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!

What are the: Secrets of the Nile

A Lady Emily Mystery

by Tasha Alexander

Secrets of the Nile is the fifth title in a long running historical mystery series that I have had the pleasure to read and review. I was delighted to once again spend time with Lady Emily and her husband Colin. For those who don’t know, Colin has had a number of delicate jobs that he has done for the government. Emily is independent and strong, a woman who is educated and feistier than many of her time and social class. Together they make a formidable team.

This time, the two are spending time in Egypt with Colin’s mother and his daughter from a prior relationship. They have gone there at the invitation of Lord Deeley, an old friend of Colin’s mother. Lord Deeley is a prodigious collector of all things ancient Egyptian; he also can antagonize people.

Early in the book, Lord Deeley has a dinner party. The guests are from varied backgrounds including an archaeologist and a politician. As readers of mysteries know, something bad is about to happen at this dinner.

There is a parallel plot set in ancient Egypt. This features siblings who are very close to each other. The young woman is a bit like Lady Emily, better educated than most and a person with talents. How will her and her brother’s story entwine with the Christie like murder in an Egyptian home?

This story is engaging and fun. The author also has done her research. A number of books of interest to budding Egyptologists are mentioned in the text.

Where Colin and Lady Emily go, adventure follows. Go along with them and see how the story unfolds.

I was happy to read this latest enjoyable entry in the series. Cozy and historical mystery fans, this is for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title.

Pub date: 04 October 2022

Big & Little Meet in the Middle

by Ian Webster

#BigLittleMeetintheMiddle #NetGalley

This book has delightful illustrations that show the wonders of geography with both populations and place. The story is about two friends of an Arctic tern. Polar Bear and Penguin live on opposite ends of the world and want to meet. This is the story of their journey. It is a lovely and one that I highly recommend as a bedtime story or a purchase for a preschool library.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Princeton Architectural Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 18 Oct 2022

Book Club Kit: Becoming

by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama wrote this autobiography several years ago. With a new title coming out soon, this book may receive new attention. Here is a good resource on that book. It includes information on the story, excellent questions to ponder and an interview with the author. It is a short title but has just what is needed for a (more) thoughtful read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this book club kit. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 11 Feb 2021

And coming in November

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd- Deluxe Edition-by Agatha Christie

#TheMurderofRogerAckroydDeluxeEdition #NetGalley

Oh, she was definitely one of the best. No one has written the classic mystery better. Poirot, the detective here, and Jane Marple of St. Mary Mead are enshrined in detective fiction. The ongoing popularity of this “golden age” writer is well deserved. They say that she outsells everything except for the Bible and Shakespeare.

Here, in time for the holidays, is a beautiful gift edition of on of Christie’s popular titles. It remains intriguing with its many suspects, and the detective with his “little grey cells.” Why would someone want to kill Roger? How did they do it? And, who was it? Find out here and discover or rediscover a master at work.

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

Pub date: 25 October 2022