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

 

 

 

 

 

 

So…a cozy, a classic, a women’s fiction, a thriller and the inestimable Lord Peter!

Do you remember when you were young and all you wanted was to grow up? Well, that is exactly how Little Bear feels. He seeks advice from those he is close to but none of the advice works. At the end of the story Little Bear’s parents let him know that he will grow little by little.

This book has a lovely message for children. They will grow in time surrounded by those who love them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this sweetly illustrated read. The opinions are my own.

#OddPartners #NetGalley

Odd Partners is a collection of mystery stories that is edited by one of my favorite authors, Anne Perry. The conceit for this anthology is a pairing in each story of odd partners; they are odd for many reasons as ably discussed in the editor’s introduction. Authors include Anne Perry, Jacqueline Winspear, Charles Todd, Jeffrey Deaver, Ace Atkins, Allison Brennan and others.

Admittedly, I often shy away from short stories preferring the depth of novels with their capacity to allow the reader to know characters more deeply. That having been said, I truly enjoyed this book. To give two examples:

In Anne Perry’s story, she conjures the atmosphere of WWI and the trenches, especially what it is like to be a sapper and to be a recruit who feels fear. I felt like I was there, uncomfortable, scared and eager for safety. All this within a short story. The odd partners are a German and an Englishman.

Jacqueline Winspear is known for her Maisie Dobbs novels. They are an excellent series of books which began during WWI and are now taking place in WWII. Does the author write a war story here? NO, she most emphatically does not. Here the odd partners are dogs and their humans.

There is much to enjoy in these stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review them. All opinions are my own.

 

#AplainVanillaMurder #NetGalley

I have been reading about China Bayles ever since the first novel in the series was published. I enjoy the main characters and their relationships with one another. The series has built over time as characters have become involved in marriages, work together, have children, etc. I am always happy to pick up with the folks in Pecan Springs again. Chna’s voice is folksy and welcoming; when giving back story she speaks directly to the reader.

In A Plain Vanilla Murder, there is, of course, murder and more…no spoilers here though; you will need to read the book. Along the way the reader will learn a great deal about the vanilla trade, orchids and ethical practices.

All of the pieces of the mystery come together in a satisfying way. The side stories, for example about Ruby’s daughter’s partner’s pregnancy were also welcome and reminded me that a theme in this book was motherhood, both pending, past and current.

I already look forward to the next to come in the series. Keep writing Ms. Albert.

So…spend some time in the Hill Country of Texas. You will enjoy your stay.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for this advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

 

So…we have an entry in the excellent Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson along with a Tony HIll and Carol Jordan entry by Val McDermid.  Then we have two books of women’s fiction.

This is another entry in the series published by the American Psychological Association. Thanks to them and to NetGalley for the e-galley of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

The illustrations in this book are appealing and much of the text is rhyming. Bea is expressive throughout. Bea starts out as a pretty happy kid. However as Bea starts to think about her birthday party, she begins to worry about all that could go wrong. She perseverates in her thinking and her worries grow and grow, as shown in the illustrations of the willow branches with leaves. Plenty of space is given to Bea’s concerns. Her mother tries to help and Bea also helps herself through mindful breathing, a good technique and one that is empowering.

I think that this book could be helpful to children who experience excessive anxiety. I also feel that it would be important to talk with whoever is reading this book, as they may feel more worried as they see all of the things that Bea worries about. This story serves as a reminder that children’s anxieties should be respected and addressed, not jollied away. It is another helpful entry in a helpful series.series.

#TheDictionaryOfDifficultWords #NetGalley

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.

Do you know a child who loves animals, especially dogs? If yes, this is a wonderful beginning chapter book for them. It is part of the ASPCA kids series.

In this entry, Meg has moved to a new town after many prior moves. She is not happy! Meg decides that she will not unpack and will not make friends since she will only have to leave them. She would love a dog but her parents say no. Again, she is not happy. What happens? Young readers will enjoy finding out as they spend time with Meg, her cousin, Blanca (a child from the neighborhood) and others . They will also find out how Chance, an abandoned pup, becomes a dog with a special talent. Let your young reader find out what he can do.

This story has short chapters, illustrations and paw prints. All of these engage the reader. The book ends with information about a dog who does what Chance does.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun chapter book. All opinions are my own.

Three titles…The Corfu Trilogy is the basis for the PBS series; the other two are part of mystery series, The Durrells.  The Julius House is part of a series by the author of the Sookie Stackhouse books; this one is a cozy with Aurora Teagarden.  Cardington Crescent is part of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series.