Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

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.

Kathleen Ernst has created a cozy mystery niche writing books that take place at historical sites in the Midwest. Her latest tells the stories of Cornish miners who lived and worked in Wisconsin in the 1830s. I was drawn to these parts of the book and was interested enough to look up the Pendarvis site on line. I enjoyed spending time with the main couple, Chloe and Roelke, who feature in all of the books. At times, Chloe’s judgment regarding her safety is faulty but this is in service of the plot. If you like cozies, are interested in a mix of history and contemporary story and want a tour of an interesting location, this book is for you!

The reviews for this book have been excellent, yet I have only read The Nightingale recently.  This story of two sisters during WW II is about how we become who we are, in part, based on our experiences in our family of origin.  It also reflects on the roles of women in WWII and the choices that are both made and somewhat forced upon one.  Isabelle is reckless, brave and a young woman who has faced many rejections.  Her older sister, Vianne, tries to accommodate during the Occupation but becomes braver as she witnesses the impact of the Nazis on her village.  As you read, wait to see why the book is called The Nightingale and see if you are correct about who the narrator is.  This novel is well worth reading.  Add it to your TBR pile.

In this novel, Wilson writes about what might have happened to Agatha Christie during the time that she mysteriously disappeared for ten days.  Using known facts and his imagination, the author creates a fascinating, if somewhat unbelievable explanation, for what transpired.  Best in this book are the biographical facts and insights and the development of characters including Agatha, Archie, Nancy, Una and Davison.  Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie’s books or those interested in knowing more about the author and her times.

I read and enjoyed this author’s earlier novel, “Dear Mr. Knightley,” an update of Daddy Longlegs. Katherine Reay has created a niche, writing modern takes on classic novels. In “The Austen Escape,” Mary and Isabel travel to Bath for a vacation that will give them a chance to enjoy life in Austen’s time.  Each chooses an Austen character to represent while away. There is also a romance set in a tech/engineering firm and in Bath along with backstories for other guests on the tour. This is a light, escapist read.  Thanks  NetGalley for the opportunity to review the book.

Anna Lee Huber’s novel, is an historical mystery that is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. A group of characters is stranded on an island, (think “And Then There Were None”), as the action unfolds. Widow Verity attends an engagement party weekend, while trying to find out whether her husband, Sidney, was a traitor during WWI. Not the most believable plot but Verity is a plucky character and one that I rooted for.  Book provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.  Thanks NetGalley!

NetGalley reports that I have now written 10 reviews.  I am proud of this small accomplishment and the badge that they sent for me to share.  Thank you NetGalley!  Looking forward to at least ten more.  There will be upcoming reviews on Anna Lee Huber and Katherine Reay’s new books as soon as I finish them.  Also planning to share a non-fiction title by Brene Brown.  Until the next post, happy summer reading all!

I have not read Fiona Barton’s first book, “The Widow,” although I probably will now. Her sophomore effort, “The Child,” is intriguing and suspenseful Who is the baby found on the building site? How are the characters and their stories connected? What does it mean to be a parent? To grieve? To confront and accept one’s past? “The Child” is about all of this while being a page turner. I did guess the answer to the central mystery but this did not in any way lessen my enjoyment of this novel. I feel confident that Fiona Barton’s next book will be, “third time the charm.” Recommended for suspense fans.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this novel.

  Katie Fforde has been writing lighthearted British women’s fiction for many years. It is a pleasure to find that her books are now more easily available is the U.S. “A French Affair” is an enjoyable summer read. There is a bit of family drama, insight into the world of antique selling and, of course, romance. Recommended for fans of British authors like Jenny Colgan and Erica James.

I have been a huge fan of Julia Keller ever since I read her first book, “A Killing in the Hills.” The setting is West Virginia where life is difficult for many-the miners, the teens, the drug users-and where it is challenging to find a sense of well-being and peace. The humanity of the protagonist, Bell Elkins, brings me back again and again. “Fast Falls the Night,” takes place over the course of a single day and was inspired by real events in the author’s home town. A series of drug deaths is being investigated. At the same time, there is the chance to visit with many of the series’ regular characters. This literary trip to West Virginia can be tough and heart-breaking but oh, so worthwhile. Highly recommended.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.