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

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My review:

When I saw the cover for this book, I thought that it would be a typical, light, women’s fiction read. That is not the case at all! This book is much more than that. Protagonist Loveday, who does work in a bookshop, is a unique, idiosyncratic, hurt young woman who does not trust easily. There are reasons for this as the reader learns. She is tattooed with quotes from her favorite novels, has a painful backstory, is bright and someone the reader hopes for. All of the characters from Nathan, to Rob, to Annabel, to Archie, to Loveday’s family are vividly portrayed and each has an important role in her life. This book is definitely worth reading in my opinion. I was inspired to look for the author’s other novels upon completing this. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this excellent read.

In The sentence is Death, second in the series which began with The Word is Murder, the author inserts himself as a character in his fiction. Tony, aka Anthony Horowitz, is Watson to Daniel Hawthorne’s Sherlock. Like Watson, he theorizes but is not as clever as his mentor. In the novel, the conceit is that Mr. Horowitz is writing a series of books about Inspector Hawthorne’s cases.

In this entry, a divorce attorney is murdered. There are numerous suspects including clients involved in an acrimonious divorce. But…the murder may also be related to a past friendship and a tragedy that occurred while caving. Characters stories are developed sufficiently to give the reader a good sense of them. Suffice it to say that several plot lines are followed, there are a number of viable suspects and eventually the case is solved.

As a fan of some of the author’s TV work, I enjoyed the references to Foyle’s War. There is also information about publishing which lends authenticity. I enjoyed this book and will most likely go back to read the first in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e=galley. All opinions are my own.

Where I live, there has been a lot of rain recently, so this book was a fun reminder of what rain can mean to a child. Camille is bored; her parents are ignoring her and so she decides to amuse herself. When she gets outside and it is raining, Camille discovers the joy in this weather. While on her adventure, she meets some insects and follows them to see something special. When Camille returns home, she encourages her parents to go for a walk with her.

The above is the simple synopsis of the story. In addition, there are lovely illustrations that abound with a love of nature. Save this one for a rainy day read with a child you know.

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

And, finally, some favorites from January-April 2019.  So hard to choose as there have been so many good books.

Well, here’s to the next year.  Many thanks to those of you who are reading and/or following my musings on books.

While this book looks like just another children’s story/activity book it certainly is not. This one is meant to be a resource for children, mental health professionals and others who are tasked with helping youngsters who have experienced significant trauma. The story of Cleo is told from the point of view of animals so as to allow children to listen without having to initially claim the story as their own.

Cleo has had painful experiences but they are all that Cleo has known; change, even if it might be for the better, is scary. Children hearing the story will see that it takes Cleo a long time to trust but that, eventually, things get better. This book then has a series of guided activities that children and their trusted adults can work on together and at their own pace.

This resource will be welcomed by social workers, foster carers, therapists and others who work with children who are trying to cope with their difficult histories.

Aston has two granddads; one is from the north of England and the other from the Caribbean. Now, Aston, his parents and his two grandfathers all live in the same place. Aston enjoys spending time with each grandad and wants to learn to play their instruments. He learns about both steel drums and trumpets.

The story goes on to show how the bands of both grandfathers come together to play at a school fair. Initially Roy and Harry squabble but, with Aston’s assistance, they come together and form a unique group.

This story includes some information on simple instruments that can be made at home. The book’s twist on cooperation involving adults (not children) will be entertaining to young listeners or readers.

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

Aston looked from grandad to grandad as they argued about how much everyone liked their different types of music.

The Way to Treasure Island is a treasure of a book: it is visually appealing and tells a sweet story about a father and daughter. The reader learns early on that parent and child are different from one another but always have fun together. In a role reversal, it is Matilda who is neat, organized and follows the rules while her dad is messy, distractable and more willing to veer from what is expected. The two share an adventure that is full of whimsy. Go with them to find the treasure; you will enjoy the voyage.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this delightful picture book. All opinions are my own.

Here are two good mysteries, both British and parts of series.  Enjoy!

Miyuki is eager to welcome spring and to see her flower bloom.  While her grandfather counsels patience, Miyuki is so impatient that she cannot do this.  The story unfolds as Miyuki goes on a journey searching for water and learns that things happen in the time that is meant for them.

This is the second collaboration by the author and illustrator.  As in the first book, Time for Bed, Miyuki, the text and illustrations complement each other well.  As can be seen from the book cover the reader looks at peaceful, gorgeous, imaginative scenes.

I hope that I will get to spend more time with Miyuki, her grandfather and her world in the future.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lyrical volume. All opinions are my own.

Once the warm weather arrives, I start thinking about summer fiction; for me, that means the books that will provide me with escape.  The Lemon Tree Hotel is a good read in this category; the setting in the Cinque Terre region of Italy comes to life and I would certainly love to spend some time at a hotel like The Lemon Tree.

The story is about a grandmother, Chiara, who runs the hotel that her parents ran and loved after WWII.  She did not marry her childhood sweetheart, Dante, and is in a marriage that lacks warmth.  When Dante returns, what happens?

Chiara’s daughter, Elene, runs the food side of the hotel.  I most definitely wanted to sit on the terrace and eat anything that she  prepared.  Elene is one of those characters who is seemingly set in her ways from a young age.  How will she grow, if at all?

Elene’s daughter, Isabella is at the hotel desk.  She has a warm relationship with Chiara but not so much with her mother.  Isabella gets to know a visitor to the Lemon Tree from Germany.  What is he doing there?  Is it related to WWII?  Will he and Isabella find love?

If you are a reader who reads women’s fiction and would like to answer these questions, travel to the Lemon Tree.  Let me know if you enjoy your vacation.

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

Advance Praise