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

I have been following Chloe since the first book in this series,, Old World Murder, was published back in 2010. Chloe is an historical interpreter who works on various museum sites such as Old World Wisconsin. In each book, in addition to a good mystery, the reader learns about Wisconsin’s settlers and immigrants. Often the history has to do with Norway, as is the case in Fiddling with Fate.

In this entry in the excellent series, the history is personal. No spoilers from early books so I will just say that Chloe learns more about her own family in this one. Long time readers undoubtedly will enjoy this aspect of the book. Of course, there is also murder.

Chloe and her fiancee, Roelke, leave Wisconsin for Norway where Chloe will travel on a trip that her mother had hoped to take. While in Norway, Chloe and the reader will learn a great deal about the role of music and fiddling. Music and dancing (in the novel’s historical sections) were viewed by some as an essential aspect of life, while for others the Hardanger’s fiddle was the devil’s instrument. These attitudes very much relate to the fate of the book’s central characters in both the present and the past.

Readers will spend time in the fjords, climbing paths, museums and charming hotel where Chloe and Roelke stay. Readers will also meet the many characters from museum employees, to fiddlers, to dancers.

There are links and suggestions provided for those who want to see and learn more about the places and things that are central to the story. I always find that these suggestions have helped me to enjoy the novels even more.

I think that this book will be enjoyed most by long time readers of this series. New readers might want to start right from the beginning and move through each of the ten books. Two of my favorites are The Lace Maker’s Secret and Mining for Justice.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for this e galley in exchange for my honest review.

My next mystery will be….

More to follow on this one that is set in New Zealand.

 

This is a dictionary, but not a typical one.  It is designed for children who are intrigued by words or who could use something to help them to become more interested in words and reading.  Appealingly illustrated and wisely selected, the entries are entertaining and informative.

The author playfully suggests ways to read the book.  A few examples include back to front, front to back, by opening to a random page, etc.  The idea is that exploring words should be intriguing.  Before getting started, there are a couple of helpful sections; one describes the parts of speech and another offers hints for decoding some words (for example phile referring to loving something).

The words themselves are appealing.  Some, even if arcane, I knew while others I came across for the first time.  Often difficult to pronounce or spell, the child who learns them will feel mighty clever!

This book deserves its place in homes and schools.  It is a perfect book to browse through and enjoy.

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

When I was a child, one of the first chapter books that I loved was called Ellen Tebbits. Years later, I introduced my children to Ramona and Beezus. Then, more recently I read about Beverly Cleary’s 100th birthday. Clearly, she [s known to me as a beloved children’s author.

This book, that is illustrated with humor and a sense of nostalgia, tells the story of Beverly. She was a child with a vivid imagination who, at first, did not like school. Having a teacher who took a special interest in her helped to change this as did having a seventh grade teacher who encouraged her to use her imagination.

Beverly Cleary went on to become a children’s author who wrote stories based on her experiences and her sense of the kinds of books that children want to read. She started with Sparerib (Ribsy) and Henry and progressed from there.

This book includes the illustrated biography along with more detailed information at the end of the book. Young readers and author hopefuls will enjoy this story as will those who have read books by the talented Ms. Cleary.

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

I am most definitely both an Anglophile and a reader of many mysteries with clerical themes. For example, I think of the wonderful series by Kate Charles or Susan Hill that I have enjoyed. So, when I saw this title that was about the churches of England and Wales, I knew that I wanted to read it.

First…the photographs are absolutely gorgeous. Crystal clear in their reproductions, they complement the text perfectly and allowed for happy, contemplative armchair travel.

The author starts the book by describing churches as places that have absorbed the histories of their times, places and communities. He notes their artwork, design and origins. Next, there is a thorough history on building churches and the sponsorship of different churches; some were part of a wealthy person’s estate while others were build for contemplation. After this, there are sections on the churchyard, the interior and exteriors of churches and the furnishings. As a bonus, there are sections on further reading and places to visit.

I very much enjoyed this title. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this beautiful and informative book. I am now very eager for my next trip, whenever that may be!

$2.99

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.