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

So many readers adore the books by this author that I feel almost as if no review is necessary. All loyal fans need to see is her name on the title of the book.
This is the third book that I have read by this author. My favorite is still How to Walk Away, although What You Wish For is certainly an enjoyable read.
I liked the setting of this book, both the Texas location and the vibrant, joyous school where narrator Sam is the librarian. This novel is primarily about Sam and Duncan with attention paid also to those around them. The two knew each other in the past when Sam had a crush on the flamboyant, exuberant Duncan. Sam is now at a new school and guess who the new principal is? (I’m sure that no guess is needed). But why is Duncan so different? Will he and Sam connect again? Even if you feel you know the answers, this book is a good one to laze around with on a summer’s day. Its message of taking as much joy in life as possible, despite life’s difficulties, is an affirming one.
On NetGalley, there are 1576 reviews and counting with readers all liking the book. These are the biggest numbers that I have seen on the site. I think that readers who buy this book will enjoy it too!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Every time I find that a new Ruth Galloway book is due to come out, I get super excited. I adore spending time with Ruth and watching the evolution of her relationship with Nelson, the father of Ruth’s daughter Kate.
Long time readers of the series know that Nelson and Ruth’s relationship is a complex one that often leads to cliffhangers in the novels. I think that this relationship will intrigue readers for as long as Ms. Griffiths writes. There is something so lovely about a romantic heroine who is about to turn fifty.
There are so many other interesting characters surrounding Ruth. There is Frank with whom she now lives; Cathbad, yes the Druid; Nelson’s wife and daughters; Cathbad’s reporter daughter and more. There are also highly evocative settings.
And, of course, there is murder and mystery. Ivor has just been jailed for multiple murders. Was he guilty? Who are those with whom he spent time at an artistic retreat? How will these characters interact and intersect with the series regulars? Read the book to find out.
I often find that the case itself intrigues me less than the people in this author’s stories. Still, for the last half hour of reading this title, I was gripped and kept turning the pages eagerly.
This novel could be read as a standalone. If readers do that, I hope they will go back and read the stories from the very first one to catch up. Long terms followers of the series will, I think, be delighted by Ruth’s return.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheLanternMen #NetGalley

This title includes the biographies of fifteen women whom the author feels that history overlooked.  The book has three sections; these are The Innovators, The Change-Makers and The Ceiling Breakers.  Readers will learn more about Ada Lovelace, Ida B Wells, Marsha P Johnson and Madam C J Walker, among others.  Each entry is informative and readable and comes with an illustration of the woman being described.

This is a good anthology and one that covers a wide time range.  It seems to me that it should have a place in school or home libraries as an introduction to each of these pioneers.  The interested reader may then want to pursue additional research on their favorites.

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

The Poisoned Pen Press has published a number of excellent mystery anthologies, of which this is one. This collection includes stories about cases that were investigated and solved using science and technology, as it existed when each story was written.
A knowledgeable introduction is followed by stories from writers who are both well and lesser known. Some of the authors represented are Conan Doyle, Dorothy L Sayers and Freeman Wills Crofts. There are fourteen stories in all.
If you find that you sometimes have trouble concentrating on a novel, this book provides a nice alternative with its stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

The Agatha Christie title is free.  I thought that The Salt Path looked intriguing.  Otherwise mystery and historical fiction along with a tome that will offer you books to read for a very long time.  Enjoy!

This is another very charmingly illustrated entry in the book series for the youngest children by Ms. Sanchez Vegara. This entry tells the story of Dolly Parton.

Young Dolly had a gift for music and got her first regular slot on a radio show when she was only ten. From there she went from strength to strength to become the legend that we know today. In addition to her singing and writing, along with being an entrepreneur, readers will learn that Dolly wanted to give something back. She became involved in a program that donates books to children in need.

Children should enjoy this latest entry in a good series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I was not familiar with the author when I received this e galley from NetGalley but I was intrigued by the thought of spending (virtual) time in a beautiful place.  As it turns out, the author is well known in horticultural circles.  His gardens are celebrated in this beautifully illustrated title.

Mr. Hinkley is an honest and open guide throughout this volume with a voice that, at times, feels elegaic. Spend time with him and his horticultural treasures.  Imagine that you are in the exact spot where a photo was taken.  It will be well worth your time.

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

I have enjoyed so many books that were set in Ireland, everything from the mysteries of Tana French to the novels of Maeve Binchy and Marian Keyes.  So, I was excited to come across this book which is set in the fictional town of Ballyanna.  Ballyanna is a quiet seaside town in the southwest of Ireland.  The main characters whose lives readers follow there are Daniel and his son who are recovering from a tragedy, and Annie the daughter of the local hotel owner who has her own issues.  How these characters lives intersect form the basis for this story which tugs at the emotions.

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

Please note:  If this title intrigues you, it is currently just 99 cents as an e  book.

Dream Big is one of those children’s stories that adults will also love.  It is a fable of hope and demonstrates a belief in transformation. Enjoy the poetry and whimsy of this book along with its positive message.

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