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: Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night

Five stars *****

This title is the fifth and latest Hercule Poirot novel to be penned by Sophie Hannah who has the approval of the Christie estate. This one is my favorite so far.

Hercule Poirot and companion Catchpool are thinking about what they will do for Christmas when their plans are upended by Catchpool’s mother. Cynthia, the mother, is a real presence in the novel and, at times, had me laughing out loud over her interactions with her son.

Cynthia convinces Poirot and Catchpool to visit a family whose house is falling into the sea and whose patriarch is dying. These family members, by and large, do not get along. There are two brothers married to two sisters, the brothers’ parents and the sisters’ parents, along with Vivienne and our duo. Note that the sisters’ parents are (ineffectually) acting as the home’s servants and this is not good for Poirot’s dinner plans or digestion.

The family patriarch wants to go to a hospital to die. His wife is against this plan as a prior patient (a man described as lovely and a postman) was murdered there. Said patriarch wants to work on the case and is realizing a life’s dream when he plans to collaborate with Poirot. He is aware that this could lead to his own murder. The story takes off from here. Note some of the interesting scenes; for example, find out how Catchpool learns a lot while decorating Christmas trees.

This title offers an excellent traditional mystery along with some eccentric characters in a Christmas run up. All of this makes Hercule Poirot’s Christmas a perfect holiday gift for a mystery reader.

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

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023

From the Publisher

1
2
3

What makes it: The Fatal Folio (Elizabeth Penney)

This is the third book in a traditional mystery series. A few things that I like about it:

Books/bookstores, academic and literary matters

The English setting in Cambridge

The characters and a bit of romance

The mystery/murder itself and all of the suspects

This time, a newly discovered Gothic manuscript is part of the story. Who was the author? Is he a relative of Molly’s boyfriend?

When a murder occurs on Guy Fawkes night, a professor comes under suspicion. He had given the victim a bad grade and had been threatened by him. This professor is related to (the protagonist and amateur sleuth), Molly’s boyfriend. Is he guilty? There are certainly other suspects.

Readers will feel confident about the case being solved. The fun is in watching events unspool and spending time with the book’s cast of characters.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023

It’s a requirement: Must Love Flowers (Debbie Macomber)

#MustLoveFlowers #NetGalley

In a note to her readers, Debbie Macomber says that she tried retirement but discovered it was not for her. Rather, what she wanted to do was continue telling stories. This book is the result and it is one that her fans will surely enjoy. It has all of the elements of a classic Macomber story, good characters, a plot that engages, and a feeling of satisfaction when the last page is turned.

This is the story of several people who find each other and offer one another the chance to again embrace life fully. There is widow Joan who misses her husband every day. Joan has two sons but they are often busy with their own lives. Next is a young girl who misses her deceased mom. Maggie’s father is an alcoholic and she wants to begin a life away from him as she studies for her nursing degree. (Joan’s son is one of her customers at the Starbucks where she works to fund her studies). Third, there is landscaper, Phil. His loss is that of his daughter.

Will these three come together and help each other to move forward? Readers will have a pretty good idea of the answer but that is not the point. This is not a novel that is read for suspense but, instead, one for those who like a nice story and a bit of thoughtful escape.

I first read Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series. I just progressed from one to the next and enjoyed them all. Readers who want what she offers will be delighted with this new book and her backlist.

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

Pub date: 11 July 2023

Now out: Anne Dares

Five stars *****

This is the newest, (and fifth) of Kallie George’s books about Anne (of Green Gables). Each is a beautifully illustrated chapter book for young readers. They are all true to the spirit of the originals and, hopefully, will lead kids to the those titles.

This time, several incidents from Montgomery’s story, are retold. It is the part of the book when Anne is invited to a party at the home of her very best friend, Diana. But, of course, troubles generally follow Anne, as they do here. What happens when a mean girl provokes Anne? What are the consequences of a very daring dare? Will Anne be able to right things, stay with Matthew and Marilla and move on to a new and happy experience? Young readers will enjoy finding out.

This is another delightful retelling featuring Anne of Green Gables. I most definitely recommend it and the entire series. They could make a perfect holiday gift.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada-Tundra for this title. All opinions are my own.