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

www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

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by Colleen Cambridge

Those who enjoy mysteries will most likely recognize the name Mallowan in this book’s title. For those who don’t know, Mallowan was the name of Agatha Christie’s second husband. Two facts…He was younger than Agatha and was an archaeologist.

This book is delightful and clever. The Mallowans are characters in the novel but do not dominate the story. It is a take on the English country house murder and is told with warmth and a nod to those who know their mysteries. For example, readers will observe Agatha getting the brainstorm that later results in The Body in the Library.

The book’s conceit is that Agatha’s housekeeper, Phyllida, is an old friend. Because of this, they chat often and do not maintain a strict employer/employee relationship. Phyllida is the amateur detective for the case. She is an astute observer even as she ends up in some trying situations.

The Mallowans host a house party. The murder victim does not appear to be whom he said he was. Photos that he possessed are found and these include all of the guests at the party. What was the victim after? Who murdered him? Why? Read the story to find out.

Both this book and Murder at Greenway were recently published. Each has some connection to Agatha Christie. I preferred this novel.

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

The fairy tales are free.

From its Origins to the 21st Century

by Owen Hopkins

This book is one to linger over as so much is included within its pages. In addition, the illustrations provide some wonderful escapism as readers can travel to some of the world’s best known buildings, collections and galleries; those are the museums of the title.

It is clear that the author of this volume has researched and thought deeply. Within the first few pages of the text, there is mention of Covid and the state of race relations in the U.S. This is all incorporated into a deep dive of the focus and role of the museum, a cherished and, at times, challenging institution. Attention is paid to the history of the museum in its many manifestations. Chapter headings include Origins, The Enlightenment Museum, The Public Museum, The Modern Museum, The Global Museum and, The Museum NOw. The end of the book includes suggestions for additional reading.

This book can be enjoyed by those who have taken art history classes or those looking to learn more about museums even as museum novices. It is worth a look!

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

A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

by Laurie R. King is an e book bargain for 11.13.21

#CastleShade #NetGalley

I have been reading this series about Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell ever since the first book, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice was published in 1994! This is entry number seventeen. Ms. King continues to keep this long running series interesting and engaging.

When this book opens, Russell and Holmes are getting ready to travel to Roumania. The daughter of Maria of Roumania is under threat. Why? Is it to do with her or with someone wanting to get at Marie. Marie is herself connected by blood to Queen Victoria; she is related to both her and the Russian Tsar. Readers learn about Marie’s history, dynastic marriage and move to Roumania. They learn, too, about the decisions that she has made for her country and her devotion to a place that she has come to love.

Along the way, readers also learn about Dracula and the many legends and superstitions that existed at the time. This is all quite fascinating.

When Holmes and Russell get to Roumania, their work intensifies. There are many strange occurrences along the way. There are also welcome creature comforts that Mary had not been expecting.

I enjoyed the setting of this novel and the rich history that was presented. I also liked following Russell and Holmes as they talked, sparred and worked together.

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

#TheHollywoodSpy #NetGalley

Pub date: July 6, 2021

The Hollywood spy is the tenth entry in Ms. MacNeal’s Maggie Hope historical mystery series. I have read all of the novels, starting with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary which was published in 2012. Maggie has had many adventures, relationships and heartaches over the course of the stories as she experiences WWII.

As is obvious from the tile, The Hollywood Spy takes place in California. There are cameo appearances by so many who lived there in the book; to name just a few there are Walt Disney, Howard Hughes, Lena Horne, Linus Pauling and many others.

Many locations also are brought to life. There are famous hotels, Disney Studios, Cal Tech, nightclubs, speakeasies and more. Each described location feels very authentic.

Maggie travels to California to help a very close friend (and former love), John Sterling, investigate the death of Gloria Hutton. As readers would expect, there are a number of suspects, everyone from the husband she is divorcing to those with whom she worked

Several other murders follow. Are these deaths connected to Gloria’s? If yes, how and why?

While everything just described is done very well and would be enough to lead me to encourage readers to buy this novel, that is not all that was outstanding. What I feel that the author did brilliantly was to describe the times. Note: they were ugly in many ways and bear a resemblance to some current times in America. (Think of the slogan America First, for one.)

The KKK features prominently in the story. The discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics is graphically portrayed. If readers are not aware of this part of the country’s history, it is something that they need to know about. There is surely much to be proud of in the U.S. but also injustices and they are seen here.

In my opinion, The Hollywood Spy may well be the author’s best book to date. I highly recommend it.

The author has included an extensive list of resources at the end of the novel. It will be most helpful for readers who want to further explore the period in which the story is set.

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

Nancy Thayer engages and entertains her readers. She is masterful at creating settings, in this instance the island of Nantucket, its museums, shops and more. Ms. Thayer also brings the home of protagonist Eleanor into lovely focus. I wanted to spend time in this house that was a haven to generations, and also to be on the island. So, I think that those looking for virtual escape will enjoy this title.

Protagonist, Eleanor, is turning seventy years old. Over the course of the novel, she lives her life in the present and also looks back at her marriage, parenting, relationship with her granddaughter and more. Other characters also live and look at their lives and relationships including Ari, a recent and idealistic college graduate whose life goals do not always match her family’s expectations. Ari’s mother enters the story as a woman who cares deeply about status and social standing. Her brother, whom she believes Eleanor loved more, has a wealthy lifestyle and seems more carefree.

A sticking point within the family is that Eleanor’s children would like her to sell her house for a lot (!) of money. Eleanor thinks that she knows her decision. Will this change? What will Eleanor, Ari and others learn over the course of the summer? How will the plot resolve? Read this one to find out.

I enjoyed this title and recommend it. I plan to go back into my TBR pile and to read other novels by Ms. Thayer.

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