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!

Start looking: An Alphabet of Alphabets

26 alphabetical games, from A-Z!

by AJ Wood, Mike Jolley

#AnAlphabetofAlphabets #NetGalley

This is a fabulous, fun and interesting alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet has its topic; for example, B for Birds. N for Neighborhood and right on through Z for Zoo. There is an intricate colored drawing for each of the letters. Within them, children look for objects in alphabetical order or any order they choose, of course. For example, in the bird entry, they will find an albatross, a bluebird,a cockatoo…until finally a Zebra finch. There also seems to be a mouse in each spread. The book offers lots to see and learn while being entertaining.

I enjoyed this title. I think that children will too. Maybe this is just the thing for a car trip or some fun at home.

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

From the publisher:

Pub Date 24 Nov 2020

Get writing: You Couldn’t Make It Up…!

Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph

by Kate Moore

#YouCouldntMakeItUp #NetGalley

The editor of this collection notes that we have been living through unusual times. However no matter how hard things are or perhaps because they are difficult, people keep writing in to their newspapers. In this book, many of the letters received by the Daily Telegraph are published.

Following the introduction, topics include Family trials and tribulations, A year in politics, That’s entertainment, Trials, tries and celebrations, Home thoughts on abroad, Boldly going nowhere, Long to reign over us, Use and abuse of language and Dear Daily Telegraph.

The letters in this book can be read in any order and dipped into whenever the mood strikes. Some are very witty while others reflect current realities with a more subtle humor. All can be enjoyed.

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

Now out and free:

The Minotaur Sampler

New Books to Make Your Heart Race

by Alex Finlay; Camilla Sten; P. J. Tracy; Elle Cosimano

#TheMinotaurSampler #NetGalley

This title provides a generous sampling of four titles that will be coming out soon. For each book, there is a description of the author and the book’s plot. These are followed by several chapters from the books. There is definitely a long enough extract that readers will know if they want to read thenovel in its entirety.

Readers of mystery and suspense, take a look. You may find something to get you through the next few months.

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

A quirky story: Murder by Milk Bottle

A Constable Twitten Mystery

by Lynne Truss

#MurderbyMilkBottle #NetGalley

I have found Lynn Truss to be so entertaining and clever ever since she wrote Eats Shoots and Leaves. I rejoiced when she started to pen mysteries. This title is the third that she has written.
The story takes place in 1957’s Brighton where several murders occur. Who will have done it? How hard will it be to solve the case?
If you like your mysteries quirky and don’t mind some “bad” language, this book is worth a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Dearly

New Poems

by Margaret Atwood

I may be one of very few people never to have read anything by Margaret Atwood. I am so happy to now have had the chance to spend some time with her poems.
The poems are reflective and often moving. One of my favorites was called Blackberries. It is about fruit, growing older and generational connections. Another elegiac poem called Blizzard is about the poet’s mother getting older and how hard it is to let go.
Ms. Atwood covers a wide range of topics in this collection. It is definitely worth either reading straight through in order or dipping into.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.