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!

What happens when there is a: Death at a Scottish Wedding (Lucy Connelly)

#DeathataScottishWedding #NetGalley

Here is the second in a series, following on An American in Scotland. Those with a fondness for traditional mysteries set within the UK will want to take a look at both of these titles.

The American in Scotland is Dr. Emilia McRoy who is starting to feel more at home in her new country. She is invited to attend a multi day wedding celebration and accepts.

Most fortunately, Dr. McRoy is a coroner and a constable owns the wedding venue, a castle. So, when everyone gets snowed in and a murder occurs, investigators are right there.

This novel uses a familiar mystery trope, that of a group of suspects who are isolated from the rest of the world. There are a number of twists and turns. Find out both who the victim was and “whodunnit” in this enjoyable mystery. I look forward to the next entry in the series.

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

Pub date: 09 January 2023

Now out: Bird Book for Kids

This book is perfect for young nature lovers. It is both a coloring book and a terrific source of information on many bird species.

Start with the introduction that is full of interesting facts. Then a child may color wherever their fancy takes them. Each bird species has several pictures to fill in, along with information about them.

I very much like this book. Even as an adult, I learned a lot in these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist Z Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars *****

What happened during the: Lost Hours (Paige Shelton)

This title is the fifth in experienced mystery writer Paige Shelton’s Alaska based series. Shelton has written the Scottish Bookshop series, among others.

Lost Hours is an appealingly complex story. In it, protagonist Beth is working out her family relationships and feeling more at home in Alaska. When she goes on a boat trip to see the glaciers, she sees much more including a troubled woman on the shore.

Is this woman, Sadie, being truthful? What, in fact, has happened to her and who is she? Both Beth and the reader will want to know.

This book can be read as a standalone. That said, I suspect that many readers will want to spend more time with Beth and will go back to the first four books. This is especially true because of Beth’s own history. Readers will want to know more details about her experiences.

I definitely enjoyed my time in Alaska! I also liked the character development and the story.

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

Pub date: 06 December 2023

Now out: The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale

Virginia Kantra has written two novels that retell Little Women in a contemporary time period. I enjoyed both. When I saw this book and recognized both the author and Dorothy Gale’s name, I knew that I wanted to read this one. I am so glad that I did!

Anyone who has read The Wizard of Oz will enjoy feeling like an insider as they pick up on references and themes from Baum’s beloved classic. However, those with no familiarity with Oz at all can still relish this novel.

This is a story of dealing with situations that don’t go as one wished and then figuring out how to move on, grow and live one’s life. Readers will surely be hoping that Dorothy works things out and finds some happiness.

I loved the virtual trip to Dublin, the references to other books and Dorothy (Dee’s) story and those of the other characters. Highly recommended for fiction readers.

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

HERE IS A LINK TO MY STOP ON THE BLOG TOUR:

Such an enjoyable title: The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale