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

I will start by saying that I highly recommend this title which is a story of Germany in the aftermath of WWII. Set in several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, it is the story of the titular Edith Graham. As the novel opens, Miss Graham is an educator living at home with her mother, a life that she found somewhat dull and meaningless. When she is offered the opportunity to go to Germany to help with the re-establishment of educational facilities, she is really for the change and challenge. But…much more is in store for Edith.
Readers learn that, before the war,Edith was in love with a handsome, smart, German man named Kurt. Miss Graham also became close to his wife Elisabeth. What happened to this couple during WWII? How did they survive? What did they do? What happened to them afterwards? Their story line forms a large part of the narrative.
Around Edith are various agents, each with their own, and sometimes overlapping, agendas. There are Dori, Vera and Adeline for the women, each of whom has been shaped by their wartime experiences. In addition, there are the men; they represent the U.S. and the British. What are their agendas? How will these intersect with those of the women?
There is espionage here and, after a slightly slow start, a book that had me turning the pages and connecting with the characters. In addition to an excellent plot, the book raises a number of issues: what was life like for the Germans as the Americans, Russians and British entered their defeated country? How do people survive when they have nothing, not even food? Do ends justify means? Who can be trusted? Can there be justice in a world that has been turned upside down?
As readers follow the story, each chapter begins with an entry from Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Readers will learn the significance of these menus as they become involved with the novel.
I have read many books of historical fiction about WWII. This one is a bit different in that it largely takes place after the war. It is a compelling read and one that I recommend most highly. I give it five stars, something I do not often do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#MissGrahamsColdWarCookbook #NetGalley

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Growing Houseplants & Happiness

by Sabina Palermo

#HiCacti #NetGalley

The author of this book is such an advocate for the benefits of having houseplants. In her casual style, she includes a great deal of information for those who want to add some green to their indoor spaces. She genuinely believes that doing this will add happiness to lives. I think that she is right.

Following the introduction, readers will find photos and information on many houseplants, projects and more. For example there are the Heart-Leaf Rhododendron and the Candelabra Aloe. The plants are organized by groups. I especially liked that there was one of plants that are pet friendly.

I currently have an octet of houseplants. I loved being able to nurture something and watch it grow while I was coping with our covid world. If you would like to add some plants to your home, give this title a look. It will be worth your while.

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

The Wodehouse is free.

A Novel of the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

by Gill Paul

Many of the historical novels that I have read recently have employed a dual timeline with two protagonists as a structure for the narrative. In this novel, both timelines are told through the eyes of Evelyn Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon and wife of Borogard Beauchamp.

Eve’s father helped to underwrite the work of Howard Carter in Egypt. As many know, Carter “discovered” the tomb of Tutankhamun with its many riches and historical artifacts. Eve was there when this significant event took place.

The story moves back and forth in time. In the present, it is the 1970s and Eve has suffered a number of strokes. Full credit to Ms. Paul for her sensitivity and ability to make readers feel the difficult impact that these had on Eve.

In the past, Eve grows up, is a debutante, meets Borograve and follows her interest in archaeology and lives her life. She has friends, children and a world around her.

The two narratives converge when Ana wants to interview Eve. She is tasked with understanding the events at the time that the tomb was found. Eve knows something important and will have to decide whether to reveal this.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is leisurely paced, has well developed characters and lets readers witness a significant discovery. Readers will feel the heat of the sun and visualize the landscape of Egypt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this absorbing historical novel. All opinions are my own.

Other e book bargains for today:

Are you a person who finds getting on an airplane to be an adventure or are you a nervous flyer? Either personality type may well be riveted by this thriller in which much of the action centers on a long haul flight from London to Sydney (20 hours in the air!). In some ways, the story is a take on a locked room mystery in that much of the action is confined to the plane and the stories of its passengers and crew. However, there is also backstory so some time is spent on the ground and with other characters.

The book’s protagonist, Mina, is on the flight when…a note is given to her. What does it say? How will it influence what she does? In order for there not to be spoilers, it is not possible to say more except that this is a story that may well put readers on the edges of their seats.

My only quibble with this story is that I did not absolutely love some of the characters and I don’t just mean the “bad” ones.. I do, though, admire Ms. Mackinstosh’s imagination and storytelling ability. Readers, remember that this is fiction!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. 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.

A Lily Adler Mystery

by Katharine Schellman

#TheBodyInTheGarden #NetGalley

The Body in the Garden is the first title in the Lily Adler historical mystery series. A second book has already been published. This one will be an engaging treat for those who enjoy cozies set in the past. The characters are brought to life and readers will be interested in their connections to one another.

At a time when a woman’s role was to be a wife, in this story set in 1815, Lily is a young widow. This makes her place in society different from that of her peers. When the story opens, Lily has recently returned to London. Her best friend invites her to a ball, assuring Lily that, as she now wears lavender mourning garments, it is acceptable to attend. While at the soiree, Lily overhears a heated conversation in the garden. When a murder occurs, she is determined to find its cause, especially as the nascent police service has been paid not to investigate.

The victim is a friend of Miss Oswald. She is of mixed race, born outside of marriage but acknowledged by her father and is a young woman with a great fortune. She, Lily, a friend of Lily’s husband named Jack, and others are involved in the unfolding events.

Reading this book requires some suspension of disbelief. I am not convinced that Lily would have been able to do all that she does had she been a real person in this time period. However, readers who will not be bothered by that will find this to be an easy and enjoyable read.

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