Review: The Puzzle Master

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Puzzle Master is the first book in the Puzzle series by Danielle Trussoni.  You will want to start here as it introduces you to Mike Brink and why he is considered the Puzzle Master.  This book appealed to me because it does contain puzzles. I enjoyed trying to solve them before their solutions were revealed to me.  There are also elements of religion, the paranormal, and secret societies which are always things I like to read.  If you liked the DaVinci Code, pick this book up.  

Bonus points for Conundrum, the smart dog, who I was more worried about then any person in the book.  

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Review: The Pallbearers' Club

The Pallbearers' Club by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The Pallbearers' Club by Paul Tremblay falls in the horror genre but it not necessarily scary.  It has an epistolary tinge to it with a character commenting throughout the book as if they were writing their own notes/review/reactions to what is presented.  It is a fictional memoir of a friendship with a suspected vampire. She is more like an energy vampire, so don't worry about a lot of blood.  I feel like this book will have extra appeal to Gen Xers.  I don't know why I feel that, I just do.  It made me want to listen to the Cure and all my alternative music while wearing all black, Gothy clothes and a pair of Doc Martens. 

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Review: Starling House

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is a Southern Gothic, "haunted" house novel.  Dark, mysterious, a little scary, but also funny.  There are epistolary elements which immediately bumps it up for me. There is a lot happening in this book and yet it never feels overwhelming or difficult to keep all the pieces straight.  Some really good surprises.  Ultimately, it is a good reminder that we shouldn't try to bury the sins of our past as that will just backfire.  Also, and this won't come as a shock, racists and misogynists suck.  

Bonus points for the hellcat.  I have met that cat in more than one place in the world.  Always befriend the hellcat. 

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Review: The Atmospherians

The Atmospherians by Isle McElroy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Atmospherians by Isle McElroy is a satire of cults and the obsession with social media celebrity, particularly wellness influencers.  You may find this published under the name Alex McElroy.  While there is much to laugh about, it is also deadly serious and a bit horrific how on-the-nose it is.  I could see it easily becoming non-fiction.  There is definitely an element that I hope remains fiction, man mobs.  Although these days, anything could happen.  Pairs very nicely with the Conspirituality podcast.

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Review: How to Survive Your Murder

How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine is probably best categorized as fiction, it is also quite funny.  I loved all the 90s horror movie references.  The book is fashioned in a way that is reminiscent of those movies.  If you enjoy those, you will very likely enjoy this book.  There is a bit of a mystery to solve.  Is memory reliable?  How many people would you sacrifice to bring back someone you loved?  Lots of interesting, thought-provoking questions wrapped up in a fun, bloody package.

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Review: Shakespeare for Squirrels

Shakespeare for Squirrels by Christopher Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shakespeare for Squirrels is the third book in the Fool series by Christopher Moore.  This is a humorous take on A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Like Shakespeare, it is pretty bawdy.  There is a monkey named Jeff who is my favorite.  

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Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.  I would definitely start here because it builds the world of the series.  It reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast and a less gruesome Game of Thrones.  If you like either or those, I would pick this up.  The story moves quickly, so I ended up reading it in about two days which says something because it isn't super short.  There is fantasy, romance, and intrigue involved.  I can see why this series is currently very popular.    

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