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: Blood Sisters

This series launch by Vanessa Lillie does not feel like the work of a beginner. It is beautifully plotted, has a wide variety of three dimensional characters, and brings its people and settings fully to life. Along with all of this, readers will deepen their understanding of the issues that faced the Cherokee people but historically and to this day.

Syd is a Cherokee woman who works for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She has left the community where she grew up after a horrific home invasion and the death of her close friend. This character, Luna, is very much a presence in the book as Syd repeatedly hears her voice. In her current life, Syd is committed to her work and is in a relationship. Her wife very much wants to be a mother. Syd is not sure if she is up for this.

As this complex story opens, Syd has found a body in Rhode Island, most likely of a Narragansett woman. She is called back to her home community in mid stream when a case needs to be solved there. At the same time, Syd’s sister is missing. Her history includes addiction but would she have willingly abandoned her daughter?

Readers will turn the pages as they try to figure out what has happened to the people of this mystery and get to know Syd, her family and the others around her.. I recommend it very highly. It is atmospheric, suspenseful and (I would say) educational (as regards the treatment of the Cherokee and others.)

Fans of books as diverse as those by Carolyn Haines and Suzanne Chazin will, I think, enjoy this book very much. The writer is like Haines in that she has a ghost speaking to a character. Chazin is recalled because both she and Lillie have a deep understanding of communities and people of color who have not been treated fairly.

I will be most eager to read all of the books in this series as they are released. I hope that there will be many.

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

Five stars *****

From the Publisher

Sets its hooks on page one & then pulls relentlessly and colorfully through buried secrets — C.J Box
Bingeworthy. A propulsive story of familial fault lines, says Caroline KepnesCaptivating and illuminating, surprising and powerful, says Megan Miranda[A] tale with all the twisting fury of a tornado, says William Kent Kurger

Instead of the Twelve Days, how about: The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (Susan Wiggs)

#TheTwelveDogsofChristmas #NetGalley

So many Christmas romance titles are published each year that it is hard to know which ones to read. That said, those who enjoy these holiday stories cannot go wrong if they pick up this latest title by Susan Wiggs.

As can be seen from the cover, there are twelve adorable dogs. Eleven of these are from a charity and are being driven to their new homes in time for the holiday. The twelfth dog belongs to Brenda and he is a real charmer.

As the story opens, Brenda has a horrible Christmas. She learns something that makes her world implode. A year later it is again the festive season (even though she does not feel that spirit), when Brenda is begged by the dog charity’s benefactor to ride with her to drop off the pets and socialize them with their new families. Somewhat against her better judgment, Brenda agrees to go.

Readers of Wiggs’s Lakeshore Chronicles may well be besides themselves with joy when they learn that the van is bound for Avalon. Those who don’t know this wonderful place and the stories of its characters can still easily read and enjoy this book. That said, anyone who wants an absorbing women’s fiction read, should definitely grab hold of those books. The interlinked stories are lots of fun.

What will happen to Brenda in Avalon? Will its magic embrace her? Things start out a bit shaky but what then? Will there be a happy ever after? Readers will certainly hope so.

I very much enjoyed this story. It makes me hope that Wiggs will return to Avalon again in the future. In the meanwhile, this book is truly a gift to the author’s many fans.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023

From the Publisher

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Now out: The Wonderful World of James Herriott

Are you one of the many viewers who has adored All Creatures Great and Small on PBS? If so, I think that you will be delighted with this collection of stories by Herriot (Wight), the vet upon whom the James on TV is based.

I was immediately drawn to this title by the lovely cover. I then enjoyed what was inside as well. The book begins with an introduction by Herriot/Wight’s children that sets the scene. Twelve wonderful stories then follow.

This book would make a perfect holiday gift. I think that I know a few people for whom I will purchase it.

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

Five stars ******

A remarkable story: Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein

#MaryandtheBirthofFrankenstein #NetGalley

I am currently taking a class in which I just read Frankenstein. That book was reportedly written as a challenge when a group, including Shelley and Byron, challenged one another to write a scary story. Mary took the challenge very seriously though it took a bit of time for her to feel inspired. She then wrote a novel that has resonated for audiences up to the present day. Read the original to understand the sublime and what it means to create an amazing story and with the many questions that it raises.

Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein imagines these events during that strange”year without a summer” when Mary wrote the novel. Mary’s psyche and relationships are presented to the reader. Without doubt, they are complex. The author also looks back to Mary’s earlier life in Scotland and a relationship that she (reportedly-I don’t really know) had there. How did this influence the writing of the classic about Victor and the creature?

This is a novel (beautifully translated from the Dutch) that Mary Shelley aficionados will most certainly want to take a look at. It is atmospheric and interesting.

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

Pub date: 03 October 2023

From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

It’s: Snow Place for Murder (Diane Kelly)

This third in the series will be enjoyed by both those old and new to the Mountain Lodge, North Carolina setting and protagonist, Misty. This time there are real estate issues. What happened to the dead developer? Was there another murder in what should be this quiet locale? Since that answer will be yes, who did it?

Those who enjoy holidays set in the festive season with accompaniments of good character and plot will want to give this one a look. It could help a reader to while away a fall evening.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023