What happened? Why? The Killings at Kingfisher Hill

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsSeptember 18, 2020

The New Hercule Poirot Mystery

by Sophie Hannah

We all have tales to tell: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJanuary 2, 2020

MY EARLIER REVIEW:

The beginning of this novel asks that readers suspend disbelief.  Why were these five characters mysteriously invited to attend a society whose mission was not known?  The author implies that something higher than the fictional Gilda brought them together.  After all, this is a book that is published by a Christian publisher.

So…the five are the heir to a cosmetic company, a widower grieving for his wife, a divorced man wanting to see his children, an executive assistant who would feels qualified to be a CEO, and her former husband, an academic who is contemplating a difficult career decision.  The story of each of these characters, Coral, Ed, Chuck, Lexa and Jett is told in a way that keeps readers turning the pages.  There are romance, secrets revealed and healed, and deep friendships formed over the course of the novel.

SPOILER:  One of these characters makes a major life decision based on being called to become an active Christian.  I won’t tell you who but in the context of the story, this felt slightly forced to me.  Otherwise, I found this novel to be an enjoyable, easy read .

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheFifthAvenueStorySociety #NetGalley

Now out: The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson

by Anne Youngson

Just as a narrowboat must travel at its own, somewhat measured pace, the timing of this novel is deliberate and thoughtful (in a good way). This is clearly a book to savor, not one to rush through. Readers will commit to the experience of enjoying some literary travel in an unhurried way.

The Narrowboat Summer tells the story of three women and those around them. The owner of the boat is Anastasia, an older woman who has lived on the canals. She needs a place to stay off of the water while she receives medical treatment. She comes to stay at Eve’s home.

Two women, previously unknown to one another, take on the task of ferrying Anastasia’s boat to its’ destination. One is Eve and the other is Sally, both of whom are seeking change and meaning in their lives.

As the two navigate and travel, they become closer to one another. They also meet a series of people on their literal journey and their voyages of self-discovery. These include an elderly man, a storyteller and others, all of whom have something to say and teach about life.

The stories of the characters are engaging and readers root for all of them as they seek the lives that they want (and deserve). Take the time to travel with them. You will enjoy the journey.

As a side note, I have always thought that it would be marvelous to travel along the British canal system. I still have not done that but this book did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.

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

by DK

Pub Date 23 Feb 2021

This title is exactly as described. It offers simple, concise explanations of concepts in the field.

Following an introduction, this book is broken down into sections including Thinking About the World, Being and Language, Mind and Matter and, Right and Wrong. Each of these divisions has many subsections; to name just a few: An Unknowable Origin, Hume’s Fork, Taking Language Apart, The Helpless Mind, Human Understanding, The Virtuous Life and Moral Choice.

Each entry is illustrated and short. It is the kind of book that will answer questions for many and will encourage others to dig deeper.

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

By the way, if you would like to learn more about philosophy through novel, I highly recommend Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder.

The Wolf Who Found a New Way to be a Leader

by Vita Murrow

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

The illustrator of this title clearly loves and closely observes nature. The pages are a delight to view.

The book tells the story of the wolves who were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after a number of years of absence. In particular. readers get to know Onyx, a somewhat timid wolf when the story opens but…as the author notes, he had his own way of thinking. Watch what happens when Onyx gets to know Bravo, a wolf from a family not his own and look to see what Bravo does when he becomes a grown wolf.

This title should be enjoyed by young animal lovers and conservationists.

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

A Nigel Strangeways Mystery

by Nicholas Blake

The pseudonym Nicholas Blake was used by the poet Cecil Day-Lewis for the mysteries that he wrote. I read all of his Nigel Strangeways mysteries many years ago and was very excited when the titles began to be re-issued. In the past, I especially enjoyed the relationships between Nigel and the women in his life, Georgia and Clare. In this book, readers find Clare.

The mystery itself centers on Dr. Piers Loudon and his family. What happened to him? Was a family member responsible? How will Nigel resolve the case?

As noted, this title is part of an older series but I do think that it is worth a read.

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