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

This entry in the author’s long standing Gamache mystery series is truly outstanding.  It is one of the very, very best mysteries that I have read this year.

The plot involves the death of a woman who had been abused by her husband.  Does that mean that he was the murderer?  If yes, how to convict and, if not, who was it and why are central to the plot.

But…it is the way that Penny writes that makes this book so truly excellent.  She is philosophical and thoughtful, all the while enhancing, not taking away from the plot based action.  The book is full of references to Moby Dick whose relevance becomes apparent.  Many of the characters are chasing their own versions of that great whale and, as in the novel, they are distressed.

Penny has a true talent for making  her characters com to life.  This is true for the series regulars as well as those who fully inhabit this novel. The people are complex and within contain both much goodness and potential for wrongdoing, even if sometimes for what they feel are the right reasons.  In addition, the early chapters of the book about potential flooding made me feel the cold, the rain, the fear and the worry.

Penny herself states:

“These books are about community.  About love and belonging.  About the great gift of friendship.

How lucky I am to live in Three Pines.”

You, too, will be most lucky to visit Three Pines.  I give this one 6 stars out of five.  Really.

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A December 2018 Indie Next Pick
One of Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2018 Picks
BookPage Best of the Year 2018
A LibraryReads Pick for November 2018
A LibraryReads Hall of Fame Winner
Washington Post’s 10 Books to Read This November
One of PopSugar’s Best Fall Books to Curl Up With
One of Publishers Weekly Booksellers’ Favorite 25 Titles of the Year in 2018

 

I previously reviewed this excellent first entry in Ann Cleeves’s new series. See archive.

This book provides a concise and clear explanation of Social Security benefits.  It includes information on who is eligible, how benefits are calculated, where the money comes from, when it is best to apply, benefits for spouses and children and more.   To make things easy to understand, the author gives case examples in making her points.

Regular readers of my blog know that I spend a lot of time reading mysteries, fiction, children’s lit and many things that are not like this book.  Nonetheless, I rate this book highly for those who are contemplating applying for Social Security in the U.S.

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

#SocialSecurityIn30minutesVolume1retirementBenefits #NetGalley

A mix here.  I don’t read Thomas Harris’s novels but know that this was a big release for his fans.  I adore Colin Dexter and Inspector Morse.  The Carolotta Carlyle mysteries were enjoyed by me in the past.  The Summer I Met Jack is historical fiction about JFK.  The other two are a light mystery and a thriller.

This picture book has engaging illustrations that reflect the life and imagination of the child who lives in this apartment block. Children can look for the cat in many of the pictures; s/he is a charming addition to the story.

Lots of children live in houses while many. like our narrator, live in apartments. This little boy shows what fun it can be to have lots of neighbors, playgrounds and hallways to race in. There are also times when his parents think the apartment is too small and when he needs to use his imagination within the less than expansive space.

Our Big Little Place shows readers that a home is what one makes of it. If you live with those you love and who are attentive to you, whether you live in a mansion or an apartment, there is no place like home.

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

https://nyti.ms/30d7EiE

Do you, or a child of your acquaintance,  know the story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson?  Her biography is an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when a person has a dream and is willing to do everything possible to make it happen.

Young Mamie had a talent for baseball at a time when she was not welcome in the sport as  a female and an African American.  How did she deal with this? Elementary school readers will learn how Mamie became a pitcher and will witness the influence that she had. eventually being honored by the White House.

Mamie’s story is well told by the author and well illustrated as well.  Together author and illustrator bring Mamie and the world that she lived in to life.  At the end of the book, there is a list of additional resources.  Mamie on the Mound is a perfect book for school libraries.  I highly recommend it.

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

#MamieOnTheMound #NetGalley

This story has whimsical illustrations that show life both above and below the ground. Above are the troll father and son, while below are the various animal families, all of whose houses are illustrated in detail. The story is simple; a seed falls into the ground and disrupts life both above and below. It is up to Jack to protect the (tomato) plant and restore order.

This book’s strength is the illustrations while the idea of what goes on below ground may also appeal to young listeners.

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

Charles M. Schulz had a unique gift for finding both the humor and sweetness in every day life.  This book is another great collection featuring the Peanuts gang.  There are strips about school, fitness, wanting acceptance and more, all illustrated with gentle humor.  This is a great book to dip into.  It will make you smile for sure.

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

#CharlieBrownAllTiedUpPeanutsAmpSeriesBook13 #NetGalley

Two books on mothers and one Donna Leon for a different view with mystery but still with family life.