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

The Banker’s Wife is a great summer read, especially for those who enjoy novels like The Expats by Chris Pavone. The set up…Annabel is married to Matthew. Matthew is a banker at a Swiss bank that keeps secrets for its depositors. Marina is a journalist who is engaged to a prospective presidential candidate’s son. She works with Duncan. They are trying to locate a notorious Ponzi schemer. The story, of course, is even bigger than this.

Matthew is reported killed in a plane crash along with a cousin of Syria’s dictator. Annabel is left bereaved and unsafe. Marina is unsafe as well. While the two do not meet, they are both impacted by the business practices of Swiss United Bank.

Both Annabel and Marina are connected to a myriad of other characters. There are questions about whom to trust and how to unravel the bank’s schemes and hold those who are guilty accountable. The reader experiences doubts too regarding what has happened and who all of the ‘bad guys’ are.

Christina Alger has written a book that is suspenseful and engaging. The plot is complex but not too hard to follow. The reader will understand more about financial shenanigans and the private banking worlds that are fascinating and not part of many readers’ daily lives.

I truly enjoyed the settings, characters and the plot of the novel. I highly recommend it!

“First-rate…Slick, heart-hammering entertainment.”–The New York Times Book Review

#TheBanker’sWife #NetGalley

As June approaches, love and weddings start to be on people’s minds. If you don’t have a real June wedding to attend, take some time to spend a fictional summer on Nantucket and be a guest at a wedding there.
David and Alison are a middle aged couple who have found love after their spouses died. Their relationship is sweetly portrayed. The drama in the novel comes from the intricacies of their adult children’s relationships. There are Alison’s children. First is Jane who is married to Scott; both are hardworking but are they right for each other? Then we have Felicity and her husband, who spends a lot of time at work with his assistant. Will their marriage survive? Does Felicity want it to? Then there are David’s children; pregnant Poppy and her playboy brother. Poppu wants to take over her father’s company but is she prepared?  She  does not want to welcome Alison in to family. There is also Poppy’s playboy brother who may create a lot of havoc.  Read this novel to find out how all of these dramas play out. Along the way, you will be treated to a generous and lovely slice of life on Nantucket. Enjoy!

#AnantucketWedding #NetGalley

This is a simple, nicely illustrated picture book for young listeners. In it, Mouse is driving in a car that he has found. He picks up several friends along the way and they look for the car’s owner. Meanwhile, mouse’s hat blows off and is found by elephant whose car it is. All of the animals together then go for a ride.

This book emphasizes sharing and the niceness of doing things for others. While it has nothing unique to say, it is a fine book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

A variety of fathers and their children enjoy activities together in this simple story with bright, colorful and likeable illustrations. Whether it is working together, playing together or getting ready for bed, life is fun for parents and children when they spend time together. This is a nice read for a child and a dad to enjoy together.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this appealing picture book. Since I read an e-galley, I missed out on lifting the flaps but you won’t have to!

Truman the Dog is a beginning chapter book that is sure to engage new readers who love dogs.  With short chapters, appealing illustrations (some seemingly by the narrator), and action it is sure to appeal.  See what happens when Truman enters a foster family and reacts.  Watch him with his foster family and the family dog as they interact.

Young readers will enjoy the refrain, “Oh Truman, you found trouble.” Along with Kaita, young readers will wonder about where Truman will next live.

Your heart will definitely be warmed as you get to know this pup and family.

There are a number of bonus sections in the back including suggestions about drawing, meeting the real Kaita who was the basis for the girl in the story and more information about fostering.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an engaging beginning reader.  All opinions are my own.

#TrumanTheDog #NetGalley

The Jane Jacobs book is a classic.  Peter Robinson’s mystery series is an excellent one.

This book will be published in the summer and is a welcome re-issue of a title by Jenny Colgan. This author’s novels are always involving and heart warming.

In this one, Anna (who works in the chocolate industry in England) suffers a freak accident. While recuperating, she reconnects with her old French teacher, Claire. Claire encourages Anna to go to Paris where Anna takes a position in a very different chocolate business. Anna’s ups and downs form part of the story. The other and equally engaging story is Claire’s. The reader learns about the choices she made when younger and her feelings about them.

Jenny Colgan writes novels that tug at the heart strings and leave readers feeling satisfied. That is certainly the case in this novel.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a lovely time in Paris. All opinions are my own.

From Booklist

This book contains a series of short comic strips, each of which ends with the phrase “Oh No.” Who knew that there were so many things that one could say “Oh No” to. Some strips are about the personal while others poke at corporations. A few examples (minus the illustrations)

They say to write from real experience. (Picture of diary with days saying “Did nothing.”) Oh no.

Parent:

I have made an offspring. I will do my best to raise them well.

Later: You messed me up (from child) Oh no.

If wry humor appeals to you, give this collection a try.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

So, kind of a random assortment.  Those who have not read Game of Thrones and who want to, this is a great buy for you.  Restoration Heights is a mystery and a story about the impact of gentrifcation; it has gotten excellent reviews.  the inbetween days sounds like one of those titles that might make you cry. I include The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters for fans of the Great British Baking Show; it is written by contestant (no spoiler so won’t say if she won), Nadia.  And lastly, can’t go wrong (usually) with an Elizabeth George title; this is one of the earlier novels.  Enjoy!

#AkissForGiraffe #NetGalley

This is a simple story with charming illustrations that is geared toward young children.  Piggy wants to give Giraffe a kiss but can’t figure out how to. Giraffe is tall while Piggy is not.  What should Piggy do?  Young listeners will find out by the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this toddler book.