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

This graphic novel tells the story of Jackie Robinson from the time of his birth as his parents fifth child on through his many achievements and challenges. This title tells Mr. Robinson’s story well.

The author notes that Jackie’s early years were marred by the racial tensions in his town and the absence of his father. Still, one place where he was comfortable and excelled was a ball field.
The book goes on to follow Jackie as a teen when both he and his older brother, an Olympic athlete, excelled at sports. Jackie played football, basketball, baseball and track. However, his life and education were disrupted by WWII and the continued racism that he faced.
The author acknowledges the many achievements of Jackie Robinson as he played baseball in the Negro Leagues and eventually played as the first African American on a previously all white major league team. Jackie played to jeers from many in the crowd but persevered. He was truly a gifted athlete and man.
This moment in time seems like a perfect one to remember and honor Mr. Robinson. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#JackieRobinson #NetGalley

What a cute ABC for little learners. To give a sense, A is for Aware; D is for Dream; I is for inspired; P is for Patience, and so it goes til Z is for Zen. This one is for parents who do their mindfulness to share with their babies. In addition to the peaceful words, there are sweet illustrations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#BabyLovesCalm #NetGalley

This is a read aloud for a young audience.  Luke and Lottie go outdoors to enjoy some fall fun.  Most exciting for them is finding a hedgehog whom they help to get ready to hibernate.

The illustrations are very cut and go well with the simple text.  This book is a nice introduction to the season.

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

Faith Martin has written many mysteries although this book was the first that I read.  In this enjoyable cozy, protagonist Jenny, a traveling cook encounters murder on a cricket pitch.  This is a light and enjoyable mystery.  While it is part of a series (a reissued one), it can be read as a standalone.

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

Mystery, fiction…enjoy.

Even though it is hot and humid today, winter will come. In this cutely illustrated story for toddlers, Milo and Lily enjoy some fun winter activities. The illustrations and text invite a child to become involved, for example, helping to decide what Lily and Milo could wear to go outside, and they will watch as Lily and Milo do things like make a snowman. All in all, a nice cold day for two friends.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WinterwithLilyMilo #NetGalley

It’s summer now so, of course, I am thinking about summer reading. Here is a good one to put on your TBR pile if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable book
This is a story about Ellen who is a single mom as the story opens. She has a college bound son, Cooper, who is worried about leaving her by going away to school. What will happen? Why is he worried?
Readers watch as Ellen’s friend, Unity, steps in and up. She develops a list of challenges for Ellen to get her moving forward. Unity will also work on this list. (Readers learn that she is also stuck) How will they grow and change? Read the novel to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable read in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing like the bedtime story ritual for both children and adults. Reading a story together can be the perfect way to end a day.

This book contains eight short, engagingly illustrated stories. They feature simple story lines with animals. There is a lamb whose curiosity separates him from his mom, a rabbit who does not like loud noises, and a mouse who serves as a lighthouse keeper, among others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Toddler and preschool listeners will enjoy these stories, I think.

#ATreasuryofGoodNightStories #NetGalley

Here is yet another winning entry in a wonderful series of short biographies for little people.  This time the story of Pele, one of the most iconic soccer players ever, is told in simple text with engaging illustrations.  Children will learn that with a combination of family support, talent and hard work it is possible to do amazing things in both sport and life!

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

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

#Pele #NetGalley

Ann Cleeves is one of the best mystery authors writing today. She has three current series including the Vera Stanhope mysteries, those featuring Jimmy Perez on Shetland and last year’s novel, The Long Call which featured a new protagonist. I have read them all and recommend that mystery lovers do so as well. Truly dedicated readers should note that Ms. Cleeves also has two earlier series of books worth searching out with one featuring birders and the other with Inspector Ramsay.
The Darkest Evening is a Vera Stanhope mystery with all of the trademarks including the irascible Vera herself, her team (especially Joe and Holly), vivid settings, well developed characters and good plotting. Readers will be swept up.
The story takes place partly at a country house that belonged to a branch of Vera’s family, and its environs. Long term readers will enjoy the glimpse of Stanhope family history while new readers will not be unduly hampered even if this is the first Vera book that they read.
Characters include some of Vera’s relatives, including her cousin,Juliet, who longs for a child and her husband Mark; who is in the theater; Harriet, Juliet’s mother; Dorothy who is a close friend of Juliet, and two murder victims. There are, in addition, a number of other characters who live in the community and have relationships with the victims. What are these connections? Who has killed and why? Readers will be turning the pages as they wait to see how all of the story’s threads come together. I highly recommend The Darkest Evening (readers will learn the context of the title as they make their way in the novel).

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

Pub date:  September 8, 2020

#TheDarkestEvening #NetGalley