Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley and to Henry Holt and Company for the gifted finished copy! All opinions expressed in this reMany thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley and to Henry Holt and Company for the gifted finished copy! All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 30, 2024.
4.5⭐
Revolving around themes of friendship, family, personal growth, self-acceptance and human connection, The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a beautifully written novel that will strike a chord in your heart.
As the story begins, we meet Phoebe Stone, an adjunct professor in literature in her forties, as she arrives alone at the Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, with a heavy heart. This was a place that she had hoped to visit with her now ex-husband, but here she was, in a green dress and heels with no luggage. Phoebe’s room is the only one not booked for the wedding of twenty-eight-year-old Lila, who has meticulously planned a week-long sequence of pre-wedding activities leading up to the day of her nuptials. Initially mistaken to be one of the wedding people, the misunderstanding is soon cleared up, but much to Lila’s dismay, she realizes that Phoebe’s plans for her own stay would surely ruin her wedding. The narrative follows as Phobe and Lila strike up an unlikely friendship as Phoebe soon becomes one of the wedding people – an experience that might just be the nudge she needs to rethink her own priorities.
There is a lot about this book that is praiseworthy and the glowing reviews are more than justified. The description of the book suggests that this might be a light-hearted read, but this novel proved to be much more than I had expected. The author writes with heart, wisdom and humor. The narrative does suffer from minor pacing issues, but overall, the story flows well. Each of the characters was well thought out - authentic, relatable and endearing. I adored Phoebe and loved how she bonded with a complete group of strangers showing kindness and empathy to those who needed the same but also being strong and forceful in situations that demanded attention. Lila did strike me as a tad immature at times, but I could understand her motivations and why she behaved in certain ways. I loved the coverage of the pre-wedding activities – the chaos, confusion and unforeseen complications – which result in situations both humorous and heartwarming. The author’s strength lies in her characterizations and depiction of complex human emotions and I enjoyed following both Lila's and Phoebe's individual journeys over the course of the events described in this story. The author addresses several sensitive topics such as infidelity, bereavement, infertility, mental health, depression and suicidal ideation with insight and compassion. The story emphasizes the importance of being kind – to one another and oneself – the latter being something many of us forget.
Overall, I found this to be an evocative and thought-provoking read that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven fiction.
I listened to the audiobook brilliantly narrated by Helen Laser who made the characters and this story come to life. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
“ ‘He led us out of the burning city of Troy and guided us across the ocean to this fertile land. He had cared for us almost as well as he has c3.75⭐️
“ ‘He led us out of the burning city of Troy and guided us across the ocean to this fertile land. He had cared for us almost as well as he has cared for his own son.’ ” ‘He’s going to found the new Troy, and be the father of many generations of our children. We owe everything to him. Without Father Aeneas, the Greeks would have destroyed everything that is Trojan.’ ”
Set in years after the Trojan War, The Heir of Venus by Laura Shepperson is a feminist reimagining of the story of Aeneas, the son of the Trojan prince Anchises and Venus (Roman equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite), a demigod who escaped the fallen city with his infant son Ascanius, his aging father and several other survivors.
The narrative is non-linear and is presented in alternating perspectives of the women whose lives and fates were intertwined with Aeneas’s; his wife Creusa who was left behind in the burning city and who was the daughter of Trojan King Priam and Hekuba; and Lavinia, princess of Laurentum where Aeneas and the Trojans set up camp and whom Aeneas is to marry; and from Anna, a mysterious traveler, who tells the story of Queen Dido of Tyre, who founded Carthage and for whose tragic fate Anna hold the Trojan prince responsible and strangely enough, whose story Aeneas has neglected to share while he talked of his travels.
Lavinia’s perspective describes how her life and destiny and that of Laurentum change after Aeneas’s arrival. I was immersed as the narrative follows Lavinia’s thoughts and emotions as the events in Laurentum unfold - Aeneas’s agreement with her father King Latinus, his friction with Prince Turnus of Rutuli, Lavinia’s childhood friend who had hoped to marry her and the war that ensued. I was sympathetic to her situation and her pain and disillusionment are palpable as she is forced to accept that despite her being her father’s only child and having participated with her father in his role as ruler, her father’s plans for her to support her ambitions. I applauded her efforts to accept her father’s decisions but on her own terms.
The prose is beautiful and as a fan of Greek mythology (and retellings), I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The narrative is consistently paced and flows well. The structure of the novel works well to tell the story and allow us to see Aeneas as a person, with his strengths and flaws, as perceived by the women who knew him best. I liked that each chapter began with a quote from the source material. I appreciate that the author has given a voice to these women whose stories are often relegated to the background in the interest of glorifying the heroes of the Greek myths. Dido, Creusa and Lavinia not only present facets of the Greek hero revered for his origins and the prophecy that guided his actions, but they are women who deserve to have their stories told and the author has done a commendable job in this regard.
However, I thought that too much of the narrative was presented through telling rather than showing. I would have preferred that Aeneas’s adventures post the Trojan War before his arrival at Laurentum had been described in more detail. However, the telling of past events will provide those not conversant with the key players and crucial details of the Trojan War with a well-rounded, albeit brief, background to Aeneas’s story.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Frances Butt, who has done a brilliant job of voicing these characters and breathing life into this story. The audio narration certainly elevated my overall experience.
Many thanks to Alcove Press for the digital review copy and Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Stella Hudson, a best interest attorney by profession, is appointed as counsel for Rose Barclay, a nine-year-old girl whose parents are in the mi3.5⭐️
Stella Hudson, a best interest attorney by profession, is appointed as counsel for Rose Barclay, a nine-year-old girl whose parents are in the middle of a bitter divorce. Stella’s role is to determine the best custody arrangement for Rose, which entails interacting with Barclays and studying the dynamics within the family based on which a decision might be taken. Rose suffers from traumatic mutism – a condition that developed after she witnessed her twenty-six-year-old nanny, Tina de la Cruz, plunging to death from her window on the upper floor of the Barclays’ house. The circumstances surrounding Tina’s death remain a mystery and given Rose’s condition, her family – parents Ian and Beth and her grandmother, Harriet, are protective of Rose, to the extent that they would prefer to restrict Rose’s interaction with Stella.
Stella, who had a traumatic childhood herself, has Rose’s best interests at heart and tries to earn Rose’s trust, but Rose’s strange behavior on more than one occasion, her parents replacing all glass in the house with plastic and their overprotectiveness, leads Stella to believe that all the Barclays harbor dark secrets they are desperate to protect and Rose is at the center of it all. Will Stella be able to protect Rose and herself before anyone else gets hurt?
I thought the premise of House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen was truly intriguing and was completely immersed in the first half of the novel. The pacing is on the slower side, which I did not mind and I loved the sinister vibes, the murder mystery with none of the Barclays, including Rose, above suspicion and the creepy glassless house. However, as the narrative progressed, my enthusiasm dampened. Truth be told, I enjoyed the way the element of mystery was built up and the suspenseful vibe of the novel, but the story lost momentum by including certain unnecessary subplots into the narrative. While I liked Stella and admired her dedication to her profession and how protective she was of Rose, there were certain aspects pertaining to Stella’s backstory that I felt were of no consequence to the plot and certain developments toward the end felt contrived.
I wish emphasis had been placed on the mystery aspect and there had been more showing than telling. Overall, though there was a lot about this novel that I liked, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had expected.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Laura Benanti. Though the narrator did a decent job of voicing the characters and the immersion reading experience was enjoyable, this is one of those rare occasions where I preferred the book over the audiobook.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Hereford, 1881: Hecate Cavendish is excited to have secured a position as librarian’s assistant at Hereford Cathedral. Though her mother would pr3.75⭐
Hereford, 1881: Hecate Cavendish is excited to have secured a position as librarian’s assistant at Hereford Cathedral. Though her mother would prefer she direct her efforts toward finding a suitor, her father Edward Cavendish, an archaeologist by profession, is encouraging of his daughter's endeavors. Unbeknownst to Hecate she possesses a special gift – an ability to see and interact with the spirit world with a strong sense of paranormal activity – a gift she only becomes aware of when she encounters the friendly spirits roaming about in the cathedral. But much evil also lurks within those walls, spirits with sinister motives being unleashed into the community. As chaos ensues, Hecate will have to learn how to use her gift to protect everything and everyone she holds dear.
With its intriguing premise, atmospheric setting and gothic vibes The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is an engaging read. The author combines elements of paranormal and murder mystery, historical fiction, magical realism and mythology and romance into an immersive narrative that kept me glued to the pages. The novel gets off to a slow start but picks up as the narrative progresses. The author writes beautifully with keen attention to detail which is evidenced in the way she vividly describes the atmospheric setting and the cathedral, the library and its collections and the Mappa Mundi, which I found particularly interesting! ( I looked up the actual The Hereford Mappa Mundi, created around 1300, which is the largest medieval map known to exist.)
Hecate is an endearing protagonist and I absolutely loved getting to know her and those in her circle of family and friends . Her dynamic with her loving father, who is an ally and who believes in her abilities, and their interactions were a joy to read as was her relationship with her ailing younger brother. The author balances the darkness of the plot with splashes of humor and lighter moments. I enjoyed the way both she and her father strive to appease as well as work their way around her mother. The characters (good and sinister) were well developed and I enjoyed following Hecate in her search for the truth behind the sinister occurrences. Despite the uneven pacing, the narrative flows well, dialing up the tension as we progress and at no point did I lose interest in the plot.
I did find the ending a tad underwhelming after such an intense build-up, more so because we did not get all the answers to our questions. This is a lengthy read and I can’t help but feel disappointed that the author chose to leave certain aspects of the mystery unresolved.
However, since this is the first in a new series, I suppose we will have to wait for the next installment for our answers.
Overall, I thought there was much about this novel that is praiseworthy and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Marisa Calin. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 23, 2024.
Forty-seven-year-old Evander “Vandy” Myrick returns to her hometown of Queenstown, New Jersey, after her career in law enforcement ends after a 3.75⭐️
Forty-seven-year-old Evander “Vandy” Myrick returns to her hometown of Queenstown, New Jersey, after her career in law enforcement ends after a personal tragedy. Now a private investigator, she has a lot on her plate - concerned for the well-being of her ailing father, a retired police officer suffering from dementia and now in a care facility, dealing with her own trauma and trying to do the best for her clients.
Her latest client is Leo Hannah, the Mayor’s nephew, who engages her services to track his wife’s movements. What appears to be a routine surveillance assignment soon evolves into a racially charged murder case. Vandy is convinced that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Complicating matters further is the influential Hannah family’s connection to the case - powerful people with secrets they would do anything to protect. Vandy is determined to get to the truth, even if that means ruffling more than a few feathers and risking her own life in the process.
Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts is a riveting murder mystery. The narrative is presented from Vandy’s first-person POV. I really liked how the novel was structured in keeping with the different threads of the plot. The depiction of small-town dynamics, socioeconomic differences, and power politics made for an intriguing setting. The mystery was complex and well-crafted, with a healthy dose of humor infused into the narrative. I thought that the author expertly wove the different subplots into a consistently paced narrative that kept me engaged until the very end. Vandy is a strong female protagonist, smart and dedicated to her profession, but also with a vulnerable side. I enjoyed getting to know her and I appreciated that at no point did the segments on Vandy’s personal struggles and her backstory distract attention from the primary murder mystery. The supporting characters were well thought out and I especially enjoyed Vandy’s dynamic with Ingrid.
There are a few moments that require suspension of disbelief, but that did not detract from my overall experience. Certain aspects of the final reveal did take me by surprise (perhaps I missed something in between?) and did feel a tad contrived, but I did enjoy the build-up and the twists and turns and thought the author did a great job of dialing up the tension as the narrative progressed.
This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Bahni Turpin, who breathed life into Vandy’s character, making for an engrossing and entertaining immersion reading experience. I would definitely recommend the audiobook!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 16, 2023.
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callu3.75⭐️
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?
Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. the narrative, which flows well, is presented from Millicent's first-person POV. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.
This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The novel was published on Oct 31, 2023 and the audiobook was released on Apr 22, 2024
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hu3.75⭐️
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shoppin4.25⭐
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly the light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“For the women in our family, the ability to see a bright side and all that came with it was a near constant in our lives, first appearing almost3.5⭐️
“For the women in our family, the ability to see a bright side and all that came with it was a near constant in our lives, first appearing almost two hundred years ago after a star fell from the sky onto family land. Legend was that somehow the fallen star with its special glow had given us the gift, and we felt honor bound to use it to bring light and hope and brightness to others.”
Set in the small town of Starlight, Alabama, A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber is a charming story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, friendship and starting over.
At the center of the story is sixty-four-year-old Verbena Fullbright, Aunt “Bean” to her nieces, half-sisters twenty-nine-year-old Addison “Addie” Fullbright and twenty-four-year-old Tessa Jane Cobb Wingrove Fullbright. Aunt Bean owns and runs the Starling Cake Company famous for its delectable treats that are believed to have special qualities that flood the taster with positive feelings. Starlight Field, which also belongs to the family, is of special significance to the family on account of a crater formed from a fallen star and the special lightened path where those in need found clarity of thought and direction. Addie, who moved away from Starlight years ago after the death of her best friend and is a famous voice artist and Tessa is nursing a broken heart after a broken engagement are called back to Starlight to take care of the bakery after Aunt Bean is diagnosed with a heart condition. The sisters have a complicated relationship and have never been close, but now things just might change. But the sisters have a lot to contend with – their personal problems, the stress of running the bakery, their concern over Aunt Bean’s health, long-buried family secrets, and the greedy intentions of Tessa’s maternal grandfather – before old wounds can be healed.
The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Addie and Tessa Jane in alternating chapters. I loved the small-town setting and adored Aunt Bean. I liked how each chapter started with Aunt Bean’s words of wisdom thoughtfully embedded in her baking tips! I loved how the author depicted the growing bond between the sisters and found both Addie and Tessa to be endearing characters. I have to mention the pets who made life for our characters very interesting, leading to several heartfelt and entertaining moments! I appreciated the underlying message of the novel – the importance of family and community and how crucial it is to try to look for the positive in one another and ourselves and allow positive energy into our lives. The author addresses sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, animal cruelty and abandonment with compassion.
There is a lot to like about this novel – the humor, the relationships, the well-thought-out characters and the element of magical realism , to name just a few. However, the narrative does feature a very large cast of characters and I found it difficult to follow how everyone was related/connected beyond a point. The author also weaves a tad too many subplots into the narrative, resulting in a slow-paced, unnecessarily complicated and convoluted story with overly dramatic moments (soap-opera vibes). The element of magical realism was interesting as a concept, but I wish it had been more deeply embedded into the narrative.
This is my second Heather Webber novel and though I didn’t love this one as much as At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities, I did find it to be a heartwarming story. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis making for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Tor Publishing Group/Forge Books for the gifted hardcover and the digital review copy via NetGalley. I’d also like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 23, 2023.
Book #15 in Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series begins with our protagonist, an investigator with the Maine Warden Service being informed of an armed mBook #15 in Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series begins with our protagonist, an investigator with the Maine Warden Service being informed of an armed man inquiring into the whereabouts of a father and daughter residing in the area. Correctly guessing that the father-daughter in question is the reclusive Mark Redmond and his twelve-year-old daughter Cady, who is never seen in public, Mike begins to suspect that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Mike and his father-in-law, retired chief warden pilot Charley Stevens, approach Josie, a friend of Charley’s, who recently hired Mark to build a cabin near Prentiss Pond, to help establish contact with Mark. Josie, who considers Mark a friend and is protective of Cady, reluctantly agrees to help and takes them to where Redmond and Cady are camped. In a shocking twist, their meeting with Mark and Cady takes a dark turn as it becomes evident that Mark is harboring secrets that he would kill to protect.
We follow Mike as he navigates the Maine wilderness, inclement weather and an adversary who would resort to any means to evade capture. Complicating matters further are a bounty hunter who is also in pursuit of Redmond and Cady and the fact that Redmond has sympathetic neighbors as well as contacts within law enforcement who are aiding him.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron. The vivid, atmospheric setting and the fast-paced suspenseful narrative drew me in and kept me hooked until the very last page. Mike Bowditch is an interesting protagonist and this time he was up against an equally (if not more) skilled and experienced adversary which made for a tension-filled cat-and-mouse game with some shocking twists and surprises along the way. Sharp writing, convincing characters and superb character development, and plenty of action and adventure make for a thrilling read. My only complaint is that I would have liked for Stacey to have had a more active role in this installment.
Though this is #15 in the series, it would work well as a standalone. The author provides sufficient background information in his books, which allows for a satisfying reading experience even if you jump in mid-series. This is my second book in the series ( I started with #14, Dead Man's Wake) and haven’t had any problem following the narrative in either book. I look forward to exploring more books in this series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Henry Leyva, which made for a riveting immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on June 25, 2024.
With exquisite prose, dark humor, complex characters and a gripping narrative that revolves around themes of grief, trauma, fatherhood, racial id4.5⭐️
With exquisite prose, dark humor, complex characters and a gripping narrative that revolves around themes of grief, trauma, fatherhood, racial identity and legacy, I found Devil Is Fine by John Vercher hard to put down.
As the novel begins, we meet our unnamed narrator/protagonist, a biracial author born to a White mother and Black father, grappling with the recent loss of his teenage son Malcolm. When he inherits a plot of land from his estranged maternal grandfather, he wants nothing to do with the property and travels south to initiate all necessary formalities for its sale. However, a routine inspection of the land leads to a shocking discovery. As the dark history of the land and his ancestors is gradually revealed, our protagonist is traumatized by the implications.
Adding to his grief and pain are his strained personal relationships and the stress brought on by the fact that his latest manuscript isn’t generating much interest among publishing houses and that his inability to publish in recent years might make it difficult for him to hold on to his teaching position.
As our narrator slips back into old habits, triggering a downward spiral, what follows is a fever dream-like journey wherein the lines between reality and imagination begin to blur, past and present collapses into a hallucinatory series of events that force our protagonist to confront his complicated feelings about his legacy and explore how the same has impacted the most important aspects of his life.
The narrative is shared from the PoV of our unnamed protagonist in the form of a one-sided conversation with his deceased son. The author has deftly woven an element of magical realism into the narrative, creating a tension-filled almost claustrophobic vibe but also injects enough dry humor into the narrative so as not to overwhelm. The strength of this novel lies in its in-depth exploration of the protagonist's psyche – his beliefs, his motivations, his inner conflict and his worldview - as he wavers between moments of lucidity and phantasmagoria. The supporting characters are well thought out, and from their interactions with our narrator we are provided an insightful look into how he is perceived by those who know him/ come to know him as opposed to his self-perception. We might question our narrator's choices, because at times, his motivations are difficult to understand, but at no point do we stop rooting for him to emerge from his traumatized state and embark on a journey of self-acceptance, forgiveness, healing and redemption.
I appreciated the significance of the cover art - which is indicative of the symbolism of the jellyfish, which is integral to the narrative - more after reading the book. I only wish that we were given a bit more insight into past events and the history of the plantation.
I paired my reading with the incredible audio narration by Dion Graham who brought this story, the setting and the characters to life making for an intense immersion reading experience.
Overall, I thought this was a brilliantly crafted work of literary fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven narratives with an element of magical realism.
Many thanks to Celadon Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
As the novel begins, we meet twenty-eight-year-old Emlyn, who makes a living as a hunting and fishing guide in Idaho. She lives aBook: 3⭐ Audiobook: 4⭐
As the novel begins, we meet twenty-eight-year-old Emlyn, who makes a living as a hunting and fishing guide in Idaho. She lives a simple life, keeping busy with her work and living alone in her Airstream. Her closest companions are Varden, a Forest Service Ranger and the makeshift reverend “Rev” who took her in after a particularly traumatic episode in her life.
Emlyn is forced to confront a painful episode from her past when her former boyfriend Tyler asks for her help to find Janessa, a #vanlife social media star who was once Emlyn’s closest friend and who has gone missing with her boyfriend, both of whom work with Tyler, while on their latest trip. Her relationship with Tyler had ended three years ago when he had abandoned her, leaving her freezing and fighting for her life, on the side of the road. Janessa had once been Emlyn’s closest friend, but their friendship became strained after Emlyn embarked on a relationship with Tyler, who was Janessa’s childhood friend. Emlyn, unable to reach Janessa, also identifies discrepancies in her most recent social media post. Concerned for Janessa’s well-being, Emlyn agrees to help Tyler and the narrative follows them as they navigate the wilderness in search of their missing friend.
I really enjoyed These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant and was eager to read The Nature of Disappearing. I loved the atmospheric setting and the vivid descriptions that transport you to the Idaho wilderness along with the main characters. The narrative is presented from Emlyn’s perspective and moves between past and present timelines – the past timelines detailing Emlyn’s past, her friendship with Janessa and her relationship with Tyler. Though I could sympathize with Emlyn, I can’t say that she was a particularly interesting character. I wish we had gotten to know more about Rev and Varden. I should mention that the plot focuses on personal relationships and the complicated history between the main characters more than the mystery behind Janessa’s disappearance. The plot progresses slowly and only in the final quarter of the novel is the mystery addressed and even then, I found the “twists” and revelations a tad underwhelming (with more telling than showing) after the long-drawn-out build-up.
Overall, while I didn’t dislike the novel, it wasn’t the gripping suspenseful read that I’d expected. However, many have enjoyed this more and I would request you to read the other reviews before making a decision about reading this one.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Emily Pike Stewart, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on published on June 18, 2024.
“I feel nostalgic, nostalgic for what I’ve not yet lived.”
Set in the small town of Milly, France, Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin (transla4.5⭐️
“I feel nostalgic, nostalgic for what I’ve not yet lived.”
Set in the small town of Milly, France, Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin (translated by Hildegarde Serle) revolves around twenty-one-year-old Justine Neige, a nursing assistant working at a retirement home named The Hydrangeas. Justine is an orphan, raised by her grandparents with her cousin Jules, after their parents perished in a road accident when they were children. She is close to Jules, whom she considers more her brother than cousin. In terms of personal relationships, she chooses to indulge in casual flings and consciously shies away from deeper romantic relationships. She genuinely enjoys her job caring for the elderly and spends much of her time listening to their stories. She is particularly close to ninety-six-year-old Hélène Hel. Encouraged by Hélène’s grandson, Justine begins to write Hélène’s story – her love for Lucien, the WWII years, and the events and choices that shaped Hélène and Lucien’s lives. Hélène’s revelations inspire Justine to reflect on her own life and seek answers to questions about her family history and the tragedy that upended their lives. As the narrative progresses, we follow Justine as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and Hélène as she relives her memories. The retirement home also faces a trying situation when an anonymous caller devises a creative strategy of ensuring that its residents are not “forgotten on Sunday” by relatives who are reluctant to visit them.
“You know, when you've lost the person you loved most in the world, you lose her every day.”
This is my third time reading Valérie Perrin. I loved both Fresh Water for Flowers and Three and was eager to read Forgotten on Sunday, which was her debut novel only recently translated into English and I’m glad to say I was not disappointed!
Revolving around themes of friendship, family, love, loss, remembrance, and healing, this is a beautifully penned, profoundly moving story that inspires thought and reflection. Valérie Perrin’s characters are always well thought out - complex, flawed and thus, realistic and relatable. The author seamlessly weaves multiple timelines into a compelling narrative. I was invested in Justine’s journey and found Hélène’s story captivating and loved how the author brings all the threads of the story together. The tone of this novel leans toward melancholic, though there are splashes of humor to be found in the story. I loved the symbolism of the seagull and how the author depicts the significance of the same in both past and present timelines. This is a relatively short novel, but the author takes no shortcuts and allows us the opportunity to explore these characters – their motivations, their dreams, triumphs and regrets - with much depth and insight. The author addresses several sensitive topics -aging, loneliness, the horrors of war, trauma, grief, self-acceptance and the importance of human connection – with maturity and compassion.
This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you have turned the last page.
"Life takes away and gives back at the same time."
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Elisabeth Lagelée who does a remarkable job of breathing life into the story. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 4, 2024.
It’s been five years since Ryan Richardson witnessed the kidnapping of his girlfriend Alison Lane in their hometown of Leave Plot:4⭐ Audio Narration: 5⭐
It’s been five years since Ryan Richardson witnessed the kidnapping of his girlfriend Alison Lane in their hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas. Ryan was left injured, with a vague recollection of his attacker, who was never found, and Alison and her car disappeared without a trace. Initially a prime suspect in her disappearance, Ryan is eventually acquitted, but the unwanted media attention surrounding the case forces him to change his name.
In the present day, he is a law student at Georgetown and while visiting Italy with a group of friends he is informed that Alison’s car was found submerged in Suncatcher Lake with the bodies of two men and Alison’s bag with a cryptic note. Ryan, able to decipher the note, embarks on his own quest to find out what happened to Ali.
In Leavenworth, Kansas, Poppy McGee, who only recently joined as deputy sheriff after being discharged from the army, is pursuing the investigation into Ali’s disappearance. She has her hands full, reviewing case files from five years ago, trying to locate Ryan and decode Ali’s message. As she delves into the details pertaining to Ali’s disappearance, Poppy begins to suspect that there are people close to her who might know more than they are letting on and unbeknownst to either Ryan or Poppy there are other forces at play and people with their own agenda who are monitoring their movements.
A cleverly crafted thriller with well-thought-out characters, If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a gripping read. A lot is going on in this novel, but the author deftly weaves it all together into a twisty and suspenseful fast-paced narrative presented through multiple perspectives in short chapters and not a boring moment. I will admit that I could predict one of the major twists/reveals midway through the novel, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience because there were plenty of surprises along the way.
I loved the full-cast audio narration featuring Helen Laser and John Pirhalla and Paul Dateh, which made for a riveting immersion reading experience that I finished in one day.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller! As with most books in this genre, there are OTT elements, but don’t overthink it and just enjoy the wild ride!
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Fifty-year-old Jo Waterstone has been working at Bruebaker’s Books for over two decades. Suffice to say that Jo’s life revolves around her *Audiobook*
Fifty-year-old Jo Waterstone has been working at Bruebaker’s Books for over two decades. Suffice to say that Jo’s life revolves around her work. Bruebaker’s Books has been a fixture in the community for decades and Jo takes pride in her position managing the bookstore and is confident of her ability to help people find the right book for themselves. Managing the bookstore has its fair share of challenges, but Jo takes it all in her stride.
When the news of the owner Mr. Bruebaker’s stroke and subsequent hospitalization reaches her, needless to say, she is distressed. Not only does she share a close friendship with Mr. Bruebaker, but her immediate boss informs her that Mr. Bruebaker’s daughters want to shut down operations and sell the store as soon as possible. Jo believes that Mr. Bruebaker would not agree to the sale, but his family isn’t allowing anyone to contact him. To save the store, Jo devises a plan to barricade herself within the premises, keeping the doors closed but fulfilling all online orders until she can contact Mr. Bruebaker. She is joined in her endeavor by a small group of employees. Jo finds herself navigating her responsibilities of managing a small group in a closed space with both positive and negative group dynamics at play and the upkeep of the store, public support and the influx of online orders and the protests and the obvious displeasure of her boss and her employer’s family, all the while hoping for good news from Mr. Brubaker’s end. The narrative follows these characters over the next few weeks as they make themselves at home among the stacks in their own “city of books.”
An ode to independent bookstores, City of Books by Nicole Meier is a heartwarming story that revolves around teamwork, friendship, community and of course, how our love for books can bring people together. As an avid reader and bibliophile, it would be a dream come true for me to actually live in a bookstore! Naturally, I was intrigued by the premise of this novel and I was not disappointed.
The narrative is presented from Jo’s perspective and flows well. Jo is an endearing protagonist and I admired her resolve, her dedication and her loyalty to the bookstore and her employer. I loved the vivid descriptions of the bookstore and enjoyed getting to know the characters. I thought that the author has done a great job of capturing how the dynamics shifted between the characters over the course of their stay and how their experiences allowed them to not only get to know one another better but also allowed for moments of introspection and self-discovery. Though I did feel that a few of her actions might have been impulsive (and a tad misguided, but that’s more me than the book), there was no reason to doubt her intentions or the fact that heart was in the right place. There was one sub-plot that I felt was unnecessary, but overall, this did not detract from my overall experience. I also liked how the author chose to end this story on a bittersweet yet hopeful note.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook (8 Hours, 46 Minutes at 1x speed), narrated by Cindy Kay, who has done a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters and this story.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Recently accepted into a prestigious fellowship program in forensic pathology, twenty-nine-year-old Dr. Sloan Hastings is assigned the topic of forens
Recently accepted into a prestigious fellowship program in forensic pathology, twenty-nine-year-old Dr. Sloan Hastings is assigned the topic of forensic genealogy as her research project. To enhance her knowledge and gain a better understanding of the field, she submits her DNA to a genealogy website. She has always known she was adopted but little did she know that the results of her DNA analysis would result in a shocking revelation about her real identity – a revelation that connects her to the mysterious disappearance of three members of an influential family in Cedar Creek, Nevada in 1995 - a young couple and their two-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
As Sloan embarks on a quest to find out more about the cold case, her biological family and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her adoption, she travels to Cedar Creek where she meets members of her biological family who are overwhelmed to be reunited with “Charlotte” after all these years. She finds an ally in the local Sheriff who has a personal interest in the cold case but finding out what happened to her biological parents after all these years won’t be easy and whatever information she does gather leaves her with more questions than answers. Complicating matters further is the media frenzy brought on by “Charlotte” being found and the fact that there are people who would resort to any means to prevent Sloan from discovering the truth.
The narrative is presented in dual timelines – the present day where we follow Sloan as she pursues her search for the truth and 1995, wherein the events that led to the disappearance of Charlotte and her parents are slowly revealed.
Charlie Donlea’s Long Time Gone is UNPUTDOWNABLE! It’s been a while since I found a thriller that kept me glued to the pages and I couldn’t be more pleased. With an intriguing premise with a solid mystery at its core, interesting characters and dual timelines that are equally absorbing and seamlessly woven into a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative – this book checks all the boxes!
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Vivienne Leheny, which made for a riveting immersion reading experience. I finished this one in a single day!
This is my third time reading Charlie Donlea and I can’t wait to explore his backlist while I wait for his next book!
Many thanks to Kensington Books for the digital review copy and RB Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“The women asked: Who is safe? And Tamsen Nightingale said: The women who shelter in this red grove are safe. The women asked: How are they safe 3.5⭐️
“The women asked: Who is safe? And Tamsen Nightingale said: The women who shelter in this red grove are safe. The women asked: How are they safe? And Tamsen Nightingale said: In this red grove, no woman can be harmed. No violence may come upon her. No injury to her flesh from the flesh of another. The women asked: Who is welcome? And Tamsen Nightingale said: Those who can walk in darkness are welcome and those who affix to the deeply woven roots are free.
—The Story of the Sisters, Welcoming Incantation”
Set in 1997, The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine revolves around sixteen-year-old Luce Shelley who along with her mother Gloria, younger brother Roo and her aunt Gem, has spent the last eight year of her life as a part of the Red Grove, a secluded community in the redwood forests of California. Luce’s family moved to the Red Grove after an act of violence left her aunt in a vegetative state. The community, mostly comprised of women, offers a sanctuary for those seeking a haven from the violence of the outside world. Luce is deeply attached to her community, believing in its ideology and way of life. However, when her mother suddenly disappears after a disturbing incident with a visitor, Luce is compelled to question the very bonds that tie the community together and the truth behind the principles upon which the community was founded and is still governed, as laid down by its founder Tamsen Nightingale in the 1850s.
Beautiful writing, the atmospheric vibe and an interesting cast of characters render this an engaging read that revolves around themes of womanhood, secrets, belongingness and connection, trust and community. The narrative is shared from Luce’s perspective with the story of how the community originated shared in segments interspersed throughout the novel. The author deftly combines elements of family drama, coming of age, mystery (with a healthy dose of the surreal) and magical realism into a narrative that, though not quite cohesive, did hold my interest. I loved the vivid descriptions of the California redwoods, the deep connection between the community and its natural surroundings and their rituals. Luce is an endearing protagonist and though I did question a few of her choices, I was invested in her journey. Tamsen’s story was fascinating, as was the symbolism of the mountain lion. I thought the author did a remarkable job of depicting Luce’s dynamic with the members of her family and her community. However, the pacing of the novel is on the slower side and the story picks up only after the halfway mark. The story has strong feminist overtones and while I appreciated the themes that are addressed in this novel, I was a tad disappointed with the lack of intensity and depth with which certain aspects of the story were presented in the 1997 timeline. As far as the mystery is concerned, the final reveal is not entirely unpredictable, but I did like how the author chose to end the novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook (4⭐) narrated by Erin Moon who did an amazing job breathing life into these characters and the story. The audio experience certainly elevated my experience with this novel.
Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the digital review copy via NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Red Grove was published on May 14, 2024.
Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from
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