Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Some suspense, some romance and some historical fiction. Caroline is for those who like Little House books, The Other Alcott for those who like Little Woman and Marilla for lovers of Anne of Green Gables. I plan to read these three.

poisonedpenbooks.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/bn-dec-19.pdf

The author of this helpful book has been playing chess since the age of five and from what I can see, she really knows her stuff!  This book begins with an introduction for parents that is about the benefits for children in playing chess; they are many but, to be sure, it is also meant to be fun.  The book then covers all of the chess basics, everything from which way the board should be (white square in the lower right corner), through explanations of each of the pieces and how each moves, what constitutes a win in chess and lots on strategy.  There are quizzes so that children can review their progress.  I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to learn more about how to play the game; as an adult, I also learned quite a bit.

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

From the publisher:

So, so many good choices yet again.  I thought A Better Man was an outstanding mystery.  While I have not as yet read, The Weight of Ink, a friend of mine recommends it most highly. The Flatshare is in my TBR pile as is Magic for Liars.  I love the Elly Griffiths series, one of which is here.  I also like Viveca Sten’s Nordic series.  Katerine Reay’s novel was enjoyable.  You can find reviews of A Better Man, Elly Griffiths, Katherine Reay and Viveca Sten titles in my archive.  Happy reading.  Definitely time to stock up as we face the winter.

A few comments:  The Bookshop was made into a movie not too long ago.  Dear Mr. Knightley is based on Daddy Longlegs, the idea of an unknown benefactor.  I adore anything by Mary Oliver.  The Lost Man is one of three books by Jane Harper.  An American Marriage and the Jean Kwok both got excellent reviews.

Historical fiction about F Scott Fitzgerald and Virginia Graham.

A good women’s fiction title.

I enjoyed this book.  The review is in the archive.

This should be enjoyed by Anglophiles.A thriller that has been made into a movie.

This is the first in one of my favorite ever mystery series.

The Mitford Scandal is the third mystery in a series by Jessica Fellowes.  Each features one of the six Mitford sisters.  They were quite a group and well worth reading about in books like The Six.

Ms. Fellowes has done her research on the 1920s and 30s and the book is enhanced by what she has learned and shared.  This entry is largely about Diana Mitford and her circle of “Bright Young Things.”  In that circle were artists, writers and those living the high life.  For example there are Lytton Strachey, Waugh and Dora Carrington.  Settings include London, the British countryside, Italy and France.  All are described well.

Diana, herself, marries young to an heir to the Guinness money.  It is hard to realize that she is only 21 or so when she is the mother to two small children.  She leads a glittering life.  The reader learns that she meets and is intrigued by Oswald Moseley, a British Fascist.  This adds further versimilitude to the story.

Oh, and of course there are murders.  SPOILER: A maid, a wealthy man allergic to sesame, his wife and an actress.  There is also a missing maid.  How are these connected?  You will need to read the book to find out.

Readers who are returning to the series will welcome spending time with Louisa and Guy, along with other members of the Mitford clan.

All in all, this was an enjoyable, moderately paced mystery that will be welcomed by fans of historical mysteries.

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

https://nyti.ms/2DougP8

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Circe by Madeline Miller

Normal People by Sally Rooney

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett

Force of Nature by Jane Harper

November Road by Lou Berney

No Time to Spare by Ursula LeGuin

Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

Cape May by Chip Cheek

Note: I reviewed and recommend The Guest Book. All of these are good titles and worth looking at.