Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Nancy Thayer engages and entertains her readers. She is masterful at creating settings, in this instance the island of Nantucket, its museums, shops and more. Ms. Thayer also brings the home of protagonist Eleanor into lovely focus. I wanted to spend time in this house that was a haven to generations, and also to be on the island. So, I think that those looking for virtual escape will enjoy this title.

Protagonist, Eleanor, is turning seventy years old. Over the course of the novel, she lives her life in the present and also looks back at her marriage, parenting, relationship with her granddaughter and more. Other characters also live and look at their lives and relationships including Ari, a recent and idealistic college graduate whose life goals do not always match her family’s expectations. Ari’s mother enters the story as a woman who cares deeply about status and social standing. Her brother, whom she believes Eleanor loved more, has a wealthy lifestyle and seems more carefree.

A sticking point within the family is that Eleanor’s children would like her to sell her house for a lot (!) of money. Eleanor thinks that she knows her decision. Will this change? What will Eleanor, Ari and others learn over the course of the summer? How will the plot resolve? Read this one to find out.

I enjoyed this title and recommend it. I plan to go back into my TBR pile and to read other novels by Ms. Thayer.

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

This is the third book that I have read by Jennifer Ryan. I very much enjoyed her earlier novels, The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Spies of Shilling Lane. Ms.Ryan has found her authorial voice writing fiction about women and WWII. The Kitchen Front, also set during WWII, is a book that I highly recommend.

As the novel begins, the men are mostly away or involved in war work, while women try their best to manage both on the home front and in the kitchen. Food is scarce and rationing pervasive. There is a campaign to make creative, practical recipes using what is at hand.

In this story, food concerns lead to a cooking contest in a small village. The winner will be given co-hosting duties on a food related BBC radio show. The novel tells the story of four of the women who, through their recipes, try to win first prize. They are Audrey, a young widow with three children; Audrey’s sister, the snobby Lady Gwendoline; kitchen maid Nell and pregnant, unmarried, French trained chef, Zelda. Each of these characters comes to life with a backstory and relationships. I very much enjoyed spending time with each of them and also enjoyed the village setting. An added plus of this book is that each cook’s recipes are included, giving insight into what cooking was like in the 1940s.

I highly recommend this enjoyable novel. For Ms. Ryan, third time (for her historical novels) is definitely the charm!

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

The Wodehouse is free.

Michael Gilbert had a writing career that spanned the many years of his long life. Gilbert’s first mystery, Close Quarters, was published in 1947. His last crime novel was written many years later. Death Has Deep Roots was first published in 1951.

At the time of its publication, memories of WWII would have been readily available to Gilbert’s readers. This may have made the story especially intriguing and relevant.

Gilbert sets his story a few years after the war. The main character is a woman who has been accused of murder. The murder is not just any murder but that of a war hero. Is she guilty? What happened? Can she be saved if she is innocent?

This involving story will capture the reader’s attention. Those who like courtroom dramas will especially like this one. I am so glad that it has been reissued by the British Crime Library. As is true of other books in this series, the cover is gorgeous.

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

100 Simple Recipes to Make the Most of Your Pantry

by Tanorria Askew

I have not watched Master Chef but the author of this cookbook was a contestant on that show. I assume that means that she knows how to cook when under pressure. Maybe that it what inspired this collection of recipes, all 100 of them; she wants others to feel confident and relaxed in their kitchens.

In the introduction, readers learn that the author has been influenced by both Southern and Mid-Western cooking. From her family, she learned the joys of having people come around for a meal. This background is reflected in the book.

There are helpful beginning sections on topics like what to stock in a kitchen, a list of spices to have on hand, equipment needed and more. The recipes then go in a traditional order beginning with appetizers.

Some of the recipes included are for Butternut Squash Fritters, Classic Deviled Eggs, BBQ Pork Belly Tacos, Pasta Carbonara, Chicken n Biscuit Pot Pie, Red Beans & Rice, Dad’s Baked Beans, Blackberry Cobbler and many more. The directions seems clear and there are photos scattered throughout the book.

For those who enjoy good family food, this book is worth a look. It may make you hungry though.

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

#ShowMetheBunny #NetGalley Pub date: January 22, 2022

I have been reading this series ever since the first, A Pedigree to Die For, was published. There are now more than 20 booksabout Melanie Travis and those around her, including likeable Aunt Peg. The novels are cozies with appealing recurring characters, good plots and lots of information about dogs. If this sounds right for you, the books can pretty much be read in any order. The evolution of Melanie’s romantic life and the growth of her son may lead some to want to read the books paying attention to publication dates.

This time, Melanie agrees to organize an Easter event at a women’s shelter. She quickly discovers that a major benefactor has died. What happened? Who is responsible? Enjoy unraveling this mystery and watching Melanie and her Aunt Rose try to come to terms. Don’t worry, there will be Aunt Peg as well.

I note that Aunt Rose is not too fond of dogs. As a result, they are less a focus in this entry. This should not keep readers from the novel though.

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

This fifth in the series will be welcomed by those who have enjoyed the previous titles. This is a light, historical mystery featuring Beryl and Edwina. They are opposites; one is British, the other American, and they have joined to form a detective agency. This time the case starts out deceptively as they are investigating a faux case at their client’s request. What will happen when a very real murder occurs? Read this one to find out. Along the way, enjoy the settings and the protagonists.

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

The books listed above are recent releases and each costs less than $8.00.