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

This book begins with a biography of the author. He is quite impressive, highly educated and very dedicated. He has made it from Oxbridge to the life of a monk in Scotland. He once was on a meditation retreat of four years duration. For so many reasons Gelong Thubten seems most qualified to be an engaging companion in learning more about happiness.
This book offers a text that raises many things to think (and meditate) upon. There are chapters on What is Happiness?; Stress in the 21st Century; Meditation and Mindfulness; Getting Started; Forgiveness; and more.
The author of this book feels very genuine as he talks about his own experiences and offers thoughts and insights. Take some time to read this one. It may help you and those with whom you interact to indeed understand and find more happiness.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This sampler includes a number  of excerpts from books by first time authors.  Included are

he Push: A Novel by Ashley Audrain

No Heaven for Good Boys: A Novel by Keisha Bush

Bestiary: A Novel by K-Ming Chang

The Mermaid from Jeju: A Novel by Sumi Hahn

Nights When Nothing Happened: A Novel by Simon Han

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

Night in Tehran by Philip Kaplan

Fifty Words for Rain: A Novel by Asha Lemmie

Fortune Favors the Dead: A Novel by Stephen Spotswood

Spend some time with this title and decide which books belong in your TBR pile.  There is a nice range of choices here.  Enjoy seeing the covers and read about these debuts.

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

 

 

I always find that spending time with Melanie Travis, her pets, friends and family to be relaxing.  I think that Laurien Berenson has a good sense of what cozy readers are looking for.  She has likeable characters, decent plots and…the dogs!

In this entry in the long running series, the story takes place around Halloween.   Melanie’s school colleague is accused of murder after an elderly man dies after eating sweets that she made.  Readers can be certain that the case will be solved.

This 26th entry in the series is a fun seasonal mystery that can be read both by long time fans or new readers.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  August 25, 2020

Lots of good choices here with many mysteries.  I reviewed the Ellery Adams book which I enjoyed.  There are two others in that series.  I just bought Love Letters from Montmartre.  Hope you see something here.

The poems in this book are short and entertaining, yet they encourage reflection. There are prose poems on everything from “How to Handle a Fortune Cookie Whose Prediction Cuts You to the Core, to “How to Know If It’s True Love Day” to “How to Say What You Really Think Day” and many more.

I found myself returning to this book several times so as to soak in the thoughts and feelings. I recommend it even if you don’t often read poems.

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

Years ago there was the Detection Club, its members were mystery writers including Agatha Christie. The group collaborated on several books. In a way, The Deadly Hours and its authors remind me of that since this title involves four writers in an interlinked story. The four have all written historical mysteries that have been popular and good reads. Here, they work well together telling the tale of a gold watch beginning in the 1700s and moving forward in time through several locales in Italy, Edinburgh and more. It is a unique read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, the wonderful Poisoned Pen Press, for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

This book is exactly what its title declares. Following an introduction, readers will find all of the Poe that they could possibly want. Here are tales both well-known and new to discover, along with the poems including some of my favorites including The Bells, Annabel Lee and The Raven.
I have a digital ARC of this book. The on sale copy will be a gift book edition that promises to be quite nice.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

#TheCompleteTalesPoemsofEdgarAllanPoe #NetGalley

The time is just right for this book. It will help children to feel calm, centered and good about themselves. These are all qualities that will enhance young lives and help kids to cope during our current time of crisis.
The author recalls learning a mantra from her mom when she was young. This helped her to see the ways in which words can make a difference. She has grown up to write a helpful book.
This title is divided by months with each month having a theme. Some of those chosen by the author are Positivity, Growth, Love, Family and Friendship, and Generosity. Each month has a saying for each day and there are also activities. These include making a coping wheel, for instance. The photos and artwork have been well chosen to enhance the text.
This seems to me to be a positive, self-enhancing title. I recommend it for children that you know.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#IAmICan #NetGalley

A few interesting entries from the table of contents…The Marvel of Mistakes; Learning to See; Painting with the Breath; Beginning & Beginning Again.  Intrigued?  For those who are looking to explore their artistic side in a present and mindful way, this title is a good resource.

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

pub date:  September 1, 2020

#MindfulThoughtsforArtists #NetGalley

The book, not audio, is an e book bargain for 15April 2024  I love this book!  I did not want it to end as I did not want to bid farewell to Gamache and the other characters for at least another year.

I’ll start by commenting on the audio.  The book was extremely well and engagingly narrated.  I was constantly stealing time to listen to just a bit more.  The narrator’s tone is just right and he captures each character’s voice in a unique way.

The story itself will be very welcomed by series readers although new readers could also enjoy it.  Readers learn so much backstory about Armand Gamache including SPOILER? the loss of his parents and the roles of his grandmother and godfather in his life.

The setting for this title is a fully realized Paris where the Gamaches are visiting their son, daughter and their spouses and children, all of whom now live there.  Armand also spends time with his godfather.  I loved the opening scene at the Rodin Museum.  Having visited there, I enjoyed my virtual return.

Just who is Stephen Horowitz?  What has he done?  Who wanted to harm him?  What does it mean to be in a family? What are the responsibilities of corporations? What does loyalty mean?  Can we protect those we love?  These questions and more are raised in this thoughtful, deeply moving mystery.

I recommend this title most highly.  I now plan to go back and read or listen to all of the books again.

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