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

I have not read Fiona Barton’s first book, “The Widow,” although I probably will now. Her sophomore effort, “The Child,” is intriguing and suspenseful Who is the baby found on the building site? How are the characters and their stories connected? What does it mean to be a parent? To grieve? To confront and accept one’s past? “The Child” is about all of this while being a page turner. I did guess the answer to the central mystery but this did not in any way lessen my enjoyment of this novel. I feel confident that Fiona Barton’s next book will be, “third time the charm.” Recommended for suspense fans.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this novel.

  Katie Fforde has been writing lighthearted British women’s fiction for many years. It is a pleasure to find that her books are now more easily available is the U.S. “A French Affair” is an enjoyable summer read. There is a bit of family drama, insight into the world of antique selling and, of course, romance. Recommended for fans of British authors like Jenny Colgan and Erica James.

I have been a huge fan of Julia Keller ever since I read her first book, “A Killing in the Hills.” The setting is West Virginia where life is difficult for many-the miners, the teens, the drug users-and where it is challenging to find a sense of well-being and peace. The humanity of the protagonist, Bell Elkins, brings me back again and again. “Fast Falls the Night,” takes place over the course of a single day and was inspired by real events in the author’s home town. A series of drug deaths is being investigated. At the same time, there is the chance to visit with many of the series’ regular characters. This literary trip to West Virginia can be tough and heart-breaking but oh, so worthwhile. Highly recommended.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book has received lots of publicity and some excellent reviews.  I would give it three stars.  The story is clever and I especially loved how the novel within the novel was so authentic, with advanced praise and comments about being made into a television series.  I did not find the story as engaging as I had hoped that I would, nor did I find the characters to be especially likeable.  Give this a try though because I think I am in the minority in not rating MPM more highly.

I have been reading books by Anne Perry since “The Cater Street Hangman,” so a new book in any Anne Perry series is something I look forward to. I found this book to be superb; truly one of her best. Old readers are rewarded with back story about Hester and her brother, as well as her friendship with a doctor with whom she served in the Crimean war. The story resonates both in its time and today, as many continue to fear and distrust anyone who is different. This novel can be read by readers new to the series as well as long term devotees. I was sad when I turned to the last page and will definitely be eagerly awaiting Anne Perry’s next novel! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this excellent book.

I was delighted to see that Dorothy Simpson’s books have been re-issued. I read and enjoyed them the first time around and they have stood the “test of time.” For readers who enjoy British police procedurals and getting to know the lead detective and his family, these books are recommended. Welcome back Luke Thanet!

I loved Missing Presumed, Susie Steiner’s first book in this series, and was very eager to read Persons Unknown. What I most enjoyed in reading both books was the author’s ability to create a quirky, interesting protagonist in Manon. I related to Manon’s observations on the bonds of parenting and her experience of pregnancy. Early on, I was glued to this book because I was so worried for Fly, Manon’s adoptive son. I found the mystery itself a bit less strong but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this book. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.  I hope that there will be more in the series in future!

As a college senior, I took a highly coveted course on the Victorian novelists.  For so long, I have wanted to revisit Middlemarch, one of the great reads of that class, and this summer I am traveling there.  Middlemarch reminds me of why books become classics; it is not because they are stuffy or difficult.  It is because they are books to be savored.  The canvas of Middlemarch is filled with memorable characters, many of whom lack self-understanding.  Meet Dorothea, Casaubon, Lydgate, Mary, Rosamund and Fred, to name just a few.  Witness them trying to make meaning in their lives against the backdrop of a changing society.  This one is truly a title to deserve five stars.

  Review to follow soon…I am about halfway  through this book which has taken me on travels to Casablanca, Fez and Tangiers.  There is  a missing person mystery, maybe spies and/or smuggling.  What has happened to Julia’s cousin?  Will she find him?  So far this is a fun read that takes place in the 1950s and was written in the 1970s.  The book is part of a series about Julia Probyn.

UPDATE…Finished my Armchair travels with The Lighthearted Quest.  I enjoyed following Julia’s adventures and learning more about the politics of the time.  The author appears knowledgeable about the conflicts between the French and the citizens of the cities mentioned above.  Everything is tied up very neatly at the end.  I would most likely read other books in this series although the novels might seem a bit slow to the modern reader.  If you enjoyed books by Helen MacInnes, give this a try.

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many reasons to look forward to summer…vacation, warm weather…and reading! So much choice in this buzz preview. Get started everyone and enjoy your summer reads.