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

I adored this book.  It has everything that an Anglophile could possibly want.  There are churches, books and searches.  There is romance between a Brit and an American.  There are mysteries and family connections. There are even arguments about print versus digital.   On your first cold night in this fall, imagine you are by the fire and enjoy this read!

Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series is up to its ninth book.  I have been reading about Ruth from the very first novel and have fallen in love with this bright, flawed, human and quirky scholar of bones and archaeology.  Each book gives the reader a chance to catch up with Cathbad, a Druid; Nelson, a DCI and his wife Michelle, along with Judy, Clough, Kate and many others in the academic, police and local world of Norfolk.  The books are best read in order for full enjoyment.  Start with The Crossing Places and come up for air after you spend time underground in the latest, The Chalk Pit.  A favorite series of mine!

Brene Brown was “discovered” by Oprah Winfrey and went on to develop a loyal readership. This is the third Brown book that I have read. The author, a social worker and social science researcher, educates by effectively using both of these skill sets. Brene Brown shares her own perceptions, struggles and life story to best make her points. She backs this with academic research that she has conducted .
This is not the best written book but its message is powerful, especially in our current political climate of division, silos and the tendency to have strong “confirmation bias.” Brene Brown urges readers to calmly and bravely stand up for their beliefs while being open to having dialogues with those who have opposing views. A short book for such a tall order. It is worth reading.

Did you know that the Germans occupied the British island of Guernsey for five years during WW II?  In this epistolary novel, through the eyes of Juliet, the authors tell the stories of islanders of all ages and backgrounds.  The characters are portrayed with a deft touch as their foibles and humanity are explored.  There is even some romance.  It is trite to say but the characters felt like friends with whom I wanted to spend lots of time.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy finding out what the pie is and why it was created.

Kathleen Ernst has created a cozy mystery niche writing books that take place at historical sites in the Midwest. Her latest tells the stories of Cornish miners who lived and worked in Wisconsin in the 1830s. I was drawn to these parts of the book and was interested enough to look up the Pendarvis site on line. I enjoyed spending time with the main couple, Chloe and Roelke, who feature in all of the books. At times, Chloe’s judgment regarding her safety is faulty but this is in service of the plot. If you like cozies, are interested in a mix of history and contemporary story and want a tour of an interesting location, this book is for you!

The reviews for this book have been excellent, yet I have only read The Nightingale recently.  This story of two sisters during WW II is about how we become who we are, in part, based on our experiences in our family of origin.  It also reflects on the roles of women in WWII and the choices that are both made and somewhat forced upon one.  Isabelle is reckless, brave and a young woman who has faced many rejections.  Her older sister, Vianne, tries to accommodate during the Occupation but becomes braver as she witnesses the impact of the Nazis on her village.  As you read, wait to see why the book is called The Nightingale and see if you are correct about who the narrator is.  This novel is well worth reading.  Add it to your TBR pile.

In this novel, Wilson writes about what might have happened to Agatha Christie during the time that she mysteriously disappeared for ten days.  Using known facts and his imagination, the author creates a fascinating, if somewhat unbelievable explanation, for what transpired.  Best in this book are the biographical facts and insights and the development of characters including Agatha, Archie, Nancy, Una and Davison.  Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie’s books or those interested in knowing more about the author and her times.

I read and enjoyed this author’s earlier novel, “Dear Mr. Knightley,” an update of Daddy Longlegs. Katherine Reay has created a niche, writing modern takes on classic novels. In “The Austen Escape,” Mary and Isabel travel to Bath for a vacation that will give them a chance to enjoy life in Austen’s time.  Each chooses an Austen character to represent while away. There is also a romance set in a tech/engineering firm and in Bath along with backstories for other guests on the tour. This is a light, escapist read.  Thanks  NetGalley for the opportunity to review the book.

Anna Lee Huber’s novel, is an historical mystery that is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. A group of characters is stranded on an island, (think “And Then There Were None”), as the action unfolds. Widow Verity attends an engagement party weekend, while trying to find out whether her husband, Sidney, was a traitor during WWI. Not the most believable plot but Verity is a plucky character and one that I rooted for.  Book provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.  Thanks NetGalley!

NetGalley reports that I have now written 10 reviews.  I am proud of this small accomplishment and the badge that they sent for me to share.  Thank you NetGalley!  Looking forward to at least ten more.  There will be upcoming reviews on Anna Lee Huber and Katherine Reay’s new books as soon as I finish them.  Also planning to share a non-fiction title by Brene Brown.  Until the next post, happy summer reading all!