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

I enjoy this author’s books

I truly love this series.

This historical mystery set during England’s Regency period is the start of what appears to be a promising series. Of course, there is a murder; in this case the vicim is the wife of Stapleton Henderson.

Protagonist, Lady Abigail is unable to reveal her whereabouts at the time of the crime. She was secretly at an abolitionist meeting. Lady Abigail, who is of mixed race and had a mother with a racy past, will perhaps be looked at askance. Furthermore, Lady Abigail’s marriage was not a happy one. When her neighbor, Henderson, offers her an alibi who is it meant to benefit?

This is a good read. Pages turn while waiting to see what happened and why.

Reviewers have noted that readers who enjoyed Bridgerton may well like this title. I imagine that could be so. It was enjoyable and I look forward to book number two.

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

#MurderinWestminster #NetGalley

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Riley’s inclusive, keenly drawn cast shines a light on the role of people of color in the Regency era…Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.” –Publishers Weekly
 
“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre.” – Library Journal
 
“Riley’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative.  She made me see 1806 London in an entirely new way – I’m a fan of Jane Austen as well as Dianne Freeman and many others – but she gave me the gift of an expanded perspective, along with a really well told mystery.  The denouement is particularly clever and includes both grim irony and a dandy twist.  I’m hoping this will be a long-lived series and I can visit with Lady Abigail again soon.” – Mystery Scene Magazine

Part of the Jackson Brodie series

and other by the author

and others by her

and others by the author

In her novels, Fiona Davis brings the world of New York City to her readers. I have spent time at the Frick Mansion, the New York Public Library, the Chelsea Hotel and other locations with her as a guide. Each time Ms. David brings the landmark to life, sharing some of its history and mystique. This is exactly what she does in The Spectacular, where readers go to Radio City Music Hall and spend time with the famous Rockettes. As usual, Ms. Davis tells an involving story with not just the intriguing setting, but also good characters and an involving plot.

Readers get to know the members of the Brooks family. The father is a widower with a prosperous business and strong opinions. Judy is the less beautiful daughter, the one who works at her father’s company and seems to mostly do exactly what is expected. For her part, Marion is expected to be and do the same; she is supposed to marry the right sort of young man and he has just proposed to her early in the novel. However, Marion is more like her deceased mother who was artistic. Marion loves to dance and decides to take a chance, auditioning for the Rockettes. This decision to become a Rockette affects Marion’s family relationships. She wants their support but is not sure that she can count on them.

Marion also meets many new people, including Bunny (another dancer) and Peter, a psychiatrist, among others in her new life. Readers not only learn about these people, they also get to witness the grueling rehearsal schedule and indeed spectacular formations of the Rockettes.

At the same time there is a bomber in the city. How will that play at Radio City? What will be the impact on Marion and what role will take on in events?

The novel opens with Marion when she is older. It then goes back and takes readers on her journey. They will watch Marion as she faces real threats and emotional ones, all the while deciding what kind of life she wants for herself.

Here is yet another very good read by the author. Recommended for historical fiction and women’s fiction readers. It is a delight.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.

FOUR STARS ****

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An engaging story…the novel is rich with historical details, and it comes most vividly to life in the passages about the Rockettes, with all the sweat, agony, and camaraderie that go into those miraculously perfect performances.” —Kirkus

“Davis masterfully draws Marion into the story, setting the scene for a cinematic conclusion. Readers will be attracted to the intriguing history and moved by Davis’ entrancing narrator.”
—Booklist

Children who love sea critters are sure to enjoy this beautifully illustrated title. In these pages, they will get to know Little Whale (a humpback) and members of his pod. They will learn a lot about many aspects of a whale’s life and environment.

For example, find out why these whales have “knobby” heads. Learn how long a whale can stay under water and so much more.

This book is recommended for children who love the sea and those who live in it. Adults may just enjoy it as well.

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

Pub date: 01 August 2023

#LittleWhale #NetGalley

The best thrillers for June 2023 — Jack Reacher has a new rival

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/2847b704-0931-11ee-947c-69265173b330?shareToken=7c15e7e8732ac274c416d4b576778e99

Murderous rich people betray one another on Fire Island. A Black sheriff walks a dangerous line in the Deep South. A true-crime podcaster makes an un…
— Read on www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2577-a-month-by-month-guide-to-summer-s-biggest-mysteries

I drink wine but am by no means a connoisseur. This book is an accessible, unsnobby and good guide to wines and it left me knowing a great deal more. Oh, and let’s not forget that this title is pretty; the bright colors and layouts really appealed to me. Organized by month, each chapter is packed with information. For example, January is about Cabernet Sauvignon, April is Merlot, August is Sauvignon Blanc and November is Pinot Noir. The author imagines that readers will use this guide as they form their own wine clubs; sounds like a great idea.

There is information on how to organize and host an event. There are tips for “tasteful tastings,” food pairings, ways to talk about wine and more.

Those who want to learn about wine and/or those who want to learn along with friends, will very much enjoy this title. It would make a great gift to a friend or one’s self.

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

Five stars *****

From the Publisher

I love books that feature librarians, booksellers and the worlds that they inhabit. This title shows how some of those who worked with books were essential to the WW2 war effort.

As the story opens, Maria Alves is working at the New York Public Library. She leaves the city when she is tapped for a mission to Portugal at the OSS’s request. Maria will be sending microfilmed documents to London for analysis.

Maria works with and gets to know Tiago. He is a bookstore owner but is also doing much more in his own war effort to help save those who are Jewish. The plot gets even deeper and more complex when Maria is given yet another assignment. Readers will turn the pages hoping that she is successful and alive at the novel’s conclusion.

There are so many WW2 books out now yet I still recommend this one. The setting, characters and plot will engage the reader.

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

By the way, if this title appeals, also take a look at The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin. Both are set in Portugal and feature librarian protagonists.

#TheBookSpy #NetGalley

Pub date: January 2023

From the Publisher

I love this author’s poems. Take a look at her book Devotions.

A good old fashioned read