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

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.

This is the third book that I have read by Jennifer Ryan. I very much enjoyed her earlier novels, The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Spies of Shilling Lane. Ms.Ryan has found her authorial voice writing fiction about women and WWII. The Kitchen Front, also set during WWII, is a book that I highly recommend.

As the novel begins, the men are mostly away or involved in war work, while women try their best to manage both on the home front and in the kitchen. Food is scarce and rationing pervasive. There is a campaign to make creative, practical recipes using what is at hand.

In this story, food concerns lead to a cooking contest in a small village. The winner will be given co-hosting duties on a food related BBC radio show. The novel tells the story of four of the women who, through their recipes, try to win first prize. They are Audrey, a young widow with three children; Audrey’s sister, the snobby Lady Gwendoline; kitchen maid Nell and pregnant, unmarried, French trained chef, Zelda. Each of these characters comes to life with a backstory and relationships. I very much enjoyed spending time with each of them and also enjoyed the village setting. An added plus of this book is that each cook’s recipes are included, giving insight into what cooking was like in the 1940s.

I highly recommend this enjoyable novel. For Ms. Ryan, third time (for her historical novels) is definitely the charm!

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

The Wodehouse is free.

Michael Gilbert had a writing career that spanned the many years of his long life. Gilbert’s first mystery, Close Quarters, was published in 1947. His last crime novel was written many years later. Death Has Deep Roots was first published in 1951.

At the time of its publication, memories of WWII would have been readily available to Gilbert’s readers. This may have made the story especially intriguing and relevant.

Gilbert sets his story a few years after the war. The main character is a woman who has been accused of murder. The murder is not just any murder but that of a war hero. Is she guilty? What happened? Can she be saved if she is innocent?

This involving story will capture the reader’s attention. Those who like courtroom dramas will especially like this one. I am so glad that it has been reissued by the British Crime Library. As is true of other books in this series, the cover is gorgeous.

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

100 Simple Recipes to Make the Most of Your Pantry

by Tanorria Askew

I have not watched Master Chef but the author of this cookbook was a contestant on that show. I assume that means that she knows how to cook when under pressure. Maybe that it what inspired this collection of recipes, all 100 of them; she wants others to feel confident and relaxed in their kitchens.

In the introduction, readers learn that the author has been influenced by both Southern and Mid-Western cooking. From her family, she learned the joys of having people come around for a meal. This background is reflected in the book.

There are helpful beginning sections on topics like what to stock in a kitchen, a list of spices to have on hand, equipment needed and more. The recipes then go in a traditional order beginning with appetizers.

Some of the recipes included are for Butternut Squash Fritters, Classic Deviled Eggs, BBQ Pork Belly Tacos, Pasta Carbonara, Chicken n Biscuit Pot Pie, Red Beans & Rice, Dad’s Baked Beans, Blackberry Cobbler and many more. The directions seems clear and there are photos scattered throughout the book.

For those who enjoy good family food, this book is worth a look. It may make you hungry though.

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