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

A Novel

by Martha Hall Kelly

#TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.

Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.

The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.

Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.

Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.

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

Pub date: 27 May 2025

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Briar Club

“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/23/books/review/spy-movies-quiz.html

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/books/review/new-historical-fiction-books.html

#AFoundingMother #NetGalley

The U.S. will note 250 years as a country soon. I imagine that this means that there will be many new books published that look back at the country’s early years. I was intrigued to read this one, in particular, because I very much enjoyed an earlier book by Dray (Becoming Madam Secretary).

Here Dray and her co-author look at the U.S., beginning before the Revolution, through the eyes of Abigail Adams. She is portrayed as forthright, intelligent, an able manager of her family, a woman willing to move out of her small community for the sake of the country (of course, she enjoyed some of these travels), a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother (one who faced losses), both the wife and mother of a president. Her roles were many and varied. All come to life in these pages.

One thing that readers might look out for as they read is the ways in which Abigail’s past and our present resonate with each other. To give one example, Abigail lived during the time of smallpox and decided to inoculate her family and herself. More recently many faced Covid and decisions about that vaccine, and others are again arousing some controversy. Another to ponder is how Boston was treated in terms of issues that seem similar to some with ICE in the present. For example, soldiers entering homes without permission. These connections made reading this book feel immediate even though the time was many years past.

The authors of this title tell their story well. Even those who have read other books about Abigail Adams will, I think, enjoy this title.

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

Pub date: 05 May 2026

Post first published on 23 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.

In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.

When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.

From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.

My earlier review:

I have absolutely adored Elly Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway mystery series and hope that she will continue to write many more book about Ruth, her family, colleagues and friends. Ms. Griffiths has also penned the post-war Max Mephisto series. Now, she has written her first standalone novel. I will start by saying that this atmospheric, character driven story does not disappoint.

Plot: Clare is a teacher at the school where her daughter, Georgia, is a student. Harbinder is a Detective Sergeant whose alma mater is this school. When Clare’s colleagues begin to die, Harbinder is assigned the investigation. The school also has close ties to the author of a very scary story. These threads intertwine to produce a suspenseful, somewhat Gothic tale.

Most interesting to me in the book were the many characters and their interrelationships. There are Clare and her ex-husband, Clare and her daughter, Clare and her colleagues, Clare and Harbinder. Then there are Georgie and her parents, Georgie and her teachers, Georgie and her boyfriend, Georgie and her writing group, etc.

Another feature of the novel is the offering of different points of view. The reader sees events through the eyes of Clare, Georgie and Harbinder.

As in all good mysteries there are some twists. This is a novel that I definitely recommend. My favorite novels by this author are still the Ruth novels but this is worth a read for suspense lovers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read by one of my favorite authors!

Type the word Mitford into my blog and you will see many posts on Mitford related titles. There has also been a streaming series on Britbox about the family. And, of course, many other titles that I have not read.

It is easy to see why the Mitfords fascinate readers. These sisters included a Fascist, a Communist, a passionate lover of Hitler, a Duchess, a novelist, and a socialite.

Diana married a Guinness but then fell in love with married Oswald Moseley. Nancy was not too lucky in love. Decca (Jessica) had a first true love but faced tragedy. And then…there was what happened to Unity.There was also a brother who died too young. And, here I am only noting some of the events in these sisters’ lives.

What makes this book different is that it is a graphic novel. I enjoyed the vision of the author and the way in which she brought everyone to life. While this title is quite long, the pages fly by.

The author also reflects on what the Mitfords meant to her. This was interesting but not, to me, as engaging as the rest of this title.

Even those who do not normally read graphic titles may well want to give this book a look. I enjoyed it very much.

An e book bargain

#MissWinterintheLibrarywithaKnife #NetGalley

My thoughts:

Miss Winters in the Library with a Knife’s author, Martin Edwards, is quite talented. He has written standalone and series mysteries, has published books on the genre, and has done introductions to many classic crime stories. Here he has written a fun mystery that is set around the holidays in cold and isolated Midwinter.

Six people are invited to come to this unique place where six employees also work. They are going to play some kind of game that offers a reward at the end. Readers, of course, may have the sense that they want to warn the players off, although, of course, they cannot.

Each of the main characters has something to do with crime fiction. For example, there is author Harry. He has named all of his many novels with riffs on titles by well-known authors. Each of these titles is listed for the reader who will enjoy conjuring up the names of the originals. Watch from the very beginning as he tries to get information from many, including a certain driver. There are five others with whom he will interact.

As readers of the genre know, put a group of characters in a cold, isolated location and the chances are that they will be unable to leave. What will happen in this game? Will there be a real, as opposed to fictional murder? Readers can make a guess. The title of this book is, of course, reminiscent of the board game, Clue. Interesting.

Follow the clues, see if you can solve any of the puzzles, and enjoy the “clue finder” at the end of the book. Find out how good a detective you might be.

This is a clever, fun take on a classic mystery. It seems just the thing for a cold night with a cup of tea and a willingness to engage with the text.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 07 October 2025

Book summary and additional information:

From the publisher:

Six contestants. One chance at a new life. Who wouldn’t be tempted to cheat?

Award winning, renowned master of mysteries and editor of the British Library of Crime Classics, Martin Edwards turns up the heat for the most seasoned fair play mystery connoisseurs and puzzle afficionados just in time for a gleefully wicked holiday read.

Six down-on-their-luck people with links to the world of crime writing have been invited to play a game this Christmas by the mysterious Midwinter Trust. The challenge seems simple but exciting: Solve the murder of a fictional crime writer in a remote but wonderfully atmospheric village in north Yorkshire to win a prize that will change your fortunes for good.

Six members of staff from the shadowy Trust are there to make sure everyone plays fair. The contestants have been meticulously vetted but you can never be too careful. And with the village about to be cut off by a snow storm, everyone needs to be extra vigilant. Midwinter can play tricks on people’s minds.

The game is set – but playing fair isn’t on everyone’s Christmas list.

---

Advance Praise

“The perfect way to unwind during the holidays. What a treat.”
— SJ Bennett

“Martin Edwards is a magician who conjures up a captivating crime story before your eyes.”
— Janice Hallett

“The king of the puzzle mystery novel.”
— Alex Pavesi

“You can put down the Radio Times and highlighter pen, this book is all the entertainment you’ll need this Christmas. Wonderful stuff.”
— Ian Moore

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In a clever standalone homage to Agatha Christie, Edwards invites ‘external observers’ (i.e., readers) and ‘analysts’ (reviewers) to participate in an interactive puzzle mystery-within-a-mystery…readers can apply their own detective skills in deciphering the clues the author sprinkles throughout the podcast excerpts, text messages, journal entries, webpage excerpts, and third-person narrative. If you love to play Clue and are a fan of atmospheric cozies, this is a fun, diverting read.” ― First Clue–This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

From Amazon

Martin Edwards has been described by Richard Osman as ‘a true master of British crime writing.’ His novels include the eight Lake District Mysteries and four books featuring Rachel Savernake, including the Dagger-nominated The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge. He is also the author of two multi-award-winning histories of crime fiction, The Life of Crime and The Golden Age of Murder. He has received three Daggers, including the CWA Diamond Dagger (the highest honour in UK crime writing) and two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America. He has received four lifetime achievement awards: for his fiction, short fiction, non-fiction, and scholarship. He is consultant to the British Library’s Crime Classics and since 2015 has been President of the Detection Club. 

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed.  So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher.  The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care.  The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson.  What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle.  Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past.  Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story.  There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life.  It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end.  Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks?  Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart.  I highly recommend it.

Pub date:  November 24, 2020

#MissBensonsBeetle #NetGalley

An e book bargain

This book has received a tremendous amount of publicity, and there have been many excellent reviews. Now that I have read this one, I can see why. In these pages readers will find humor, excitement, some heartbreak, good characters, many settings, and some surprises.

Overall, this is a story of two sisters, named Penny and Josephine. As the novel begins, they are in their 90s and about to receive a special honor in France. Readers discover that each of them had an exciting war, meaning World War II.

In addition to learning about their wartime experiences, readers learn about those close to Penny and Josephine. This includes everyone from housekeepers to a special nephew to those that they have loved over the years.

I think readers will be taken by the story and its characters. it is one with a unique flavor

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

This title was published in January 2024.

LJ Crime Fiction Preview 2026 – Google Drive
— Read on docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1svVPAmqFelb0urRiMnfBqvxSyznWMDJ0L7LzELRexFc/htmlview