Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by C.L. Miller

I enjoyed this author’s first traditional mystery. She knows her antiques and how to tell a good story. Now, the Lockwood Antique Hunters (Freya and Auntie Carole) are back and on the high seas. How did they get there?

Well, a painting has been taken from a maritime museum and (worse), there has been a murder. From here the intrepid duo take a cruise where they discover many stolen artworks/antiquities, and a mastermind. Will they set the (art) world to rights? Readers know the answer; the enjoyment is in getting there.

Recommended to those who enjoy traditional mysteries, antiques and armchair travel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 February 2025

The first book in this series:

From the Publisher

This is the first, but will not be the last, book that I read by this author. Her novels are now being published by the wonderful Poisoned Pen Press, a great place to find new authors and series.
The Rowland Sinclair mysteries take place in the 30s and Rowly reminds me of that great thirties sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey. He is an artist who is surrounded by his communist leading friends including the lovely Edna, a sculptress. This novel picks up where the prior one ended with the group escaping from Germany at a time when the Nazis were rising and brutal. They come to England where they try to alert the government to upcoming perils and to solve the mystery of an upper class man who is found dead. Subsidiary figures abound including H.G. Wells and Evelyn Waugh.
I truly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for this one, Poisoned Press and NetGalley.

Note:  I will now try to add author’s names to the titles of the posts in order to make the site easier to search.

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BN-Mar-25.pdf

#KillsWellwithOthers #NetGalley

This book invites readers to again spent time with the Killers of a Certain Age. Although I have not read the first in this series, I felt that I was able to jump right in.

Readers meet four women who have a spectacular skill set including proficiency in disguise, strategy and killing. They are Helen, Billie, Natalie and Mary Alice. These women are called back into service to avenge a colleague’s murder and the mayhem then briskly takes off.

This book is full of action, drama, excitement, good characters, a variety of global settings and more. It is a kind of James Bond for the older woman (but not too old) vibe. I found it to be very enjoyable.

I have read other series by this author. This one is a bit different. Kudos to Raybourn for doing something new …and succeeding.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 March 2025

From the Publisher

by Malcolm Day

#TwoInchesofIvory #NetGalley.

I am currently taking a class on Jane Austen’s novels. I also note that much is happening in 2025 because of the significant number of years it has been since Jane was born in 1775. So, I am paying attention to all things Austen.

When I saw the title of this book, I knew that it was about Austen since she used the same phrase in talking about her writing. I knew that I wanted to take a look at this fictional account of the Austen clan that is based on fact.

The novel begins in 1775 and continues to follow the family until 1817. The author notes that he has used original documents in his story and these add a sense of verisimilitude to the narrative. I did find, though, that this book moves a bit slowly.

Those interested in peeking into Austen’s life, may want to pick this one up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 January 2025

As the new year steams into action, the book season gets in full gear as well, greeting spring, summer, and fall with a long list of titles worth noting. From fiction that focuses on a range of contemporary concerns, to nonfiction reminding us that the past is always prologue, to poetry that summons attention, these are works to know, share, and read. For even more titles, see the Prepub Preview Extra list online.
— Read on www.libraryjournal.com/story/Prepub-Preview-A-Year-of-Titles-to-Watch

The Secret War of the Women in the OSS

by Lisa Rogak

I’ve read many fiction titles that have included characters in the OSS so was excited to read a more factual account in this title. Readers of historical fiction might want to branch out to read this non-fiction book.

Below (thanks to NG and the publisher) are descriptions of the women featured:

Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.

Readers are drawn into this book right from the first paragraph of the book as it mentions Betty with a date of December 7, 1947, letting readers know what (awful) events are about to transpire. The pages continued to turn. I enjoyed that the women were from different backgrounds and even included an actress.

The author writes in an engaging style that invites the readers in. Through her words these women come to life. This title seems like a good choice for Women’s History Month.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 March 2025

This book is an excellent compendium of stories for “rebel girls” but also for anyone interested in learning more about a variety of accomplished women immigrants.  The book can be read in order or at random.  For each woman her area of interest is listed.  To name just some of the women included, there are Lupita Nyong’o, an actress; Madeleine Albright, politician; Frieda Belinfante, cellist and conductor;Burke Harris, pediatrician and so many more, all the way to the end of the alphabet.  Each short, engaging entry includes an illustration, a quote and a short biography.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this inspiring collection that will remind girls that they can be anyone they choose.  All opinions are my own.

pub date:  October 13, 2020

A Novel

by Lauren Willig

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021   

Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.

The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.

This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.

Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.

Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

An e book bargain

 #AGirlsGuidetoWinningtheWar #NetGalley

Last year I read and enjoyed this author’s The Air Raid Book Club. With her latest novel, Lyons again sets a story during WWII.

Lyons has a gift for writing about characters with warmth and caring. Readers will be hoping for the best for many of those that they meet in these pages.

I loved how the book’s protagonist Peggy believed in libraries and stories. The author also makes literary references that I enjoyed.

Peggy is trying her best in all ways to help the war effort while working for the Ministry of Information. At the same time, her twin brother sees active service and Peggy hopes that her work will somehow end the war sooner and bring him home.

In contrast, when readers meet Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy’s nominal boss, she is more of a socialite than a worker. Will she change and make a contribution? What about the others in Peggy’s unit? Some are irascible; all have personalities.

Readers also get to know generations of Peggy’s family. They are an endearing group.

This is a book that is very easy to like. I recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for this title. All opinions are my own.

The author’s last book

My thoughts:

I truly enjoyed Annie Lyons’s novel about Eudora Honeysett and gave it five stars. I, was then, of course, quite eager to read The Air Raid Book Club. It did not disappoint.

This is an historical novel that will appeal to those who have read Dear Mrs. Bird, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Last Bookshop in London, and other similar titles. It is warm in the same way with characters about whom writers will care. Plus, there are books, lots of books. At the end of the novel titles are listed should readers wish to explore further.

Gertie was married to Harry. Together the two opened and loved a bookshop. Sadly, Harry died from the very thing that kept him from serving in the military. Gertie has subsequently lost her zest for life. When she is asked by one of Harry’s friends to take in a Jewish child as WWII looms, she hesitates before making her decision. What happens as a result of this choice, the importance of books, and more make this title a most satisfying read, even with some sadness in the events of the story. As an extra bonus, get to know Mr. Hemingway…no, not that one! He is Gertie’s lovely dog.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.