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!

What will you see? London Explored

Secret, surprising and unusual places to discover in the Capital

by Peter Dazeley; Mark Daly

#LondonExplored #NetGalley Pub Date 30 Nov 2021

This title offers a unique glance at one photographer’s London. Organized by neighborhood, the book features photographs with descriptions of the sites. Some of these are well-known, while others were certainly new to me. For example, there is a Foundling Hospital where Handel had been a patron. Then, what about the London Sewing Machine Museum or Raqib Shaw’s Sausage Factory. There are also more familiar sites including the London Library and Lambeth Palace Gardens. Both armchair and real travelers may well enjoy losing themselves in these pages. The text that accompanies the photos is packed with information. I found this to be an absorbing escape from my own home.

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

Now out:

A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries

by Martin Edwards

This collection of stories has been put together and edited by Martin Edwards. In addition to writing his own novels, Mr. Edwards has contributed to a number of collections for Poisoned Pen Press and the British Library. Among these are The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories; Vintage Crime; and Blood on the Tracks.
This new book will make a perfect gift for a fan of classic mystery stories and their authors. Following a short introduction, readers will find a dozen holiday themed stories. Some of the authors included are Ngaio Marsh, John Dickson Carr, Margery Allingham and Cyril Hare. Each tale begins with a short biographical section on the author.
The nice thing about a story collection is that readers can complete an enjoyable short story relatively quickly and add pleasure to their day. Of course, there will be some who will want to read all of these stories right in a row!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Unto Us a Son is Given is an e book bargain for 10.21.21

Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley

What is: Only in America!

The Weird and Wonderful 50 States

by Heather Alexander

#OnlyinAmerica #NetGalley Pub Date 09 Nov 2021

When I was in the fifth grade, as a reward for going to the dentist, my mom bought me a book that I wanted; it was about the United States. I can still picture this Golden Book’s cover. Only in America would have been so loved by me then. It can be enjoyed by kids now.

Within these pages are fun things to learn about the U.S. So much is included in this title that has great graphics. Learn about state nicknames, fast facts which includes things like funny place names and state slang, numerical facts, information about animals, sports and so much more. For example, who knew that Scottsboro, Alabama is the lost luggage capital of the world or that the favorite dessert of Oklahomans is fried pie? Read on your own state and discover old favorite facts and ones that you may not have known. I was from Rhode Island. I knew about quahogs and cabinets but not about a vampire legend. Open this book anywhere and enjoy what is on display. It is such fun!

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

Now out: Questions for Rebel Girls

I have read and reviewed a number of titles in the Rebel Girls series. The books are ones that encourage young women to achieve their goals and to learn about those who have come before them. These women may have struggled but that is part of what makes their achievements so remarkable.
This book is a bit different from the ones that have come before. It encourages girls to ask questions, taking their time to do so. Entries are inspired by real women. For example, the very first entry is inspired by Lady Gaga. It quotes her on kindness and then offers three questions: What is something kind that you have done for another person recently and how did it make you feel? This is followed by what do you do when someone is unkind to you and another asking what you might do if you had the money to do something kind for people you know at school. These are good prompts for either thinking about by one’s self or in group discussion.
Just a few of the many other women who inspired questions include Mae Jemison, Lupito Nyongo, tri-athlete Paula Newvy-Fraser and Temple Grandin By spending time with them, girls are given the opportunity to better understand themselves and those around them.
This title is illustrated with bright colors. Each woman’s illustration is striking.
I very much like this title and applaud its goals. It would make a terrific gift. Adults, too, may want to ponder its questions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is an e book bargain for 10.20.21

#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 .