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

The Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 is thought to have killed over 50 million people worldwide. Yet, while the First World War provides the background for countless novels, the pandemic features in very few contemporary fictional accounts. Even modern writers tend to skate over this devastating episode. In Downton Abbey, Spanish Flu seems to last…

Elly Griffiths on Lockdown, Locked Room Mysteries, and Pandemic Fiction — CrimeReads

A peep-through book

by Mike Henson

This book provides a cute addition to the titles out there that introduce children to colors. It has peep holes which I could not use in an e galley. They look to make this title even more fun. Watch the painting. How colorful. Learn some color names along the way. Enjoy this title with a baby or toddler.

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

Pub date: 02 Aug 2022

A Coffee Lover’s Mystery

by Tara Lush

Grounds for Murder is the first entry in a series that now comprises three titles. Here readers are introduced to Florida, cafe owner Lana Lewis. She has taken over her mother’s business. Lana’s best barista, Fabrizio leaves right before a big competition, the Sunshine State Barista Championship. When he meets a bad end, the story is set up. There are loads of suspects as Fabrizio managed to antagonize or disappoint many.

Here, readers will find a Florida setting, some quirky characters, said murder and, of course, a good looking detective. While readers know that all will work out, there being other entries in the series, it is fun to watch Lana as she makes her way through the case.

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

Pub Date 08 Dec 2020

Review

Praise for Grounds for Murder:
“Lana’s voyage of self-discovery, along with her new agey father, quirky hire Erica, and feisty puppy Stanley, portend future fun for readers.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A good read for a chilly weekend indoors.” 
—New York Journal of Books

“A treat for all the senses…All’s well that ends well, leaving a faithful audience of Coffee Mystery fans awaiting the next installment title with great anticipation.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Grounds for Murder is a must for every cozy mystery fan to have on their shelves…a charming and addicting blend of humor and mystery.”
—Seattle Book Review

Next in series…

See review at http://www.joyce’smysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com

I just visited an exhibit that was celebrating 100 years since Ulysses was published by James Joyce. This is a book above that is about Joyce’s wife. I also note that The Paris Bookseller is a book about Joyce and also The Joyce Girl which is about his daughter. These are also reviewed on my site. These stories should all help us to celebrate 100 years since Ulysses whether able to go to the exhibit or not

Before she began writing the excellent Perveen Mistry historical mystery series, Sujata Masssey wrote a number of titles in the Rei Shimura series. I truly loved these books which take place in both the U.S. and Japan. There are ongoing characters to follow, murders and, in each, a chance to learn more about an aspect of Japanese culture. Highly recommended.

A Rom-Com Novel

by Natalie Caña

Here is an enjoyable rom com. Readers who finish this can next think about who they might cast if there were a movie version.

Here we have two people from different backgrounds. Kamilah is of Puerto Rican descent. She is trying to get her family to update their restaurant. Will she succeed? One thing is certain; they will not make it easy for her to have her way.

Liam, whose grandfather is a distiller, has his own issues. Something is wrong with his granddad and he is going to have to step up.

These two have known each other forever. They have their own careers though.

What do their two seemingly quite different families want for them? Will it happen? Readers who like this genre can surely answer these questions. What I can say is that they will enjoy watching the story to unfold. I especially enjoyed the food and beverages in this tale…and, of course, the protagonists.

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

Pub date: 07 June 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

OPRAH DAILY, “The 28 Most Anticipated Romance Novels of 2022”

“This delightful mix of food, familia, and culture will leave readers hungry for more.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)

by Carrie Doyle

Here is a cozy mystery that is just perfect for our current season. The story takes place in one of the most storied and wealthy vacation spots, East Hampton, in, yes, THE Hamptons (New York).

This is the third in a series although I think that it can be read as a standalone. This time Antonia is investigating a cold case. She is hired by a rather cold individual as well.

There are many secrets to uncover and Antonia is kept busy with her investigation and her inn. Matters are further complicated when individuals from Antonia’s past start to appear. Readers can sit back and relax as Antonia handles everything.

This book would make an ideal beach read. Get some sand between your toes, glance out at the water and turn the pages…or turn the pages from your couch.

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

Pub Date 24 Nov 2020

#BestMysteryStoriesoftheYear #NetGalley‘

Here is this year’s edition of a perennial favorite, this time edited by Sara Paretsky. There is a good selection within these pages. Just some of the featured authors include Michael Connelly, Joyce Carol Oates and Colson Whitehead. Many of the other authors were new discoveries for me. I especially enjoyed Better Austens by Susan Frith.

In addition, the book begins with two introductions. Readers get to find out what both the venerable Otto Penzler and favorite author, Sara Paretsky have to share.

I tend to gravitate to novels over short stories but sometimes a shorter read is better. For those times, there is a lot to enjoy here.

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

Pub Date 13 Sep 2022