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!

DuMaurier and Tey fans rejoice: Shot with Crimson (Nicola Upson)

#ShotWithCrimson #NetGalley

Shot with Crimson is part of a series by Ms. Upson with this book being the eleventh title. Intriguingly. the detective/investigator/protagonist is the real life mystery writer, Josephine Tey. Along with the stories, readers are offered some true insights into her life. (For those who do not know, Tey was one of the writers of the Golden Age of Detection Fiction, along with Sayers and Christie).

Tey’s official police inspector/foil is DCI Archie Penrose. Together they solve cases, many of which are quite sad.

Much happens in this story. The title is a quote from Rebecca and, indeed, DuMaurier and her novel are important to the plot. At the time that the events take place, Hitchcock is directing the famous movie based on the novel. He is just one of the real life figures who appears in the book.

Part of the story takes place in Hollywood where Tey travels after a lavish trip on the Queen Mary. Archie is in England where the estate that the movie is based upon is located. Someone has been murdered there. Readers will turn the pages as they wait for the plot strands to come together and to discover “whodunnit.”

This eleventh book to feature Josephine offers a good excuse to sit down with a b00o and be transported to other worlds. Those who have not already read Rebecca may be inspired to read that as well. I recommend both.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Where did she go: The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard (Natasha Lester)

MARK YOU CALENDAR FOR THIS ONE. I RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY.

I have loved Natasha Lester’s historical fiction starting when I read The Paris Secret. Since then, I have read every new book as it has been published and also look forward to a few earlier ones that I still need to catch up on.

Lester always tells a great story with a mix of fashion and history. This book is no exception although I think that it is the author’s most ambitious book yet.

Here readers meet three generations of strong women who are related and share a commitment to fashion. The oldest of these is Mizza Bricard. She was a real person and one who was described as a muse to Christian Dior. Living through several world wars was just one of her challenges.

Next is Mizza’s daughter Astrid. Why did Mizza not raise her? Astrid grows up in the seventies. She attends fashion/design school and meets the mesmerizing Hawk Jones. How will their relationship ebb and flow and how will their fashion stories and accomplishments continue to cross? And, importantly, how and why did Astrid disappear? What does/did Hawk know?

The daughter of Astrid and Hawk is Blythe. Blythe is also trying to establish her fashion line. She is divorced with two children. Does she want to try again with the (sometimes) charming Jake? Will her fashion business be successful?

This book has an excellent plot, good settings, interesting characters and a real eye on the fashion scene. In addition, I think that Lester wants to bring women out of the shadows and for them to be recognized for their accomplishments. Bravo for that.

I recommend this book very highly. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, fashion and/or stories about women, family and career should give this title a look. I already can’t wait for Lester’s next novel.

Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 January 2024

Now out: tiny bakes

With this title, bakers will create the most adorable edibles. There are recipes for cupcake & cake pops, cakes, cookies, pies; and brownies, bars & other sweet treats. There are detailed instruction and photos for each delicious item.

Recommended for bakers who like small and cute desserts.

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

Four stars ****

My stop on the blog tour for New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs

New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs

ABOUT THE BOOK:

People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she’s not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her…

Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?

New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs is the first in a gorgeous, romantic series set on the breathtaking island of Jersey. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/newsunflowersocial

Author Bio –

Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorginaTroyAuthor/

Twitter https://twitter.com/GeorginaTroy

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ajerseywriter/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/georgina-troy

MY THOUGHTS:

This book is an easy one to settle down with along with a cup of tea on a fall day. I love the setting.

This is a story of how life can always offer new opportunities even when things seem dark. Readers will be invested in finding out how life turns out for a woman who faced both divorce and loss. Will she move on? Will there be a new life for her? Readers will trust that this is so but will enjoy following the protagonist’s journey.

Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour.

Now out: Jurgen Klopp

Often I know the little person who is portrayed in these titles but I was not familiar with Jurgen Klopp. I was pleased to learn more about this football loving German boy who grew up to be a fantastic coach and manager in his sport. He also sounded like a positive and encouraging person. His story is nicely told and illustrated here.

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

Five stars *****