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

Let your reading list bloom with these must-read novels, memoirs, cookbooks, and more.
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An e book bargain for 23 April 2024

#TheWomanontheLedge #NetGalley

By now readers know that a book whose title includes the words ”The Girl” or “The Woman” is going to find a complex, twisty story where it is hard to know who to believe and exactly what happened. That is certainly the case in Mancini’s page turner. Mancini is a British criminal defense attorney so keep an eye on the lawyer in the story.

It starts with a holiday party. A woman who works as a temp goes to this party where, by the way, her married lover also works. When she goes out on the roof for some air, she finds said woman on the ledge. She is threatening to jump. Tate talks the woman, who says her name is Helen, down. Things get increasingly complicated when Helen seeks Tate’s help the very next day. She says that she lost an earring at the party and convinces Tate to return to the London high rise building.

Horrifically a woman dies. Tate is arrested. Helen can’t be found. Was she really named Helen? Stories come and go. As is the case in these novels, that the reader does not know what to make of events and who to believe. Pages turn as readers seek answers.

I first heard about this novel in a British magazine and knew that I wanted to read it. You might want to as well.

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

Pub date: 16 January 2024

An e book bargain for 23 April 2024

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callhan tells the story of Joy Davidman and C.S. (Jack) Lewis. I absolutely adored that book so was thrilled when I received an early review copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe, another novel about C.S. Lewis.

The structure of the story is that George, a young boy with a heart defect, discovers The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and wants to know more about it. George’s sister, who loves him deeply, shares that Lewis is at Oxford where she, Megs, is a student. Wanting to do what she can for George, Megs gets to know Jack and Warnie and brings the tales that Lewis shares home to her brother.

Jack’s life story is beautifully told. There were very hard times and yet a man emerged who is so beloved by many. I won’t detail the biography so that readers can discover it for themselves.

George is preternaturally wise about life while Megs is perhaps less so. Over the course of the novel, she learns that her beloved scientific point of view and way of solving problems is but one way to look at the world. She and George are both deeply human, seeking, loving people with whom readers will enjoy spending time.

Those who have read the Narnia stories will eagerly read this title looking for the same insights that young George is seeking…to understand where the characters in the books came from, who they may have been based on and more. Will those answers be in these pages? You will need to read the novel to find out.

Those who have not read the Narnia books can still love this title. Its insight into a person’s life with all of its tragedies and peaceful moments are for all readers.

I give this one my highest recommendation. Ms. Callahan your talent for understanding Lewis and life are so impressive.

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

Shanghai, the setting for this historical thriller, had a place in WWII history of which many may not be aware. It became a place to which many Jewish people fled when they were trying to escape the horrors in Europe. This was because of the relative ease in entering the country. In the hands of capable author Joseph Kanon the city and its inhabitants come to life in this rather twisty tale.

Readers meet Daniel Lohr who is seeking safety by traveling from Germany to China. On his way there he meets Leah with whom he connects. They are two of the many characters in this story that brings Shanghai and its varied lements, including the criminal, to life.

Publishers Weekly gives this one a starred review noting the atmosphere, suspense, dialogue and more. I do agree with this while noting that some readers may find it a bit challenging to keep all of the characters and plot straight. I think that those who like historical thrillers and those who have read other books by Kanon will want to give this one a look.

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

Pub date: 25 June 2024

When I was contacted by the publisher with an invitation to read this book, I was over the moon. I had heard about it and was eagerly awaiting its release. It was an immeasurable treat to have early access.

This title offers a series of reflections and conversations between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. Originally written for an archive, the two got the idea to publish a book together, and the reader is so lucky that they made that decision.

Within these pages, readers get to share in Judi’s life and her professional career. Her love for her husband, her daughter and her craft all come across. She is witty, wise, and it was an absolute pleasure to read her words.

Judi Dench and her husband, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent because they were in so many productions over the years. However, Shakespeare never really became routine for them and Judi brought her best self to every performance.

The first play that is reflected upon is Macbeth. Judi Dench very much views it as a play about the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth. She sees the deterioration of their marriage as a true tragedy.

Included here are Dench’s thoughts on nineteen plays interspersed with other reflections. A couple of examples of these are Company and Fireside Ramblings.

For anyone who admires Judi Dench or who wants to more deeply understand the bard, this book is a must read. I adored it.

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2024/03/08/observe-a-game-of-lies-clare-mackintosh/

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2021/02/14/a-return-to-venice-transient-desires/

#FootnotesfromtheMostFascinatingMuseums #NetGalley

Within the pages of this title readers will find a cornucopia of delights. There are so many places to see here. For each, there is an illustration, some history and a comment. Go everywhere from the Brooklyn Museum to Greenfield Village to the Mob Museum to the Shelburne Museums and many, many more.

This is a fun book to look through at random. For those who want to focus, there are chapter headings that help to give the reader organized.

I found this to be a delightful book.

Many thanks to Chronicle Books amd MetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 May 2024

Visit the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. You will learn a lot about ancient manuscripts, the appearance of a beautiful library and the (not always savory) ways of academia, especially when donations are needed.

Spend time with Liesl who has (finally) moved up from second in command to temporary head of the collection. Her boss, Christopher, has had a stroke and is unable to help Liesl with the many problems that she faces. Those she works with may or may not be trustworthy and one of these employees, Miriam, has disappeared just as mysteriously as the library’s newest acquisition. Will Miriam be found and found alive? Will everything be solved? Read this book by an accomplished first time novelist to find out. The author creates a good story and, at times, skewers university life.

One thing that I liked about the recently published novel, The Maid, was that the main character was so very much herself. I felt the same way about Liesl. She is of a certain age and temperament, deals with life and relationships in her own way. I hope to see her again.

Note that there both a reading group guide and a conversation with the author at the end of the book. These added to my enjoyment and understanding.

The Christmas Murder Game gives readers the chance to enjoy a variant on a locked room mystery with the added bonus of both the Christmas season and some side puzzles for solving. These extra puzzles are things like anagrams.

Lily is in her thirties and is a designer of corsets, many of which she reproduces from historical sources. She spent a great deal of time at Endgame House when she was young but has not wanted to return there since her mother’s death…was that a murder?

When Lily’s aunt dies, she wants Lily and her cousins to come to the manor over the festive season. While there, they are set a series of tasks which will require their solving skills with a lot at stake; the winner will become the new owner of the house. Oh, by the say, there will be a number of deaths over the twelve days of Christmas.

Whodunnit? Why? This was a fun read as I waited for answers. I also enjoyed Ms. Benedict’s images. For example, Lily talks about wanting to make a briefcase shaped corset for lawyer, Isabelle. She describes a housekeeper as something like a candy cane without the sweetness.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who would simply like to be entertained.