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

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks review — he can write!

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dc87acd8-ee6f-11ed-b02d-cefaa3091195?shareToken=e51f2188d6a4a689132675685451d3cd

Anyone who has watched Mary Berry on TV knows that she is one talented baker. She has been at it for longer than many readers have even been alive. Plus, Ms. Berry makes it look so doable. All fans of Mary will be thrilled to see that a new edition of her Baking Bible is being published in May.

Inside this beautifully illustrated book are over 250 recipes. Some of the categories covered are classic cakes, celebration cakes, baking for children, tarts and pastries, buns and scones, and many others. Just a few of the recipes are those for a chocolate mirror cake, an amazing castle cake that a child is sure to love, and orange and chocolate fork shortbread cookies. At over 400 pages, this book has enough recipes for a lifetime.

Also included at the beginning of the book is a great deal of helpful formation. Read about equipment, baking terminology, ingredients, tips, and conversion tables and then get to work.

Looking for a Mother’s Day or other occasion gift, even a gift ot one’s self? Keep this in mind. It is terrific.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Chocolate Mirror Cake	Lemon Tart with Lemon Passion Fruit Curd	Rainbow Cake

Fruity Granola Bars	Cheese and Olive Crown Loaf	Brownie Loaves with White Chocolate Chips

It is hard to believe that Independence Square is the 10th Arkady Renko novel. Faithful (and new) readers of the series will enjoy this title that Publishers Weekly has given a well deserved star review. It is described by the publication as “stellar;” what more could a reader hope for?

Given the current state of the world, it is interesting to read a book that is set in Ukraine and to be there with Arkady. He is a good companion.

When the story opens, Arkady is, I think, a bit bored. Finally, something interesting comes along when he is asked to locate musician Karina. She is the daughter of a body builder who is a man doing some unsavory work. Karina, herself, is anti-Putin; what could be more dangerous?

The case takes Arkady to the Crimea and Ukraine. What will he find there? Will Karina be alive? And, how will Arkady cope as he faces a medical diagnosis? Oh, and some complications in his relationship too.

Note that Smith has been writing about Russia for quite a while. He knows whereof he speaks. He also has intimate knowledge of Arkady’s medical condition and writes movingly about this.

Those who enjoy spy fiction, good writing and good stories will want to pick up this title. Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

#NationalMonumentsoftheUSA #NetGalley

Thinking of traveling with kids this summer? Looking for some focus for your trip? Here is a wonderful compendium of the country’s national monuments. It is well illustrated and packed with information. Just right for travelers both real and virtual.

I was immediately drawn to this title by its gorgeous cover. It shows clearly that there will be much to see in these pages, including the Statue of Liberty and The Golden Gate Bridge. And, of course, there are many more in this title that is organized by geographical region. Note that the graphics inside this title also are designed to draw the visitor in.

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

Pub date: 13 June 2023

Martin Edwards has been editing titles in this series for a while now. He does a most excellent job.

This time, Edwards turns to Scotland with a collection of seventeen stories from the classic mystery fiction tradition. I found many of my favorite authors here including Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton, Josephine Tey, and Cyril Hare. I was also introduced to some new authors which added pleasure to my reading experience.

Be sure to read the introduction. It is filled with interesting and helpful context. I also liked the author biographies that prefaced each entry.

This book is just right for when a short story (and not a novel) is called for. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 May 2023

Those who enjoy word puzzles may well want to add this book to their library. The way the anagram puzzle works is clearly explained and then the fun begins. Puzzles range from the easy to the very difficult. Progress or start at the level that seems right. This is a brain teasing, fun collection and one that would be easy to carry around. I enjoyed it.

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

#MindfulnessinBaking #NetGalley

This series shows how mindfulness can be found in every day tasks. I previously reviewed the entries on gardening and knitting. Here is one for the bakers among us.

While each title is unique, all offer a chance to connect more deeply while doing something familiar. Here readers spend time with Julia Ponsonby who has been baking fr over 25 years. Clearly, she has had time to think about the topic.

Chapters include Simplicity, Using Our Hands, Baking for Well-Being, Baking for Enlightenment, and an Afterword. There is also a section on resources.

The timeless quality of baking and its long history are acknowledged right off. Through baking it is noted that we focus completely on an activity in the present and may therefore have that “beginners’ mind” that is a part of mindfulness. Also, the author notes that all of our senses are engaged.

I very much enjoyed spending time with this author. I liked that she shared personal anecdotes. Also, there are some mindfulness activities to practice and even some recipes.

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

Pub date: 20 June 2023

by Holly Rosensweig

#LetsGoPuppy #NetGalley

Adults and little ones are certain to find the illustrations in this title absolutely adorable (and often humorous). In addition, the front of the book informs adults about how this title might be used to encourage a toddler’s early language development so it is not only about the cute factor.

Simple words accompany the pictures and are repeated several times to help in learning. I think that both adults and kids will like spending time with this one.

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

Pub date: 27 June 2023