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

This is a lovely book that has very appealing illustrations. The outdoor ones are in earth tones and show nature beautifully.

Readers will learn the story of a young girl who had curiosity in abundance. Her discoveries led to the discovery of dinosaur bones and so much more. Mary studied and learned for her whole life; she became an expert even though she was not allowed to study in the all male universities of the time. Interestingly though male scholars came to her with their questions.

Mary’s story is well told. It is inspiring and I hope through this book will become better known. The end of the book contains additional helpful resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Citadel when I read it many years ago.  I wrote about and liked the Munier mystery.  The Wodehouse is free. Enjoy.

I adored the Anne books when I was young and have also enjoyed rereading them as an adult. Every time a new book about L.M. Montgomery becomes available I want to spend time with it and this title is no exception.
Readers will get to know the young author through her scrapbook, a forum that provides a true sense of connection with Ms. Montgomery. Enjoy seeing what the author was doing right around the time that she would be writing about Anne in this beautiful book.
I recommend this title to those who are part of the author and Anne’s fan club. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ImaginingAnne #NetGalley

Mostly mystery…I reviewed and enjoyed The Banker’s Wife.  I also liked Shem Creek, a book that I read before I began blogging.  I also enjoyed the Dorothy Sayers…in this one SPOILER….Peter and Harriet have married.

Laurien Berensen has been writing cozy mysteries since 1995.  I have always spending time with her protagonist Melanie, Melanie’s son and, of course, Aunt Peg.  The dogs also add to the series’ charm.

I once went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show so was intrigued to see that this was a setting in the novel.  Of course, though, the show in the book was not like the one that I attended as there is murder.  Who killed Victor?  Why? Read the book to find out.

If you are a lover of cozies, I recommend the Melanie Travis titles. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#GameofDogBones #NetGalley

Are you a person made anxious by corona virus?  One of the many people whose set point is anxiety?  Or, are you just looking for a few minutes to yourself each day in order to feel and enjoy a sense of calm? Whoever you are,  this book is worth a look.  Each entry has a quote, a short vignette and space to write one’s own reflections.  For example there are entries with titles like “When Life Is Harder than You Ever Imagined” or “Fearless.”

This book is Christian in its orientation but may well speak to anyone who is seeking a life with a bit less in the way of anxious thoughts.  The vignettes are ones to which many may relate,

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

Pub date:  August 27, 2020

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.