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

416 pages

Pub date: 17 July 2025

Women’s fiction-Romance

Five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

Do you ever need a book that offers feel good escape of the highest order? Will it matter if, at times, it seems more like a fairy tale than real life? Would you like a book with very appealing characters, a 60s set London, mudlarking, books, all kinds of relationships (mother-daughter; mother-stepmum; romantic; friendship)? If yes, this is the perfect book to pick up. I found it so easy and enjoyable to read, a true antidote to all that is going on in the world.

Highly recommended to fans of Katie Fforde and hopefully some new fans as well.

From the publisher:

A beautiful Chelsea town house. A chance to fulfil her dreams. A life adventure awaits…

”The queen of uplifting, feel good romance.” AJ Pearce
”A force to be reckoned with for her uplifting tales of romance” Daily Express
”Top-drawer romantic escapism.” Daily Mail
”Warm, brilliant and full of love.” Heat
”Warm, wise, witty and with a wonderful retro flavour, From London With Love is a trip to the city you won’t want to miss!” Lancashire Telegraph
__________

It’s 1968 and it’s cold when Felicity arrives in London to stay with her mother, improve her English, do a secretarial course – and meet a suitable man.

She is already missing her home in Provence and her father and his new wife and their extended family. But it’s only for a year she tells herself – and then she can go back to France and do what she really wants and become a painter.

And then she bumps into Oliver who is quite the most interesting young man she has ever met. He lives on a barge for one thing and has a collection of jobs, but his passion is looking for hidden treasures along the shores of the river Thames.

In a word, he’s a mudlarker – and before long Felicity is mudlarking too. She is also pursuing her dreams and painting scenery for Oliver’s actor friends.

But is Oliver a Suitable Man of whom her mother will approve? Felicity knows she will not …

Love, tangled relationships, and a real life adventure lie at the heart of Katie Fforde’s heart-warming new novel.
__________

I will start by saying that I highly recommend this title which is a story of Germany in the aftermath of WWII.  Set in several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, it is the story of the titular Edith Graham. As the novel opens,  Miss Graham is an educator living at home with her mother, a life that she finds somewhat dull and meaningless. When she is offered the opportunity to go to Germany to help with the re-establishment of educational facilities, she is really for the change and challenge. But…much more is in store for Edith.
Readers learn that, before the war,Edith was in love with a handsome, smart, German man named Kurt. Miss Graham also became close to his wife Elisabeth. What happened to this couple during WWII? How did they survive?  What did they do? What happened to them afterwards? Their story line forms a large part of the narrative.
Around Edith are various agents, each with their own, and sometimes overlapping, agendas. There are Dori, Vera and Adeline for the women, each of whom has been shaped by their wartime experiences. In addition, there are the men; they represent the U.S. and the British. What are their agendas? How will these intersect with those of the women?
There is espionage here and, after a slightly slow start, a book that had me turning the pages and connecting with the characters. In addition to an excellent plot, the book raises a number of issues: what was life like for the Germans as the Americans, Russians and British entered their defeated country? How do people survive when they have nothing, not even food? Do ends justify means? Who can be trusted? Can there be justice in a world that has been turned upside down?
As readers follow the story, each chapter begins with an entry from Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Readers will learn the significance of these menus as they become involved with the novel.
I have read many books of historical fiction about WWII. This one is a bit different in that it largely takes place after the war. It is a compelling read and one that I recommend most highly. I give it five stars, something I do not often do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 7, 2020

#MissGrahamsColdWarCookbook #NetGalley

#TheBackyardBirdChronicles #NetGalley

Many know Amy Tan because of her novels including the wonderful The Joy Luck Club. Here readers get to spend time with a Tan who wants to feel closer to the natural world. It is an incredible treat!

This title is in the form of a journal. I found it to have many insights and observations. To add to the gorgeousness of this title, the illustrations are by the author herself.

Those who already know Tan’s novels, as well as those who love birds and/or nature, and spending time with a wise woman, need to pick up this title

Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor as well as NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 April 2024

A Novel

by Bonnie Garmus

An e book bargain

#LessonsinChemistry #NetGalley

Unique, original, funny, poignant…I find that all of these words can be overused when praising books but this time, in my opinion, they are truly deserved. This novel is like none other that I have read although there is some connection to The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano in terms of what does it mean to become a parent when a woman does/did not wish to. Otherwise, the protagonists of the two books are quite different.

Lessons in Chemistry includes such a wonder box of treasures. Why is there a dog named 6:30 of all things? What will you think of his tragedy early in the book but his vigilance afterwards? Will you enjoy his empathy and understanding along with his understanding of a wide vocabulary? What would lead a baby to be named Mad? What are ergs doing in the story?

Readers become intimately acquainted with the idiosyncratic Elizabeth Zott. She is a woman placed in the wrong time by history. It is the 1950s into the 60s. She WANTS to be a chemist and a working woman who is respected but the times challenge her. Look for her work around to solve this.

Lessons in Chemistry refers, in part, to the science of cooking. What leads Elizabeth to be the host of TV cooking show? She is no Julia Child to be sure.

I loved this book! There were times when I laughed out loud. Anyone who may have found the transition to a life full of baby demands will know what Elizabeth is experiencing. There were many moments when I felt for the characters as they tried to get through their lives.

I highly recommend this title. Let me know what you think.

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

This book will be published on 05 Apr 2022.

From the Publisher

“[An] energetic debut…A more adorable plea for rationalism and gender equality would be hard to find.” 
—Kirkus (starred review)
“Indefatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel.”
—Booklist

309 pages

Pub date: 17 November 2026

Mystery & Thriller

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

I have long followed Phryne Fisher’s life and adventures in book form, as well as in the TV series. Miss Fisher is an eccentric character who has a wide circle of friends and connections, all of whom have their own distinct personalities.

This time, Phryne and her assistant Dot take the train to Bendigo. They are going there for the service making Phryne’s friend Lionel a Bishop. Phryne suspects that Lionel has an ulterior motive and, indeed he does as he involves Phryne in an investigation.

I love the characters, the settings throughout Australia in the books, the relationships and the cases. I particularly enjoyed the ecclesiastical background in this one.

I am so sad to know that this is the last book in this historical mystery series as sadly Kerry Greenwood is no longer alive. Long term friends, enjoy this last one. Others, you are lucky if you are able to go back and start the series from the very first book.

Fans of historical mysteries with minimal gore will enjoy this one.

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

Post first published on 19 October 2026

Description:

from the publisher

The indefatigable Miss Phryne Fisher returns to solve what may be her most puzzling murder to date!

When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder in its midst.

Phryne is soon working with local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.

Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals, business scams, and blackmail. Soon, possible suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop’s Court being burgled?

The final–and perhaps most impossible–Phryne Fisher Mystery by beloved author Kerry Greenwood takes readers inside the often-unholy world of the clergy, where deception and murder lurk beneath the rustling vestments and in every shadowed corner.

---

Editorial Reviews:

“This is an essential addition to historical mystery collections.” ― Library Journal

“While the mysteries remain clever, it’s the sharp characterizations that keep this long-running series fresh and relevant.” ― Kirkus Reviews

Note-Dench has a new book of reflections coming out in 2026

When I was contacted by the publisher with an invitation to read this book, I was over the moon. I had heard about it and was eagerly awaiting its release. It was an immeasurable treat to have early access.

This title offers a series of reflections and conversations between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. Originally written for an archive, the two got the idea to publish a book together, and the reader is so lucky that they made that decision.

Within these pages, readers get to share in Judi’s life and her professional career. Her love for her husband, her daughter and her craft all come across. She is witty, wise, and it was an absolute pleasure to read her words.

Judi Dench and her husband, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent because they were in so many productions over the years. However, Shakespeare never really became routine for them and Judi brought her best self to every performance.

The first play that is reflected upon is Macbeth. Judi Dench very much views it as a play about the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth. She sees the deterioration of their marriage as a true tragedy.

Included here are Dench’s thoughts on nineteen plays interspersed with other reflections. A couple of examples of these are Company and Fireside Ramblings.

For anyone who admires Judi Dench or who wants to more deeply understand the bard, this book is a must read. I adored it.

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

Mystery and Thriller

368 pages

Pub date: 22 September 2026

Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

Ever since I read my first Lady Emily novel, I have been hooked on this historical mystery series. It is always fun to catch up with Emily and Colin and to go on trips with them. Amazingly, here is the twentieth of their adventures.

Those familiar with the books know that Alexander likes to write novels with dual timelines. This time our intrepid duo travels to India where there are events in both their present and in the past. Of course, our couple finds a murder to solve and, naturally, readers get to know a woman from an earlier time period as well.

Those who enjoy historical mysteries will find this one is worth a look. Fans of the series will know what is ahead while new readers may want to read this one and then go to the backlist.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

In this next enthralling mystery in Tasha Alexander’s bestselling series, Lady Emily chases down a killer in India along the misty banks of the sacred river Narmada.

1908: Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves, along with an eccentric group of English tourists, are vacationing in India at Ahilya Fort, the old home to the Maharaja’s family, when a man is found shot along the Narmada River. Emily and Colin jump into action, but their suspect list is large, including a wonderful spinster and her not-so-wonderful companion; a local doctor; a widow who lives nearby; an English explorer; and an Englishman who now runs a tea plantation near Darjeeling.

1740: Fifteen-year-old Ahilyabai has been married to the son of Malharrao Holkar, the Lord of the Malwa territory, for seven years. Now the time has finally come to produce an heir. But though Ahilya’s in-laws have shown her nothing but kindness, her notoriously-drunken husband remains a mystery to her, having rarely spoken to Ahilya since their wedding as children. Faced with this tortured and distant man, Ahilya’s sense of loyalty is tested as she attempts to balance fulfilling her duty with forging her own destiny. Her decisions will have ripple effects across time—including Lady Emily’s investigation almost two hundred years later.

Lady Emily’s case takes a dramatic turn when a shocking new person arrives at the fort—and when the killer strikes again shortly afterwards, she and Colin must race to uncover the villain’s identity before it’s too late.

#StarringAdeleAstaire #NetGalley

I enjoyed Eliza Knight’s earlier novel, The Mayfair Bookshop, which was about Nancy Mitford. I was therefore eager to see how this author would tell Adele Astaire’s story; readers can rest assured that she has done a good job.

Many are familiar with Fred Astaire, here called Freddy when he was younger; this makes him feel more approachable and vulnerable than the star that is often pictured. Although perhaps less well known, Fred’s sister, Adele, danced with him for many years. While in this story, Freddie is often seen as quite serious, Adele wants to have some fun.

The two Astaires, with this last name that they were not born to, began dancing as young children. With all of their talent they went far. In part of this story, they are the toast of London as their newest show is a great success. This leads them to mingle with many famous people; just two of whom were Noel Coward and David, the Prince of Wales.

In these pages, Adele is portrayed as questioning what she wants in life. Is it dance and fame or could it be a marriage and family?

Adele’s foil is the fictional Violet, a young woman whom Adele befriends. Violet has grown up poor; she is hard working and passionate about dance. Her story is told as it intersects with Adele’s.

Rich with period details, glamour and a good story line, this is a title to pick up. Recommended for historical fiction fans.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Starring Adele Astaire peels back the layers on Adele Astaire’s life beyond the stage while highlighting how ferociously an intrepid dreamer must fight for an edge into the spotlight. Eliza Knight’s in-depth research brings these stories to life in exquisite, vibrant detail that will captivate readers everywhere.” — Madeline Martin, New York Times and international bestselling author

“Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight – and please take a bow. You’ve written a showstopper of a story.”  — Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

128 pages

Puzzles

Pub date: 25 November 2025

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

This is the first in a series of puzzle/mystery books by this author. In each, readers visit Cranberry Creek, complete with a map of what the town looks like.

Each title has a cozy mystery that is accompanied by word search puzzles that relate to the story’s themes. This one features protagonist Abby’s bookstore.

This series is perfect for when a relaxing break is on the agenda. They won’t overly tax the brain but that is a good thing.

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

Description:

from the publisher

A cozy mystery story combined with themed word search puzzles creates an interactive and charming whodunit experience in this fun new format that invites you to solve the case as you uncover clues.

Abby Jones has it all figured out: moving to Cranberry Creek will give her the fresh start she needs. From opening her brand-new bookstore on Main Street to learning to love her busybody landlady, Myrna, to spending her time on her favorite cozy hobby (word searches!), Abby has her hands full. But when a famous author is mysteriously murdered at her bookstore’s opening event, her new future is at stake. It’s up to Abby, with the help of some new friends, to solve the case.

From the Publisher

#TheWindsorAffair #NetGalley

Historical Fiction

370 pages

Pub date: 02 June 2026

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

from the publisher

A scandalous affair. A power struggle for the throne. A sensational rivalry between an English queen and an American social climber. In this electrifying novel, the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue tells the story of the Abdication of Edward VIII—and the two women at the center of it all.

“As deliciously dishy as an English cream tea and the royal gossip whispered over it!”—Kate Quinn, author of The Astral Library

Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors. The first novel to be dedicated to this infamous rivalry, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals.

As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied. Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising message: “In friendship, Elizabeth.”

My thoughts:

Many are aware of the conflict between Princes Harry and William, and their wives. Of course, history often repeats itself and that is the case in some ways today. Because, of course, before Harry and William, there were David and Bertie, two brothers with wives who also did not like each other. In each of these eras, important decisions were made that affected the monarchy and the personal lives of family members.

In this book, Benjamin very enjoyably tells the stories of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Warfield Simpson and those around them. Their experiences growing up were so different as were their fates. Wallis grew up poor and wanted security. Elizabeth grew up secure and was not seeking to become Queen. Yet as each married a Windsor brother their lives were set on a course. There were trying times ahead for both.

Even those who think that they know a lot about these historical personages will find much to like in these pages. They will leave the book understanding more about the women’s relationships, responsibilities and decisions.

It is easy to recommend this title to those who enjoy historical fiction and/or those who enjoy stories about British royalty.

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

From the Publisher:

From Library Journal:

VERDICT Both a sweeping account of nearly a century of royal history and an intimate look into the characters of the two women at the center of it all, this will please readers who enjoyed Benjamin’s previous novels or those who can’t get enough of the drama of the House of Windsor.