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

This seems like a great time for cookbooks as we are all probably eating at home more. This entry has a fun twist. The author has created recipes around favorite books. Below are some examples:

Snacks, Appetizers and Sides:
Doctor Who: fishfingers and custard; The Matrix: Tastee Wheat;Blade Runner: White Dragon Noodles.
Soups and Stews:
The Hunger Games: Lamb Stew with Plums; Avatar: Seaweed Noodles; Firefly: Wife Soup.
Main Dishes:
The Avengers: Shwarma; Breaking Bad: Los Pollos Hermanos Chicken; Buffy: Double meat Medley.
Cakes and Cupcakes:
Harry Potter: Cauldron Cakes; Divergent: Dauntless Chocolate Cake; The Hobbit: Seed Cakes
Other Desserts: The Chronicles of Narnia: Turkish Delight; Harry Potter: Treacle Tarts; My Little Pony: ChimiCherryChanga.
Of course, the above is a sample as the book includes many more. The recipes are clearly presented and there are beautiful photographs throughout.
A unique cookbook that I enjoyed. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

The right to vote is one of the most important cornerstones of a democracy; right now voting feels so critical to the future of the U.S.  But…children may need to be reminded that this right is not one to take for granted and that it came to be only after many struggles.  In fact, they might be surprised to learn that women were not given the right to vote until 1920, long after the country came into being.  As is obvious, this year is the 100th anniversary of the enfranchisement of women and an ideal time to learn about and reflect on this critical right and responsibility.

In this illustrated chapter book, the story of women’s suffrage is told   The work of three generations of women, men and those of many backgrounds to change opinions and win this campaign, is described with its many ups and downs.  Readers will meet the many important women who fought this fight including Carrie Chapman Catt, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others.  They will see this struggle put into context with issues of prejudice that were very much present in the country.

In addition to the main text, there are many pages that describe terms that readers may not be fully familiar with, as for example, how congress works or what the term constituent means.  These will enhance the learning of the book’s audience.

This title should be in school libraries and in the homes of families.  It details such an important movement in America.  Hopefully readers will walk away with a sense of the importance and privilege of casting a ballot.

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

Pub Date 02 Jun 2020  

Note that the Deborah Harkness book is not the first in her series.  I liked and reviewed Persons Unknown by Susie Steiner.  She has a new book coming out soon.

Nancy Thayer is an experienced writer of women’s fiction.  Her books give those who pick them up immersive and relaxing reads.  This title  is no exception.

As is often the case for this author, the story is set on Nantucket.  Over the course of the novel, main characters Lisa, Mack, Juliet, Theo, Beth and Ryder are looking to find happiness as each is impacted by both their past and present.  As storm clouds, both metaphorical and physical, build up, will these characters find their happiness?  Trust Ms. Thayer for a page turning time as you wait to find out.

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

#GirlsofSummer #NetGalley

 

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas. It is the start of a new series for the author. I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr. It is an enjoyable women’s fiction title.
The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos. The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie. Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel. There is an additional relationship that includes the sheriff and the woman with whom he is involved. The setting is a small Texas town where Piper is the mayor.
Colby comes to town to be a bodyguard/detective whose charge is Piper who, in turn, is receiving threats and who had a date with someone who subsequently disappeared. The sheriff has himself been out of reach and is not there to help for much of the story.
Colby has a back story of injury. He wants to be a Texas Ranger. Sam is a minister who is looking to find himself; he has escaped through many other occupations. Pecos is young, graduating from high school and becoming a man over night. The women with whom they are involved are strong and are survivors and people who cope.
This is a book that will be welcomed by readers who are looking forward to an easy but enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by this author who has written a number of successful thrillers. The premise was intriguing. A high school student was murdered in a cave. Who did it? Why?
The case is not solved at the time. Now, a number of years later a new clue has been found and the case is being re-opened. During the initial investigation, the investigator was the father of one of the victim’s friends. Now, in the current time line, the detective is that daughter and friend, Maggie. She is heavily pregnant and volunteers to review the old files and work on the case.
I liked the setting of this story. However, I found that there were characters who were most unlikable including the victim’s sister, Nola, and the victim’s boyfriend from the time, a bully and abuser. I found that I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped because of these characters to whom I did not want to relate. I did want to see the case resolved however.
If you like your stories on the darker side, this may be for you. It was a tad too much for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A number of good choices today.  The Dorothy Sayers is a favorite of mine. Dorothy Simpson’s books are good reads for those who like mysteries with recurring characters and not too much violence. I recently reviewed the Viola Shipman title.  You can even find a top baking book.  Enjoy.

My days start out with one of my favorite activities, sipping coffee and reading. For me, coffee is a favorite beverage in all its many drink forms from iced to brewed to lattes and more. So, I was intrigued to find this title which is part of a series on everyday items.
The book opens with a quote from Virginia Woolf that lets readers know that her time with her coffee cup was welcome. It goes on to share the author’s experience with this beverage.
Ms. Lenney clearly enjoys her brew. She opens the book taking readers on her morning coffee preparation routine. It is clear that this ritual matters to her. This title goes on in a very chatty and personal style to make clear the important role of this drink.
I enjoyed spending time with Ms. Lenney as her thoughts went here and there on the topic of coffee in general, her coffee, her family and more. I am not sure that this title is for everyone but i definitely enjoyed it…while I drank my coffee!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#Coffee #NetGalley

The Mountains Wild is the first book in a new series by this author. It is her first book in many years, although she did have an earlier series that I read. I think that The Mountains Wild is the start of something good! I already am eager to read the next title.
There are many things that I thought were very well done in this book. The settings came to life vividly and authentically. Much of the story takes place in Dublin and its surrounding area; I felt like I was on the streets, at the pubs and in the countryside. The secondary location is on Long Island which is also well portrayed with its beaches and the family’s Irish bar.
The characters were either people that I really wanted to spend time with…or really didn’t, meaning that in each case the author brought them to life. There are families, friends, a priest, suspects all taking their turns in these pages.
As for the plot…protagonist and detective D’Acrcy’s unstable cousin disappeared in Ireland twenty plus years ago. Her disappearance seems tied to a string of murders, including a current case. What happened? Who was responsible? Could it be one of the characters whom I liked? The case, no surprise, will be solved but I did not foresee some of the twists.
I highly recommend this title. If you like mysteries by Tana French, this could be just your cup of tea…or should I say pint?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. I rate this book most highly

Pub Date 23 Jun 2020

I have reviewed the Carr (see archive).