This title is the start of a new series for this author who also writes books about Lady Hardcastle. Lady H is peripherally involved here as well. A friend of hers suggests that the Dizzy Heights, a jazz group, can help to solve a case. As readers can tell from the title, there are missing diamonds, stolen during WWI.

This mystery, that takes place in the 1920s, is an enjoyable one. There is music, a private members’ club, a dance contest and more on the way to solving the case.

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

by Lee Hollis

Pub Date 30 Mar 2021

Lee Hollis is the author of several cozy mystery series. These include the stories that follow Maya and Sandra, starting with Murder at the PTA; and those following Hayley Powell, beginning with Death of a Kitchen Diva. The series with Poppy Harmon is this author’s newest and Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer is the third in this series. The book can certainly be read without having started with title number one.

Poppy is of a certain age (something that I liked), was an actor and now enjoys her work as a private detective. She is based in Palm Springs, CA. In this novel, Poppy is on a set for the first time in many years. She is undercover and there to keep an eye on a young starlet, Danika, who is being stalked. But, uh-oh, Danika is killed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Readers can be sure that Poppy and her cohorts will solve the case. Will they find that it is connected with an earlier crime, that of the Pillow Talk Killer? Cozy lovers may enjoy solving this one right along with them.

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

Meet the creatures who inspired our everyday technology

by Christiane Dorion

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021

This book will undoubtedly fascinate young future scientists. In it, they will learn about the many ways in which animals, sea creatures and insects have invented things that have inspired and influenced human technology. For instance, the second entry is about a butterfly that has taught humans about adding color to textiles. Next readers learn about a shark’s skin and its influence on everything from bathing suits to, potentially, the material on the outside of airplanes. Each colorful two page spread includes numerous facts and lively illustrations. There are more than thirty entries in all.

This is an interesting title that kids can explore in any order. Who knows what ideas they will have after reading this book?

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

www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/books/national-book-critics-circle-award-winners.html

www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/books/april-2021-books.html

A Cat With No Name

A Story About Sadness

by Kochka

This is a brightly colored, illustrated book on the subject of sadness for young children . The loss in the story does not involve death. I think that the story offers a way to open up discussion about feelings without being very threatening.

The story has to do with Olive finding a stray cat and being overjoyed to have a pet. How does she feel when this kitten goes back to its owner?

This book has a situation to which children can relate. It offers a helpful way to introduce conversations about feelings with the youngest children. There is a helpful section for adults at the end.

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

by Loren Glass

Carole King’s album, Tapestry, became an anthem for young women in the 1970s. It later is given its due in the Broadway musical Beautiful, which tells the story of the earlier part of Carole’s life. The album remains beloved by many and that includes new fans as well.

In the introduction the author shares the very personal way that Tapestry became a part of his life, as well as that of the author’s mother. The book goes on to place King in the context of her time. Those who have followed Carole King will revisit material that is known to them including her early family life, her relationship with Gerry Goffin and more. That should not interfere with enjoying this title. Those who want to learn more about 1970s music will also want to immerse themselves in this book. Listen to the album as you read and appreciate all that Carole King gave to the music world.

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

by Cara Reinard

The plot of this book sounded quite intriguing even if it has been used before. A woman thinks that she has the perfect life. She is wealthy, lives in a good community, thinks that she has a good marriage and is parent to a teenager who seems to have the world at his feet.

This is the story of what happens when all of these illusions are taken away. The family has power and wants to use it to protect their son. Is this the right course of action? How will they all fare as they move away from what is right?

This book has gotten mixed reviews. See what you think.

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

by Susan Quinn

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021  

This is a lovely and very sweet book about the relationship between a child and his dad. It celebrates the ways in which dads care for kids every day. They might cook together, go to the park, attend soccer practice or read bedtime stories. Each of these activities, along with the many others found in this title, show how brilliant it is to be the child of a caring parent. The gentle illustrations enhance the text beautifully making for a book to enjoy.

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

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJuly 13, 2018

Did you know that the Germans occupied the British island of Guernsey for five years during WW II?  In this epistolary novel, through the eyes of Juliet, the authors tell the stories of islanders of all ages and backgrounds.  The characters are portrayed with a deft touch as their foibles and humanity are explored.  There is even some romance.  It is trite to say but the characters felt like friends with whom I wanted to spend lots of time.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy finding out what the pie is and why it was created.

The book is worth reading and I am eagerly anticipating you can also see the movie with Lily James from Downton Abbey.