Review: OtherLife

OtherLife by Jason Segel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OtherLife is the third book in the Last Reality series by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller.  You will definitely want to read the books in order.  I let a lot of time lapse between the last one and this one because I wasn't ready for the series to be over.  I didn't have any trouble remembering what was going on after a few pages in.  This book is considered YA, but it is just as appealing to an adult reader. If you like LitRPG and/or video games, this series is a great choice.  The world is so vibrant and the addition of virtual reality and alternate reality gaming makes you wonder what the future looks like for gamers.  Hopefully, there won't be sinister game companies.  Maybe I am being naive.  

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Review: Annie Bot

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of Annie Bot written by Sierra Greer and narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya simply because that was the version the library had available.  I think it would be great in any format.  The story is more than just some guy falling in love with his android.  There have been similar concept pieces, but Annie Bot is really about Annie and her journey of self discovery.  The guy could be anybody.  Or maybe he couldn't.  Because he is who he is, Annie has developed in a certain way.  Annie doesn't have the benefit of seeing red flags like other women.  I couldn't help but want to tell her to RUN.  Not everybody has that luxury, especially when you are considered property.  Lots to think about with this one.  Would also love to see a sequel.  

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Review: If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You

If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein from Ballantine Books via NetGalley. It will be out around August 26, 2025.

With a title like  If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You, Leigh Stein has already got you hooked.  I mean, could it be any clearer that you need to read this?  I was also drawn into descriptions of a Gothic, potentially haunted mansion and tarot card readings.  Yes, please!  The mystery surrounds what happened to the very popular tarot card reader living in the hype house when she suddenly disappears.  A new member of the house is determined to find out.  The machine behind Internet celebrity is also quite fascinating to read about.  This might be fiction but that part seems based in a decent amount of reality.  And while I don't spend much time on social media, I probably would get sucked into a series of videos that offered up a mystery.  And if a random video popped up on my feed that was titled  If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You, I just might watch it.  If you are reading this, you are meant to read this book.

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Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a gamer, so it is no surprise that Dungeon Crawler Carl kept being recommended to me by the universe.  Dungeon Crawler Carl is the first book of the LitRPG series of the same name by Matt Dinniman.  Although I haven't read any others yet, you will want to start here and read them in order because I'm guessing they follow the progression of Carl's journey through the dungeon created when Earth was reclaimed.  If Carl wins, he can inherit the Earth.  Most likely though, he will die long before that happens because  it is designed for people to lose.  Carl is lucky though.  He entered the dungeon with his ex-girlfriend's cat, and she wants to WIN.  Yes, the cat is what drew me into reading this.  I do enjoy LitRPG, and this is one of the best I've read.  I couldn't put it down.  

Bonus points for Grand Champion, Breed Winner Regional, National Winner Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk.  Carl's name may be in the title, but she is the true star.

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Review: Truth Truth Lie

Truth Truth Lie by Claire McGowan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Truth Truth Lie by Claire McGowan is a pretty intense read. I wasn't sure I would be into reading a book about a rich group of friends who go to an isolated private island for a weekend birthday celebration. Then they decide to play Two Truths and a Lie and all hell breaks loose. The secrets start coming out and very bad things happen. But, who is responsible? Could be anyone or everyone! Could you survive 48 hours with just your friends and no WiFi? Apparently, it is not for everyone. Don't read if you are squeamish.

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Review: Moonflower Murders

Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonflower Murders is the second book in the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz.  You don't have to read the first book, but there are references to characters and events that happened in it that are helpful to know.  I'm not sure if I really like Susan Ryeland, but I find these mysteries really interesting to try and solve along with her.  The other fun thing about these books is that they have a book within a book.  The other book is written in a different style with different characters but gives you clues that help you figure out whodunnit in the original plot.  Very clever!  

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Review: Keep It in the Family

Keep It in the Family by John Marrs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keep It in the Family by John Marrs is a mystery told through alternating points of view and some epistolary forms.  A family finds dead bodies in the house they are renovating.  Since the bodies are in suitcases, they probably didn't die from natural causes.  There was a serial killer at work.  Trying to figure out who did it gets a bit crazy after that.  This is one where if you think you know who did it, you probably don't.

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