Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love the pun filled titles of this author’s work. A Fatal Groove is the second in the series, with the first having the title, Vinyl Resting Place. Readers can probably guess that these stories have to do with music and, indeed, the book’s protagonist has a record and drinks shop, cutely called Sip n Spin.

The story is set in Texas at bluebonnet season, a time that sounds lovely indeed. As readers from the first book may know, three sisters have opened a record shop. A joy in the story is watching their interactions.

Chaos breaks out when the town’s mayor is seemingly poisoned by a drink made in the sisters’ store. Of course, this means that it is essential to their business to find the culprit. Cozy/traditional mystery readers know that they will do just that. Enjoy this title as you watch the case unfold. It was a fun read.

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

Pub date: 25 July 2023

Three stars ***

Any child who has woken up grumpy will enjoy this book and, especially, its illustrations. How does a bad day get better? Turn the pages to find out in this cute title.

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

#CoqauVin #NetGalley

A look at this book’s cover will give a good sense of what readers will find inside; in these pages are Paris, food, music, and Nan who does things her own way. All true to the contents of this title.

I first got to know this author a number of years ago and am delighted to see her books back in print. This is a short (under 200 pages) read that features Nanette. She is in Paris to locate a missing relative but much happens along the way, including meeting a street musician. Get to spend time in Paris. Have a bit of a mystery and some romance. All in all, an enjoyable read

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

This title was published in 2021.

From the Publisher

I enjoy this series

Part of an enjoyable series

Light and enjoyable

Part of a good series

This mystery/suspense title is published by Joffee Books, a press that publishes many titles in this genre. Their books are generally very reasonably priced. I chose this one because I enjoy stories set in Oxford. It is the fourth in a series that feature both the city of Oxford in lovely detail and Doug Mullen, who solves the cases.

Really bad things happened to Julie after she went out on a date…and she is not the only victim in this story. Something unimaginable happens though when Doug, the private detective noted above, is accused in the case. What happened? Who is responsible?

It helped to know that this is a series so I hoped Doug would be ok. Read this one to find out.

I think that I might have enjoyed this title a bit more if I had read the other entries. Still, an interestng mystery with an interesting character with backstory in Doug, and, of course Oxford.

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

Pub date: 02 May 2023

#AfterParis #NetGalley

In this novel, readers get to know Alice, Nina and Jules. The three met twenty or so years ago in Paris (at Le Crillon). Ever since, they have met up once a year. This time, forty is looming large as the friends are now thirty-nine. Also, this time, all does not go well and the women become estranged. Why? Will they find their way back to each other? Read this story to find out. Along the way, readers will get to know the characters and their lives well. It doesn’t hurt that Paris is part of the story aw well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2022.

Four stars ****

Rebel Girls had a nice idea with this title. Included inside are inspirational notes, pick me-up notes, messages that can be personalized, fun facts, and jokes. All can be torn out and can easily take up a home in a lunch bag, backpack or other place where kids keep things. They offer an easy way to cheer up a child’s day. Ideal for girls around 9-11, in my opinion.

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

From the Publisher

Historical fiction about Aaron Burr and his daughter.

In my pile. This has gotten good reviews.

First in a series that I have really enjoyed. I’ve reviewed a few of them.

www.nytimes.com/2023/07/15/books/review/the-good-ones-novel-polly-stewart.html

www.nytimes.com/2023/06/09/books/fiction-summer-books.html