Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

Be smart and read The Knowledge

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

Enjoying Odysseys

Product Details     Product Details  So…bit by bit, I am making my way through THE Odyssey and AN Odyssey as noted in an earlier post.  An excellent combination.  AN Odyssey provides insight into the lives of a professor (son) and his father, who audits his son’s Odyssey seminar.  Father offers opinions in class despite saying he would not speak.  An interesting dynamic. I am also learning more about the books of THE Odyssey from AN Odyssey which informs my reading of THE Odyssey.  This translation is very readable and I am enjoying taking my time with it.  There are many beautiful adjectives and adjectival phrases. More updates to follow.

Art and Murder in Scotland

I enjoyed this fictional trip to the Scottish highlands. Painter, Seamus and his photographer wife, Sylvie run their shop and engage in their artistic pursuits while living in their small, close-knit community. When a painting by a well-known Scottish artist leads to murder, the chase is on! Pluses in this book include the very likeable characters and the relationships between them. There were times when I groaned as Sylvie yet again became a “damsel in distress.” I figured out “whodunnit” but nonetheless recommend this novel. I will look for the other books in this series and you might want to too.

#BeforeAndAgain #NetGalley

This title will be published in June if you would like to mark your calendar

Before and Again…how does what happens, mistakes that we have made, impact our view of the past, our present and our belief in the future? These big issues are fictionally brought to life in Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel.
Early on in the book, the reader learns that a moment of inattention led to the death of the protagonist’s daughter, Lily. Any parent can, but does not want to, imagine what this could mean. The reader watches as Maggie tries to move on and start fresh but…can/should the past be denied? A concurrent theme involves Grace who has secrets and stories of her own. In addition, Grace’s son is accused of computer hacking and the consequences of his act may impact his future, just as Maggie and Grace are impacted by their pasts.
I found the characters to be sympathetically drawn and would recommend this book to readers of women’s fiction.

A big January ahead in my reading

Product DetailsProduct DetailsI love January first; for a moment all things seem possible.  No mistakes made as yet though I am pretty certain that will change.

I am excited about another year of reading journeys.  Top of my list right now are two books that I will review further later but have just begun.  As you can see, they pair well together.  An Odyssey is a story of fathers and sons both present and from Greek epic.  The author teaches a class on the Odyssey at Bard College; his father asks to audit. ( Intriguing to me as I audit many classes too.)  It seems that this will be a good and thought provoking read about family relationships in fact and fiction..

So, you may all have heard about Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey.  This is the first translation EVER by a woman. There is a great podcast on Slate as an introduction.  I am excited to have begun reading this beautiful and easy to follow edition of a great work.  It may be the start of educating myself on great literary works that I have missed.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading everyone.  I look forward to sharing more and to getting your feedback in 2018 .

Nuanced characters with shades of grey

I ordered this book from England and am so glad that I did!  This is the first mystery by M.B. Shaw (aka Tilly Bagshaw) who is a modern Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh.  All of the elements for a successful series are in place and I hope that Ms. Shaw keeps writing.  The characters are well developed and nuanced; each is unique and has a backstory.  The mystery is solved through the protagonist’s acute observational skills.  Iris Grey, amateur sleuth, is an artist who brings a certain sensibility to the small English village where she has rented a cottage.  Getting to know her and the victim, successful author, Dom, and his family kept the pages turning.  Highly recommended for mystery lovers with a British bent.

The English Wife (and her circle)

This is the first book that I have read by Lauren Willig. She is well known for her Pink Carnation Series and has also written standalone novels. The English Wife, (a standalone), was a page turner. To me, the book was like Jane Eyre crossed with Rebecca. If those are novels that you enjoyed, you may well enjoy The English Wife too!  Thanks for this book NetGalley.  It will be published in January.