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

Erik Larson has a true talent for bringing history to life.  In prior books he has written about an American family in Hitler’s Germany (In the Garden of Beasts) and, in the Dead Wake about the crossing of the Lusitania, among others.  He is clearly well credentialed for writing about history and WWII.   As an added bonus, Larson’s books are not only informative, they are very readable.

I was quite excited to receive this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  As can be seen from the title, this one is about Churchill and his circle during the time immediately after he became Prime Minister.

I have read several books on Clementine Churchill, both fiction and biography so was very interested in this book.  It did not disappoint.  It was wonderful to spend time with this man who was truly the right man for England’s difficult blitz years.  The book reads easily and tells the story of the country and also Winston and those who surrounded him, including his wife and children.  Readers also get to spend time in iconic locations, including Chequers.

This book is highly recommended for those interested in England, WWII abd a human and steadfast leader to whom we all owe much.

Again, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

There are two titles in Anne Perry’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series on sale today.  Perry is the author of several series including another one that features Thom and Charlotte’s son, Daniel.  There are many Anne Perry reviews in my archive, if you are interested.

Talk about a timely book release as this title is published right in the middle of a Presidential election year.  Votes of Confidence is a thorough guide to the election process.  It is written to give students in high school a sense of what the election process and their government are about.  It could also be a great resource for adults who need a refresher for themselves or so that they can talk with the children in their lives about the United States democracy.

There are chapters on American government, how voting works, political parties and ways to get involved in the political system.   There is also an important chapter titled Voting with Confidence.

The book is factual but I do note that the author has a point of view.  Clearly noted in the introduction are Trump’s use of false information and conspiracy theories, along with mention of Russian interference in the election process.

This book looks like a valuable resource.  It is jam packed with information and much food for thought. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#VotesofConfidence2ndEdition #NetGalley

Editorial review:

“The first edition of this book was published in the midst of the 2016 election. In the introduction of this second edition, Fleischer states that it was in the aftermath of that election, amid the current climate of fake news and misinformation, that he felt it was vital to update the book so that young people are more informed about how the government works. The census bureau predicts that ‘the post-1980s generation will be 36.5 percent of eligible voters by 2020.’ Fleischer clearly and understandably explains how the American government came to be and how it’s supposed to work. He describes the three branches, how a bill becomes a law, reasons for and against the Electoral College, primaries, and national, state, and local general elections. Political parties, campaigns, debates, financing, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and ballot initiatives are covered. The text emphasizes what young people need to know to vote, where to get accurate political information, and how to become more involved in politics. Back matter includes source notes, additional resources, index, sidebars, charts, illustrations, and photographs. Fleischer avoids making the topic dry or boring by using conversational language (stinks, BS) and includes surprising facts that make this a very readable, engaging, and entertaining history of American elections and politics for young people. Highly recommended.“―starred, Booklist

I read and reviewed Dragonfly which I thought was a suspenseful read that stood out among the many recently published WWII novels. Also Sanditon as a tie in to the recent tv series, some historical fiction and mysteries.  Enjoy!

Whether you were an English major or not, you may find this short book to be an excellent resource on all things literary. Some of the concepts covered are the oral tradition, early modern literature, the ballad, satire and so much more.

The author notes that “Through literature, as readers we gain insight into worlds we could never have dreamt of…” She also notes that literature connects us to each other. True readers know just how true this is and how amazing literature can be. This book will enhance readers understanding of many things literary.
The authors ambitious plan is to briefly reflect on the novel, literary prose, poetry, drama, literary devices and literary styles. You will know what a Gutenberg parenthesis is and way vorticism mean as you read and these are only two of the many included definitions. Review your favorite kinds of fiction from historical novels to fantasy, with everything in between.
I recommend this cleverly illustrated and written volume. I feel like I already know more than I did before I opened this book.

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

Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short. When Trace Elements takes place during a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be. Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time. I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water. All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters. When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad, I salivated. When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people. When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs. All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.

Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer. Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering. Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate. They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash. Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?

In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible. Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences. Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.

This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti. It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.

poisonedpenbooks.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/bn-mar-20.pdf

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/March_2020_e_MOM_Read.pdf

Women’s fiction and mystery.  I love the Maisie Dobbs novels.  This is the first of many in a series so you can start at the beginning.  Happy reading!

The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rose is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded, life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

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