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

A Novel

by Jennifer Saint

An e book bargain for 4.25.2024

Pub date: May 4, 2021

I often wish that I remembered the Greek myths in more detail. I have spent time with Edith Hamilton and Stephen Fry but need to go back. So, I was not fully aware of who Ariadne was before I began this novel. At the start, I will say that I have seen some mixed reviews but I found this book to be interesting and engaging. Its’ main subject is the story of the titular character whose relative was the MInotaur.

Ariadne is a retelling of a well-known Greek story but from the woman’s point of view. It will be enjoyed by readers of other books including Circe.

Early in the novel, readers learn about Ariadne’s parents. They are Minos and Pasiphae. He was the ruler of Crete. She was the daughter of the sun god and is beautifully described in the beginning of the novel. What Minos did, how that affected Pasiphae and the circumstances of the Minotaur’s birth are told.

A number of stories of the Greek gods are dramatized. As readers may know, the gods are often like larger than life humans, full of passion, temper and more. They form the background of Ariadne’s world.

Others whom readers get to know include Theseus becomes involved with Ariadne. There are also Daedalus, Icarus and Phaedra. All of their stories led to an immersive read for me.

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

Out now!

Caroline Quentin is best known to me as an actress. I watched her in Blue Murder where she played a somewhat frazzled (in her home life) detective. Now, I know her as an author and lover of nature as well..

This is a delightful book with whimsical illustrations done by Quentin herself. I smiled when I saw the front and back views of her in a gardening apron near the beginning of the book.

I love Quentin’s candid and open voice as she tells her stories. In these pages are personal reflections, practical advice and recipes. Readers will find warmth, wisdom and humor here. as she writes of the experience of gardening and of life. 

Sample chapters include Memories, Wellbeing, Pets & pests, Childhood and more. Dip in anywhere or start at the beginning.

I highly recommend this book. I will buy the hard copy when it is released.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 April 2024

#DrawntotheGarden #NetGalle

A Novel

by Karin Tanabe

Pub Date 20 Jul 2021

Note: This review is for the audio book version of this title. The book is an ebook bargain for 04.25.2024

Readers note the clever title of this book and consider the possible meanings. Then start reading and enjoy an excellent novel.

Katharina is a multi-lingual graduate of Columbia University who finds employment with the nascent United Nations as the novel begins. She enjoys her life; Katharina finds her career to be fulfilling and she enjoys the flirtatious life of a single woman in a world filled with men. Life seems pretty wonderful.

Soon Katharina falls in love with and marries the estimable Tom. He is a pediatric surgeon who takes saving the lives of children most seriously. He is also a New Yorker with impeccable connections to the most upper of the upper classes. Although Tom has told Katharina that he doesn’t want her to change, it soon becomes evident that this is not true.

Katharina becomes mother to a baby and toddler in short order and leaves her job. She is expected to be the perfect mother, housewife, wife and society lady. But…she balks. Readers who have wondered if they want to have children will think carefully after they read the section of the book where Katharina has a very, very, very bad day and takes off running.

From here, the book layers in espionage. Katharina is led back to a Columbia years boyfriend who is a Communist organizer and to those who are looking to rout out Communists and their sympathizers (against a background of the McCarthy hearings).

The suspense ratchets up as Katherina navigates her two worlds and roles; one that wife and one as potential informer. Katharina meets and works with new people including a Black handler to whom she is very attracted.

No spoilers so no more. Suffice it to say that this is an absorbing read.

As to the narration, I found it to be excellent. There are different voices for the different characters. It was a delight to listen as the story unspooled.

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

Note: I previously read this author’s earlier novel, The Gilded Years. It is a very different book to this one but also a very good read.

The 2024 Women’s Prize shortlist: our guide to the six novels

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/81c9661f-6dcb-4d30-b43c-edba7feff546?shareToken=eeeb7ea3236a5dd0628de79071100a16

An e book bargain for 04.24.2024

Four stars ****

Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite writers of historical fiction and here she has written another successful WWII set story. In The Underground Library, she follows three main and many auxiliary characters.

Juliet has gotten her dream job, even if it may only be because the men are away. She is now the Deputy Librarian of the Bethnal Green Library. (Look it up for some great photos). She hopes to liven up the rather staid premises with a book club, children’s story hour and more. What will she contribute to the project that is the title of this book?

Juliet lives with a landlady and it turns out that she knows the other boarder. Juliet used to have no respect for him. Will her feelings change?

Katie has been working in the library while waiting to attend university. She becomes a friend and colleague to Juliet. However, Katie faces a serious crisis. Will she be okay?

Sophie lived a nice upper middle class life in Germany before the war. She has become a Jewish refugee in London. Sophie works for an incredibly mean spirited man and some in London view her in a rather prejudiced manner. She finds solace in the library. Will Sophie get a chance at something better? Will she ever be reunited with her family?

Readers also get to know a number of the library’s patrons. These include two older sisters and the rather bold Marigold. All of them interact over the course of the story including, of course, the three main characters.

The author does a good job of depicting wartime London. The descriptions of bombing raids, Anderson shelters and running to the underground for safety are all well portrayed.

This is a novel that will be enjoyed by those who like books about books, women’s fiction and WWII set stories. The pages definitely turn.

Look for all of Jennifer Ryan’s novels starting with The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. They offer engaging reads.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

An e book bargain for 04.24.2024

#AfterAnnie #NetGalley

In my opinion, Anna Quindlen is one of the premiere practitioners of the art of deeply felt domestic fiction. In After Annie, she once again goes deep into the heart and soul of a family, one that is facing loss and all that entails.

Annie was a mother to four children, all of whom counted on her, taking her for granted in the ways that children do. Her sudden, seemingly unpreventable death from an aneurysm at a young age, is the catalyst that deeply affects these children, her husband and her best friend.

Readers find out more about Annie as they spend time with those around her. Her daughter, Ali, is forced to grow up, her husband falters, and her best friend faces a renaissance of old issues. Will these folks who were left behind be able to move forward? Will they be okay? How will Annie continue to be a presence in their lives? Find out in this work of literary fiction that is as good as anything the author has written (and that is high praise).

Note: Anyone who has experienced a recent loss may find this book both difficult and worth reading

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 February 2024

From the Publisher

Announcing the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist! – Women’s Prize : Women’s Prize
— Read on womensprize.com/announcing-the-2024-womens-prize-for-fiction-shortlist/

In this MUTTS comic, a baby bird taps from the inside of his shell. A piece finally breaks off with a “crack!” and he asks, “Is this going to be worth it?”
— Read on mutts.com/products/strip-042424

#AMurderMostFrench #NetGalley

Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

An e book bargain for 24April 2024

I am a huge fan of this series which follows Ben (short for Benedicta), a lawyer in a small Irish town. Over the course of the novels, readers follow her involvement in interesting cases and keep am eye on her relationships. These include one with a local Garda officer and others, for example, with bookstore owners, publicans, estate and newsagents and many in her area. There is a real sense of community in these pages.

In this latest entry, Ben has concerns about her parents as they have taken in a man whom they met in their grief group. (Readers of the earlier books will know why they are mourning.) Stuart may not be who he seems. Ben is worried so wants to whisk her parents away and they go to visit her.

At the same time, there is a book festival coming to the peninsula. The star speaker is a reclusive author with some ties to the community. When he dies, the stage is set for crime solving. Will Stuart be a part of this or is he up to something else entirely? The pages will turn until readers find out.

Anyone who likes stories by Carlene O’Connor, Sarah IStewart Taylor or Tana French will want to read this.

Many thanks toNetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2023