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

Michael Crummey, an award-winning author whose poetry and prose explore the region and its capital, St. John’s, shares book recommendations, local vocabulary and where to find a good pint.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/07/20/books/books-newfoundland-canada.html

In Jane Harper’s new book, “Exiles,” set in a small Australian town, a 39-year-old woman disappears from a wine festival — but her infant daughter is found in her stroller, unharmed.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

I recently reread this children’s title and still enjoyed it. I had fond memories of reading this as a kid.

Updated for 2021

by Bill Yenne

#TheCompleteBookofUSPresidentsFourthEdition #NetGalley

This book offers an opportunity to learn about all of the U.S. Presidents, up to and including Joe Biden. It can be read in order for an overview of history or dipped into at random or to look up a particular President. I think that it is especially enjoyable to learn about the presidents who may be less well known to the reader.

Each entry includes a good amount of information. The illustrations (photos, paintings, etc.) are excellent. There are also lots of side bars with information on other topics including those close to the president, as for example their spouses and vice presidents.

Give this title to a U.S. history buff, even if that person is you. I am giving it to myself in the hard copy.

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

Pub date: 02 March 2023

The Mystery Writers of America has announced the nominees for the 2023 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television published or produced in 2022. The 77th Annual Edgar® Awards, which also celebrates the 214th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, will be celebrated on April 27, 2023.…

MWA Announces the 2023 Edgar Award Nominations — CrimeReads

I reviewed this.

Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

by Monica Eng; David Hammond

#MadeinChicago #NetGalley

Before picking up this title, the main thing that I knew about Chicago food was Deep Dish Pizza. Clearly there is so much more.

This book is about that pizza and twenty-nine other dishes. Some of these include Akutagawa, Chicken Corn Roll Tamale, the Chicago Hot Dog, Jibarito, Jim Shoe, Maxwell Street Polish, Mother-in-Law and many more. This book will be so enjoyed by those lucky enough to live in, or who can travel to Chicago, or foodies in general. The pictures and text will make readers hungry. Luckily there are mentions of restaurants where the foods are served. There are also recipes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the University of Illinois Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 March 2023

An inspirational journey through Black history, from A to Z

by Queenbe Monyei

#ABCBlackHistoryandMe #NetGalley

Here is an inspirational ABC for young children. In addition to learning the alphabet, kids will learn about people, vlaues and movements that have resulted in change and better lives for many. Material at the back of the book will be helpful to those who don’t instantly recognize important trailblazers like Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks and others. This book belongs in preschools and homes.

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

Pub date: 14 March 2023

#OneDayWithYou #NetGalley

I always look forward to reading a novel by Shari Low. I know that it will offer an absorbing read with characters about whom I will care. That is certainly the case here.

Readers follow the stories of five characters. They are Tess, who is about to go into labor, and Max; Noah, Max’s friend, and Anya; and finally Nancy, who hopes to again meet an old flame. Much happens to these characters. There are life events, secrets, lies and challenges. Readers will quickly turn the pages to find out what happens to each of them. They may be amazed to realize that so much can take place in just one day.

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

Pub date: 20 January 2023