Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
This is a book that has simple, yet charming illustrations. Young listeners will get to know Elliott as he eagerly awaits his half-sister’s arrival. Waiting for Lucy seems to take so long but…oh, the joy of reunion. This is an uncomplicated book, for the youngest children, that is about happiness and anticipation. There is a helpful section for adults at the end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
There is a murder in Mayfair, that posh London neighborhood. It appears to be a locked room mystery. What happened to David MacAdam? He was thought to be a businessman. Was there more to him? Does this have bearing on his death? Why is there a second murder?
All of this plot unfolds in the 1830s with Inspector Lavender, a Bow Street Runner, and his Constable, Woods. The personal lives of the two are a nice addition to the story. This is a mystery that is more toward the cozy (as compared to the truly violent) genre. It provides an enjoyable read.
Note that this is part of a series. However, it can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title has absolutely adorable and appealing illustrations of both young and adult animals. These should bring a smile to the face of both the child and adult who are looking at this book together. Further, seeing animals and not children may make it easier for children to engage with a book about anxiety.
This is a book to read with a child who is experiencing a bit of anxiety or to read with a child way before those feelings arise. There are gentle suggestions of things to try when a child is overwhelmed. The message that something can be done should be reassuring to a child. Practice right along with the child that you know and let them know that we all need to calm ourselves at times.
This is a book that has a number of suggestions. They do not have to all be done at once. Perhaps a child can pick something to try based on the pages that most appeal to them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. It is an excellent resource.
First of all, the cover of this book is so appealing. It made me want to open the book and spend time reading it. Then, of course, it is intriguing to think about getting to know a friend of Jane’s. Isn’t that just who all of her readers would like to be?
In this title, Jane’s friendship with Martha Lloyd is explored. Those looking to become better acquainted with Jane, her world, her interests, and the people to whom she felt close, will enjoy taking a look at this title. Chapters include Fun and Frolics; Home Sweet Home; Our Chawton Home; Anything You Can Do, and more.
The author clearly cares deeply abut her subject. She tells readers that she, herself, grew up at Chawton House and she is a relative of the Austen family. She has done her research and it shows.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 15 Apr 2021
This is the fifth entry in a series about Kitt Hartley. She was formerly a university librarian but now is an amateur sleuth. I look forward to reading other entries in this series.
In this outing, there is a serial killer in Yorkshire. Oddly, the victims are all warned eleven days before their deaths. Things really heat up when a friend of Kitt’s is targeted. Kitt and her friend Grace are on the case.
I thought it was interesting to have a serial killer in a series that I had thought was a cozy. Still, readers may well enjoy this title and the earlier titles as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews
Thanks to Sourcebooks for re-issuing this delightful title by Jenny Colgan. It was the first of her books that I read and I have been reading her stories ever since. The author has a knack for developing relatable characters and warmhearted story lines.
In this one Issy Randall takes a risk and starts her own business. The Cupcake Cafe is an appealing place in a lovely town. You will feel that you can taste Issy’s food as you read the novel. This is also a love story and a story about friendship.
For readers who want to read a book for sheer enjoyment this one is highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to revisit Issy and co.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 