Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

The suggestions for today seem tilted toward Father’s Day but could be enjoyed by any one of us. 

Jane Harper’s well-received first novel, The Dry, is an e book bargain today. After you enjoy this one, there are two more by this author. Happy reading!📚

Students in my Women Who Sleuth class had differing opinions about Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane.  I am firmly in the camp that has delighted in reading about this duo.

Harriet makes her first appearance in Strong Poison, the novel in which she is accused of murdering her lover.  Have His Carcase is the first mystery in which Harriet, a writer of mysteries, is the detective rather than the suspect.  In this novel, Harriet discovers a dead man on the beach.  Who was he?  What happened to him?  Will the evidence disappear with the tide? You will need to read the book, of course, to find out.

The books in the series are long but, if you enjoy classic, intelligent, mysteries, put these on your list.  I look forward to rereading all of them with a shout out for Gaudy Night which takes place at Harriet’s college.  It is also fun to watch the relationship between Harriet and Peter evolve.

Gaudy Night is a super e book bargain right now in the edition listed above.

This week, my Women Who Sleuth class, went 1930’s classic. We read The Murder in the Vicarage, the first novel to feature one of the most beloved and well-known of sleuths, Jane Marple. Miss Marple is the quintessential small village, gossip who observes carefully and restores order as she reveals “whodunnit.”

This novel, about the murder of the despised Colonel Protheroe, has a plethora of suspects. Was the murderer the artist? The widow? The daughter? The curate? The vicar or his wife? You can pit your skills against Miss Marple’s and see if you can solve the case.

This is a classic village mystery in which the reader becomes immersed in daily life. The author even provides maps of key location for your reading pleasure.

Some mystery aficionados declare that Agatha Christie’s novels are dated. Personally, I enjoy visiting St. Mary Mead. I think you might enjoy a visit or re-visit there too. Let me know!

This is author Ruth Hogan’s second novel. I was quite moved by it and plan to read her debut, The Keeper of Lost Things. She has a talent for describing characters who are fully human, quirky and both struggling and trying their best.

The novel is about two women and those they know, love and/or have lost. Masha is a mother whose child disappeared a number of years ago and, although not found, was presumed to be dead. Masha has grieved for him and has struggled to progress in her life. The reader observes as she moves forward bit by bit, fortified by new and old relationships. Part of Masha’s story takes place at the lido, a favorite locale for me after reading Libby Page’s novel. As in that novel, swimming yields some peace.

Then there is Alice. She is a mother who is overprotective and very attached to her son. Her backstory is told with compassion and the reader comes to understand her struggles and decisions.

Sally, herself, is a elderly woman whose past history becomes known late in the novel. She is eccentric and a source of some of Masha’s healing. She reminds Masha of the importance of continuing to dance, both literally and metaphorically. Other characters include Kitty who has overcome her own tragedy.

While characters in this book have experienced loss, the story is not depressing. Ruth Hogan writes empathically and I was sorry when the novel ended. There is a twist that you might see coming but, even if you know, you can enjoy reading about it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. Ruth Hogan is an author to watch!

Molten Mud Murder is published by the excellent Poisoned Pen Press, a small press that is dedicated to mystery fiction. This is author Johnson’s first novel and the first in a projected series.

American protagonist, Alexa, is a forensics examiner whose specialty is teeth. She has come to New Zealand on a fellowship, falls in love with the country and wants to stay longer. She manages to insert herself into the murder case involving a city counselor.

What I struggled with a little: Alexa took many risks that felt plot driven. Some mysteries, such as what happened to her friend, Mary, were not fully solved. Perhaps that is for another book.

What I liked: The setting on the North Island of New Zealand and the ways in which the landscape is brought vividly to life. The information about tribal Maori customs and rituals. That there was a back story for Alexa. The hint of romance between her and Bruce, the Senior, a term for the chief detective. The details on forensic examination.

This mystery should appeal to armchair travelers, lovers of New Zealand and those who enjoy action packed mysteries. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this proof in return for an honest review. I look forward to the author’s next book.

As you can see, an Agatha Christie and an earlier book by the author of Big Little Lies.  Each is $1.99.

A few examples:

-I move forward with confidence;

All is well in my life.

-I release the desire for control;

I accept things as they are.

-I am gentle and loving

toward myself and others.

In this book, I learned that Ani Trime was a motorcycle riding woman who became a Buddhist nun. Ani Trime died in her 80s when she was working on this book of affirmations. It was completed and illustrated by her students.

The book is a collection of 52 affirmations. The author’s intention was to have a reader, in a given week, say the same mantra each day. I will try that but, of course, could not wait 52 weeks to review this title.

If you are a person that follows a mindfulness practice or app, this book could/will enhance your experience. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

 

Jill Mansell is an experienced writer of women’s fiction. Her titles have been available in England for many years and a number of them have now been released in the U.S. As is true for her other novels, in this one we watch as the “course of true love” goes awry before coming to the desired and anticipated happy ending. Mansell creates characters both good and less good; the reader roots for the good ones. This story involves a betrayal, a car accident, loss, complications, small village life and romance. How can you go wrong if this is your kind of read?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another fun title by this author. The opinions are my own.

$2.99 today

My review:

When I was a child, watching The Wizard of Oz was a yearly family tradition. Armed with snacks, thanks to my father, we settled in to watch, be scared by those flying monkeys, see the world go from black and white to technicolor and hear Somewhere Over the Rainbow. But wait! Did L. Frank Baum write that song? No spoiler, he did not. So…how was this movie made? Who were the actors behind it and who were Mr. and Mrs. (Maud) Baum? You can find answers while reading this delightful historical novel.

There is familiarity as favorite characters are met on the set of the movie. Maud worked hard to have a presence there and to be true to the author’s intentions for the work. She also gets to know Judy Garland and comes to understand her history, emotions and pressures.

Behind and around this, the novel tells the story of Maud and Frank. I learned so much! For example, Maud’s mother was a committed suffragette and Aunt Susan (B. Anthony) was well known to the family. I also read about Maud’s experience as one of the early female students at Cornell. Meeting Frank, getting married, Franks’ biography, struggling…all of this is present in this book.

Finding Dorothy is an excellent historical novel. Follow the road to it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for an honest review.

$2.99 today

My review:

Y

ou can decide whether you prefer the British or U.S. cover for the latest novel by Jill Mansell. Either way, this book is recommended for those who enjoy women’s fiction with engaging and endearing characters, a few plot lines, and confusion until, at last, order (and relationships) are restored.

In this one, Essie thinks that she has it all. She is in love with and living with a partner whose flaws and family she excuses. However, the relationship breaks up when a private document is seen by far too many. So…no relationship, no home and Essie must regroup. She finds a place to live with an elderly woman in return for household help. Zillah is a force to reckon with. She teaches Essie a lot about life.

Essie has a prior history with bar owner, Lucas. She is now his employee. Clearly there is an attraction but can their relationship work out? Even if you think that you know the answer, you will enjoy the getting there.

There are several other main characters including Essie’s best friend, Scarlett, photographer Conor, Essie’s brother, Lucas’s girlfriend, Alice (who knew Zillah many years ago)…enough to keep you busy.

A truly appealing part of this novel told of how Zillah, Conor and Essie made the dreams of those in hospice care come true. The stories are touching. I only wish that such services really existed.

All in all, Ms Mansell comes through yet again. Add this to your beach reads this summer and enjoy!Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks!

$1.99 for one I have not read but that looks interesting.