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

Lisa See has written many works of historical fiction yet this is the first book of hers that I have read. It won’t be the last.

Ms. See tells an absorbing story and one that is filled with historical detail and, numerous characters and aspects of Chinese culture. Her settings come to life so gorgeously. Early in the book, the protagonist is traveling to Shanghai. I could feel her seasickness and claustrophobia. I think I was as eager as she was to get outside for some air. The author’s words made this voyage so vivid.

Characters are a strength of this writer. They are complex, multidimensional, interesting and relatable, despite the fact that they lived long before us. For example, the protagonist’s mother dies very early in the story. I had been admired her and was upset when she collapsed. The why of this was historically accurate and tragic to those of our present day. I could feel the daughter’s grief. Another example… a concubine was living in the home. She, too, was not a cardboard figure but rather a woman with feelings, education and a wish to help this grieving girl.

These are examples from early in the book but so much more follows. This is a long and involving novel. Along the way, readers will learn much about the China in the 1400s.

Readers are introduced to Yunxian and her friend/colleague Meiling . Yunxian has a life in which she tries to balance her love of medicine with the traditional women’s roles of the time. Readers will hope that she can achieve all that she wants.

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction. I know that I will now read more titles by this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 June 2023

368 pages

From the Publisher

#FamousLastWords #NetGalley

Five stars 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

Imagine that you are Cam and that your entire world is turned upside down. You have always found your husband, Luke, to be pretty laid back and so supportive. He cooks! Both of you are exhausted but adore your baby, Polly. And, Luke is so good that you always have some time to have a break and read. Imagine that you are a book agent, ready to go back to work on your first day…AND THEN, the unthinkable happens.

Your husband wasn’t there when you woke up and left a somewhat cryptic note. You soon discover that he is involved in a tense hostage situation. WTF (as the rude might say). How can this be? Why? How do you a piece a life back together after this? Did you ever know your spouse? Where is he? Alive? Not?

Also, imagine That you are Niall. He was the hostage negotiator. The decisions that you made are haunting you.

How will events unfold? Find out in this page turner. I was absolutely glued to it and recommend it highly for those who enjoy suspenseful stories.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 February 2025

From the Publisher

by Tim Sullivan

#TheBookseller #NetGalley

The Bookseller is the seventh book in this series by Tim Sullivan. The first book was The Dentist, I think. The titles all seem to be related to professions and can be read in any order.

The protagonist of this series is neurodivergent and brings his perspective to all he does (not that this is surprising). This time, as the title tells readers, a bookseller is murdered, not necessarily so usual in that profession. Who killed him and why?

Add suspects, relationships in Cross’s life, a case to solve, and the ingredients for a good mystery are all there.

This is my first read by the author. It will not be my last.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this title. All is my own.

Pub date: 18 March 2025

Note: Today this is listed at just $1.99 for the e book

‘One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century.’ DAILY MAIL
‘These are must-read detective novels.’ MARK BILLINGHAM
‘One of my favourite detectives.’ ELLY GRIFFITHS

Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else’s identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women’s roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.

An e book bargain today

When readers who have heard of Dorothy Parker think of her, they often imagine her at the Algonquin Hotel issuing bon mots. Sarcastic and seemingly in possession of herself, many envied her. However, this historical novel about Dorothy and some of her friends and acquaintances reveals that she had many reasons to feel unsettled and unhappy. The support of three friends helped her to get through.

Early in this novel readers learn that Dorothy is having trouble finding work. She is also having many difficulties in her marriage; her husband came back from WWI a changed (and unpleasant) man. Dorothy’s friends include Jane, a newspaper reporter; Winifred who is an actress and, Peggy who works at a magazine. They form a bridge group where they not only learn to play cards but reflect on life.

These characters are surrounded by many men. They include those who spent time at the Algonquin. All are men of their time and their treatment of women is often condescending.

Will these friends find their happy/happier endings? Find out in this well written work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

Agatha Christie’s letters reveal clashes with her publisher

https://www.thetimes.com/article/82589ecc-3623-4c6f-b6c5-4c15008bab26?shareToken=f015fbfd706cbdb6524c339657c60afa

Elin Hilderbrand has written many novels that take place on Nantucket.  This is her first murder mystery and the first book that I have read by the author.  The setting is beautiful and full of details of how the well-to-do spend their summers on the island.

A wedding is scheduled to take place.  The groom, Benji is the scion of a wealthy family while his bride to be, Celeste,  comes from a loving, middle-class background.    Celeste and Benji’s parents come to life in portrait-like depictions.  Benji’s mother is a society woman who writes mystery novels and always hosts in the most proper ways.  Her husband, Tag, is a man who has had many affairs. They live a life of luxury but do not have a happy marriage.  In contrast,  Celeste’s parents are “salt of the earth” types who have a loving relationship.  Karen, who has breast cancer, is portrayed in a wonderfully empathetic fashion.  Kudos to the author for sympathetically but not maudlin-ly describing Karen.  Bruce, Celeste’s dad, clearly adores both his wife and child.  They both want only Celeste to be happy and secure.

Celeste’s maid of honor is the murder victim.  For fear of spoilers, I won’t say more about what happened or the solution of the mystery.  There are numerous suspects and many relationships come into play.

This is what I would describe as a good summer read.  It is a long (over 400 pages) novel in which the reader becomes immersed.  If you want a light summer escape, this one is worth trying.

Note that this is now a mini series.

by National Trust Books

#HiddenTreasuresoftheNationalTrust #NetGalley

I was so delighted to receive early access to this title. It features the inimitable Mary Beard who is an excellent guide.

The book is organized by parts of the country beginning with London with the last chapter being Norther Ireland. Go in order or dip in. Either works well.

Anglophiles, whether in England or not, will found so much to enjoy in these pages. I’d be hard pressed to say whether I preferred the photos or the text. Both were quite engaging.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the National Trust* for this title. All opinions are my own.

*Also many thanks to the Trust for all that they give us!

Pub date: 08 May 2025

by Nicola Whyte

American cover

British cover

Did you know that somewhere in London there is a teeny tiny square? Well, author Nicola Whtye discovered it, leading to her creating a similar spot for the setting of this very good, debut mystery.

Celeste, in her 80s, is the inquisitive doyenne of the square. She knows all of the residents who live in these close quarters. Sadly, it is known that one resident, Linda, has a husband who harms her physically. When he is murdered, events are off and running. Will his murder be the only one? No spoilers so read the novel to find out.

The characters in the square all come across as individuals. There is everyone from Dixon who functions as Celeste’s butler and more, to struggling mystery writer Lewis, young cleaner Audrey, lawyer Mia, and a number of others.

Looking for an enjoyable traditional mystery that runs to 400 pages ? Look no further. This is a delightful one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for this title. All opinions are my own.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Whyte gets everything just right, constructing memorable characters and landing several shocking plot twists. Readers will be just as hard-pressed to identify the culprit as Lewis and Audrey–and they’ll have a marvelous time trying.”
–Publishers Weekly

“The multiple points of view… a beautifully rendered setting, and plot twists galore add up to a satisfying cozy debut.”
–Booklist

About the Author (courtesy of Amazon)

Nicola Whyte studied Drama at Aberystwyth University and spent many happy years as a bookseller before becoming a web developer. She now co-owns a digital agency in the southwest of England. Her work has been listed for the Comedy Women in Print Prize, the BPA First Novel Award, and the Cheshire Novel Prize. 10 Marchfield Square was named as runner-up in the 2023 Daily Mail First Novel Award. She lives near Stonehenge in Wiltshire with her family.

by Mark ONeill

Anyone who has not seen the movie, To Catch a Thief, has a treat in store. I have watched it multiple times, each time with great enjoyment. Therefore, I was intrigued by this title which is a sequel (approved by the estate) to the earlier movie (and book). I requested it right away from NetGalley and was delighted to receive it.

I loved spending time with John Robie and Francie again in this suspenseful and enjoyable novel. Take a virtual trip to France, sit down with this one and watch your day go by happily.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025