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

This week we read and discussed The Eye of Jade (see my archive) and Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead.  Both were part of the class’s discussion of female P.I. novels.  In all, we talked about Cordelia Gray, Kinsey Milhone, V. I. Warshawski, Sharon McCone, Mei and Claire.

As was true for The Eye of Jade, setting for me was a critical part of this novel.  The story takes place in post Katrina New Orleans, a city of many neighborhoods and much destruction. Vividly portrayed characters range from street kids, to do gooders, to lawyers and everyone in between.  Claire, herself, is a complex protagonist.  She had a difficult upbringing with neglectful parents.  She teamed with a New Orleans detective who saw something in her but Constance died.  Claire is deeply influenced by the mystic and prophetic, including a book by a famous detective that is full of deep and meaningful statements.  I enjoyed the excerpts from Silette’s book.

Claire’s case involves the disappearance of a prosecutor.  The what happened and why affect the reader.

Claire is a unique detective and this book may not be for everyone.  I am glad to have read it though.  If you do, or if you have, please let me know your thoughts.

“I love this book!” — Sue Grafton

This is in my TBR pile and has gotten good reviews. Just $1.99 today.

This book is another entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series for the youngest listeners.  It tells the story of Josephine Baker, an African American performer who not only performed but did SO much more.  She explored the world, moving to Paris where she found a less segregated society.  Josephine was the first black woman to star in a film.  She was a spy, mother of 12 adopted children and a fighter for civil rights.  All in all, an inspiring and unique woman.

Little ones can learn about Josephine in this beautifully illustrated short book.  Collect all the books in this series.  They are wonderful!

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

I am most definitely both an Anglophile and a reader of many mysteries with clerical themes. For example, I think of the wonderful series by Kate Charles or Susan Hill that I have enjoyed. So, when I saw this title that was about the churches of England and Wales, I knew that I wanted to read it.

First…the photographs are absolutely gorgeous. Crystal clear in their reproductions, they complement the text perfectly and allowed for happy, contemplative armchair travel.

The author starts the book by describing churches as places that have absorbed the histories of their times, places and communities. He notes their artwork, design and origins. Next, there is a thorough history on building churches and the sponsorship of different churches; some were part of a wealthy person’s estate while others were build for contemplation. After this, there are sections on the churchyard, the interior and exteriors of churches and the furnishings. As a bonus, there are sections on further reading and places to visit.

I very much enjoyed this title. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this beautiful and informative book. I am now very eager for my next trip, whenever that may be!

Sometimes I just want to read a “nice” book, one that won’t stress me in anyway and will provide me with a bit of escape.  Katie Fforde writes those kinds of novels, along with some other authors whom I enjoy, including Erica James and Jill Mansell.

This book definitely requires suspension of disbelief and an ability to accept random coincidences along with some unlikely good luck…but that is the point.  The novel begins with a short prequel in Greece and then readers spend time in London (some of the time on a houseboat), Scotland and France.  There are old loves revived, an actress ingenue and her older fiancee, a young girl looking for independence and… perfume.

This is not a weighty read but it is a pleasant diversion.  Keep it in mind for a time when you truly want to destress.

 

This story has whimsical illustrations that show life both above and below the ground.  Above are the troll father and son, while below are the various animal families, all of whose houses are illustrated in detail.  The story is simple; a seed falls into the ground and disrupts life both above and below.  It is up to Jack to protect the (tomato) plant and restore order.

This book’s strength is the illustrations while the idea of what goes on below ground may also appeal to young listeners.

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

I received this e galley in exchange for an honest review. I am not sure if this was the finished copy. The first pages had colored illustrations, after which the remaining pages were black and white. Deliberate? Something for children to color? Not the finished copy? I just don’t know.

Nonetheless this is a cute book with playful illustrations. The pages start with waking up in the morning, move on to getting ready for school, being there and, of course, returning home at the end of the day. A quick sample of words which are both concrete and abstract; playing, cereal, scooter, friends, goldfish, sharing, crayons, sandwich, skipping rope, smiling and gold star, along with many others.

This is a book for toddlers and adults to look at together. Children can point to objects while adults can familiarize a chlld with what school is like.

This is a fine book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Prunella wakes up on her third birthday determined to be a “big girl.” Her common refrain becomes “That’s for babies.” While stating this, Prunella denies herself old pleasures like special breakfasts, playing with a favorite doll, going to the playground and having playdates. Nonetheless, she remains determined until a storm awakens her at night. Prunella then tucks herself into bed with her parents. The next day she again participates in some of her favorite activities.

Children of toddler through preschool age often state that they want to be “big kids.” Of course, they feel ambivalence at times. If you know a child for whom this is true, they may enjoy this picture book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

One of the givens of childhood seems to be the wish to be older, bigger or cleverer.  If you know a child who has ever felt that way, read this story with them.  It humorously acknowledges how frustrating being small can be…and the possible ways to get around that.

Tallulah wants to play the tuba but as can be seen from the book’s cover and amusing illustrations throughout, she is too small.  She tries to grow but can’t make that happen fast enough.  Watch as she inventively solves her dilemma.  This is a fun read that I recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in return for an honest review.

I really liked this book.  The illustrations are bright and appealing, while also showing diversity.  Boys will find that they can be whatever they dream of:  Just a few examples from the alphabet: Ballet Dancer for B, Horse Trainer for H, Marine Biologist for M, Urban Planner for U and so much more.  The fields cover such a wide range, everything from lawyer to fashion designer.  This book belongs in a spot where children can see and enjoy it.

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

Also, my earlier review of the version of this book written for girls.

I loved this alphabet book about all of the jobs that  girls can do.  With one entry for each letter of the alphabet and appealing, bright illustrations, this book is a winner!  A few of my favorites include:

W is for writer, U is for UN Ambassador, S is for Software engineer, Q is for quantum physicist…you probably get the idea by now; it is that girls can dream big.

Highly recommended for those who want to nurture possibilities in our children.