Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

What is a Dream?

Let’s Go Dreaming, Book 2

by Shanita Allen

#WhatisaDream #NetGalley

This book for young listeners is about dreams, the kind that we have at night and also the kinds of dreams that we dream during the day. The story is told by a child to his dog. Note, that the dog speaks, initially surprising the child. I am not fully sure how well this works as the story’s mechanism. It felt less than perfect to me.

What children will take from this book is that dreams can be lovely. They are described in terms of many senses.

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

Now out:

Stop that Virus!

by words&pictures

#StopthatVirus #NetGalley

Even the youngest children listen to what the adults around them say. So, no doubt, they have been hearing the word virus. This title with its lively illustrations will be welcomed by families. It helps young children to understand how the body fights a virus and how a person gets better.

This title will offer reassurance to many children while a few might need to understand that these small figures that look somewhat like people are not really inside them. All will know that their bodies work to keep them safe and healthy

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

Does she need to slow down? Hot to Trot

An Agatha Raisin Mystery

by M. C. Beaton; Rod Greene

#HottoTrot #NetGalley

Regular readers of this series will welcome the return of Agatha Raisin. She is an intrepid protagonist who never fears interfering. She is in typical form in this entry when she crashes the wedding of her former lover. Naturally there is a murder and, of course, Agatha will investigate. As she endeavors to solve the case, Agatha learns more about the victim and the equestrian world.

Readers who have enjoyed the series will note that this one has a second author. That is because M.C. Beaton died last year. He does his best to write a title that the author could be proud of. He certainly achieves that goal.

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

Now out in paperback: The Old Success by Martha Grimes

The Old Success follows last year’s The Knowledge, a book that I really enjoyed. The Old Success is not quite as good but will still be welcomed by fans of Richard Jury and his eccentric circle of friends. Old readers, for example, will probably love Melrose’s latest attempt to get at his aunt. You do not have to have read all the books in the series to pick this up but it may help to know a bit about the cast.
In this novel, there are three murders. One takes place in the Scilly Islands, one in Exeter Cathedral and one on a family estate. Are they linked, and if they are, what is the connection?
As usual, there are characters who are children and essential to the story. In this case, the reader meets Zillah and Zoe. What did they witness? What is their connection to the bigger mystery surrounding the deaths?
The title of the book comes from the name of a pub, as is usual for Martha Grimes. Those in the pubs are witnesses and friends, including a retired police officer who solved all his cases. There is also his granddaughter who is talented at working with horses. Quite a mix.
Of course, all is solved. I read this book quickly. I rate it at 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance read in exchange for an honest review. The book publishes in November.

This is my review from the e galley of this title, originally published last year.

Now out:

Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Visual Puzzles

100 Challenging Cross-Fitness Brain Exercises

by Pierre Berloquin

The author of this book invites the reader to be an assistant to Sherlock Holmes. Can you do the job? I confess that I was not really up to it.
Each of the 100 puzzles in this book begins with a picture. Beneath is a clue as to what the solver is looking for. The puzzles are all of this same type.
In order to solve these, you need a good spatial sense and an eye for detail. Do you want to take on the challenge?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

#SherlockHolmesPuzzlesVisualPuzzles #NetGalley

From the publisher

Crime doesn’t stop for the holidays: Murder at an Irish Christmas

by Carlene O’Connor

#MurderatanIrishChristmas #NetGalley

This is the sixth cozy mystery to feature Siobhan O’Connor. The first in the series was Murder in an Irish Village. This title combines a holiday theme with a musical one. When a murder occurs (no surprise there), it is up to Siobhan to figure out “whodunnit,” a task that she accomplishes.

Readers of cozy mysteries should enjoy this title. It has an Irish setting, familiar characters and plays according to the rules.

Regular readers of the series note, this time the story takes place away from the usual village. This provides a nice change in my opinion. New readers, know that you can begin the series with this title and then go back to read the others.

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