Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2024/03/08/observe-a-game-of-lies-clare-mackintosh/

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2021/02/14/a-return-to-venice-transient-desires/

#FootnotesfromtheMostFascinatingMuseums #NetGalley

Within the pages of this title readers will find a cornucopia of delights. There are so many places to see here. For each, there is an illustration, some history and a comment. Go everywhere from the Brooklyn Museum to Greenfield Village to the Mob Museum to the Shelburne Museums and many, many more.

This is a fun book to look through at random. For those who want to focus, there are chapter headings that help to give the reader organized.

I found this to be a delightful book.

Many thanks to Chronicle Books amd MetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 May 2024

Visit the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. You will learn a lot about ancient manuscripts, the appearance of a beautiful library and the (not always savory) ways of academia, especially when donations are needed.

Spend time with Liesl who has (finally) moved up from second in command to temporary head of the collection. Her boss, Christopher, has had a stroke and is unable to help Liesl with the many problems that she faces. Those she works with may or may not be trustworthy and one of these employees, Miriam, has disappeared just as mysteriously as the library’s newest acquisition. Will Miriam be found and found alive? Will everything be solved? Read this book by an accomplished first time novelist to find out. The author creates a good story and, at times, skewers university life.

One thing that I liked about the recently published novel, The Maid, was that the main character was so very much herself. I felt the same way about Liesl. She is of a certain age and temperament, deals with life and relationships in her own way. I hope to see her again.

Note that there both a reading group guide and a conversation with the author at the end of the book. These added to my enjoyment and understanding.

The Christmas Murder Game gives readers the chance to enjoy a variant on a locked room mystery with the added bonus of both the Christmas season and some side puzzles for solving. These extra puzzles are things like anagrams.

Lily is in her thirties and is a designer of corsets, many of which she reproduces from historical sources. She spent a great deal of time at Endgame House when she was young but has not wanted to return there since her mother’s death…was that a murder?

When Lily’s aunt dies, she wants Lily and her cousins to come to the manor over the festive season. While there, they are set a series of tasks which will require their solving skills with a lot at stake; the winner will become the new owner of the house. Oh, by the say, there will be a number of deaths over the twelve days of Christmas.

Whodunnit? Why? This was a fun read as I waited for answers. I also enjoyed Ms. Benedict’s images. For example, Lily talks about wanting to make a briefcase shaped corset for lawyer, Isabelle. She describes a housekeeper as something like a candy cane without the sweetness.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who would simply like to be entertained.

I read and enjoyed another novel in this series.

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.

“I don’t want other people to miss out on the wisdom and joy this genre has to offer, the way I did for so long,” says the best-selling novelist. “Funny Story,” about a heartsore librarian and the new man in her life, is out next week.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/04/18/books/review/emily-henry-funny-story.html

#EricDowdleColoringBookAroundtheWorld #NetGalley

This is the second coloring book by Eric Dowdle that I have seen. As is true for the first one as well, Dowdle is a master craftsman. His drawings are very intricate and detailed. I think that in many ways that makes these coloring books for older kids and for adults.

This time, Dowdle takes us around the world in his folk style. For each picture, there is one colored by him alongside the one who wants to color. There are then additional coloring pages for many of the locations along with some information.

Start the tour with Amsterdam and you will want to keep going. This is truly a nice books.

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

Pub date: 11 June 2024

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2021/10/05/it-was-quite-the-year-1979-by-val-mcdermid/

#SimoneBiles #NetGalley

This entry in the popular series tells the story of the world renowned gymnast. Her successes in competition are certainly given attention but so are some struggles and her willingness to stand up for what is right. All of these facts of Biles make her an inspiration.

Simone Biles is a role model. Here kids will get to know more about her.

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

Pub date: June 25, 2024