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

www.nytimes.com/article/best-judy-blume-books.html

www.nytimes.com/2023/04/28/books/review/new-romance-novels.html

The “American Dream” is based on the notion that, with hard work and grit, one can succeed. For many years, the success was about men and, of course, there were all of those “robber barons” with names like Carnegie and Morgan. But, what about women? Could they make their way up? Yes, sometimes with the right marriage and maybe sometimes with that same grit. How will Arabella achieve this?

Here is an historical novel about a young woman who was working in a gambling parlor when she caught the eye of a wealthy railroad baron. The two became involved in an affair and Collis Harrington helps Arabella to move to New York and establish a new life there.

What happens to these two forms the basis for this novel that is grounded in some truth historically. Will Arabella achieve all that she wants, especially if this includes wanting social acceptance and not just money? Read this one to find out. An American Beauty may put readers in mind of The Gilded Age mini series but that is no bad thing. It is a book with which to relax and maybe dream.

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

#StandingintheShadows #NetGalley

My first Peter Robinson book was his first, Gallows View. From this beginning, through a total of twenty-eight titles, I have happily followed Inspector Banks wherever he had led me. The cases have always been intriguing and I loved getting to know Banks, his (ex) wife, parents, brother, children, colleagues and friends. Readers can also learn a lot about music in the series. Those who haven’t read any of the novels have a real treat in store.

Most sadly, Standing in the Shadows, is Robinson’s final book as he died earlier this year. His last book is one to be proud of; it earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and a high recommendation from me.

The novel unspools in a dual time line. In the earlier period, a young woman has been murdered. Was she killed by the notorious Yorkshire Ripper or was something else in play? How will her ex cope when he has struggled with the end of the relationship?

In the present, Banks has a corpse to deal with. It was discovered on the site of an historical dig but the bones are not ancient Roman ones.

Watching a master like Robinson pull the story together is a real treat. I was so sorry when I turned the last page. I think that I will need to go back to the beginning and reread the series as I am not ready to bid Banks farewell.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 April 2023

The first book is now $1.99 in its e book version.

#GamesandRituals #NetGalley

Sometimes readers want long, immersive novels while, at other times, they may just have enough free time to indulge in a short story. For those short story times, Katherine Heiny offers a rich collection.

Here is a fabulous collection of eleven stories. A few of the titles that intrigued me and that I read first included Games and Rituals (since this is the title of the book), Pandemic Behavior (because its title resonated) and Bridesmaid Revisited (as I wanted to know if it would link in some way to the novel, Brideshead Revisited).

Heiny is a true master of description. This includes her talent for evoking both characters and their settings.

Those who enjoy short stories may want to use their next break to read a story here.

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

Pub date: 18 April 2023

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Heiny approaches her disarmingly charming characters with tenderness, empathy, and humor, even (perhaps, especially) when they meander outside the bounds of good behavior. Lighthearted and amusing yet deeply resonant, these stories offer sly insights about human connection and can, in the space of a single sentence, take your breath away….For Heiny fans and those just discovering her naughty, generous-spirited fiction, this collection is bound to spark considerable joy. It’s a keeper. With this irresistibly amusing, bighearted collection, Heiny again proves she is a master of the short story form.”
—Kirkus,starred review

www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/books/judy-blume-are-you-there-its-me-margaret-movie.html

I read and very much enjoyed the New Zealand set first book in this series, The Molten Mud Murder. I don’t know why it took me so long to get to this one. Now that I have, I am eager to read book 3 and, book 4 which will be published soon.

The book’s detective has, what I think, an unusual specialty. She knows a lot about teeth and uses her forensic knowledge to solve cases. This time, two bodies are found that require her attention. Have sharks killed them or are humans to blame? Readers will be eager to know.

The strength of this series for me is the setting in New Zealand. It is a pleasure to spend time in the country with Alex and those with whom she works and spends time. Oh…and it is entertaining to watch her solve the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 September 2020

From the Publisher

Readers will be drawn to this book by its inviting cover. They will stay to read the story.

Estee Lauder became one of the best known women in the cosmetics industry. Now her name is attached to companies, charities, exhibits and more. Once, though, she was a woman trying to find her way.

As this story opens Estee is selling face creams and treatments out of a not very deluxe beauty parlor. Readers learn that she is the main support of her husband and young son, Leon. Estee is fortunate to have ambition and a strong belief in her self and her products. She will need those qualities.

At this salon, Estee meets a young woman who is down on her luck. Gloria has a father who committed the sorts of crimes that nowadays we would associate with someone like Madoff. Her difficulties and bad publicity cause Gloria to take on this new name. She also has to navigate so much more than she was raised to do in her life of wealth and elegance. Horrors! The first job of this formerly wealthy woman is as a shampoo girl.

This story about Estee is told through Gloria’s eyes. It is also the story of Gloria. Read along as these two women find their way in 20th century America.

This book is recommended to readers of both historical and women’s fiction. It is definitely worth a look to see how the real Estee and fictional Gloria are entwined and help one another.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this captivating novel, Renée Rosen invites readers to peer behind the lovely facade of the iconic Estee Lauder, at her real origin and hardscrabble rise. This illuminating tale about ambition and friendship between Estee and Gloria Downing, another young woman who has changed her name and her identity, explores the dangers inherent in embellishing the truth. A fascinating glimpse into a legend who has changed the face of cosmetics forever.”
—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Personal Librarian and The Mitford Affair

“A scintillating, beautifully written peek into the life of one of America’s most fascinating women, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is an ode to the singular magic of chasing and catching one’s wildest dreams. Through Renee Rosen’s well-trained pen, Estée Lauder returns, living and breathing on every page. Rosen is at the height of her storytelling prowess with this glittering novel that shines as brightly as the heroine at its center. I absolutely could not put it down. “
—Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil
 
“A dazzling story of the beauty of female friendship and the dogged persistence of a cosmetics legend who knew that she—and the women around her—were meant for more… Estée Lauder was a force to be reckoned with and her ambition and drive leap off the page in Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl!”
—Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of A Most Clever Girl

“Like the perfect red lipstick, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is both utterly stylish and satisfying. Renée Rosen deftly shows us what a determined dreamer Estee Lauder was and, in so doing, creates a heroine as timeless and remarkable as the products she introduced to women all around the world. A truly inspiring rags to riches tale, told by a wonderful storyteller.”
—Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Riviera House

Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour. This mystery title is definitely worth a look!

Death on Cromer Beach-about the book

A brutal double murder on a Norfolk beach horrifies the town of Cromer. The way the victims died is chilling and so Norfolk’s Major Investigation Team task DS Ashley Knight to manage the case.

It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges.

Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things.  When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.

There’s a killer on the loose who wants them to believe that the beach has a memory. They must be caught, or others will meet their end by the sea.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3X6tT2V

Author Bio –

Ross Greenwood is the author of crime thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer he was most recently a prison officer and so worked everyday with murderers, rapists and thieves for four years. He lives in Peterborough.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ross.greenwood.756

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenwoodross

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RossGreenwoodnews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwoo

My thoughts:

Ross Greenwood is off to a good start with this first title in his new series. A double murder, an evocative setting, investigators with whom I wanted to spend time and an involving story. Perfect.

Readers are drawn in from the opening pages when they meet Dora on the seafront. The case is messy. Why more than one victim? What is/is there a link to the past? Readers will be turning the pages as they try to figure this out.

This title offers what readers of the genre are looking for. The case is tricky and the pages turn.

Many thanks to Rachel, the publisher and NetGalley!

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From the Publisher

Dear Readers, thanks for checking out my books.

I write two different types of novels. The first is a detective series set in Peterborough starring DI Barton which starts with The Snow Killer.

I don’t write cliches, so Barton is no unprofessional alcoholic. He is a family man, struggling with balancing his home life against the horrors of the job as he hunts down various killers. There is a strong team with characters you’ll grow to love. There are also some dark scenes that will have your heart in your mouth and a fast pace to keep you interested.

The other novels I write are influenced by my time working as a prison officer. HMP Peterborough is the only prison in the UK which holds men and women, obviously in separate jails, but it meant I got to work in both environments. The differences were surprising, as was what these fearful places were really like. It was a tough job, with a steep learning curve.

Please feel free to get in touch. I love to hear your thoughts and read your reviews.