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!

Some e book bargains for 7. 2.23

Elektra by Jennifer Saint

Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Dear Mrs. Bird-I loved this.

Darling Girl by Liz Michalski-with Peter Pan

A Certain Darkness by Anna Lee Huber

Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes-highly recommended

A Guide for Grownups, Antoine de SaintvExupery

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Jurczyk

The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry-the one that started the series

Long Time, No See by Susan Isaacs

In the Teeth of the Evidence and Other Stories by DorothySayers

My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lippman

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

The Inimitable Jeeves by PG Wodehouse

The Company of Strangers by Robert Wilson

That Winthrop Woman byAnyaSeton

Cardiff, by the Sea by Joyce Carol Oates

The Case of the Baited Hook by Erle Stanley Gardner-Perry Mason

Twice in a Blue Moon by Patricia Moyes-part of a traditional, good series

No Laughing Matter by Dorothy Simpson-another good, traditional series

Murder at Greysbridge by Andrea Carter-love this Irish series

An April Shroud by Reginald Hill

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis

Now out: The Greatest Spy Writers of the 20th Centery

Four stars: ****

Are you a reader of spy fiction? Do you ever wonder how the best authors of this genre got their ideas? Here is a title that brings readers into the world of three of the best authors in the field, Buchan, Fleming and Le Carre.

The author clearly shows his love of spy fiction. He begins his introduction with his own introduction of books like Huntingtower and The 39 Steps by John Buchan. He fell in love with these novels starting at age nine when his grandfather gave him a Buchan book. Carradice returned the favor when, many years later, he gifted his grandfather a Le Carre title.

Spy novels are just a bit over 100 years old. With many authors to think about including Graham Greene and Eric Ambelr, among others, Carradice chose the three noted above. He feels that they are the best of the best.

Start with the excellent introduction and keep going. This book offers a very entertaining read and one that is filled with information. The author is a big fan of his subject.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

TheGreatestSpyWritersofthe20thCentury #NetGalley

You won’t forget: The Forgotten Garden (by Sharon Gosling)

#TheForgottenGarden #NetGalley

This is the first novel that I have read by Ms. Gosling. After finishing it, I feel motivated to find and purchase all of her earlier titles.

This book will be enjoyed by those who like women’s fiction and the many who enjoy a good story with sympathetic characters. An additional plus in these pages is thinking about gardens and what they mean to both their creators and those who get to enjoy them.

As the story opens, it is fair to say that Luisa is stuck and not using her talents and imagination fully. She has reason to be despondent and stuck having lost her husband. Readers will hope that she moves forward as she considers a new opportunity.

In addition to following Luisa’s story, readers will get to know others. These include an altruistic man who operates a boxing gym and the young girl who is in his orbit. Their stories come to life along with Luisa’s.

It is very easy to recommend this warm and emotional title. Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 June 2023