Review: The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London

The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I recently read a book involving ravens at the Tower of London that recommended The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Raves at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife because it was used as part of that author's research.  I just happened to own a copy of this but hadn't gotten around to reading it yet.  I decided now was the time!  If you are curious about ravens or the Tower of London, this is a really good introduction.  As the title implies, Christopher Skaife was the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London.  He retired from that position in 2024.  The book has a lot of interesting information about ravens but also about becoming a Yeoman Warder and what life is like for those living at the Tower of London.  Before reading this, I didn't realize people live there.  How cool!  If birds freak you out, this book is probably not going to help with that.  Ravens are crafty.  I already thought they were cool, but this gave me whole new level of appreciation for them.  I will be sure not to confuse them with crows in the future!  This also reinforced my already firm belief that you should not piss off crows or ravens.  They remember faces and can hold a grudge!

If you are looking for an entertaining and informative book about birds, give this a read.  The writing is very accessible for those who don't know much about birds while still providing a fascinating perspective for those who do.  

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Review: Wayward Souls

Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris from Inky Phoenix Press via NetGalley.  This book is set to publish on March 17, 2026.

Wayward Souls is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series by Susan J. Morris.  I recommend reading them in order.  While you could read this first or as a standalone, it may spoil some of the first book if you go back to read it.  

As their names suggest, it is part Dracula, part Sherlock Holmes.  The best parts. Both women are grappling with dark family secrets.  The setting is Ireland this time which I thought appropriate for the March 17 publication date.  No leprechauns but plenty of faerie lore.  If you are into smart women solving mysteries and investigating the paranormal, you should definitely give this a read.  

Bonus points for having a tough guy with a sweet spot for cats even if he doesn't know it himself.

Extra bonus points for the super cool cover art.  I would pick this book up just based on that.  

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Review: Strange Buildings

Strange Buildings by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Strange Buildings by Uketsu from HarperVia via NetGalley.  This book was just published.

Strange Buildings is the second book in the Strange Houses series by Uketsu.  Although the first book is mentioned in this one, you can read them as standalones and in any order because nothing from the first book is spoiled here.  The mystery is self-contained.  Everything you need to solve the big mystery is in here and woven through several small mysteries.  Floor plans and drawings along with interviews help you put together what happened.  This book involves a cult with a really unique purpose.  It is a super original idea.  There is also a shady business that will have me questioning marketing tactics even more going forward!  I love that all is revealed in the end so you know whether you got it right.  Are you clever enough to see the clues?  I am a little obsessed with these books now!

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Review: Strange Pictures

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strange Pictures by Uketsu is a mystery that has all the pieces you need to solve it in the book.  In fact,  the answers can almost all be found in mysterious drawings if you know how to put them together.  Strange Pictures is the first book, but there are now more like it by Uketsu.  I so thoroughly enjoyed trying to solve there mysteries.  They are told as separate tales, but you can start to see threads that run through them that help you figure out the overall solution.  In the end, everything is laid out for you, so you will know if you got it right.  There are even helpful recaps of clues in case you forgot what you read earlier.  The only thing that might make this book better would be if you could download the drawings so you could physically handle them.  If you like puzzles, you will want to try this book.

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Review: Trust No One

Trust No One by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Trust No One by James Rollins from William Morrow via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

Trust No One is a standalone novel from James Rollins. If you enjoy Sigma Force, you should definitely check this out.  It has a similar vibe but new characters. This has historical aspects, occult ties, and mysteries/puzzles to solve.  Very Indiana Jones.   I liked the mix of characters and the fact that you aren't really sure who you can trust as the name implies.  I wouldn't be mad if this became a series too.

Bonus points for some really great animal characters, Hugh and Katch.  Rollins does an excellent job of incorporating animals in a way that makes them feel very real and showcases their extraordinary talents.  He is good about reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts, and the sacrifices some people make to right the wrongs of humanity.

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Review: The Universe Box

The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

The Universe Box is a collection of short stories by Michael Swanwick.  The stories are a mix of fantasy, speculative, and science fiction.  In addition to some very interesting stories, I found the introduction to the stories fascinating.  When someone comes up with such wild ideas, you do wonder where they come from.  Some of the stories read like myths if you like mythology.  There is some humor.  I appreciate that animals are generously represented.  If you want something different and super well-written, get a copy of The Universe Box.  

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Review: Toto

Toto by A.J. Hackwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toto by A.J. Hackwith might be my favorite version of the Wizard of Oz stories.  Don't come at me.  It is updated to a more modern time and told from the perspective of Toto.  It was so fun!  I still would have loved it even without the pop culture references.  Toto has always been my favorite character in the Wizard of Oz.  It is about time they got their own book!  And like any good little dog, Toto has big aspirations.  Toto is very funny too!  Whether you like the Wizard of Oz or animals, I think you will like this book.

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