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

#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

Four stars ****

I have a friend who has sung the praises of Zingerman’s but I have never made it to Ann Arbor to have the first hand experience. This is certainly as close as it gets with Zingerman’s collection of celebratory recipes.

This is a fabulous cookbook. The recipes are organized by season, beginning with spring and are organized by holidays. For example, summer has two recipes for the first day of school; these are raspberry Patti pockets and local spoonful creamy baked oatmeal. Both look delicious. Find recipes for everything from Passover to Father’s day, and from Halloween to Christmas, and so much more.

The recipes vary in difficulty. An easy one is “The Works Grilled Cheese Sandwich” while some of the bakes are I think beyond my level.

The book is filled with photos and they are sure to make cooks and bakers hungry. This will definitely inspire them to get into the kitchen!

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

Four stars ****

Julia Kelly has written a number of historical fiction titles that I have enjoyed. With A Traitor in Whitehall, she adds a murder mystery into the mix. The result was an absorbing read.
Readers learn early on that protagonist, Evelyne, has a backstory through her parents’ relationship . She moves forward from this into managing her own life. When she is tapped by a friend of her father’s to work in Whitehall, both in a position there, and also with an eye to reporting to an outside source, little does she anticipate all that will happen.
One of the women who works in the typing pool has been found murdered. Why? Who did it? Readers will try to figure this out even as Evelyne works with David, supposedly a Minister’s aide, on the case. There are many suspects.
In addition to the well conceived plot, I also enjoyed the setting in Churchill’s War Rooms. Readers are given a genuine feel for what it would have been like to work in this deep underground setting during the war years.
One thing that I struggled with a bit, however, was keeping all of the women who worked with Evelyne straight. I went back a number of times to remember something about each of them.
This minor quibble aside, this was a book that I very much liked. I hope that Ms. Kelly will add another and make this a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

#DearRebel #NetGalley

It is very easy to recommend this collection from Rebel Girls. In these pages many women offer some perspective/advice to the young reader. The letters are thoughtful and inspiring, and feature women from many walks of life.

With more than 100 entries, it is hard to pick a few to highlight. I note that some of the contributors are people whose names I know while many others were new to me. Among those I recognized are Melinda French Gates, Nadiya Hussain, Drew Barrymore, and Laurene Powell Jobs. That said, each of these communications has meaning and value. Spend time with the writers’ words and also take a look at the photos. Suggest to a girl that you know that she browse in this book. It will be worth her time.

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

Pub date: 03 October 2023

From ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ to ‘Gone Girl,’ here’s what made the list.
— Read on time.com/collection/best-mystery-thriller-books/