My earlier review:

A very clever mystery: Moonflower Murders

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 22, 2020

A Novel

by Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz is a creative and imaginative author of complex mysteries. This book follows on his earlier novel, The Magpie Murders that also featured Susan Ryeland and the story within a story detective, Atticus Pund. I liked this title more than that first title in the series.

When the story starts, Susan has left England to run a hotel on a Greek island. It seems that venture is beginning to pale so when the opportunity comes to return to England, Susan is on her way. Susan is asked to investigate the disappearance of a hotelier’s daughter. Cecily was not seen again after calling her parents to tell them that, based on an Atticus Pund novel, she believes that a guest murdered at the hotel a number of years previously, was not killed by the accused and then convicted hotel worker. Does this sound a bit confusing and convoluted? Well, it just may be.

Susan investigates the case and, as part of her research, rereads the Atticus Pund book. That novel is very cleverly inserted in the middle of the book. I found this to be so appealing. There was the book cover, the blurbs, the copyright, everything one would expect but, again, it is a novel within the novel.

Will Susan solve the case? What happened to the missing daughter? Who committed the murder at the hotel and that is then fictionalized in the Pund book? There are many characters and there is lots to solve here.

This book is original and intriguing. I very much enjoyed it. It is long at over 600 pages so settle in for a long read.

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

This sampler includes generous excerpts of cozy mysteries that will be published by St. Martin’s press over the upcoming months. Included are titles by by Vivien Chien, Ellie Alexander, Elizabeth Penney, Diane Kelly, Paige Shelton and Mariah Fredericks. Here are the descriptions provided by the publisher.

It’s 1914 New York, and a killer is stalking Broadway in Death of a Showman.

A treasure hunt through Edinburgh gives way to a search for a villain terrorizing the city in Deadly Editions. It’s the end of a beautiful Maine summer in Bodies and Bows, and apron shop owner Iris Buckley must track down a killer before her best friend is arrested for murder and everything unravels.

In Murder with a View, the body of a popular country music singer turns up in Nashville carpenter Whitney Whitaker’s latest real estate investment. Oregon’s favorite bakery Torte’s newest venture – a pop-up ice cream shop – is swirling into a nightmare in Chilled to the Cone.

And in Fatal Fried Rice, a delectable cozy set in Cleveland, Ohio, Lana Lee may be next on the chopping block when her cooking class turns deadly and Lana is forced to investigate to clear her name.

I am excited to read the full edition of a number of these titles.

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

A Novel

by Susan Mallery

Pub Date 09 Feb 2021

Mackenzie Dienes made a close friend, Stephanie, when she was in college. Over time, Mackenzie married Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and she began working for Rhys’s mother, Barbara at the family winery. For sure, Mackenzie knows her grapes and the business yet she is always an employee, never a full partner in the company.

Mackenzie at first thought that she had everything that she could possibly want with her marriage, home and career. However, big cracks began to appear. A slight spoiler…Mackenzie and Rhys realize that they cannot stay together any longer. What will happen to Mackenzie? Will she find the life that she wants and what will she have to go through to get there? Read the book to find out.

I give this book a solid three stars. I did not find myself so immersed that I couldn’t wait to get back to the story to read more.

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

For those who are charmed by books (and small towns): The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 27, 2020

The Book Charmer is certain to tick all of the boxes for those who enjoy women’s fiction with a bit of heft. The story takes place in Dove Pond, a small town in North Carolina that has some charming shops and charming people. The Book Charmer herself is Sarah Dove. Books speak to her and have ever since she was little. Books let her know who should read them; although it may not initially make sense to the recipient, over time it will.

To this community come Grace, Mama G and Daisy. They all have back stories that are explored. Grace was a foster child, Mama G cared for her and Daisy is the child of Grace’s deceased sister. Mama G suffers from Alzheimer’s; the book shows some of her struggles and the sadness and difficulties for those who are affected by it.

Also living in Dove Pond is Travis who has his own ghosts and troubles. He is a war veteran who is trying to move on with his life. There are other characters for the reader to meet as well. Their stories intersect over the course of the story.

I enjoyed this title with its mix of a little magical realism, realism, love stories, friendships and time spent with characters whom I enjoyed knowing. If there were a real Dove Pond, I would surely love to visit there.

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

by Publishers Lunch

I always look forward to this (free!) publication. It lists so many books that will be coming out over the coming months. Everything is here from debut fiction to literary titles to commercial fiction, non-fiction and more. Plus, there are generous excerpts from a number of upcoming titles. One that I am really looking forward to is Marie Benedict’s novel about the librarian for the Morgan Library.

Read this one with a pad of paper or device close by so that you can jot down the titles that you want to remember.. I guarantee that there will be quite a few.

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

A Guide to Reading and Reflecting

by Mary Shelley; Karen Swallow Prior

Pub Date 09 Mar 2021

This is the second title that I have read in this series, following on Jane Eyre. This edition includes the full, first edition of Frankenstein. (One thing that you will learn is that there were both an original and later Frankenstein). There is a lot of information in the sections that are included along with the full text of the novel.

Readers learn that Mary Shelley had a somewhat chaotic life and one that was filled with loss. Her bereavements included her mother’s death, deaths of her children and the death of her husband. In addition, readers learn about the free wheeling existence of Mary, Percy and those around them. There were many affairs and interconnections.

This edition also includes a good deal of insight into the novel itself. Those who have never read the book may be surprised to learn that Frankenstein was not the monster. They may also be surprised by who narrates the story. Some of the influences on Shelly in terms of death and its links with creation and birth are explored as are many others as well. In addition context about the Romantics and other influences of Shelley’s era and discussion questions..

This book is published by a religious publisher so there is a section on reading the book from that perspective. Overall, I feel that this edition will be welcomed by readers looking for some insight into Frankenstein before they read or reread it. There are even some questions for discussion included after each of the novel’s volumes.

I also reviewed The Survivors. I recommend it.