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

British Library Crime Classics

by Martin Edwards

#BloodOnTheTracks #NetGalley

Those who enjoy vintage crime and short stories are sure to enjoy this collection that has been edited by Martin Edwards. As is true of his other compilations, Edwards has chosen wisely and offers readers a variety of authors who have set their stories on trains.

Here are tales that are of the Locked Room genre in that most iconic of settings, a train making its way to a destination. There are some well-known authors here as, for example, Conan Doyle and Dorothy Sayers. There are other authors with whom I was not acquainted. Still, I know them better after traveling with them through this volume.

I would also like to comment on this book’s cover. The artwork is very appealing and immediately invites the reader to use their imagination and travel on trains fr0m years past.

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

The House of Mirth is free and an American classic.

by Mary Alice Monroe

The Summer of Lost and Found is book seven of a series of novels set in an idyllic South Carolina community. I have not read all of the books and, while I will probably do so, my enjoyment of this title was in no way diminished.

This is the first fiction that I have read in which the Corona Virus is front and center as it impacts the lives of many of the characters. I think that the author did a masterful job with incorporating real life into the story. I hoped that David would successfully quarantine, that Linnea’s boyfriend would be able to leave England, that Hope would deal as well as a six-year-old might, and much more. I felt connected to each of them as they dealt with the early days of the pandemic.

The novel’s primary character is Linnea whom I remembered from book 6. She is experiencing changes and trying to reconfigure both her professional and personal lives. There are both a former and current boyfriend with whom Linnea has a relationship to figure out. Old boyfriend John is communicating through charming paper airplanes as the story begins. This is because he is quarantining due to Covid. Gordon is in England and may not be able to leave due to restrictions on entering the U.S.

Readers will enjoy spending time with a wide ranging cast of recurring characters, each of whom has their own story and also a connection with Linnea. There are Linnea’s aunt, her parents, her niece and her neighbor, just to mention a few.

Mary Alice Monroe knows how to invite a reader into a world. I very much enjoyed spending time there, even if Covid came along too.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy women’s fiction.

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

One of Bustle’s “20 Best Beach Reads of 2021”
One of BookTrib’s Most Anticipated Reads of 2021
One of Get Literary’s Most Anticipated Reads of 2021
One of Country Living’s “30 Can’t-Miss Beach Reads for This Summer”
One of Frolic’s “25 Best Books of Spring 2021”

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Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin

by Jane Austen

#SenseandSensibility #NetGalley Pub Date 05 Oct 2021

The opening chapter of Sense and Sensibility is one of my favorite in all of Austen. I find her wit here to be so sharp. The reduction of expectations for the Dashwood family as they lose their property and much of their financial security, because of primogeniture, is described in a way that is actually quite scathing and revelatory of the estate’s new female doyenne.

There is much to delight in as readers observe Elinor and Marianne interact with each other and those around them. Suffice it to say, that each embodies one of the titular traits. A rereading of this novel is always welcome to me.

If you have not read S and S, I recommend it most highly. I especially want to draw you attention to this absolutely gorgeous edition of the book. It is surely true that there are many, many less expensive versions of the novel. That said, this enchantingly illustrated one will be adored by true Austen aficionados. The flowers throughout are just lovely. Consider making this one a gift for someone you know…maybe even yourself.

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

So many good choices here. Bel Canto is a true favorite for me as is To Kill a Mockingbird. I adored The Rose Code and The Alice Network is by the same author.

Which of these have you read or will you read now?

These titles are on sale during the week of 8.16.21. Each is $4.00

I am in the minority perhaps but did not even finish episode 1 on Netflix. I am posting this because I know many feel differently. What was your opinion?

And the prequels:

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

For Virgin River fans: Each of these books costs $4.00

These are just some of the books that are on sale. Check your favorite on line book seller for even more, all the way to book number 20.

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