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

I always enjoy reading books in this series.  This one is about Bruce Lee.  I had known that he was a kung fu hero and that was it.  I learned much more about him after reading this title.  Young readers will learn that Bruce was not perfect but he found his way.  Born in Hong Kong, he lived both there and in the U.S.  He had talents, including being a child actor, a great dancer and a master of the martial arts but…he was also involved in a gang.  Sent back to the U.S. by his parents, Bruce went to school and college and began teaching his style of martial arts.  He went on to become famous for his movie, Enter the Dragon.  The book concludes:

And by having faith in himself and never giving up, little Bruce became a hero for everyone, and the person he always dreamed he would be.

What a perfect message that is.

Of note are the illustrations in this book.  They have a cartoon like quality and fit the text perfectly.

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

A couple of mysteries, a frothy Jill Mansell and a book by Nicola Moriarty, sister of Liane.

The cover makes this book look like it could be a juvenile title; it is not. Rather this is the latest entry in Kerry Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman series. Readers may already know the author’s Miss Phrynne Fisher series of novels and the later Australian TV series. Those who like Miss Fisher may enjoy finding out what Ms. Greenwood has also written.

This book is peopled with eccentric characters. On occasion, I had a bit of difficulty recalling who was who. Readers will definitely remember Corinna and her Israeli boyfriend though. They are a couple who enjoy food and each other. He is an Israeli agent of some kind while Corinna is a baker whose goods sound quite delicious.

The plot centers on a Scottish/Australian soldier whose dog has gone missing, most likely kidnapped. This is not just any dog though; Geordie worked hard in Afghanistan and is the most important connection that our traumatized former soldier has.

Readers will see what happens as Daniel, our Israeli protagonist, and Corinna solve the case. Along the way, readers will enjoy Corinna’s acceptance of others, wit and friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.

As is often the case, lots of variety today; history, historical novel, mystery and an early Jodi Picoult.

The illustrations in this book are truly remarkable.  There is a mix of black, white and greys with color added to some pages for emphasis.  These illustrations are sweet and appealing.

The Piano Recital is about Momo who is nervous about her first recital.  In the magical way that occurs in children’s literature, she is visited by a small mouse and invited to the mice’s show.  While there, Momo forgets to be nervous and goes on to a good recital.

This is a very sweet book that young children will enjoy.  It may also help those who are feeling nervous before their own performances.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a lovely book for teaching toddlers about animals and the ABCs. Each illustration is colorful, appealing and friendly looking with faces that are anthropomorphized. Definitely a nice book for a little one’s shelf.

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

I have been reading the Peter Diamond series ever since The Last Detective, was published. The protagonist, Peter Diamond, is irascible and capable. The setting of the series is Bath, England; as this is a city that I love, the setting adds to the joys of the novels for me.

Killing with Confetti is the latest in this long running series. In this one, the son of a high ranking police officer is set to marry the daughter of a former prisoner and crime king. Diamond is enlisted to ensure the security of all, especially the former prisoner, over the course of the wedding in the Abbey and the reception at the Roman Baths. Can this be done? What will happen? Where is the twist? Read this entertaining and, at times, funny book to find out.

I enjoyed spending time with Diamond and his team yet again and think that you will too!

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

This is a delightful story about a young girl who wants a dog.  Almost every reader and/or listener will relate.  They will either identify with the little girl who wants a puppy or the mom who is saying no.  Adults will guess the ending, children will be delighted and all will enjoy the illustrations…especially the last page of the book.  A cute story for young (or older) pet lovers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a most charmingly illustrated guide to painting for young artists. I adored looking at all of the illustrations, especially the smiley faces on objects. However, in addition to being adorable, this book is filled with good information, including step-by-step projects for young painters. Each project is clearly illustrated. In addition, the book includes information about types of paints, the color wheel, brushes, other supplies and more. All in all, this looks like a perfect summer book for children who need time away from devices. Enjoy!

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

Kudos to the talented Ann Cleeves for this first entry in her new series. I have read the author’s Vera and Jimmy Perez novels, both of which I recommend. As a reader who looked forward especially to every Perez novel, I was sad to learn that the series had finished. I wondered if there would be no more books by this author. I am delighted that that is not the case.

In The Long Call, Ann Cleeves creates a world within a small community in North Devon where rivers converge; the setting effectively becomes a part of the story. In this world, there are three police officers who are central characters. First is Matthew; he was raised within the Brethren, a conservative religious group. While Brethren characters are very much a part of the novel, Matthew himself has left the group. This cast him away from the familiar into a new life in the police and with his husband, Jonathan. Next is a female character, Jen. She is divorced and never has sufficient time for that elusive work-life balance. Ross is a police officer who seems a bit full of himself but he too has reasons for being as he is. I enjoyed spending time with each of these characters.

The story is populated with many others. There are businessmen, a curate and his girlfriend, an artist and many others. There is the murder victim whose backstory is essential to the plot. Also, there are three young women with Down Syndrome who are integral to the novel. Ms. Cleeves portrays each as a fully rounded person. She is clear eyed and empathetic in the portrayals of the three and their families.

This book was an excellent read and one that I highly recommend. I was sorry to get to the end of the book and only hope that the next in the series comes out soon. If you are a person who enjoys well written British mysteries, put this one on your TBR pile

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.