Jeanne Dams writes perfect British cozy mysteries in books that I have been reading since the very first in the series. This is number twenty-five. There are the setting in a cathedral town, a likeable ex-pat, Dorothy, who is of a certain age; Dorothy’s husband, Alan, a retired highly placed police official; those around them and, of course, a mystery in each entry.
This time Alan’s unofficial great niece is visiting. However, all does not go according to plan and Lucy’s fiancee is murdered. Who was this man really? Why was he killed?
Readers read the novel knowing that the case will be solved and that order will be restored. This is exactly the appeal of a cozy title; the reader can relax and enjoy while the author is trusted to do what they do best as Ms. Dams does here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this title. All opinions are my own.
This cloth book for the youngest children is one of several that is being published now. As is true for the others, this title is bright and engaging. Young ones will enjoy seeing the brightly colored jungle animals in this book that is made for little hands.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Most days, I publish a post on e book bargains. First, do you like these posts? Second, if I have reviewed one of the listed books, would you want that info included? Thanks.
Young children often enjoy learning about animals and this cheerily illustrated book allows them to do just that. The guide animal in these pages is a brown bear and readers are told that he represents Russia, a bit tricky for this moment but book buyers are free to make their own decisions about that.
Children will see animals from many countries and will learn fun facts about each one. Each entry has illustrations, a view of the flag for that animal’s country and more. At the bottom of each page are all of the animals that have been shown up to that point. These can be reviewed or maybe even memorized by some kids in a fun game. All in all, this is an enjoyable way to learn about animals and our world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Regular readers of Jodi Picoult’s novels know what to expect…the unexpected, plot twists, a social issue and lots of information on an interesting topic, in this case bees.
Here is a story in which Ms. Picoult partnered with Ms. Boylan, a fortuitous and successful pairing for this novel’s topic and one about which readers will learn a great deal. As I mentioned in a review of a spark of light, I think that a service is done for readers who are hungry for information and may not have easy access to it; in this instance, the subject is being trans.
Well, yes, as noted above, there is always a bit of a didactic turn in this writer’s works but there is also always a terrific story. Here readers get to know Asher and his bee keeping mom, and Lily, a person of great importance to Ash. Around them flow many other characters.
When something really bad happens, Asher is in trouble. Did he do what he was accused of? How will events play out? What will the impact be on the small New Hampshire town where the novel is set?
Around the central plot, are backstories for many characters. There is a good deal about families and parents who are absent, along with the impact of that on children. Is it ever better not to be with a parent is one of many questions.
As this book opens readers meet two moms are single parents for complex reasons. What happens when this new(ish) ecosystem is messed with? Will it be like it is for the bees when they face disruption?
I, for one, really wanted to know what would happen in this story, not only to Asher, but to many of the people around him. I think readers will feel that way too.
Congrats to the authors. They have written one heck of a book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 04 October 2022
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Jodi Picoult
“Picoult is a skilled wordsmith, and she beautifully creates situations that not only provoke the mind but touch the flawed souls in all of us.”—The Boston Globe
“Jodi Picoult is that rare, one-in-a-million writer whose books both squeeze your heart and expand your mind.”—Emily Henry
Praise for Jennifer Finney Boylan
“Jennifer Finney Boylan is an exquisite writer.”—Augusten Burroughs
“One could not ask for a wiser, warmer, more engaging companion than Jennifer Finney Boylan.”—Mary Roach
With a reputation for having more authors per capita than any other country, Iceland is a destination for readers. Olaf Olafsson, whose most recent book is “Touch,” leads a literary stroll through its capital.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/08/17/books/books-iceland.html
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 