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

Anne Perry has been writing mysteries since 1979 when the first of her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels was published.  I still remember how much I enjoyed that novel’s Victorian world and its characters.  Perry went on to pen a second popular series about Inspector Monk; the conceit that carried through a number of the books was Monk’s amnesia.  Monk solved his cases with the help of a nurse and lawyer.  The author also has published a number of Christmas novellas that feature characters from these series.  For years, readers could look forward to a new book in each series every year.

More recently, Ms. Perry started two new series.  With the first Elena Standish novel, she moved to the period during which Hitler was rising to power.  Her second new series features Daniel Pitt.  He is the lawyer son of Thomas and Charlotte.  I enjoyed the first two books in the Daniel Pitt series but, for me, third time is the charm.  I think that One Fatal Flaw is an excellent read.

As is true in Ms. Perry’s other series, the recurring characters who surround the protagonist add interest and depth to the story.  Chief among these is Miriam; older than Daniel, she knows a great deal about criminology and science, although the times that she lives in do not allow her full or formal entry to the working world.  In each book, the relationship between Daniel and Miriam deepens.

One Fatal Flaw tells the interrelated stories of three cases of murder and arson.  Ms. Perry handles the narrative expertly and readers will enjoy spending time with the very decent characters as they do their best to serve justice.

I give this book five stars and offer many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: April 7, 2020

See my archive for reviews of a number of titles by this author.

Do you need some escape from your reality?  If yes, here are some good choices.  I read The Peabody Sisters and found it to be an absorbing biography about these American women in the 1800s.  I recall that one of the sisters was married to Nathaniel Hawthorne and I think that another was an educator.  I just purchased the poetry title; I am trying to read more poems this year; this book will certainly help.

What makes for a perfect birthday? Is it perfection that makes it perfect? Young listeners will enjoy finding out the answer to that question as they find out about beaver’s big day.

Beaver wants the perfect birthday cake and he has the perfect recipe for it. His friends want to help and things do not go as Beaver planned. How does he react? What happens? What is most important? Children will know when they finish the story.

This book is for toddlers and preschoolers. It will gently help them to think about what matters. Adults will know the predictable answer but young children may not.

The illustrations that accompany the book are detailed and playful. They definitely enhance the story while adding humor.

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

From the publisher:

The photos in this book are so appealing that even if you don’t plan to have a pet, you may enjoy flipping through the pages.  Included are suggestions for the dog to choose based on what a person needs.  There are dogs for beginners, family friendly dogs, low and high maintenance dogs, hypoallergenic dogs and more.  The book also includes two charts that, if completed, will assist in making good choices based on the owner’s lifestyle and different factors for each dog breed.

Each breed entry includes some history, an additional entry (history, changing roles, etc.) and a list of canine characteristics.  There is also a helpful at a glance box.

For those who want to make an informed decision on the pup that might be best either in daydream or real life, this title is a fine resource.

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

#TheDog #NetGalley

This is a lovely book for the youngest children.  Illustrated in black, white, red, yellow and a bit of pink, it is very appealing to look at.  The anthropomorphized vehicles are adorable.  The text is simple and the physical book will have buttons to press for sound.  An ideal book for little ones.

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

#VroomZoomHereComesTheFireTruck #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Although this book is title Yoga to stay Young, I think that it will be welcomed by anyone who is new to yoga and wondering about giving it a try.  The author is a highly experienced yoga teacher.  She is a gentle and reliable guide to all of the poses that are included in the text.

The book begins with some basics including a brief history of yoga, a section on why yoga works and another on making yoga a personal practice.  This is followed by poses in sections that focus on different body parts such as the neck and shoulders, the hips, buttocks and hamstrings, the knees and more.  The book next includes yoga sequences that are related to different kinds of activities; included, for instance, are poses for waking up, walking or lifting heavy things, followed by yoga for activities such as running, swimming or biking. There is even a section on yoga for exercise recovery and one for aches and pains.

I highly recommend this title for readers who are looking for a helpful introduction to yoga.  Order your mat and begin!

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

#YogatoStayYoung #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Macie seems to be the most popular girl in her class until…you guessed it, someone else seems to be claiming that spot. Macie is very upset and does not go to school the next day. With a magic mirror and a loving dad, Macie learns to accept and love herself while knowing that she does not have to be perfect.

I liked the idea of this story and its central message of self-acceptance. However, I do feel that this book could have been a bit more. The spots that the mirror gives Macie are symbolic and represent what she sees as flaws but this concept may not be clear to children. However, it may be a title that will be helpful to young perfectionists. It could open up discussion between adults and children.

Thanks to NegGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I found this amusing and pleasingly illustrated book to be delightful. Zippy Chippy, whose owner had this as the third choice for his name, was a real racing horse who….just could not race. Zippy was a bit like Ferdinand the Bull; there were so many things that he wanted to enjoy that he often forgot to take off at the start of a race or just could not finish. Zippy NEVER came in first although he had a few places and shows. This left him with a unique record. Nonetheless or because of this, Zippy was very loved. At his horse retirement home, he was the main attraction.

The author tells the story of Zippy with a positive message for children about trying and how being yourself is enough. There are additional resources at the back of the book.

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

From the publisher:

This is the second entry in the series about Cosmo. These books are for readers who are starting to enjoy chapter books. The first book ended with the cliffhanger of a missing grandmother. This book picks up where that one left off.

The premise of the series is that our allergic protagonist has created her own pet from Slime with the help of a little moon dust. Cosmo only comes to life for her and her good friend. Cosmo is an important part of their adventures.

What did happen to Grandma Sadie? What will Piper and Cosmo do to find her? Will they succeed?

Along with the story line, the author includes some facts as, for example, information about the constellations or Keith Haring. These brief sections are not heavy handed but may encourage readers to learn more.

This is a fun book with some bright, colorful illustrations that enhance the text. I think that young readers will enjoy it. As a bonus there is a slime recipe at the end.

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

#CosmototheRescueMyPetSlimeBook2 #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 7, 2020