Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
Agatha Christie. Roald Dahl. Ian Fleming. Classics are being reworked to remove offensive language. But some readers wonder, when does posthumous editing go too far?
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/books/classic-novels-revisions-agatha-christie-roald-dahl.html
What do you think?
Mismatched cops are a trope in crime fiction. Here that contrast is used to good effect. Believe it or not, there are two DS Wilkins; one is Ryan and one is Ray. Ryan grew up in the projects, wears track suits, has a young son and is white. Ray is Black, married and dresses like someone who shops at Brooks Brothers, whatever the British equivalent might be. They are paired on a case and, over the course of the novel, begin to understand one another.
The setting is Oxford which has led a number of reviewers to compare this series (a second is already out) to Inspector Morse. They are not the same although in each instance the author has a unique voice. Mason’s book shows college life but also much of the poorer side of the city. Race and religion are also important themes.
There are murders and detection, along with lots of back story and characters. I very much enjoyed this read and was so thrilled when the book became available in the U.S. It is currently only $4.99 for the e book and very much worth it.
Recommended to those who like character driven stories, crime stories set in Britain and a protagonist who will be remembered.
My only quibble is the surprise of the solution. The elements were there but it felt just a tad forced. This would not keep me from reading other books by this author however.
Highly recommended.
Have you read this? What did you think?
Little Women was the first classic that I ever read. It changed me as, up until then, I thought the term classic was synonymous with boring. To my surprise, I found the story of the four March girls to be completely absorbing. In fact, this is a novel that I have gone on to reread several times.
Here is a version of Little Women that has been gently simplified so as to be more accessible for those who may not be ready or able to deal with the original. The essence of Little Women is in these pages. Ms. Wood has given readers the key descriptions and episodes of the novel. She may even inspire some readers to go to the original.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for this title. All opinions are my own.
#NancyWinsatFriendship #NetGalley
Some readers may remember the original Nancy and Sluggo comics while others have followed the updated books by Olivia Jaimes. Either way, here is a chance to relax and bring a smile to the reader’s face.
As always, Nancy has a lot to say. Follow her with the Robotics Club, see how she tangles with Aunt Fritz, enjoy her friendship with Sluggo and more.
Recommended to Nancy and other comic fans.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 May 2023
I enjoyed and reviewed this
A nice light read
Part of a good series. Reviewed by me. There is a TV series too.
#MotheroftheBrideMurder #NetGalley
The mother of the bride is Lucy Stone. Readers may know her from the multi-book cozy series often set in Tinker’s Cove. Lucy has been on the case for readers since the early 1990s so there are many titles in the series.
This time, Lucy leaves home behind to go to France where her daughter’s wedding is scheduled to take place. But, will it? Readers know that where Lucy goes, trouble follows. There is murder, the reappearance of an old boyfriend of the bride, a French family (the prospective groom’s) with some tricky history so lots to keep Lucy busy.
I think that this title will most be enjoyed by those who already have read other titles in the series. They will get to spend time with Lucy and a grownup Elizabeth.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 25 April 2023
The best paperbacks for April 2023: Mick Herron, Kate Atkinson and more
Games and Rituals by Katherine Heiny review — this is the feelgood author I give to the people I love
Rereading: Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo review — the original Scandi noir
Jacqueline Winspear is the bestselling author of the Maisie Dobbs series, two standalones, and most recently, The White Lady, in which an ex-spy is drawn back into the espionage game just after the end of the Second World War. She was kind enough to catch up with me over email to discuss historical fiction, enduring heroines,…
Jacqueline Winspear Considers the Art of Historical Fiction — CrimeReads
