A very clever mystery: Moonflower Murders

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 22, 2020

A Novel

by Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz is a creative and imaginative author of complex mysteries. This book follows on his earlier novel, The Magpie Murders that also featured Susan Ryeland and the story within a story detective, Atticus Pund. I liked this title more than that first title in the series.

When the story starts, Susan has left England to run a hotel on a Greek island. It seems that venture is beginning to pale so when the opportunity comes to return to England, Susan is on her way. Susan is asked to investigate the disappearance of a hotelier’s daughter. Cecily was not seen again after calling her parents to tell them that, based on an Atticus Pund novel, she believes that a guest murdered at the hotel a number of years previously, was not killed by the accused and then convicted hotel worker. Does this sound a bit confusing and convoluted? Well, it just may be.

Susan investigates the case and, as part of her research, rereads the Atticus Pund book. That novel is very cleverly inserted in the middle of the book. I found this to be so appealing. There was the book cover, the blurbs, the copyright, everything one would expect but, again, it is a novel within the novel.

Will Susan solve the case? What happened to the missing daughter? Who committed the murder at the hotel and that is then fictionalized in the Pund book? There are many characters and there is lots to solve here.

This book is original and intriguing. I very much enjoyed it. It is long at over 600 pages so settle in for a long read.

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

Lessons of Hope and Courage in Times of Crisis

by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

Many readers may be familiar with New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Dolan has conducted many masses there and is a well-known figure in church circles. This title provides a collection of thoughts from the Cardinal that address some of the issues related to Covid and its effects on us all. There are twenty-three chapters; a few of these include Be Not Afraid, The Doors Were Locked, and J-O-Y. This book offers an inspiring read to Roman Catholics (and maybe others).

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

Despite the fact that I’ve already got several series on the go, my radar is always attuned to crime/police procedural series that sound interesting. I’ve got quite a few series that I’m very anxious to read. In case you also love crime series, I thought I’d share some of the ones on my TBR that […]

Love Crime Fiction? Looking to start a new series? #CrimeFiction #TBR #policeprocedural — Fictionophile

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional

A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits

by Rachel Dodge

Anne of Green Gables is such a well-known children’s story and with reason. There are humor, hope, pathos, love, acceptance for mistakes, friendhsip, growth and more in the pages of this story of the red headed orphan who finds a home with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Using the novel as her jumping off point, Rachel Dodge has written a devotional that takes inspiration from the book, looking to the meaning that can be taken from the story’s events.

This title is a Christian one but, I think, can be enjoyed by non-Christians as well. Take a few minutes now and then to read and think about one o the entries in this nicely illustrated title.

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

A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden

Narrated by Sharon Alexander; Rachel Jacobs; Alan Carlson

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021  

I absolutely adored this production of Anne of Green Gables. Listen to it with a child you know or, if you remember the books from childhood, enjoy it for yourself. This edition of Anne of Green Gables is done with a unique voice for each character and a narrator who links them together. It was such a delightful listen. This edition of the book is engaging. I hope that it will also encourage children to read or listen to the unabridged stories about Anne.

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

Novels by Sara Donati…historical and long!

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 29, 2020

The Gilded Hour is an e book bargain today.

Here is my earlier review:

The Gilded Hour is a very long novel coming in at 742 pages.  If your dream during this crisis is to read an absorbing story that will keep you going for days, this one is worth reading.

The  Gilded Hour is the first of two books with Where the Light Enters also having been published.  By the way, the second book currently only costs $2.99 in e book format.  I bought it at a higher price when it came out.

The two main characters of the series are Anna and Sophie Savard.  Anna and Sophie are both physicians in turn of the century New York.  The city itself is portrayed in all its classes, from the poorest immigrants to the ballrooms.  Anna and Sophie are surrounded by a rich cast of characters, most fictional and a few historical.  Their relationships and work form the focus for the story.

Around this structure, there is something happening in New York.  If what I write next offends you, this will not be the book for you.  Women did not have access to much in the way of contraceptives at this time.  This led some to seek help in terminating pregnancies.  Anna and Sophie see that women are dying from procedures done by someone, but who?.  Who has done this will be a part of both of these novels, though I have only read the first.

I enjoyed The Gilded Hour and plan to read Where the Light Gets In.  Let me know what you think…have you read books by this author?

A Novel

by Lauren Willig

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021   

Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.

The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.

This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.

Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.

Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.

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