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!

Now out: 100 Words From the Street

The words that are included in this colorful book are divided into three sections. These include You, Your Neighborhood, and Your World. Each of these sections is subdivided; for example the You words center on You Are, You Feel, You Grow, You Play, You Think, and You Dream. The Neighborhood sections has Your Home, Your Community and, Your Neighbors. Finally, the World words center on You Discover, You Act, You Celebrate.
All of the vocabulary in here is designed to inspire thought. For each, there is an illustration. Many of these feature the familiar Sesame Street characters. As an example, one word in the You part of the book is Honest. The word is defined and then there is an example. In this case it features Elmo acknowledging that he broke something. In another, Telly helps to explain what Mindful means.
I think that this is a wonderful book. It can lead to good conversations between an adult and child. I hope this one will make its way to many schools and libraries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars 🌟 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

True: Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom


LifesTooShorttoStuffaMushroom #NetGalley

Anyone who watches baking shows knows who the inimitable Prue Leith is. However, she has done more in life than spend time with Paul Hollywood as this book shows.

This is a brilliant cookbook. There are the expected sections such as breakfast, etc and many recipes that I would like to try. There are also many tips and “hacks” to help. Even better, there are q codes that link to cooking demonstrations!

I highly recommend this title to home cooks.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto publishing group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 October 2024

An e book bargain-Some of Us are Looking

Four stars ****

I am a fan of a number of mysteries set in Ireland. Of course, there is Tana French. There are also Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter to name just two of my other favorites. Carlene O’Connor is another author whose new series , I am excited to read. This is the second title of those and it is a bit less cozy than some of the author’s other longer running series.

This is a story that can be read for its Irish setting, the characters and the mystery itself. The book opens when meteor showers/shooting stars are coming; some believe that they will bring good luck while others are not so sure. Readers can guess which predictions will be true.

The first victim is an elderly man while the second is a voluptuous young woman. She is camping with a group and the detective, Cormac was involved with one of them. How will that come back to haunt him?

In addition to the mystery there are backstories. Dimpna’s father has Alzheimer’s while Cormac’s mother has motor neuron disease and is failing. These personal situations impact the characters but do not keep these two from figuring out what has transpired.

This is a solid mystery and one that is worth a look.

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

From the Publisher

FICTION, Mystery & Detective, International Mystery & Crime
FICTION, Mystery & Detective, International Mystery & CrimeFICTION, Mystery & Detective, International Mystery & CrimeFICTION, Mystery & Detective, International Mystery & Crime
FICTION, Mystery & Detective, International Mystery & Crime

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The NYT published a booklist not long ago and this title was on it. Encouraged by someone I know, I finally read this long and immersive novel.

A simple description of the plot-a boy and hismother are at The Met when there is an explosion. Theo’s mother is killed. Theo, without fully meaning to, finds himself in possession of the famous Goldfinch painting. The book is about what happens from that point on.

The novel is rich with characters. To name a few, start with Boris. He is a schemer and survivor who becomes Theo’s friend. There are the females in nTheo’s life, especially Pippa (whom he adores) and upper class Kitsey, sister of close friend Andy. Also important is father figure Hobie. All this just scratches the surface in a book with many people.

There are also many places including. New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam. All are important to Theo, the painting and the plot.

This is a modern Dickensian novel. I am still thinking about how it ended.

Blog readers, what was your opinion on this one? I would love to know.

Such an interesting woman: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

A Novel

by Allison Pataki

An e book bargain

#TheMagnificentLivesofMarjoriePost #NetGalley Pub Date 15 Feb 2022 |

Readers of historical fiction, mark your calendars for this books release da te. It is fabulous.

Allison Pataki tells the story of Marjorie Merriweather Post from her childhood right on through her “many lives.” She was a daughter, wife (multiple times), mother, key part of Post (later known as General) Foods, society woman, charitable worker and donor, ambassador’s wife, builder of multiple estates and more. The pages just flew as I followed Marjorie through her life.

Readers will travel with Marjorie to many locations. Among these are Battle Creek, Washington DC, Manhattan, the Adirondacks, Palm Beach (Mar-a-Lago) and Moscow. Readers experience Marjorie’s own experiences in each of these places.

Relationships were a big part of Marjorie’s life. No spoiler so I won’t write about how many times she married or who her husbands or children were.

I so highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction. It is one of the best that I have read in this genre.

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

Now out: Say it with Flowers

Say It with Flowers

Notes from Real People and the Bouquets They Inspired

by Kelsie Hayes

This is a gorgeous collection of bouquets that will make readers want to call a florist! There are also the note cards that accompanied the flowers, letting readers see many heartfelt messages.

The concept of this title is simple but it really works!

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

kelsie hayes quote
flowers and note

Visit Guernsey (Shaeffer and Barrows) in an e-book bargain…

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel

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.

The book is worth reading and I am eagerly anticipating the movie which will star Lily James from Downton Abbey.

The Crime Movie and TV Lover’s Guide to London

by Brian Billington and Charlotte Booth

#TheCrimeMovieandTVLoversGuidetoLondon #NetGalley

Those who enjoy TV and movies, London, and crime stories will delight in this book that offers a glimpse of the locations for many productions. Dip in anywhere or look at this one in order. Some of the chapter headings include Murder, Espionage, TV Dramas, Church Tour and more.

Enjoy the photos, read the text and learn about places familiar and/or new. There are over 650 locations featured covering 76 movies and 12 TV shows. This book’s intended audience will, I think, love this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 November 2024

Would you: Do What Godmother Says

by L.S. Stratton

A mysterious painting…the connections between an artist from the past and a character in the present day…what could go wrong? Readers can imagine that the answer is a lot!

In the present, meet Shanice. She is going through a hard time with a breakup and a job loss. What will happen when Shanice examines a painting?

Also, spend time with artist Estelle and art patron Maud. This is during the period of the Harlem Renaissance.

How will these story lines intersect? Find out in this page turner.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 June 2024