Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading Elizabeth Crook’s The Madstone, which features then nineteen-year-old Benjamin Shreve as he rec4.25⭐️
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading Elizabeth Crook’s The Madstone, which features then nineteen-year-old Benjamin Shreve as he recounts the sixteen-day odyssey across Reconstuction-era Texas and the perils he faces in his efforts to assist a stranded traveler and a pregnant woman and her young son. I found Benjamin to be an endearing character and was thrilled to find out that the author had previously penned a novel featuring Benjamin and his half-sister. I was eager to read The Which Way Tree and I’m glad to say that I was not disappointed!
The narrative is presented in epistolary format through letters written by seventeen-year-old Benjamin in 1866, addressed to Judge E. Carlton, as a part of his testimony against one Clarence Hanlin, believed to be responsible for the murder of eight travelers.
In the course of his testimony on his several encounters with Hanlin, Benjamin, excited to be able to share his story, drafts a series of long letters detailing the story of his family and the tragedies that befell them. Of particular significance was how three years ago was his then twelve-year-old half-sister Samantha “Sam” ’s quest to exact revenge on a panther (referred to as El Demonio de Dos Dedos“The Demon of Two Toes” by the locals) that killed her mother Juda (Benjamin’s stepmother) and left Sam disfigured, when she was six years old child, resulted in several encounters between Hanlin and themselves.
Well-paced with vivid descriptions and a cast of interesting characters, this is an engaging read that had me glued to the pages. Elizabeth Crook is a master storyteller who writes with a keen sense of time and place. The depiction of the hardships of life in Civil War-era Texas, the rustic landscape and the wilderness, and the dangers of the wild compounded further by roaming murderers, highway robbers and outlaws will transport you to Texas Hill Country with our characters. Though a tad far-fetched, this is an immensely enjoyable story of family, friendship, adventure, bravery and vengeance. Benjamin is an endearing character and I thoroughly enjoyed following him, Samantha and their friends Preacher Dob and his aging yet alert tracker dog Zechariah and Mexican outlaw Lorenzo Pacheco on their adventures through the wilderness of Texas Hill Country.
Benjamin’s narrative voice draws you in, his enthusiasm and excitement in being able to pen his story is palpable and despite his tendency to go into minute detail, there is not a boring moment in this tightly-woven novel. I loved how the author depicted Benjamin’s bond with Sam, his frustration with her utter disregard for his admonishments but always concerned for her well-being. Sam is a fascinating character – brave, obsessed with revenge and willing to take on the panther irrespective of whether anyone comes with her. The author’s portrayal of an enraged and traumatized twelve-year-old who lives with a constant reminder of a violent episode that forever changed her life in more ways than anyone could imagine is convincing and though she might appear stubborn and reckless, you will want to root for her. The secondary characters are also well fleshed out and the author infuses the narrative with a healthy dose of humor into the narrative to balance the hardships, loss, grief and violence.
Overall, with the author's masterful storytelling, exquisite writing and superb characterizations, I found this novel to be an immensely satisfying read. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Will Collyer, whose expert narration breathed life into the characters and the story, making for an enjoyable immersion-reading experience.
Though this novel predates The Madstone, I am glad to have read it after, as the novel also gives us a glimpse into Benjamin's life decades after the incidents described in both books. However, Sam’s story remains a mystery (a few hints are dropped in this novel) and I would love to know what became of the young girl I admired for her bravery and determination.
“The first lie has to be the strongest. The most important. The one that has to be told”
I found the premise of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston to2.5⭐️
“The first lie has to be the strongest. The most important. The one that has to be told”
I found the premise of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston to be truly intriguing. Evie Porter, a con artist who works for the mysterious “Mr. Smith” finds herself trapped in a complex web of manipulation as she works on her current mark, Ryan Sumner. Posing as Ryan’s girlfriend while passing on information about Ryan’s business to her boss should have been easy for her, given she has almost perfected her game over the years in Mr. Smith’s employ. However, her growing feelings for Ryan, her feelings of guilt for her deception and her desire for a different life than she has chosen (or the life that has chosen her?) and the added pressure that she is being closely monitored and failing her current task would result in dire consequences, complicate matters further and the situation begins to spiral out of Evie’s control.
The beginning of the book drew me in and had me hooked, but as the plot progressed, my enthusiasm dampened. The author’s writing shows promise and I thought most of the twists were well executed (the entry of “Lucca Marino” was a genius plot point). However, too much of the narrative was devoted to telling rather than showing, which detracted from my overall experience. Evie is an interesting protagonist but the oversharing (in excruciatingly minute detail) about both past events and how events unfold in the present timeline not only messed with the pacing and but also made me forget that I was reading what was supposed to be a suspenseful “thriller.” Though not entirely unpredictable, there were a few aspects of the mystery that were well-crafted. However, I wasn’t a fan of how the author chose to end the story and found a few developments/revelations toward the end utterly unconvincing and contrived.
After a very long wait for my library copies, I can’t help but feel more than a tad disappointed with this one. Had I not approached this novel expecting a fast-paced, complex, edge of your set thriller, I would have enjoyed it more.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, who has done a commendable job of breathing life into this story.
3.5⭐️ (rounded up for the final 25% and because I loved the audio narration!)
June 2025 – Francesca Meadows is thrilled that her dream project "The Man3.5⭐️ (rounded up for the final 25% and because I loved the audio narration!)
June 2025 – Francesca Meadows is thrilled that her dream project "The Manor"-an exclusive wellness resort - is finally open. The Solstice celebration and the midnight revelries are in full swing, her affluent guests are in attendance being catered to by her carefully selected staff, a few of whom are local including Eddie whose family owns and operates a farm close by. Among the guests is Bella, who has a history with Francesca (who is initially unaware of Bella's presence) and whose decision to book a stay was based on an article sent by an unknown sender, who definitely knows their history. The resort was built on the Dorset coastline, the premises Francesca inherited from her grandparents, and her husband, architect Owen Dacre, was tasked with designing the luxurious resort. The resort is adjacent to a forest that holds special significance to the locals, who aren't too happy with the development and the fact that the owners have no respect for the ‘lore and beliefs of the locals only complicates matters further.
Unbeknownst to most guests, the land, the forests, the small town of Tome and Francesca herself harbor dark secrets. So when the fishermen discover the body of a woman floating in the water the very next day and the cliffside retreat goes up in flames, unraveling the mystery behind the murder and the fate of The Manor might be more complicated than the investigating officer, Detective Inspector Walker and his team would have thought.
I haven’t had much luck with the author's previous novels, all of which were average reads for me. I won’t say that The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is an exception but overall, I did enjoy the novel ( I think the full-cast audio narration had a large role to play). Well-thought-out characters ( even the unlikeable ones), a vividly described atmospheric setting, an intriguing premise, dual timelines and multiple perspectives, woven into a cohesive narrative made for an engaging read. I loved the intensity of the present-day narrative, the folklore and the dark myth associated with the land, which added to the tension. I always appreciate it when my theories are proved wrong and I’m glad to say that a few of the final twists and revelations were truly shocking.
However, the story takes a long time to pick up the pace, which is why it felt longer than it actually was. The past timeline is presented through journal entries from 2009, and though past events were integral to the plot, these slower-paced sections (with a tad too much teenage drama) hindered the flow of the narrative. The final 25% definitely made up for the slow build-up, uneven pacing and what I thought were some unnecessary fillers, in particular one of the character’s perspectives which was not necessarily required to carry the story forward.
I paired my reading with the brilliant full-cast audio narration featuring Joe Eyre, Sarah Slimani, Roly Botha, Laurence Dobiesz and Tuppence Middleton, which enhanced my overall experience.
Given a choice, I would recommend the audio over reading the book.
When a retired FBI Agent is found tortured to death in his home in Lincoln County Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck finds himself roped in on an FBI in4.5⭐️
When a retired FBI Agent is found tortured to death in his home in Lincoln County Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck finds himself roped in on an FBI investigation headed by Agent Sana Locke, into an information leak that may have triggered the current chain reaction of events. Beck is ex-Army, having served as a foreign area officer for a large part of his career, so he is well aware of the danger that is looming when evidence indicates a connection between the present-day murders and a 1950s covert operation linked to a nuclear testing site in the region. When the bodies begin to pile up, Porter and his department team up with Locke to find the killer. Complicating matters further is the disappearance of a teenage bride from a neighboring community. Are the cases connected?
The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos is a riveting thriller that combines elements of murder mystery, crime procedural, and international espionage thriller. The novel is well-structured and consistently paced. The suspenseful narrative is presented in dual timelines – present-day and 1950s Nevada - both of which are well-developed. The present-day narrative is shared from the first-person POV of Porter and the past timeline is shared from the perspective of another character whose role is crucial to the plot. The novel does feature a large cast of characters, but at no point do the threads of the story become too convoluted or difficult to follow. Porter Beck is an interesting protagonist and I would love to see how the author continues his arc as the series continues.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am eager to read the next book in the series. I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by James Babson, which made for an engaging immersion read.
The first book in Michael Robotham’s Cyrus Havenseries introduces us to “Evie Cormac” (not her real name), assumed to be I'm working my way up to #4..
The first book in Michael Robotham’s Cyrus Havenseries introduces us to “Evie Cormac” (not her real name), assumed to be around seventeen years old, who was found six years ago hiding in a secret room in an old house in the aftermath of a brutal murder. Dubbed “Angel Face”, nobody knows who she is, no one came forward to claim her and DNA searches haven't yielded any results. Evie is currently a resident in a high-security children's home in Nottingham, where she meets Dr. Cyrus Haven, a forensic psychologist with a tragic past, who works as a profiler for law enforcement. Cyrus is visiting Langford Hall to study Evie’s case and help determine whether her plea to be released as an adult should be granted. Evie possesses a special gift – she can tell when anyone is lying to her face – a facet that fascinates Cyrus, his doctoral research having been based on “truth wizards”. Cyrus is sympathetic to Evie’s plight and is motivated to help her, but Evie is naturally distrustful of others and won’t make it easy for Cyrus. Cyrus is also helping the police find the person responsible for the murder of fifteen-year-old figure-skating champion, Jodie Sheehan. As the narrative progresses, we follow Cyrus and Evie as their lives intersect and the investigation into Jodie’s murder forces each of them to confront their own troubled pasts.
Good Girl, Bad Girl by Michael Robotham is a dark and intense thriller. Fast-paced, with an intricately woven plot and complex characters, I was glued to the pages until the very end. Both Evie and Cyrus are fascinating characters and I could not wait to find out more about them. The murder mystery is cleverly crafted with enough twists and red herrings to keep you engrossed as the plot progresses. The narrative, shared from Cyrus and Evie’s first-person POVs in alternating chapters, allows us to explore the characters – their motives and innermost thoughts and their backstories. I was invested in the evolving dynamic between Cyrus and Evie. Though what we can gather about Evie’s past and what she has endured is heartbreaking, at times she isn’t particularly likable, but this facet makes her an interesting character.
Though I was satisfied with the unraveling of the murder mystery, there were quite a few unanswered questions in Evie’s storyline, which left me a tad disappointed with the ending. Luckily, I was reading the first four books of the series back to back, so I didn't have to wait too long for the answers.
I know I’m late to the party, but I am thrilled to have discovered this series!
Fast-paced and suspenseful with superb character development and a gripping narrative, When She Was Good by Michael Robotham is a worthy sequel t4.5⭐️
Fast-paced and suspenseful with superb character development and a gripping narrative, When She Was Good by Michael Robotham is a worthy sequel to the first book in the author’s Cyrus Haven series.
As the novel begins, Evie is once again at Langford Hall, waiting to turn eighteen ( officially as per court records) and hopefully be released as an adult. The details of Evie’s true identity and the events that led to her being found seven years ago in a hidden room in a house where a man had been brutally murdered remain a mystery. She now considers forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven a friend but has not shared what she remembers of her past with him. Cyrus, haunted by his own tragic past, is concerned for Evie and seeks out Sacha Hopewell, the constable who initially found Evie, hoping that she might be able to shed light on the events that led to her discovery – facts that the police reports might have missed. Cyrus is also called to help investigate the death of a retired police officer, who at the time of his death was looking into an old case – a case that is revealed to possibly be connected to Evie – that might have gotten him killed. When Evie’s safety is threatened, she is compelled to share her story with Cyrus, who is determined to protect her from those who would resort to any means to keep Evie from exposing them.
This is a layered novel, intense and unflinching, and not for the faint of heart. The different threads of the narrative, past and present events and both Evie and Cyrus’s storylines are tightly woven into a gripping narrative that kept me glued to the pages. The narrative, presented from the first-person POVs of Cyrus and Evie in alternate chapters, moves fast without a boring moment. As Evie’s history is gradually revealed, we are taken down a dark and disturbing path that reeks of human depravity. Plenty of twists and surprises kept me glued to the pages as the author shed light on all the questions left unanswered in the first book of the series. The connection between Evie and Cyrus is well depicted – complex emotions at play and wary of each other yet also able to relate to one another, which enables Evie to slowly learn to trust Cyrus. I also thought that the supporting characters were well thought out, each with a distinct role to play. I was satisfied with the ending and was eager to begin Book #3.
Overall, I thought this was a brilliantly crafted thriller that I would not hesitate to recommend. However, please note that the story does feature content (mostly implied, not explicit) that might prove disturbing for some readers.
(⚠️human trafficking, kidnapping and sexual abuse of children)
I would strongly recommend reading the books in series order.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the author’s Cyrus Haven series and I’m glad to say Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham does not d4.5+⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the author’s Cyrus Haven series and I’m glad to say Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham does not disappoint!
When he was nineteen, Elias Haven, Cyrus’s older brother, murdered their twin sisters and parents, acting on the instigation of the voices in his head. Twenty years after he was incarcerated at Rampton Secure Hospital – a psychiatric facility, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Elias is about to be released and Cyrus has mixed feelings about Elias’s impending return and the possible disruption to his life and is concerned about how Evie, who now twenty-one years old, is struggling to bring a sense of normalcy into her life and now lives in Cyrus’s home, would react to Elias being there. Evie is currently back in school, studying for her A Levels, and also working in a local bar but after the trauma she has endured and her ability to tell when a person is lying doesn’t make interacting with others any easier.
Cyrus, a forensic psychologist and profiler who works with local enforcement, is also involved in the investigation of the disappearance of Maya Kirk, a woman in her thirties who is suspected of having been kidnapped from her home after her father was attacked and left for dead. When another woman, who was a customer at the bar where Evie works, disappears and Evie is the last one to have seen her, Evie inevitably gets involved in the case. Are the disappearances connected? Evie is also busy trying to prove the innocence of Mitchell Coates, a convicted rapist, recently released on parole and working for Cyrus, who claims and who Evie believes to be innocent.
Needless to say, both Evie and Cyrus have a lot on their plates and plenty of complications arise as they try to find out what happened to the missing women, while also working to prove Mitch’s innocence and navigating their personal problems.
Twisty and utterly absorbing, with plenty of surprises along the way, this was a gripping thriller that kept me guessing until the very end and I loved it when all my theories were proved wrong! The narrative, presented from Cyrus and Evie’s first-person POVs, provides a well-rounded picture of the events as and when they happen. The author has done a remarkable job of depicting the shifting dynamic between Cyrus and Evie. Evie does behave immaturely for her age, at times, but her insecurities and attitude towards Cyrus are well-explained. The author injects quite a bit of dry humor in Evie’s POV to keep you entertained. The narrative features several subplots that are seamlessly woven into a cohesive narrative. At no point does the plot become convoluted or difficult to follow. I’ve rarely seen such strong character development in a thriller series and this is where the author excels. Not only are Robothem’s plots complex and layered, but in Cyrus and Evie he has created characters that the reader is invested in, striking an almost perfect balance between the character-driven and plot-driven aspects of the story.
Superb writing, complex character dynamics, and a well-crafted suspenseful plot make for a riveting read! This series just keeps getting better!
Please note that this book would not work as a standalone and I would recommend reading the books in series order.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I'm glad to say that I was not disappointed.
“Shir zan4.5⭐️
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I'm glad to say that I was not disappointed.
“Shir zan. Lionesses. Us. Can’t you just see it, Ellie? Someday, you and me—we’ll do great things. We’ll live life for ourselves. And we will help others. We are cubs now, maybe. But we will grow to be lionesses. Strong women who make things happen.”
Written in beautiful prose, this evocative story spans the 1950s through the 70s and 80s to the present day and follows Elaheh “Ellie” Soltani and Homa Roozbeh – girls from completely different backgrounds who meet in Tehran as seven-year-olds who become fast friends but drift apart - a cycle that continues as their lives intersect time and time again and their fates intertwine against the volatile backdrop of the Iranian Revolution and the decades that follow. The author addresses several important themes, including social class, feminism, women’s rights and political activism, and the immigrant experience, while also giving us a glimpse into Iranian life and culture. The story is set in Tehran for most of the 50s and 60s and both the United States and Tehran for the remainder of the novel.
The narrative is presented predominantly from Ellie’s perspective, though we do get a few segments from Homa’s perspective. Both main characters are well fleshed out and their dynamic as it evolves over decades is realistically depicted, but I wish we could have explored a few of the crucial secondary characters in more depth. I also wish Homa’s perspective had been in more detail and that her story had been told with less telling and more showing particularly toward the end of the novel.
The themes in Marjan Kamali’s latest novel are realistic, relatable and most importantly, timely and relevant. The author’s portrayal of the changing socio-political landscape of Iran during the Iranian revolution and its aftermath with emphasis on women’s rights will inspire reflection. We can’t help but ponder over the fact that many of us have been afforded freedoms that others do not enjoy - freedoms that we often take for granted and rights that women all over the world have fought for in their own time and continue to do so today.
“That’s how losses of rights build. They start small. And then soon, the rights are stripped in droves.”
Overall, I found this to be an immersive and thought-provoking story about friendship, courage, healing, empathy and acceptance, forgiveness and redemption, with characters who will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
I paired my reading with the audiobook brilliantly narrated by Mozhan Navabi and Nikki Massoud.
“In my women’s organization and our activism, one thing that we're trying to uphold is that feminism comes in many shapes. We should not shame women who choose to take care of home and family. As long as it’s the woman’s choice. I don’t mean to imply that your job now, or even if you chose in the past or later choose to stay home, is in any way antifeminist. Because all of it has a place in true feminism. A woman has a right to live a life of intense career ambition or one of more mellow ambition or what have you. As I say, whatever she chooses.”
I couldn’t agree more. What could be more important to a woman than her right to choose?
*Joint Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with Hernan Diaz's Trust * *Winner of the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction*
“The wonder is that 3.75⭐
*Joint Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with Hernan Diaz's Trust * *Winner of the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction*
“The wonder is that you could start life with nothing, end with nothing, and lose so much in between.”
A retelling of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, in a contemporary Southern Appalachian setting, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a powerful work of fiction. Part coming of age, part social commentary, the narrative revolves around the eponymous Demon Copperhead, born Damon Fields, (named after his father Damon, who died from an accident before his birth, earning the nickname “Copperhead” on account of his copper wire hair) to an addict mother in a trailer park in Lee County, Virginia. We follow Demon from his childhood through his early adulthood, as he grapples with poverty, loss, abuse, loneliness, and short-lived moments of hope and success as a young athlete with college dreams before an injury derails his plans and his struggle with addiction and substance abuse. Narrated in the first person by Demon, as he shares his perspective on the people and events that shape his life and his worldview, this is a story of grief, resilience and ultimately the search for a sense of belongingness and the will to survive when the odds are stacked against you.
“It hit me pretty hard, how there’s no kind of sad in this world that will stop it turning. People will keep on wanting what they want, and you’re on your own.”
Rather than compare this novel to the classic that inspired this story, I prefer to discuss what I felt about this book based on its individual merit.
There is a lot to unpack here. The author writes with compassion in simple yet elegant prose. Barbara Kingsolver not only paints the picture of the lives of those caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty, neglect and addiction, the Opioid Crisis in particular but also takes a grim look at issues such as parental negligence, child abuse and the foster care system among others. The characterizations are superb and the author skillfully weaves a large cast of distinctive characters into the narrative without it becoming overwhelming or too difficult to follow. The author also addresses how outsiders harbor certain preconceived notions about certain communities without totally understanding the challenges they face.
I was engrossed in Demon's journey for the first half of this novel, after which the repetitiveness caused the pace to falter but it does pick up in the last quarter of the story. There are segments in the narrative that I felt were unnecessarily detailed and could have been shorter without affecting the overall impact of the novel.
Though the story is dark and depressing for the most part, it is peppered with moments of humor and hope amid the bleakness that pervades Demon’s life and ends on a hopeful note.
This was my first Barbara Kingsolver novel and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
“But where did it come from, this wanting disease? From how I got born, or the ones that made me, or the crowd I ran with later? Everybody warns about bad influences, but it’s these things already inside you that are going to take you down. The restlessness in your gut, like tomcats gone stupid with their blood feuds, prowling around in the moon- dead dark. The hopeless wishes that won’t quit stalking you: some perfect words you think you could say to somebody to make them see you, and love you, and stay.”...more
*Shortlisted for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction*
“Across the room, propped against the wall, is herself – another self, a former self. A self who, *Shortlisted for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction*
“Across the room, propped against the wall, is herself – another self, a former self. A self who, when she is dead and buried in her tomb, will endure, will outlive her, who will always be smiling from the wall, one hand poised to begin a painting.”
Set in mid-sixteenth-century Italy, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O' Farrell is a reimagining of the life of Lucrezia di Cosimo de Medici, and her short marriage to Alfonso II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. In reality, less than a year after her marriage Lucrezia passed on having succumbed to putrid fever, though it was rumored that her husband was responsible for her death.
The narrative follows Lucrezia the youngest daughter of Cosimo I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany from her early years with her family, her love for art, and her betrothal to Alfonso II d’Este almost twelve years her senior, after the death of her older sister who was originally to be his bride – a political alliance between two powerful families. At the age of fifteen, she leaves her home to begin a new life as the Duchess of Ferrara.
“If she is to survive this marriage, or perhaps even to thrive within it she must preserve this part of herself and keep it away from him, separate, sacred. She will surround it with a thorn-thicket or a high fence, like a castle in a folktale; she will station bare-toothed, long-clawed beasts at its doors. He will never know it, never see it, never reach it. He shall not penetrate it.”
In a new land, surrounded by strangers, Lucrezia’s new life comes with its set of challenges. Her husband, initially attentive begins to show his true colors soon after they reach Ferrara. He expects her to be an obedient wife who will never challenge or question his decisions and turn a blind eye to the cruelty he displays in the course of his rule. The pressure on her to give birth to an heir and be the perfect wife and her dynamics with her husband’s sisters and his associates overwhelm Lucrezia who has no close friends or family nearby barring her maid Emilia, who is the only one she can trust. Alfonso’s obsessive need to oversee the minutest detail in the portrait of his new bride he commissions - the “marriage portrait”, is a testimonial to Alfonso’s controlling and cruel nature and the restrictive suffocating environment in which Lucrezia finds herself trapped. The narrative follows Lucrezia as she struggles to adjust to her new position despite the rumors about her husband and his family and her growing fears for her own safety.
“In the painting is a woman who looks like her, or a version of her, or an ideal – she cannot tell which. This is her, yet not her; it is so disturbingly like her, while being completely unlike her. It is Lucrezia, but it is also someone else. This girl is a duchess it is clear to see from the jewels that adorn her ears and neck, wrists and head, from the gold-and-pearl cintura around her waist, from the ornaments on her bodice, from the pleating and embroidery of her gown. Here before you, the portrait shouts, is no commoner, but someone high-born and exalted. She loves it, she loathes it; she is dumbstruck with admiration; she is shocked by its acuity. She wants the world to see it; she wishes to run and cover it again with the cloth at the artist’s feet.”
Beautiful prose with vivid descriptions of the settings and the era make for an engaging read. The author transports you to the palazzos and castellas of Renaissance Italy and even though we know how the story is going to end, I could not stop turning the pages. The characterizations are superb - each of the main and supporting characters is well-fleshed out and convincing (even the unlikable characters). Lucrezia’s loneliness, fear and suffocation are palpable. There were moments that were a tad melodramatic and few segments toward the end that felt rushed, but this does not detract from the overall reading experience. I found this to be an immersive read that I would not hesitate to recommend. Do read the Author’s Note where she discusses her inspiration for this novel, the historical context and how it differs from the fictionalized account of events. This was my first time reading this author and I can’t wait to explore more of her work....more
Touching upon themes, of family, relationships, grief, war and trauma, immigration and the American 3.75⭐️
“Homes also dream; they shelter themselves.”
Touching upon themes, of family, relationships, grief, war and trauma, immigration and the American Dream, The Apartment by Ana Menendez is an exceptionally well-written novel that combines elements of historical and contemporary fiction, magical realism and a bit of mystery. This reads like a series of short stories each of which features a tenant of an apartment unit in South Beach, Miami, which is the common thread. Apartment 2B of The Helena, an art deco apartment building in Miami, has been home to several tenants over the course of seven decades. Built on land that was historically inhabited by indigenous tribes who were gradually displaced due to colonization, The Helena was built in 1942 and has been home to army officers, artists and painters, veterans, widows and immigrants each of whom is brought to its doors for in search of love, hope, shelter and a place to belong. We also meet members of the maintenance staff and leasing agents who take care of the property in between occupancy.
Ana Menendez’s writing is beautiful and each of the characters and the premise of their individual storylines are well-developed. The narrative flows at a fast pace but I should mention, however, we only get to know about these characters for the duration of their residence in apartment 2B and we get hints about what transpired in a few of their lives after they left The Helena. Not all of these stories are happy ones – in fact, there is a sense of loss and despair that pervades the apartment and the lives of its tenants, each of whom leaves a part of themselves and their stories within the walls of the apartment – a vibe, an emotion, an aura. This is not an easy read. The stories revolve around several sensitive topics including PTSD, suicide, spousal abuse and much more. The author captures the loneliness, hopes and broken dreams of these characters with much clarity and compassion. However, we don’t get to meet the residents of the other units until the final 20% of the novel when we meet Lana,resident of 2B in 2012, an artist who is mourning a loved one and is being watched over by the spirit of a former tenant. While I enjoyed the trajectory of the final story and appreciated how it echoes the overall spirit of the novel, I did think the ending was a tad convoluted.
I was drawn to this novel on account of the premise and overall, I was not disappointed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this novel to those who enjoy character-driven fiction. This is my first Ana Menendez novel and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
“Apartment 2B settles into itself. The light inside dims— a passing cloud shadow. These rooms are rarely empty. Painters, models, artists, mothers, fathers, strangers. For decades now, always someone wearing down the pine floors, someone’s breath disturbing the air. No one thinks that homes also need pauses, pockets of silence. Homes also need time to gather themselves, time to simply rest. All that sheltering and holding, that gets exhausting.”...more
After a personal tragedy, Emma Carpenter chose to live in isolation in a house on the Washington Coast. Her sole companion is her golden retrieve2.5⭐️
After a personal tragedy, Emma Carpenter chose to live in isolation in a house on the Washington Coast. Her sole companion is her golden retriever Laika, and her interaction with others is limited to the owner of the house, Jules and her elderly neighbor, Deek, with whom she communicates via handwritten messages from her window. Emma spends a lot of time reading. After her neighbor recommends a horror novel by an author by the name of H.G.Kane, which she doesn’t enjoy for several reasons (that are quite believable), she doesn’t hesitate to share in her one-star review – a review that prompts the author to initiate an online conversation with her. Needless to say, he wants her to change her rating, which she absolutely refuses to do. The online conversation gets heated with both of them trading insults. Just when she thinks that things have calmed down, Emma begins to feel like she is being watched and also suspects the presence of someone in the house. Are her fears unfounded, or is she really being stalked? If so, to what end?
The premise of The Last Word by Taylor Adams is original and enticing. For me, the premise was the best part of this story. I really enjoyed how the author builds on the premise up to a point ( the first 100-odd pages are suspenseful, well-structured and fast-paced). However, as the narrative progresses, the pace does begin to drag, the elements that were meant to build up the tension begin to feel a tad repetitive and the characters all too unbelievable (and maybe a tad stereotypical, bordering on ridiculous?). The narrative is long-winded with too much going on. I enjoy twisty reads, but with too many twists, I found myself losing interest in the plot around the midway mark. I did love Laika, the dog, and though the ending did redeem the book to an extent, overall, I can’t say this was a satisfying read....more
“Misfortune hadn’t touched Alex: it had only come close enough that she felt the cold air of a different outcome hurtling past.”
Twenty-two-year-o3.5⭐️
“Misfortune hadn’t touched Alex: it had only come close enough that she felt the cold air of a different outcome hurtling past.”
Twenty-two-year-old Alex is a grifter, a liar and an opportunist. After managing to charm Simon, an older man she meets at a bar in the city, Alex eventually finds herself spending the summer in his Long Island vacation home. Glad to find a place to stay after her roommates throw her out and welcoming the respite from her train wreck of a life (prostitution, theft, prescription medication abuse and a particularly threatening fellow by the name of Dom who has a score to settle with her), she gladly accepts Simon's invitation to be his guest, enjoying the attention, the expensive gifts and the affluent lifestyle that comes with Simon’s companionship. She is aware of how different she is from Simon's wealthy friends and struggles to fit in, but keenly observes their way of life. However, one misstep at a party prompts Simon to show her the door. Alex leaves his home but not the area, waiting for Simon to cool down, hopeful that she can gain his favor once again. As she waits out the week preceding Simon’s Labor Day party, she resorts to her old habits to get by - manipulating, thieving and lying her way through the next few days.
“The appearance of calm demanded an endless campaign of violent intervention.”
Narrated in the third person from the perspective of Alex, The Guest by Emma Cline is an intense and immersive read. Emma Cline's writing is excellent. I liked the atmospheric setting of the story and how Alex's worldview is presented to us as the narrative progresses. Despite the lack of plot per se and the somewhat impersonal tone of the narrative, I found this novel oddly addictive, and my curiosity kept me turning the pages. We don’t get to know much about Alex’s past and we are not given much insight into the people and events that contributed to Alex becoming who she is. Insecure, alone but street-smart she has no qualms about using people and discarding them after they have served their purpose. Her actions are self-serving but not intended to harm others and though we do see fleeting moments of guilt and sympathy amid her alcohol- and drug-infused (mis)adventures, it is selfishness and desperation that defines her narrative. I alternated between being disgusted by her antics and feeling sorry for her. The ending is abrupt, not surprising but also not satisfying.
Overall, while I didn’t dislike this novel, I wasn’t quite taken with it as other readers.
“People just wanted to hear their own voices, your response a comma punctuating their monologue.”...more
Set in the Island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples, the story begins with a young woman by the name of Anna sharing her troubles withSet in the Island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples, the story begins with a young woman by the name of Anna sharing her troubles with Nonna Maria –lifelong resident of the island in her seventies with a penchant for strong coffee and good wine - who never turns down anyone asking for her assistance. Engaged to Andrea Bartoli, who is new to the island, Anna expresses her doubts about her fiancé and feels that she is being manipulated into marrying him. Captain Murino of the carabinieri is also suspicious of Bartoli and has prior knowledge of his possible misdeeds and teams up with Nonna Maria to expose him while keeping Anna out of harm’s way. Besides helping Anna, Nonna Maria and Captain Murino are also working together in trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious death of eighty-five-year-old tour boat captain Pasquale Favorini, who presumably drowned after falling overboard in a drunken state. Nonna Maria, who knew Pasquale, is not convinced that this was an accident.
Though he has concerns for her safety, Captain Murino is respectful of Nonna Maria and her knowledge of the island and its residents. Nonna Maria is no Sherlock Holmes (or so she claims, though the residents of the island frequently compare her to him) and her “sleuthing” involves listening to people’s troubles and providing assistance in any way she can which earns her the trust and respect of everyone around her including the local carabinieri. She knows everyone on the island and has a vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies who keep her informed of what’s happening around her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Nonna Maria as she uses her wit, wisdom and her network of fellow islanders to unravel these two mysteries.
Overall, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an entertaining mystery full of heart, humor and an interesting cast of characters. Though it is a slow-paced read, the narrative is fluid and engaging and at no point did I lose interest in the plot. I loved the vivid descriptions of the island, the folklore, the community and the culture. Smart and resourceful, Nonna Maria is so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
In 1940 as WWII rages on, London-based Reginald and Millie Thompson decide to send their daughter, eleven-year-old Beatrix to the United States,3.75⭐️
In 1940 as WWII rages on, London-based Reginald and Millie Thompson decide to send their daughter, eleven-year-old Beatrix to the United States, where she is placed under the care of Ethan and Nancy Gregory , a lovely couple who welcome her into their home and their hearts. She spends her time divided between Gregory home in Boston and their vacation home in Maine with their two school-going sons, William and Gerald, both of whom befriend Beatrix. Beatrix’s parents miss her dearly only deriving comfort from the fact that she is out of harm’s way. Millie , in particular fears that the geographical distance and her daughter’s growing emotional attachment to the Gregory family and the comfortable lifestyle in the US (as is shared through letters to her mother) will widen the chasm between her and her family in London. Five years later, the war is over and Beatrix returns to London, torn between her love for the Gregory family and the home calling her back, albeit with the shadow of her father’s demise and mother’s remarriage looming large. The five years with the Gregory family leave a profound impact on Beatrix (as does Beatrix’s presence in the lives of all of the members of the Gregory family)and the choices she makes throughout her life. The first segment of the narrative is the only one part written with the backdrop of WWII and the London Blitz - primarily its impact on the Thomson family, rather than the War itself. In the following segments, spanning 1945 to 1977, the narrative follows Beatrix and the Gregorys over the next three decades, through the ups and downs in their lives and the emotional connection that never ebbs despite the geographical distance.
With its beautiful prose and well-thought-out characters Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash is a moving story, that touches upon themes of kindness, family, home and relationships. The pace is on the slower side but that suits the story and the narrative structure well. The author describes human emotions both in their simplicity and their complexity in a very balanced tone. Though the story is predominantly an emotional, character-driven story, the author does not revert to an overly melodramatic representation of the characters or their relationships. However, I did feel that the multiple perspectives detracted from the fluidity of the narrative. While I did enjoy the story, I did not quite agree with a crucial decision Beatrix makes towards the end of the story. I found her behavior slightly contradictory to her personality as is revealed to us throughout the narrative. But then, human emotions are complicated and the author does well in giving us a glimpse into Beatrix’s thoughts as she ponders over certain decisions.
Overall, I did enjoy this heartbreaking yet uplifting story and would be eager to read more from this author in the future.
“We love people for all sorts of different reasons and in all sorts of different ways, she says. Remember that.”
“During the nine-month occupation of Rome, eighteen hundred Roman Jews were deported to the death camps. Fewer than twenty returned.”
Based on true eve“During the nine-month occupation of Rome, eighteen hundred Roman Jews were deported to the death camps. Fewer than twenty returned.”
Based on true events, My Father’s House by Joseph O' Connor, the first in his Rome Escape Line Trilogy, is a fictionalized account of a secret mission (codename Redimento) carried out by Monsignor Hugh O’ Flaherty, an Irish Catholic priest, and his trusted accomplices during WWII. A few years prior to the events of 1943, as an official Vatican visitor, O’Flaherty had been assigned to visit an Italian concentration camp for British PoWs. He was deeply affected by the plight of the prisoners, the filthy conditions of the camps and the inhuman treatment meted out to the prisoners by their Nazi captors. O Flaherty’s anti-Nazi stance earns him the ire of his superiors at The Vatican, which pursued a policy of neutrality during World War II, but does not deter his efforts in doing as much he could for those in need of his help.
“I have come to see neutrality is the most extremist stance of all; without it, no tyranny can flourish.”
Under the guise of a “Choir”, Monsignor Hugh and seven others, each from different walks of life, operate an “Escape Line”. Their choir practice sessions are a front for their efforts toward devising plans to aid escaped PoWs– a mammoth task that encompasses sheltering the escapees in safe houses, acquiring travel documents in false names and arranging transport to Switzerland- a task made more difficult on account of ruthless Gestapo officer Obersturmbannfurher Paul Hauptmann, who was aware of the existence of an Escape Line and was keeping a close watch on Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty in hopes of catching him and /or his friends at the right moment.
With beautiful prose and vivid imagery, author Joseph O' Connor has done a superb job of transporting the reader to Nazi-occupied Rome. The narrative is shared between multiple perspectives across dual timelines. In the 1943 timeline, we follow Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his Choir in the days leading up to Rendimento (Christmas Eve, 1943). Other details pertaining to the mission and the participants can be gathered from written statements, pages from an unpublished memoir and interview transcripts of the choir members twenty years after the events (1962-63)which are interspersed throughout the narrative. All the characters are well fleshed out and the author skillfully brings all the threads of the story together weaving a cohesive, intense and suspenseful narrative that is hard to put down. Ultimately this is a story of immense bravery, sacrifice and hope.
“You don’t understand the fact that hope, if it is ever encountered, is in the small things of the everyday, not an announcement from on high. In the aroma of cooking, a phrase from Vivaldi. A handclasp. A conversation.”
Reading stories set in WWII Europe is never easy. The Holocaust, the devastation of war and the plight of civilians unable to escape war-torn lands are always deeply affecting. I appreciate stories that shed light on that era, even more so when I’m learning something new from them. I had been unaware of the Rome Escape Line and Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty before reading this book. The author also references true events such as the Ardeatine Massacre of 1944. The Author’s Note provides a list of references for those who want to read more about the true events that inspired this novel. This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
I paired my reading with the superb full-cast narration - featuring Barry Barnes, Stephen Hogan , Barnaby Edwards , Laurence Bouvard , Aoife Duffin , Gertrude Toma , David John , Roberto Davide and Thomas Hill -that made for an immersive experience....more
Flight 1421 from Honolulu to California crashes into the Pacific on account of mechanical malfunction six minutes and thirty- seven seconds after3.5⭐️
Flight 1421 from Honolulu to California crashes into the Pacific on account of mechanical malfunction six minutes and thirty- seven seconds after it takes off. Of the 99 passengers on board most of the survivors are evacuated, but the waters prove to be equally dangerous. Twelve remain inside the plane as it sinks into the ocean to come to rest on an unstable cliff. Among the twelve are the copilot, two flight attendants, an elderly couple, an irate male passenger, a newly married man who lost his wife in the crash, an unaccompanied minor, a nurse, a young woman who is a bartender by profession and an engineer, Will Kent and his daughter, Shannon. As the narrative progresses we follow the twelve passengers trapped in the submerged airplane as the conditions worsen and they struggle to stay alive while the rescue operations led by a team of professional divers headed by Chris, Will’s soon-to-be ex-wife strive to reach them before its too late.
Drowning by T.J. Newman is a thrilling read. Intense and well-paced, the vivid setting, the tension and the heightened emotions make for an immersive read. It does get a tad too technical midway which does detract from the overall reading experience. The final 20% is unputdownable! While I did overall enjoy the story, it is evident that this book was written keeping in mind the possibility of an onscreen adaptation, which is something I would definitely watch, but doesn’t quite always make for smooth reading. I wasn’t a fan of the author’s debut novel and was wary of picking this one up. Overall, I did enjoy this one bit more!
I paired my reading with the audio narration by Steven Weber and Laura Benanti, who have done a wonderful job of capturing the mood and tone of this thrilling read....more
An apparent murder-suicide draws Melbourne-based Federal Police Investigator Aaron Falk back to his hometown of Kiewarra. Twenty years ago Aaron and hAn apparent murder-suicide draws Melbourne-based Federal Police Investigator Aaron Falk back to his hometown of Kiewarra. Twenty years ago Aaron and his father left town after fingers pointed to teenage Aaron’s involvement in the death of his friend Ellie Deacon. Luke Hadler, a friend of both Ellie and Aaron, had helped Aaron when suspicions had been directed at him all those years ago. In the present day Luke, a farmer facing financial hardship on account of persistent drought, allegedly shot his wife and young son before turning the gun on himself. The only survivor of that tragedy is Luke’s thirteen-month-old daughter who was unharmed and is now with Luke’s parents. Luke’s father does not believe his son was capable of such a heinous act and asks Aaron to help find the truth. Aaron’s return to Kiewarra isn’t a pleasant one. Besides grieving for his friend, he faces much adversity from people who remember Ellie and the rumors surrounding her death all those years ago. Helping Aaron is local law enforcement officer, Sergeant Greg Raco who is relatively new to the area. Working together they do a deep dive into the lives of Luke and his family, friends and associates- both past and present- to identify probable suspects and follow any lead that could shed a light on what truly happened to Luke Hadler and his family.
Did Luke really kill himself and his family? Does Luke’s death have any connection to the cold case from years ago? Who could have had a personal grudge against Luke in his present life and why?
I know I’m late to the party but better late than never! The Dry by Jane Harper is a solid, atmospheric whodunit, with excellent characterizations and consistent (medium) pacing. The vivid descriptions of the heat-scorched arid terrain and the small-town dynamics of a struggling community add to the intensity of the plot. The fluid narrative is skillfully constructed as it moves between the present-day mystery and the cold case from twenty years ago. As for the ending, I did not see that one coming! I love it when my theories are proved wrong (it does have to be convincing though)! Aaron Falk is an interesting character and I’m glad that the author has developed a series around him. I can’t wait to read the remaining books in this series....more
The second book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigate series, The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz is an intricately plotted whodunit that kThe second book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigate series, The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz is an intricately plotted whodunit that kept me guessing till the very end.
The story revolves around the brutal murder of high-profile divorce lawyer Richard Pryce who was found bludgeoned to death in his home. The murder weapon found with his body was an expensive bottle of wine which was rather strange as the deceased was a teetotaler. The number "182" painted in green was discovered on a wall near his body. Once again, former Detective Inspector turned consultant to Scotland Yard, Daniel Hawthorne has been brought in to assist in the police investigation. He approaches author Anthony Horowitz, abruptly turning up at the location of Foyles War (a British drama series written by author Anthony Horowitz) to follow the case with him, proposing the case be subject matter for his next book (referring to the three book collaboration they had previously agreed upon). Horowitz is aware of his limitations as far as investigative work is concerned and his determination to prove his worth this time, even if it means pursuing his own line of investigation often withholding his suspicions from the more seasoned and competent Hawthorne results in more than a few interesting moments.
As the narrative progresses we follow the duo as they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together, delving deep into Pryce’s personal and professional lives looking for anyone who could have had a motive for wanting him dead and/or those who stood to benefit from his death. With multiple suspects, plenty of red herrings on the way, and the immensely unlikable DI Cara Grunshaw who does not hesitate to express her dislike and disregard for Hawthorne or Horowitz, solving this case won’t be easy. Written in the veins of classic murder mysteries, this is a medium-paced but immensely engaging read. I enjoyed the segments on Horowitz’s (the character) life as a writer, both on- and off-set. The author does a praiseworthy job of writing himself into the story as one of the main characters. The dynamic between the two characters makes for interesting reading and the author injects a healthy dose of humor into the same. Overall, this is a smartly crafted mystery that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy reading classic detective stories.
Though I had started this book pairing it with the audiobook, I soon switched to reading as I wasn't happy with how the narrator voiced the female characters....more
Six hours after Diana Cowper, mother of famous actor Damien Cowper visits a funeral parlor to discuss plans for he4.5⭐️
Plot: 4/5; Audio Narration: 5/5
Six hours after Diana Cowper, mother of famous actor Damien Cowper visits a funeral parlor to discuss plans for her own funeral, she is killed in her own home. Coincidence, or not? Was she aware of a threat to her life or was it something else entirely?
Daniel Hawthorne, a former inspector with Metropolitan Police Force, is engaged as a private consultant on the case. Hawthorne convinces author Anthony Horowitz to write a book about him and his case, a fifty-fifty agreement that has Hawthorne tagging along with the seasoned detective while he investigates. Horowitz is a bit out of his depth (understandably so) when it comes to studying murder scenes, but is determined to hold his own. Hawthorne has his own inimitable style – he is smart, perceptive but secretive, not quite people-friendly and more than a bit curt with Horowitz who is often at his wit’s end trying to get Hawthorne to share his thoughts on the case, let alone himself. Writing a book about him isn’t going to be an easy task!
We follow the duo as they work their way through a series of leads and red herrings as they investigate multiple suspects - people from Diana’s past and present who appear to have a motive. But as the narrative progresses, a shocking turn of events changes the trajectory of the investigation.
Cleverly plotted, evenly paced, and reminiscent of classic detective stories with an ending that is almost impossible to predict, The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz is an absorbing read. I was a bit wary of the fact that the author writes himself as one of the main characters in the plot, but I must say he does so quite effectively and the dynamic between Horowitz and Hawthorne makes for some truly entertaining moments. The mystery was well-crafted and held my interest as the plot progressed. The final reveal truly surprised me, which is always a good thing. I did feel, however, that the segments leading up to the collaboration between the duo, could have been a tad shorter, but this in no way detracted from my overall reading experience. I paired my reading with the incredible audio narration by Rory Kinnear. Immersion reading at its best!
With its fluid narrative, interesting characters and a solid mystery at its core, The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz is a thoroughly enjoyable read. This is my first time reading this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to reading the other books in the series....more
Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from
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