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

This book provides some nice escapism.  The protagonist is an American, widowed Countess who lives in England in the early 1900s.  In this third entry in the series,  Frances (our countess), is trying to plan her sister’s wedding.  Mayhem ensues among the country house party, both upstairs and down. Readers of course know that all will be resolved but they will enjoy observing the detection along the way.

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

Pub date:  July 28, 2020

#ALadysGuidetoMischiefandMurder #NetGalley

Enjoy some fiction here.

Just a few today.  I always enjoy Elly Griffiths; read best in order.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely sure to charm!  See the details of the animal families living in the apartment building.  There are mice in triple bunk beds, the fox family eating breakfast and a hedgehog reading a book among others beginning their days.  The illustrations change as the day goes on but remain completely adorable. As the day progresses, there will be a birthday party for rabbit, a fox will become a sibling and a cat family will move in. So much excitement.

This book is a winner.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  October 6, 2020

I love stories that are set in Ireland.  This has led me to read all of the Tana French books, books by Benjamin Black and Sarah Stewart Taylor’s new first in a series.  I also give a shout out to the novels by Dervla McTiernan.

Here we have a cozy mystery by Sheila Connolly who also makes Ireland the location for her series featuring Maura Donovan.   This is the eighth featuring Bosten ex=pat Maura Donovan.  This one includes fairy forts and murder.  Will Maura resolve everything including her relationship with her mother?

This book can feel a bit slow and repetitive at times but I think that it will be enjoyed by readers of the author’s other stories in the series.

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

#FatalRoots #NetGalley

The Reginald Hill was one of my favorites of the author’s many books.  I read and reviewed (and enjoyed) The Gown.  The H.G. Wells is free.  The Rennie Airth should be liked by fans of Charles Todd, among others.  Enjoy.

This title is very cute and will be loved by doodlers.  Learn to draw in many categories including animals, people, food, flowers & plants, around the house and more.   The book begins with lots of information about ballpoint pens (a lot more than I had guessed that there was to know here)  and drawing materials before going into how to make the many objects included within.  The end of the book has a section on “special lessons” should a reader want to learn more techniques.  Throughout are adorable doodles that I know that I will enjoy creating.

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

pub date:  September 1, 2020

This book will surely be welcomed by those who enjoy armchair travel and women’s fiction.  The French setting is lovely and escapist.  The four main characters are women that you will wish well as they grow and explore.  All in all, a recipe for a perfect summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving  me the opportunity to spend quality time with Amy, Chelsea, Victoria and Matilda.  All opinions are my own.  Bon voyage!

Children have such wide ranging interests and are curious about so many things. Many will have been bitten by a mosquito at some point. For kids who like insects or want to know more about that itch, this is a good resource. It is geared toward elementary school aged children and is full of facts. Accompanying these facts are cartoon illustrations that are pretty funny.
So young entomologists here is a good resource for you. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book offers adolescents moments of contemplation, ninety in all.  The title is clearly geared toward Christian teens but the ideas could be thought about regardless of one’s faith.  For example, how does one learn from mistakes, what is love and more.

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