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!

Jackie (Dawn Tripp)

#Jackie #NetGalley

Is there a more iconic American woman than Jacqueline Kennedy? Much has been written about her and yet she still retains an air of mystery.

In this novel Dawn Tripp successfully imagines Jackie’s life with a carefully researched title. Readers follow Jackie over a period of many years. They will learn more about her life before Jack, her courtship and marriage to both him and to Onassis, her role as a mother, her career, her cancer diagnosis and much more in this well written narrative. Readers will witness both the tragedy and the inner strength that defined this most impressive woman.

Tripp has written a long (over 450 pages) and immersive novel. It is very easy to recommend this title to historical fiction readers and those who are intrigued by the myth of this woman.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 June 2024

From the Publisher

Your life, I told myself, was not the life I was looking for.
Chris Bohjalian says “brilliant, beautiful”Melanie Benjamin says “richly detailed novel”Therese Anne Fowler says “a wondrous accomplishment”
Bouvier. Kennedy. Onassis. JACKIE

Other books that I have reviewed about Jacqueline Kennedy

Get to know them: Jackie and Maria by Gill Paul

Yes, that Jacqueline: Jacqueline in Paris

There is so much to see: London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers

by Jack Chesher

An e book bargain this week

#LondonAGuideforCuriousWanderers #NetGalley

Thinking of traveling to England’s capital? Are you just an armchair traveler? Want to get a unique take on London? Whichever applies, this book is a good guide.

Readers are offered four walks through London. The first goes from Tower Hill Station to Liverpool Street Station. Next is Tottenham Court Road Station to Trafalgar Square. Third is London Bridge Station to Borough Station. Finally, there is a walk from Westminster Station to Berkeley Square.

Each walk has a theme. For example, the first one focuses on London’s buildings. They go from Roman ruins to skyscrapers.

In the introduction, the author states that he wants to show explorers lots of hidden corners. He also want to provide an “ability to read London.” Sounds good.

This book has lovely illustrations, a plethora of sites to see, informative and brief descriptions, and maps to help on the way. Each site’s address is also provided.

Recommended for someone who has the time and inclination to explore an amazing city.

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

Pub date: 09 May 2023

The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan

Currently an e book bargain

The Spies of Shilling Lane: A NovelI read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.

This novel takes place during WWII. I duly note how many recent historical novels have taken place during this era. Nonetheless, I found this to be one that was a good read.

The novel’s protagonist, Mrs. Braithwaite, (a woman of a certain age), has tried to live her life very much in accord with convention and awareness of social status. She is dethroned from her position as head of the WI early in the book. Over the subsequent course of the novel Mrs. B changes from an unlikable character to a woman with more nuance.

Mrs. B’s emotional and real journeys put her in contact with the unassuming Mr. Norris. Together they move away from their comfort zones, begin thinking more of others and have adventures. Yes, belief must be suspended but one roots for them nonetheless.

There are several story lines that show Mrs. B’s emotional growth. One has to do with a young teacher injured in a bombing raid while another takes place during the blackout in a supposedly safe haven that becomes flooded. The reader also comes to understand Mrs. B’s biography and how it led her to be the person that she was.

There are spies and plots along with counter plots and a depiction of war-torn London. There are the beginnings of a gentle love between the protagonists and other hearts that have been broken.

Mrs. Braithwaite reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bird, the eponymous character in one of 2018’s debut novels. However, unlike Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Braithwaite has the capacity to change.

I enjoyed this novel. Again, thanks to NetGalley and publisher.

A few other WWII books that I have blogged on:

This Bird Soars Dear Mrs. Bird

A (de)light to read: Light Over London

the prisoner in the castle

Is that so: Everyone on this Train is a Suspect (Benjamin Stevenson)

#EveryoneonThisTrainIsaSuspect #NetGalley

I did not read Stevenson’s first novel though I think that I may now do so. That was, however, in no way a handicap to enjoying this title with recurring narrator Ernie.

This book strikes me as an, at times, humorous homage to the classic mysteries of authors like Agatha Christie. As in Murder On the Orient Express (though Ernie says it should be Murder IN the Orient Express), a group is assembled and isolated, there is mayhem and much to solve. As an added twist/bonus, many of the story’s characters are mystery authors and that adds to the fun.

There is much to enjoy in this entertaining story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was published in January 2024

From the Publisher

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And coming in October 2024

From my backlist: Six Feet Under (Dorothy Simpson)

This is the second title to feature Luke Thanet and those around him including his sergeant Mike. Each title in this series is a classic British village mystery/police procedural. The recurring characters and getting to know Luke’s family as they grow up adds to the pleasure of the stories.

This time a rather self contained resident of Nettleton is murdered. She will not be the only victim.

The clues in the story are fair and the solution is satisfying. All in all, a good series for those who enjoy traditional mysteries. The books can be read in any order. There are fifteen of them so fans will be left with lots to read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for this title. All opinions are my own.

This edition was published in 2017.

The Hungry Bones (Sara E. Johnson)

The Hungry Bones is the fifth title in this excellent series by Sara Johnson. I love the New Zealand setting, the knowledge of customs, the characters and the mysteries themselves. This time, though, in a twist Alexa considers traveling to Scotland. What will she find there if she goes? What will happen in her personal relationships? Turn the pages and hope that all will be revealed along with the solution to the murder mystery. That is about a number of skeletons found in a former gold rush town and a missing educator. Alexa’s forensic dentition specialty will come into play as the case is solved.

One interesting feature of the story is the way in which it moves between time periods. Readers get a sense of the history behind the events.

Note that this title can be read on its own. Still, readers may enjoy making their way through all five books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 June 2024