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

The title of this novel cleverly has several meanings. The most obvious refers to combinations on safes as the novel’s protagonist, Ellie, is a talented (sometimes on the wrong side of the law) safe cracker. It could also refer to some of her relationships which might seem a bit unconventional, as for example, Ellie’s with the government agent who first entraps but later takes Ellie on as more of a partner.

The setting is wartime England. There are concerns about spies, traitors and secret documents…and, of course, there is murder. Will documents get into the wrong hands? Will the traitors and/or spies be caught? How will Ellie fare in her relationships? Read the novel to find out.

What is done well in this book: The characters-I cared about Ellie, her uncle, her cousins (one of whom is MIA), her friend Felix and others. Less well done in my opinion was getting an authentic sense of the time perios in the novel; I knew it was the 1940s but would have welcomed more details; I feel that this would have made a good book, even better.

Kudos to the author for introducing readers to a new character. I hope that readers will see more of Ellie.

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

I often wish that I remembered the Greek myths in more detail. I have spent time with Edith Hamilton and Stephen Fry but need to go back. So, I was not fully aware of who Ariadne was before I began this novel. At the start, I will say that I have seen some mixed reviews but I found this book to be interesting and engaging. Its’ main subject is the story of the titular character whose relative was the MInotaur.

Ariadne is a retelling of a well-known Greek story but from the woman’s point of view. It will be enjoyed by readers of other books including Circe.

Early in the novel, readers learn about Ariadne’s parents. They are Minos and Pasiphae. He was the ruler of Crete. She was the daughter of the sun god and is beautifully described in the beginning of the novel. What Minos did, how that affected Pasiphae and the circumstances of the Minotaur’s birth are told.

A number of stories of the Greek gods are dramatized. As readers may know, the gods are often like larger than life humans, full of passion, temper and more. They form the background of Ariadne’s world.

Others whom readers get to know include Theseus becomes involved with Ariadne. There are also Daedalus, Icarus and Phaedra. All of their stories led to an immersive read for me.

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

OTHER REVIEWS:

“Enchanting…Saint expertly highlights how often the women of this world pay the price for the actions of the men around them. Lovers of mythology should snap this up.”
―Publishers Weekly

“Complex―and bold…Fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe will enjoy this faithful retelling that centers the often-forgotten women of Greek myth.”
―Booklist

The Madness of Crowds follows on last year’s novel, All the Devils are Here. That was a book that I absolutely adored. The Madness of Crowds is a book that I respect and one that has made me think.

Layered on the mystery of why the victim was killed and, if she was even meant to be the victim, are topics about community, the responsibility that we owe to one another as individuals and members of society, the high cost of tragedy and trying to save others, other ethical issues about practices in psychology and much more.

Among the characters is Abby who has a theory that some agree with and others find abhorrent. I don’t want to have spoilers so will not say more. Abby is close to Debbie who is a long time friend and her assistant. Their relationship turns out to be complex as is her relationship with a university chancellor. Then there is Haniya, a stranger to Three Pines and a controversial figure, even if she may be proposed for the Nobel prize.

The residents of Three Pines in all their eccentricity are here. So are Jean-Guy, Isabelle and the ever good man with a strong conscience Armand Gamache and his thoughtful wife Reine Marie. All are tested over the course of the novel.

This story is long, complex and thought provoking. Those of you who have read it, what did you think?

by Nancy Shapiro

#AnABCofDemocracy #NetGalley

This cheerfully illustrated title will help young children to understand democracy and the rights that people enjoy. The author engages children with the text and by asking questions for discussion. A couple of letter examples are H is for human rights, J is for justice, and P is for politician. For adults who want to raise good citizens, this would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf.

NOTE: It is increasingly important that we all remember the values and importance of democracy!

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

From the Publisher

by Judy Ann Sadler

#WhileWeWait #NetGalley

One thing that adults know about children is that they mostly find waiting to be VERY difficult. Those kids and their adults will enjoy reading this book together. A young boy and his grandmother are waiting…for what? How will they keep busy? Find out!

This book has cute, cartoon-like illustrations. There is repetitive language which is something most young children love. All in all, a very cute title.

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

This title will be published on 15 Mar 2022.

#GiveuntoOthers #NetGalley

Give unto Others is the next title in this author’s marvelous Guido Brunetti series. Leon is a mistress of place and character. Readers will feel that they are in Venice as they watch characters move around the city both on land and water. The effects of the “pandemia” on “Venezia” is also part of the story.

Readers will also (I hope) enjoy spending time with the ethical, good and warm Brunetti and those around him. Readers will be happy to see Elettra (the clever!) and the others who make up Brunetti’s team. Of course, any moments with the Bruetti family are also quite a treat.

In this novel, Brunetti hears from Elisabetta, the daughter of a woman who was always kind to Brunetti’s mother. Along the way, readers meet a number of characters including one with Alzheimer’s who are entangled in Elisabetta’s situation. The toll of Alzheimer’s disease is made quite clear. Readers learn that Brunetti’s mother was also challenged by this illness.

A bonus in this story is that readers learn something more about Brunetti’s childhood and parents. For series fans this will be especially welcome.

As is always true, Leon is a genius at titles. Is the “giving” meant to be about Brunetti’s desire to help someone from his childhood? Is it to do with the charity or funds that people use for pleasure even though not entitle to do so? It is left to the reader to decide.

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

This title will be published on 15 Mar 2022.

This is part of my favorite McDermid series.

www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/books/review/new-crime-and-mystery-novels.html

by Ann Parker

The Secret in the Wall is the eighth entry in Ms. Parker’s Silver Rush series of historical mysteries. It is published by my favorite Poisoned Pen, an excellent source of mystery fiction.

Readers (re)meet Inez Stannert, an independent woman, who has had an adventurous life. In this entry, Inez begins caring for Antonia whose mother has died. Antonia is not an easy young lady to parent as Inez discovers.

And, of course, more happens in this story. How about a dead body? How about a packet of gold coins? Who is the victim? What happened? Why? Pick this one up to find out.

Those who enjoy historical mysteries should give this one a look. I enjoyed it and will look to read others in the series.

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

Note that this book has been published and costs $7.99 for the eBook version.

SOME OTHER REVIEWS:
“Agatha finalist Parker’s intricate eighth Silver Rush mystery (after 2020’s Mortal Music) finds onetime Colorado saloon owner Inez Stannert and her 12-year-old ward, Antonia Gizzi, settled comfortably in 1882 San Francisco…Appealing characters match satisfying puzzles. Historical fans will be delighted.” ― Publishers Weekly

“The year 1882 launches Inez Stannert―sleuth, card shark, musician, saloon owner, and helper of ambitious women―on another adventure…a mystery based on true events and replete with rich period detail, that’s a delight to read.” ― Kirkus Reviews –This text refers to the paperback edition.