Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#Jkrowling #NetGalley

From the publisher:  “A new series of empowering biographies featuring modern women in the world of work.”

I have recently been re-reading the Harry Potter books and have again been struck by how talented J K Rowling is. Below is a small part of my recent post on the novels:

Let me just say that J K Rowling rightly deserves her place in children’s literature. She cleverly tells a variation on a boarding school story, a classic quest tale, an orphan’s story, a story about friendship and a tale about the importance of good trying to overcome evil.

Having just re-immersed myself in this world, I was thrilled to receive an e-galley of a children’s title that tells J K Rowling’s own story. The book is interspersed with her quotes and these add resonance to the text. The illustrations are bold and suit the title.

Young readers will learn about young Jo Rowling’s struggles. Her mother was sick, she did not get along well with her father, she had difficulty “reaching her potential” at school and faced both joy (having a daughter) and struggle (a divorce, financial hardship). The reader learns as well that Jo Rowling liked to tell stories and that books were important to her. They will see how she kept on writing as Harry’s story was vividly clear to her and she needed to get it down.

Young readers will learn about J K Rowling’s persistence and eventual success. They will see too how she has used part of her wealth to help others. There is a section at the end of the book to encourage young people to write.

All in all, this is a promising entry in a promising new series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. All opinions are my own.

Circe. Based on mythology.

Best of Us. Women’s fiction by Robyn Carr

Winter in Paradise. Women’s fiction by Hilderbrand

Transcription. By Kate Atkinson and about a spy.

The Wife. Always worth looking at Alafair Burke tiles.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. A classic by John LeCarre

#TalesFromNatureBee #NetGalley

This is a short, simple, cheerfully illustrated book that will let little ones know what a bee is and what a bee does. A perfect start for young entomologists.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely nature read. All opinions are my own.

This is a very readable look at what it means to be Jewish both today and in terms of the religion’s long history. The book is organized as a journal that a twelve-year-old Jewish girl, Ruth, shares with her close friend, Ayla, who is Muslim. There is some plot centered around Ruth’s family to frame the narrative.

This book is expansive and inclusive. It makes room for people with a strong belief in God and those who are more cultural Jews. There are descriptions of holidays, customs and values.

Those who are Jewish can learn from this book as can those who are not. I found this to be an excellent, liberal take on the Jewish faith.

#TheCave #NetGalley

Why won’t the critter in the cave come out?? Wolf would surely like him to and offers a variety of enticements.

Of course, clever young listeners may think that the critter does not come out because he is afraid of being eaten. Is that what happens?

Find out in this whimsical, funny story with illustrations that perfectly illustrate the text.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this amusing read. All opinions are my own.

Many years ago, twenty to be exact, the Harry Potter  title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published.  My family and I were in a Canadian bookstore around that time and  I urged my younger daughter to purchase the book. Little did I know that HP would become a big part of our family life.  Each tale was devoured as it came out, the movies were seen both in theater and at home and we listened to Jim Dale narrate the novels repeatedly.

This year said daughter decided to reread the entire series. This time it was she who urged me to read every title, some for the first time and some again.  I have so enjoyed my return to Hogwarts.  I would not say that JK Rowling always has the most elegant prose but she is a supreme plotter.  Careful readers will know that seemingly casual scenes relate back to the plot just when you least expect it and/or most need it.  Also, I enjoy the wisdom of Dumbledore at the end of each volume that I have reread so far.

To say much about the books to someone who does not know them would involve way too many spoilers.  Let me just say that JK Rowling rightly deserves her place in children’s literature in my opinion.  She cleverly tells a variation on a boarding school story, a classic quest tale, an orphan’s story, a book about friendship and the importance of good over evil.  Read or reread, it is up to you!

Welcome back Richard Jury and Co!
After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!

#TheKnowledge #NetGalley

Three good mystery/suspense titles, a classic and historical fiction.  All excellent.

#ThatsForBabies #NetGalley

Prunella wakes up on her third birthday determined to be a “big girl.”  Her common refrain becomes “That’s for babies.”  While stating this, Prunella denies herself old pleasures like special breakfasts, playing with a favorite doll, going to the playground and having playdates.  Nonetheless, she remains determined until a storm awakens her at night.  Prunella then tucks herself into bed with her parents.  The next day she again participates in some of her favorite activities.

Children of toddler through preschool age often state that they want to be “big kids.”  Of course, they feel ambivalence at times.  If you know a child for whom this is true, they may enjoy this picture book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  The opinions are my own.

I have read every novel that Elizabeth George has written, starting with A Great Deliverance.  I felt that, in recent years, the books were not nearly as good as their predecessors.  I thought about giving this one a pass and am very glad that I did not.  Ms George was in good form all the way through this almost 700 page novel.

Ostensibly the story is about what happened to a young man, Ian Druitt, a church worker, who dies while in police custody.  But…this is much more a story about parenting with too much intensity, especially on the parts of the story’s mothers.  There is the high up police officer who believes that her son may have committed a horrific crime, the mother who thinks she knows what her daughter should do and whom she should not marry and series character, Isabelle Ardery, whose toxic relationship with alcohol is poisoning her relationship with her children.  Who of them is the one who gets “The Punishment She Deserves?” What of the fathers?    How much can we or should we control others?  How is justice best served? Can police be corrupt?  You will consider these issues as you spend time with series regulars Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers in a tale that, at times, is quite tragic.

This book can be read as a stand alone or embraced by series regulars.  I very highly recommend it.