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

A mystery, two historical fiction titles (one about Consuela Vanderbilt and one htat follows families London over many generations.  It  is very long but supposed to be good.), a mystery and who can resist Paddington?

Between the wars, in the 1930s, there really was a detection club in England.  Its members included some of the best and most well-known mystery writers of the time including, Chesterton, Christie, Carr, Sayers, Orczy and more.  The group reportedly posited a number of rules for the writing of their novels.  For instance, “Twin brothers, and doubles generally, must not appear unless we have been duly prepared for them” and “Not more than one secret room or passage is allowable.”

These real writers and members of the club become characters in a fictional mystery set at the island home of Roderick Ghyll, an eccentric millionaire.  Mr. Ghyll proceeds to tell the authors that his robot, Erick, will be able to solve any mystery.

From that point the comic shows all of the authors with their own personalities and foibles.  There are also a number of authorial asides and jokes, along with a tongue in cheek style.

The mystery writers are challenged by the (seeming?) death of their host.  Will Eric solve the case?  Was Eric the murderer?  What other secrets are there?  I will not know until I read volume 2.

This comic may well be enjoyed by those who like the Golden Age of mystery.  The drawings, the sense of animation and the colors are excellent.

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

This title is a spiritual (Christian) book that offers women something to think about every day of the year.  Taking stories from life, each is meant to be encouraging and connects to something with deeper meaning.  This book will be welcomed by the many readers who like to start their day in a good mental/emotional space.

Many thanks to NetGalley for this title, with an entry for every day of the year, in exchange for an honest review.

An updated P and P, a thriller and an historical novel.  Think about the Linda See; I have heard that it is very good but also that it is very violent.  Not sure if I will read it myself.

Much has now been written about hygge, lagom, fika and other takes on Scandinavian culture. Now that winter is here, this may be the perfect time to learn more about the Scandinavian countries and what makes each unique. This gorgeously illustrated, at times tongue in cheek, book is a good starting point. Subjects covered include style, food, the outdoors, family life, culture and celebrations. Enjoy your trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Bronte Aurell; he makes quite a guide.

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

This book is part of a series by Boys Town press that is meant to help children to cope. In this entry, the reader follows Blake as he is involved in several situations that overwhelm him. Generally, he cannot figure out how to get everything done. The reader sees how many demands he faces and that is just how they feel, like external demands that Blake does not know how to meet. Blake’s mother teaches him the “three Ps;” these are prioritizing, planning and posting, that is figuring out the order in which things need to be accomplished, figuring out how to each task in steps and putting a reminder where it can be seen. Adults will see this as organizing and partializing in order to get things done.
Young elementary school aged children will see how Blake manages a bake sale, his chores, his schoolwork and more. Each time the “three Ps” come into play. Children who buy into this message will have a useful tool for getting their work done and not becoming completely overwhelmed. There is a section of tips for parents at the end of the book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review. I am off to get organized now!

This is the first book that I have read by Karma Brown; it was certainly interesting and surprising. The novel tells the stories of two marriages and one house in suburban Westchester, New York.

In the present day, Alice has met her husband in a cute way in Central Park and subsequently married.  Her life is complicated (no spoilers so I won’t say why) which leads to her reluctantly moving to the suburbs with her seemingly perfect husband Nate.  In the earlier time line the story of Nellie, who is married to Richard, is told.  The expectations for her are clear but how will Nellie deal with them?

Each chapter begins with either a recipe from the 50s or a quote from a marriage journal.  There are also many references to 1950s Ladies Home Journal issues.  These definitely enhanced the story.

The book raises questions about the nature of marriage and the roles between women and men.  To what extent should a wife strive to be the person her husband wants/ needs?  What if the husband is not at all perfect?  How far should a woman go to feel free? What do older women have to teach those younger?  How important is it to have children? How can one be a friend?  How important is it to follow social mores? How much should one lie (if at all) in a marriage? What does it mean to live in the  suburbs or the city?

At times I did not “like” some of the characters in this book, yet I commend the author for eliciting responses from me.  This book is NOT a lighthearted send up of the 50s or of romantic love.  It may, though, raise questions for the reader, making it a good book club choice.

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

#RecipeForAperfectWife #NetGalley

Washington Square is free.  The Reay title was reviewed by me.  It is connected to a current read of mine, Of Literature and Lattes.  Little is about Madame Tussaud.  The Bradley is part of a series.  The other two fiction titles have gotten excellent reviews.

Lovers of cozy mysteries will enjoy looking at this title as they plan their next reads.  Included are descriptions of new titles by Vivien Chen, Diane Kelly, Elizabeth Penney, Paige Shelton and M.C. Beaton.

There is everything here from a new Agatha Raisin mystery. (Note there is now a tv series based on these books) to a story set in Scotland.  There then are three U.S. based cozies featuring mystery solving heroines.

This title is available for free from on line stores.  Read some excerpts and find out if the author’s newest books appeal to you.  Hopefully some will.

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

#CozyCaseFilesACozyMysterySamplerVolume8 #NetGalley

This short, wordless picture book for the youngest children is absolutely delicious. With delicate illustrations reminiscent of those by Helen Oxenbury, young readers watch as a young child observes his mother’s expanding girth due to pregnancy. The child tries to figure out what is happening. He even tries to replicate the look with a balloon. When the baby is born, he observes that his mom’s back to her usual shape.

This book is so very cute and can open the door to discussion on this life event. I give this one five stars. Adults will like it too!

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