Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir

Recently, I read a story about the PM of Iceland who had found time to co-author a novel with one of her country’s best known writers. Here is that book and it is one that is easy to recommend.

The story opens in the 1950s with the disappearance of teen, Lara, from her summer position as a maid on an island off the coast of Reyjavik. An inexperienced police officer goes out to investigate but is stonewalled. The couple who live on the island for the summer includes a barrister who calls a higher ranking officer. That one tells the rookie not to press this couple.

Flash forward to the year of the capital’s birthday celebrations, 1986. The case has never been solved. A journalist chooses to re-investigate. What happens to him as a result? What will happen from this point? What will be discovered and by whom? Will it be the truth? What really did happen to Lara? Who does not want the facts to come out? For certain, there are secrets! Read this one to suss out some answers.

The book opens with a very helpful list of the story’s many characters. It may take those unaccustomed to the country’s language a little time to get comfortable with these but it is worth the time. It was also fun to look up some of the places that are used as settings, especially the small island of Videy.

The authors have dedicated this title to Agatha Christie. It is, I think, a book that she would have liked. That said, Reykjavik is not a story told in a hurry. If you require fast paced, this title might not be for you. I enjoyed it though.

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

Pub date: 05 September 2023

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY GIVES THIS A STARRED REVIEW. IT IS WELL-DESERVED.

One thing that i find inviting and engaging in cozy/traditional mysteries is that they open a world up. In this case, readers enter the life of a baker/protagonist in this latest bakeshop mystery. Old and new readers will enjoy this one. It may help a bit to have read others in the series but I don’t think that is essential.

This is a(nother) fall season/Halloween story, this time set in Ashland, Oregon, a place that is rightfully renowned for its Shakespeare festival. All look forward to the costumes and a big celebration with a pug in an important role.

What is the significance of a dragon? How does mahjong play into the events? Who is the murder victim and why? Will Jules and her crew sort things out? (yes, but the fun is in watching them do it.)

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this book with its punny title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 August 2023

Praise for the Bakeshop Mysteries:

“This delectable series transports readers to Ashland, Oregon… I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy clever plots, likable characters, and good food.” ―Mystery Scene on A Batter of Life and Death

“Alexander’s charming series offers descriptions of enticingly fattening foods, a tour of southern Oregon, and, incidentally, a mystery that provides enough riddles to keep you guessing without ever upstaging the main event.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Till Death Do Us Tart

“A Batter of Life and Death is a delightful cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages to see what Jules is going to get into next…. Grab a few napkins, because you’ll be drooling all over the pages as you read some of the delicious-sounding recipes these chefs are cooking up.” ―Fresh Fiction

Here is the latest and seventh title in the cozy/traditional series by Cate Conte. It will be enjoyed by those who already read her stories, cat lovers and those who are fans of murders that lack graphic violence, have good settings, good characters and an enjoyable story to tell.

It’s fall and lots is going on in the small town where the story is set. Who killed a medium (and one who had a black cat)? What connection does this have to a busybody, an old murder and others in the town who are close to protagonist/sleuth Maddie? Readers will enjoy finding out in this fun title.

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

Pub date: 22 August 2023

First in series

My culture fix: Anne Enright

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a178766c-3db7-11ee-bbd3-c9a5c45ddea0?shareToken=bfb2df0f90f1b91739039295b933af75

This was the first book that I read this summer. I loved The Clockmaker’s Daughter which would still be my favorite. This was a good read though.

for nostalgia

#ThePerennials #NetGalley

I was not familiar with the author of this book but he has written several and is described as an “expert on global trends.” In this title, Guillen turns his attention to “How long-standing trends are igniting a revolution in the way we live and work at every stage of life.” (this is the subtitle of the book).

Guillen titles his book Perennials to reflect a new model in how and when people work and lead their lives. He notes that there is more overlap in the workplace of people of different ages because of increasing life expectancy and some not retiring at a traditional age. He cites BMW as an example, finding that five different generations are working there. Guillen sees flexibility as there are currently more choices; for example, if there is a model that is not sequential with retirement at a set age, people may do different things at different ages. In some ways, he believes that this will cause less stress to people as, for example, there may be less need to have figured out your whole life path when a teen or young adult. Similarly, those who are in their sixties no longer have to accept retirement as the next step.

A few of the chapter headings will give a flavor of what is discussed. Chapter One is The Four Stations in Life. Chapter Two is Soaring Longevity and Health. Chapter Five is Three Careers in a Lifetime while Chapter Eight is A Game Changer for Women.

This was an interesting read with much to chew on.

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

Pub date: 22 August 2023

from the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/2023/08/22/books/review/necessary-trouble-drew-gilpin-faust-up-home-ruth-simmons.html