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

A Novel

by Fiona Davis

An e book bargain.

The Frick museum recently reopened which makes this title quite timely.

City residents and/or tourists have surely passed the Frick museum on Fifth Avenue many times. . The art that Frick collected is magnificent and includes works by Rembrandt and many others. Seeing them is well worth a trip.

But, how much do you know about Frick himself? He was one of those Americans who, like Morgan, Carnegie and others, made huge fortunes and lived luxurious lives.

This historical novel by Fiona Davis imagines aspects of his life primarily through the stories of the very real Helen Frick, his daughter, and another character Miss Lillian who is based on a real person.

Miss Lillian, also known as Angelique, was an artist’s model and the one whose sittings were most desired. The real Angelique adorns many New York City landmarks. The book will provide a good sense of where to look for them. Like the true personage, Lillian faces some difficulties. In the novel, these lead her to a fortuitous opportunity as Miss Helen’s private secretary.

The relationship between Helen and Lillian forms the basis for one story line in the book. Through this narrative, readers get a bird’s eye view of what life in the Frick household was like for both the upstairs and downstairs residents. Readers learn about a tragedy in the family and its on-going repercussions. They also learn why the novel is called The Magnolia Palace.

In a more modern timeline, set in the sixties, readers spend time with a young model who becomes snowbound in the mansion following a photo shoot. She spends time with a young Black intern. Together they make some surprising discoveries. Will the two narratives come together? Pick up the book to find out.

Lovers of historical fiction and those who have enjoyed other titles by Ms. Davis will want to take a look at The Magnolia Palace. The author’s notes what was true and where literary license occurred.

While not my favorite Fiona Davis book, I did enjoy this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

#TheBurialPlace #NetGalley

Those who read the first two novels by Abell will be delighted to see that there is now a third book to enjoy. Here are many familiar faces including Jake (who continues to live off the grid), Livia (his romantic interest), Diana (Livia’s daughter), Rose (not quite on the narrow path) and, Martha and Aletheia, whom Jake knew when he was a full time police officer. There is also a new police detective for Jake to get to know. Why is there someone new? Those who’ve read the earlier novels will know but those new to the series can just accept this and move on.

This time the plot centers on an archaeological dig and the goings on there. Someone is sending poison pen letters and wants the dig to stop. REALLY wants it to stop. A murder takes place. Was it because of the dig or for other reasons? There are many involved with the excavation of an ancient Roman site. Are they involved in nefarious events as well? Read this one to find out.

In addition to offering up a good story, I like how Abell comments on Jake’s physical world. The setting very much comes to life.

Recommended to those who already know Jake and to those who enjoy British set mysteries.

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

Pub date: 26 August 2025

368 pages

Mystery/Thriller

The first two in the series:

Death Under a Little Sky by Stig Abell

Death in a Lonely Place

Jane Austen’s Emma is one of my favorite books by the author. It has been loved by readers as well. Purists may not want a retelling of this funny and insightful story but I think that those who liked the original could definitely enjoy this one.

The story is updated to New York City’s Upper East Side, one of the most prosperous neighborhoods in Manhattan. As in the original, some people close to Emma have moved; her sister has gotten married and many of her friends have left for time abroad. Emma, herself, is a bit at loose ends, even as she attends grad school.

Characters that readers enjoyed in Emma are here. Her father is now a health food purist. Knightley is her best friend (will there be romance?) and, yes, Emma still thinks that she knows what is best for others. In this novel, it is Nadine with whom Emma becomes friendly and (overly) involved.

All of the elements of the original are here in a charming update. The authors clearly know their Austen. Recommended for those who like classic updates and romantic comedies. If a reader enjoyed Sittenfeld’s, Eligible, I think that they may enjoy this one even more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title.

Pub date: 23 May 2023

by Colleen Cambridge

An e book bargain

#AFashionablyFrenchMurder #NetGalley

The American in Paris mysteries are so enjoyable. The sleuths in this three book, post WWII, series are Julia Child and her fictional friend Tabitha. Both enjoy living in Paris with its markets, neighborhoods, foods and more to explore. These settings are delightfully described.

Of course, Julia is learning to cook and makes sublime meals. She also tries to help Tabitha achieve some culinary mastery. Julia cooks for her husband Paul in a marriage that comes across as strong and supportive. Tabitha cooks for her grandfather and uncle; the latter is not her relation but is in a relationship with Tabitha’s grandfather.

This time the murder mystery takes place in the world of haute couture. I loved this setting and learned a lot about French fashion during the time period. Readers may be startled to know that Madame Lannet’s close friend thinks that the murder was committed by Christian Dior. Mon Dieu! And, there will be more than one murder.

Tabitha and Julia are on the case. Readers of the series will be happy to welcome them and the regulars back to print. Some will wonder if Tabitha will finally have her romance with a certain detective. Qui sait?

This book is one that it is easy to recommend. I very much enjoyed it and hope that the series will have a long life.

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

Pub date: 29 April 2025

272 pages

Historical fiction-Mystery & Thrillers

From the Publisher

Others in the series:

Delightful: Mastering the Art of French Murder

It is indeed: A Murder Most French (Colleen Cambridge)

I was very excited to receive an e galley of this title; I knew that I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned of its existence.

I have been reading a number of Jane Austen related works lately including Emma and The Other Bennett Sister. Furthermore, this book looked like it would appeal to those who enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies Choir, Dear Mrs. Bird and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, all of which I read and enjoyed. So…did the book live up to my hopes?
Yes, it did!
This novel tells the stories of a number of characters who were impacted by WWI and are living in the 1930s when the story begins. The characters either live in Chawton or spend time there. As savvy readers know, Jane Austen lived in this village.
Each of the main characters has a compelling back story and all have struggled in some way. Characters include a farmer, an actress, a very smart domestic worker, the owner of a home with ties to the Austens, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher and more. Each is beautifully portrayed and is multi-dimensional.
The characters are brought together through their love of Austen. One of the pleasures of this book was the observations on Austen’s works and the influence and impact of her novels on the protagonists. Another delight in the book is the way in which the village comes to life.
This book is not filled with the kinds of actions that one finds in thrillers. Rather, it is a novel that takes its time. Readers will find that they are amply rewarded for staying with this gently paced novel. I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Note that this is Ms. Jenner’s first novel; I sincerely hope that it will not be her last!

#TheJaneAustenSociety #NetGalley

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— Read on www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/opinion/books-summer-reading-list.html

Recently, I have been reading a fair amount of Australian (women’s) fiction. I started with Sophie Green and then read books by Sandie Docker. This time, I tried a novel by Tricia Stringer. It was an easy read and one that I enjoyed.

Readers visit the Badara community. It is small and its people think that they know one another well, only to find out over the course of the story, that there is more to almost every one.

Readers meet Briony and Vince-they have three adult children, all of whom have much going on in their relationships. Briony who cares deeply about what others think is not universally delighted with their choices.

Then there are Marion and Len-they have something that they have not told others, will this remain private? Paige has moved to Badara to get away from her old community. She has three children, each of whom has a different father. Will she find what she is looking for in her new home?

There are a host of other characters as well and readers watch their stories unfold. There are regular meetings of an exercise class, visits to farms, family dinners and more as the characters’ stories unfold.

One issue in the book is that a character left some unsavory writings in a time capsule that is about to be opened. What will this unleash? Can a person still be good if they said some unkind things? Can a person make amends? Readers will find out. Another theme is about acceptance of people for who they are and not just who a character wants/needs them to be.

This small town may seem too small to some readers while to others it may seem like the ideal community. See what you think.

In many ways this title offers a celebration of family and neighbors. If that appeals, this book is for you.

I definitely enjoyed this enough to read other books by Ms. Stringer. It is not amazing but it was good.

Some other Australian authors:

Note: Books listed as e book bargains were true at the time of the initial post but they may no longer be today.

Australian fiction: Wallaby Lane

A shoutout for Sophie Green

The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandie Docker

Come for the cupcakes, stay for the people: The Kookaburra Creek Cafe by Sandie Docker

Give a listen: The Radio Hour

Let’s sing: The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green

Four stars ****

Not so long ago, I was transported to Paris and the world of Shakespeare & Co. in Ms. Maher’s last novel. This time, readers are placed firmly in the Chicago area in the early 1970s.

It is a time of upheaval and change, even as some cling to a more 1950s lifestyle. Readers are introduced to several main characters who live in the time period.

Veronica is a bit of a free spirit and a person who is involved in the social movements of the time. Most significantly, she becomes a part of the Jane network, providing safe, but illegal, abortion services.

Patty, a friend of Veronica’s growing up years, is more conservative. She is a traditional wife and mother who is concerned about her doctor husband’s recent lack of interest in her.

Siobhan is a newer friend of Veronica’s. The story opens as Veronica accompanies Siobhan to her illegal abortion. Siobhan is an artist who is separated/divorced from her professor husband Gabe. She is active in the Janes.

Margaret is a new Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago. She is finding her way and becomes friends with Phyllis. She also becomes involved with Gabe.

This is a rich historical novel that will remind readers of what life was like in the days before Roe v Wade, a time that we have now reentered. The author tells her story well and readers will become immersed in the lives of these fictional characters and the decisions that they make.

I highly recommend this one. It is being published at just the right time.

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

From the Publisher

#WaterWater #NetGalley

Several years ago, I listened to a Master Class featuring Collins. I enjoyed learning about his writing process in a series of insightful episodes.

Following this, I read the poet’s collection Whale Day. Now, I have spent time with Water Water, reading a poem a day so as to savor this collection of sixty poems.

Some people veer away from poetry fearing that it is too highbrow or that they won’t understand a verse. Collins is not like that. His poems are written in, what I find, to be a direct and clear style. Readers can choose those that they prefer but they will not feel bewildered overall. The poems often reference every day life and end with something to ponder. So many are worth the reader’s time.

It is easy to recommend this collection.

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

Pub date: 19 November 2024

by Valérie Perrin, Hildegarde Serle (translator)

Narrated by Sara Young

Pub date: June 1, 2021

Fresh Water for Flowers is the first book by Valerie Perrin to be published in English. The writer’s native language is French. Fresh Water is a beautiful book that is told in a unique voice. Protagonist, Violette, was abandoned by her mother and grew up in care. She was a loner until she becomes involved with Phillipe Toussaint. Together they have a child but Phillipe eventually disappears.

Phillipe and Violette worked at a railroad crossing although Violette did most of the work; they later go on to become cemetery keepers. Violette remains there after Phillipe leaves.

The story is told from Violette’s point of view. She tells it all, her hard times, her hopes, the things that she learned and taught herself, the people she sees and cares for and those with whom she works. All this within the background of the cemetery and many sayings from gravestones.

This novel is filled with humanity. I recommend it.

I am reviewing the audio version. It was a beautiful listen and I was sorry when the story ended.

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