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

www.nytimes.com/2023/10/04/books/missoula-montana-books.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/05/books/review/nobel-quiz-2023.html

#TheBeginningofEverything #NetGalley

Fans of Fraser’s first novel, The Bookshop of Second Chances, will be delighted to read her new novel. This title may also bring the author new fans.

As the story opens, Jess has fallen on hard times and not for the first time. She is camping out in a cemetery as she has no home. Things look up when she happens on an empty house and uses her lock picking skills to get inside. Jess decides to squat in this home. She hopes that she will find a job, start a new life, and leave her most recent abusive relationship firmly in the past.

One day, Jess is wakened by someone in her (not really hers, of course), new digs. In a surprising twist, rather than being thrown out, Jess is allowed to stay. In return, she will help with the renovations (they are many) that are needed.

Gethin has his own history of a broken heart and, he, too, is vulnerable. What will happen to these two somewhat broken souls? Will they find their happily ever after? Readers will hope so as they wish for good things for these appealing protagonists.

Recommended to those who enjoy women’s fiction and romance.

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

Pub date: 28 September 2023

From the Publisher

The author’s first book is now $4.99 in its digital format

My Review:

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book. Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance? So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my ow

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.