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

Really good choices here. I’ve read and reviewed the Huber titles and The Secret, Book and Scone Society.

I have reviewed this one and recommend it.

by Marty Wingate

To begin with, a disclaimer: I have loved the city of Bath (England) ever since spending time there as an exchange student. So, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this mystery set in one of my favorite places. The good news is that I did enjoy the setting but I also enjoyed this cozy mystery for other reasons.

The protagonist of this two book series is likeable as is her romantic interest. The book is one that loves the mystery genre as tribute is paid to Dorothy Sayers and especially her novel Murder Must Advertise. That Sayers title and this novel both have a murder victim who dies falling down a spiral staircase. There are suspects and a case to solve by our amateur sleuth.

This title is recommended to those who enjoy a cozy mystery. It was an easy read which I mean in a good way; this was a book for those who would like to relax for a bit.

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

#MurderIsaMust #NetGalley

Understanding Coronavirus

by Mary Lindeen

The folks at Sesame Street know a lot about kids and it shows. This book will be welcomed by families that are trying to figure out the best ways to talk to their young children about the virus. It is simple, matter of fact, includes lots of basic information, offers suggestions of activities and ways to keep healthy and more. All this, with photos of real adults and kids and those lovable Sesame Street characters. Highly recommended for its intended audience.

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

Pub date: January 1, 2021

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite Austen titles. Reading it in this gorgeous edition made for an even more enjoyable experience. This novel can be read, reread and treasured. I always find something new with each reread. In fact, I am just finishing a wonderful class on the novel.

The story itself is well known but perhaps wasted on those kids who are asked to read it in school before they are really ready. The story of the Bennet family and those around them is fresh, funny and, at times, serious. We all have our pride and our prejudices; while reading about those in the novel, we can think, too, about how we may judge others wrongly. Readers can also contemplate the roles of women and the social meaning of marriage at the time. But…along with deeper themes there is wit, plot, romance, a bit of travel and more.

This particular edition is special because of its beauty, beginning with the gorgeous cover. It is a keeper and one that would make a perfect gift for the reader or someone about whom they care.

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

Pub date: March 2, 2021

by Susanna Leonard Hill

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021

This book is so engagingly illustrated! It is written in the form of a letter from a child to a grandmother. It shows the beauty, resilience, depth and breadth of that special relationship. The grandmother in this book is fun to play with, a listener, an encourager and so much more. She is simply a most important part of a child’s life.

This book ideally would be read with a grandmother whether in person or on Zoom. It is very sweet.

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

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

The books in this series offer great information to young children. This entry is about Charles Darwin. Young readers will learn about his curiosity, questioning and scientific achievements. They will discover some interesting facts; for example that Darwin left medical school because he could not cope with the sight of blood! Children will travel on the voyage of the Beagle. They will learn a bit about evolution as well.

A lot is covered in this title entry in a terrific series. The illustrations will also engage the reader.

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

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021  

Discover the meanings, symbols and rituals of your day of birth

by Claire Saunders

This is a fun, lively book on birthdays for kids. Contents include a chapter on zodiac signs, birthstones, flowers and more, followed by a section for each month that includes activities too, and then, finally, a section of birthday trivia.

Kids and adults will enjoy looking at the information that relates to their date, day and year of birth and will also enjoy looking up the details for people they know. The book includes several types of signs, among them Chinese ones and Celtic ones along with the more familiar Aquarius, etc. There is also information on birthstones and flowers by month. Each section describes personality characteristics for each category.

This book provides an entertaining look at personality traits, traditions and customs that center on when a person was born. The illustrations are very bright, lively and engaging. I highly recommend this one for kids.

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

pub date: 05 Jan 2021