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

#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

I have only recently begun reading this long running series and am so glad to have immersed myself in Georgie’s world. This newest book has everything within its pages that makes these titles so delightful. I enjoy the characters, especially Darcy (what a name, straight from P &. P) and Georgie. They are currently eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, although Georgie is not too eager to experience labor.

As the story opens Queenie, who series regulars know, is up in arms at losing her position as cook to a French chef…that is, until she meets him and wants to be IN his arms.

As Georgie hosts her big dinner party, readers meet the odd Sir Mordred. He has a poison garden, among other things. It is obvious that trouble will follow. The fun is in going along for the ride with this author.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy sparkling historical mysteries. Readers can’t go wrong with this one..

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

Four stars****

Readers of WWII set historical fiction may well want to take a look at this book. It tells the story of a nurse, Annie Fox, who was in Hawaii on that fateful December 7th. Nurse Fox had not wanted to leave her post in the Philipines but had no choice and little did she know what lay ahead. Who Annie Fox was and what she did form the basis of this story. Readers will recognize the complexity of this time in history as they turn the pages.

Every time I think that I have read my last WWII based story, I get drawn back in. I think that this book will be enjoyed by those who like the novels of Sara Ackerman.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

From the Publisher

#BritishRoyalFashion #NetGalley

Anyone who is interested in royal life and/or fashion will find much to enjoy in this book. It is wide ranging with interesting text and loads of photos.

Readers learn that royals are generally under extreme scrutiny even, in modern times, when they are off duty. Think of how Diana’s gym attire became iconic. Think about that and also go back in time to when Victoria’s clothes were a topic of much interest.

Read in order (starting with some royal brides) or browse. Either way this book is an enjoyable one.

This book would make a terrific holiday gift for someone on your gift list. It could also be a nice indulgence for one’s self.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference-Times Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 October 2023