The Unkindness of Ravens

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 18, 2021

A Greer Hogan Mystery

by M. E. Hilliard

This book grabbed my interest immediately because, on the first page, a favorite childhood fictional character of mine was mentioned. You may not know her, but she was Trixie Belden. She, her brothers, Honey and Jim had adventures and solved mysteries with their club. They had exactly the life that I wanted .I loved Trixie more than Nancy Drew. As this was exactly how the fictional detective in this book felt, I knew that I wanted to read more.

The amateur sleuth in this title is Greer. Her husband had been murdered (not a spoiler as this is mentioned early in the novel) and she has sought a new life away from New York City. Greer goes to library school and moves to a small town in upstate New York. A library patron and friend to Greer is murdered. What is behind the murder? Who did it? How will intrepid, amateur sleuth Greer fare? Will the solution tell her more about her husband? Find out in this cozy mystery.

In addition to Trixie, I loved the library setting and the mention of various books and authors. Readers will wish for a library like this, despite the crimes.

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

An Agatha Raisin Mystery

by M. C. Beaton; R.W. Green

Pub Date 26 Oct 2021

There are more than thirty entries in the popular Agatha Raisin series that was penned by M C Beaton. Luckily for the reader, R W Green has stepped up to work on the stories.

Fans of Agatha Raisin now have both the novels and a TV series on Acorn TV for enjoyment of the unique Ms. Raisin. Those who love her will surely want to read this book.

In this entry, Agatha has taken up walking. Since trouble has a way of following her, naturally Agatha runs into an elderly couple and a victim. Why was this (disagreeable) man known as the Admiral murdered? And, as they say, Who Did It? Agatha will, in her own inimitable way, be on the case.

Agatha fans will no doubt welcome this latest novel. New readers may also enjoy getting to know this unique character.

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

My First Steve Jobs

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#SteveJobs #NetGalley

Pub Date 24 Aug 2021

This title is an entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series for the very youngest children. The story is simply told and filled with illustrations. Young listeners will learn about Steve’s interests and curiosity, and how these led to his and his friend’s creation of the home computer. They will see that Steve changed the world in ways that had not previously been imagined.

The first pages mention that Steve had been adopted. I feel that perhaps a bit more (like the next page or so) could have said something about his family life. As it is, the fact just hangs there a bit.

I liked this entry in the series. However, it felt a bit like an ad for Apple to me. Nonetheless, young listeners will have been introduced to an original and an icon.

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

#AChristmasCarol #NetGalley

#AChristmasCarol #NetGalley

Pub Date 14 Sep 2021

A Christmas Carol is, I think, one of Charles Dickens’ most popular stories. So many know the main aspects of the tale but, I imagine there are those who either have never read the original or who have not read it for many years. Now would be a good time to change that!

This version of the story is enhanced by its’ absolutely gorgeous and appealing illustrations. They are detailed and have a softness to them that I found that I very much appreciated. The illustrator’s artistry clearly adds to the reader’s experience as the pages turn.

Rereading A Christmas Carol has led me to remember that it would make a great Christmas season read aloud with a child. True, some of the vocabulary may need to be explained but there is something to be said for introducing a child to such a well-known and loved story.

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

Pretty Little London

A Seasonal Guide to the City’s Most Instagrammable Places

by Sara Santini; Andrea Di Filippo

#PrettyLittleLondon #NetGalley

The book, Pretty Little London, had its origin in an Instagram account. The account belonged to a couple who did not grow up in England. The two wanted to enhance their sense of London as a beautiful city with all it has to offer. The result is a beautiful compilation of photos showing London in every season.

Each seasonal chapter opens with a detailed map. I found these to be very appealing with their cute drawings. Thanks to these, readers who visit or live in London can find the locations that are described in the book. For each entry readers will find both beautiful photos and text. The text includes descriptions of things to see and also what look like great suggestions for eating, drinking, shopping and more.

This title also includes some advice on Instagramming and taking photos. These sections will be of interest to those who want to work on their own projects.

I really love this book. It makes me want to hop on a plane and visit one of my favorite cities while having the chance to make new discoveries.

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

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/August_2021_e_MOM_Read.pdf

A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

by Laurie R. King

#CastleShade #NetGalley

I have been reading this series about Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell ever since the first book, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice was published in 1994! This is entry number seventeen. Ms. King continues to keep this long running series interesting and engaging.

When this book opens, Russell and Holmes are getting ready to travel to Roumania. The daughter of Maria of Roumania is under threat. Why? Is it to do with her or with someone wanting to get at Marie. Marie is herself connected by blood to Queen Victoria; she is related to both her and the Russian Tsar. Readers learn about Marie’s history, dynastic marriage and move to Roumania. They learn, too, about the decisions that she has made for her country and her devotion to a place that she has come to love.

Along the way, readers also learn about Dracula and the many legends and superstitions that existed at the time. This is all quite fascinating.

When Holmes and Russell get to Roumania, their work intensifies. There are many strange occurrences along the way. There are also welcome creature comforts that Mary had not been expecting.

I enjoyed the setting of this novel and the rich history that was presented. I also liked following Russell and Holmes as they talked, sparred and worked together.

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

A Collection of Traditional American Home-Cooked Recipes

by Jennifer Boudinot

#CountryKitchenCookbook #NetGalley

Pub Date 24 Aug 2021

This cookbook celebrates American cuisine in 100 recipes divided up by “Homestyle Breakfasts;” Irresistible Snacks & Starters;” “Scrumptious Salads & Sides;””Hearty Main Dishes;” and “Country Desserts & Cakes.”

This beautifully photographed title is filled with hearty, country cooking. The author starts out with a recipe that exemplifies what is within these pages. It is an easy to follow recipe for a Sunday Casserole that is filled with eggs, bacon, hash brown potatoes and more. That one is followed by more stick to your ribs food. Just a few of the recipes included are for Country Cobb Salad, Barbeque Baked Chicken, Buttermilk Biscuits, Hoppin John with Pork, and Coconut Cream Pie.

So, it is clear that this is not a cookbook for those on diets. All others, or those who are taking a break from healthy eating, will find much to enjoy here.

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

nyti.ms/3lEgjE7