Calling fans of Ann Cleeves: The Long Call

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 30, 2019

My review

Kudos to the talented Ann Cleeves for this first entry in her new series. I have read the author’s Vera and Jimmy Perez novels, both of which I recommend. As a reader who looked forward especially to every Perez novel, I was sad to learn that the series had finished. I wondered if there would be no more books by this author. I am delighted that that is not the case.

In The Long Call, Ann Cleeves creates a world within a small community in North Devon where rivers converge; the setting effectively becomes a part of the story. In this world, there are three police officers who are central characters. First is Matthew; he was raised within the Brethren, a conservative religious group. While Brethren characters are very much a part of the novel, Matthew himself has left the group. This cast him away from the familiar into a new life in the police and with his husband, Jonathan. Next is a female character, Jen. She is divorced and never has sufficient time for that elusive work-life balance. Ross is a police officer who seems a bit full of himself but he too has reasons for being as he is. I enjoyed spending time with each of these characters.

The story is populated with many characters. There are businessmen, a curate and his girlfriend, an artist and many others. There is the murder victim whose backstory is essential to the plot. Also, there are three young women with Down Syndrome who are integral to the novel. Ms. Cleeves portrays each as a fully rounded person. She is clear eyed and empathetic in the portrayals of the three and their families.

This book was an excellent read and one that I highly recommend. I was sorry to get to the end of the book and only hope that the next in the series comes out soon. If you are a person who enjoys well written British mysteries, put this one on your TBR pile

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Bookshop of Second Chances

A Novel

by Jackie Fraser

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book.

Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance?

So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out.

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

From the Publisher

by Lo Cole

This is such a cute book! I highly recommend it for anyone from a young child to an older adult. It has wonderful illustrations in just a few colors (good for babies), rhymes and humor. Take a look. You will smile.

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

Pub Date 22 Jun 2021

Stephen Fry has done many things, of which talented author is just one. This is the third in his erudite, witty and well-illustrated books about ancient Greece. His earlier titles, Mythos and Heroes were wonderful (re)tellings of stories, some of which I knew and some of which were new to me. Now Fry has turned his attention to tales of Troy. Yes, readers may think that they already know these stories but I can safely say that they may not and that time with this title is time well spent. I truly enjoyed it.

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

WARNING: This book covers some difficult issues.

Jennifer Weiner is a perennially popular author. In That Summer, she is in top form, delivering exactly the novel that her fans want. It is immersive and takes on a social issue. The book also has well developed characters, settings that come to life, complex relationships and…food!

It is difficult to review this title without spoilers. Readers will want to see the plot unspool for themselves. The set up of centers on two women Diana and Daisy who have similar addresses on line. This leads to their getting together and spending a good amount of time in each other’s company. What will be revealed as they become better acquainted? What will happen to them as truths are revealed? How do the events of THAT SUMMER influence all that takes place? Read the novel to find out.

I both read and listened to this title. The narration was pitch perfect and provided by Sutton Foster.

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

From the publisher:

Buzz Books 2021: Fall/Winter

by Publishers Lunch

I always look forward to BuzzBooks. These free collections of excerpts and lists are a fantastic way to find books to read by old and new authors. There is always the fun of discovery within. As can be seen from the cover of this title, there is a lot on offer. Among the “and more” are some books that I am really looking forward to reading, including those by Natasha Lester, Patti Callahan and Richard Osman, among others.

I am a big fiction reader but this collection also includes some interesting non-fiction titles. There are some upcoming young adult book excerpts and suggestions as well.

This wonderful resource is free at most on-line bookstores. Get your copy!

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

I highly recommend Land of Careful Shadows, part of an excellent series.

Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsDecember 10, 2018

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

London’s Museums and Galleries

Exploring the Best of the City’s Art and Culture

by Eleanor Ross

This book is a wonderful guide to the richness that is to be found in London’s museums and galleries. It is organized by geographical area, so handy for planning a day’s outings. The well-known is definitely here-The British Museum. The Courtauld, The National Gallery, and the Barbican, to name a few. There are other less well known locations as for example, dental, toy and transport museums, the Churchill War Rooms and so many more. Each succinct entry is full of ideas for things to see. Throughout the text is accompanied by many photos.

I highly recommend this guide for anyone traveling to Britain.

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