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

They say that you can’t judge a book by its cover but I have to say that, as soon as I saw this one, the visual appeal made me want to read Murder at the Mena House. This is an historical mystery set in Egypt in 1926. The author does a wonderful job with the setting, both in terms of the indolent, luxury hotel and the sites, including the pyramids, museums, camel races and more. There are a variety of colorful characters and some interesting backstory for the majority of them.

I think that this is the author’s first published book. I enjoyed this read although the mystery itself was the least engaging part for me. I will read further adventures of Jane as they are published. She was a good guide to Egypt and those around her.

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

#MurderattheMenaHouse #NetGalley

A mix…Cat lovers will most likely enjoy Ms. Braun’s series.  The PD James is one of my favorites in the Adam Dalgliesh series; this one puts you on the Norfolk coast.  The Kemelman series mixes learning about Judaism with mystery.  And then there are Atwood and Alvarez for the more literary minded.  Enjoy!

This title is an illustrated chapter book for beginning readers.  The cartoon-like illustrations give each of the dogs a personality and will help to keep young readers turning the pages.

There are three short stories here.  Each attempts to have a bit of suspense.  For example, there is a mystery concerning a ball in the first story.   In the second one, a dog has a cone on.  Why?  Can they take it off?  And in the third chapter, there is a visit to the pet groomer.

At the end of the book, there are entries that talk about aspects of each story.  For example, the third one describes what a pet groomer does.

It is always good to encourage young readers.  They will feel grown up to be reading “chapters.”  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  May 12, 2020

This title is geared to 3 to 6 year olds.  It is a silly story with cartoon-like illustrations about Mouse and his best friend Owl.  They have all kinds of adventures with Mouse having a mischievous nature.

Young listeners may enjoy this vibrantly illustrated book.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#MyBestFriend #NetGalley

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.

#TheGeekyChefCookbook #NetGalley

This is a title in the board book collection of Little People, Big Dreams series. Each tells the story of a well known person in an easy to understand text. These biographies show children a wide range of dreams and accomplishments with the hope that the child you read to will dream big too!
This entry is about the little girl who grew up to be the well-known educator. Children will learnt that Maria was the first girl to study medicine in Italy; she was often alone as the other students did not work with her. Listeners will find out what Maria did after becoming a doctor and the great influence that she had on ways to teach children. They will learn that there are still Montessori schools today.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publiseher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#MariaMontessori #NetGalley

Two women’s fiction titles that could provide good escape, fairy tales for a little (or big) one and free, plus one tougher title.

Many titles by C S Lewis. There are the Narnia books and others as well.

We are now living in times of tremendous uncertainty.  Many of us and our young reading buddies wonder what will remain the same and in what ways our lives will change indelibly once we are on the other side.  While the subject of this fine novel is not Covid 19, but divorce and life afterwards for protagonist Bea, some elements may well resonate.

When her parents divorce, Bea is given a notebook.  In it she will write about the things that will not change.  Middle grade readers will learn along with Bea that some things remain the same while others evolve.  They will spend time in this rich story and hopefully come to see that change, even when not asked for, can help to make us who we are.

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

#TheListOfThingsThatWillNotChange #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 7, 2020

Okay, so one day we and our kids will again be hanging out at stables and enjoying all that riding has to offer.  Until then, enjoy time with this book and prepare for that time.

This title is encyclopedic in nature.  Chapters include Horse Life, The Perfect Horse-For You!, Ready to Ride, Safety Skills, Eating Like a Horse, Stable Life, Grooming Guide, Healthy and Happy, Sports, Shows and FUN! with additional sections on routines, a glossary, resources and references.  Definitely a title that a young rider (ages 8 to 12 on average) will enjoy.

Readers will learn about the horse’s life cycle, how horses communicate, the different breeds and coat colors, tips for riding and so, so much more.  Find out about riding gear for both the horse and rider.  Know a horse’s gaits from walk to gallop.  Know how to groom your equine buddy.  I could go on and review everything in the book but will leave some for readers to discover and enjoy.

The author knows her stuff.  She has been in love with horses since the age of three.  Now, she has more than 45 years of experience in the world of horses.

The text is clear and is accompanied by appealing illustrations.  I very highly recommend this title for budding equestriennes.  They will learn so much, will enjoy going through the book and will soon be asking their favorite adults to get them a horse!

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

From the publisher:

#HorseLife #NetGalley