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

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.

This is on The Lehman Trilogy, a title thatI reviewed.

This is the first entry in what, I think, will be a series. The things that I loved most in this cozy mystery were the setting, the characters and the knitting. The story takes place in a small Scottish town that, aside from murder, sounds like an idyllic place to live. The protagonist, Paislee, is surrounded by family and friends. She runs Cashmere Crush, a friendly shop, for wool and knitting.
As often happens in mysteries, there are two murders. As an amateur, Paislee annoys the detective but…of course, finds the killer. I was pretty sure that I knew who this was and I was right. There is a clue that really points to the perpetrator.
This is a good book if you just want something easy and distracting. There is Scottish dialect which tries to add authenticity but can also be distracting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook will be welcomed by those who are gluten and/or dairy free, vegetarian, and/or vegan, or some combination of the above. Those with no particular dietary commitment may also enjoy the many delicious sounding recipes to be found within this title.
There are 100 recipes in all. Beside each one is information about the kind of recipe it is, for example GF for gluten free. The first chapter on foundations includes recipes for mayo, marinades, pastas and more. Following this are recipes for each meal of the day as well as sides, desserts, and various chutneys, aiolis and more.
So many recipes to choose from but I will take just one from each category. These recipes include pumpkin protein pancakes, Yuba noodle salad with ginger dressing and raw vegetables, smoked fish chowder, fish tacos with pistachio mole; roasted sweet potatoes with coconut oil and tandoori masala, rice pudding with fig puree and vanilla, and mango chutney.
The directions could be followed and the photos made me hungry. What more couldyou ask for ?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honestr eview.

pub date:  August 11, 2020

#goodforyoucookbook #NetGalley

This book begins with a biography of the author. He is quite impressive, highly educated and very dedicated. He has made it from Oxbridge to the life of a monk in Scotland. He once was on a meditation retreat of four years duration. For so many reasons Gelong Thubten seems most qualified to be an engaging companion in learning more about happiness.
This book offers a text that raises many things to think (and meditate) upon. There are chapters on What is Happiness?; Stress in the 21st Century; Meditation and Mindfulness; Getting Started; Forgiveness; and more.
The author of this book feels very genuine as he talks about his own experiences and offers thoughts and insights. Take some time to read this one. It may help you and those with whom you interact to indeed understand and find more happiness.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review

Mostly light and entertaining.  I plan to read The Riviera Express; it looks like it might be fun.  The classic title is free.  Enjoy.

Dinnertime for Zaza is a short, colorfully illustrated title for young listeners. The story is simple; Zaza makes dinner for all of her stuffed animal friends. She is a nurturing caretaker to them and encourages them to eat well. Then Mommy comes along and Zaza has her own dinner.

Not at all complicated but cute. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#DinnertimeforZaza #NetGalley