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: Crossword Puzzles for Brain Fitness

It is often said that solving crosswords is good for the brain. That may indeed be so but I also find that solving them is fun. Here is a good collection of puzzles that range in difficulty for easy to tough. I really liked the section at the start of the book that gave some advice on solving.

This title looks like a fun and (sometimes) challenging one. I think that I will buy the hard copy so that I can solve them.

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

Four stars ****

A gift to readers: BookTrib Lit Picks

#BookribLitPicks #NetGalley

Here is a FREE guide to upcoming books that spans a wide variety of genres, authors and publishers. At over 400 pages, every reader will find something to add to their reading lists.

The sample titles are organized by type. These include mystery, thriller & suspense, horror, fantasy, sci fi & speculative fiction, women’s fiction & romance, contemporary fiction & family drama, action & international thrillers, coming of age & young adult, historical fiction, self help, and last of all, non fiction. Each subdivision has a description of a book and author along with additional information on the title; these are followed by an excerpt.

I recommend this book most highly. The only downside is that I don’t know if I will have enough time to read all of the books that appeal to me!

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

Pub date: 14 November 2023

DuMaurier and Tey fans rejoice: Shot with Crimson (Nicola Upson)

#ShotWithCrimson #NetGalley

Shot with Crimson is part of a series by Ms. Upson with this book being the eleventh title. Intriguingly. the detective/investigator/protagonist is the real life mystery writer, Josephine Tey. Along with the stories, readers are offered some true insights into her life. (For those who do not know, Tey was one of the writers of the Golden Age of Detection Fiction, along with Sayers and Christie).

Tey’s official police inspector/foil is DCI Archie Penrose. Together they solve cases, many of which are quite sad.

Much happens in this story. The title is a quote from Rebecca and, indeed, DuMaurier and her novel are important to the plot. At the time that the events take place, Hitchcock is directing the famous movie based on the novel. He is just one of the real life figures who appears in the book.

Part of the story takes place in Hollywood where Tey travels after a lavish trip on the Queen Mary. Archie is in England where the estate that the movie is based upon is located. Someone has been murdered there. Readers will turn the pages as they wait for the plot strands to come together and to discover “whodunnit.”

This eleventh book to feature Josephine offers a good excuse to sit down with a b00o and be transported to other worlds. Those who have not already read Rebecca may be inspired to read that as well. I recommend both.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Where did she go: The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard (Natasha Lester)

MARK YOU CALENDAR FOR THIS ONE. I RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY.

I have loved Natasha Lester’s historical fiction starting when I read The Paris Secret. Since then, I have read every new book as it has been published and also look forward to a few earlier ones that I still need to catch up on.

Lester always tells a great story with a mix of fashion and history. This book is no exception although I think that it is the author’s most ambitious book yet.

Here readers meet three generations of strong women who are related and share a commitment to fashion. The oldest of these is Mizza Bricard. She was a real person and one who was described as a muse to Christian Dior. Living through several world wars was just one of her challenges.

Next is Mizza’s daughter Astrid. Why did Mizza not raise her? Astrid grows up in the seventies. She attends fashion/design school and meets the mesmerizing Hawk Jones. How will their relationship ebb and flow and how will their fashion stories and accomplishments continue to cross? And, importantly, how and why did Astrid disappear? What does/did Hawk know?

The daughter of Astrid and Hawk is Blythe. Blythe is also trying to establish her fashion line. She is divorced with two children. Does she want to try again with the (sometimes) charming Jake? Will her fashion business be successful?

This book has an excellent plot, good settings, interesting characters and a real eye on the fashion scene. In addition, I think that Lester wants to bring women out of the shadows and for them to be recognized for their accomplishments. Bravo for that.

I recommend this book very highly. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, fashion and/or stories about women, family and career should give this title a look. I already can’t wait for Lester’s next novel.

Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 January 2024