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

This book has already been greeted enthusiastically by many. Among these readers is Oprah Winfrey who has made it her book club pick. It has been reviewed widely and anyone who read (or saw the movie) Brooklyn will want to spend time with this novel.

This is a story of Eilis twenty or so years after the events in Brooklyn. She has found herself a housewife (with occasional work), mother of two and is still married to Tony; his boisterous clan makes their presence in her life rather prominent.

The catalyst for what happens is that Tony has impregnated another woman. Needless to say Eilis is not pleased. One way that she copes is by going back to Ireland. Yes, she does again meet up with Jim while there.

What will happen to this family as they face a crisis? Eilis once left but returned to Tony. What will she do this time?

I found the writing in this book to be deceptively simple. There is much behind what each character says and does. It is a paean to well written prose.

Even if a reader has not yet enjoyed Brooklyn, they can still read this one. I recommend it.

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

Pub date: 07 May 2024

An e book bargain for 22May 2024

#ACyclistsGuidetoCrimeCroissants #NetGalley

I was initially drawn to this one by the book’s title and the cover which I found very appealing. Happily, the story inside these pages also offered an enjoyable read with gorgeous locations, some good characters and an interesting plot.

Sadie was the kind of person who lived a predictable life as exemplified by her position as an actuary. Her life changes following the unexpected death of her best friend, Gemma (not too much of a spoiler as this happens very early in the book).

Sadie needs a change and purchases a bike tour company in France (now that sound pretty nice). However, of course, there are problems. These include vandalism and murder. No spoilers so hard to say much more except that this was a fun, cozy read. I hope that it is the start of a series.

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

Pub date: 21 May 2024

#ComeFlyWithMe #NetGalley

Anyone looking for a very readable story that has good characters, new beginnings and a happy ending will want to pick up the newest novel by Helen Rolfe. It is perfect for a read in the garden…or even indoors

This is a story about an air ambulance pilot named Maya and a paramedic named Noah. Each has a history and has experienced challenges. Their worlds will come together as will they in these pages. Readers will hope for good things for these two as they learn more about them.

Romance readers, pick this one up!

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

Pub date: 22 May 2024

I have loved this series by Carolyn Haines ever since coming across the first book, Them Bones, way back in 1999. It amazes me to think that Lights, Camera, Bones is the twenty-seventh book and that Sarah Booth & Co. are still going strong.

I have enjoyed these books for their setting, the mysteries and, most of all, for the recurring characters including not just Sarah Booth but also Tinkie, Coleman Peters and, of course, ghost Jitty, among others. They have charmed their way through many stories.

As can be deduced from the cover, a movie is being made in Mississippi. It is ostensibly about a flood during the 1920s. Why does a character named Marion want this film to be made and…will it be? What happened to a gaffer? Will all be revealed? Of course it will, but there will be mayhem as readers wait for the story’s resolution.

Those who enjoy a quick, light mystery read, can’t go wrong with this latest book by Ms. Haines. Those new to the series may even want to go back to the beginning.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 May 2024

#WhatFeelingsLikeBest #NetGalley

In this title, feelings become anthropomorphic and tell their stories. Some of the feeling critters who are included are nostalgia, patience, anxiety, courage and curiosity.

The story in these pages could be seen as one for adults and/or children. It starts in the festive season as nostalgia thinks about Christmas.

The illustrations are detailed and delightful. They are sure to be enjoyed.

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

Pub date: September 03, 2024

#ThePerilsofLadyCatherinedeBourgh #NetGalley

Some Jane Austen fans are absolute purists and read only her original works. Others enjoy various iterations of Austen’s stories. For those in the latter category, this series by Claudia Gray is a lot of fun. The newest title featuring Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the third book and it is delightful.

The premise of the series is that a son of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, and a young woman, Juliet Tilney, with connections to Northanger Abbey, solve cases together. They make for a charming (if not yet romantic) couple as they go about their work.

Credit to this author for her wittiness and her clever use of existing Austen characters along with the ones that she, herself, has added to the mix. In addition, she has created a good plot.

Will Lady Catherine be alive at the end of this title? Pick it up to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: June 18, 2024

Fans of The Crown rejoice!

This novel, set in post WWII England, is a story about the women who made Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.  Part of the story takes place in 1940s Britain while there is also a modern thread (no pun intended).  I think that this was an absorbing and fun read.

“Robson deftly weaves issues of class, trauma, romance, and female friendship with satisfying details of Ann and Miriam’s craft. This unique take on the royal wedding will be an easy sell to fans of Netflix’s The Crown and a sure bet for readers of women-centered historical fiction.” (Booklist (starred review))

“Robson vividly brings to life these three women’s struggles. Historical details about fabric, embroidery, and the royal family are well incorporated into their stories, with light romance rounding out this charming work of historical fiction.”   (Library Journal)

“Robson’s novel shifts deftly between… Toronto to London in 2016… giving meticulous attention to the historical detail of post–World War II London. A fascinating glimpse into the world of design, the healing power of art, and the importance of women’s friendships.”
(Kirkus Reviews)

Welcome back Richard Jury and Co! 
After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Monica Wood’s rich new novel, “How to Read a Book,” death, prison and poetry become the catalyst for new beginnings.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/05/05/books/review/how-to-read-a-book-monica-wood.html

Another in my tbr stack

Now a suburban married mother, Eilis Lacey finds herself in a quandary in “Long Island,” Colm Tóibín’s sequel to his much-admired novel.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/books/review/long-island-colm-toibin.html

Just started this one.