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!

The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester is an e book bargain for 12.27.21

#TheParisSecret #NetGalley

Note that I am commenting on the extended preview. ALSO NOTE: I HAVE SINCE READ AND VERY MUCH ENJOYED THE WHOLE NOVEL!

This book appears to have many elements that will mak e it an engrossing read. I will certainly buy the book so that I can spend more time with this book’s characters and story lines.

After an opening set in the days after WWII, the novel moves to the year 1928 when Skye and Liberty Penrose are children being raised by their single mother. Their mother Vanessa, who predicts the future for clients, is a pilot who has passed on her love of the skies to her aptly named older daughter.

When the reader first meets Skye, she is ten and unconventional. Younger sister Liberty appears prone to temper tantrums and may be less than stable. Skye meets Nick during this summer and it is clear that they will have connections throughout the entire story.

The book jumps to 2012 in the following section. In this, a descendant of one of the main characters, Kat, travels to Cornwall to visit her grandmother’s house. Grandmother Margaux has ties to Nick and Skye as I think will become clearer.

This is another story with sections set before, during and after WWII. Illuminated through Skye is a story of the women who flew planes during the war. There is a sense that Liberty and the other main characters will face many threats as the novel continues. It also feels like the past and present will tie together by the end of the book.

This appears to be an involving and interesting novel. As noted above, I will be purchasing it so that I can see how it ends.

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

Wait for: The Midnight Hour by Elly Griffiths (and an e book bargain on 12.26.21)

#TheMidnightHour #NetGalley

Elly Griffiths is an author who does not rest on her laurels. I first got to know this author through her Ruth Galloway novels; so far, she has written thirteen of these. Ruth is a bit shambolic, very smart and a forensic archaeologist. Fans eagerly follow her relationship with (married) Nelson and her friends, including a Druid named Cathbad. This may all sound a bit odd but I assure you, these books are among my most favorite.

Ms. G. has also written two books in a new series. These are The Stranger Diaries and The Postscript Murders. These feature a lesbian, Musilin detective. They are complex and enjoyable.

The Midnight Hour is part of another series. This is an historical series that has featured magician Max Mephisto and Detective Edgar Stephens. The first, The ZigZag Girl was published about five years ago.

In this entry in the series, PI Emma and her partner, Sam Collins have at least one problem…Emma is married to Edgar Stephens who is also called in. Who murdered the husband of a music hall star? How will Emma and Edgar work together.. or not? And, where will Max fit in? Read this one to find out. It will provide readers with a small escape from daily life.

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