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!

Be impressed: Strong Women Rising How to Step into Your Power, Boost Your Confidence, and Improve Your Life by Tiffany Reese

This title includes the biographies of fifteen women whom the author feels that history overlooked.  The book has three sections; these are The Innovators, The Change-Makers and The Ceiling Breakers.  Readers will learn more about Ada Lovelace, Ida B Wells, Marsha P Johnson and Madam C J Walker, among others.  Each entry is informative and readable and comes with an illustration of the woman being described.

This is a good anthology and one that covers a wide time range.  It seems to me that it should have a place in school or home libraries as an introduction to each of these pioneers.  The interested reader may then want to pursue additional research on their favorites.

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

Just a few of the incredible women you’ll learn about:

strong women, girl power, girl boss, powerful women, women in history

strong women, girl power, girl boss, powerful women, women in history

strong women, girl power, girl boss, powerful women, women in history

strong women, girl power, girl boss, powerful women, women in history

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

(1900–1978)

As one of the first girls to ever attend her elementary school, the first Nigerian woman to drive a car, the first African woman to visit China, and the first woman to found a Nigerian political party, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti lived a life full of firsts that would pave the way for others.

Policarpa Salavarrieta

(c. 1795–1817)

Policarpa Salavarrieta lived in a time of upheaval, when the people of what is now Colombia were in the midst of rebellion and bucking the tyrannical rule of the Spanish empire. She played an active role in the revolution, inspired a nation, and became a legend.

Murasaki Shikibu

(c. 973–c. 1014)

Murasaki Shikibu was born into an aristocratic family in 10th-century Japan, when an education was not considered necessary for a girl. Murasaki didn’t let social norms stand in her way. She went on to write what many consider the most influential work in all of Japanese literature.

Kate Warne

(c. 1833–1867)

Decades before women could join a police force, Kate Warne joined one of the most famous detective agencies in American history. The first female detective paved the way for thousands of women in the police and investi­gative services—and even helped save the life of President Abraham Lincoln.

#StrongWomenRising #NetGalley

In the mood for a short story? The Measure of Malice: Scientific Detection Stories A British Library Crime Classic by Martin Edwards The Measure of Malice: Scientific Detection Stories A British Library Crime Classic by Martin Edwards

The Poisoned Pen Press has published a number of excellent mystery anthologies, of which this is one. This collection includes stories about cases that were investigated and solved using science and technology, as it existed when each story was written.
A knowledgeable introduction is followed by stories from writers who are both well and lesser known. Some of the authors represented are Conan Doyle, Dorothy L Sayers and Freeman Wills Crofts. There are fourteen stories in all.
If you find that you sometimes have trouble concentrating on a novel, this book provides a nice alternative with its stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Now out: Dolly Parton My First Dolly Parton by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara; Daria Solak

This is another very charmingly illustrated entry in the book series for the youngest children by Ms. Sanchez Vegara. This entry tells the story of Dolly Parton.

Young Dolly had a gift for music and got her first regular slot on a radio show when she was only ten. From there she went from strength to strength to become the legend that we know today. In addition to her singing and writing, along with being an entrepreneur, readers will learn that Dolly wanted to give something back. She became involved in a program that donates books to children in need.

Children should enjoy this latest entry in a good series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#DollyParton #NetGalley

Breathe this in: Windcliff A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens by Daniel J. Hinkley

I was not familiar with the author when I received this e galley from NetGalley but I was intrigued by the thought of spending (virtual) time in a beautiful place.  As it turns out, the author is well known in horticultural circles.  His gardens are celebrated in this beautifully illustrated title.

Mr. Hinkley is an honest and open guide throughout this volume with a voice that, at times, feels elegaic. Spend time with him and his horticultural treasures.  Imagine that you are in the exact spot where a photo was taken.  It will be well worth your time.

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

#Windcliff #NetGalley

Would you like to travel here? The Summer Visitors by Fiona O’Brien

I have enjoyed so many books that were set in Ireland, everything from the mysteries of Tana French to the novels of Maeve Binchy and Marian Keyes.  So, I was excited to come across this book which is set in the fictional town of Ballyanna.  Ballyanna is a quiet seaside town in the southwest of Ireland.  The main characters whose lives readers follow there are Daniel and his son who are recovering from a tragedy, and Annie the daughter of the local hotel owner who has her own issues.  How these characters lives intersect form the basis for this story which tugs at the emotions.

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

Please note:  If this title intrigues you, it is currently just 99 cents as an e  book.

A long list of good authors in this one: MatchUp by Lee Child, Sandra Brown, C. J. Box, Val Mcdermid, Peter James, Kathy Reichs, Diana Gabaldon, Steve Berry, Gayle Lynds, David Morrell, Karin Slaughter, Michael Koryta, Charlaine Harris, Andrew Gross, Lisa Jackson, John Sandford, Lara Adrian, Christopher Rice, Lisa Scottoline, Nelson DeMille, J.A. Jance, Eric Van Lustbader

This anthology of mystery stories has an entertaining conceit…what would it be like to match up authors and their detectives in a story?  Answer…a good idea.  So, in this collection there are pairing of, for example, Val McDermid and Peter James; or Kathy Reichs and Lee Child.  Read their stories to see how the detectives come together.  Also readers will enjoy the introduction to each story in which they learn a bit about the writers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun story collection in exchange for an honest review.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Highly recommended as entertainment, this anthology is a great place to start if you’ve not yet sampled some of these authors.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This box holds a chocolate or two that will be to everyone’s liking.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“This fun format offers the best of both worlds, matching up favorite thriller characters within the intense confines of a short story.”
—Library Journal

“Think Dancing with the Stars, but with mysteries…which offers some delicious pairings.”
—Booklist