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: the friendsgiving cookbook

Friendsgiving has become a thing. It is when you leave the family squabbles behind and celebrate a holiday with friends. This book will help with that! There are 50 recipes for entertaining.

The book is divided into sections on appetizers, potluck mains, vegetarain sides and desserts. The author notes that you can make it all the way from drinks to desserts with recipes that are do-able.

This title is charmingly illustrated. There are also many photos. The very first entry for crostini, so easy that ANYONE could do it. There are also little sections called A Little Extra…But in a Good Way; these are helpful.

Just a few of the recipes are those for Angelic Deviled Eggs, Chicken and Waffles, Roasty Toasty Brussels, Pumpkin Cake Poppin, and Thank You So Match Sponge Cake.

This is a nice cookbook. It is well worth a look.

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

Here is a key to: Unlocking French

I recently decided to work on my rusty old French. I’ve been listening to a podcast that I have found to be very helpful, and also found this book to be a very useful adjunct.

Here we have a list of French words. For each, there is a definition and a sentence using the word. In addition, there are some further explanations, as for example about whether a word is feminine or masculine; these are important distinctions in the language

This book offers a good opportunity to practice French. It is recommended to both beginners into those who just want to put a little French into their life each day.

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

Pub date: 18 June 2023

Now out:The Great Gatsby

I have read The Great Gatsby at least three times but it is the sort of book that gives more every time a reader spends time with it. I found this edition to be a very appealing one and I enjoyed reading it.

I was drawn first to the gorgeous cover. The graphics inside are also sure to enhance a reader’s enjoyment of the book. It is rare that adults get illustrated stories; this is something special and it makes this edition of the popular novel stand out.

Recommended for Gatsby fans old and new. This would make a great gift for the right person.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

A big subject: Happiness

This book is part of a series that includes Compassion, Joy, andfForgiveness, to name a few. Each, including this newest one, offers the reader a chance to contemplate their life and how it might best be lived.

The author believes that it is the total absence of desire that brings happiness. Do you agree? This means that pleasure seeking and acquisition (more things) will never bring the happiness that is this book’s subject. Think about this is what the reader is urged to do.

This is not a book with a quick fix to attain happiness as can be seen right from the first few pages of this title. Read this book to ponder essentials that are inner. It is not for everyone but it will be welcomed and will resonate for some.

I felt mixed about this book. It seemed a bit ponderous in its presentation.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023

Now out: Murder on the Christmas Express

Four stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This mystery will remind readers of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. It uses the well known mystery trope of putting people together somewhere from which they can not escape and with a serious killer in the mix. In this book, there is a disparate group traveling on the overnight train to Fort William. What a group they are! There is a (constantly on her media) instagrammar and her rather awful boyfriend; a group hoping to make it in a trivia contest; a recently retired police officer; a member of the CPS: an elderly mother and son who have a cat named Moustache; a young woman named Ember; train crew and more. It takes a while for the first murder to occur although it is acknowledged on the very first page of the book. More trouble and chaos will ensue before the train is again in motion following its derailment. The book’s protagonist has a bit of a complex backstory. Readers will hope that she is able to make it to her daughter and new granddaughter soon and unscathed. As a bonus, this book is peppered with puzzles. I think that these extras are trademarks for this author. I enjoyed this title. Readers of locked room mysteries will enjoy trying to solve the case. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

What will be: The Proof of the Pudding (Rhys Bowen)

TheProofofthePudding #NetGalley

I have only recently begun reading this long running series and am so glad to have immersed myself in Georgie’s world. This newest book has everything within its pages that makes these titles so delightful. I enjoy the characters, especially Darcy (what a name, straight from P &. P) and Georgie. They are currently eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, although Georgie is not too eager to experience labor.

As the story opens Queenie, who series regulars know, is up in arms at losing her position as cook to a French chef…that is, until she meets him and wants to be IN his arms.

As Georgie hosts her big dinner party, readers meet the odd Sir Mordred. He has a poison garden, among other things. It is obvious that trouble will follow. The fun is in going along for the ride with this author.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy sparkling historical mysteries. Readers can’t go wrong with this one..

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023