Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
This colorfully illustrated children’s book tells the story of a family’s garden over the course of a year. Month by month children will see how a garden goes from planning to planting to harvesting and to enjoying the garden’s bounty all year long. Hopefully, this will inspire kids (who have the space) to get out there and plan their own gardens.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 15 March 2022
#HappinessComesinWaves #NetGalley
The author of this title has loved the beach since she was a child growing up on Cape Cod. From that beginning, it took Ms. Christensen some time to find her way in the world. Always, though, the ocean inspired her and she shares that mindset in this title. A few of the headings included in the book are Be Unstoppable, Be Abundant, Be Adventurous and Be Grounded, all of the things that we could use.
This book is a compilation of reflections, zen activities, photos and quotes. The photography is magnificent and captures the ocean in its many moods.
Those who are looking for some inspiration may well find just that in these pages. It is the author’s guide to an authentic life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Rock Point for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 May 2022
Readers who devoured Richard Osman’s two mysteries are pretty sure to enjoy The Marlow Murder Club. It has many similar good eccentricities while telling its own story.
As in Osman’s novels, our woman on the scene is a pensioner. Eccentric Judith Potts is in her seventies. She may be a little too fond of whisky. She sets crossword puzzles to earn money, lives in an inherited property and observes everything around her. She is also intrepid.
One night Judith hears a shot. Her neighbor Stefan is dead. It is quickly established that Stefan was murdered. His character is less clear; there are those who saw him as a good and kind man and others who did not. What was the nature of his association/relationship with an antiques business and Elliott, its proprietor? How, if at all, is Stefan’s death connected to another victim, a well-liked taxi driver named Iqbal? And, what about the people Judith gets to know along the way? There are a mysterious redhead, a dog walker and a vicar’s wife among others. It all crescendos in a satisfying story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 03 May 2022
Bending the Paw is the ninth title in this canine themed mystery. The story features a dog and her partner. Join them in a stormy Fort Worth as they work to solve their latest case. There is blood, lots of it, and a missing husband but no corpse. What’s up? Read this one to find out. Also, watch out for the crooked contractor. The pages turn easily as readers follow Megan (human) and Brigit (our cover dog) and, for readers who enjoy this one, there are many more, beginning with Paw Enforcement.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 27 October 2020
This title is an e book bargain for the week of 4.18.22
Kudos to Anne Perry! She is not an author who rests on her laurels. Ms. Perry recently started a series with Daniel Pitt, son of long-term series regulars Thomas and Charlotte and now, she has started a series featuring Elena Standish. This novel takes place as Hitler is rising to power in Germany.
The characters in the family…Elena is an aspiring photographer. Her sister Margot was widowed shortly after marrying during WWI. Grandfather Lucas was in MI6 during WWI and maintains his connections. His wife, also was active in the war. Then there are Elena’s parents Charles and his wife Katherine. He is a diplomat; she is American. There are many characters not in the family, from the Jewish population in Berlin to the Brownshirts to those who are busy plotting and to Cordell at the British Embassy.
The settings in the novel are vividly described. The book opens in…
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#MathPracticeTestsfortheACT #NetGalley
The college application process can just be so stressful. If seems unfair for kids’ fates and egos to be so caught up in this labyrinthine process.
Some teens are able to take the college admission tests without panic. Others need practice. Those who do will find this book of eight complete practice tests (and answers) to be a good resource. It is a book that has no frills but does just what it promises.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Vibrant Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 June 2022
I only came to The Little Prince as an adult. Twice I then read it for classes and each time got more from it. I also saw an exhibit at the Morgan Library on the author and learned more about his (too short) life and works.
The Little Prince is an iconic and beloved work. It has been translated into at least 300 languages according to this title’s introduction. The author, whhose personal style permeates the book, notes that we all could benefit from remembering the joys and imagination of our childhoods, something that The Little Prince encourages us to remember.
So, how does a person live like The Little Prince? The chapter headings give some hints. An individual would figure out How to Be Understood by Others; How to Connect to Others; How to Take Time to live, How to Accept Being Understood and more. Some of these others include How to Protect Your dream, How to Love and How to Be Rich in What you Have. Even now, I have not listed all of the sections. Clearly there is a lot to think about here.
This title can be dipped into when inspiration and/or remembering is needed. It would also make a lovely gift for the right person.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12 April 2022
The Miss Kopp adventures began with Girl Waits with Gun and is now up to entry number seven. This is an historical mystery with strong female characters.
It is now the winter of 1919. The Kopp sisters are reuniting from locations as far away as France. These women are intrepid. This time Fleurette needs money so is posing as “the other woman” in divorce cases. She finds even bigger problems than supposed infidelity however.
Will the case be solved? Will everyone remain safe? Will you want to read more about the Kopp sisters after this (spoiler: you will)?
Enjoy this book. It is a fun one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 Sep 2021
