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

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My review:

I had read The Child, this author’s second novel. I began this book with high expectations that were not quite realized. Nonetheless, I found that I was constantly turning the pages of the short chapters until I got to the end.

The central story is about Rosie and Alex who travel to Thailand for their gap year. The two are very different with Alex having a stronger moral compass. Rosie wants to party while Alex wants to see and experience the country. What happens to them and why forms the central mystery/suspense of the book. No spoilers here. Around them, there are other characters in Thailand and Rosie and Alex’s families at home in England. The reader also spends time with a detective and reporter who were also in this author’s earlier novels. Their relationships and backstories figure prominently in the narrative. There is an overlap in that Kate is reporting but her son is also traveling in Thailand and a part of the story’s events.

This novel deals with tragedy and the impact of a difficult upbringing. I won’t say about whom or whose so as not to spoil the suspense. Yet, despite this, I found that I did not care about the characters or story as much as I had hoped to.

I give this one a solid three stars. If you read it, I would love to know what you think.

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My review:

This is the first book that I have read by Maria Shriver; I felt that it was worth my time.  This short volume is for dipping into as well as reading straight through, whichever you prefer.  Many topics of daily and spiritual life are written about in entries a few pages long.  Each ends with a short prayer that Ms. Shriver has written.  This is a book that is easy to relate to and offers the reader a pause for reflection in the midst of a busy daily life.

A blurb: “If you are feeling stuck, lost, or you just need a pick-me-up, this is the book for you. Shriver’s wisdom will fill you up.” —Hoda Kotb, coanchor, The Today Show

This book will be a welcome resource for elementary school teachers, camp counselors, scout troops: you name it, really anywhere that kids with imagination congregate.  Some music concepts are taught but, more importantly, kids are encouraged to use their resources, be creative and make music.  There are so many ways to do this; to name a few-fill water glasses with differing amounts of water and tap on them, hum, sing, make instruments from what you find in the kitchen, conduct, sing in harmony…the ideas are plentiful.

I enjoyed this look at how to help children to develop a love of music.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Little People, Big Dreams, a wonderful series, has another excellent title here. As always, the illustrations and text pair perfectly and, in this instance, capture Bowie’s unique style and talents. The takeaway for children centers on the importance of being one’s own self and doing things in one’s own way. Ambition is also touched on as young readers learn about Bowie’s desire to be a star. I always look forward to new entries in this series and am never disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this e galley in exchange for an honest review.

#DavidBowie #NetGalley

At school, he loved music and dance classes. He had a real talent for singing and his dance moves were from another planet.

How funny that the author of this wonderful book is named Cook but she is, and cook she does in this lavishly illustrated volume.

Food and eating are important components of all cultures and both offer a way to easily learn about heritages other than one’s own. In this cookbook, there are recipes from many countries; to name just a few, there are things to prepare from Canada, South Africa,Egypt, Nepal, France and Israel. The recipes cover categories including Breakfast, Drinks & Snacks, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert. Each recipe is graded by difficulty. There are also sections on kitchen rules, tools, baking terms and more.

Each recipe begins with a section on what is needed to prepare the recipe, followed by a section on “what you do.” All recipes are fully illustrated with photographs for each step There are additional sections on the young cooks pictured to let the reader learn more about heritages, favorite dishes to cook, etc. Then there are sections filled with other interesting global facts.

Young cooks will learn a lot from this book as will their families. Kids will improve their kitchen skills, eat some wonderful food and develop a deeper appreciation for our wonderfully diverse world.

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

S is for Silence by Sue Grafton is a later entry in this well known alphabet series that began with A is for Alibi. Sadly, the author died just short of reaching the letter Z. The Kinsey Milhone books feature a private detective and a recurring cast of characters. They are worth reading.

This is a perfect book for your little farmer. The illustrations are bright and lively while the text is in small sections that are fact filled. Some of the topics included in these colorful two page spreads are The Food on Your Plate, Growing Crops, Farm Animals and Tractors and Machines. The amount of information packed into this book is impressive. And then…for more fun, there is a farm set that you and your child can build together.

This is an entertaining book that teaches a lot. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for an honest review.

#BusyBuildersFarm #NetGalley

This is a wonderful entry in a wonderful series. With its lovely and appealing illustrations, along with a simple (yet profound) story line, this book gives young readers a chance to learn more about a most impressive man. Even as an adult, I learned things about Gandhi that I had not known while reading this book. Gandhi was a man who stood up (and sat down) for his beliefs in equality and self-government, always invoking peaceful protest. He is a man to be admired.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another entry in a most favorite series. All opinions are my own.

I have been reading the Peter Diamond series ever since The Last Detective, was published. The protagonist, Peter Diamond, is irascible and capable. The setting of the series is Bath, England; as this is a city that I love, the setting adds to the joys of the novels for me.

Killing with Confetti is the latest in this long running series. In this one, the son of a high ranking police officer is set to marry the daughter of a former prisoner and crime king. Diamond is enlisted to ensure the security of all, especially the former prisoner, over the course of the wedding in the Abbey and the reception at the Roman Baths. Can this be done? What will happen? Where is the twist? Read this entertaining and, at times, funny book to find out.

I enjoyed spending time with Diamond and his team yet again and think that you will too!

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

#KillingWithConfetti #NetGalley

This guide provided me with both nostalgic returns to places that I have visited and excitement about so many art venues that I have yet to see. I think that it is a great resource for travelers both real and armchair.

The author starts with a brief history of art in Paris. She begins with Charlemagne and moves on through the centuries. This provides a good orientation for the reader.

The book is then helpfully organized by categories. These include Museums, Foundations & Institutions; Galleries; Photography; Architecture and so on. There are additional chapters on topics including How to Attend an Art Auction, Arty cafes, restaurants and hotels and Arty Day Trips. Throughout there are many photographs and tips. There is truly something to be found for every art lover here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. I plan to buy the print book before my next trip!

Have you ever stopped to consider the role of cats in art? They can be subject and/or inspiration; public art or private art sent in letters; pets of loving owners and more.

This book has chosen cats as its focus, something that I have not seen in any of my art history classes. Sketches, art work and photos of artists with their cats come to this book from the Archives of American Art. The book is divided into sections including Strike A Pose, Cats in the Studio and Cats and the Creative Process. You will see artists some of whom I knew and others whom I did not, including Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana and Romare Bearden.

This book is work a look if cats and art are among your passions.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this look at cats in the art world.