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.

#ALadysGuidetoMischiefandMurder #NetGalley

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I spent a semester of college in Somerset so was beyond excited to receive this e galley and revisit an area that I adored. Inside this book, readers can enjoy an armchair visit to twenty beautiful spots including The American Museum and Gardens in Bath, Cothay Manor, Stoberry H0use and more. Each entry has a good amount of information along with gorgeous photos. There is also a section on information for visitors. For those who enjoy gardens, this title is highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  September 15, 2020

#SecretGardensofSomerset #NetGalley

Looking at the photos in this baking book makes me hungry!  Following a section on tools and ingredients there are special sections on things like how to work with dough, how to pipe and more.  The recipes are seasonally organized with an additional section on special occasion recipes.  The end of the book includes measurement conversions and resources.  In terms of the recipes, how about chocolate hazelnut bread pudding or pink lemonade bars or pumpkin swirl brownies or hot cocoa cupcakes?  The special section includes a recipe for an Italian cream wedding cake and peanut butter chocolate graduation caps, among others.  My only complaint…I wish that there had been even more illustrations.

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

This is such a beautiful book with its quite appealing and colorful illustrations.  There is so much that can be learned about birds in this short title.  There is everything from details about the appearance of birds in terms of their features, to their homes, to making a bird feeder. There are also chapters on birds in the different seasons.  Credit is given for the hard work that birds do including eating insects and pollinating flowers. There are also tips for bird watching. This book would make a welcome gift to a young nature lover in your life.

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

Please note that I have included one Donna Leon title but many are bargains right now.  Check with your e book retailer.

I have been reading stories about Sarah Booth since the first in the series, Them Bones, was published in 1999. There are now over twenty titles in all.
Starting to read one of these mysteries is like taking a long exhale. They are relaxing, fun and require some suspension of disbelief. Sarah Booth has a haint (ghost) named Jitty who appears to her in various costumes and always with the same hope which is to find Sara Booth a husband and give her a child and a new generation to the family. Up until now this has not happened but Jitty always hopes as she takes part in the stories. Sara Booth is surrounded by a cast of other regulars as well from her best friend Tinkie to the sheriff.
Where Sara Booth goes, murder and hi jinks follow. It is no different in this stories which takes place near Easter.
Regular readers of Ms. Haines’s books will eagerly pick up this latest entry. The books can be read out of order but if you are looking for lots of escape, start at the beginning and then move forward.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheDevilsBones #NetGalley

This book is written by a top Japanese vet and includes a wealth of information to help owners in understanding their felines.  It comes with charming illustrations as an added bonus.

There are sections on cat biology,  a cat’s well-being, how to speak cat, decoding behavior, living together, making your cat happy and more.  I learned so many things that I did not know, even after having had cats as pets.  For example, did you know that cats don’t have the best eyesight?  Did you know that a slightly damp nose helps them in smelling? I did not. This book will be welcomed by cat folks  who will learn a lot and is highly recommended.

pub date:  October 27, 2020

#WhatCatsWant #NetGalley

This book is an excellent compendium of stories for “rebel girls” but also for anyone interested in learning more about a variety of accomplished women immigrants.  The book can be read in order or at random.  For each woman her area of interest is listed.  To name just some of the women included, there are Lupita Nyong’o, an actress; Madeleine Albright, politician; Frieda Belinfante, cellist and conductor;Burke Harris, pediatrician and so many more, all the way to the end of the alphabet.  Each short, engaging entry includes an illustration, a quote and a short biography.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this inspiring collection that will remind girls that they can be anyone they choose.  All opinions are my own.

pub date:  October 13, 2020

This cookbook for little ones includes a number of appealing recipes for each meal of the day along with some beverage. sides, dessert, and snack choices.  To name some of the recipes…there are apple cinnamon overnight oats, veggie fried rice, cinnamon sugar popcorn, strawberry and orange slush, sheet pan fajitas, creamy Mexican rice and berry shortcrust cobbler.   The recipes are well presented and easy to follow.  There are also suggestions for substitutions. The author is very encouraging to the young chefs who will be doing the cooking.

One small quibble, at the beginning of the book,  the author suggests that children cook with a parent or other relative.  In today’s climate with so many different kinds of families and social arrangements, I feel that it would have been preferable to suggest cooking with a trusted adult.  That having been said, this playfully illustrated cookbook looks like a good resource that will provide fun and nourishment for kids.

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

Pub date:  October 13, 2020

I always enjoy books by Dorothy Sayers.  There are a number of other good fiction choices.

By the way, readers…do you enjoy this type of post? Would you like to see it continue?  I am looking for feedback.  Thanks.