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

#TheSeaStoneSisters #NetGalley

I have been looking for a book like The Sea Stone Sisters for quite some time. I was wanting to read a novel that would fully engage me with an enjoyable and involving story, as well as having good characters and settings that come to life. Oh, it would be nice if it was a long book so that I could escape for a while (448 pages here). The Sea Stone Sisters definitely met my expectations.

I think that this will be a first in a series as there are four sisters as main characters. This time the story belongs to Iris. Her three flower named siblings will, I hope, mean that there will be four books in all.

Readers can read a plot summary to know more. Know that it is immersive.

The characters are fully brought to life in this story that focuses on several time periods and four special rings. The first time period is pre-historic and sets the stage. Next is a family in a beautiful home on Skarra (Scotland) that has fallen on hard times, and Iris’s story. There is also a story in the present that centers on Roz who has connections to the past.

I did not want this book to end. Those who enjoy women’s fiction won’t want to miss this one. Fans of Lucinda Riley may find a new favorite series here.

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

Pub date: 12 March 2026

Post first published on 7 March 2026

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

from the publisher

Across land, sea and time, the stones will summon them home . . .

‘Unputdownable . . . This book moved me, profoundly’ SANTA MONTEFIORE

It all begins with The Sea Stone Sisters. In this spellbinding series Eleanor Buchanan intricately weaves together the stories of four sisters and their descendants scattered across the globe from the Scottish home that they all yearn to return to.

‘A gorgeous immersive epic’ KRISTIN HARMEL
‘The perfect successor to Lucinda Riley’ ZOE MARRIOTT
‘Evocative, immersive and completely involving’ CLARE FLYNN
‘An enchanting, edge-of-your-seat tale’ CHRISTINA COURTENAY
_________________________

Four great stones once stood on a remote Scottish headland – the Sisters of Skara.
Legend has it they were raised by a grieving father, to guide his abducted daughters home.
A curse was placed on anyone who laid the stones low:
their family, too, would be scattered to the winds, never to find their way home.

1931. When Iris Blackmore’s father knocks down the Sisters of Skara standing stones, a dark shadow falls on the Blackmore family. With his fortune lost and wife dead, his four daughters are forced to leave their home, taking only the rings they inherited from their beloved mother.

Iris is the first to depart, travelling east in search of an uncle who might be able to help the family.

Present day. Roz Chatton moves to London from Australia, bringing very little with her other than her mother’s old ring. Grieving and adrift, she stumbles on a painting of four ancient standing stones which ignites an uncanny connection to the ring on her finger.

Determined to learn more about the origin of the painting, Roz unearths the full story of Iris Blackmore, unravelling a family history she could never have imagined.

Four lost sisters. A family scattered. An epic journey home. Will you follow?
_________________________

The Sea Stone Sisters is the first of a sweeping and moving series, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley. Let yourself be whisked away from Scotland to Ceylon and from Australia to London in this epic, dual time tale about family mysteries, unexpected love and enduring courage.

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From the Publisher:

#TheAirRaidBookClub #NetGalley

I truly enjoyed Annie Lyons’s novel about Eudora Honeysett and gave it five stars. I, was then, of course, quite eager to read The Air Raid Book Club. It did not disappoint.

This is an historical novel that will appeal to those who have read Dear Mrs. Bird, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Last Bookshop in London, and other similar titles. It is warm in the same way with characters about whom writers will care. Plus, there are books, lots of books. At the end of the novel titles are listed should readers wish to explore further.

Gertie was married to Harry. Together the two opened and loved a bookshop. Sadly, Harry died from the very thing that kept him from serving in the military. Gertie has subsequently lost her zest for life. When she is asked by one of Harry’s friends to take in a Jewish child as WWII looms, she hesitates before making her decision. What happens as a result of this choice, the importance of books, and more make this title a most satisfying read, even with some sadness in the events of the story. As an extra bonus, get to know Mr. Hemingway…no, not that one! He is Gertie’s lovely dog.

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

Pub date: 11 July 2023

From the Publisher

My review of Eudora…

So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I read it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others. Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be? Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more. In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister. Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them? At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. Give it a try. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

#TheNationalTrustBookofBiscuits #NetGalley

I adore biscuits, both eating them and watching others make them on baking shows. Now, here is a book that might actually encourage me to bake some of my own.

This lovely title is part of a National Trust series that also includes those on crumbles, cakes, scones and more. All are worth a look.

In this one, find recipes that are easy, those that use chocolate, squares & biscotti, and many others. Dip in anywhere and get started.

I love the charming illustrations that accompany the delicious sounding recipes, including many for biscuits with which I was not familiar. Clearly, I must do something about that.

Before getting to work, read the introduction which includes some biscuit history and the helpful section titled ‘Good Things to Know.”

This book will provide many hours of baking pleasure and recipe ideas. I do recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 March 2026

#StillLife #NetGalley

I chose to read the novel very slowly as, for me, it was one to savor. This novelist has a unique voice and that comes across loud and clear in this beautiful work.

The title had multiple meanings for me. As there is much about art in the book, it can refer to a classic form of painting, the still life. However, to me, it refers to still, as in on-going, life or still, as in quiet and unmoving. In part, I mean, how people go on when they have faced all that life has to bring to a person, everything from war, to love, to loss, to aging, to relationships to art, to travel, to home and more.

Ms. Winman has her very own authorial voice and this led me to need a bit of time to fully enter the world of the novel. At first, I was distracted by the absence of quotation marks for example. The story also goes through time and a number of locations.

The characters are quirky and unique. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and their connections to one another. Just a few of these folks include:

Ulysses: He survived WWII. What leads him back to Italy?

Evelyn: A gay woman who also survives the war. She is a professor who first met Ulysses on a significant night.

Peg: She was the woman for Ulysses except….

Alys or kid: She is Peg’s child but Ulysses is the one who parents her.

Spend time in this novel. Read it slowly but with enthusiasm. It is special.

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

#EmotionalSupportAnimals #NetGalley

With its illustrations of animals and positive affirmations, the author of this title encourages the reader to feel better about themselves. An example of an affirmation in this book is is ” The answer is not more self-criticism. The answer is more self-love.”

I like the worksheets that are included in this title. Examples of prompts to complete include, what is in my control today, and what is not. There is space for the mindfulness technique of enumerating what is seen, heard, etc. and more. There are also drawing prompts with the author encouraging readers NOT to give themselves negative feedback on their artistic talent.

The book is organized by topics. Some of these are Boundaries, Grief & Hard Times, Holidays and many more. For all of these there are helpful reflections, prompts or exercises.

I think that many will enjoy this book. Its’ concept of taking a few minutes each day to center makes sense to me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 14 April 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Emotional Support Animals is a collection of comics and worksheets featuring adorable and irresistible emotional support animals offering words of compassion and wisdom, delivering smiles along with experience, strength, and hope.

What if your therapist was a cardigan-wearing walrus sipping a cup of coffee? Emotional Support Animals answers this question in a series of sweet comics and engaging worksheets. Nicole Georges presents small doses of therapy in the form of humorous illustrations about serious subjects. Picture a pug assuring you that it’s not cruel to say no or hold a boundary, or a crocodile reminding you that when you take care of yourself, you have more capacity to give. Inspired by Nicole’s experiences with grief and healing, her Anonymous Fuzzball comics touch on themes of self-worth, boundaries, and balance. Using quirky animals as her subjects, she proves that hard truths are easier to digest in an adorable package.

Affirmations include: 

• “Just because someone’s having a big reaction doesn’t mean I did anything wrong.” 
• “You’re not going to mess up something that’s meant for you.”  
• “As I love myself more, I demand less of others.” 
• “What people say is just information. You don’t have to take it personally.” 
• “I don’t need to achieve anything to be lovable.” 

An e book bargain

Well, this title will certainly lead readers to carefully consider their dinner RSVPs! Things most definitely became complicated for these seven diners.

Who is behind the predictions of when the guests will die? Who is each of these people? What have they done to prompt such diabolical actions? How (if at all) are the guests linked to each other? How will matters be resolved?

The pages will most definitely turn as readers try to find out in this twisty story that seems Christie-like in some respects. I can’t wait to see what the author dreams up next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

Post first published on 29 December 2025

Description:

Three courses. Seven guests. One card.

It’s a deadly evening they’ll never forget.

Seven strangers meet for an anonymously hosted dinner party. As the evening winds down, seven cards appear, one in front of each of the guests. On the card is a number – the age at which they will die. Thinking it an elaborate prank, the guests disperse into the night, hoping to forget the morbid evening forever.

Two weeks later, one of them is dead at exactly the age the card predicted.

It must be a coincidence. But as more guests die, each one dead at the same age as their card, it soon becomes clear that something much more sinister is afoot. Now, it’s up to the quickly dwindling group to figure out who (or what) was behind that fateful dinner party, before their numbers catch up with them.

Told from the perspectives of each of the seven guests, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests is a spellbinding and mysterious exploration of mortality, begging the question: how would you live your life if you knew your number was up?

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

Review

“Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None gets a wicked update in Whittle’s assured debut…crafty twists and voicey narration culminate in an impressive payoff. Whodunit fans will look forward to the author’s next effort. ” ― Publishers Weekly

“Readers with a penchant for colorful characters, twisty plots, and surprise reveals will find this novel of suspense especially satisfying.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Christie fans will be delighted with Whittle’s new twist on an old classic.”―Library Journal

I have read and enjoyed many books by Jill Mansell. In fact, Miranda’s Big Mistake was one of the first books that I ordered from England when it was not available where I live. I have gone on to read just about all of Mansell’s novels. (See my blog for reviews of some of these titles.)

Just One Look at You is vintage Mansell in all the best ways. This is a story that offers some lovely settings (including Venice), good characters, complex relationships, some sad times and more. I recommend it highly.

In these pages meet Fen, Leon, Disa, Hattie, Kyla, Jamie and others. Watch as their lives evolve and intersect. I think that readers will want the best for them within what is possible. (No spoilers, so no more) I know that I did.

Those who enjoy women’s fiction should definitely give this one a look.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the publisher:

Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.

Fen can’t believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa – what could be more delightful? It doesn’t cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can’t help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he’s drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She’s come to Venice to find out more.

There’s news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell’s joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion – and makes us believe in love again.

Love for Just One Look At You:

‘Stunning, utterly beautiful . . . Jill at her absolute best. One of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read’ Jo Thomas

‘A wonderful, fulfilling ride on a tidal wave of emotion . . . Guaranteed to flood your heart with all the feels’ Milly Johnson

‘Sunshine in every line, a great big romantic read to sink into and enjoy – I loved it’ Faith Hogan

Description:

from the publisher

A fast-paced, all-too-real thriller featuring a mother and daughter caught in a global reckoning where family, loyalty, and power collide.

Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese American and former food blogger, has long lived in the shadow of her mother, Vivien Li— a Tiananmen Square dissident turned world-renowned human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China.

When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, Vivien and Alice are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can interpret the Chinese intentions. But why involve Alice?

If China isn’t behind the attack, Vivien warns, someone even more dangerous is pulling the strings. Mother and daughter must join together to overcome their estrangement if they have any hope of preventing global catastrophe. From DC to Ohio to Hong Kong, they work to prevent the next attack, along the way decoding an ancient legend and uncovering a secret language invented by women, for women.

The Last Mandarin is an electrifying study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction. But it is also an intimate examination of choice, of sacrifice, of memory and myths, both cultural and personal. It is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.

In a world ruled by power, even family can be a weapon.

My thoughts:

Eunice Wong flawlessly read this novel. She narrated the story and ratcheted up the suspense so well that I hated when I was called away from listening.

This narrator embodied many voices from a number of countries as panic circled the globe. She was especially adept at moving from Chinese to English when this was essential.

I highly recommend this audio version of Penny’s newest novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this listen. All thoughts are my own.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release date: 12 May 2026

www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/books/review/new-mystery-novels.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/02/books/review/magical-mystery-locations.html