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

by Claire Oshetsky

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FOR FICTION

Chouette is a unique read. I remember being taught that the word “unique” is a superlative so no reason to attach words like very or quite or extremely to it. It is a word meant to stand on its own, so this is where I will leave it.

Some readers will love this book for its idiosyncrasies and particular look at parenthood, especially its view as one where each parent sees their child differently and wants different futures for them. This makes the book seem quite the metaphor for many children who are seen as not within the “norm.”

Chouette is born to a human parent but is owl like. Her mother had premonitions about this and faced a difficult decision to make about whether to seek an abortion. This may resonate a great deal, especially in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Because of who she is, Couchette engages in some predatory behaviors. At the same time, she is broken winged and perhaps not able to survive on her own, just as human babies cannot.

What will happen to Chouette and her family? Will they find a way to live together or will they be split apart? Read this tricky novel to find out. I’d love to know what readers think.

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

Pub date: 16 November 2021 and recently out in paperback

Review

“Searing and ethereal…. [Chouette focuses] squarely on Tiny’s fierce love as she battles her husband and nature to allow Chouette to be wild and exact, stakes that feel frightening and true to life…. A harrowing and magnificent fable.” — New York Times Book Review

“Oshetsky’s book is surrealism at its best…. “Chouette,” which abounds with humor and lush imagery, forces parents to consider their relationship with their children…. The book has deep and universal resonance.” — San Francisco Chronicle

“Weirdly funny and bold, this novel will make you look at maternal sacrifice in a new way.” — Real Simple

“By turns poetic, gory, heartbreaking and strange…. An engrossing, surreal portrayal of motherhood.” — NPR

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf

Here is another in a series of Sherlock Holmes stories for beginning chapter book readers. I find these stories to be good retellings of the canon. The cartoon like illustrations will add to young readers pleasure in these titles.

The Sign of the Four draws the reader right in. There are mysterious pearls, a missing father, a seeming pact among four adults, hints of doings in India and more. Just think, this all happens in the first chapter! I do think that readers will want to keep turning the pages to discover the case’s solution along with Holmes and Watson.

Children may enjoy these books just as they are. I imagine that some will go on to be curious about the originals.

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

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022 |

Creative Prompts and Challenges to Help You Get Through Anything

by Lori Deschene

#TinyBuddhasInnerStrengthJournal #NetGalley

I was not familiar with Tiny Buddha before requesting this ARC. (Those interested can find out more online.) Nonetheless, I learned a lot from exploring this title. It is one that will reward the reader for the time they put into thinking about the many prompts and more that are included in these pages.

The author shares that she has had her own serious struggles as, for example, with bulimia and depression, and has tried to grow through them. This growth is what she hopes for her readers as she asks them to think about their lives. This title is divided into sections on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions of life. In each of these parts of the book, there are writing prompts, a doodle and a challenge.

It is suggested that one could begin this book in any section. However, it is better to complete one section before moving to another is the advice given.

For those who want to know and understand themselves and have the discipline to set aside thinking and being time, this book will will be a most helpful resource.

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

Pub date: 30 Aug 2022 |

The CrimeReads editors select the month’s best new fiction in crime, mystery, and thrillers. * Winnie M. Li, Complicit (Emily Bestler Books) Winnie Li stunned the crime and literary worlds with her intense debut, Dark Chapter, based around a traumatic incident in the author’s own life and nominee for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Now she’s…

The Best New Crime Novels of the Month: August 2022 — CrimeReads

Tom Boy is the second in this series of historical mysteries; it takes place as WWII is casting its threat over the world. Protagonist Jane has a lot on her plate. She is a San Francisco based cub reporter who is also trying her best to parent her sister, Elsie. It is not easy.

Into this mix comes the opportunity (made with effort) to attend Wimbledon. Jane is going to cover local star Tommie who is competing. When Tommie’s coach dies in the stands, is it murder? Jane will want to know.

Follow along with this intrepid young woman. The pages will turn as the story unfolds. Jane is willing to do whatever it takes to get her story. Will that story be gossip about Tommie or one about her (murdered?) coach. Find out.

Many thanks for the opportunity to read this enjoyable title. I look forward to more adventures with this Jane, who is anything but plain.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Blanton-Stroud is a wonderful writer, and Jane is a compelling creation. . . . An intriguing and engaging mystery—readers will hope for more adventures starring the redoubtable hero.”
—Kirkus Reviews

This book has summer read in its DNA. It is a novel by the author of Anatomy of a Scandal, a book that was made into a Netflix mini-series with Sienna Miller and Michelle Dockery.

Here is an equally absorbing story that kept me always wanting to read just a little more. Readers are drawn into the world of a female MP and those around her. Emma is divorced and mother to teen Flora who is struggling. Emma is not really aware of this however as Flora tries to protect her. Emma’s ex has married Caroline to whom Flora does sometimes confide her worries, leaving Emma to learn of them second hand.

Emma has taken on causes important to women including the issue of revenge porn. Events cascade and as readers learn at the beginning of the novel. Emma becomes involved in a murder investigation. The victim is found in her home.

This book is so aptly named as the reputations of the characters are all on the line. There are the victim of revenge porn, the ways in which Flora’s reputation is ruined by friends and, of course, Emma’s own reputation for which she is fighting.

This is a fast and good read. There are some important issues here but they are delivered within the context of the story. I very much enjoyed waiting to see how matters would resolve themselves.

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

Pub date: 05 July 2022

From the Publisher

This novel is the fourth by this author. It will be welcomed by the fans of her earlier books.

Alexis is an ER doctor. She is having a pretty bad day when the book opens. However, when she meets Daniel, her world could well be about to change. Daniel is a carpenter so perhaps not likely to be endorsed by Alexis’s surgeon parents. Also, there is an age difference between Alexis and Daniel with him being ten years younger than Alexis. Still, this is the world of romance so readers will surely hope for that happy ending.

This looks like it will be an enjoyable read in its full forms. Those who gravitate to women’s fiction and romance titles will want to give this book a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central for this preview. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 April 2022

From the Publisher

	The Friend Zone	The Happy Ever After Playlist