Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by Anna Pitoniak

This novel offers a point of view on characters who are almost certainly based on Donald and Melania Trump. The focus is mostly on Lara and not her husband. Readers definitely come to understand the forces that formed her personality.

Lara grew up in a family that was fairly privileged in Moscow. For example they had a dacha and some number of Western goods. Lara’s father, who comes across as a nice man, works for the KGB. The family is sent to Paris, a city that is so different to Moscow, and they live there for many years.

Some things happen to Lara that clearly shape her. Readers will discover these things for themselves as they read the novel. How do these life events impact Lara? How does her being Russian influence her future and decisions that she makes?

The story is told in different timelines ranging from Lara’s childhood to her role as the wife of a (bombastic) president. Readers get to know Lara well (if, in fact, she is honest in talking about herself). They also get to know those around her.

The conceit of the story is that a journalist is hired to write this mysterious woman’s biography. What will this mean to journalist Sofie Morse? Something to be sure, as when the novel opens she and her husband seem to be hiding outside of the U.S.

I found this novel to be engaging. It felt a bit odd to be reading it thinking about Trump and the state of the world now. That said, I do recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine.

From the Publisher

Reviews of Peter Swanson’s ‘Nine Lives,’ Peng Shepherd’s ‘The Cartographers’ and Jo Harkin’s ‘Tell Me an Ending.’
— Read on www.wsj.com/articles/mysteries-book-reviews-nine-lives-cartographers-tell-me-an-ending-pleasure-of-a-puzzling-tale-11648217151

www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/books/new-nonfiction-books-spring-2022.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/books/new-fiction-books-spring-2022.html

by Stewart O’Nan

Narrated by Sara Young

I very much wanted to read/listen this book in part because I am originally from the Ocean State. The story sounded intriguing and multilayered.

Often in mysteries, there is a murder and the reader waits to find out “whodunnit.” In Ocean State, listeners know from the start that there was a murder and who committed the crime. The book goes on to tell the story of the family of the teen murderer from multiple points of view.

The narration for Ocean State is crisp and clear. The reader tells the story well.

I am sad to say though that I did not have enough time to hear the whole book before the expiration date. I will follow up by either purchasing or requesting this one from the library.

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

Boredom-busting Trivia That Will Impress Your Friends

by Cerebrum Publishing

Those who love trivia and arcane facts (or who hope to make millions on Jeopardy one day) will enjoy this book. There are many questions here and they involve everything from fill in the blank to multiple choice to matching questions, to questions.

Categories include movies, celebrities, history, food, classic literature and more. If answering questions or just getting some new information appeals to you, give this one a look. It could be used for a fun pub quiz or family quiz night.

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

A British Library Crime Classic

by George Bellairs

Mystery fans are undoubtedly familiar with the “Golden Age” of detective fiction. Writers including Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Josephine Tey were popular then and remain popular today. Of course, there were many others writing during these years, of whom one was George Bellairs. Readers who enjoy this time period in mystery writing will want to give this title a look.

This novel has all of the key features of the stories of that time. Readers can tell this from the first page when a character named Rev Ethelred Claplady is introduced. There follows a murdered busybody along with a Scotland Yard inspector.

There is also the small village where much transpires. Sound good to you? If yes, read this and other entries in the series both of Bellairs book and the British Library.

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