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

#BadWords #NetGalley

Literary fiction-Romance

Pub date: 06 October 2026

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

This novel has received glowing reviews. This, in itself, may be enough to make a reader pick up this title. Once they do, I think that they will keep reading.

This is a novel that offers many insights about the publishing world in addition to its enemies to committed partners trope. The protagonists truly do start this novel as antagonists.

Parker is a writer whose first book brought him an unimaginable advance. His second novel is just being published. However, the fly in his ointment is book reviewer/critic Selina who absolutely pans his works. The two really get into it when they see each other at an event. No spoiler as this happens early in the novel, their interaction goes viral.

Robinson uses this cleverly by giving readers what is said about this interaction. This means that her narrative fears into texts and more.

Robinson also raises interesting dilemmas. Should reviewers give anything other than brutally honest reviews? Should they consider how their devastating reviews impact authors? What do readers want to know about the books they are considering reading?

Readers will watch as Parker and Selina spar and then…

This book will be enjoyed by those who like books about the book world. It will also be liked by those who enjoy the dynamics of relationships.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK!

“A book that could only ever have been written by Ríoghnach Robinson, whose clear, clever voice and incisive social commentary elevate the book’s irresistible will-they-won’t-they romance to a once-in-a-lifetime read about truth, art, vulnerability, and all the sticky places they intersect. BAD WORDS LEFT ME BUZZING.” – EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A sharp and deeply felt debut about the connections that both inspire and undo us.

Parker Navarro’s debut novel was meant to define his career – until critic Selina Chan’s blistering review made it the flop of the decade. Four years later, his new book is his shot at redemption; for Selina, reviewing him again is a professional risk she can’t refuse. When her second takedown ignites a viral feud, both their fortunes shift overnight. But as the literary world feeds on their public sparring, a quieter dialogue begins – one that challenges everything they thought they knew about success, sincerity, and each other.

Both incisive and tender, Bad Words lays bare the costs of creation – the pull between ambition and integrity, the vulnerability of being seen, and the unexpected closeness that can grow in the space between critique and care.

“A genre-redefining romance that sets a thrilling new standard… Easily one of my favourites of the year, if not the decade.” – Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Full of blistering barbs, incisive takedowns and searing gazes, Bad Words is smart and propulsive.” – Mary H.K. Choi, New York Times bestselling author

Some of the editorial reviews:

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK!

A #1 Indie Next Pick!

“Robinson’s enemies-to-lovers rom-com follows Parker, a struggling author whose debut novel was torched by a bad review, and Selina, the critic who panned his work. When their confrontation over Selina’s equally scathing assessment of Parker’s second novel goes viral, the pair find themselves sucked into a very public rivalry—even as they realize they may not despise each other after all.” – The New York Times

“Sharp, playful and not to be missed.” – People

“Meet your new favorite romance writer: This buzzy new romance… also asks poignant questions about art and ambition, probing the motivations behind why artists create.” – Harper’s Bazaar

“If you’re looking for a fresh enemies-to-lovers tale, Ríoghnach Robinson’s sharp romance is consistently surprising and thoughtful, with a slow-burn relationship that feels earned and true. The novel is a lovely look at passionate, fumbling people and the ways we hurt and discover each other without really trying.” – Us Weekly

“Delicious. It’s an enticing combination for those who enjoy reading about literary intrigue and love.” – BookPage

“A rom-com with plenty of heft, in the way it nails the effects of social media on how we talk, read, and even think; in its prescient landscape of bookstores’ and City’s fight to survive; in how Selina and Parker each struggle to fit into their very different families; and in its heady, romantic toppling of its protagonists’ expectations.”- Booklist (starred)

“A smart, thought-provoking adult debut that’s perfect for bibliophiles. [Robinson] toys with a slow-burn romance, but the love story ultimately takes a back seat to a conversation about craft, ambition, and what it means to truly love and stand by what you create. A unique and complex commentary about being perceived.” – Kirkus

“This smart, funny gem of a novel is a valentine to books and the words within them. Robinson’s spot-on descriptions of the publishing industry are catnip for bibliophiles, and the enemies-to-lovers storyline feels fresh and completely genuine. But it is Robinson’s deep love of the written word as the path to understanding and connecting with others that shines through every page.” – Shelf Awareness

From the Publisher:

Native Hawaiian Ackerman sets her newest novel in a place she knows well and clearly loves. I am sure that, like Iwa, she is concerned about the ecology of the island.

Two people meet. They are Iwa and Dane. Each has feelings for Hawaii though their work and hopes for the island may differ. When they meet, what will happen? How will their pasts influence their futures? Throw in rain forests, surfing, Portugal and the novel moves forward.

Those who like books with settings that are vividly brought to life will enjoy this title. The same is true for those who like to read romances.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the team at HTP for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

#DaysattheMorisakiBookshop #NetGalley

This book was so easy for me to love. It is short (under 200 pages) and a paean to what books, bookshops and reading can mean to people.

Two of the main characters are a twenty-something young woman who has been hurt in a relationship and has, as a result, left her job. She goes to stay with an uncle who has taken over the family used bookstore.

When Takako first arrives, she has no interest in reading but one night all that changes. Through her, readers discover the excitement and sweetness that happens when the world of books opens to a person.

The neighborhood where the bookshop is located is a real one. I would love to go there.

This book is filled with quotable moments. For example:

It was as if, without realizing it, I had opened a door I had never known existed…It was as if a love of reading had been sleeping somewhere deep inside me all this time, an then it suddenly sprang to life. ..And there was no danger Id run out of books…It made me feel like I had been wasting my life…

Anyone who loves books and/or books about books, read this one. You won’t be sorry.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 July 2023

#TheMurderatWorldsEnd #NetGalley

This book will surely be enjoyed by those who like “locked room” mysteries. The reason for the lock is interesting-it is that the Viscount of this residence wants to seal it off for safety reasons linked to his fears around Halley’s Comet. The comet was a huge event at the time and perhaps not fully understood, especially by the viscount.

Of course, a murder takes place. Two less than traditional amateur detectives are on the case. It is entertaining to watch them solve it.

Happily, it seems that this book is the first in a series. I look forward to what comes next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 06 January 2026

Post first published on 30 January 2026

From Kirkus Reviews:

The odd-couple intergenerational sleuthing duo is a welcome new arrival on the historical-mystery scene, with Stephen’s squeamishness about Miss Decima’s filterless fuming a mainstay of the book’s unremitting humor (Stephen: “I’d never heard language like it…and I’d just spent the last month sharing a bunk with a man called Filthy Mick”). A paragon of the locked-room historical mystery.

Description:

Knives Out meets Downton Abbey! Secrets, murder, and mayhem collide as this unlikely sleuthing duo—an under-butler and a foul-mouthed octogenarian—hunt a killer in a manor sealed against the end of the world, in this locked-room mystery by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ross Montgomery.

Cornwall, 1910. On a remote tidal island, the Viscount of Tithe Hall is absorbed in feverish preparations for the apocalypse that he believes will accompany the passing of Halley’s Comet. The Hall must be sealed from top to bottom—every window, chimney, and keyhole closed off before night falls. But what the pompous, dishonest Viscount has failed to take into account is the danger that lies within… By morning, he will be dead in his sealed study, murdered by his own ancestral crossbow.

All eyes turn to Stephen Pike, Tithe Hall’s newest under-butler. Fresh out of Borstal for a crime he didn’t commit, he is the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. His unlikely ally? Miss Decima Stockingham, the foul-mouthed, sharp as a tack, eighty-year-old family matriarch. Fearless and unconventional, she relishes chaos and puzzles alike, and a murder is just the thrill she’s been waiting for.

Together, this mismatched duo must navigate secret passages, buried grudges, and rising terror to unmask the killer before it’s too late…

From the Publisher:

by Gill Paul

Gill Paul is one of my favorite authors of historical fiction. Somehow this one passed me by for a while, though I am now happy to have read it.

Meet Canadian Arden and Polish Rubinstein in alternating chapters, starting in 1915. These two became fierce rivals who were not above committing any number of dirty tricks to achieve success.

I had earlier read a novel about Estee Lauder. Here readers spend time with the other two towering female cosmetics giants. Readers get to know them in alternating chapters, starting in 1915.

What is remarkable about all of these women is that they were quite successful in a time when most women were not founding and managing companies. They all were cutthroat competitors who fought for all that they achieved. They do not always come across as likeable but their legacies were lasting.

Those who are interested in the beauty industry and/or those who enjoy historical fiction featuring strong women may well want to give this title a look.

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

Pub date: 31 August 2023

Historical Fiction

400 pages

Other titles by Gill Paul:

Pub Day Post: Another Woman’s Husband

Get to know them: Jackie and Maria by Gill Paul

On The Collector’s Daughter by Gill Paul

What is life like for: The Manhattan Girls (by Gill Paul

#WhatHappensatNightfall #NetGalley

380 pages

Fiction

Pub date: 06 October 2026

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

Lauren Willig has written many excellent novels. Here, she creates a contemporary romance with a number of supernatural elements. Parts of the story take place at the well known Green-Wood Cemetery which is located in Brooklyn, New York. Many famous people are buried there, similar to Pere Lachaise in Paris. In addition to the many burials, Green-Wood is known for its beautiful grounds. I would say that the cemetery is a character in its own right in this story.

Readers meet Jess, who was recently laid off (lost?) her job. She is a bit at loose ends. When a close friend, Kimmy, invites her to a nighttime tour at Green-Wood, Jess goes along. She gets separated from her group and the spookiness immediately kicks in.

Jess meets a young boy and escorts him home. It turns out that his father, Adam, is the arborist at the cemetery. Adam has this son and also a daughter. His wife died not long ago. Her family has a large crypt/mausoleum on Green-Woods grounds.

What is happening at the cemetery? Why? Will things end in tragedy? Those who enjoy a spooky story will be eager to find out.

Note: I have never read supernatural, scary stories so that aspect of the book was not a favorite for me. What I did love were the characters. They are sparky, at times funny, and enjoyable to be with. I also was happy to follow the relationship between Jess and Adam, rooting for then all the way.

Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Post first published on 11 October 2026.

Description:

from the publisher

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig returns with What Happens at Nightfall, a delightfully Gothic romantic adventure, complete with a little bit of demon-hunting.
In the sprawling Gothic expanse of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Recently laid off and searching for purpose, Jess reluctantly joins her best friend on a supposedly fun nighttime cemetery tour. Separated from her group by accident, she discovers a bunch of terrified boys and a strange, ancient key. Both lead to Green-Wood’s surprisingly handsome resident arborist, Adam Chervinsky.
Recently widowed, Adam has more to protect than the leafy residents of Green-Wood. His children, still dealing with the loss of their mother, are acting strangely. A haunting is afoot, and Jess seems to know more than she’s letting on. Sparks fly between Jess and Adam—and the unquiet spirits of Green-Wood rise from their century-long slumber.
As Jess and Adam delve deeper into the cemetery’s haunted history, they uncover a Gilded Age curse, a ghostly socialite, and a demonic pact that stretches across generations. What lies hidden in the Green-Wood’s splendid Vanderwilt mausoleum? As the line between the living and the dead blurs, and the shadows of Green-Wood begin to stir with malevolent intent, Jess must confront not only the supernatural forces but a shocking connection to the past if she and Adam truly want to live happily ever after.

Editorial reviews:

A great read for those who like paranormal, second-chance romance, historical details, and humorous moments. It could be the most entertainingly romantic walk in a cemetery readers will ever take.-Library Journal

Rich with historical detail, Willig’s rendering of Green-Wood brims with secrets, spookiness, and sparks. It’s an undeniably fun ride.-Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher:

#HasAnyoneSeenCharlotteSalter #NetGalley

French, actually a husband and wife team who write together, has penned a long (544 pages), suspenseful and immersive read in this novel. It definitely kept me coming back on a regular basis to find out what happened.

Here is a domestic drama that is filled with suspense in its portrait of two families and the impact that Charlotte’s disappearance had in the past and also in the present day. What happened to Charlotte? Each of her four children has a take on her. Husband Alec, whose decade birthday she missed, initially seemed dismissive of her absence while Elizabeth/Etty (a daughter) was very worried.

Around the same time that Charlotte is missing in the past storyline, a body is found in a river. Is this death related to the disappearance of Charlotte? Readers will want to know.

The story moves forward thirty years when A LOT happens. There are secrets, murder, podcasts and a case that will challenge Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor. She is a terrific character and readers will hope that she gets a sequel.

Recommended for fans of domestic drama and crime stories.

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

Pub date: 19 March 2024

#EveryoneonThisTrainIsaSuspect #NetGalley

I did not read Stevenson’s first novel though I think that I may now do so. That was, however, in no way a handicap to enjoying this title with recurring narrator Ernie.

This book strikes me as an, at times, humorous homage to the classic mysteries of authors like Agatha Christie. As in Murder On the Orient Express (though Ernie says it should be Murder IN the Orient Express), a group is assembled and isolated, there is mayhem and much to solve. As an added twist/bonus, many of the story’s characters are mystery authors and that adds to the fun.

There is much to enjoy in this entertaining story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was published in January 2024

From the Publisher

And coming in October 2024

#CozyEscapesCreatebyNumberthe #NetGalley

104 pages

Pub date 01 December 2026

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

Looking for a bit of seasonal relaxation? Want to try sticker art by the numbers? Enjoy winter scenes? If yes, this title is definitely worth a look.

Find the picture that you want to create, find the correct stickers, press them in, see what is created.

This is the kind of activity that I enjoy when I feel stressed. It requires little yet creates something enjoyable. I will definitely look for this title when it is published.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

Create a calm, cozy, peaceful winter escape—one sticker at a time.

Cozy & Calm Winter Escapes: Sticker-by-Number invites you into a serene world of soft snowfall, warm light, and mindful creativity—no artistic skill required. Blending the soothing satisfaction of paint-by-number with the ease of stickers, this relaxing art book lets you create beautiful winter scenes simply by matching stickers to the page.

From candlelit cottage windows and frosted forest paths to steaming mugs of cocoa tucked into knit blankets, each project unfolds slowly and calmly, encouraging you to pause, focus, and unwind. There’s no pressure to be perfect—just the quiet joy of watching a peaceful scene come together piece by piece.

Perfect for mindful evenings, screen-free self-care, or cozy moments shared with loved ones, Cozy & Calm Winter Escapes offers a gentle creative retreat that feels as comforting as winter itself.

Inside you’ll find:

• 28 beautifully cozy winter scenes created with sticker-by-number mosaics
• Calming, meditative designs that encourage relaxation and focus
• Numbered stickers and easy-to-follow layouts—no drawing or artistic experience needed
• A screen-free creative ritual perfect for quiet evenings and seasonal self-care

I liked the first book that I read by Tessa Bickers so was delighted to receive an early copy of this title. Once again, this author has written a book that was easy to read and enjoy.

Not everyone may feel that getting up before dawn is something to be lauded. However both Daisy and Tom are generally out on the bus before daylight, and each finds this time before London fully awakens for the day to be special.

Daisy is on her way to her job as an entertainment reporter. Tom is trying to get over his heartbreak and wants to be out of his flat. There he is on the bus, always reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf while Daisy is generally scrolling on her phone. When they get off the bus one day, and Daisy is threatened, Tom comes to her rescue and the two talk as Tom walks Daisy to her job.

From this beginning, Daisy and Tom find things to offer one another. Daisy will scour Orlando to try to figure out why the book was so important to Tom’s ex and if this book led to their breakup. For his part, Tom offers to photograph Daisy’s upcoming wedding.

There is a problem however, as it is possible that neither should really be with the one that they were with. How will things play out? Will Daisy and Tom find their way to one another? Find out in these pages.

Tessa Bickers offers a good read here.

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

Pub date: 19 May 2026

Post first published on 10 April 2026

Description:

from the publisher

One book. Two strangers. An unforgettable journey as they rewrite the ending.

Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the scenes: at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.

For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.

Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.

From the Publisher: