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!

A cozy mystery within a mystery

#ThePlotIsMurder #NetGalley  I have often had the dream of owning a mystery bookshop. A dream nurtured by stores like Otto Penzler’s and the old mystery bookshop on New York’s upper westside. For me, it will not happen but for Sam it does. In this book, she opens a shop while turning her hand to amateur detection. Sam needs to solve the murder of an unlikable victim who died outside her door. Sam is most ably assisted by her Nana Jo and Nana Jo’s friends. In addition, you also get to read the mystery that Sam is writing. This book is a pleasant cozy to while away some time on a cold winter night.

Journeys

Product DetailsProduct DetailsI am thinking about fathers/sons which could be read as parents/children as I finish Book One of the Odyssey and quite a few chapters or AN Odyssey.  What do you think of this quote?  “Few sons are the equals of their fathers; most fall short, all too few surpass them.”  This has led to some philosophical thoughts on my part as both my parents’ child and my children’s parents.  Just a hint of all that there is to think about in these two excellent reads.

Renoir’s Dancer (and my reading goals for the year)

Product DetailsThis year, I am trying to read more broadly.  I will always adore mysteries and fiction but also want to expand and keep learning and challenging myself.  I have read part of this biography so the full review will follow later.  I recommend it already though.  Suzanne Valadon had such an interesting, often difficult life.  So far, I have learned a great deal about the hardships that her mother faced, French history and customs; and Suzanne’s early years.  She will be a well-known model, painter and mother of a painter by the time I finish this book.  So many of us have admired Renoir paintings; there was just a marvelous exhibit at the Phillips in DC.  This is a chance to learn more about what transpired behind the scenes.  More to come but but this on your TBR pile.  It comes out in February.

#Renoir’sDancer #NetGalley

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.