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

The High Life and High Style of Dorothy Draper

by Carleton Varney

It is entirely thanks to NetGalley that I know who Dorothy Draper is. There was a recently published novel about her and, for those who want a non-fiction account, there is The Draper Touch. I feel that the two titles very much complement each other. A plus of The Draper Touch is that it was written by someone who knew Dorothy well. There are also many photos in this work and I very much enjoyed looking at those.

This title is a reissue and I am so glad that it was put back in print. It offers a biography written by someone who knew and admired the designer and a chance to dwell in her most interesting world.

For those who do not know, Dorothy was friends with those in the highest echelons including President Taft’s daughter. She was married (and divorced) from one of FDR’s close friend. Dorothy was raised conventionally but wanted her own unique life. She became a well-known designer. One great achievement of her was her work on the Greenbrier Resort.

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

Pub date: 29 Jun 2022

by Mary Lindeen

Mary Lindeen has written a number of books that are for very beginning readers. This time, she looks at what it is like to bring a new baby into a family. The photos that accompany the simple text are lovely. Children who spend time with this book will be proud of their progress in learning to read on their own.

Note: There is also helpful information included for the adults who are encouraging their children’s literacy.

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

This title was published in January 2022.

A Novel of Dorothy Draper

by Joy Callaway

#TheGreenbrierResort #NetGalley

Just this morning, a friend asked what I had read recently. When I mentioned The Grand Design, she asked what made me want to read this book. So, there was the author whom I knew from another book that I liked. I also was, and am always, enticed and intrigued by historical fiction’s ability to send me to a time in the past where I can become absorbed. It is also always fascinating to learn more about people and how they grow.

This story of Dorothy Draper drew me right in. I had heard of the Greenbrier Resort which was important to DD so I was curious to learn more about her connection with it The author gives this hotel so much life and history.

DD went there as a young girl of marriageable age as is described in one of the novel’s time frames. She was taller than her female peers and felt different. Dorothy also dreamed of a less conventional life. What happened when she met an Italian race car driver at the Greenbrier? How does she get from this strong attraction to the other marriages in her life? Readers will want to know.

Before moving on, a note about Dorothy’s peers in the early section of the book. They included people like Helen Taft, the President’s daughter. I had fun looking up old newspaper clippings about many of those who were mentioned. There is so much social history in the wedding announcements.

The second time frame of the book centers on an older, wiser (?) Dorothy, who returns to the Greenbrier after WWII. The hotel had been a hospital and was quite neglected. How will it be brought back to life? Here, readers learn about DD’s immense design talents and the process of getting this huge undertaking completed.

I very much enjoyed this book. I loved the descriptions and insights into Dorothy’s love of color. It was fascinating to learn about this working woman who had her own company at a time when that was unusual. I was left curious and wanting to learn even more about Dorothy and her circle.

I highly recommend this title to those who enjoy historical fiction. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 May 2022

Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips for Getting Started in Knitting

by Carri Hammett

#SuperEasyKnittingforBeginners #NetGalley

Many people turned to knitting during Covid. If you felt left behind by this trend and would like to learn to knit now, this book offers a terrific resource for beginners. Following a helpful and practical introduction, a number of projects are introduced. They are organized by skill set as, for example, Basic Knitting or Knitting in the Round. Within each set are projects. Some of these include a scarf, a baby blanket and a hat. There is also a section on putting projects together. There is, in addition, a helpful troubleshooting guide.

Throughout there are many illustrations to guide the beginner. I also liked how for each project there was a section on what would be learned and what would be needed for that project.

So get out those needles. Imagine how it will feel to complete a project or two.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Quarry-New Shoe Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 August 2022

by Alex Erickson

Readers can tell from this book’s cover that it is part of a cozy series. In fact, it is book number six (of ten), in A Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. I think that it can easily be read as a standalone, after which interested readers can move forward or backward with the other novels.

In this story, Krissy becomes (overly) involved in a friend’s wedding in which everything seems to be over the top. This definitely includes the guests, both invited and not, and the wedding planner. When someone dies, Krissy will find out what happened. Readers can relax and watch her at work.

This title offers a reliable cozy read for fans of the genre.

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

Pub Date 26 Jun 2018

A peep-through book

by Mike Henson

Here is another entry in Mike Henson’s cute “peep through” book series. This time the topic is opposites. The illustrations of mouse and buddies are expressive and engaging. Children will learn some words as they watch a mouse and cat become friends. Here is a nice addition to the series.

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

Pub date: 02 August 2022

These books have been in my TBR pile for the longest time and I have now read and very much enjoyed both of them. They have what I look for in crime fiction staring with recurring characters for whom I care. Solicitor Ben, for Benedicta, is a solicitor whose work brings her into complex situations. She can never resist becoming involved in these. Ben also has a backstory that greatly impacts her. She is surrounded by many others including Leah who works with her and one of the police officers in particular. Hints of a romance with Thomas are definitely there. There are other recurring characters as well including Ben’s close friend Maeve and a bookstore owner.

Each novel has a a strong sense of place, going from a small town to the more desolate waters, from offices to pubs and to homes and more included deserted churches and building sites. The locations are integral to the story.

Then, of course, there are murders and what led to them. Each case is sufficiently complex to engage the reader.

Look for plot summaries of these novels on your favorite website. I think that they will engage you.

I can’t wait to keep reading in this series. Books 3 and 4 have been published and the 5th comes out later this year, in November.

I recommend getting to know Ben. Let me know your thoughts. Have you read this series?