Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

an e book bargain today

I have just begun reading this book which is gently provocative and inspiring.  The author, ordained within the Episcopal Church, has left the ministry to begin teaching World Religion in a small, largely Christian college.

Written in a highly accessible, almost novelistic tone, Ms. Taylor introduces the reader to her students and their studies.  She encourages the reader to think about the role of religion in our lives.  Although I have not yet finished the book, I have the feeling that I will be savoring it right up to the end.  This is a thoughtful and highly recommended read.

From Goodreads:

The renowned and beloved New York Times bestselling author of An Altar in the World and Learning to Walk in the Dark recounts her moving discoveries of finding the sacred in unexpected places while teaching the world’s religions to undergraduates in rural Georgia, revealing how God delights in confounding our expectations.

Barbara Brown Taylor continues her spiritual journey begun in Leaving Church of finding out what the world looks like after taking off her clergy collar. In Holy Envy, she contemplates the myriad ways other people and traditions encounter the Transcendent, both by digging deeper into those traditions herself and by seeing them through her students’ eyes as she sets off with them on field trips to monasteries, temples, and mosques.

Troubled and inspired by what she learns, Taylor returns to her own tradition for guidance, finding new meaning in old teachings that have too often been used to exclude religious strangers instead of embracing the divine challenges they present. Re-imagining some central stories from the religion she knows best, she takes heart in how often God chooses outsiders to teach insiders how out-of-bounds God really is.

Throughout Holy Envy, Taylor weaves together stories from the classroom with reflections on how her own spiritual journey has been complicated and renewed by connecting with people of other traditions—even those whose truths are quite different from hers.  The one constant in her odyssey is the sense that God is the one calling her to disown her version of God—a change that ultimately enriches her faith in other human beings and in God.

#OneLongWeekend #NetGalley

What drew me to this title:

The author

The cover

The knowledge that it would be the perfect read for de-stressing.

A good ending.

Shari Low writes novels that are a pleasure to read. This one is no exception. Anyone looking for a summer read can’t go wrong by picking this up.

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

Pub date: 01 May 2024

Ethel is 73 years old. She can play the senior citizen card when needed but there is so much more to this vibrant woman. Ethel has retired from the FBI but her quick brain, skills, and schemes are as fresh and effective as ever. Get to know her in this enjoyable mystery/caper about murders and shenanigans affecting the Supreme Court.

The author juggles a lot in terms of a complicated scheme in which it takes a little while for readers to figure out what is going on. There are senators, supreme court justices and their clerks, the FBI, Ethel’s relative and friends along with all living in a DC that comes to life here. There is a serious issue underpinning the story that has to do with a Supreme Court’s pending decision on precious metals and mining. The issue feels quite timely.

Those who enjoy cozy thrillers (is there such a thing?) are certain to want to read this one. There is an earlier title in the series as well and I hope that there will be a third to come.

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

Mismatched cops are a trope in crime fiction. Here that contrast is used to good effect. Believe it or not, there are two DS Wilkins; one is Ryan and one is Ray. Ryan grew up in the projects, wears track suits, has a young son and is white. Ray is Black, married and dresses like someone who shops at Brooks Brothers, whatever the British equivalent might be. They are paired on a case and, over the course of the novel, begin to understand one another.

The setting is Oxford which has led a number of reviewers to compare this series (a second is already out) to Inspector Morse. They are not the same although in each instance the author has a unique voice. Mason’s book shows college life but also much of the poorer side of the city. Race and religion are also important themes.

There are murders and detection, along with lots of back story and characters. I very much enjoyed this read and was so thrilled when the book became available in the U.S. It is currently only $4.99 for the e book and very much worth it.

Recommended to those who like character driven stories, crime stories set in Britain and a protagonist who will be remembered.

My only quibble is the surprise of the solution. The elements were there but it felt just a tad forced. This would not keep me from reading other books by this author however.

Highly recommended.

Have you read this? What did you think?

An e book bargain today

This is Hallett’s fourth novel, following The Appeal, The Twyford Code, and The Christmas Appeal. In all of these, as in this newest book, Hallett tells a story in her own way. This time, there are text/What’s App messages, transcriptions of meetings, emails, looks at websites and more. In this way, Hallett builds her story and allows it to unfold for readers in a true “show, don’t tell” manner. The result is an absorbing read and one that kept me riveted.

The Alperton Angels were a cult. There was a murder in which they were implicated as well as ritual suicides. There were only three survivors. One of these was a baby at the time and is turning 18 as the story opens.

Journalist Amanda is researching the Angels for a true crime book. The reader follows her as she tries to learn as much as she can. Along the way, this means that readers hear from police officers, social workers, other writers (especially Oliver), her transcriptionist and many more. Don’t forget to go back to the prologue. It sets everything up.

This is a book that keeps the reader engaged. It is easy to recommend it and Hallett’s earlier stories. I look forward to whatever she writes next.

In giving this book a starred review, Publishers Weekly states “Hallett’s fans and newcomers alike will relish this brilliantly constructed and eminently satisfying mystery. ” I concur.

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

Pub date: 23 January 2024

Can you crack: The Twyford Code (by Janice Hallett)

Will The Appeal appeal to you? The Appeal by Janice Hallett

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

The Stranger in the Library is the eleventh title in this North Carolina set series. Readers old and new will be happy to spend time with librarian Lucy and those around her.

I enjoyed the storyline that had to do with art and paintings. Of course, readers also get to experience some nefarious doings, including the murder. They can have fun with this, knowing that all will be revealed.

Those who enjoy traditional mysteries will want to give this one a look.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed every paragraph of Keyes most recent book Again, Rachel. Therefore, I was thrilled to be given early access to this title by the publisher.

This is a story about Anna who is one of Rachel’s sisters. (The clan appears in a number of titles including an earlier book featuring Anna.) As the story opens, Anna has been a high achiever with her New York job and income. However with Covid, the end of a relationship and more, it has all become way too much for her. So she heads back to Ireland.

Not sure what she will do there, Anna is contacted on behalf of a friend who needs her help with a big real estate project. Anna hopes that her prior work experiences will be transferable. Will they? One complication is that an old love of Anna’s is also working on this development. Will sparks fly? Watch what happens in this long but enjoyable story that also touches on some issues including menopause.

What I liked about this book:

The characters, the setting, the ability to sink right in, the humor, the warmth-so much to recommend in these pages.

Fans of Keyes and those who like women’s fiction, give this one a look. Perfect for a summer day read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada-Doubleday Canada for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 July 2024

Pride. Prejudice. and Other Flavors is an e book bargain

Sonali Dev has written three novels in which she modernizes the books of Jane Austen. I previously reviewed Recipe for Persuasion and I look forward to reading Incense and Sensibility.

Each of these novels follows members of the Raje family. This take on Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Trisha Raje. She is a highly qualified and talented neurosurgeon and a member of a highly competent and prominent family. One of Trisha’s patients, Emma, is an artist whom Trisha could save; however, the cost may be too high. What will Emma decide and what will happen?

Note the name Emma. Other characters in the book also have names taken straight from Austen’s novels. There is a Wickham (female) and DJ whose first name is, of course, really Darcy.

Darcy and Trisha collide both literally and figuratively. They personify both pride and prejudice as they get to know one another and as their relationship evolves.

DJ is a chef and food is a big part of the novel, just as it was in A Recipe for Persuasion. The cuisine is lovingly described and made me hungry.

There are other characters and story lines in the novel. One is about Trisha’s brother who is running for office. His story will be told more fully in the third of the novels.

I found this book to be a most enjoyable read. I looked forward to picking up at the end of the day and relaxing.

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

#AMurderMostFrench #NetGalley

Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

#VincentAGraphicBiography #NetGalley

It is very easy to recommend this graphic biography of Van Gogh. I so enjoyed reading the biography and seeing the illustrations. Told by Vincent’s sister in law, readers learn about his and brother Theo’s early life, Vincent’s art works, personal life and struggles. It is a wonderful resource.

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

Pub date: 06 August 2024