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

Empowering Words of Wisdom & Stories from Women Who Get Outside

by Kiki Ely

Some chapter headings in this title are: Walk Your Own Path; Change is the Only Constant; Breathe the Wild Air; Sleep Under the Stars’ Get Inspired, Say Yes to Adventure and Bloom Like a Flower. Inspired? Keep reading.

Within these pages are beautiful photographs, timelines, stories of women from many walks of life, questions to think about and more. The power of nature in our lives and the need to spend time outdoors are made clear. All in all, this is a book for learning and for thinking about the way one wants to live. It is a sort of self-help book but not like any other that I have seen.

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

Pub date: 06 September 2022

by Royal Horticultural Society

#RHSGardenersFiveYearRecordBook #NetGalley.

What a lovely resource for those who want to keep track of their gardens. The illustrations throughout this title are absolutely gorgeous and from the RHS archives. Within these pages gardeners have ample room to list details of weather, plants in bloom, tasks and any notes. Those who are looking for this kind of resource will, I think, love this one.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion-Frances Lincoln Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BN-Aug-22-pt2.pdf

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/08/19/books/review/first-novels-quiz.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/08/17/books/books-iceland.html

Let’s Count Forward AND Backward

by Nan Evenson

This book is quite delightfully and exuberantly illustrated. It is a counting book with a sense of humor. I think that both kids and their adults will enjoy this one.

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

Pub date: 30 September 2021

A Novel

by Sara Paretsky

Overboard is the twenty-second title is Ms. Paretsky’s long running series featuring Vi Warshawski. I first encountered Vi in Indemnity Only which was originally released in 1982. Somehow, this talented author has very successfully kept Vi socially relevant and engaging. The books are always a good read and will certainly be enjoy by those who like Sue Grafton.

This time, Vi encounters an enigmatic, injured teen girl. It is late at night. This girl says something but disappears soon thereafter. What happened? What does she know? Since this is a Vi W novel, readers can be sure that some powerful people will be involved. How do the police fit into these events?

One interesting aspect of the book is the acknowledgment of the pandemic. This is happening more in books recently but it is always good to look at things with Vi.

This is a long novel. The pages will turn though! I think that readers both new to and familiar with the series will like this one.

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

Pub date: May 2022

From the Publisher

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Here is a new entry in this terrific series for kids. This time they will spend time with football/soccer star Marcus Rashford. Kids will see how he came to build an amazing sports career. What I think is equally impressive though is Rashford’s social conscience and desire to give back. I hope that readers will also be inspired by this aspect of his life.

This book has enticing illustrations that go so well with the text. As always, there are additional sections at the end of the book with more information.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this excellent title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 Sep 2022