Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Always welcome, always good to read about forthcoming new books in this format. Take a look and plan what will occupy you this winter. .

The trend for Scandinavian mysteries continues.  My daughter pointed out an additional trend in these northern novels, when she observed that they include so many enticing food details and scenes of ordinary, daily life.  I wanted to eat with Nora and to visit the island of Sandham where she lives for the summer.

Viveca Sten is an author I did not know.  I just finished Still Waters and have immediately plunged into Closed Circles, the next in the series.  In her own country, Ms. Sten has sold millions of books.  I think that U.S. readers could also enjoy hunkering down with her novels.  The main characters come fully to life in a way that makes me want to follow them through the next books.  The final solution to the mystery is not the strongest part of the book but I did not mind as I so enjoyed everything else in this fun read.  Highly recommended.

I was just informed that I have published fifty posts on the site.  It has been fun to share my love of reading with all of you.  I look forward to my next 50 reads just as much as the first fifty.  The bliss of books!

I have been “reading” this book in its audio edition.  A British novel, a British audiobook narrator; what could be better?  This is a charming story about the kind of store where a bibliophile would find bliss.  Well curated, family run, a good selection in stock and in a lovely town; indeed a perfect shop.  The stories of several characters are interwoven.  A really nice read to enjoy during the frantic holiday season.

Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else’s identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women’s roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.

The Shadow of Death is a cozy mystery by an author who is new to me. The novel’s protagonist, Sister Agatha, is a Jessica Fletcher like amateur detective. In the book the reader finds murder, financial shenanigans and characters who have troubled pasts. The delights in the novel are the setting, the insights into modern (un-stuffy) religious life and the warmth of the characters. My guess is that we will be reading a sequel this time next year!

Only one visitor so far this month.  To all who  read this blog, are there things that you would like to see?  Let me know!  I love writing about books so will keep on but I would love some more visitors.  Thanks.

I enjoyed spending time with Annie, her friends and family as she moves to Cornwall, at first reluctantly but later as a conscious choice. The story of how Annie embraces her community, learns to trust her family and finds romance makes for a good and pleasant read. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Cornwall and the warmth of this story.

I have read all of the Peter Diamond mysteries.  I was first attracted to them because of their Bath, England setting.  Having lived in Bath, I was excited to visit fictionally.  The books do not disappoint if you like traditional mysteries leavened with some humor.  In this forthcoming entry, a body is found and questions arise as to whether the victim was Beau Nash, a famous historical figure.  This is a fun and intriguing mystery with well developed characters and an interesting plot.  Put it on your winter TBR list.