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

Sloane faced an unthinkable loss when her sister died (not a spoiler as readers learn this early in the story). She is engaged to a somewhat pompous fiance who has an over involved family and often make Sloane feel inferior. On top of all this, Sloane’s parents are not the easiest people.

Sloane escapes into her work as a librarian although that also has it challenges. One of these is an older gentleman who enjoys mentally fencing with Sloane. Will these two change each other? Will others also be drawn in? Readers may know the answer but will still, I think, enjoy this book. It gives voice to some of what is important in life.

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

This book was published in March 2023

From the Publisher

My new book, The Proof of the Pudding, is the 17th in the series featuring Lady Georgiana, 35th in line to the throne in the nineteen thirties. When …

Rhys Bowen on Using Real Experiences As Inspiration

www.nytimes.com/2023/11/10/books/review/best-illustratred-childrens-books.html

Anne Perry wrote many Christmas novellas, beginning with A Christmas Journey in 2003. Each features a character from one of her book series. This time, the focus is on Mariah Ellison. Readers of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series know her as Charlotte’s grandmother. She is an elderly woman in this title and is reflecting on her life, attitudes and actions. This makes the book feel a bit elegiac and indeed, I think that this may have been Perry’s last book as she died not long ago.

Mariah goes to visit an old friend. She arrives travel worn only to find her friend is not there and the husband far less than welcoming. It takes a bit of time before Mariah finds a comfortable berth in the village where she once lived. She then tries to ferret out her friend’s whereabouts and fate.

What happened to Sadie? Did she go somewhere voluntarily? Why is her husband not more concerned? Has he harmed his spouse? Mariah will try her best to find out.

This book is set in the festive season. I very much enjoyed it. It reminds me of the many reasons that the author’s death was a true source of sadness for those who love historical mysteries.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing-Ballentine for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars *****

From the Publisher

#TheExchange #NetGalley

Many readers will still remember when John Grisham launched his career with The Firm. It was a fun, fast paced story that kept readers turning the pages as they hoped that Abby and Mitch would manage to escape/survive intact. Well, they did and this is Grisham’s taking their story into a new chapter.

I don’t think that The Exchange quite lives up to its predecessor. Still, readers who remember the characters fondly may want to travel with them on this new adventure. The stakes are again high.

I note that the review ratings for this book have been all over the place. I give it a solid three stars.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023

From the Publisher

I liked this one.

Phryne Fisher is a woman who lives her life the way that she wants and does not apologize for it. Readers may be familiar with her from other books in the long running series. Others may know Phryne from her TV exploits in Miss Fisher’s Mysteries on Acorn TV. Either (or both) ways or even if a reader does not already know her, it is worth while spending time with this protagonist. (Those new to the series do not have to have read the other books but will just have to accept that they do not know all of the characters’ backstories.)

A lot (!) is going on in this book. It opens with a scene that may well jar current sensibilities as an Asian character is called something maybe appropriate to the time of the story but not to our times. Why was this raid done? Was it successful?

At the same time, there are other subplots. Phrnye’s adopted daughters are volunteering at an institute for the blind where someone may indeed be turning a blind eye to discrepancies in the books. Also, why has one of Phryne’s daughter been locked in the music room?

Phrnye find a body (as she tends to). Is this connected to opium pipes that were found in a garden? Who is sending Phryne poisoned pen notes about her personal life (she does have a habit of taking lovers of whom Jeoffrey appears to the the latest)? What is happening with her Asian lover? And to her relationship with police officer Jack?

There are also two women (lovers) who have escaped their institution. Who are they working (and dancing) for?

Will all of these plot lines come together? It will be a test of Ms. Greenwood’s abilities but she has done it before. Follow her lead in 1920s Melbourne where the story takes place. It is an enjoyable read.

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

Four stars ****

While for many years, I did not know who Zelensky was, he is a man whose name is now a household word. In this book, readers have a chance to learn more about him and his thinking.

Zelensky did not start out as a political aspirant. In fact, he was a comedian. Nonetheless, he became the president of his country and was called on to act during an incredibly difficult time.

In this book, the author shares a lot about herself as well as Zelensky. She gives readers a good insight into how Zelensky thinks and acts in the world, as well as what he values. In doing this, there are lessons for the reader to think about.

This book will encourage the reader to think about their own actions. Dip into the chapters; a few of them are titled How May I Serve?; Speak Truth to Everything; From Fear to Love; Create Faith and there are many more.

Note that the author once had contact with Zelensky before he was in politics. She clearly thinks very highly of him. Know this if that is bothersome this may not be the read for some.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023