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

What a treat it is to have a new Cathy Kelly book to read. This Irish author has brought me much pleasure over the years with her stories about realistic characters and the challenges that they face, as is the case here.

Rose was a well-known therapist who made a name for herself on TV-until she disappeared from viewers’ screens. She has been living on a Greek island where, with the help of two of her closest people (her sister and brother-in-law), she hopes to run successful week long therapy retreats.

To this beautiful villa come six people who either want a new start or who feel that one is being imposed upon them. These guests include a woman with serious anger issues, another who has been dealing with addiction, a woman adrift, a husband and wife, and a scientist who may be an enabler.

What will happen as these people become known to themselves and to each other? Will Rose be able to help them? Will she, herself, in return be helped in the process? Readers will want to know.

Kelly excels at creating her characters. I feel like I knew each one.

In addition, the setting is beautifully described. If it were possible to visit the location of this book, I would! Corfu seems idyllic.

Fans of Kelly will certainly want to read this. Some new fans for the author will also be found, I think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 26 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Six people gather on a fabulous Greek island, each one hoping that ten days in the sun, writing their life stories, will magically fix their lives.

Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.

Five years after her career as a tv therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.

Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.

But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.

Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…

Will that include Rose’s, too?

‘A triumph […] vivid and wise and uplifting’ Marian Keyes

#ElizabethBarrettBrowning #NetGalley

Whether or not a reader is already aware of EBB’s poetry, here is a book to savor. There are more than 100 poems by her in these pages-a good reminder that she wrote so much more than the very well known “How Do I Love Thee?”

Following the introduction, this title is organized by topics, each of which has its own introduction. These sections include Love; Death and Spirituality; Social Justice; and, Women’s Rights and Feminism. Some of the many poems is followed by a critique for readers who want a deeper understanding of the work.

Here is a book that brings EBB’s poetry to life for readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Gemini Books Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 February 2026

Post first published on 15 January 2026

Description:

A curated collection of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry that explores the personal, political and intellectual depth of this pivotal Victorian poet.

From the intense affection of ‘How Do I Love Thee?’ to the powerful social protest in ‘The Cry of the Children’, the lyrical beauty of Barrett Browning’s poetry continues to fascinate modern readers.

In this evocative introduction to Barrett Browning’s work, over 100 poems are organised into thematic sections, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of her perspectives on life, liberty and love.

Perfect for fans of feminist literature and poetry, this collection celebrates the pioneering legacy of Barrett Browning as a talented poet, social reformer and independent woman.

#PoemsforEverySeason #NetGalley

To start: This book offers a visual delight. The illustrations (woodcuts) are just gorgeous throughout. I will return to this book often just to admire them.

The concept is rather brilliant too. This collection evokes the season and, at the same time, introduces kids to many different ways of composing poems, everything from the sonnet to a haiku and so much in between, including forms of poetry that were new to me. Helpfully, readers can find the poem’s style on the bottom of the pages. In addition, each style is described at the end of the book.

This title is listed as one for children but I think that there is much for adults to enjoy here as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 February 2025

About the book:

from the publisher

Description

“A remarkable collaboration.” —Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

Poetry and the beauty of nature combine for this breathtaking celebration of the year.

In this stunning combination of wordcraft and woodcuts, readers meet the changing seasons with thirteen poems, all in different poetic structures, from award-winning Dutch author Bette Westera. Each season opens with a haiku, following with the season’s months and their poems. Readers will dance into March with a rondel for a newborn lamb, wave in the August wind with a five-line tanka for a summer sunflower, snuggle in for December with a limerick for all those who stayed home instead of going south…

Exquisite woodcut art from Henriette Boerendans, an artist making her US and UK debut, showcases the wonder of the natural world. Back matter offers further details about the poems’ structures—offering the perfect opportunity for young writers to write their own sonnet for February or quatrain for September. Translated from the Dutch by David Colmer.

Poetic types spotlighted:

Haiku

Rondel

Acrostic

Double dactyl

Pantoum

Elevenie

Tanka

Quatrain

Diamante

Rondelet

Limerick

Stacking Poem

Sonnet

Creating the book:

from Amazon

Bette Westera has written over fifty books for children, including Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise and the Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book Later, When I’m Big (both Eerdmans). She has also translated books by Dr. Seuss, Astrid Lindgren, and Julia Donaldson into the Dutch language. Bette lives in the Netherlands, where her books have received two Golden Pencil awards and six Silver Pencil honors. Visit her website at bettewestera.nl.

Henriette Boerendansis an Amsterdam-based printmaker and illustrator. Poems for All Seasons is her English-language debut. While walking in nature together one day, Bette and Henriette brainstormed new projects and came up with the idea for this book. Follow Henriette on Instagram @henriette.boerendans and visit her website at boerendans.com. 

David Colmer is an Australian writer and translator of Dutch and Flemish literature. He has translated over eighty books throughout his career, including I’ll Root for You, A Pond Full of Ink, and Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise (all Eerdmans). His work has been honored with many awards, including the PEN Translation Prize and the Dutch Foundation for Literature’s James Brockway Prize, which recognizes a translator’s body of Dutch-language poetry. David lives in Amsterdam.

From the Publisher:

“Boerendans’…work throughout is masterful. The book’s design is innovative, while the verse is thoughtful and immersive….A remarkable collaboration.”
―Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

This book is very adorable. It will bring a chuckle for adults as they read it with kids.

The illustrations are bright and inviting. The text is simple but effective.

I found this book to be so cute!

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

Pub date: 03 March 2026

From the publisher:

When you’re a cat, you answer to no one! 

Cats are quiet like ninjas, masters of hide-and-seek, and they aren’t afraid of anything! Why wouldn’t you want to be a cat? Well, maybe there’s one reason… 

This funny and unexpected story celebrates all the reasons our furry friends are the coolest and why it would be fun to live like one! 

#BeattieCavendishandtheHighlandHideaway #NetGalley

This book follows on the first Beattie Cavendish novel, Beattie Cavendish and the White Pearl Club. Those who enjoyed that book, and those who like detective/spy stories will want to give this one a look. It offers a fun read that requires just a bit of suspension of disbelief.

I enjoyed the characters, the time period and the trip to Scotland. The plot was also engaging.

I am certainly be wondering what Beattie will do next! Hopefully, there will be a third book in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Allison & Busby and Amber Jupp for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher:

1949. The Cold War is tightening its grip, spies lurk in every shadow, and the race for the atomic bomb is reaching a deadly pitch.

When GCHQ operative Beattie Cavendish is sent to a pivotal listening station in a remote corner of the Scottish Highlands, she finds a base in chaos – its commander missing, its mission compromised, and whispers of a German spy ring closing in. But Beattie’s task takes a darker and more personal turn when her uncle vanishes nearby, leaving behind a chilling note: I know who you really are.

With private detective Patrick Corrigan at her side, Beattie must uncover the truth before snow and secrecy seal them in. For here, betrayal runs deep, and no one is who they seem.

From the publisher:

1949. The Cold War is intensifying and rumours abound that the Russians are close to creating an atomic bomb.

Beattie Cavendish, special operative for a covert section of GCHQ is sent to Scotland, to a listening station in the Highlands at Kilbray. Beattie’s arrival is greeted with suspicion by the station’s staff. She faces an uphill battle to turn things around. When Beattie discovers that her uncle Howard, who lives nearby, has gone missing, she becomes convinced his disappearance is more sinister. She learns Howard has been visiting a remote Highland lodge used during the war to hide out of favour special operation executive officers. As she delves deeper, there is no one she feels she can trust except for private detective Patrick Corrigan. But Corrigan has troubles of his own as he needs to get out of London after crossing the Kutsnetsov brothers, a pair of notorious Russian gangsters.

As the snow begins to fall hard and fast, Beattie realises the search is putting her life and that of Corrigan’s in danger, and that the answers she is looking for lie buried in her wartime past.

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/books/review/tayari-jones-kin.html

A Novel of the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

by Gill Paul

An e book bargain

Many of the historical novels that I have read recently have employed a dual timeline with two protagonists as a structure for the narrative. In this novel, both timelines are told through the eyes of Evelyn Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon and wife of Borogard Beauchamp.

Eve’s father helped to underwrite the work of Howard Carter in Egypt. As many know, Carter “discovered” the tomb of Tutankhamun with its many riches and historical artifacts. Eve was there when this significant event took place.

The story moves back and forth in time. In the present, it is the 1970s and Eve has suffered a number of strokes. Full credit to Ms. Paul for her sensitivity and ability to make readers feel the difficult impact that these had on Eve.

In the past, Eve grows up, is a debutante, meets Borograve and follows her interest in archaeology and lives her life. She has friends, children and a world around her.

The two narratives converge when Ana wants to interview Eve. She is tasked with understanding the events at the time that the tomb was found. Eve knows something important and will have to decide whether to reveal this.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is leisurely paced, has well developed characters and lets readers witness a significant discovery. Readers will feel the heat of the sun and visualize the landscape of Egypt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this absorbing historical novel. All opinions are my own.

A Novel

by Ann Mah

#JacquelineinParis #NetGalley

Jacqueline Kennedy was one of the world’s most well-known and iconic women. Her life has been well documented for sure. However, in this title, Ms. Mah, recalls and imagines an earlier time in Jacqueline’s life, long before she was a Kennedy. Here, she is a young girl, a Vassar student, on a junior year abroad in Paris.

In the author’s imagination, Jacqueline had to fight to get to Paris. Her mother and stepfather needed to be persuaded to let her go. Jacqueline’s mother’s goal for her daughter was a good marriage. When she finally agreed, it was with caveats regarding some young men that her daughter should meet. J’s mother also makes special arrangements for J to live with an aristocratic family, not in a dorm.

The book opens as J is arriving in France and follows her experiences and growth. In an early chapter, J is brought up against the reality of the Bouviers and how the family was not so well established as she had been led to believe. This exemplifies the ways in which time away from home leads to new understandings and perspectives.

Readers follow Jackie in a post war France that is still recovering. They make their way around the city with J and, such is the author’s talent, they feel that they could be there. In addition, readers follow the stories of those with whom Jackie comes in contact, including the family with whom she lives, the aristocratic Paul and some purported Communists, to round things out.

Fans of historical fiction are pretty certain to enjoy this novel.

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

Pub date: 27 September 2022

PRICE	$27.99 (USD) Hardback
PAGES	352

#GettheWigglesOut #NetGalley

This book offers such a reassuring message to kids and that is that it is safe to feel whatever you are feeling. There are twelve feelings in all in these pages, as for example, surprise, nervousness, being excited, feeling sad and more. Each of these emotions is described. For example, the authors note that one is nervous when they are not sure about something.

In addition this title includes many suggestions about things to do when a particular emotion arises. For example, distraction can be used, or movement, or breathing. Kids are invited to try each.

I love that this title features the familiar Sesame Street characters. The vibrant illustrations really invite kids in.

I think that it could be helpful for young children to read this book with a trusted adult. They can then talk about and practice some of these techniques.

All in all, a terrific book for kids.

Many thanks to Mayo Clinic Press Kids and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 April 2026

Description

Big feelings? Wiggly bodies? Let’s move through it―together!

From nervous wiggles to excited jumps, this playful and empowering picture book helps kids recognize, understand, and manage their feelings―one movement at a time. Whether it’s Elmo feeling nervous at the doctor’s office or Abby bursting with excitement at the library, Get the Wiggles Out shows that there are fun, simple ways to handle every emotion. With expert guidance from Mayo Clinic pediatric psychologist Dr. Emily McTate and beloved Sesame Street friends, children learn how to calm their bodies, express their feelings, and get back to doing what they love.

Featuring vibrant illustrations, engaging activities, and a warm, reassuring tone, this book is perfect for:

• Helping young readers build emotional awareness and resilience
• Supporting social-emotional learning at home, in classrooms, or in therapy
• Encouraging movement-based techniques to manage big feelings

Whether kids feel shy, overwhelmed, or just need to shake it out, Get the Wiggles Out is a joyful reminder that every feeling is safe to feel―and every child has the tools to handle it.

Everyday Feelings with Sesame Street invites children to explore feelings with the help of their favorite Sesame Street friends. Combining fun narratives with expert guidance from Mayo Clinic pediatric psychologist Dr. Emily McTate, each adventure offers practical strategies to support every child’s emotional well-being.

Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.

An e book bargain

#MrsChristieattheMysteryGuildLibrary #NetGalley

My thoughts:

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries, are fans of Agatha Christie, are willing to suspend disbelief, enjoy lots of book references, enjoy accurate NYC locations, a murder and a good, fun plot will rush to buy Chapman’s novel. I very much enjoyed it.

I loved the setting. Chapman has created a special library that features a replica of Christie’s own library at Greenway. I wanted to go to this (imaginary) library set on Washington Square and spend the day. Glad I could do so virtually.

Protagonist, Tory has inherited the running of the library from her grandmother. She also is a book restorer. Tory has eccentric relatives, including her cousin Nic. Nic leads to Tory right into suspicious events and murder(s).

Speaking of eccentricity, how is it that Mrs. Mallowan (you should know who she is) is found sitting in the library? She very much wants to be involved in the events of this story.

Some suspension of disbelief is required but do this and there is much to enjoy here. I look forward to what comes next for this author.

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

Pub date: 26 August 2025

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews:

Reviews

“The first in a new series that I know is going to be a delight. Clever, funny, sharp, surprising — Amanda Chapman delivers!”

– Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of City of Girls and Eat, Pray, Love

“Amanda Chapman’s Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library has everything a reader could want in a mystery, including the (possible) ghost of Agatha Christie, the queen of puzzle solvers. Add a whopping good mystery, engaging characters, a little romance, glamorous New York, and you have the perfect cocktail. It’s a sparkling, witty gem with heart, and I can’t wait for the next installment!”

– Deborah Crombie, McCavity Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James Scotland Yard mysteries.

“Chapman intrigues and delights with this twisty and funny must-read tale featuring (it appears!) the Queen of Crime herself. Narrator Tory Van Dyne is at first mystified by Mrs. Christie but ends up marveling at how she unravels myriad clues to solve two homicides. Prepare to lose sleep — you won’t want to put this book down.”

– Maddie Day, Agatha Award-winning author of Scone Cold Dead and Murder at Cape Costumers


“Witty, twisty, and utterly enthralling, Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library pays homage to Dame Agatha and is a love song to New York City. I fell in love with the Mystery Guild Library and can’t wait to pay it another visit!”

– Ellen Byron, USA Today bestselling author and Agatha Award winner

“Chapman has a blast with her contemporary New York setting, resettling British mystery tropes among Manhattan’s rare books community, theatrical circles, and eccentric Upper East Siders. Uncovering a killer, it turns out, can be just as fun in the Big Apple as it is in St. Mary Mead. Fans of classic detective fiction are in for a treat.”

– Publisher’s Weekly starred review