Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by Bonnie Garmus

#LessonsinChemistry #NetGalley

Unique, original, funny, poignant…I find that all of these words can be overused when praising books but this time, in my opinion, they are truly deserved. This novel is like none other that I have read although there is some connection to The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano in terms of what does it mean to become a parent when a woman does/did not wish to. Otherwise, the protagonists of the two books are quite different.

Lessons in Chemistry includes such a wonder box of treasures. Why is there a dog named 6:30 of all things? What will you think of his tragedy early in the book but his vigilance afterwards? Will you enjoy his empathy and understanding along with his understanding of a wide vocabulary? What would lead a baby to be named Mad? What are ergs doing in the story?

Readers become intimately acquainted with the idiosyncratic Elizabeth Zott. She is a woman placed in the wrong time by history. It is the 1950s into the 60s. She WANTS to be a chemist and a working woman who is respected but the times challenge her. Look for her work around to solve this.

Lessons in Chemistry refers, in part, to the science of cooking. What leads Elizabeth to be the host of TV cooking show? She is no Julia Child to be sure.

I loved this book! There were times when I laughed out loud. Anyone who may have found the transition to a life full of baby demands will know what Elizabeth is experiencing. There were many moments when I felt for the characters as they tried to get through their lives.

I highly recommend this title. Let me know what you think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book will be published on 05 Apr 2022.

From the Publisher

“[An] energetic debut…A more adorable plea for rationalism and gender equality would be hard to find.” 
—Kirkus (starred review)
“Indefatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel.”
—Booklist

nyti.ms/3MW5top

A Daniel Pitt Novel

by Anne Perry

#ThreeDebtsPaid #NetGalley

I very much enjoyed Perry’s Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series and have read all the titles. Thomas and Charlotte also feature, though to a lesser extent, in this newer series about their son, Daniel. Daniel works in a British law firm where he is a barrister. His latest case has been brought to him by Ian Frobisher who is in the police force and whom Daniel knows from Cambridge University. The case involves an assault made by a Modern History professor who lost his temper when accused of plagiarism.

At the same time, there is a killer on the streets of London. The killer has a distinct way of marking his victims and people are in fear of this “Rainy Day Killer.” Frobisher is working to solve this case.

His work brings Frobisher into contact with Miriam Fforde Croft. She is one of very few women pathologists in London and a friend of Daniel, as well as the daughter of the head of Daniel’s chambers. There is a budding love story between Miriam and Daniel. She has done autopsies on the victims.

Readers know that Perry will see that the case is solved. Along the way, she will offer some very insightful passages about the human condition.

Readers who already know Daniel, Miriam and the Pitts will be delighted to welcome them back. Those who enjoy historical mysteries can begin the series here and then work their way backward. Both groups will enjoy this latest novel by a favorite author of mine.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This title will be published on 12 Apr 2022.

A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery

by Nell Hampton

#LordOfThePies #NetGalley

Crooked Lane publishes lots of cozy mysteries. They have found a niche here as their books generally do appeal to the target audience, myself included, as a cozy can offer me a welcome bit of escape.

One thing that I very much enjoyed was this book’s setting. It brought back memories of being at Kensington Palace’s Orangery. Those who have not been, can enjoy a virtual visit.

Uh-oh, the lovely setting, of course becomes the location for a murder. What happened and how does a lemon meringue pie fit in? Read this one to find out.

Note that this is the second in the series. Readers may want to look for the first book, Kale to the Queen.

This book will be especially enjoyed by bakers and Anglophiles.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Lord of the Pies:
“A well-crafted plot with plenty of surprises…This contemporary cozy is as light and delectable as one of Carrie Ann’s meringue toppings.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Most likely to appeal to mystery-romance fans entranced by PBS’s The Great British Baking Show.”
—Kirkus Reviews

#MyGarden #NetGalley

#MyGarden #NetGalley

Happy is the perfect first name for the author/illustrator of this book. Happy Yak’s other books have brought a smile to my face and this one did as well. Geared toward the youngest kids, here is a lovely introduction to gardens and seasons. The illustrations are so joyful. In addition, this title will help to build children’s vocabularies. Different categories of words are included; some name objects, while others are words for actions, feelings or states of being. There are 100 words in all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This title will be published on 12 April 2022.

Listed by me earlier this week. I reviewed and enjoyed this domestic thriller.