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

Kudos to the author and publisher for this informative and important book. It deserves a place in all school libraries and would be an excellent read for Black History Month (or any month). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This non-fiction work tells the story of African American women’s entry into the Women’s Army Corps of WWII and their experiences, while in the service, as they trained and were assigned to their duties. Issues of prejudice were quite present and the women’s responses, protests and efforts are noted.

Two things made this book exceptional: One was the photos that illustrated the text; the other was that women were named and quoted. These make the book feel intimate and real.

I had a great aunt who served in WWII. I wish that I had spoken to her more about her war experiences. I hope that she knew about and respected all of the African American Corps members.

This book is highly recommended…and not just for children!

While I have not read this, I have enjoyed many of the novels in the Inspector Rutledge series. The books take place in the aftermath of WWI.  A fact that you may not know:  Charles Todd is actually a mother and son writing team.

This is in my TBR pile.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A witty and emotionally charged novel that delves into the heart of a marriage, and how those we love and think we know best can sometimes surprise us the most

I love this series by Deborah Crombie.  She is an American but you may well think that she is British when you read her novels.  The series is best read in order so as to watch the relationship between Duncan and Gemma but you could always start at the beginning and read this one in its turn.  It is the ninth entry in the series.  The first book is titled A Share in  Death.

Gilly Macmillan is a writer of suspense novels.  I read and enjoyed the author’s first book and would like to read this one.

Hope you find a read here that appeals to you.

January is often a time for self-reflection and thoughts about how one wants to live over the next twelve months.  That makes January feel like the perfect time for this book.  It is divided into four sections: The Natural World, Cultures Around the World, Mythology and Folklore and lastly, Philosophers, Writers and Poets.  Each section includes reflections, cultural examples and exercises for one to try.  The book can be read in order or dipped into. It is recommended for anyone who is trying to figure out how to live their best life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this e-galley in return for my honest opinion.

*** Three stars

A couple of examples from the book:

The novels in this series have all been re-issued.  I read them a number of years ago.  They feature a rabbi in a small town who solves mysteries while imparting Jewish wisdom.

From the Inside Flap

I have not read this book but I did see an excellent play based upon it.  February House is home to an eclectic group including Benjamin Britten, W.H. Auden, Carson McCullers and Gypsy Rose Lee.  You will enjoy spending time with them.

Jan Karon’s Mitford series has been loved by many while others may find it a bit precious.  The stories are of life in a small town and its inhabitants.  I recently decided to re-read the first in the series, At Home in Mitford. Nothing truly bad ever happens there which makes the books source of respite from our current political turmoil. I have not as yet read To Be..but saw it as a bargain today.

This book had been in my TBR pile for a while; I am very glad that I recently moved it to the top of my list. This novel, the third in Rosemary Simpson’s series, is the first that I have read. I will most likely go back to read the others. Old cases are alluded to but one does not have to enjoy the books in order.

In this one, the series regulars, Prudence, an heiress, and Geoffrey, a former Pinkerton agent, are solving a case in 1880s New York City. They are visited by an opera singer, a twin, whose wealthy sister died in childbirth. There are suspicious circumstances and later another post partum death. Of course a focus of the book is “who did it?” but even more, the story becomes one in which the reader waits to see if the murderer will be stopped. While I know that, in the majority of mystery novels justice is done,this was nonetheless a page turning and suspenseful read.

The time period is exactingly and realistically portrayed. There are details about those who photographed the newly dead as a way to remember them. These memorial cards were regularly given to mourners. The photographer in this book is obsessed with trying to capture the moment when breath/soul leaves the body.

Another photographer also makes an appearance in the book. History lovers will enjoy the appearance of Jacob Riis, the chronicler of the Lower East Side, who has a featured role.

This book is recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries. Fans of Victoria Thompson should like this author’s works.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for this e-galley in return for an hones review.

*** and 1/2 *s (3 and 1/2 stars)

I just finished reading this book for which I had paid the full e-book price a while back.  It is currently an e-book bargain.

I have read and enjoyed all of the novels in this author’s Inspector Banks series.  The principal characters are well developed and the plots are generally involving.  The lives of the main protagonists change over time so there is the added bonus of catching up with their lives in each book.

Sleeping in the Ground begins with murders by an unknown sniper at a village wedding.  By the end of the book, the reader will know what happened and why.  However, for me, the mystery in this one felt less important than what was happening with Alan Banks.

Alan has learned that his first sweetheart has died.  This leads him to reminisce about his youth and to contemplate how we all change as we grow older.  There is an elegaic tone to this contemplation.  I have always wanted Banks to be ageless and for the series to continue for ever but this one has led me to think that this may not be the case.  I will not worry too much yet though as another in the series is to be published soon.  This is a series that is over 20 books strong.  If you read one, you may just need to read them all.

All of the Maisie Dobbs books by Jacqueline Winspear have been excellent.  The novels are best read in order but are worthwhile no matter how you do it.  The series begins around the time of WWI and is now taking place during WWII.  Maisie is a self-aware heroine who has a strong moral compass in a world that is often in chaos.  You will value spending time with her, her family and her friends.  If you have enjoyed the Maggie Hope series or books written by Charles Todd, you will not regret giving this series a try.

All children feel scared at some time and learning how to cope is an important life skill. This book may help.

A child and their mother are going camping. At the same time a bear cub and its mother are out and about. In a way that parallels the book Blueberries for Sal, the cub and the child have similar experiences. Each learns to cope and is less frightened at this picture book’s end.

The illustration in this book are engaging. The story line is simple and consists mostly of a few repeated sentences. This book provides a sweet way to look at fear and being brave. It also shows how helping others can be a good coping mechanism.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-proof in exchange for my opinion.

#WhenYoureScared #NetGalley

Below is the blurb from the New York Historical Society for their current Harry Potter exhibit.  I went to it yesterday and very highly recommend it if you are in New York.  Some of my favorite things were the illustrations that J K Rowling did herself, the handwritten spread sheet for the last novel and the illustrations by Jim Kaye.  There are also a number of historical artifacts (DaVinci, Kepler and others) as they relate to the subjects studied at Hogwarts.  My friend and I spent two hours there and every minute was worth it.

Loads of praise below for the first in this series.  I loved this suspense novel.  The character of Manon is very well developed.  I read this a while ago so don’t recall all the details but it has to do with a missing girl.  I also read the second in the series and enjoyed that as well.

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice • A page-turning mystery that brings to life a complex and strong-willed detective assigned to a high-risk missing persons case

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR • NAMED ONE OF THE 10 BEST MYSTERIES OF THE YEAR BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

“An extraordinarily assured police procedural in the tradition of Ruth Rendell and Elizabeth George.”—Joseph Finder, author of The Fixer

“Surprise-filled . . . one of the most ambitious police procedurals of the year. Detective Bradshaw’s biting wit is a bonus.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Missing, Presumed has future BBC miniseries written all over it.”—Redbook

“A highly charismatic and engaging story.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This combination of police procedural and an unfolding family drama that continuously twists and turns will work well for fans of Kate Atkinson and Tana French.”—Booklist

Another thriller but I have not as yet read this one.  It is supposed to be good.

“Secrets hide behind secrets as Douglas slowly peels back the layers…Local Girl Missing had a supple, twisty shape and a sense of menace that never flags.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Claustrophobic, twisty, creepy and dark, Local Girl Missing explores what happens when the discovery of some human remains opens up a cold case in an off-season seaside town. Narrator Francesca is forced to face up to a childhood she fled long ago, and confront uncomfortable truths about who she and the people she grew up amongst really are. It will keep you guessing right to the last page.” (Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of What She Knew)