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

Four stars ****

It is easy to recommend this absolutely gorgeous book. Already a nature lover? Feeling like you need more of the natural world in your life? Either way, there is so much to be enjoyed in this beautifully illustrated title.

Garden, stargaze, visualize, pay attention and more in these pages. Readers will hopefully be inspired in their day to day life as they read.

The book is organized by month and season. The authors hope you will dip in and out anywhere that you like. There is always something intriguing to contemplate. Each entry has a theme and icon. To name a few, there are icons representing well being, wisdom, foraging and plant knowledge among others.

Take a deep breath and enjoy. I may just buy the hard copy of this one when it is published.

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

From the Publisher

Retellings of Greek myths from a feminist point of view are having their moment now. I’ve recently read both Elektra and Ariadne and recommend them. Now, I have enjoyed another retelling from the Greeks, the story of Medusa…and what a story it is!

Those who know anything about Medusa may well find her repulsive. However, much like Frankenstein’s monster, there was more to this woman than a reader might assume. As a beautiful woman, she was treated very poorly, as was often the case for those who lived among the gods. This was especially true for women if they caught the eye of a libidinous male with another jealous female in his life (in this case Athena).

This story is about Medusa and also Perseus. Spend time with them and other gods and Greeks. Though their tales are writ large, in many ways these characters act as mortal as the reader. This allows the reader to relate to the novel.

Recommended to those who enjoy retellings of important ancient Greek women, along with those who enjoy historical fiction.

Many thanks to Source Books/Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 September 2023

Note: now just $3.99 in the e book version

Four stars: ****

This collection of Carols, poems and unabridged Christmas stories is reasonably priced (19.99 U.S.) and would make a lovely gift. Inside are such classics as A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, and Twas The Night Before Christmas, among many others. There is also the sheet music for a number of well known songs. All in all, a nice collection that would offer some nice reading time for the whole family.

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

I have loved this author’s other books and plan to read this.

A favorite

First in her newest series

Note: there are multiple books on sale by some of these authors.

#HerculePoirotsSilentNight #NetGalley

This title is the fifth and latest Hercule Poirot novel to be penned by Sophie Hannah who has the approval of the Christie estate. This one is my favorite so far.

Hercule Poirot and companion Catchpool are thinking about what they will do for Christmas when their plans are upended by Catchpool’s mother. Cynthia, the mother, is a real presence in the novel and, at times, had me laughing out loud over her interactions with her son.

Cynthia convinces Poirot and Catchpool to visit a family whose house is falling into the sea and whose patriarch is dying. These family members, by and large, do not get along. There are two brothers married to two sisters, the brothers’ parents and the sisters’ parents, along with Vivienne and our duo. Note that the sisters’ parents are (ineffectually) acting as the home’s servants and this is not good for Poirot’s dinner plans or digestion.

The family patriarch wants to go to a hospital to die. His wife is against this plan as a prior patient (a man described as lovely and a postman) was murdered there. Said patriarch wants to work on the case and is realizing a life’s dream when he plans to collaborate with Poirot. He is aware that this could lead to his own murder. The story takes off from here. Note some of the interesting scenes; for example, find out how Catchpool learns a lot while decorating Christmas trees.

This title offers an excellent traditional mystery along with some eccentric characters in a Christmas run up. All of this makes Hercule Poirot’s Christmas a perfect holiday gift for a mystery reader.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023

NOTE: This book received a starred review from Publishers Weekly while Library Journal notes that “fans will devour this novel…”

Five stars *****

I did not know much about Houston before reading this title. I didn’t even know that it was a “Bayou City.” Now I have learned much more and this book was an enjoyable way to do just that.

The book’s authors make an important point early on when they observe that nature can also be found in cities. That is the case of Houston and its environs as presented in these pages.

Readers will enjoy exploring the three sections of this book. The first is about landscape, people and organisms. Next are 101 spotlighted species; would readers have guessed that there were so many around the area? The third part (and my favorite) features twenty-five field trips. If I ever get to Houston I will know where to go and what to look for.

Those who live in Texas or plan to visit, give this one a look. It is a terrific resource. Those who may never get to Houston, there are many photos to inspire you

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

I think that this is number 17 in a long running series. Just the number of titles shows how popular the amateur sleuth, setting, characters and stories are. Those new to the series and old readers will both be able to follow the story.

This books is perfect for right now as it takes place around Halloween. Yes, a murder occurs right in the spooky season, even as Jules is preparing special Halloween treats. Treats, a parade with costumes by those who know how to make them (site of a Shakespeare festival in Ashland,Oregon), what could go wrong? Well, of course, there is the murder. Who did it? Why? What is the link to a dragon and possibly to mahjong? Read this fun, traditional mystery to find out. It is perfect for a quick escape.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 August 2023

#RebelGirlsLittleLibrary #NetGalley

Rebel Girls has published many titles with a goal empowering and opening the world to young girls. This time, they have published a collection of ten short books. The first of these is called 10 Women Who Create Art; featured here, for one example, is Frida Kahlo. The other nine equally well done books iare about women in music, sports, movies, and science, those who are explorers, animal lovers, inventors, helpers and the women who help to create art. Each featured woman has several pages which include both text and illustrations.

This book would make a wonderful addition to a school or home library. The short biographies may entice girls into learning even more about these fabulous people. They will also, hopefully, be encouraged to dream big in their ovwn lives.

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

Pub date: 18 October 2023

All the March 2024 Prepub Alerts in one place, plus a downloadable spreadsheet of all titles from every post.
— Read on www.libraryjournal.com/story/prepub-alert-the-complete-list-march-2024

#Vegtable #NetGalley

This cookbook will be welcomed by both those who are vegetarians and those who are not. Both will find many good recipes in these pages.

The book’s subtitle explains it well saying that this title includes Recipes Techniques and, Plant Science for Big Flavored Vegetable-Focused Meals. Throughout there are many recipes, illustrations and photos.

The recipes are organized by vegetable. There are, for example, sections on Yams, Asparagus, Chickpeas and other beans and so on. The directions look clear though some of the recipes may take a bit of practice.

Recommended for a cook’s bookshelf whether exclusively a veggie eater or someone who is looking for the occasional meal or side dishes.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023