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

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?

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

The world is full of interesting and accomplished people. All of them were once children as this author knows very well. Ms. Sanchez Vegara has authored many interesting short books about young people with big dreams. This newest entry tells the story of Wilma Mankiller, a well known Native American.

Young readers will watch as Wilma grows from a young girl to an activist and then to her election as, the first female, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The story notes some difficult times in American history including the forced relocation of the Trail of Tears. There was also a move that Wilma’s own family made when she was young. She left her land and go to San Francisco. She returned to Oklahoma many years later.

Wilma became a wife and mother (she, herself was one of many children). She also became dedicated to her cause.

Through Wilma, young readers are given an example of the importance of fighting for the things in which a person believes. Is there a better message for these days?

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

Pub date: 02 August 2022

by Amy Lillard

A look at her author’s page shows that Amy Lillard writes in several genres and has several series. Here, is the first in a new one.

I admit that I am always tempted to explore books that are about books so this cozy caught my eye. In this Mississippi set story the protagonist/amateur sleuth is bookstore owner, Arlo Stanley. When the author who is to be the focus of her biggest book signing ever dies during a high school reunion weekend, the plot line is set.

This title has all of the elements that cozy lovers want. There is a dead man who was difficult enough to drive someone to murder. There is an amateur sleuth in Arlo and a love interest when Arlo’s old boyfriend comes back to town. There is a book club. There is a small town. Readers are drawn in from the first page when a body is found in front of Arlo’s bookstore. All in all, this title makes for an enjoyable, light, (no gore) read.

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

Pub Date 29 Oct 2019

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A promising series debut, sometimes humorous, often puzzling, and peopled with believable characters.” – Kirkus Reviews

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BN-July-4th-22.pdf

Faith Hogan is an author whose books many women’s fiction readers enjoy. In this long (470 plus page book), she tells the stories of Amanda and Tess. They just happen to live in the same Georgian style house and will get to know one another over the course of the story.

This is fiction about forming friendships and not making assumptions about the lives of others. This Irish set novel draws readers into the characters lives and will be enjoyed by those who read the novels of Cathy Kelly or Marian Keyes.

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

Pub date: 01 December 2017

Fans of JK Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series (written as Robert Galbraith) have been re-reading the series and eagerly awaiting news of the latest book in the
— Read on greatbritishbookclub.com/new-cormoran-strike-book-6-announced-the-ink-black-heart/