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: Code Name Butterfly

Those who enjoy historical fiction set in the WWII period will want to read Code Name Butterfly. As is true of much historical fiction, this is a dual timeline story in which historical personages have a role. 

In the present, Lizzie is dealing with her inability to carry a child to term. She is heartbroken. In her grief, she returns to her childhood home and becomes intrigued with some family history.

In the earlier time period, readers will spend time with both fictional and real characters. In this part of the narrative, they will learn much about Josephine Baker (yes, that flamboyant one) and her role in a much quieter, secret life during the war. They will also enjoy meeting Elodie and seeing how the plot lines fall into place.

The pages turn in this story. Even if a reader has read lots of WWII historical fiction, this is worth a look. There is even some romance.

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

Four stars ****

From the Publisher

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There is room for us all: A Penguin Like Me (Marcus Pfister)

#APenguinLikeMe #NetGalley.

At its heart, this book is a paean to a world of diversity and acceptance. It is told through penguins (though, of course, the message is for people). It is gorgeously and engagingly illustrated.

The book explains that, while all penguins may look the same from a distance, they are actually not all alike. Through the characters, kids will gently see that there are unique penguins who wish they could fly, those with synesthesia, a girl penguin who likes girls and many others. They are able to live in harmony; clearly the author wishes the same for humans.

This book will undoubtedly get some folks thinking that it should be banned. I am not among them. It is in now way aggressive in making its point.

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

Pub date: 05 March 2024

The Golden Gate (Amy Chua)

#TheGoldenGate #NetGalley

Many readers may have heard about Amy Chua because of her earlier book on “tiger mothers.” While some may disagree with her thoughts on parenting, many may well agree that this debut novel is worth a read.

The Golden Gate, as can be told from the title, takes place in California. It is a historical mystery set in a time of change. Chua (a professor) gives a lot of detail to make the time period feel present and real.

Early in the novel readers meet wo sisters. One of them somehow is dead and leaves her little sister behind . This death will come back to the plot when a wealthy industrialist/political candidate is found murdered. 

The case is assigned to a detective of mixed race background, something that he does not freely acknowledge as he has taken his mother’s more “acceptable” last name as his own. Al Sullivan will be challenged in these pages.

The opening of this book really drew me in. An interview is taking place and some wealthy Bainbridge family members/suspects are being clearly named. Who is/are they responsible? Read the novel to find out.

This first novel by Chua will undoubtedly not be her last. Recommended to those who enjoy mysteries set in America’ past.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my onw.

The Golden Gate was published in September 2023.

From the Publisher

The Golden Gate Amy Chua
The Golden Gate Amy Chua Publishers Weekly review

A story that sparkles: The Busy Body (Kemper Donovan)

#TheBusyBody #NetGalley

The unnamed protagonist/narrator of this book is a ghostwriter. (It was when sitting down to write this that I realized she was never named. Kind of clever since a ghostwriter is a person who is meant to be anonymous when her work is published.) The job requires an ability to seamlessly fit into the subject’s life in an unobtrusive way. This time, the ghost has been asked to write the biography of Dorothy Gibson. Dorothy recently lost a presidential election. A bit like Hillary Clinton, it was felt that she had a low likeability rating. The biography is meant to give a new look at who she is.

The narrator quickly heads up to Maine where Dorothy lives in a gorgeous, somewhat isolated home. There she settles in and meets the staff including Dorothy’s personal assistant and various security personnel, at least one of whom is quite good looking.

Early in the book, Dorothy and our narrator go out to buy some wine. While at the store, they are accosted by a woman with a somewhat unique way of earning money. When she asks Dorothy for a selfie, Dorothy agrees. Most unfortunately soon after, Vivian dies. It emerges that her death was not suicide but…murder! (of course)

Dorothy and the narrator will be on the case. There will be a few twists before all becomes known.

The narrator of this book has her own unique, sometimes snarky spin on the world. She is most likely neurodiverse. She can be funny and seems to know a lot, perhaps from spending time learning so much about her subjects when ghostwriting. Readers will hope that she is a good detective too.

This book will be enjoyed by its readers. They will likely hope for a second book by the author.

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

Pub date: 23 January 2024

Praise for The Busy Body:
A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Selection
A January 2024 Library Reads Pick
A February 2024 IndieNext Pick

“Given Kemper’s knowledge and admiration of Agatha Christie—he cohosts the podcast All About Agatha—it isn’t surprising that he displays a similar flair for clever cluing and crafty characterization, not to mention the ability to throw in a killer plot twist at the end that would make Dame Agatha proud. Fans of David Handler’s equally entertaining Stewart Hoag series or those in search of a modern take on classic crime fiction will snap up this stellar mystery debut, which delivers an addictive mix of Dorothy Parker’s waspish wit and Agatha Christie’s deft hand at ingenious plotting.” —Library Journal STARRED REVIEW