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!

She had so much talent: Soaring in Style

How Amelia Earhart Became a Fashion Icon

by Jennifer Lane Wilson

#SoaringinStyle #NetGalley Pub Date 01 Feb 2022

This children’s book told me something about Amelia Earhart that I had not known. She designed women’s fashions. These were based on Amelia’s sense that clothes should not be too fussy and that they should allow for women’s movement. Amelia even modeled her designs.

The story of Amelia and fashion is interwoven with this story about Amelia’s love for the sky. This began when she was just a girl growing up in Kansas. Adults know that, from this beginning, Amelia Earhart became a barrier breaking pilot. This book offers children an opportunity to share in that excitement.

This title has bright, cartoon-like illustrations. They nicely complement the story.

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

For Lovesey lovers: Reader, I Buried Them & Other Stories

by Peter Lovesey

#ReaderIBuriedThemOtherStories #NetGalley Pub Date 01 Feb 2022

I have long been a fan of Peter Lovesey’s Peter Diamond mysteries. I started with the first, The Last Detective, many years ago and am about to read the twentieth, Diamond and the Eye. I was first attracted to these novels by their setting in Bath and have grown to love the irascible Diamond and those around him. I have not yet read the Bertie mysteries but am sure that one day I will.

Cause for celebration is that Lovesey has written his 100th (!) short story. A number of these have been compiled into this collection by Lovesey himself. Lovesey begins with an introduction, where he notes that his first short story is from almost fifty years ago. Much to his surprise, Ruth Rendell complimented it. He has written so many since then. Lovesey describes short story writing as a gift that he gives to himself between his longer works.

Readers will enjoy seeing which stories are included here. I am glad to report that there is one Peter Diamond story, A Three Pie Problem.

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

Who was: The Puffin Keeper

by Michael Morpurgo

Pub Date 15 Feb 2022

Michael Morpurgo became known to so many through the book and play editions of War Horse. But, Mr. Murpurgo is not a one trick pony. He has written many other books for children, of which this is the latest.

The illustrations and story work so well together here. The tale is simply and beautifully told while the pictures are most gorgeous and engaging.

Early in the book, readers meet Benjamin Postelwhaite, lighthouse keeper of Puffin Island (near the Scilly Isles). One night, his light isn’t enough to help a ship. Benjamin ventures out in his small boat when he sees the situation and saves thirty (!) people, including the story’s narrator, Allen Williams. After the rescue, Benjamin was kind to Allen and gave him one of his artworks. Allen always treasured and kept this painting with him.

Readers learn about where Allen and his mother were going that night and how they subsequently fared. There were clearly challenges for Allen and his mother. Still, he always remembered Benjamin. Will they meet again? Adults and children both will enjoy finding out the answer to this question.

I so highly recommend this chapter book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for it. All opinions are my own.

PS The author thought about Penguin and Puffin books when writing this story.