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!

Think before you climb on board: Murder On The Christmas Express

All aboard for the puzzling Christmas mystery of the year

by Alexandra Benedict

#MurderOnTheChristmasExpress #NetGalley

This mystery will remind readers of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. It uses the well known mystery trope of putting people together somewhere from which they can not escape and with a serious killer in the mix.

In this book, there is a disparate group traveling on the overnight train to Fort William. What a group they are! There is a (constantly on her media) instagrammar and her rather awful boyfriend; a group hoping to make it in a trivia contest; a recently retired police officer; a member of the CPS: an elderly mother and son who have a cat named Moustache; a young woman named Ember; train crew and more.

It takes a while for the first murder to occur although it is acknowledged on the very first page of the book. More trouble and chaos will ensue before the train is again in motion following its derailment.

The book’s protagonist has a bit of a complex backstory. Readers will hope that she is able to make it to her daughter and new granddaughter soon and unscathed.

As a bonus, this book is peppered with puzzles. I think that these extras are trademarks for this author.

I enjoyed this title. Readers of locked room mysteries will enjoy trying to solve the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 February 2023

Would you like to: Go Here Instead

The Alternative Travel List

by DK Eyewitness

GoHereInstead #NetGalley

This book would make a great holiday gift for a person who likes to travel, even if that person is you. It is filled places to go that are a bit less traveled.

This title is organized by subjects including Ancient and Historical Sights; Festivals and Parties; Great Journeys; Architectural Marvels; Natural Wonders; Art and Culture, and Captivating Cities. For each well known destination, an alternative is offered. To give an example, the first suggestion in the book is to go to the Pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur, instead of the Great Pyramids. Or, think of Avebury, instead of Stonehenge or the Wellington Fringe instead of the Scottish festival. These are just a few of the 100 ideas.

This beautifully illustrated book is a terrific resource. I want to get out of my armchair (travel) and go away.

Many thanks to DK Eyewitness Travel and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022

EDITIONHardcover
ISBN9780744061093
PRICE$25.00 (USD)
PAGES224

‘The Writing Is as Good as the Food’: Prue Leith’s Favorite Cookbooks – The New York Times

The judge on “The Great British Baking Show,” whose new book is “Bliss on Toast,” recommends “The Joy of Cooking” along with M.F.K. Fisher and Elizabeth David: “Both the latter are a real pleasure to read.”
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/books/review/the-writing-is-as-good-as-the-food-prue-leiths-favorite-cookbooks.html

Christmas Stories for Kids by Angela Zigann

This is a book of sweet, original Christmas stories for the youngest children to read with an adult. The illustrations are just lovely and perfectly go with the stories. Read about a young giraffe who couldn’t wait for Christmas or a story about Bill the Bird’s long day t9 name two. All in all, this is a cute title.

Pub date: 20 November 2022

Many thanks to NetGalley and Go Crazy Happy Books for this title. All opiions are my own.

Is it? It’s News to Me by R G Belsky

#ItsNewstoMe #NetGalley

I think that this book flew under the radar but it is deserving of attention for those who enjoy mystery and suspense stories. The protagonist is a reporter who endeavors to serve journalism well-a perfect message for our times.

This is the fifth story to feature Clare and what a story she has to cover. Seemingly perfect and ambitious, a college student, Riley, has been murdered. A war vet is suspected but there are others who ought to be including the men in whom Riley was interested. They are a police official and a man with ties to the underworld.

Will Riley get to file her story? Will the case be solved? I recommend reading this title to find out.

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

Pub date: 04 October 2022