Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I read A Darker Domain several years ago and don’t fully remember the plot.  I do remember that I loved this novel, which introduced me to Karen Pirie.   Inspector Pirie solves historical mysteries that often intersect with the present.  After finishing this book, I went on to read every other Karen Pirie novel that I could puts my hands on. These included The Skeleton Room and Out of bounds, both of which I recommend highly.  I do remember that part of A Darker Domain took place during the Miner’s Strike and I learned a lot about how awful that was.  Val McDermid is truly a talented author of crime fiction!

Did you see Tennison on PBS’s Mystery Series?  Have you seen Prime Suspect with Helen Mirren?  If so, you know about Jane Tennison, both as a rookie and a more experienced investigator.  These series began with the novels by Lynda La Plante.  Today, you can purchase this novel for $1.99.  It may start you on a roll of either reading or watching the series, or maybe even both.

The Face of a Stranger is available for $2.99 today.  No, I do not work for Anne Perry despite my many blog posts but you know that I like her historical mysteries.   This is the first of Ms. Perry’s William Monk, as compared to Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, novels.  The premise is that Inspector Monk has amnesia that impacts his knowledge of his past history.  He does not know whom he may have wronged or offended and yet he must continue at his job in order to survive.  It is a great premise and this book opens a wonderful series.  You will enjoy getting to know Monk, Hester who was a nurse in the Crimean War and Oliver Rathbone, an attorney in this and the later novels.  If you are looking to begin a new series, seriously consider this one!  I never regretted it.

This short non-fiction title is geared toward a child who is beginning to express interest in learning about art history. The basic concepts and techniques of impressionism are briefly described and introduced in this volume. Examples of impressionist paintings are reproduced and very much add to the book’s appeal. The young reader is then invited to paint her own work of art. I found this to be a good introduction but hoped for a bit more depth. A good volume for a school’s library.

From WordPress: “Congratulations on getting 200 total likes on Joyce’s mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!.”  I appreciate your taking the time to “like” posts.  As always, I welcome any feedback that you may have.  I look forward to the next 200!

I previously blogged about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, a novel that has truly deserved its popularity.  Here is a copy of that entry.

“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 Truth…is the next novel written by one of the authors of the Guernsey book.  I have not as yet read it but am looking forward to doing so.  Right now it is $1.99 for the e-book.

Have any of you watched Queen Sugar on the OWN network?  There have been several engaging series of this story about an extended African American family who live in Louisiana.  I looked forward to it each week.  Important issues were explored while always keeping the watcher engaged.  Now you can read the book (for $1.99) that the series was based on.  The book is not exactly the same as the series in all aspects but the two complement one another.  It will be worth your time.

For those who enjoy Word Search puzzles, this looks like a fun collection. Learn about geography while you search for the hidden words. A fun way to de-stress. Thanks NetGalley!

I was intrigued by this non-fiction title when it was released and have been wanting to read it.  Today was my lucky day as it was on sale as an e-book for just $2.99.  As I haven’t read it yet, I will copy from a review so you can learn more.  “Irresistible…. We owe Mundy gratitude for rescuing these hidden figures from obscurity. Even more valuable is her challenge to the myth of the eccentric, inspired, solitary male genius, like Alan Turing.”―Elaine Showalter, Washington Post

I first read the Luke Thanet mysteries when they were published in the 1980s.  The novels have recently been re-released.  I blogged on The Night She Died which I received from NetGalley.  I found that I still very much enjoyed spending time with Luke, his family and his sidekick, Mike.  The mysteries are cozies set in an English village.  If you are a fan of classic mystery writers like Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh or if you watch Midsomer Murders on TV, these are worth your while.  The Inspector Thanet Mysteries Volume One is on sale for $3.99 today, if you need further inducement.

I have been blogging about Anne Perry a lot it seems. Then today I saw this as an e-book deal.  The first three Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels are on sale today for $3.99.  If you want to try the series,  this is a good opportunity.  If you like the Victorian era, interesting characters and good mysteries, these novels could be just the thing for you.  Happy reading!

Fifty Ways to Feel Happy offers kids ways to manage stress and cope with life when it is difficult. The book is divided into ten sections with each having activities and ideas. I especially liked the chapter on mindfulness with its suggestions for becoming centered when stressed. For a more introverted child, the section on relating could be very helpful. Topics for conversations with friends give some good ideas for initiating and reaching out.  One other take away that I particularly liked was the use of the word YET as in I can’t do this YET, or I don’t understand this YET. There are art activities, inspirational suggestions and all around good ideas throughout the book.This book could provide useful discussion with your child so consider taking a look.

#50waysToFeelHappy #NetGalley