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

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)

Fast Friends was first published in Britain in 2006. It is now being published in America by Sourcebooks, a company that is releasing many novels by this excellent writer of women’s fiction.

The Fast Friends are Camilla, Loulou and Roz who first met when they were in school. Now older, but not necessarily wiser, their lives intersect in this almost 500 page novel. This is a story of three women who want to find lasting relationships but experience missteps, tragedy and heartache along the way.

At the beginning of the novel, Camilla lacks confidence and is too eager to please her husband. When she discovers that he has been involved in an affair with one of her friends, her world falls apart. Camilla’s struggles and joys are one narrative thread.

Another story line is that of Loulou and Mac. Loulou is the owner of a wildly successful bar/restaurant. She makes a critical decision about her business and her beliefs as the story unfolds. Loulou’s relationship with Mac has been complicated for many years. She wants to be with him but becomes involved with others and not so happily. Will their relationship work out?

Third is Roz who is a successful TV host. She, too, has many romantic calamities and has let the one she most cared for get away. That would be Nico, a rock star. Their story together may not end happily.

Overall, while I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite by this author. At times, I felt that the book was a bit too long. Also, it seemed to me that there were too many unplanned pregnancies. However, if you like Jill Mansell, you will certainly want to give this one a look.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

*** Three stars

This is a chapter book for beginning readers. It tells the story of Katie who is asked to be a flower girl in her relative’s wedding. Katie’s friends offer her help and support as she gets ready…one even becomes a co-flower girl so that Katie won’t be too nervous. This is a simple book that may be of interest to children who want to know more about weddings. The illustrations are engaging and multi-cultural and they add to the appeal of the story.

*** Three stars

#FlowerGirlKatie #NetGalley

Do you have a child who will be starting school soon? Would they like to know what to expect? If the answer is yes, this book is for you. Tour school with young student, Kushi. She goes through all of the important parts of the building, including important stops like lunchrooms and bathrooms. Classrooms, the office, library, gym and more are included in this reassuring visit. With its colorful, multicultural illustrations and additional resources, this story will be a welcome addition to the genre.

**** Four stars

I think that the author says it best:

” I want to look every kid in the eye and say, ‘No matter what is happening in your life, you are never alone.” This author would like for children to have some sense of hopefulness about their daily world and the planet that we all share. She expresses optimism about the ways in which nature replenishes the environment.

This book has truly lovely illustrations. They are charming and imaginative and suit the text perfectly. This book will be a welcome addition to young nature lovers bookshelves.

Please note: Some of the facts presented may be slightly off putting to children, as for example, noting the micro-organisms on our skin.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance read in exchange for my honest opinion.

*** (three stars)  I am going to start including the star ratings on the books that I review for NetGalley.  I hope that this will be helpful.

#YouAreNeverAlone #NetGalley

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