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!

An e book bargain for 7.18.21

Miss Benson’s Beetle A Novel by Rachel Joyce

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed.  So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher.  The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care.  The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson.  What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle.  Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past.  Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story.  There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life.  It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end.  Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks?  Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart.  I highly recommend it.

Pub date:  November 24, 2020

#MissBensonsBeetle #NetGalley

What led to: The Shooting at Chateau Rock

A Bruno, Chief of Police Novel

by Martin Walker

#TheShootingatChateauRock #NetGalley

Martin Walker’s books about Bruno are quite popular. This is the fifteenth title in the long running series. This time the murder is of a farmer who is about to disappoint his potential heirs. Readers can safely guess what happens to him. But, can they guess who did it and why? What is the role of insurance, Russian oligarchs and a rock star? Bruno investigates.

As is true in some of my favorite Italian mystery series (Brunetti and Montalbano) the sense of place is well evoked in the Bruno stories. Food is also an important part of the action, just as in the series noted above.

So, readers enjoy some mystery along with a virtual trip to France and some good eating in your imagination.

I enjoyed Walker’s writing and look forward to reading other titles in the series. Some reviews have felt that this title is formulaic. I found it to be a fine, if slightly slow, read.

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

Would you like to be one? Park Rangers and What They Do

by Liesbet Slegers

#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

Pub Date 17 Aug 2021   | 

This book has bright, engaging and friendly illustrations. It also includes a good amount of information on park rangers and the work that they do. The dress and equipment of the rangers are described as are some of the many jobs that they do. For example, park rangers check on the forest after a storm. They may take people on nature walks. They also may have to decide if there are tress that need to be cut down.

Children may well be intrigued by the many facets of the ranger’s job. At the end of the book there is a quiz in which readers decide in what season a job may be completed.

Young future rangers, enjoy this look at your career.

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