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

A Novel

by Susan Wiggs

#WaywardGirls #NetGalley

Wayward Girls tells the stories of six young women who, for various reasons, were sent to an institution in Buffalo, New York that was much like Ireland’s Magdalen Laundries. These were places were vulnerable young girls, many times the victims of others, were sent when they became pregnant when they were single or otherwise were not conforming to society’s rules. Even worse, one character was sent to this hell, when it was her stepfather who was the offending party. The men often seemed to be able to continue as they had been with little consequence for their mistreatment of their victims.

Anyone who wonders about the historic (lack of) rights for young women will be justifiably appalled by what happened to these girls who were further victimized and judged by those who should have helped them. Readers will very much hope that somehow these six young women will be able to go on to better lives post institution. Their friendships should help.

Disclosure: I have worked with birth mothers from this time and know many of their stories. This made a book, that was excellent, very difficult for me to read.

One note: The story begins with a girl who says that she needs a pre-adoption certificate to get a passport. I have never heard of that requirement.

Kudos to Wiggs for bravely showing readers what life was like for some young women. I believe that she hopes that a time like this will not come again.

This is definitely a worthwhile read. It is not all depressing.

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

Pub date: 15 July 2025

400 pages

From the Publisher

by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

From the publisher:

The Paris Apartment meets A Simple Favor in an unputdownable thriller about a honeymoon gone horribly wrong.

Sometimes, Paris is a terrible idea.

This is not how she imagined it, any of it. Taylor Quinn arrives at her honeymoon suite in the City of Love alone, sans suitcase, but with wads of stolen cash. When she catches a glimpse of newlyweds Cassie and Olivier enjoying their happily ever, she can’t tear her eyes away. And Cassie makes their antics easy to follow as she reveals every detail of their picture-perfect trip on social media. Taylor’s obsession builds as she tracks their every move. This was the kind of life she was supposed to be living, this was the marriage she should have had, this was the honeymoon she dreamed of.

The illusion is shattered when she overhears a heated argument between Cassie and Olivier, which reveals that they’re not the lovestruck couple they pretend to be. But Cassie and Olivier have agendas of their own and Taylor can’t see the danger in getting in the middle of this until it’s too late. And now, no one will get out of Paris unscathed.

My thoughts:

Wow! I was drawn in by the first sentence: “Sometimes Paris is a terrible idea.” Hard to imagine but definitely true here.

Readers will wait to see how this plot comes together and who among, and how, the characters will survive. They are an interesting, not always likeable, group of people.

Pick this one up if you would like to read a suspenseful story set in the City of Lights. The author is French which adds some verisimilitude to the settings.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 15 April 2025

From the Publisher

From the publisher:

The seventh in the House-Flipper mystery series set in Nashville, TN, where the real estate market is to die for.

This year’s honor roll is killer…

Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are no strangers to murder. After all, they’ve encountered corpses on their properties before. But this is the first time they’d decided to take a chance on a property where two suspicious deaths have already occurred. Most buildings on the former boarding school property will be repurposed for an upscale retirement community, but the developer has no use for the headmaster’s house given its violent history. The headmaster and his wife were killed there decades earlier, their deaths remaining unsolved to this day.

Still, it seems a shame to see the beautiful Victorian give way to decay or the wrecking ball, even if many claim the unsettled souls of the victims still wander its halls, seeking retribution and justice. Can Whitney and Buck exorcise the structure’s demons, solve the cold case, and give the building new life? Or will ghosts from the past seek to silence them forever?

My thoughts:

Those who have read other titles in this series will, undoubtedly, be delighted to welcome back Whitney, Buck and other familiar characters. That said, I think that readers can pick this one up even if they have not read any of the others yet.

This is a traditional/cozy mystery. It relies on characters, relationships, settings and plot without graphic violence. This kind of mystery appeals to me when life is stressful. It offers a good read without demanding too much of me. That is meant as a compliment!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025

Praise for Dead Post Society:

“Clues from the past and a wide cast of possible killers make this game worth the candle.” – Kirkus Reviews

This gorgeously illustrated title provides a wonderful introduction to poetry for young children.  The adults who share or read these poems will also enjoy the experience.

The poems are organized by subjects including, for example, Family and Friends, Feelings, Animals and Nature, Cities, Towns and Travel, Fun and Games, Science and Art, Body and Health and A World of Learning.  The range is vast and appealing.

I enjoyed so many of these poems, for instance, I’m Bigger by Kristy Dempsey.  What older sibling won’t enjoy this paean to having skills that the new baby lacks while also acknowledging love for that tiny creature?

This book is inclusive.  For example, the section on family includes poems about everything from adoption to same sex families to the Korean tradition of a baby choosing an object that is tied to their future to a poem titled Abuelita.  Throughout this book, on all other subjects this book is equally inviting.

I highly recommend this title.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#AWorldFullofPoems #NetGalley

Pub date:  October 6, 2020

Cut to the chase…there is a rumor that Maria Capello cooked her husband in one of her recipes. Pretty gruesome, but did she? If you wonder, this may be the book for you.

Maria’s husband was a talented chef. His belongings were found along with a note, indicating the possibility of suicide. Did he kill himself, did Maria (as noted above) or did something else entirely happen? Turn the pages to find out.

Protagonist Thea had an absent mother and a father who came in and out of her life randomly. For a sense of security, Thea always watched Maria Capello’s cooking show. It offered comfort, taught her recipes, and even fostered an introduction to her husband.

Thea was on the verge of losing her job but, for some reason, Maria wants her to edit her new book. It is all very top secret. Thea does not know why she was chosen. Will she have been right to accept the job? It leads to her isolation on an estate.

In addition to the main story line, I liked how the author showed Thea’s home life with its daily relationship and parenting frustrations. I also liked how she made a Brooklyn neighborhood come to life.

All in all, worth a look for those who can take some horror. Not so sure for myself. Be aware that it becomes creepy.

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

Pub date: 05 August 2025

From the Publisher

by Stephen Fry

An e book bargain

#MythosTheIllustratedEdition #NetGalley

Stephen Fry wears a few hats. One of these is author and, in that guise, he has written his version of the Greek myths. Readers are lucky that he has taken on these stories of the gods with all of their powers but also their human flaws.

This is a long (over 500 pages) book that will keep readers entertained for hours. So many stories are included here. Read about Gaia’s Revenge, Hera, Artemis, Cupid, Phaeton, Hyacinthus, Pyramus and Thisbe, Midas… and that is just a very small sample of the characters found in these pages.

This is a new edition of the previously published Mythos. It is lavishly illustrated. Mythos will bring so much pleasure to readers. Think about giving this as a gift to someone who loves Greece, mythology and beautiful editions of books. I am certain it will be welcomed.

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

Pub date: 03 September 2024

About the book

From the publisher:

In this hilarious second installment of a Regency romance series, a single lord is forced to settle down…and when a houseparty brings a happy-go-lucky lady’s companion his way, his grumpy heart is unexpectedly warmed.

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, was publicly humiliated by a failed and reckless romantic gesture. Despite this, his mother clings to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching thirty, Guy’s work is his life. In desperation, his mother blindsides Guy with a weeklong house party at his estate filled with annoying debutantes, all competing to be his wife.

After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers is struggling as a lady’s companion. Raised in an all-male household, she’s developed habits that get her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings of how to be a lady, she climbs trees better than she embroiders and can’t resist riding horses astride, in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one who catches Guy’s eye—though he tries to deny it. For Lottie, succeeding in her new role proves difficult when the Wennington estate is filled with horses, and a spark ignites between her and the grumpy lord. Will they remain stuck in their ways, or learn that they may just be the perfect match?

My thoughts:

Here is a lighthearted and fun romance set during the Regency period. It features a mismatched pair but one that readers will root for. This title offers some great escape from daily life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 24 June 2025

From the Publisher

#TheWitchsOrchard #NetGalley

I was drawn to this novel when I learned that it was set in Appalachia. I have previously read the novels by Julia Keller that were set here and found them to be gripping. I was also intrigued to read that the author of this title is a ninth generation Appalachian.

I was less sure about the plot which involved three young girls who were sequentially taken from their homes about ten years before the start of this story. Child abduction is not my favored mystery sub-genre.

That said, I loved spending time with the PI who is hired by the brother of one of the missing girls. Annie Gore is tough and resourceful with an interesting backstory. Many of the other characters are equally well portrayed and they are many. There are the families of the girls, the local law enforcement, a friend and mentor of Annie’s, and others.

The settings in the book are as well delineated as are the characters. I could see the cabin where Annie was staying in my mind, for example.

What will happen as misdeeds from the past are aroused again? Read this one to find out.

I hope that Sullivan will continue to write now that her debut has been published. I highly recommend this first book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 August 2025

Reviews:

“The narrative is linear, relatable and revealing… And the ending, just―wow!” –BookPage (starred review)

“An auspicious debut for this series.” –Dayton Daily News

“This gothic-horror story–murder mystery offers a chilling look at dark secrets in a small, poverty-stricken Appalachian town. Full of suspense, shocking twists, and a healthy dose of Appalachian folklore and traditions, it’s guaranteed to keep readers spellbound from first page to last.” –Booklist

“A mesmerizing mystery that blends small-town secrets with ominous folklore. . . Delivering intrigue, atmosphere, and well-shaded characters with the efficiency of a seasoned pro, Sullivan knocks it out of the park on her first try.” –Publishers Weekly

“A tough heroine who refuses to quit uses her own troubled background to crack the case.” –Kirkus Reviews

Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be?

Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more.

So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I looked to it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others.

In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister.

Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them?

At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. The audio version is also well done and the narrator reads with a clear, easy to follow style.

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

King Arthur Baking Company’s Cookbook for Young Bakers

by King Arthur Baking Company

King Arthur flour is pretty well-known so it seemed to me that they would be ideally situated to create some recipes. They are.

This is for young bakers but I always feel that adults who are new to baking can also enjoy books like this.

The information at the beginning of this book is very helpful and will getbakers off to a good start. There are then lots of recipes organized by sweet or salty. A few examples include peanut butter and jam bars, lemon pudding cake, no knead crusty bread, and pick your pan pizzas.

There are lots of photos and the recipe steps are clearly explained. I also really liked the sections with questions as there were some interesting things to learn in these. One example was about the difference between baking powder and baking soda, another about what is macerating, somethings that kids might not know.

This is a really nice book. I may just buy the hard copy. Anyone who would like to bake with a child should take a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 September 2025