joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

When my children were in first grade and studying women’s history, they and I learned about Emily Roebling. Until then, I had not known abut this woman who followed through on the work that led to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Both of my children made field trips with their classes and walked over the bridge; one of them continues to walk over the bridge frequently. It is an iconic site in New York.

So, given this background, I was absolutely thrilled when NetGalley and the publisher offered me this title in exchange for an honest review. I found this novel to be very engaging as Emily was vividly brought to life, from her days in the South to her time in New York. Emily achieved so much in following through on the bridge but there was more to her life than that as this author ably showed. Emily’s marriage and other relationships in her life are portrayed as her story is told.

During a time when we are re-examining women’s contributions in so many areas, this book illuminates someone otherwise slightly lost to history. I highly recommend this title for those who enjoy historical fiction.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek(Richardson) is an e book bargain for 11.28.21

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews July 22, 2019

This is a wonderful historical novel based upon the Book Women who delivered library materials to those in the out of the way sections of Kentucky. The book women were part of a program started by President Roosevelt under the WPA.

There are many book women in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky but the protagonist of the novel is the unforgettable Cussy. Cussy speaks in dialect which helps the reader to fully enter into her world. Cussy faces special challenges because she is the last of the ‘blues.’ There really were blue-skinned people in America as a supplement at the back of the novel attests. They were objects of curiosity and also of prejudice, just as was the case for the African American population.

Cussy wants to be independent both before and after her disastrous short term marriage. And yet, what will happen with patron Jackson who is one of the few to call Cussy by name, rather than the derogatory Bluet?

Cussy’s love of books flows through the novel. There are references to books that were popular at the time, including those by Steinbeck and Rex Stout. Cussy’s inventiveness in making books and delivering what her patrons need is impressive.

The landscape of rural Kentucky, the small towns, the mines, the mountains are all well described. Each patron that Cussy visits has a back story and readers will even come to learn more about the mule who transports her.

If you are a reader who enjoys historical fiction set in the U.S., consider this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks, for this book in exchange for an honest review.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR’S NEW BOOK, THE BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER WILL BE PUBLISHED IN SPRING 2022.

The Killings at Kingfisher Hill

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

The New Hercule Poirot Mystery

by Sophie Hannah is an e book bargain for 11.28.21

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

The Killings at Kinfisher Hill is the fourth mystery that Sophie Hannah has written with the permission of the Agatha Christie estate. The books feature Hercule Poirot. They are stand alones so can be read in any order.

This book, along with the others in the series, have an old fashioned feel. They have some Christie trademarks with traditional settings, intricate plots and some interesting characters. Readers know that with the help of his “little grey cells,” Poirot will solve the case.

There are a number of threads to the story. In one, a young woman refuses to initially board a coach because she has been told that she will be murdered if she sits in seat seven. What will happen to her whether she sits there or not?

Poirot has a conversation with a mysterious woman on this same coach. She tells him that she has murdered someone and regales him with the tale while remaining anonymous. Who is she? Did she do what she said? How will Poirot find out?

Then there is Helen. She has confessed to a murder but it is not clear that she actually killed the victim. Did she? Why if she did, and why confess if she did not?

And…who is the second murder victim? Why were they murdered? HOw does this connect with the first murder in the story?

Thank goodness that Poirot is around to bring order to the case and the reader’s world. Fans of traditional mysteries and/or Agatha Christie will enjoy this case. Can your “little grey cells” figure it out?

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

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams is an e book bargain for 11.28.21

#TheReadingList #NetGalley

A BEST OF SUMMER READ ACCORDING TO NEWSWEEK, PARADE MAGAZINE, NBC NEWS, LITHUB, AND POPSUGAR!

This author’s love of books, libraries and people shine through in this title. The novel tells the story of Mukesh and Aleisha as well as some others. Mukesh was widowed and feels lost without his wife. When he comes across her copy of The Time Traveler’s Wife, he wants to return this overdue book to the library. This is a surprisingly difficult expedition for him. Mukesh even literally has difficulty getting in the library door which he does not know how to open.

Inside the library is Aleisha who is halfheartedly performing her duties as a summer employee. While her brother always adored the library as a child, Aleisha did not enjoy being there. Will this change?

Over the course of the novel, these two characters interact and their lives change as the result, in part, of a book list.

Bibliophiles will very much enjoy the book’s premise and will root for the characters. They will also enjoy seeing the book titles and lists that the author includes in this novel.

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