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

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/07/18/books/review/spy-books-adaptations.html

www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/books/review/new-romance-books.html

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PART OF THE AUTHOR’S NEWEST SERIES. REVIEWED BY ME.

I ENJOYED AND REVIEWED THIS ONE.

AND OTHERS BY THIS AUTHOR

I READ AND REVIEWED THIS. INTERESTING HISTORICAL FICTION

I ENJOY THIS SERIES. IT’S SWEDISH.

START OF A GOOD SERIES

A PARIS SET SERIES

SHE WRITES LOVELY STORIES

#SleeptoHeal #NetGalley

I think that this title will appeal to so many people. After all, getting a good night’s sleep is often quite challenging. The effects of being constantly over tired can lead to health and mental health issues, yet so many don’t know what to do. So, seeing a title that promises just 7 steps and knowing it is written by a doctor whose interest is preventive medicine, are good reasons to give this book a look. It may just improve the quality of the reader’s life.

Readers may be tempted to move right to section three, “What Better Sleep Looks Like.” Of course, this is fine but there is much of interest in the book’s preceding two sections entitled “Unlocking the Secrets of Sleep,” and, “The Rx Factor-Sleep is Medicine.” Throughout the entire book, Dr. Singh is a helpful guide.

Pick this one up if you have trouble sleeping or if you just would like to sleep a bit better. It is very readable and it might just work for you.

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

Pub date: 27 June 2023

A Rip Through Time is the first in a series. If you enjoy this one, The Poisoner’s Ring is also out now.

This book is a bit different from my usual reads. In some ways, it brings the Outlander series to mind (although I have not read most of those books). What they have in common is a main character who goes from the present into a full life in an earlier period.

In this novel, a Canadian detective, Mallory, travels to Scotland in order to see her dying grandmother. In a way that can only happen in fiction, Mallory travels through time and finds herself in the body of Catriona, a maid in an 1869 household.

What ensues involves mystery, and murder. Will Mallory be able to make use of her skills from both lives to bring someone to justice? Read this one to find out. Along the way, enjoy a visit to Edinburgh in an earlier time and watch Mallory’s relationship with a certain Dr. Gray. All in all, an entertaining read.

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

This title was published in 2022.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Advance Praise for A Rip Through Time

“Armstrong builds an intense, intricately plotted mystery in this series debut.” ―Library Journal (starred and boxed review)

“[A] clever time-traveling thriller.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A promising start to a new series.” ―Booklist

www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/opinion/book-recommendations-summer-vacation.html

I love the pun filled titles of this author’s work. A Fatal Groove is the second in the series, with the first having the title, Vinyl Resting Place. Readers can probably guess that these stories have to do with music and, indeed, the book’s protagonist has a record and drinks shop, cutely called Sip n Spin.

The story is set in Texas at bluebonnet season, a time that sounds lovely indeed. As readers from the first book may know, three sisters have opened a record shop. A joy in the story is watching their interactions.

Chaos breaks out when the town’s mayor is seemingly poisoned by a drink made in the sisters’ store. Of course, this means that it is essential to their business to find the culprit. Cozy/traditional mystery readers know that they will do just that. Enjoy this title as you watch the case unfold. It was a fun read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 July 2023

Three stars ***

Any child who has woken up grumpy will enjoy this book and, especially, its illustrations. How does a bad day get better? Turn the pages to find out in this cute title.

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

#CoqauVin #NetGalley

A look at this book’s cover will give a good sense of what readers will find inside; in these pages are Paris, food, music, and Nan who does things her own way. All true to the contents of this title.

I first got to know this author a number of years ago and am delighted to see her books back in print. This is a short (under 200 pages) read that features Nanette. She is in Paris to locate a missing relative but much happens along the way, including meeting a street musician. Get to spend time in Paris. Have a bit of a mystery and some romance. All in all, an enjoyable read

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

This title was published in 2021.

From the Publisher