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

Fans of Agatha Christie will surely enjoy this novel.  There are two reasons for this; first, it is a book written very much in the style of that beloved author; and, two. Agatha Christie is a character in the novel.

This is part of a series by Andrew Wilson.  The books can be read in any order.  In this title, Agatha is in Scotland where a murder occurs amidst a full party of hotel guests.  Who murdered the host?  The suspects are many:  among them, a botanist, a nephew, an actress, two sisters, the servants and more.

In addition to telling the mystery story, the author includes some information about Agatha Christie who is planning her marriage to her second husband.  There is also information about her days as a VAD and her work in an apothecary.

This book will provide an enjoyable respite from reality,  It is a new mystery written in a classic style. Note though that it goes a bit over the top by the end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. By the way, I love the cover. It made me want to pick up this title.

Pub date:  July 21, 2020

poisonedpenbooks.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/bn-jul-20.pdf

I love everything that I have ever read by Mary Oliver and Dog Songs is no exception.  She is a brilliant, accessible poet.  Otherwise, historical fiction, mystery/thriller and the classic Cheaper by the Dozen (as a kid I was awestruck by all twelve having their tonsils removed!).  Enjoy.

How many of you reading this review remember when Khzir Khan held up his copy of the Constitution during the last election cycle? How many of you recall anything that you learned about this document during your school years? It is so incredibly important to understand our Constitution, maybe never more than at this particular time.
This book provides a wonderful introduction (or refresher) to the important points that are included in the Constitution. It truly deserves a place in school and home libraries. The authors do a marvelous job of bringing their text to readers in a readable way and the illustrations will also engage children.
The authors begin by acknowledging the complexity of the Constitution and the difficulty that readers may find when encountering it . Nonetheless, they encourage children to see the original document in DC if they can. They then go on to make the Constitution accessible and relevant. There are clear explanations of the document and children will understand concepts including the branches of government, the amendments and more. They will also learn lots of trivia facts; for example, they will find out that the Constitution was written in secret. There are also many “What do you think?” sections that will invite readers to explore concepts..
I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it and to offer my opinion of it.

#WeThePeople #NetGalley

In this centenary year of the vote for women, lots of stories are being told.  This one about Bridie and Rose brings events vividly to life.  While the story is geared towards readers aged 8-to-12, I would take that as a guideline.  As an adult, I also found that I enjoyed reading this book.  It begins to engage readers immediately as they meet Bridie who is locked up in the poorhouse and literally climbing up a wall.  Readers just know that she will have the wits, pluck and sense to better her life.  They will quickly see that this was not easy though and that Bridie faced some harsh treatment.  They will be glad when she finds a friend in Rose.

Readers will witness the struggles that the two girls face.  They will watch as Bridie gets a job with someone named Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  Yes, we all know how this ended but how we got there is so interesting.

This book is engaging and involving.  At the end of the novel are many helpful  historical notes.  These add greatly to the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.  It should find its place in home and elementary school libraries.

#StartingfromSenecaFalls #NetGalley

This is the second entry in what is now a three book series. Readers can definitely enjoy this book even if they did not read the first novel.
Historically Dead s a cozy mystery with a likeable protagonist and good settings. Main character Darla is a seamstress who enjoys working on historical fabrics and clothing. As someone who specializes in textiles with historical value, she is excited to consult on a TV series about a colonial home in her neighborhood. Of course, there is a murder and some additional crimes. And, of course, will be resolved by our sewing maven.
The novel provides a relaxing read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Have you retired? Do you dislike being written off as someone with nothing to contribute? If you answer yes, or can imagine answering yes at some point in your life, this book is for you.
Jane is at that stage in her life when she is asked for help by a friend and willingly assists. From this beginning, Jane is given a paid job! She goes undercover in a retirement community where the shenanigans lead to a murder. Will Jane solve the case? I am certain that you can answer that question but read this one anyway for the fun along the way.

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

#JaneDarrowfieldProfessionalBusybody #NetGalley

And the month is off to a great start! I recommend the McDermid and Sten.

I

We are living in an election year (in the U.S.) and a time when there is much talk about politics.  The author of this title hopes to inspire young women to aspire to political life  In order to do this, she gives readers biographies to read of women who are achieving good things; for example, the PM of New Zealand and Kyrsten Sinema closer to home.  There is also information on topics including what it is like to campaign.

The author is passionate about her subject and that passion comes through in this excellent resource.  As Joe Biden gets ready to name a female running mate, it feels like the time is now.  I recommend this book as a way to engage a generation in the political process.

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

#InGoodHands #NetGalley

The “Eleanor” of the title is, of course, Eleanor Roosevelt. She had most difficult early years and went on to live a truly remarkable life. How did Eleanor go from a child so alone in the world, an orphan at an early age whose mother ridiculed her and whose father loved her but suffered from alcoholism and an inability to cope with life, to a most admired woman? What was it like to be sent to school in England? What did it mean to have an uncle who was larger than life and a president? To fall in love with an ambitious, pampered cousin who could not be faithful and who also had serious health challenges? How did Eleanor go from an insecure young woman to a woman who was among the most admired in the world, a surrogate for Franklin and a first lady throughout WWII? Who did she lean on and love once she knew that Franklin had affections elsewhere?
All of these questions come under the scrutiny of Mr. Michaelis who has written an engaging and very readable biography of Eleanor. It covers her whole life and finds the sweet space between a serious biography and an absorbing read. I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  October 6, 2020

Of note, readers of this title may also enjoy the novel White Houses by Amy Bloom, Franklin and Lucy by Joseph Persico (non-fiction), Lucy by Ellen Feldman (fiction) and the biography of Eleanor by Blanche Wiesen Cook.  I have read them all and have reviewed White Houses on the blog.