From the Short List for this week:

The Echoes

A Novel

The Echoes

Ever since the publication of her first novel, I have looked forward to each yearly entry in this historical mystery series.

The books that Ms. Montgomery writes follow a number of characters, many of whom are women of principle living in a town where they are continually challenged. Lily became Sheriff after the death of her husband. She has subsequently faced many difficult situations. Lily’s friend Marvena has a strong presence on the page as well as does Hildy. These are characters for whom readers will care. Each novel seems to bind them more closely together. In this entry, there is a new person in Esme. Readers will learn how she is connected to Lily and will hope that she is able to survive her own challenges.

At the same time, there is a local situation calling for Lily’s skills in investigation. An amusement park opening that should be fun leads to complex doings that span generations.

I both read and listened to this one. The narrator does a good job of telling this story. She speaks so clearly that readers are easily able to follow and become involved with the characters and plot. I had read the other books so it was a treat to listen and hear the voices of characters who had previously existed in my mind.

The books in this series are best read in order. They can be both bleak and life affirming. These are small town stories that are anything but cozies. I recommend them all.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan audio. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 29 Mar 2022

100 Puzzles to do anywhere, anytime

by Roland Hall, TIM DEDOPULOS

As many already know, Wordle has become quite the craze. Lots of people do Wordle every day and look forward to this quick and engaging challenge. Now, kids can have fun doing Wordle too. What could be better?

Within these pages are 100 puzzles that are organized by level of difficulty. In each, children just fill in the last set of boxes. The title of each puzzle also offers a clue. As they become more comfortable, the challenge increases. Some kids may be ready for the adult puzzle after working through this one.

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

#WORDLECHALLENGEFORKIDS #NetGalley

Pub Date 12 Jul 2022

I’m reading RECOMMENDED READ: The Best Of Breakfast on Scribd. Check it out: https://www.scribd.com/article/579706131

I’m reading July Fiction on Scribd. Check it out: https://www.scribd.com/article/579706222

see my review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com

The author has a new book coming out that will be enjoyed by those who like The Hollywood Spy.

by Saadia Faruqi

This illustrated chapter book is a short mystery for beginning readers. In it, Yasmin is on the case. Who is taking her grandmother’s things? Adults will know right away and some kids may too. Nonetheless, they may be happy to have a book that they can read on their own.

There are some very good resources at the back of the book. As Yasmin is Pakistani American there are some common Pakistani words and their English translations, some fun facts about Pakistan, a binocular making craft and questions to think about. All of these short sections add to this title’s value.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Capstone-Picture Window Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 01 Aug 2022

A Novel

by Mary Anna Evans

There have been so many WWII set novels in recent years. I am not sure when a saturation point will be reached but it hasn’t arrived yet. Even among many WWII novels though, this one stood out for me. There are a few reasons for this.

First, the story is based in the U.S. It is set in Louisiana. I don’t know of any other WWII books with this setting. Second, I found the characters intriguing. Protagonist, Justine, is the daughter of two physicists and the goddaughter of a third one. She works in a war plant. What is being produced there and why is carbon involved? Who wants to sabotage this workplace?

That popular term, plucky, applies to Justine but she has more going for her thn just that; in addition she is bright and has unique talents for a woman in her time. She is a welder who is called upon to make emergency repairs to the factory’s equipment. Why is it always breaking down? Someone has died because of one of the industrial incidents.

The story is filled with characters both good and bad. Justine has quite a sexist boss. She has good friends including a fellow worker and boarding house resident. Justine herself is multifaceted and I enjoyed spending time with her.

This book pays tribute (literally in the book’s introduction) to the many women scientists whose contributions have impacted us. The novel has been carefully researched by the author.

I recommend this title to those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries. I hope that there will be further additions to this series.

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

Pub date: 07 Jun 2022