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

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there. My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano. Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.
So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC. I was not disappointed. This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.
The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico. He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita. Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel. Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day. I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.
Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele. The murder of the story has ties with the past. The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California. Why did he return to Italy? How does this visit lead to his death? Who will be hurt as the case is solved?
This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed. I recommend adding it to your TBR list.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review. I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

#MurderinChianti #NetGalley

I will start by saying that I highly recommend this title which is a story of Germany in the aftermath of WWII. Set in several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, it is the story of the titular Edith Graham. As the novel opens, Miss Graham is an educator living at home with her mother, a life that she found somewhat dull and meaningless. When she is offered the opportunity to go to Germany to help with the re-establishment of educational facilities, she is really for the change and challenge. But…much more is in store for Edith.
Readers learn that, before the war,Edith was in love with a handsome, smart, German man named Kurt. Miss Graham also became close to his wife Elisabeth. What happened to this couple during WWII? How did they survive? What did they do? What happened to them afterwards? Their story line forms a large part of the narrative.
Around Edith are various agents, each with their own, and sometimes overlapping, agendas. There are Dori, Vera and Adeline for the women, each of whom has been shaped by their wartime experiences. In addition, there are the men; they represent the U.S. and the British. What are their agendas? How will these intersect with those of the women?
There is espionage here and, after a slightly slow start, a book that had me turning the pages and connecting with the characters. In addition to an excellent plot, the book raises a number of issues: what was life like for the Germans as the Americans, Russians and British entered their defeated country? How do people survive when they have nothing, not even food? Do ends justify means? Who can be trusted? Can there be justice in a world that has been turned upside down?
As readers follow the story, each chapter begins with an entry from Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Readers will learn the significance of these menus as they become involved with the novel.
I have read many books of historical fiction about WWII. This one is a bit different in that it largely takes place after the war. It is a compelling read and one that I recommend most highly. I give it five stars, something I do not often do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#MissGrahamsColdWarCookbook #NetGalley

Some excellent choices here, including the ones for children.

Some entertaining mysteries.  I have reviewed the Anna Lee Huber which is the first in a series.

Language evolves to meet new needs and has done so for a very long time.  The use of they/them in new contexts is part of that history.  It is important that language be responsive and make sense.  In this book, the author provides a good explanation for the current addition of they/them as a singular pronoun that is responsive to our current time.

The author provides history and engages in dialogue with the reader, all the while helping readers to embrace adding to their vocabularies.  This book is recommended for those who want to educate themselves and others in their lives.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  September 29, 2020

#HowtoTheyThem #NetGalley

In this time of Covid, my  walks take me past two neighborhood parks.  Each day, no matter how tired I am of this time in our lives, seeing the flowers that are in bloom brings some cheer.  Because my walks have been daily, I think that I am more aware of each bloom that fades as others come forth during the spring and summer seasons.

Blooming Flowers is a title that plays homage to this bounty.  It is organized by seasons and filled with gorgeous illustrations.  So, for example, for spring there are the daisy, the daffodil, the lily and more, while for summer we see the rose and sunflower among others and so on through the snowdrop and violet in winter.

The author’s love of all things floral shines through in this appealing title as does her deep knowledge of her subject.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

NOTE:  CURRENTLY A $3.99 E BOOK

I have recently read a number of novels about the British Monarchy and WWII. Some of the books that I enjoyed are Lady Clementine, Before the Crown, The Other Windsor Girl, Another Woman’s Husband and The Woman Before Wallis. All have been immersive reads. To that group I will now add The Queen’s Secret.
The Queen of this novel is the current Queen’s mother, Queen Elizabeth who was married to Bertie aka George the VI. This book is told from her perspective. Elizabeth had more than one secret from what I could see. She also had her own voice and point of view in this novel on everything from David and Wallis, to how her daughters were raised to the way that she wanted to conduct her relationship with her husband. She comes across as very human with a love of sweets and drinks. I found her story to be well-told here as the Queen shares everything from her childhood to her figure to working with Churchill and more.
Lovers of this period, the TV show The Crown and/or historical fiction may want to read this title. I know that I am glad that I did.
By the way, I went back and forth between the audio and the book as I enjoyed this title. The many voices that the narrator took on in the audio were so well done and added to the audio experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

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.

Pub date:  August 10, 2020.

If you are in a relationship and you are home with some time, this book might intrigue and/or entertain you.  There are quizzes in loads of categories, everything from favorite things to food to travel to couple’s pasts, present and future.

This title is written by a couple’s counselor.  She notes that these quizzes are not about competition but about knowing one’s partner and nurturing a relationship.

This book seems quite appealing.  Partners can see how well they know each other and also enjoy learning more about someone with whom they are deeply involved.

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

From the publisher:

Lots of modern classics here.  I’ve reviewed The Stranger Diaries which I liked.  There is another in the series scheduled for publication in England.  I liked the Ann Patchett which is an early novel.  For kids in hot weather, try Mr. Popper!  Enjoy.