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

This is such a beautiful book with its quite appealing and colorful illustrations.  There is so much that can be learned about birds in this short title.  There is everything from details about the appearance of birds in terms of their features, to their homes, to making a bird feeder. There are also chapters on birds in the different seasons.  Credit is given for the hard work that birds do including eating insects and pollinating flowers. There are also tips for bird watching. This book would make a welcome gift to a young nature lover in your life.

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

Please note that I have included one Donna Leon title but many are bargains right now.  Check with your e book retailer.

I have been reading stories about Sarah Booth since the first in the series, Them Bones, was published in 1999. There are now over twenty titles in all.
Starting to read one of these mysteries is like taking a long exhale. They are relaxing, fun and require some suspension of disbelief. Sarah Booth has a haint (ghost) named Jitty who appears to her in various costumes and always with the same hope which is to find Sara Booth a husband and give her a child and a new generation to the family. Up until now this has not happened but Jitty always hopes as she takes part in the stories. Sara Booth is surrounded by a cast of other regulars as well from her best friend Tinkie to the sheriff.
Where Sara Booth goes, murder and hi jinks follow. It is no different in this stories which takes place near Easter.
Regular readers of Ms. Haines’s books will eagerly pick up this latest entry. The books can be read out of order but if you are looking for lots of escape, start at the beginning and then move forward.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheDevilsBones #NetGalley

This book is written by a top Japanese vet and includes a wealth of information to help owners in understanding their felines.  It comes with charming illustrations as an added bonus.

There are sections on cat biology,  a cat’s well-being, how to speak cat, decoding behavior, living together, making your cat happy and more.  I learned so many things that I did not know, even after having had cats as pets.  For example, did you know that cats don’t have the best eyesight?  Did you know that a slightly damp nose helps them in smelling? I did not. This book will be welcomed by cat folks  who will learn a lot and is highly recommended.

pub date:  October 27, 2020

#WhatCatsWant #NetGalley

This book is an excellent compendium of stories for “rebel girls” but also for anyone interested in learning more about a variety of accomplished women immigrants.  The book can be read in order or at random.  For each woman her area of interest is listed.  To name just some of the women included, there are Lupita Nyong’o, an actress; Madeleine Albright, politician; Frieda Belinfante, cellist and conductor;Burke Harris, pediatrician and so many more, all the way to the end of the alphabet.  Each short, engaging entry includes an illustration, a quote and a short biography.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this inspiring collection that will remind girls that they can be anyone they choose.  All opinions are my own.

pub date:  October 13, 2020

This cookbook for little ones includes a number of appealing recipes for each meal of the day along with some beverage. sides, dessert, and snack choices.  To name some of the recipes…there are apple cinnamon overnight oats, veggie fried rice, cinnamon sugar popcorn, strawberry and orange slush, sheet pan fajitas, creamy Mexican rice and berry shortcrust cobbler.   The recipes are well presented and easy to follow.  There are also suggestions for substitutions. The author is very encouraging to the young chefs who will be doing the cooking.

One small quibble, at the beginning of the book,  the author suggests that children cook with a parent or other relative.  In today’s climate with so many different kinds of families and social arrangements, I feel that it would have been preferable to suggest cooking with a trusted adult.  That having been said, this playfully illustrated cookbook looks like a good resource that will provide fun and nourishment for kids.

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

Pub date:  October 13, 2020

I always enjoy books by Dorothy Sayers.  There are a number of other good fiction choices.

By the way, readers…do you enjoy this type of post? Would you like to see it continue?  I am looking for feedback.  Thanks.

I recommend her novels most highly!!!

I was very excited to receive this ARC of the second title by Allison Montclair. It was an enjoyable read with elements of mystery, intrigue and humor.

The characters: Gwen Bainbridge and Iris Sparks. Gwen was widowed in the war and it took her a bit of time to find her way again. Iris worked in a secret job during the war.
Their current work: They run an agency that introduces people to one another; it’s a matrimonial bureau.
Their contacts: Gwen can be in touch with the aristocracy while Iris has many war and university contacts.
This case: To be involved in vetting a certain Greek prince who would like to marry Princess Elizabeth.
Overall, this is a light read. It is perfectly fine as a standalone though readers may well want to read the first in the series as well. This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical mysteries, the time period and female protagonists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#ARoyalAffair #NetGalley

This book features many famous buildings from all around the world.  Just a few of those included are the Parthenon, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Blue Mosque, the Palace of Versailles, the Empire State Building,  the Statue of Liberty and more.

Children will learn a bit about the history of buildings beginning when ancient people first sought shelter on through modern buildings. They will then go on to get a short look at each of the featured structures.  Children can then research on their own if they would like to learn more.

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

#WorldofWonderGreatBuildings #NetGalley