, her granddaughters and the many others in these pages.

Puzzle Me a Murder offers a good puzzle and a fun read. Recommended for its audience.

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

Pub date: 23 July 2024

I am thrilled to be on the blog tour for the delightful new book by Freya Sampson who is a favorite author of mine. Many thanks to the team at Berkley for this opportunity.

About NOSY NEIGHBORS

Two neighbors-at-war band together to stop a dangerous criminal in their midst in this enthralling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Ticket.

Welcome to Shelley House: a historic old apartment building in the quaint English town of Chalcot where 25-year-old Kat Bennett and 77-year-old Dorothy Darling reside. Kat and Dorothy are notorious enemies—Dorothy sees Kat as prickly and unapproachable, a punk with pink hair who prefers to keep to herself; Kat rolls her eyes at Dorothy, a cantankerous senior citizen who can’t seem to mind her own business and spends her days sternly reminding everyone in the building to mind the rules. When Kat and Dorothy receive word that Shelley House will be torn down and replaced by new condos, and that all its residents will be evicted, they’re devastated—but they won’t miss each other, or even their acquaintances in the building.

But then, their friendly neighbor, one who has been a vocal opponent of the demolition, is attacked inside his apartment. Kat and Dorothy begin to notice strange happenings and even break-ins at the apartment complex, and it quickly becomes apparent that trouble is afoot. The odd pair must work together to figure out who is behind the crimes at Shelley House before anyone else gets hurt. In the process, they may even learn to like each other—and to rally a neighborhood to save the home they hold so dear.

Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.  

Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.   

When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it’s up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.

About the Author

Freya Sampson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket. She studied history at Cambridge University and worked in television as an executive producer, making documentaries on everything from the British royal family to neighbors from hell. She lives in London with her husband, children, and cats.

My thoughts:

Quirky characters, an historic building named for a poet, a greedy landlord, shenanigans, mystery, alliances, backstories, relationships, good plot-what more could a reader want? I highly recommend this engaging novel.

From the Publisher

“Nosy Neighbors is addictive reading. Freya Sampson has a wonderful talent for creating characters that feel vividly true to life, and it really shines here. This warm and moving novel is layered with mystery, emotion, and heart as it explores its powerful themes of guilt and community. I just know readers are going to love it as much as I do.”

—India Holton, author of The Secret Service of Tea and Treason

“Freya Sampson is a master at creating perfectly imperfect characters that burrow into your heart and leave a lasting impression. A brilliant novel full of heart and colorful personalities, you won’t be able to put it down until the very last word.”

—Lyn Liao Butler, Amazon bestselling author of Someone Else’s Life and Red Thread of Fate

Sampson (The Lost Ticket, 2022) once again presents a charming story about intergenerational friendship leading to healing…This heartwarming tale is full of subtle humor and rich characters.”—Booklist

“The tenants are as crafty and charming as the house in this all’s-well-that-ends-well tale.”—Kirkus

#AVoiceintheNight #NetGalley

Simon Mason has written books that I very much enjoy. Here is the fourth in this Oxford set mystery/police procedural.

Note that it is possible to read this one on its own, although I definitely recommend reading all of the novels, even if not in order. Those who have read the previous stories will be eager to just jump in.

Ryan and Ray share a last name, live in Oxford, are dads and are in the police force. Despite these seeming similarities, the two are very different and often struggle to work with one another.

Ryan grew up in a trailer park. He is a single dad to a little boy who is one of the best characters in the series. Ryan dresses most casually, has a minimal education, is often being reprimanded at work, but…gets the job done.

Ray grew up with many expectations placed upon him. He is Oxford educated, has a “blue,” is the married father of twins, and has a father who is quite invested in his career and success. His marriage seems a bit shaky at times.

In this novel, Ray and Ryan have a new boss. She insists on being called “Sir” and has a lot of plans for reforming the station. She has been warned about these two Wilkins.

A professor and professed atheist has been found murdered soon after an appearance at an Oxford Union debate. What was he doing out in his pajamas? What was behind his murder? Does it connect to another case that the squad has been assigned?

No spoilers so readers will have to find out for themselves.

I highly recommend this title and the entire series. These books will be enjoyed by those who like a complex mystery with characters that are engaging.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=54699

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=57585

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=57642

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries #12

by Kerry Greenwood

I watched the Miss Fisher series on Acorn TV and loved spending time with this independent, feisty woman in early 20th century Australia. That series was based on the books written by Kerry Greenwood, of which this is one. The novels do not have to be read in order but they do feature recurring characters.

Murder in Montparnasse relates to something that happened in Paris in the past. The events of that time have led to the difficult situation in this novel. What happened? Will Phryne’s friends Bert and Cec survive the events in the present? Will Phryne? (You know that they will but that doesn’t meant that readers won’t find some suspense here.)

Read this novel to find out what happened and, while doing so, get an update on Miss Fisher’s love life. For readers who enjoy historical mysteries and like finding series to read, this is definitely worth a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Welcome back Richard Jury and Co! 
After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!

by Kerry Greenwood

An e book bargain

Welcome back Phryne and Dot! A new novel with these beloved characters is always cause for rejoicing. This time, Phryne and Dot make their way to a spa for recovering WWI soldiers. It may sound like a peaceful retreat but series regulars know that mayhem is sure to follow, along with a resolution by the end of the novel.

Readers who enjoy fashion, wit and spas are sure to love this latest entry in the series. After reading this, many will look for other titles by Ms. Greenwood or they may want to watch the Miss Fisher mysteries on Acorn TV. Whichever way readers choose to encounter Phryne, they can’t go wrong.

Also note the gorgeous cover of this novel. The artwork is magnificent and Miss Fisher shines.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.