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

All manner of death for December.
— Read on www.libraryjournal.com/story/prepub/year-end-fiction-thrillers-dec.-2023-pt.-2—prepub-alert

From The Short List:

Here is the ninth in a cozy series set in Amish country (in Pennsylvania). Daisy, a friend and her fiance’s dog discover a body. Was the person a victim of a hit and run or was something more murderous the cause of death? Readers can most likely answer that question. Daisy, herself, will figure this out while she also plans a party for her parents and thinks about her own wedding plans. Luckily for the reader, she is a terrific multitasker.

Murder with Earl Grey tea is just the sort of mystery that cozy readers love. They will enjoy this one and will wish that they could actually visit Daisy’s Tea Garden.

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

This edition of Buzz Books Romance is out now and, even better, it is free. Anyone who reads (or is thinking about reading) in this genre, should give this title a look. There are fourteen generous excerpts from upcoming publications here. Prospective readers can see the books’ covers, learn about the authors, read a summaries and then try out the titles. Perfect.

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

I am always eager to take a look at this publisher’s titles. There are always good cozy mysteries to be found.

Here is the third title in Tamara Berry’s series. Her protagonist has stirred up trouble even as she solved her previous cases. Now, she wants to feel accepted in her community but, of course, a new murder comes her way and troubles follow.

I really enjoyed that the book’s protagonist is a writer and bookseller. That added to the fun of this read for me. I also liked the story’s setting and all of the characters who surround Tess. Her mother has a prominent role here.

This book is recommended to those who enjoy a fun mystery without much gore. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 May 2023

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/26/books/summer-reading.html

This is the third in a series after Dear Mrs. Bird and Yours Cheerfully. These have been very enjoyable reads. Cheers!

Megan Abbott on Dreams, Dangers, and Going to Strange Places in Her Newest Novel

FREE

I think that this is a fantastic entry in the Rebel Girls series. Those who are Pride adjacent or who themselves celebrate a PRIDE identity will get so much from this title. Kids and their adults who are a part of this community will feel recognized and those who are not will also find much to learn and admire here.

In this colorfully illustrated title, I found people whose names I recognized as, for example, Billie Jean King, Janelle Monae and Laverne Cox. I also met many new people in these pages. Here are sports figures, scientists, artists, activists and more.

Each person featured gets a two page spread. There is biographical information, a quote from each person, and some q codes. Lots to explore here in a good entry in the series. There is space to write, a list of helpful terms and more at the end of the book.

Thank you Rebel Girls for recognizing our many communities.

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

From the Publisher