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!

I certainly was: Drawn to the Garden (Caroline Quentin)

Caroline Quentin is best known to me as an actress. I watched her in Blue Murder where she played a somewhat frazzled (in her home life) detective. Now, I know her as an author and lover of nature as well..

This is a delightful book with whimsical illustrations done by Quentin herself. I smiled when I saw the front and back views of her in a gardening apron near the beginning of the book.

I love Quentin’s candid and open voice as she tells her stories. In these pages are personal reflections, practical advice and recipes. Readers will find warmth, wisdom and humor here. as she writes of the experience of gardening and of life. 

Sample chapters include Memories, Wellbeing, Pets & pests, Childhood and more. Dip in anywhere or start at the beginning.

I highly recommend this book. I will buy the hard copy when it is released.

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

#DrawntotheGarden #NetGalle

Split

#Split #NetGalley

Readers who look at this book’s title may think that Split refers to a breakup in a romantic way. Here it does not. Split is a fictional place, a resort on the Adriatic. In this historical novel, it is a place full of intrigue, murder and even romance.

Readers who enjoy movies like Casablanca may well enjoy this novel. Turn the pages as spies, emigres, smugglers and others spend time in Split. 

Note that the book has a helpful list of characters. 

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

Pub date: 01 January 2024

Trouble at the festival: Coconut Drop Dead (Olivia Matthews)

#CoconutDropDead #NetGalley

I love that this cozy/traditional mystery takes place in Brooklyn. So often books in this genre take place in small Midwest locales. What fun to be in an urban setting and still have a good story and one without excessive violence.

This book is part of the Spice Isle series, one of, but not the only, series by this author. Lyndsay has, what sounds like, a delicious Caribbean bakery. She is excited about her pastries and a big, upcoming festival. All should be perfect except, of course, there is a murder when a reggae singer is killed. Readers will have fun (and be hungry) as they wait for the pieces to fall into place in this enjoyable read.

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

Pub date: 26 December 2023