Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/23/books/review/famous-lines-quiz.html

#TheBestAmericanMysteryandSuspense2023 #NetGalley

This year the introduction to the collection of best mysteries is written by popular author, Lisa Unger. She has a lot to say. Readers will also enjoy what Steph Cha shares as the editor of the series.

There are twenty stories in all. They evoke different moods, varying crimes and a wide variety of characters. Dip in and out to find favorites. Some of the authors were known to me so I went to those stories first. For example, there were tales by William Boyle, Joyce Carole Oates and S.A. Cosby. I then spent time with some new writers and was rewarded for that.

Don’t miss the section that shares information about the authors. It is intriguing to see who the writer of each story is.

In addition to the included stories, this title has a section titled Other Distinguished Mystery and Suspense of 2022. Get additional ideas of what to read there. Looking at the list makes me realize how difficult it must be to choose the stories to include.

This is a reliably good series. The new volume will be enjoyed for sure.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023

Five stars *****

We currently live in a rather fractured and partisan world in which, it seems to me, we often lose the ability to disagree without being disagreeable, to attempt to understand another’s perspective and to venture out of communicating only with those with whom we already know that we will agree. How did we get to this point? Is it where we want to be? If, those reading this post recognize that there is work to be done but need help getting there, please pick up this book.

David Brooks has written a work that cries to be read by just about everyone, including the mental health community, politicians, the person who is a friend, a parent, a partner, and so on. He has synthesized a great deal of research on how to relate to others while also sharing some of his personal experiences with the reader.

Brooks observes that, despite being a reporter, he did not always communicate well outside of his professional role. In some ways, he wrote this title for himself as well as the reader.

Some of the topics artfully explored include how to really see another person and to listen to them, what gets in the way of that, whether a person wants to be an “illuminator” or not, defense mechanisms, talking about the hard things, understanding what empathy really is and much more.

The number of highlights that I have added to my copy of this book reminds me of how much I was left to ponder. Book clubs, teachers, social workers and others, read this book and then talk tabout it. It will be worthwhile.

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

From the Publisher

#TheMinotaurSamplerVolume10 #NetGalley

I never tire of getting advance peeks at books to be published. This sampler is one of the best out there, especially for mystery readers. Learn more about five upcoming titles that run the gamut from a cozy featuring pregnant women to a story that includes a plot to blow up the Statue of Liberty.

Each entry includes a description of the book, information about the author and a generous excerpt. I definitely want to read Off the Air and The Expectant Detectives. I love the first line of that one: “For my boyfriend’s thirtieth birthday I thought I’d go all out and surprise him with a pregnancy.”

Note: This is a free title. I highly recommend it.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Four stars ****

I am a fan of a number of mysteries set in Ireland. Of course, there is Tana French. There are also Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter to name just two of my other favorites. Carlene O’Connor is another author whose new series , I am excited to read. This is the second title of those and it is a bit less cozy than some of the author’s other longer running series.

This is a story that can be read for its Irish setting, the characters and the mystery itself. The book opens when meteor showers/shooting stars are coming; some believe that they will bring good luck while others are not so sure. Readers can guess which predictions will be true.

The first victim is an elderly man while the second is a voluptuous young woman. She is camping with a group and the detective, Cormac was involved with one of them. How will that come back to haunt him?

In addition to the mystery there are backstories. Dimpna’s father has Alzheimer’s while Cormac’s mother has motor neuron disease and is failing. These personal situations impact the characters but do not keep these two from figuring out what has transpired.

This is a solid mystery and one that is worth a look.

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

From the Publisher

#WorryingIsOptional #NetGalley

The author of this book wisely notes that we all worry at times. However, worrying as a chronic way of relating to the world and living a life can certainly takes its toll. Mr. Eckstein wants to offer readers a tool kit to cope with this often harrowing emotion.

Using knowledge from different therapeutic schools such as ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), readers will develop strategies. As a result, this book will be most welcome for its audience.

The author writes in a clear and direct style. Read each of the four sections including Understanding Worry, Changing Your Relationship to Worry, Challenging Worry and Living Unbound From Worry and then, hopefully, feel more on top of things as understanding and new skills develop. As the author notes, worry and anxiety will not completely disappear butthe reader will likely be able to better co-exist with these feelings.

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications. All opinions are my own.

This book will be published in December 2023. Mark your calendar.

I like this series

There are other Allinghams on sale as well

#SwimmingforBeginners #NetGalley

Loretta lives a carefully controlled and planned life. She has a fiance with whom she shares a measured relationship. Surprises are not her thing. Loretta works hard, wants a promotion and is trying her best to fit in at work, even if this has her doing things that she does not enjoy. Loretta is traveling abroad to meet with a client when…she meets Phoebe at the airport and her life changes.

Readers get to know Loretta and Phoebe well. Their relationship will change both of them in ways that they were not expecting or prepared for.

Those who enjoy warmhearted stories with quirky protagonists, this novel is for you. The last heroine I enjoyed who reminded me of Loretta was in Lessons in Chemistry. Both of these women have their unique style and ways of living their lives.

I very much enjoyed this book and am delighted to recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 September 2023

#WhatWildWomenDo #NetGalley

I enjoyed this author’s last book, Recipe for a Perfect Wife, so was eager to read her new novel. Here is a dual time line story that takes place in both the present day and the 1970s.

Get to know Edith (Eddie) in the past and Rowan in 2021. Each is trying to find their way in life. Eddie faced a horrific loss which led her to upend a socialite life by starting Camp Calloway. Eddie’s s hope was to offer a safe space for women…but what happened to her? Why and how did she disappear? Who was responsible?

In the present, Rowan wants to be a screenwriter but has felt stuck both in her work and relationship. She and her partner have looked for escape in the country but all does not go well between them. One day Rowan learns about Eddie’s camp from a couple she encounters. She then wants to know more about Eddie and her story. What will she discover? How will this impact her work, relationship and life? Read this one to find out.

This title will appeal to those who enjoy novels that illuminate women’s stories. Readers will find that over a period of years what these women want(ed) can have remarkable similarities.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group-Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 24 October 2023

Four stars ****

Roz Chast has tackled many subjects with humor and a unique perspective. This time, she explores the world of dreams in a book that has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. It is deserved in my opinion.

The appearance of this book is striking and engaging. There are many graphics/illustrations and the text looks like handwriting.

Some of this book’s chapters include Recurring Dreams, Celebrity Dreams, Nightmares, Food Dreams and more. Many describe the author’s dreams. The book ends with a few additional sections including one on recommended reading.

Much of the book is personal and Chast is a great guide to her dreams and, by extension, asks the reader to consider theirs. She also imparts some information on dreams in general.

Pay attention to the cartoons. They are idiosyncratic. Some may make a reader chuckle.

This book will be enjoyed by those who like the quirky and by fans, new and old, of the author.

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