Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#TheWhisperedWord #NetGalley

The Whispered Word is the second entry in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series.  The main characters’ secrets were fully described in the first book but a reader can still enjoy this one as a standalone novel.

What I enjoyed most about this book were the characters and the setting.  Yes, belief has to be suspended, but I would love to visit and spend time with Nora and her three closest friends.  Nora’s town, Miracle Springs. attracts people in need of saving and second chances.  Nora owns the local bookstore and is a very astute and well-versed bookseller.  There are many references to both fiction and non-fiction titles throughout the novel.  Nora herself is named for the character in Ibsen’s play.  Just a few of the titles mentioned in the novel include The Witch of Blackbird Pond, A Doll’s House, Harry Potter, One Snowy Day and a number of books on adoption and tidying up.

But of course, there is more than just books in this book.  Abilene comes to town and is a young girl who has had a difficult life and clearly has secrets of her own.  Has she committed crimes including murder?  There is also a shop, Virtual Genie that is offering to consign goods for people in the town.  It looks like a fantastic service but is there more to it?  You can probably answer these questions but finding out the answers is still fun.

The Whispered Word is about friendship, relationships, taking risks…and solving mysteries.  It is an excellent cozy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  I enjoyed my second visit with these characters .

This title tells the tale of Philip Pullman’s second novel about Lyra in the form of a graphic novel. Not having read The Golden Compass, although I want/need to, I was at a bit of a disadvantage here. That is clearly not the fault of those involved with this book.

Here is the further story of Lyra and her quest to understand the role of “dust.” She will meet Will who has his own issues and quests. Each is searching and they draw strength from one another.

I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who have read the novels and are looking for a different way of telling the story. It can also be enjoyed by those who have not read the original but who enjoy well produced manga.

Some of the illustrations appear rather dark but I believe that they reflect the nature of the story. They definitely portray the world that is experienced by the characters.

I recommend this title for slightly older children, possibly those age 9 or 10 and up. Adults who enjoy Philip Pullman’s books may also want to give this one a look.

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

The Book of Candlelight is the third entry in this mystery series by Ellery Adams. I have enjoyed all three books. In this one, readers again spend time with the four main female characters, each of whom has a significant secret in their past. They have bonded together to provide support to each other and to their community. Chief among the protagonists is Nora who owns a bookstore. She is a bibliotherapist and readers enjoy the added bonus of learning some of her book picks.

Series do not stay stagnant, so new characters are introduced. I hope that some will reappear in the next entry. The arrival of Sheldon adds a bit of magic to life at Nora’s bookstore and in the community. There are also the new owners of an inn.

There are two murders in the novel, one of a local Cherokee potter and the other of a young man who was seeking adventure and experience in the North Carolina region where the books are set. The mystery itself has connections with the past and is well developed. However, the main delight of this series is the characters and their world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: January 25, 2022

The first book cover is for the U.S. version where the book has not yet been published. The second cover is for the British edition. That one was published on July 1st of this year. Wherever and whenever you purchase your novels, I recommend this title.

Ms. Hallett tells her entire tale through documents. These include emails, texts, reports, character lists and more. Some may not like this format but I found it intriguing as I observed the characters revealing themselves. With the help of a list of the members of the amateur dramatic society to refer back to, I was able to keep track of everyone.

There is a lot going on here and, at times, readers will wonder how it could all possibly resolve. No spoilers so just a bit on plot. An amateur dramatics society is putting together a production of All My Sons which places all of the main characters in proximity. The head of the society, Martin, has a granddaughter Poppy. Readers are informed that Poppy has cancer and that a good deal of funding is required via crowd sourcing to fund her treatment. Is this legitimate?

Poppy’s doctor may not be the upstanding practitioner that she claims to be. She has connections to two other characters, Sam and Kel. Africa is something that they have in common. But…all does not appear well among them.

There are numerous other subplots and much is made of the characters interrelationships. Who is not whom they appear to be? Does everyone lie? To what does the book’s title refer?

When there is a murder, an already complex plot becomes more so. Will the two young law students assigned to go through all of the documents be able to solve the case? Read this one to find out.

I had wanted to read this book ever since I saw it on a British book site. The pages turn very quickly and I frequently found myself wanting to read just one more entry.

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

From the Publisher (British)

The standout debut thriller of 2021 that delivers multiple brilliant twists, and will change the way you think about the modern crime novel.

*** WATERSTONES THRILLER OF THE MONTH ***
*** THE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH ***
*** THE NO.4 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ***

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BN-Dec-21.pdf

nyti.ms/3peTh6O

I reviewed this one on the blog.

A Mitford Murders Mystery

by Jessica Fellowes

Pub Date 18 Jan 2022 |

The Mitford family is having their (fictional) moment. There has been a recent streaming show of The Pursuit of Love; the publication of Michelle Gable’s latest novel, The Bookseller’s Secret; and the upcoming The Mayfair Bookshop by Eliza Knight. The latter two feature Nancy Mitford.

Jessica Fellows was one of the first (so far as I know) to fictionalize the Mitfords. She finds the Mitford family fascinating and has created a mystery series that centers on them. The Mitford Vanishing is the fifth book in the series. I found it to be a good read.

Jessica Mitford is missing. Nancy Mitford calls on Louisa and Guy to find her. For those who don’t know, Louisa was once a servant to the Mitfords. She married Guy, a police officer, and now has a little girl. Together, Guy and Louisa have formed a private detective business, Cannon and Sullivan. Nancy’s call brings Louisa and Guy back into the Mitford orbit and they accept the case.

The story takes place as the Spanish Civil War is being fought. Has Jessica gone to Spain? Why? Who is she with? Readers know that Jessica was the “communist” Mitford so going to help the forces there may be a logical possibility.

At the same time, Louisa is consulted by a woman who is looking for her sister. Where has she gone? Is she also in Spain? Will the cases intersect? Pick this one up to find out.

This review is for the audio version of this title. It has a wonderful narration with each character having their own voice.

I recommend this title in either book or audio form for those who enjoy historical mysteries. Readers may then want to read other titles in the series. Each has featured one of the Mitford sisters.

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