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

I never tire of getting advance peeks at books to be published. This sampler is one of the best out there, especially for mystery readers. Learn more about five upcoming titles that run the gamut from a cozy featuring pregnant women to a story that includes a plot to blow up the Statue of Liberty.

Each entry includes a description of the book, information about the author and a generous excerpt. I definitely want to read Off the Air and The Expectant Detectives. I love the first line of that one: “For my boyfriend’s thirtieth birthday I thought I’d go all out and surprise him with a pregnancy.”

Note: This is a free title. I highly recommend it.

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

Five stars *****

Stella Douglas has been enjoying her life in London in this story set in the 1930s. She has a good friend in Michael, writes books (with modest success) about cooks of days gone by and is content with her life. All of this changes when Stella returns home, to Yorkshire, to be there for her her father.

When Stella returns to London to meet with her publisher, he sets her a task. Stella is to write about British foods in a far reaching compendium. She accepts this challenge which leads to research, writing and travel. Stella meets many along the way. How will her life be changed by this project and where it takes her? Find out in this delightful novel.

For me this book seemed a bit slow at times but I am glad to have read it. I think that those who enjoy women’s fiction, historical fiction, food and more will want to look at this nostalgic title.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

#HowtoDrawSuperCuteThingswithBobbieGoods #NetGalley

Would you enjoy doing some drawing or know someone who would? If so, this super cute book is definitely worth a look!

The author starts with an introduction followed by information on tools, materials, drawing techniques, characters and adding color. Next come the directions for how to draw everything from a baker bunny to a picnic basket, to a barista bear, a laundry hamper, a beach char, a garden puppy and many more things to create. All are adorable.

This book and a set of colored pencils could make a good holiday gift.

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

Pub date: 21 November 2023

This book is absolutely gorgeous. The author/photographer takes the reader on a journey through 55 countries where they will meet girls who are beautiful inside and out.

Ms. Noroc found her calling in these pages. She shares that it took her time to find her way as a person. With this book, she shows what a rich life she has developed.

Open this book anywhere and meet a girl. Readers will be so glad that they did! The photos are superb and the text gives a reader the opportunity to know a bit about the young woman.

I most highly recommend this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars *****

The first in an excellent series

For a child in your life

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