by Loren Glass

Carole King’s album, Tapestry, became an anthem for young women in the 1970s. It later is given its due in the Broadway musical Beautiful, which tells the story of the earlier part of Carole’s life. The album remains beloved by many and that includes new fans as well.

In the introduction the author shares the very personal way that Tapestry became a part of his life, as well as that of the author’s mother. The book goes on to place King in the context of her time. Those who have followed Carole King will revisit material that is known to them including her early family life, her relationship with Gerry Goffin and more. That should not interfere with enjoying this title. Those who want to learn more about 1970s music will also want to immerse themselves in this book. Listen to the album as you read and appreciate all that Carole King gave to the music world.

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

by Cara Reinard

The plot of this book sounded quite intriguing even if it has been used before. A woman thinks that she has the perfect life. She is wealthy, lives in a good community, thinks that she has a good marriage and is parent to a teenager who seems to have the world at his feet.

This is the story of what happens when all of these illusions are taken away. The family has power and wants to use it to protect their son. Is this the right course of action? How will they all fare as they move away from what is right?

This book has gotten mixed reviews. See what you think.

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

by Susan Quinn

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021  

This is a lovely and very sweet book about the relationship between a child and his dad. It celebrates the ways in which dads care for kids every day. They might cook together, go to the park, attend soccer practice or read bedtime stories. Each of these activities, along with the many others found in this title, show how brilliant it is to be the child of a caring parent. The gentle illustrations enhance the text beautifully making for a book to enjoy.

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

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJuly 13, 2018

Did you know that the Germans occupied the British island of Guernsey for five years during WW II?  In this epistolary novel, through the eyes of Juliet, the authors tell the stories of islanders of all ages and backgrounds.  The characters are portrayed with a deft touch as their foibles and humanity are explored.  There is even some romance.  It is trite to say but the characters felt like friends with whom I wanted to spend lots of time.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy finding out what the pie is and why it was created.

The book is worth reading and I am eagerly anticipating you can also see the movie with Lily James from Downton Abbey.

A good historical mystery; Treacherous is the Night by Anna Lee Huber

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 20, 2018

Anna Lee Huber began a new series last year when This Side of Murder was published. In Treacherous is the Night, the second novel featuring Verity Kent, the author hits her stride.

The reader learns early on that Verity was an agent in La Dame Blanche, a resistance and intelligence group, during WWI. This story has to do with events that had their origin in that time.

At the beginning of the novel, Verity, although not a believer, attends a seance with a friend who hopes to contact her brother. For those who don’t know, attending seances was common after the war. The medium appears to channel an agent with whom Verity worked during the war. From this point on, the novel is a hunt for clues to find Emilie and to prevent a tragedy. While the reader assumes that, since this is a series, Verity will survive, the author should be credited for creating suspense in her narrative.

There is a reason to read the books in order. SPOILER: This has to do with what happened to Verity’s husband, something the reader learns in the first novel. However, if the reader is willing to move forward, there is no reason that this novel cannot be read first.

I gave This Side of Murder three *** and am happy to give the new novel four. I enjoyed spending time with the main characters in this book and look forward to meeting up with Verity, Sidney and the rest of the crew in the future.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher.

Frankenstein is free

Before I embarked upon my first ever fiction, I was a writer of non-fiction, of articles, essays, and anything else I could think of to get published. To keep a roof over my head, I also had a day job in outside sales, which gave me an income and a framework to my day, and…

Jacqueline Winspear: How I Became A Mystery Writer While Breaking Every Rule — CrimeReads

Together Again

A Story About Joy

by Kochka

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.

The Detective Lavender Mysteries

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.