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

There is a review of this title on my site.

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To begin at the end, although readers should not do this as there are spoilers, I learned that this novel is based on real people and real events that occurred in the build up to WWII. The story is well told and engrossing.

Protagonist Evelyn was raised in what seems to be a “typical” British home. Her father had a job, her mother was a homemaker and, while not terribly well off, the family managed well. Evelyn , who was intelligent, moved away from her family’s sphere. First she went to a boarding school and later was an Oxbridge graduate. She studied German at university, a helpful language for the time in which the novel took place. Evelyn’s best friend Sally is from a wealthier and more upper class and influential family. They happily included Evelyn in their world. Sally’s cousin Julia is her own woman and a bit of a black sheep. The novel revolves around these three women but with many other characters as well.

What happens when Evelyn becomes involved in war work? What starts out as a secretarial job leads to much more. Readers learn about this and the consequences that Evelyn’s decisions and actions have for her.

One thing that the author does extremely well is to portray the anti-Semitic and pro German attitudes of a group of British citizens. On their own, with Russian emigres and more, they wanted a world in which Hitler was ascendant. This made for some chilling reading.

Another well done aspect of the story was its presentation of work done in MI5. Where did women fit in this? How were agents supported (or not)? These issues add to the intrigue of this story.

What happens to the Unlikely Spy both before and after the war? Read this involving novel to find out.

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

There are more than thirty entries in the popular Agatha Raisin series that was penned by M C Beaton. Luckily for the reader, R W Green has stepped up to work on the stories.

Fans of Agatha Raisin now have both the novels and a TV series on Acorn TV for enjoyment of the unique Ms. Raisin. Those who love her will surely want to read this book.

In this entry, Agatha has taken up walking. Since trouble has a way of following her, naturally Agatha runs into an elderly couple and a victim. Why was this (disagreeable) man known as the Admiral murdered? And, as they say, Who Did It? Agatha will, in her own inimitable way, be on the case.

Agatha fans will no doubt welcome this latest novel. New readers may also enjoy getting to know this unique character.

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

The Wodehouse is free.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callhan tells the story of Joy Davidman and C.S. (Jack) Lewis. I absolutely adored that book so was thrilled when I received an early review copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe, another novel about C.S. Lewis.

The structure of the story is that George, a young boy with a heart defect, discovers The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and wants to know more about it. George’s sister, who loves him deeply, shares that Lewis is at Oxford where she, Megs, is a student. Wanting to do what she can for George, Megs gets to know Jack and Warnie and brings the tales that Lewis shares home to her brother.

Jack’s life story is beautifully told. There were very hard times and yet a man emerged who is so beloved by many. I won’t detail the biography so that readers can discover it for themselves.

George is preternaturally wise about life while Megs is perhaps less so. Over the course of the novel, she learns that her beloved scientific point of view and way of solving problems is but one way to look at the world. She and George are both deeply human, seeking, loving people with whom readers will enjoy spending time.

Those who have read the Narnia stories will eagerly read this title looking for the same insights that young George is seeking…to understand where the characters in the books came from, who they may have been based on and more. Will those answers be in these pages? You will need to read the novel to find out.

Those who have not read the Narnia books can still love this title. Its insight into a person’s life with all of its tragedies and peaceful moments are for all readers.

I give this one my highest recommendation. Ms. Callahan your talent for understanding Lewis and life are so impressive.

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

by Jessica Ellicott

This fifth in the series will be welcomed by those who have enjoyed the previous titles. This is a light, historical mystery featuring Beryl and Edwina. They are opposites; one is British, the other American, and they have joined to form a detective agency. This time the case starts out deceptively as they are investigating a faux case at their client’s request. What will happen when a very real murder occurs? Read this one to find out. Along the way, enjoy the settings and the protagonists.

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

Death at Greenway is a traditional, historical mystery set during WWII. It takes place at a home of Agatha Christie’s, although the renowned author is only briefly seen in these pages. Nonetheless, her home has been opened to children who have left London (without their families) in order to be kept safe during the conflict.

Protagonist Bridget was working as a trainee nurse, a position that she loved, until something went disastrously wrong. Now, early in the novel, she is making believe that she is a fully trained nurse and is in charge of ten evacuees. Along with her, other adults included the not so hard working Gigi, and Mrs. Arbuthnot, a do-gooder, who directs others, including Bridget.

As everyone settles in, of course, a murder takes place. From this point on there is a case to be solved. Bridget is part of the investigation. What is in her past? In Gigi’s? How will the victim’s killer be brought to justice.?

I initially found this book to be a bit slow moving. I think, though, that it will be enjoyed by those who love traditional mysteries. It has received such good reviews overall.

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