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!

For young pony lovers: Posey’s Problem (Kathy Simmers)

#PoseysProblem #NetGalley

This is a very sweet book and one that I highly recommend for young riders who love their ponies. It would make a perfect gift for them.

Posey is a pony. She loves her rider and is dismayed when her little girl outgrows her. This story, told from Posey’s point of view, watches as Posey teaches new kids but misses her old ones. Young children will I think be sensitive to how Posey feels. They will also love the ending of the story.

The illustrations in this book are really special. Study the details. The illustrator knows horses and her gentle illustrations perfectly enhance the text.

Again, this would make a terrific gift for a horsey child. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2023

What is: The Curse of Penryth Hall (Jess Armstrong)

This book has generated a fair amount of buzz. It won a first mystery contest sponsored by the publisher along with the Mystery Writers of America. It is also an Amazon Editor’s Pick and a title that I have seen on some best books of the year lists. Kirkus Reviews states that this book is “An intriguing and altogether enchanting mystery.”

So…is it for you? It will be if you like gothic novels and old, rundown family homes/fortresses. You will like this one if you like a Cornwall setting and the 1920s time period. This book will intrigu thosewho want to spend time with an unconventional heroine who was a rebel and inherited a fortune upon the death of her parents. If you like a troubled marriage and mysterious (possibly even supernatural) deaths, turn the pages. And there is more.

The Curse of Penryth Hall is a fun and intriguing read. I enjoyed the getting to know Ruby and those around her. A lot goes on. Not all may be fully tied up but this is still a pretty good first novel.

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

Pub date: 05 December 2023

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

Any reader who enjoyed Hallett’s The Appeal will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of the Fairway Players. This time they are working on a Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk (and oh, that stalk!) Once again, there is trouble ahead in this uniquely told tale.

Two young attorneys, known to readers of the first book, are given a series of documents and asked to figure out what evil deed(s) may have transpired. Readers can try to solve the case as they read the documents along with Femi and Charlotte.

I loved the snarkiness of aspects of this novella. Anyone who has ever gotten an overly braggy Christmas letter from a friend or family member will grimace in recognition at the one that starts the story. The responses to it are pretty funny.

Those who enjoy Christmas mysteries and who are looking for a quick read will, I think, enjoy this book. I did.

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

This book was published in October 2023

From the Publisher

The Christmas Appeal

The Glory of Designs by Women (It’s About Time) – The New York Times

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute reimagines the record of fashion, celebrating designers known but also those long, and wrongly, forgotten.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/12/07/arts/design/women-designers-met-museum.html

THINK about this if you read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester. Reviewed on my blog