Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

by Santa Montefiore

#FlappyInvestigates #NetGalley

Flappy enters the esteemed company of authors like E.F. Benson of Mapp and Lucia renown in this novel. Here is a story of a classic busybody full of her own importance…and yet, readers root for Flappy all the same.

In this second in a series, Flappy has much to flap about. She has had an affair with the delectable Charles even though his wife is one of her close friends. In outdoing the neighbors, she is planning un ballo in maschera, there is a new couple in the village who (horrors) sit in Flappy’s church pew and, as if that were not enough, Flappy’s son is here from Australia. Watch as the indomitable Flappy juggles everything and enjoy a fun read. This book is perfectly fine as a standalone but readers may want to seek out the first in the series as well.

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

Pub date: 03 November 2022

October is a strange month around Crime Reads HQ, Canadian division. In my usual sorting of the galleys by month it was a hefty stack, but not that many domestic thrillers were in the stack or in the mix. I found more—there are always more books—but it does make me wonder if the future of…

October’s Best Psychological Thrillers — CrimeReads

A Jane Austen Society Mystery

by Elizabeth Blake

Here is the first of two Jane Austen themed mysteries written by this author. I was drawn to the references to Austen and P and P. I also like the British setting and a protagonist with a bookshop. Perfect ingredients for a cozy!

Much of what follows is precipitated by a meeting of the Jane Austen society. The old guard and new are not in sync. The situation worsens when a Mrs. Pemberley (!) is murdered.

There are many suspects. Also here are detectives that readers will enjoy getting to know along with our bookshop proprietor.

This title will be enjoyed by cozy lovers. I am sure of that.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this title. All opinions are my own. !

Pub Date 13 Aug 2019

Review

Praise for Pride, Prejudice, and Poison:

“[A] winning series launch from Blake…The village is rife with scandals and secrets, as well as both shocking and delightful romances.”
—Publishers Weekly

A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different

by Peet Montzingo, Rockwell Sands

#LittleImperfections #NetGalley

Unlike many others, I did not know who Peet was before I began to read this book. I had a very strong sense of who he was by the time I read the last page.

For those who don’t know, Peet was a “normal” height child in a family of little people. In this brightly illustrated, rhyming title, he recounts his experiences growing up. It was not always easy for Peet (or anyone else in his family) but he found his way. His message is that others can too.

This is a children’s picture book but if it is to be read with very young children, and even with older kids, discussion seems important. There is Peet’s own unique story but also a branch out to the ways in which many may feel different or struggle when growing up.

Many thanks to Ginger With a Soul LLC and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 01 Nov 2022

When we moved to Aix-en-Provence in 1997 it was a sleepy provincial town. You could park your car on the Cours Mirabeau, which at that time still had some mom-and-pop shops. Nowadays, only international chain stores can afford the rent on one of France’s most beloved main streets, and the obligatory underground parking garages can…

A Mystery Author’s Inspirational Place: Aix-en-Provence — CrimeReads

And…The Short List

No longer The Short List below

by Celia Imrie

 know Celia Imrie as an actress and she is one of my favorites. What fun to discover that she is also a fiction writer.

I really enjoyed this book. It is actually the third of a series and I will go back to read the others.

This title fits with the trend of books with older protagonists, think for example of Richard Osman’s series. Here are five retired ex-pats, men and women, who are trying to run a restaurant in a beautiful French location. Of course, things do not go well. Readers will find food, friendship and mystery here. Perfect for a relaxing read.

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

Pub date: 06 August 2019

Here is the first title in the author’s series. The second published title is f Under a Veiled Moon. These books feature Inspector Corravan.

This historical mystery set in Britain will be enjoyed by fans of authors like Anne Perry. It is atmospheric and involving. Inspector Corravan is an interesting character with a backstory.

A young girl’s body is found floating down the river of the title. She is the daughter of a judge. Who has murdered her and why? Is it to do with her prominent father? How does a Mrs. Beckford fit in? Additional victims add to the complexity of the case.

This book is just the type that I enjoy when reading an historical mystery. I look forward to the next in the series. It will be out soon.

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

Pub Date 09 Nov 2021Her

by Rebel Girls

The cover notes that this title is packed with facts and activities about 300 plus extraordinary women. The sections inside include an introduction, how to use this book, rebel girls around the world and throughout history, followed by meet the rebels. As is generally true of the titles in the series, this book is a terrific and inspiring resource. There are even q codes to link with additional materials.

This book has bright and snappy illustrations and short sections to read that are full of information. Go in any order-geography, history or the alphabet. There is so much inspiration here.

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

Pub date: 11 October 2022