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!

Would you want them to be working for you: The Housekeepers (by Alex Hay)

#TheHousekeepers #NetGalley

I saw a lot about this book before I began reading it myself. I wondered if it could possibly live up to the hype-the good news is that it does. This title will be enjoyed by readers who like a somewhat quirky premise, interesting characters, a well-portrayed time and place, and, of course, a good (if outrageous) plot.

I don’t want to give much away but will say that the housekeepers have quite a scheme in mind. Readers will long remember them; they include Mrs. King who was dismissed from her job and Mrs. Bone who runs some dodgy enterprises. Rounding out the group are Jane and Jane (really), Hephzibah and Alice. Each of these woman has a backstory and a needed skill set; these may well intrigue the reader.

In addition to the housekeepers, there is the owner of an ostentatious home and his daughter. Wilhelm recently died and his daughter is not really mourning. Who was he? What does she want? Readers will discover some surprising connections.

There are many twists and turns in this story and suspension of disbelief is called for. What will happen on the night of a very big ball in Edwardian England? Who are the guests and how will they be affected? Will the housekeepers get their revenge? Read this one to find out!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 July 2023

Now out: Mindfulness in Swimming

Four stars ****

This series common theme is that mindfulness can be a part of many every day activities. In this title, swimming is the subject while others have been about gardening, baking and knitting. I like the concept that mindfulness can be present in obvious places that are not always considered access points.

I was especially attracted to this title because I am intrigued by everything that I have read about wild swimming. Topics in this book include Taking the Plunge, The Solo Swim, Reflections from the Riverbank and more. There are also further reading suggestions and a number of websites included at the end of the book.

This title is a favorite of mine in this series. I valued the author’s personal reflections and the inspiration that was provided. So, get out your suit, start breathing and enjoy mindfulness in the water…or at least reading about it.

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

A collection: Psalms of Wonder

This gorgeous edition of some of the Psalms is perhaps directed toward kids (see the cover illustration) but, as an adult, I also liked it. This book is well designed and gorgeously illustrated. The entries are organized by type; these include songs of Love, Courage, Comfort,Joy, Protection and again, Love.

The book begins with a helpful introduction. Readers are reminded of how broadly the psalms are known, and in how many languages. They are advised that the psalms began as songs (to be sung in community) that gave voice to a wide range of emotions.

Familiar with the psalms already? Looking for an entry to them? Either way, this book can be enjoyed.

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

Pub date: 03 October 2023

Can you crack: The Twyford Code (by Janice Hallett)

Janice Hallett is one of the most inventive, original and distinctive (crime fiction) authors whom I have ever read. I loved her first book, The Appeal which was told entirely in documents. The Twyford Code is also a novel with its very own take on the genre.

The Twyford Code is told in a series of transcripts of voice recordings. They are made by a man, Steven “Smithy” Smith who has recently been released from prison. While there, Smithy learned to read and his life was forever changed.

Smithy has been thinking about a teacher from many years ago. Her name was Miss Isles and she taught the “slow” students, including the book’s narrator. Miss Isles may be very connected to what is called the Twyford Code. Twyford was an author of children’s books and many think that clues were embedded within them. Do these clues relate to WWII and gold or something else entirely? Smithy wants to find out mainly to know what happened to his teacher. This leads him to reconnect with old school friends and to go on an epic quest, partly helped by Lucy, a librarian.

The book takes a little while to attain full speed but it is worth it to keep going until the final pages. There are so many twists and turns. I can’t wait to see what the author does next!

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

This novel was published in January 2023.

From the Publisher

The Twyford Code
The Twyford Code
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