Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/books/haunted-house-books.html

by Tirzah Price

#PrideandPremeditation #NetGalley

From the title, it is clear that this book will have something to do with Pride and Prejudice and, indeed, it does. While this is a book for kids, many adults who like Austen retellings may want to read this as well. It is quite clever in how it situates the original P and P characters into the story which takes place in a time period similar to that of the original.

Those who’ve read P and P know that Lizzie is clever, independent and has her own mind. This is true in this title as well. As the book opens, Lizzie is working in her father’s law firm. She wants her work to be recognized but that is quite difficult for her as a young woman. Rather, the loathsome, Mr. Collins takes credit for her labors. Also working in the office as a secretary is Catherine. These are just some of the old friends who appear in this title.

When a certain Mr. Bingley is accused of murder, the plot line is set. Read along for an enjoyable take off on the original. I found it to be a fun read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021

From the Publisher

Next in the series

This is the fourth, and final, book in the series that began with Last Call of the Nightingale. The Last Drop of Hemlock and The Last Note of Warning were books two and three.

The novels take place in the 1920s and feature some queer (gay) characters. There is a speakeasy that is important throughout the series. The feel of the nightclub is made very real to readers.

Readers get to know Vivian Kelly who spends much time at the Nightingale. They also spend time with Vivian’s relatives.

This time, the nightclub feels very unsafe. The reasons for this may well lie in the past. Will the Nightingale survive (last book in a series so readers may wonder)? Will whatever happened in the past be resolved? How will Vivian fare as the series ends?

Those who enjoyed spending time with Vivian will, no doubt, be sorry to finish this book as they may want more Vivian. She is given a send off of which she is worthy.

Note: It might be best to read the books in order so as to fully appreciate the backstories of the characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 June 2025

Mysteries & Thrillers-Historical Fiction

The Book of Candlelight is the third entry in this mystery series by Ellery Adams. I have enjoyed all three books. In this one, readers again spend time with the four main female characters, each of whom has a significant secret in their past. They have bonded together to provide support to each other and to their community. Chief among the protagonists is Nora who owns a bookstore. She is a bibliotherapist and readers enjoy the added bonus of learning some of her book picks.

Series do not stay stagnant, so new characters are introduced. I hope that some will reappear in the next entry. The arrival of Sheldon adds a bit of magic to life at Nora’s bookstore and in the community. There are also the new owners of an inn.

There are two murders in the novel, one of a local Cherokee potter and the other of a young man who was seeking adventure and experience in the North Carolina region where the books are set. The mystery itself has connections with the past and is well developed. However, the main delight of this series is the characters and their world.

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

An e book bargain

Death at Greenway is a traditional, historical mystery set during WWII. It takes place at a home of Agatha Christie’s, although the renowned author is only briefly seen in these pages. Nonetheless, her home has been opened to children who have left London (without their families) in order to be kept safe during the conflict.

Protagonist Bridget was working as a trainee nurse, a position that she loved, until something went disastrously wrong. Now, early in the novel, she is making believe that she is a fully trained nurse and is in charge of ten evacuees. Along with her, other adults included the not so hard working Gigi, and Mrs. Arbuthnot, a do-gooder, who directs others, including Bridget.

As everyone settles in, of course, a murder takes place. From this point on there is a case to be solved. Bridget is part of the investigation. What is in her past? In Gigi’s? How will the victim’s killer be brought to justice.?

I initially found this book to be a bit slow moving. I think, though, that it will be enjoyed by those who love traditional mysteries. It has received such good reviews overall.

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

From the Publisher

an e book bargain

Pub Date 27 Jul 2021  

I must confess that I did not know nearly as much as I thought I did about the movement that led to the (eventual) right for women to vote in the United States. I was aware of those who started the movement both the U.S. and England but I was familiar with only one of the three women featured in this novel.

The three are Alice Paul, Ida Wells and Maud Malone. Each has her life story told against the vivid backdrop of the politics of the day and their individual histories.

Alice Paul was raised as a Quaker; Ida Wells knew much about slavery, and Maud Malone was an Irish American librarian. What led each of these women to fight so hard for something that many now take for granted? Jennifer Chiaverini helps readers to understand why they worked persistently for what they believed in.

These three are not the only ones who appear in the book. To name just two others, there are Jane Addams and Ava Vanderbilt.

The history that Alice, Ida and Maud lived through comes to life in this novel. I was especially struck by all that Ida Wells endured including the impact of yellow fever on her life, the lynchings of people that she knew and much more.

Around these women are the men, many of whom wanted to thwart votes for women. They included President Wilson. Will the women succeed in organizing a massive march for the day before his inaugural? Read this one to find out.

I found The Women’s March to be among my very favorite books by this author. I learned a lot but did not feel that I was being lectured to.

This historical fiction should be on reading lists for high school students and up. It would make a superb book club selection.

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

I have recently read a number of novels about the British Monarchy and WWII. Some of the books that I enjoyed are Lady Clementine, Before the Crown, The Other Windsor Girl, Another Woman’s Husband and The Woman Before Wallis. All have been immersive reads. To that group I will now add The Queen’s Secret.
The Queen of this novel is the current Queen’s mother, Queen Elizabeth who was married to Bertie aka George the VI. This book is told from her perspective. Elizabeth had more than one secret from what I could see. She also had her own voice and point of view in this novel on everything from David and Wallis, to how her daughters were raised to the way that she wanted to conduct her relationship with her husband. She comes across as very human with a love of sweets and drinks. I found her story to be well-told here as the Queen shares everything from her childhood to her figure to working with Churchill and more.
Lovers of this period, the TV show The Crown and/or historical fiction may want to read this title. I know that I am glad that I did.
By the way, I went back and forth between the audio and the book as I enjoyed this title. The many voices that the narrator took on in the audio were so well done and added to the audio experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#BookTribLitPicks2025 #NetGalley

Here is a rather long (341 page) title that is just packed with information on forthcoming books. In my opinion, this free collection, is a wonderful gift to readers.

There are sections on Mystery, Thriller & Suspense; Mystery & Detective; Memoirs & Nonfiction; Family Drama & Contemporary Fiction; Historical Fiction;Horror; Fantasy & Speculative Fiction; and Middle Grade & Young Adult; so there is much to explore.

For each entry, see the book’s cover, read what it is about and partake of a bit of the story. Many of the authors, though not all, are new to me which is fun.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Meryl Moss Media Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 31 July 2025

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U.S. Cover                                                             British cover

I have read every title in Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks series so I can say with full confidence that I found this to be one of his best.  The mystery itself is suspenseful.  The team and my favorite characters are all present.  Relationships are reviewed, explored and in some cases deepened.  Banks is just so interesting to spend time with; he (as the author’s surrogate) knows so much about music, poetry and the arts.

In this one, Banks reflects on many of his past relationships.  There is a hint of intrigue between him and Zelda, a woman who lives with, long term character Annie’s, father.  At times, I found the book elegaic and wondered if it would be Robinson’s last.  However, the very end of the book leaves me hopeful that there will be more.

The story has to do with two seemingly unrelated crimes that come together.  The story line is pertinent in both the front story and in the story of Zelda as it explores how women are treated and may be sexually exploited.

Don’t just take my word for how good this book is!

“As usual, Robinson provides a solid police procedural enhanced by the rugged Yorkshire setting. Banks himself—jazz and solitude-loving, difficult, somewhat melancholic, unlucky in love—is always fascinating… [F]or series fans, this one is a sure bet.” (Booklist on Careless Love)

“Engrossing… Those who enjoy methodical police procedurals that build to a logical, satisfying conclusion will be amply rewarded.” (Publishers Weekly on Careless Love)

“Robinson fans will enjoy the latest entry in this long-running series…Well-written and believable, with recognizable but multifaceted characters and enough twists to keep the story riveting until the mystery is solved.” (Library Journal on Careless Love)

“Careless Love is another entertaining novel in the Inspector Banks series.” (The Hamilton Spectator on Careless Love)

“A mighty force to be reckoned with in crime fiction.” (Publishers Weekly on Peter Robinson)

A Novel

by Ruth Hogan

#TheMoontheStarsandMadameBurova #NetGalley

Pub Date 21 Sep 2021  

I absolutely adored Ruth Hogan’s novel, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, so I was quite eager to read The Moon, The Stars and Madame Burova.

Around the plot, Ms. Hogan looks at some emotionally resonant issues. These include identity, race, the nature of love, how to treat others and also how to treat one’s self. All is skillfully done and is not too heavy handed.

Madame Burova’s mother, Shunty Mae, was a reader of tarot cards, palms and crystal balls. Her daughter, Imelda (aka Madam B) has taken on her mother’s vardo and profession. She is very good at it and her booth becomes a confessional for many. In the present, Imelda Burova is considering retirement; in the past she led an active life.

Imelda spent time at Larkin’s, a family holiday camp, when she was a young woman. There were many people and acts there. Imelda was close to Jeannie, a talented young singer and to Cillian Burke, a man who was of great importance to her. Readers will find out how Cillian influenced the title of the novel. Also at the camp is Vivienne; she wants Cillian and is used to taking whatever she feels that she needs.

In the present, Billie’s parents have recently died. She finds something out in a note that her father left her. This leads her to connect with Imelda and connect they do! In the present, Imelda offers Billie some answers and all the wonderful aspects of the kind of person she is. Readers will root for both of them.

This book is not a cliffhanger. It is a slow-ish read that I enjoyed and recommend. Not quite as good as Sally but very good nonetheless.

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

The author’s new book is coming soon!