Nestled in the blue ridged mountains of North Carolina, the Ashby house has held tightly to dark secrets. Cam had always vowed to never go back to thaNestled in the blue ridged mountains of North Carolina, the Ashby house has held tightly to dark secrets. Cam had always vowed to never go back to that property and his estranged family. But after the passing of his Uncle, he and his wife Jules travel back to the past where it unleashes the savageries of his family. Written in three perspectives, Cam, Jules and his deceased mother, the notorious Ruby MC Tavish, Rachel Hawkins weaves a page turning tale of privilege, deceit and murder. Brilliant and smart....more
"White ribbons for the young girls, red for the grace year girls, and black for the wives.....Innocence. Blood. Death."
The Grace Year is a coming of age story in a society that holds women with dystopian reverence. Tierney James, a teenage tomboy is about to face her Grace year with other young women in her town. No one talks about the Grace year, but there are whispers among the people. Sequestered, the women are pitted against each other. And not all the girls will survive the environment, the poachers, and each other.
Kim Leggitt is a master at creating an atmosphere that seeps insidiously into your mind creating an emotional and powerful experience. This novel is unexpected unveiling the dark undertones of female relationship. A microcosm of dark instinctual behaviors highlights the lengths one would go to seek out survival. The narrative is engaging, with a complex main character who courageously endures a world working against her. This novel will remain with you after you close the cover.
The Grace Year may be compared to other dystopian tales, but this novel stands alone.
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Laura, Rosie, Joe, and Gabe have been thick as thieves since early childhood. But there are some secrets not shared among friends. Laura was always brLaura, Rosie, Joe, and Gabe have been thick as thieves since early childhood. But there are some secrets not shared among friends. Laura was always bright but moved to her own beat. An outlier. She once was warned by a Catholic Nun “If you keep leaving the herd, the wolves will come.”
“Good thing I like wolves.”
Laura’s preparing for the date. Cherry lipstick, black dress, and heels should do the number. But she is hesitant. Afraid of going back to her old ways. Escaping a stormy relationship in NYC Laura finds herself living with her sister Rosie and husband Joe. Laura has not been back to Branston Connecticut for 10 years except for the obligatory family holidays. After all, its the place she swore she would never run back to. Especially after that night in the woods. Rosie helps her shed her old image with her pretty floral dress. The sisters could not be more different. Rosie is sensible and motherly while Laura has always been fighting her way out of trouble “born with fists for hands.” When Laura goes out on the blind date with Jonathan Fields or is it, Nate, Rosie could not have been happier for her to find the right guy. Until she did not show up the next morning. This is that tale which will ward you off the internet dating. Forever.
“You will pay”
The Night Before tells the story in alternating narratives between Laura’s first date and Rosie’s compulsion to find out what happened to her sister. Alternating past to present slowly builds the tension reeling you in like a fish on a rod. And waiting for the gaff. Walker has cleverly crafted a twisty story with characters, with flaws and secrets which creep their way into the plot. And into an unforgettable ending.
The four main characters are built up front, allowing you to engage in each of their purpose in the story. In particular, Laura’s character with layers upon layers covering the hurt from many years ago. She is emotional, almost borderline, and we get a glimpse of the psychology of a woman so overwhelmingly insecure and yet intuitive. Gabe, the childhood friend has always been the “brains of the operation” and a protector. Joe has always been part of this family of friends and it was always going to be Rosie. And A sister that will go to all lengths to protect Laura whom she may not know as well as she thinks. One thing they all have in common is to protect Laura from herself.
One of the aspects of Walker’s writing style is her ability to create a fluid narrative that is easy to read yet complex in details. Alternating character narratives and timelines can be tricky and disproportionate. But Walker gets this right. This was also my experience with her previous novel Emma of the Night. The Night Before is creepy and suspenseful and will make you think twice about a “blind date.” And about friendship.
Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
“We hope that this will be the first step in a long and meaningful relationship."
After the fierce competition, the survivors of Genesis 11 are launched into space. The next part of their journey begins on the planet Eden. Our protagonist, Emmett Attwater has won his battle and a chance to earn his money on Eden. But his mind always wanders back to those left behind.
The new recruits are divided into three teams to harvest the Nyxia. They all had to pass Babel’s tests. In a team competition, the contestants were pitted against each other. And this resentment has funneled its way down from the Genesis onto the planet. But these young recruits will have to work together as unbeknownst to them there will be challenges that will arise on the new land. This is especially true after the initial greetings with the Adamites of Sevenset. Babel has not been entirely forthcoming about what to expect on the new terrain. And nor have the Adamites.
“All of you are here to restore a world our people have forgotten.”
The story continues right where it left off seamlessly. The tension is high and we are about to embark on a thrilling and fast-paced drama. The relationships have changed, the simulations are now real, and the interactions of unearthly creatures are bewildering.
The world building of Eden is extraordinary. The two moons shining light upon the land unveil the dangerous landscapes of the continent of Grimgarden. Creatures are predatorial and abundant in the darkest hours. Mystical beasts include feathered monkies that can cloak themselves and rare centuries that can evolve with time. The seven rings of Sevenset are an elaborate landscape on the sea. The innermost sanctum harbors the daughters of the throne. But once again, there is more than meets the eye.
Reintgen did not miss a beat in the creation of the second installment of the Nyxia triad. It was not just a continuation, but a re-creation of the story. Many twist and turns will keep the reader gripping tightly to the book (or my case kindle). As the group of young miners uncovers the darker mysteries of Babel’s role on Eden, they will weave tighter together to ensure they will see the light of day on earth.
“Shoulder to Shoulder to stand”
My only criticism of the narrative is that we only get a taste of the other character’s past. To understand Longwei’s determination to be a chosen one for Babel and to see a young man trying to find worth through a parent’s eye was very poignant. I would have loved to see the more added depth to the characters, especially the loathsome ones. However, the main character Emmett Atwater continues to endear our heart and we see him emerge valiantly from his past. And other characters will brave the dark side to forge the recruits safety.
Nyxia Unleashed was not only entertaining but a novel that exceeded my expectations for a sequel. The ending chapters are exciting and well played out with a hook that will keep the reader wanting more. And now I wait for the final installment.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and Scott Reintgen for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
B.A. Paris has yet again crafted another hair-raising psychological twister.
Finn is a successful self-made businessman living outside of London with his loving partner Ellen. It has taken Finn time to come to terms with his fiancee's disappearance over 12 years ago. Layla Gray vanished while on a vacation in France. He had just parked the car at a rest stop and when returning to the vehicle she was no where to be found. After a long interview with the French police and an intense search for his beloved, Finn tries to piece back his life again After Layla. His Layla, the nineteen years old girl he rescued one night in a London pub. Layla whose sister is Ellen. And, Layla whom is his every obsession.
"There was no truth in this, but I needed the police and everyone else to believe that everything had been perfect between us..."
Strange events start to happen, suggestive that Layla is alive. Sightings of the beautiful redhead, the appearance of a missing Russian doll statue, mysterious phone calls, and strange emails give Ellen and Finn hope that she will appear after being lost for 12 years.
"And now I have."
Disquieting messages from Layla bombard Finn's email. Suddenly, all is in question- his life with his soon to be bride Ellen, his love for Layla, and the loyalty of the people around him. But is all of this is all a sinister joke?
"Tell Ellen, or I will.".
Bring Me Back is written in three parts is told in alternating timelines, Before Layla, and After Layla and from two different points of view. In the Before, we get the backstory of Finn's and Layla's courtship. Finn's voice is haunting as he recalls the events leading up to the disappearance of his fiancee. It almost seems like he is talking to her ghost. In the After, we see his life with Ellen and all the strange things that follow. The drama brilliantly unfolds in part two and three, revealing of secrets of the last twelve years and unhinging everyone involved. And it is unclear who is manipulating whom.
B.A. Paris is a master of psychological illusion and suspense. Bring Me Back is extremely well written with an interesting sophisticated plot laid out in a way that generates binge-worthy tension.
"And then she spoiled everything."
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and B.A. Paris for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
On a stormy day, a gruesome tragedy will unsettle a quiet town in Florida. Bernard was the first to smell the smoke and called 911. But it was too late. When the paramedics carried Adel out covered in a white sheet, life in the Seven Springs would never be the same. Especially for Bernard, Amy, and Maddie.
The Other Side of Everything is about the intersection of three individuals, three different generations, living in a small town. Bernard, a widower, lost his wife from Cancer and a lover from suicide. He lives alone in his home which he rarely leaves. Amy, an artist and cancer survivor has lost her spirit to live. Numbing her pain through alcohol, her marriage is slowly whittling until her husband leaves. Maddie is a 15-year-old trying to navigate herself in an adult world. With her father working at night, she fumbles through life making some wrong decisions to placate the wound left by her mother’s abandonment. The murder creates a shift in all these individuals, bringing back some feeling from the numbness. Creating movement where there was stagnation. It causes everyone to take a hard look in the mirror.
Owen’s ease of writing creates a novel that is pleasurable to read. She uses just the right words and amount to fill our imaginations with the characters and scenes. She develops each character slowly and carefully, revealing relevant details while leaving some questions for the reader’s imagination. The plot of the novel is unique and different from other mysteries I have read. The piece almost comes across as more psychological rather than a crime story. The three main characters have experienced loss in several ways. Bernard his wife and a lover, Amy her uterus, and Maddie’s abandonment. All of these individuals are in a stagnant state of purgatory crippled by their pain. As we learn the backstory of the characters, we understand their present life. Each of these characters finds a way to deal with the crime, some finding their passion again. And then there is another murder.
Owen’s creates an emotionality charged atmosphere of an elderly population. There is a polarization of loneliness and isolation to companionship and love. With the loss of life in the story, the emotional fragility of age gives the reader a deeper awareness on the backside of life.
As I former resident of Fort Lauderdale, I really enjoyed being transported to the Sunshine state. From the afternoon threats of thunderstorms, the no-see-ums longing to nip at your skin, the endless display of canals and waterways, Owen’s depiction of Florida is on point. Tropical Acres!
Overall, this was an entertaining novel and binge-worthy read, I recommend The Other Side of Everything.
Thank you, NetGalley, Touchstone, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
In the magical islands of Orleans, it will be the coveted fate of one Belle to serve as a vessel for Beauty to the Royal Family and the citizens. After all, Belles are the daughters of the Goddess of Beauty created by necessity to counteract the grey fate of the island’s inhabitants. Camellia and her sisters will compete in the yearly Beaute Carnaval to display their arcana, transforming a local gris child into a stunning beauty. Not a rule follower, Camellia wins the position of Belle of Chrysanthemum Teahouse and it will be her style that will govern the aesthetics of the people. Camellia knows that her arcana may be her value but is unaware of its true power and others intentions for its use.
“You are the kingdoms most important treasure.”
The first eight chapters set the stage for the fantasyland. The world building is creative, brilliant and colorful as gemstones. Set in an archipelago, you are transported to an opulent island experience. Details of this world include a history, legends, and events, and even a currency and an air postal service. The daily details of the divine Belles are elaborate. The etiquette, the transformations, and the expectations are governed by the strict rules. Belles are not even to speak to boys and fear is imparted to keep the ladies from marrying. They are not to look at media or talk to others to reduce the influences of the outside world. This is all to protect their arcana.
"It is tradition, and we are nothing without our beloved customs."
The characters development of the supporting cast is equally as well rounded as the main characters. The Belle sisters are emotional and connected with a past and present. As we progress through the story we see Camellia journey through a powerful emotional development. The local inhabitant of the Islands of Orleans is colorless condemned by the God of Sky to boast gray skin tones, straw-like hair, and red fiery eyes. Those eyes convey the pulse of the town. And August’s Fabry, the son of the Minister of the Sea is a love interest and brings some fire into the story. But it will be Remy that steals everyone’s heart.
“My heart flutters like one of the nearby lantern candles.”
As Lady Camellia becomes a Belle for the Royal Family, the storyline begins. She undergoes a conundrum. Camellia must choose between sacrifice and self-preservation. And she is unsure who to trust. The story has many twists of deceit keeping the reader engaged. I found myself rallying behind the beautiful Belles as they struggle to ensure their place in the world.
The Belles is a story that becomes more intriguing as you read it. The writing is like poetry which conveys a rich narrative full of texture. You can smell the air, taste the amuse bouche while being wrapped in garlands and luxurious textiles. We are treated to a royal experience. But there may be a meaning behind all of the transformations. Color is treated as desirable as beauty is cast in all the shades expect Gris.
My only complaint is that the poetic nature of the writing can be at times loquacious. In addition, other readers have shed light on controversies of the story, but I found this story to be neutral. Overall I would recommend that you indulge yourself in this read.
Thank you, NetGalley, Freeform books, and Dhionelle Clayton for this ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Thick black hair, high cheekbones, and dark jade eyes. He is a part bartender and part demon. He will listen to your woes but he needs for you to act.Thick black hair, high cheekbones, and dark jade eyes. He is a part bartender and part demon. He will listen to your woes but he needs for you to act. "So, then, what is your fight against the world today"
Mr. Tender is a central character in a graphic novel created by Alice Hill's late father. A fiction that has created and caused tragedy in the Hill household in England. Alice almost lost her life by the actions based on the novel. Two twin teenage girls, stabbed Alice, leaving her scared physically and emotionally for life. They told the authorities Mr. Tender had told them to commit the act. Mr. Tender character and Amy's father was laid to rest soon after the attack.
Fourteen years later, Alice has outsmarted her past, and with a new alias, leaving her haunting past behind in England, living a quiet life in New Hampshire. Or so she thinks. But one day a mysterious package arrives at her coffee shop. A book titled Mr. Tender last call and inscribed to Alice. As she opens the book, she falls headfirst into an old world of scars and shadows of the past.
What a unique psychological thriller! The title is different but intrigued me to request the book from Netgalley. Carter Wilson has a great gift of telling a story with gripping prose and quotes that will make you reread what you have read. As we follow Alice down the "Rabbit Hole" we are engaged in this character's past and present while she navigates her way through a creepy entanglement with a stalker.
"Alice, what did the penguin always tell you?"
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Great stories within a novel but it fell short on execution.
What are the dark secrets you bury have beneath the skin?
Four couples, intersected by friGreat stories within a novel but it fell short on execution.
What are the dark secrets you bury have beneath the skin?
Four couples, intersected by friendship and work, carry the weight of secrets and lies. The opening starts off with the tease of a suspenseful thriller and creates a great hook. We meet Antonia in a bathtub taunting her body with a razor blade. We later learn of a group of friends, some married with children, fumbling through their lives with heavy psychological burdens.
The characters are plentiful however each has a distinct personality and relationships with their partners and with each other. The couple, Antonia, and Dave are the envy, a housewife, and a solicitor with a life replete with wealth. However, it is all pretense in a marriage undercut by deceit by Antonia's past and Dave's lie of omission. Sophie, Antonia's childhood friend, is married to Sami, prays on Antonia's good nature and generosity. Sami and Sophie struggle with IVF, a longing for a family of their own. Strong-willed Olivia berates Mike for being an absentee husband and father, their lives shifting with the chaos of children. Mike's wears his vulnerability on his sleeve and is endearing. Lastly, Charlie is a partner at a law firm and has been hiding his health issues from his wife. But Helen has other arrangements at hand. All these relationships are crumbling under the tension of mistakes, unfulfilled dreams, and promises kept and broken. Although the characters are well developed, they often fall into deep reminiscence and conversation in their head, blurring past from present. These transitions are not seamless and are disruptive to the flow of the narrative.
The novel plays out in three parts. In the first, the characters are set up. The second part of the narrative starts close to the half-way point, and the story takes off. The third part will tie up some loose ends.
Beneath the Skin is marketed as a suspense story but in reality, it is a more of a psychological portrayal, of families, relationships, and human nature. As we progress through the narrative, we learn of past and present of all the characters, until a twist at the end that is unpredictable and emotional. The narrative is at times beautifully written, but the character-driven aspect of the novel leaves it less well-rounded.
Although the story was entrancing, it was challenging to read. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy character dramas.
Thank you, NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Caroline England for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
The Family Next Door is a humorous and poignant look at life in suburbia.
Welcome to the manicured neighborhood in Melbourne, Pleasant Court. It is here where four women are raising the finest citizens in a perfect place. But some things are kept hidden well below the pristine surface.
Essie has suffered a dark silence after the birth of her daughter, Mia. She unwittingly left her baby at the park to fetch some tea. Essie, a mother of two, is married to Ben, her pillar of strength. Barbara, her mother, helps to keep the daily order but knows something is not right with Essie. After all, a mother knows her daughter.
Fran is a mother of two girls, Ava and Rosie. She is not sure about her role in motherhood and binge runs to help her numb her mind. But from what? Nigel, her husband, is struggling with some bad decisions made in the past. He medicates with alcohol to dull his thoughts while adding weight around his midsection.
Ange is the local real estate agent, married to a hunk and the envy of all the girls. She has two sons Will and Ollie but quietly wishes that she saw tutus and golden curls running around the house. But being married to her handsome husband has its web.
And mysterious and unconventional Isabelle arrives into Pleasant court to bring light into the underground. She piques curiosity while encumbering speculation as for the newcomer. And she seems to be more acquainted with the neighborhood than it’s own denizens.
The Family Next Door is told from the perspective of the five women, Essie, Barbara, Fran, Ange, and Isabelle. As the stories unfold, we learn that each has a dark family secret. Subtle hints are laid out in the beginning chapter and elaborates as the story progresses. This narrative is brilliant, allowing us to become familiar with the engaging characters gradually. When one story brakes off with one perspective, it is picked up seamlessly by the next character. The cast of Pleasant Court is well thought out and well developed, with a past story and flaws. And a propensity towards drama. That is all except Isabelle who remains alluring during the narrative, with a story that we are trying to unravel alongside the neighbors.
This well-written narrative is an addictive drama with humor and moments of reflection. Suburban housewives are comical and play out unique situations. Particularly refreshing is the Essie-Isabelle storyline where Essie seems to come alive while thinking she is harboring a love interest in her new friend. Several twists are entertaining and suspenseful.
I highly recommend The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth. Soon to be out in March of 2018. ...more
Elsa Fischer is taking refuge from her fractured life in Manhattan. Armed with her friends in Santa Monica, Bloody Marys, and Mother’s pharmacy Elsa is trying to deal with a recent breakup and job loss. The affair ended abruptly, as well as the job, as they were part of each other. But Elsa is a category five hurricane of self-destruction. Only her friends and her ex-husband are unaware of the gale force winds on the sail to Catalina Island.
She is Ingrid a wine rep from Portland or Susanna from San Diego. What she wants to be now is not in her life. An illusion. She will pretend that she is on vacation, see old friends and blow off some steam.
The plot is about an Elsa escape through a slur of pills and alcohol. As she journeys with her friends to Catalina, the cast and crew are also suffering their issues and dysfunctional qualities. But it is captain Tom that is the most psychologically sober and can see through Elsa. The trip becomes bittersweet as everyone sheds their jacket of protection and indulges in their demons.
During the narrative, we are a witness to flashbacks of Elsa’s youth, memories of trips, of friendships but also to her parent’s marriage. A mother waiting up long hours for a husband that shows up late in the night and the subsequent arguments and hushed tones. A mother medicating herself with alcohol, to push away the thoughts of unfaithfulness. But what her parents do not know is that they set Elsa up for life without coping skills and a moral compass. These memories bring realism to the main character, making her relatable even though she is dark.
The narrative is well-written with images that put you at the moment with the main character. “I let the pills dissolved under my tongue and wait for the covers to creep up around me, the promise of hotel sheets..starchy stiff like beaten egg whites.” Jacobs has a beautiful way with words without getting lost.
The setting of Santa Monica, the Pier, Catalina Island and Joshua Tree takes you on vacation. The Pier dominated by the Ferris wheel in an atmosphere rich in fried food and cotton candy. Gazing into the starry nights that blanket you in the national park. And the description of Catalina Island, from the eroded bluffs, electric blue waters, to the schools of the orange Garibaldi fish.
When I first chose to request this novel I was attracted to the darkness of the story. And I walk away with something richer. I have a greater love and appreciation for the climate, topography, the ambiance of California.
Excellent novel and I highly recommend it to everyone. Thank you, NetGalley, and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
George Woodbury is a local teacher in at Avalon Prep School and local hero. He would be Teacher of the Year for the next ten years for stopping a shooter at the school, saving hundreds of children. But when he starts to receive cryptic notes, no one can foresee the whirlwind which will determine his ultimate fate. George Woodbury, accused of sexual impropriety of four high school students, is on trial. Not only in the courts but in his family and community of Avalon Hills. A place not used to scandal.
Many people would agree that the storyline is familiar. A portrayal of privilege in the setting of a sexual allegation. It is a common theme in the news, film, and books. You do not have to search far to find this type of story, but Zoe Whittall gives it a new look through her talented writing.
The Best Kind of People is a lyrically written novel, words that describe all senses in poetic phrases. Whittall makes writing a dark subject an art form. The opening prologue held me captive; a perfect flirt to the dramatic story that will unfold. When the author creates a scene, it feels present, meshing emotions with senses. I enjoyed the words, but some details are perhaps not essential to the story's ambiance; a black coat placed on a chair, slipping from the chair to the floor and then picked up by Sadie. Although this creates a vivid image, the abundance of words can be unwieldy. Similarly, the character development by Whittall is elaborate with detail history but often dwells more on the past lives of the family leading to slow movement of the story. But this may be a reflection of my need for a faster pace story.
The story is much more than a man facing sexual allegation, but also a family's life in the balance. The story unfolds from the points of view of Joan, Sadie, and Andrew. Joan is a wife who knows her husband is innocent. After all, he is a beloved professor of science and family man. But as the family life falls under scrutiny, a shadow of doubt starts to creep into Joan's mind and all around her. Soon she unravels in a way that brings you to emotion. Saide, a popular student at Avalon Prep school, has everything a girl could want. She is an honor student and has the promise of an ivy league future. Once rallying by her father's side, she is conflicted by her need to be loyal and the need for the truth. She unleashes her teenage rage and sadness, as we see her trying to make sense of her place in her relationships in her family and at school. The cruelty of quick judgments of the young high schoolers is cringe-worthy. Andrew, the son helps his father through the legal battle wearing a badge of loyalty while having an internal breakdown. We see him grappling with his past in the face of the future.
With all the devastation left behind, the reader has doubts about George's innocence and also his guilt. As the story progresses, the presumption of guilt before innocence takes over all the scenes. The small town ostracises the entire family. But boundaries crossed everywhere, and the hypocritical blind eye turns. And you realize their secrets are everywhere.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing of the novel, but it would be brilliant with prudent choice of details and an audit of words. At the 75% mark I was reeled into finishing. I would recommend The Best Kind of People.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
In the small town of Grace, nothing out of the ordinary happens. But there was that one year five church girls from Briar went missing. Six months later, Summer's is nowhere to be found. A note left suggests she ran off. But Raine, her twin sister, knows it the Bird monster's work. She sets on her own to find her sister and to solve the mystery that has bewildered the town police. And Raine learns there is more than meets the eye with Summer.
The novel, alternating between the voice of Raine in the present and Summer in the past is darkly atmospheric and ominous. The setting is a small town, deeply religious, and decompensating after the Mill shut down. The children are on their own; the law neglected by the police and its inhabitants. This statement by Raine's friend Noah summarizes the town- "Grace. It's a funny kinda town. People go to church every Sunday, reeking of booze and the sins of the weekend. They pray it away then do it again, same each and every." The town of Grace has created its own rules to survive the desolation.
The characters are rich, layered and full of history. There are many characters to keep track of, but each has a story to be told. Raine is a rebel, drinking, smoking and always in trouble. She has met the hook a few times. Summer is a child prodigy, with musical skills and a passion for books. The fifteen-year-old twins could not be any more different. And yet they have a love that is unbreakable. "They held hands, Even now, if they were sad or mad or happy, they held hands." As the chapters unfold, we discover the events leading up to Summer's fate. Raine's relentless hunt to find her sister is tense and heartbreaking.
The language of the small town is challenging takes a couple of chapters to understand, but it adds depth to character and setting. The southern drawl is deep south, and broken and creates realism. The storyline is well plotted and played and will leave you feeling unsettled. Not necessarily for the crime story, but for the love and tragedy between two sisters.
All the Wicked Girls, is a dark and disturbing novel and not for the faint heart. The writing is phenomenal! It is confusing at the start, but continue reading, as you will be drawn into the darkest elements of Briar County.
Thank you, NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
When FBI detective Dillon Savich saves Kara Moody from a hostage taker, little does he know he will be in a race against time to figure out the EnigmaWhen FBI detective Dillon Savich saves Kara Moody from a hostage taker, little does he know he will be in a race against time to figure out the Enigma.
Kara is in labor after the kidnapping. She remembers the words of her captor "I can't let them take me...take you! It's evil, a monstrous evil." She gives birth, and a few hours later her son Alex is missing. Detective Savich and Sherlock are not only on duty to find a kidnapper but to unravel a twisted plot of a mad scientist obsessed with finding the secrets to immortality. While the two detectives enmeshed with science, Agent Cam Witter (from Insidious #20) and former special forces agent Jack Cabot are in a cat and mouse chase in the Appellations foothills to find an escaped prisoner who was in transport to Lee Federal Penitentiary. Manta Ray, an Irish master thief, is wanted for grand theft for six security boxes. But a Russian interest also wants to capture Manta Ray and his stash that is more important than he's aware.
Enigma is a story that blends science with a thrill ride against crime. The narrative's fast pace delivers a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are many moving parts to this novel, and it all works together brilliantly. The characters are well-developed, and two plots-lines are twisting seamlessly. Coulter offers palpable emotion in the characters, ambiance that puts you in center stage, and imagery that your eyes can see. Especially when the lights suddenly turn off in the parking garage, you feel the anticipation and tension. Coulter does her research when it comes to the medical system. The details of several classes of drugs, therapy, and the infrastructure of a hospital setting are on point. My only critique is a predictable nature of parts of the story, but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the novel.
Unwittingly, I picked out this book unaware of the 20 books that came before. But the story stood well on its own; characters developed well enough to retain my investment. Enigma is my first Catherine Coulter novel, and I was pleasantly surprised by intricate plots emerging in a well-written narrative. I may need to start at book #1.
Thank you, NetGalley, Gallery Books, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
A solid 3.5 stars rounded to 4 Why? Rounded-up for an intriguing and incredibly creative plot. 1.5 Stars taken off for the structure/writing style of the narrative.
Imagine the world where the spirits of slain Children can return to exact revenge and to give closure to their cherished ones and finally "restore the balance." Justice in a world without any.
Recovering alcoholic and ex-NYPD detective, Willow Wylde, aka "Dubya." is fresh out of rehab and about to take on the world without intoxicants. As a divorcee, Willow has one last attempt to be a father to his daughter and a grandfather to little Larkin. But Detective Willow is still unchanged, a collision of self and destructiveness as he tries to navigate his sobriety. Strange deaths are occurring in Saggerty Falls, and Detective Willow uses his experience attempting to piece together the crimes. What he learns is deadly, but what he becomes is reinvented.
The premise of the novel is that murdered children can inhabit a moribund adult body and exact revenge on the person that wronged them. There is a Guide Book and a structure of this society -The Porter (Annie, the guide), sentries (assistants to the Porter), roommates (child spirit), and landlords (the moribund adult body). And there is the train that arrives at the station with their Subalterns (train sentries). The children take on the ride to their final mission. But something is amiss.
The novel is recounted in the third person and begins with a writing style is difficult to appreciate and appears to read as a stream of consciousness. I grappled with the presentation of the first few chapters, trying to grasp onto words that seemed to be placed together with a forced atmosphere of chaos. Even though the pace is slow, the narrative jogs all over the place. There are alternating stories, multiple points of view, and timelines. Finally, there is an abundance of characters within characters and their full set of details which created confusion. I was forced to read and re-read. And sometimes I moved on and it made sense later. The chapter headings and sub-headings were helpful but not always.
But where the narrative fails in structure, it makes up in character development and imagination. I enjoyed Detective Willow, a character you can both love and despise at the same time. A loathsome man is attempting to reassert his place in his neglected family. His love is palpable as he rediscovers relationships. As a retired old cop, he takes a chance at getting his old job back but knows he is washed up. Middle age makes him feel invisible. But he has a gift of voices he has been suppressing.
Other noteworthy characters in the novel are a murderous duo. Laverne and Grundy's creepy rituals may keep me up at night. Although the descriptions of their killing are not gruesome, it is hair-raising and sinister.
Finally, The structure of the spirit world was impressive world building. There was a feeling of strangeness, and it was believable. The transparent hue of the Blue Earth, the train arriving at the station in dreams, the whispers of instruction, the Tom Collins and a cookie on a tray, the integration of body and spirit. The spooky and surreal ambiance was on point.
Overall, there is a mystery, mysticism, and some gruesome brutality. A great concept to juxtapose the paranormal/science fiction genre with horror. It fell short in the structure, but the story still unfolds, and those bits are brilliant. Not for the faint heart and for those who prefer a more streamlined read.
Thank you, NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Blue Rider Press & Plume for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
There is alway a gravitational pull that steers me towards books about social communication. And So3.5 stars rounded to 4
#notforeveryone #readitanyway
There is alway a gravitational pull that steers me towards books about social communication. And Sociable provides a juxtaposition of journalism with the social media platform.
The story is about a twenty something couple Mike and Elinor struggling in the world of journalistic unemployment. They met in a communications class during their undergraduate, and have forged a path of poverty and unfulfilling jobs. Both of them through connections receive jobs in their field, and it feels like things may turn around. While Mike is writing unappreciated scholastic essays of pertinent issues, Elinor is excelling at writing about viral subjects such as coffee, Vans sneakers, celebrities. Mike makes a break from Elinor as she climbs the social media train. As Elinor is negotiating her sadness between tweets, she wonders how and if she will ever find love again.
The novel carries a journalistic style, narrating the story of Elinor and Mike. At first, the third person story-telling was unexpected, but it creates a charming and humorous atmosphere. The novel is a quick, and easy read but it has some shortcomings that may put off the average reader. The first chapter negotiated my interest, and it was a hard sell. But I pushed through and there after the novel flowed more rhythmically. The two main characters themselves were not entirely developed, including their banter, which rendered them seemingly immature and naive. The conversations between characters are self-absorbed rants replete with word debauchery, acronyms, and hashtags. However, at that age twenty years ago, I shared Elinor and Mike's banalities and labile mood, and love of the word "like, " and therefore I found them quite relatable and amusing. In fact, I took a pause from reading to reflect if I was actually like that, #yesIwas and #notanymore? Between the conversations, the narrative is well-written and witty. Elinor did grow on me as she was finding her groove, while Mike just reeked of a neanderthal-ism. Being in your twenties is a time of being industrious in employment and love. It is a time replete with highs and lows, mistakes and tears. Harrington conveys this with humor and grace.
Sociable makes a commentary about Millenials and the trend of social media as a form of investigative "BuzzFeed" reporting. In our current mobile society, information is on a text alert basis, scrolling, and swiping right or left The author highlights our obsession with electronic communication as a vehicle to convey our deepest sentiments. And the physical and emotional reactions to the brevities: What did it mean? Why did he or she text? How many likes did I get? All those words are just floating out there randomly waiting to fall into a two-dimensional bubble. And when people are face to face, the art of conversation is lost.
Sociable is not the most sophisticated of stories, but it was a fun read and poignant. The novel almost reminds me of watching a television situation comedy with recurring characters involved in amusing situations. And you find yourself curious about the fate of Elinor. If you want a break from something heavy, I would recommend this book but with the above caveat.
Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
This novel is a complex international thriller. Suspenseful and intelligent!
"I awoke beside a dead man. I may have gotten away with murder." It is not the first time Cassie has blacked out after a night of untamed drinking. Cassie wakes up in a dense fog. This place is not her hotel. She is in someone's room in another hotel. And she is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Brace for Impact.
Cassie, a flight attendant, has just discovered that her Russian hedge fund date from row 2C is lying in a pool of his blood. She remembers another person in the room hours prior, Miranda. They all drank together. But now Cassie is not sure what happened. What did she do in her nebulous state? She tries to cover all her footsteps and fingerprints leaving no trace behind. But there is Miranda. But also Meghan, another attendant, who remembers Cassie's flirtation with Alex during the flight.
The Flight Attendant has a suspenseful and intricate plot. Told in alternating points of view, Cassie, and Elena (Miranda) both tell their sides after the scene which makes the narrative intriguing. Cassie's uncanny ability to lie coupled with her paranoia makes us suspect that she may be an unreliable storyteller. I love Cassie's thought process after Dubai, the pondering of each detail with the precision of a mastermind. After all, she can only rely on herself to determine what happened and what is to follow. Elena is a well-respected paid assassin and can cover the truth with a twenty-two. Her father taught her everything he knew from his former KGB days. Each of these characters carries a multi dimensional personality with a unique backstory and family members with quirks and personal behaviors. The author did not skimp out on the details which made the characters believable and relatable. Oddly enough, you sympathize with conflicting characters, which is an engaging twist. As the story unfolds, we learn more about who Alex Sokolov is and why he is dead. What is Miranda's involvement. And why the FBI is questioning Cassie.
The author did his research on several levels. With an international murder setting, the legal details of foreign and domestic law and protocols of the FBI are precise. The setting of Dubai boasts with Arabian pride, with grand hotels and the souk markets with omnipotent smells of spice. The author also had specific details of the role of an airline attendant, flight routes, the in-between arrangement, flight bidding and also of the preferred color of lipstick, red. The intricacies of the plot and narrative felt remarkably complete and created authenticity.
My only complaint about the novel is that the character building and the reminiscence created a time lag between the action of the plot. But it may be a reflection of my need for fast-moving plots.
The story moves at a metronomic pace creating a hunger in the reader. And then there is intermittent turbulence to make you gasp and the undeniable debacle at the conclusion that will leave you reaching for oxygen. The Flight Attendant is a great story that engaged the reader on many levels. I highly recommend The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian.
Thank you, NetGalley, Chris Bohjalain, and Doubleday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Kandace lives with her two sisters, Amelia and Coral and her ailing mother. Her father works in another state and sends money to support the family. Kandace feels like the only adult around as her mother struggles with an opioid addiction. There is not enough money for food or to pay bills. One day after work, Kandace notices a strange car, Volvo, black and not from this neighborhood. Someone has been inside her house looking for her father. Her mother suddenly has taken an overdose, and Kandace's life is upside down.
The narrative is about Kandace Santellan and her journey to find her father whom she believes is a chef or secret operative in LA. He is the glue needed to hold her family together. A PO box address from her convalescing mother will point Kandace in the right direction. Along the way a chance meeting and a quick friend, April presents Kandace with an opportunity to make money to help her complete her journey.
First, the weak points. The first eight chapters set the premise for Kandance to find her father. However, it is a stretch. A freshly overdosed mother suddenly out of the hospital. Two sisters left behind; one turfed to an unfriendly aunt and the other on a perpetual tournament tour. Her boyfriend Kyle attempts to drive her to LA but abandons her in St. Louis. And do we think an 18-year-old has the emotional and physical capacity to can find a CIA operative living in another state? We bearly get a chance to invest in the protagonist with all this supposition.
Next, the stronger points. When Kandace is alone, we see her personality shift in a world of exotic dancing. Kandace is making decisions out of desperation and naivety, fitting for a teenager. The offer to be an exotic dancer from April comes perhaps genuinely; a means to an end. April is in college studying for a pharmacy degree, a story not uncommon for young adults trying to pay for an education. The prospect of going to college excites Kandace as she has been working hard towards scholarships and her savings.
The strongest point. The building of the fantasy inside the strip club while being on an adrenaline rush was intoxicating. We see Kandace from all angles, from center stage, table dances, and VIP rooms. She is an instant sensation and becomes addicted to the benefits. However, this shift in the narrative was confounding. While the first eight chapters convinced us of her need to find her father, she has suddenly forgotten. The whole storyline seemed to fade away.
Goodbye, Good Girl is at times entertaining. Seeing how a teenager can be drawn into a fast lifestyle for easy money was on point. The nightclub scenes were rich in ambiance and erotica as you felt like you were a fly on the wall. However, the relationship with April was too fast and seemed skeptical. Kandace, a competitive pole dancer, trying to get scholarships to college moving into a job that cheapens the sport is contradictory. Finally, when she does find her father, the conversation is relentless and pointless. This narrative would be brilliant if the storyline built around homeless teenager drawn into a new lucrative life of an exotic dancer.
The social issue of opioid dependence is the number one crisis in America. It is introduced early in the novel through her mother, but soon in a future chapter Kandance is taking her first Ecstasy pill without any hesitation. Reading this was disturbing, considering the premature deaths occurring as a result of an accidental overdose.
Thank you, NetGalley and Revolve publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
A black hole: a region of space from which nothing, including light, can escape. It absorbs all your light and reflects nothing. What are you then?
An extraordinary opportunity presents itself to a teenager, hungry to discover and work on the planet Eden. After all, the compensation would set his struggling family for life. Emmett is one of the ten selected by the conglomerate Babel Communications to embark on a mining expedition of a valuable metal resource, Nyxia. But there is an unforeseen game. Only eight teens out of the group will be able to travel to the planet. The ten participants will be pitted in vigorous mental and physical games, in a competition to determine the best and to weed out the weak.
The narrative is easy to follow as it unveils a new world on the Genesis 11 and Eden. The ship is sleek and full of high tech specs. A mirror that reads your vital signs, a mask that is a language converter, holograms images. A ship that defies zero gravity all of this is possible from the metal Nyxia, the new black gold. The Nyxia is an interactive compound and almost like a 3-D printer operated by the practiced mind. The inhabitants of the earth- like Eden are territorial and sometimes treacherous. Adamites take on a more humanoid look while the primitive creatures Tars have an armor of shiny sharp scales.
The competitions are thrilling and a large focus of the book. There is a score board, and the competition is fierce. Tension builds when the games become more involved and intricate. Kaya and Emmett make an early alliance that proves useful in the matches and the in-between. They use strategies that are intelligent and grounding in a highly driven environment. The novel is an exploration of the psychology of competition and games. However, as the games start to take on a dark and sometimes horrific atmosphere, the participants suffer physically and emotionally and begin to question the tactics of Babel Corporation. All the competitions are designed to push the teens beyond their current limitations. After all, the participants are an end to their means. Instead of competing against other ruthlessly, Emmett embarks to find the dark secrets behind the machine. But as he learns what Babel hides, but he also learns something more meaningful about himself and his competitors.
Very few books can incorporate characters from different cultures with precision, and Reintgen does this well. The characters are all introduced in the first few chapters, and although it would appear too overwhelming, each character has an interesting backstory, with distinct behaviors and habits. They all share one thing in common, their broken history they are trying to fix. Our main protagonist, Emmett, is a black teenager growing up in the suburbs of Detroit. He knows what it is like to be desperate and impoverished. His mother also needs a transplant and has spent many nights in intensive care. The author creates Emmitt as a person aware of his color but does not let this frame him. His love for his family is palpable, which defines his every action, especially his competitive side. The book written from the perspective of Emmett gives us a poignant look at a struggle to represent the what it means to be a great man (like his Pops and Moms) over being the very BEST.
There are many names and references from the Bible and other spiritual philosophies which add depth to the novel. Babel, the company name may refer to a man building a way towards God, and reuniting to a common language. Eden, the planet perhaps representing the Garden of Eden, full of resources to mine with some areas off limit. And then there is the concept of mercy, in the face of justified punishment and it outright contradiction and unification in a biblical sense. On a tangent, some of the names have symbolic meaning chosen to suit their character. Azima, magically charmed into movement is graceful with her footing in competitions like a "snake sticking from high grass," "...born for motion." Jamie, the supplanter to trip up or overthrow has a fiercely competitive side wanting to destroy Emmett. Bilal, the most trusted companion of the prophet Mohammed is a loyal force in the book. And Longwei, the dragon of greatness, believes he is invincible and unwilling to tolerate defeat.
Nyxia is a well-crafted novel. It has tension, character depth, and chimerical sci-fi competitions that reeled me in the right off the first page. There are twists, turns, and emotional defeats. The competitive matches felt dynamic and realistic even in the virtual simulator. Emmett is likable and relatable, and I felt driven to see him through his journey in this novel, and I look forwards to seeing what the future has in store for him.
I highly recommend Nyxia by Scott Reintgan! And I will file that away under N, for Nyxia. And...A for awesome novel!.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Children's and Crow Books for Young Readers, and Scott Reintgen for this ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
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