joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#SketchbookJoy #NetGalley

The author of this title describes sketchbooks as safe places for creating. This seems like an inviting concept. Because of this belief, this book is not overly prescriptive or instructional. Rather, it is filled with ideas and suggestions for how to enjoy this activity with sections on everything from colors to techniques and more.

There are a number of suggested projects. A few of these center on butterflies, the beach, chickens, and urban sketching. At the end of the book readers will find a prompt list and some resources.

Note that the illustrations throughout this title are very appealing. They do entice me and make me want to create.

All in all, this is a good title for someone looking to explore their artistic side.

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

Pub date: 04 March 2025

Buzz Books 2025: Spring/Summer

by Publishers Lunch

This free resource is one that every book lover needs and will enjoy. It lists forthcoming titles in just about every category imaginable. There are also excerpts from forthcoming books. At over 700 pages, there is so much to explore.

I don’t think that there is a better way to populate a reading list. I recommend this title most highly.

Many thanks to Publishers Lunch-Buzz Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 January 2025

The Killings at Kingfisher Hill

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

by Sophie Hannah is an e book bargain

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

The Killings at Kinfisher Hill is the fourth mystery that Sophie Hannah has written with the permission of the Agatha Christie estate. The books feature Hercule Poirot. They are stand alones so can be read in any order.

This book, along with the others in the series, have an old fashioned feel. They have some Christie trademarks with traditional settings, intricate plots and some interesting characters. Readers know that with the help of his “little grey cells,” Poirot will solve the case.

There are a number of threads to the story. In one, a young woman refuses to initially board a coach because she has been told that she will be murdered if she sits in seat seven. What will happen to her whether she sits there or not?

Poirot has a conversation with a mysterious woman on this same coach. She tells him that she has murdered someone and regales him with the tale while remaining anonymous. Who is she? Did she do what she said? How will Poirot find out?

Then there is Helen. She has confessed to a murder but it is not clear that she actually killed the victim. Did she? Why if she did, and why confess if she did not?

And…who is the second murder victim? Why were they murdered? HOw does this connect with the first murder in the story?

Thank goodness that Poirot is around to bring order to the case and the reader’s world. Fans of traditional mysteries and/or Agatha Christie will enjoy this case. Can your “little grey cells” figure it out?

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

An e book bargain-Come celebrate: An Island Wedding

A Novel

by Jenny Colgan

An Island Wedding is the fifth title in the series that began with The Cafe by the Sea. Each of the books is set on the small island community of Mure, a spot that feels pretty idyllic.

Readers who have followed the folks who live on Mure will surely be happy to find that there is a new book. While the stories are best read in order, Ms. Colgan thoughtfully provides an introduction to the characters and places, so this book could be read and enjoyed by new readers too.

I was happy to again spend time with Flora, her baby, her fiance, her family and her friends. It was nice to revisit the hotel and see what was happening there. I also enjoyed the plot about Saif, a refugee doctor who has found a new beginning for himself and his children on Mure.

There are wedding plans here, daily life and a few surprises. How will Flora and Joel’s wedding, one that they planned to be “micro” compare with that of Olivia who has returned to Mure for an extravaganza? Will love triumph? Relax and enjoy as you find out. Enjoy a (virtual) vacation in Mure, that magical island between Scotland and Norway as the pages are turned in this light read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Falling in Love with a Traveling Cat: Mofusand’s 1st Illustration Book!

by JUNO, Mofusand

#FallinginLovewithaTravelingCatmofusand #NetGalley

Cat lovers will rejoice when they pick up this title. It is so very, very cute and adorable!

Watch the cats as they plan a trip, pack and travel. It is sure to bring a smile to the reader’s face.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2024

Ace, Marvel, Spy

A Novel of Alice Marble

by Jenni L Walsh

#AceMarvelSpy #NetGalley

I did not know who Alice Marble was before I started reading this absorbing historical fiction by Jenni Walsh. Now I know that I won’t forget who this talented athlete and woman was.

Alice was growing up poor. Her father had died and older brothers had left school to help support the family. One of these brothers sparked Alice’s interest in tennis, even though it was because he wanted to channel her away from what he perceived to be the less ladylike sport of playing ball.

Alice had raw talent, drive, ambition, spirit but not the resources of some of the well heeled players against whom she was matched. She got a lucky break when “Teach” noticed her. She went on to work so hard at her game. Readers will find themselves rooting for Alice and hoping for her success in both tennis and life.

However, as can be gleaned from the title of this book, Marble did more than play tennis. What was her work during WWII? How much of a difference did she make? What was the rest of her life like? Read this one to find out.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will, I think, enjoy getting to know Alice Marble. Tennis fans, too, are in for a real treat. I very much liked this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 January 2025

Five stars *****

From the Publisher

An e book bargain-Will she find it? Miss Benson’s Beetle A Novel by Rachel Joyce

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed. So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher. The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care. The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson. What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle. Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past. Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story. There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life. It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end. Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks? Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart. I highly recommend it.

Pub date: November 24, 2020