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

In a new novel, “The Lock-Up,” investigators from the novelist’s previous books join forces in 1950s Dublin.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/05/20/books/review/john-banville-the-lock-up.html

Jane Austen’s Emma is one of my favorite books by the author. It has been loved by readers as well. Purists may not want a retelling of this funny and insightful story but I think that those who liked the original could definitely enjoy this one.

The story is updated to New York City’s Upper East Side, one of the most prosperous neighborhoods in Manhattan. As in the original, some people close to Emma have moved; her sister has gotten married and many of her friends have left for time abroad. Emma, herself, is a bit at loose ends, even as she attends grad school.

Characters that readers enjoyed in Emma are here. Her father is now a health food purist. Knightley is her best friend (will there be romance?) and, yes, Emma still thinks that she knows what is best for others. In this novel, it is Nadine with whom Emma becomes friendly and (overly) involved.

All of the elements of the original are here in a charming update. The authors clearly know their Austen. Recommended for those who like classic updates and romantic comedies. If a reader enjoyed Sittenfeld’s, Eligible, I think that they may enjoy this one even more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title.

Four stars

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] charming debut… The authors bring plenty of wit to this classic friends-to-lovers tale. Readers will fall in love with Emma Woodhouse all over again.”—Publishers Weekly 

 “Belleza and Harding have created a glamorous romp that is heartfelt, steamy, and romantic… For fans of the movie Clueless and retellings of classics.”—Library Journal

Rebel Girls had a nice idea with this title. Included inside are inspirational notes, pick me-up notes, messages that can be personalized, fun facts, and jokes. All can be torn out and can easily take up a home in a lunch bag, backpack or other place where kids keep things. They offer an easy way to cheer up a child’s day. Ideal for girls around 9-11, in my opinion.

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

Pub date: 18 July 2023

In her second novel, “The Farewell Tour,” Stephanie Clifford follows a veteran singer who’s wrapping up a long career on her own terms.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/books/review/the-farewell-tour-stephanie-clifford.html

Whimsically chronicling the creation of a Marvel-style movie, “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece” sags under a deluge of detail.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/books/tom-hanks-the-making-of-another-major-motion-picture-masterpiece.html

In Ivy Pochoda’s new thriller, “Sing Her Down,” two recently released prison inmates migrate from Arizona to Los Angeles, leaving a string of grisly scenes in their wake.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/books/ivy-pochoda-sing-her-down.html

To love Miami is to accept that it is a city in flux. Jonathan Escoffery, one of its writers, recommends books that help shape the Florida metropolis.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/books/miami-florida-books.html

In Tembe Denton-Hurst’s new novel, “Homebodies,” a young woman loses her New York media job and must figure out how to restart her life.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/books/review/homebodies-tembe-denton-hurst.html

Sally Bedell Smith’s “George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy” explores a wholly different epoch in the Windsor saga.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/books/review/george-vi-and-elizabeth-sally-bedell-smith.html