Review: Every Breath You Take

Every Breath You Take by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Under Suspicion series. Definitely don't start with this book. You'll want the back story before you get to this one.

After not loving the last book as much as the previous ones, I was pleased to find we are back on track with book five. The mystery was a little twisty turny but not unrealistic. Most importantly, the main character's personal life gets back on track. I was so mad went it went off the rails in book four. All is well again, and I can't wait to read book six!

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Review: Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days

Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Jeanette Winterson's writing. Two years ago, a friend gave me this book for Christmas. It is a collection of short stories, so I have been reading them for the holidays the last two years. In between each short story is a recipe for a holiday dish that Jeanette, her friends, or family make. The recipes have their own related stories. After reading her recipe for mince pie, I ordered one the next day. Because while I would have loved to follow the recipe, I'm lazy and yet really wanted that pie.

If you want to read something that will get you into the holiday spirit but isn't your standard holiday fare, I highly recommend this book. There are ghosts, talking animals, and unicorns. If you are Jewish, there's something in here for you too.

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Review: The Overstory

The Overstory by Richard Powers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ultimately, this book is about trees. If you love trees, give this book a read. It is beautifully written and will make you want to go out and hug all the trees.

The book starts out like short stories about people who in some way are touched by trees. We follow these people and their trees throughout their lives. I think the hardest part for me was I expected the book to be more uplifting and really it just left me in greater despair. I wasn't in the right head space for that. It is a very long book, and it got harder and harder for me to continue. I did though and in the end, I wanted to go and plant trees all over the place. For sure, I don't think you can read this book and then take trees for granted. In that way, it will change your life.

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Review: Every Heart a Doorway

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Wayward Children series. Seanan McGuire has set herself up with a lifetime of books to write with this because each character has a very unique story to tell. You see, almost every single character in the book has been to a different world that was unique to them. I say almost because it seems that family members might be able to visit the same world. The descriptions of the worlds are quite cool and makes you wish you could find a doorway too. Candylands, underworlds, spider kingdoms, goblins, rainbow running and unicorns. This is true fantasy.

The other great thing about Seanan McGuire's writing is that she incorporates such diverse characters effortlessly and reminds you of the angstiness of teenage years. The main character is asexual and struggles with the attention she gets from the hottest boy in school who also just happens to have gender dysphoria. That's just character development because the real story is someone is killing the wayward children and nobody is safe.

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Review: The Sleeping Beauty Killer

The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Under Suspicion series. I recommend reading the books in order because some of the elements do build throughout the series. You won't be lost, but it may ruin some of the suspense if you go back and read from the start.

I really enjoy this series that is set in the world of true crime reality television. This was not my favorite in the series, but it was still a good read. I figured out the twist very early on. I had moments of doubt, but in the end I was right. I wish I hadn't been. There were also some aspects of the main characters personal relationships that I found disappointing. At least, there is another book following this one so I still have hope that all will end well.

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Review: Hollywood Deception

Hollywood Deception by Gemma Halliday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Hollywood Headlines Mysteries series. You could read this book as a standalone although I would recommend reading the series from the beginning. If you are looking for a cozy mystery series to try, I highly recommend anything by Gemma Halliday. Her books are well-written, incorporate humor, aren't terribly gruesome, and just the right length.

The series has three main female characters. This book focuses on Alli Quick, a young tabloid reporter who takes her job seriously. Those around her may take her a little less seriously because she is a girly girl, loving pink and driving a VW Beetle. I wasn't a huge Alli fan before, but this book gave me a new-found respect for her.


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Review: The Lights Go Out in Lychford

The Lights Go Out in Lychford by Paul Cornell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Witches of Lychford series. Read them in order. They are all very short. It will be worth your time to start from the beginning.

While the book is short, a novella really, it packs a wallop. One of the main characters has dementia. That's not a spoiler because the book opens in her mind. Page one, dementia. If you've known someone with dementia, this is going to feel real. I certainly cursed Paul Cornell for bringing back all those memories and feelings. Then I read something he wrote recently that said this is based on his experience with his mother's dementia. I forgive you, Paul. It is an amazing tribute.

The rest of the story will make you be careful what you wish for. Now get reading....

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Review: Ghost Song

Ghost Song by Mark L'estrange
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very traditional ghost/haunted house story. An elderly man goes to the pub and hears a song that has haunted his life which prompts him to finally tell his story. It's told in the way you would if people were sitting around telling ghost stories. There are spooky bits and nothing very gory.

There was one plot inconsistency that made me go "wait....that can't be right," but it doesn't impact the ghost story. I'm not even sure other people will notice.


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Review: Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany

Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book about books and bookish things. You don't have to read it all at once. You don't even have to read it in order. Skip to the bits that interest you. I would even say it would make a great coffee table book. I read the Kindle version, but I think the physical version would be much better so that you can appreciate all the drawings. I liked the trivia that was scattered throughout. I also liked seeing how many of the books mentioned are ones I've read. Definitely many old favorites but also a chance to learn about some new ones.

An apology to Jane Mount. When I was looking for a background to my book blog, I came across an illustrated stack of books that perfectly fit the type of books I like to read, but it had no credit. I decided to use it. Now, I know it was a Jane Mount illustration. I've added a credit now.

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Review: Suspect in High Heels

Suspect in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 10th book in the High Heels Mysteries series. You can read it without having read the previous ones. However, I suggest reading them all. There is also some crossover with Gemma Halliday's Hollywood Headlines series.

It is a fun series, and I'm not even that into fashion or shoes. The main character, Maddie Springer, and her family and friends are all likeable even if some of them are a bit kooky. This particular book deals with the Antiques Roadshow type crowd and spoiler alert: Maddie isn't a suspect! Someone she cares about is and you know the police could always use some extra help. Antics ensue.

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Review: The Lake of Learning

The Lake of Learning by Steve Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three in the Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure series and a spin-off of the Cotton Malone series. As with the first two, this is a fairly short story. I recommend reading the series in order, but you don't have to. This one can stand on its own.

I think this has been my favorite so far. I love a story about Cathars, and there is so much of their history and beliefs packed into this novella. Then you add a mysterious book with a puzzle and a new language. I'm all in.

If you are looking for a female-led adventure but not sure you want to invest in a lengthy series, check these out.

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Review: Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You

Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You by Scotto Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like obscure music, horror, or Grady Hendrix, I highly recommend picking up this novella. I read it in one day and could barely put it down. This is a really fun read.

A completely unknown band starts releasing daily a revolutionary track for their 10 track album. The music affects people in unexpected ways. A music blogger is the first to discover it and makes it his goal to get the story behind this band. He gets the story alright. It was more than he bargained for.

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Review: No Flight Without the Shatter

No Flight Without the Shatter by Brooke Bolander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this short story from Tor.com. If you sign up for their newsletter, you sometimes get free books. Well worth it if you like science fiction or fantasy.

This is a beautiful story. With only 32 pages, it still made me cry. In a future where humans have destroyed the world with their nonsense, a little girl is raised by a collective of women who share characteristics with many animals we know. They tell their stories. I was so moved. If you worry about the future of our world, and particularly the wildlife in it, this story will speak to you too.

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Review: The Shell Collector

The Shell Collector by Hugh Howey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book takes place in probably the not-so-distant future when the oceans have swallowed up shorelines and shells are nearly nonexistent. The scariest part is this could be a totally true story. The mother of the main character was from Antigua and there's talk about the islands. Fun for me since I'm working among them now. There is a bit of mystery and thriller as we try to find out what the rich oil man is up to. The journey to figure out the answer takes us to the very depths of the ocean.

For a short book, the descriptions are still very rich. I felt I could see what he was describing. I don't want to give away any spoilers but if you know how I feel about romance in a book, you'll know what sort of bugged me. Still, I couldn't find it in my heart to give it anything but five stars.

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Review: The Pied Piper

The Pied Piper by Harold Schechter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is part of the Amazon Original Stories, Bloodlands Collection. It is a standalone, short true crime retelling.

In this case, Charlie Schmid went on to inspire a character in a Joyce Carol Oates story. Charlie also has some similarities to that other famous Charlie....Manson. He seemed to have the charisma to convince other people to help him carry out his sick plans.

If you are a fan of "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" or "Helter Skelter," you may like this as well.

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Review: Rampage

Rampage by Harold Schechter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another short true crime story in the Amazon Original Stories, Bloodlands Collection.

This one tells the origins of mass murder in America. A man wakes up one day and kills 13 people before going back to bed. The author's retelling of what happened that day was chilling.

All of these stories are well-researched, but I think this way my favorite of the collection. If you like true crime, this one is well done. I like that you get the history and the impact on current society in one quick read.

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Review: Annabel Scheme

Annabel Scheme by Robin Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a weird little book full of surprises. Robin Sloan is a master of cramming a bunch of stuff into a very short, but fulfilling story. I say fulfilling even though it left me hoping this is the start of a series. Also, what is a banana box?

Annabel Scheme isn't what you would expect, and the cover of the book gives no real indication of what's inside. If you like science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, ghost stories, video games, dystopian fiction, robots, or San Francisco, I recommend reading this book. If someone will make the World of Jesus game, I will play it.

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Review: The Witches are Coming

The Witches are Coming by Lindy West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for possibly writing a review.

I first saw Lindy West on Unapologetic with Aisha Tyler. That was enough to convince me to watch Shrill on Hulu. So when I had an opportunity to read her new book, I took it.

I liked her idea to turn witch hunt on its head. Each chapter is really a short essay on a topic with the witch hunt thread woven throughout. While there is humor, this is really more social commentary and there is plenty to not laugh about too. Throughout history, women who did not conform to societal expectations have been labeled and persecuted. Witch is one of those labels. But rather than deny the label, maybe we should embrace it and the power that comes with it.

If you like Shrill, you should read this book. If you liked Dietland, you should read this book. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you may want to do a little research before you buy this book or get it from your library. It isn't for everyone. Some probably will find it offensive. For those that do, just remember....the witches are coming for you.

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Review: Verses for the Dead

Verses for the Dead by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 18th book in the Pendergast series. You could read this book as a standalone. There are few references to previous books but nothing that would make it difficult to understand what's going on. If you've never read Pendergast books before, this may not be the best introduction. He is not nearly as quirky in this book as he is in other parts of the series. This book was also much faster paced than many of the previous books. I wondered if this was setting us up for a spinoff for one of the new characters introduced.



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Review: European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman

European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman by Theodora Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series. These books are LONG so be ready for an investment. I recommend reading them in order as the first book gives all the back story of the main characters and is referenced many times. As with the first book, this book also includes interjections from the various characters throughout. I'm really enjoying that aspect of these books.

In this book, the Athena Club sets out to Budapest via Vienna to rescue another young woman. In this case, they end up in my old neighborhood visiting Dr. Freud. The book brought back fond memories of my time in Vienna and my visits to Budapest. This time we're dealing with vampires. There's a steep learning curve for the Athena Club. There is also a showdown with the Society of Alchemists. It isn't all just creepy men experimenting on their daughters.

The great thing about these books is that they aren't just one type of book. They have romance, adventure, mystery, suspense, humor, and monsters. Who says you can't have it all?

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Review: Into the Drowning Deep

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a prequel, Rolling in the Deep, that I recommend reading before you read this one because there are many references to what happened in that book. The only caveat is reading them in order takes a little bit of the horror out of this one because you know what's coming. There's still plenty of suspense.

I do wonder why I read these books while living on an island. They will make you think twice about going in the ocean. Certainly, I'm never going to the Mariana Trench now. You'll probably also not think of mermaids in the same way ever again. The book is a great reminder of the arrogance of humanity. It also doesn't paint scientists in a great light, the lengths they will go to for a discovery.

On the lighter side, it opens in Monterey, CA taking me back to some great memories. There's also a diverse bunch of characters. Sign language plays an important role which you don't see often in books. And if you are looking for a book with strong female characters, there are plenty in this one.

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Review: Miao Dao

Miao Dao by Joyce Carol Oates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of the Dark Corners Collection of Amazon Original Stories. It is a standalone short story.

Amazingly, I have never read Joyce Carol Oates before. She is such a prolific writer that you would think I would have. Nope. When I saw this for free through Amazon, I thought it would be a good chance to see what she's all about.

This story is not for the squeamish. This is an examination of how hard it can be to be 13, a girl, and going through puberty. The taunting and teasing, the loneliness of physically developing faster than your peers, and the grossness of some adult males. If you are triggered by child abuse, I would not recommend this book to you. It's very uncomfortable. It is classified as horror because there are also two murders.

I almost gave this story three stars. I didn't enjoy it, and I would say maybe you aren't meant to enjoy it. In the end, I added a star for the feral cat plotline. While I didn't have the difficult childhood Mia, the main character did, I could relate completely to her fascination with the feral cat colony, the desire to befriend them, and the crushing despair when other people are cruel to them. In that sense, I was that little girl. That deserved its own recognition.

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Review: Violet

Violet by Scott Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a possible review.

I had heard really good things about Scott Thomas, so I was excited when I was chosen to read Violet. I now understand the hype.

This book is a slow burn, and yet I didn't feel the need to rush through it. It's creepy, and you can feel that you are building to something worth waiting for. It's like watching a horror movie on the edge of your seat waiting for the moment something will jump out. The thing is I would call this more suspense than horror. There are some horror elements, but I wouldn't say they were scary as much as they just added to the skin crawl factor.

The book is set in the Midwest and feels authentic. The author captures the sadness of small towns dying out in a very real way. This story probably could have been set in a number of places (got lake? will do), but the choice of small town Midwest is it's own statement.

Bonus points because the main character is a vet and has always helped animals in need. That's my kind of character.

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Review: Tiny But Mighty: Kitten Lady's Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines

Tiny But Mighty: Kitten Lady's Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for possibly writing a review.

I heard Hannah Shaw talking about this book on the podcast, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, shortly after helping foster some kittens myself. Just from her story, I knew I needed this book in my life. It was serendipity that the publisher selected me to read it because I now get to spread Hannah's message about the importance of fostering and adopting.

Over 800,000 shelter cats are euthanized every year because they weren't adopted. What you might not know is the majority of euthanized shelter animals are kittens under 8 weeks old because shelters don't have the capacity to deal with unweaned animals. If they don't have foster parents lined up to assist, the kittens are often euthanized immediately after surrender. It all comes down to resources, something all shelters struggle with.

Like Hannah, I want to live in a world where no animal has to die because a shelter lacks resources. That's why her book is so important. She talks about the issues surrounding "unadoptable" cats and kittens in a very accessible way and provides practical suggestions that anyone can undertake. Whether you are interested in Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR), fostering, or just wondering what to do with that kitten you found outside on its own, Hannah has all the details. I really appreciated the checklists of what you need and the detailed descriptions of the various stages of kittenhood. You don't need to create a full-blown neonatal kitten unit in your home to foster kittens. Hannah makes the process much less intimidating.

While the book is very comprehensive, there are also true stories of her adventures with kittens and cats and the most adorable pictures. It is very uplifting and inspiring. If you like cats, get this book and think about how you can help create a world where no cat or kitten has to be euthanized.

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Review: The Cat Who Turned On and Off

The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Cat Who series. You don't really have to read the previous books to understand what's going on, but there are references to previous books.

This book was first published in 1968 so there are going to be some things that feel a little dated. That aside, it is an easy, fast read with quirky characters. I appreciate that the author doesn't shy away from using less common vocabulary. It adds flair to the writing. I also enjoy the two cats that are main characters in the book.

This book is centered around antiquing culture. If you like shows like American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow or like to collect antiques, this will be a fun read for you. It really highlights the eccentricities of antique collectors.

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Review: Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie

Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie by Harold Schechter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another short true crime story in the Amazon Original Stories, Bloodlands Collection.

The crime had a tenuous connection to to Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame. For some reason, I couldn't stop picturing Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight while reading it. If you like true crime and just want a quick fix, this is good for that.

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Review: Crucible

Crucible by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 14th book in the Sigma Force series. You could read this book as a standalone, but I would recommend starting with book one. I love the Sigma Force series, but this just might be my favorite so far. It took me two days to read this 637 page whopper, and yet I could have kept right on reading.

This book brought back many of my favorite characters. It was so nice to see them again. What I didn't expect was how much crying I would do. The book (as all books in the series) is a thriller. It is usually a lot of action with some interesting science and history. This book had that too but included a good hard tug on the heartstrings.

This book includes witches, artificial intelligence, a U.S. Ambassador, secret societies, explosions, kickass women, and a race against the clock. All the things a thriller should have.

Luddites repent now while you still have a chance.

Bonus points for including a dog.

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Review: Primates of Park Avenue

Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book peaked my interest after I read The Swans of Fifth Avenue. What a strange and otherworldly life the New York elite lead! I have never been to this place called Manhattan. I thought it would be fascinating to get a glimpse of that life from the perspective of someone who wasn't born into it. And it was. To a point.

I liked that this wasn't just another memoir. Wednesday Martin approaches this as if she were an anthropologist doing a field study. Those parts of the book were my favorite, especially the bits where she contrasts Upper East Side (UES) society against primates. So interesting! Don't believe in evolution? This book will give you some food for thought. Primates are just like us or vice versa. But that's not the point of the book. It is more about the culture of the UES, in particular, the mothers that inhabit that area. There was a part at the end of the book that brought me to tears. It was quite moving, and I'm not going to spoil it. It was a reminder that sometimes in your darkest hours people will surprise you...in a good way.

This part I will not refrain from spoiling. I got so sick of reading about the Birkin bag. The author did her best to explain why I should care about this very special purse. However, I do not. I get that she was obsessed with it much like other UES natives. For all I know, it may really be the very best purse ever invented in the history of purses. It could be the answer to life, the universe, and everything. But, it's made from leather. Ergo, not perfect and not for me.

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Review: The Brick Slayer

The Brick Slayer by Harold Schechter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This true crime short story is part of the Bloodlands collection created for Amazon. This book recounts the case that would eventually inspire Richard Wright to write Native Son. The length of the book doesn't leave room for much analysis. It is more a recap of the events but enough to give the reader a flavor of the racial tensions that impacted the outcome.



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Review: Treasure of the Jaguar Warrior - Mystery of the Mayan Calender

Treasure of the Jaguar Warrior - Mystery of the Mayan Calender by Barbara Ivie Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Paranormally Yours series. You can read this as a standalone as the story wraps up in this book.

Based on the title, I thought the book would be more adventure than romance. And I was looking forward to some Mayan cultural. I don't read much romance anymore mostly because it requires me to suspend too much disbelief. I start to pick apart the relationship which gets in the way of my enjoyment of the story. Sadly, this book fell victim to that. Two of the characters fall in love in the span of maybe 24 hours and for no real discernible reason other than being in the same location. I never got over that. Yes, I realize it is probably hypocritical to have no problem with the ghost in the story but to get hung up on love at first sight. If you have been reading my reviews, this is a recurring theme with me. If that doesn't bother you and you like PG romance with ghosts, humor, and a little treasure hunting thrown in, you should give this book a try. If you are unsure, it is available for free through the Amazon Kindle Lending Library.

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Review: Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis

Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for potentially providing a review. That said, this book was written for me. The author, Ada Calhoun, is clear from the start that her target audience is middle class women from Generation X. She gives a well-reasoned explanation for why she doesn't include other groups in this book. That doesn't mean other people can't read it. In fact, if you are trying to understand a middle class Gen-X woman, read this book.

I related on a very deep level to the stories of the women Ada interviewed. Spoiler alert: they are not all happy. However, there is comfort in knowing you are not the only person facing a particular dilemma. And in this case, knowing that the existential crisis that often overwhelms your thoughts might be affecting many women in your generation. Lucky us! The author also does a good job of showing how mid-life is different for Gen Xers than it was for Boomers and will be for Millennials.

So if you are on the verge of melting down over life stress, pop a couple of Tylenol for the existential dread and read this book. It won't solve your problems, but it might give you some insight into why life sucks right now.

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Review: The 18th Abduction

The 18th Abduction by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 18th book in the Women's Murder Club series. You could probably read this as a standalone. Some people seem to have an issue about the timing of this book in the series. It is not a direct continuation of book 17. It does reference some early material, but you don't need to have read all 17 books to understand what's going on. I didn't find the timing of the book distracting as some other's have. Like the other books, this book is fast-paced, and I finished it very quickly.

Unlike the previous books, this one crosses international borders to remind us of the horrors of war. In particular, we are introduced to Anna, who survived terrible atrocities at the hands of a Serbian war criminal that may now be living down the street from her. It does make you think about how well you know your neighbors. At the same time, three teachers go missing without a trace after an evening out. My main takeaway is we need to pay our teachers a living wage.

Looking forward to book 19!

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Review: The Witch Elm

The Witch Elm by Tana French
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I only have myself to blame for not loving this book. This is the third (?) book by Tana French that I have read, and I always only partially like them. Her writing is really beautiful and yet leaves me feeling like the story is too long. The synopsis of the story always draws me in, and I think it will keep me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the mystery. And then, I'm not. I just have to stop getting sucked in. That doesn't mean you shouldn't. Plenty of people love this book. You might be one of them.

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Review: Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg

Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg by Derek Swannson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Crash Gordon series. It is over 600 pages so quite an investment if you are looking for a new series to read. This book could probably be two books and could appeal to completely different audiences. I find it hard to classify.

The first half of the book is a coming of age story. Gordon is growing up in a dysfunctional family in in the 70s. He is very smart and loves to read. People who were growing up in the 70s may appreciate many of the references. I sure did. A series of unfortunate events lead Gordon to look for answers to why strange things are happening around him. It is not nearly as sad or serious as it sounds.

The second half of the book is a deep dive into conspiracy theories as Gordon tries to figure out what's happening to his family and to him. There's also quite a bit about spirituality and religion. If Masons, Templars, secret societies, fringe groups, and/or Eastern religions interest you, this is a fun read. I think it covers every conspiracy theory I have ever heard, quite an impressive feat. Then when the author starts drawing the lines between them I almost started to believe their might be some truth to them. Maybe there is?

Special props for incorporating Esalen. I went there once or twice in grad school, but now I wish I had spent more time there.

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Review: Why My Cat Is More Impressive Than Your Baby

Why My Cat Is More Impressive Than Your Baby by Matthew Inman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Oatmeal has done it again! This book made me laugh so hard because every bit of it was true. If you have a cat or a dog or maybe even a baby, you will find this funny. Ok, maybe not so funny if you have a baby and think that it is the best thing that ever happened to you. In my case, I don't have a baby and while I like them just fine, I love my cats and dogs as much if not more than most people love their children. I think my favorite part was the diary entries from the cat. They were exactly how I would picture a cat writing.

I usually read ebooks, but this is the type of book I recommend buying in hard copy or paperback. It will be much easier to read that way.

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Review: Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Agatha Raisin revisited. I listened to this audiobook in 2018 and hated it. Agatha Raisin came off as just annoying, and I hated her as much as her new neighbors did initially. I gave it two stars. I rarely give two stars, but I wanted to remember to never give this series a chance again. HOWEVER, I watched the TV show based on this series this week. Totally changed my mind. Agatha is far less annoying, and I'm crushing on Bill Wong. He may be a terrible police officer, but I don't care. So in an unusual move for me, I'll be keeping up with Agatha Raisin's adventures but only on the little screen. If you've not read the books, it is along the lines of a Miss Marple type mystery. Some humor, not terribly gruesome, quirky characters, solved in one episode.

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Review: One Night in Drake Mansion

One Night in Drake Mansion by Channing Whitaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a possible review.

This book is the first in the Skeptic Detective series. It can be read as a standalone without any issues.

The basic story line is familiar. A skeptic, an intuitive, a ghost hunter, and actress, and a local expert agree to stay overnight in a haunted house in an effort to win a million dollars. The whole thing is being televised. The story of the owner of the house is told through journal entries found after they enter the house. It was an interesting approach and becomes more important as the book goes along. In the beginning of the book, I felt like the journal entries were less interesting than the action happening with those in the house. It picks up later in the book.

If you like watching shows like Ghost Hunters, you will appreciate this book. They use many of the popular ghost hunting techniques to investigate the house. The skeptic provides a counterbalance to the true believers. If you are a skeptic, this book will appeal for sure. It didn't end the way I expected. I really appreciated that.

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Review: Frankissstein: A Love Story

Frankissstein: A Love Story by Jeanette Winterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I received a free Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for possibly writing a review.

In high school, I had a secret (or maybe not-so-secret) literary crush on Percy Shelley only equaled by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I was a little jealous of Mary Shelley because she actually got to love Percy in the flesh. Gothic fiction was my fave and still remains near and dear to my heart. I was completely stoked to see that Jeanette Winterson had written a book about Mary. If any modern day writer could do justice to gothic literature, it is Jeanette. Her writing is beautiful and haunting even when it isn't about a classic horror story, so this was perfect! Her treatment of Mary's story made me empathize with her. She may have had Percy's name, but she had to share him too.

The twist is the way the story is intertwined with modern day allowing humor to seep into an otherwise dark story. The modern storyline follows a transgender Shelley as they explore what it means to be human, alive, male, female, other.

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Review: Wildcard

Wildcard by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Warcross series. You need to start with book one to understand everything that is going on.

Sometimes it pays to wait to read a series until the books are all out so you don't have to wait on pins and needles until the next one. This is that kind of series. I was lucky it came off hold from the library not long after finishing the first book.

Book two picks right up from book one and just keeps running. The main character, Emika, only has a few days to stop a catastrophic event from happening. The writing is paced to make you feel that time crunch with her. There were twists and turns I wasn't completely prepared for even as a seasoned reader. We finally learn what happened to Hideo's brother. While the story wrapped up in a way that I felt satisfied, I hope this is not the last we hear about Emika Chen.

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Review: The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter

The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series. You will want to start here because it gives you the back story of all the main characters. I am so glad it is a series because I really didn't want the book to end. I love a book told from multiple points of view and this one is that and then some with the characters interrupting the main storyteller to share their opinions or versions.

What is the Athena Club? Literature's famous mad scientists all formed a secret society to turn their "daughters" into monsters and then those young women come together to battle that society with some help from Sherlock Holmes, that's the Athena Club. It is a really empowering concept that sends a message that it is okay to embrace your weird.

If you like classic horror films or books, Sherlock Holmes, or Penny Dreadful, you should check out this book!


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Review: Antiques Wanted

Antiques Wanted by Barbara Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 12 in the Trash 'n' Treasures series. If you haven't read the other books, I recommend going back because there are so many references you will miss.

I enjoy this series for a number of reasons. It is set in small town Iowa with all the quirky things that remind me of growing up in the Midwest. There is a beloved dog in every book. One of the main characters is a not perfect middle-aged woman. The book includes recipes when it talks about certain dishes. The main characters collect and sell antiques, something my parents were also really into.

Every book involves a murder that the mother and daughter try to solve. This one revolves around Old West memorabilia. The books are very funny and told from two perspectives so you can get the full story. I recommend to anyone looking for a light, fun read that is still well-written.

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Review: The Suspect

The Suspect by Fiona Barton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Kate Waters series. I would definitely recommend reading the other two first because they are referenced in this book. This was my favorite of the three.

While sticking to the same format as the other books, telling chapters from different perspectives, this one gave us a deeper look into Kate Waters herself. Usually, she is looking into other people's lives, but this time her life is the story. Sort of. It kept me guessing and really hits you in all the feels.

Kate isn't perfect, but I think that's what makes her such a great character. Her decisions, right or wrong, are ones you can see yourself making given the circumstances. It makes her feel very real.

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Review: The Lost Power

The Lost Power by Avanti Centrae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a possible review.

I want to start off by saying this really should be 3.5 stars, nearly 4. I'll get into why in a second.

It is the first book in a series. You have to start here because I don't think the second book is available yet. I was drawn to it because it was liked to James Rollins and Steve Berry books, and I really love those books. It also happened to have a positive blurb from Ann Charles who is another of my favorites. In a weird coincidence, the author started following me on Twitter before I even saw this on Net Galley. It felt fated that I should read this book.

There were a number of things to like about this book. One of the main characters is a kickass woman with a twin brother who is not so kickass. The history related to Isabel and Ferdinand was new to me and very interesting. There is a secret society or two which will always catch my attention. Weird initiation rites. A trip to the pyramids! And my favorite part, not one but TWO dogs. Both live for those that care about that kind of thing.

I found the beginning a little confusing because I expected this book to be about VanOps. It took a bit before VanOps is even mentioned and then VanOps doesn't play a huge role in the book until the end. It was a different approach to the start of a series about an organization. I also questioned whether someone grieving the loss of their spouse would hook up with a stranger within a couple of days after the death. It ended up being a short plotline I felt could have been left out completely because it didn't really further the greater story. Maybe it will have meaning in the grander scheme of the series.

I started out a solid 3 stars, but the characters grew on me as the book was drawing to a close just not quite enough to get me to 4. I would read the next book though to see if that changes.

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Review: I love happy cats

I love happy cats by Anneleen Bru
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a potential review.

As a cat mama, I was drawn to the idea of this book. Who doesn't want their cat to be happy or happier? Plus, the cover is really cute. I have read a lot of things about cat behavior, so I wasn't expecting to learn very much. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. While there was some information that you made have already heard from people like Jackson Galaxy if you read about cats, but there were some concepts that were new to me.

The book is easy to read and goes quickly. I read it in a day. The tips are practical and easy to follow. You don't need a bunch of space or money to implement her concepts. Even though I have had my cats for years, I've realized there are some small changes I could make to improve their lives.

I would recommend this book to cat lovers but new cat parents in particular. It will help you understand your cat and see things in a new light.

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Review: Hollywood Wanted

Hollywood Wanted by M.Z. Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 23rd book in the Hollywood Alphabet series. You are not going to want to start reading here. You could but there are many references to things that happened in the other 22.

I was starting to think the story was going a little off the rails, but this book brought it back to what initially got me invested. I suppose with only three books left it would be necessary to start tying things up. I was still a little frustrated about the main character's love life. I hope that something good happens for her before the end of the series. It is nearly impossible for it to get worse. I am looking forward to finally figuring out some of the secrets of Kate's life. So far, I don't even have a good guess.

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Review: Warcross

Warcross by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Warcross series. I first heard about this book on the Reading Glasses podcast. Then, it kept turning up in book recommendations for me. It felt like I was meant to read this book. Then I started reading. I was meant to read this book.

Warcross involves so many things I love: a strong female main character, gaming, virtual reality, and some sort of mystery to figure out. Either Marie Lu is a gamer, or she has done her research. When she referenced a certain infamous Leeroy, I laughed out loud. With the rise in esports, I imagine many gamers dream of the day that they are accidentally recognized for their skill and given an opportunity for gaming fame.

The book moves at a fast pace, and I didn't want to put it down. The ending was a cliffhanger, so don't be like me and not have the second book teed up for when you finish!

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Review: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 13th and final book in the Charley Davidson series. I loved this series, and this book was no exception. If you haven't read the other books, this is not the place to start. Go directly to book one now! I almost didn't want to read this book because I knew it meant things would be over, but I put on my big girl pants and did it.

There's always a lot riding in the final book in a series. How are you going to wrap up something satisfactorily that people have become invested in? Darynda Jones pulled out all the stops. All your favorite characters are back. There were a couple of unexpected twists. Take that, M. Night Shyamalan! I shed actual tears more than once. Just thinking about it now makes me a little misty. I will miss this series so much. But, Darynda how could you end the book like that????? You're killing me.

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Review: The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep

The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a possible review.

I am not even a huge fan of Dickens, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really love Jasper Fforde's writing and this gave off a very Thursday Next kind of vibe. If you like the classics, especially Dickens, you may enjoy this book. Understanding where the literary references and analysis come from deepened my engagement with the story and made me think as well.

The book is mainly told from the perspective of the brother of an avid reader and Dickens expert who happens to have a special ability. Sometimes the characters he is reading come to life. As the title suggests Uriah Heep is one of those characters and integral to the plot. If you know anything about Uriah Heep that can't possibly be a good thing. If you want to know more, I suggest reading the book. I'm not going to give any more away.

The book was longer than I expected but kept a good pace. It made me want to reread Dickens which is something I never thought I would say. Certainly, it gave me a greater appreciation of Dickens.

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Review: All Dressed in White

All Dressed in White by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Under Suspicion series. There are references to the previous books, but you could read this as a standalone.

I thoroughly enjoy these books. Mystery, reality TV, smart female lead...I devour these books. This was not my favorite of the series, but it still kept me guessing until nearly the end. I didn't like it as much because a few of the things that happened toward the end felt like they were stretching for a way to wrap up the story and came off a little unbelievable. The first two books didn't have that issue, and I hope the next one gets back on track.

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Review: Ajax Penumbra 1969

Ajax Penumbra 1969 by Robin Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the prequel to Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. You don't have to read it first. I didn't. In fact, it may be better if you didn't. I could see it spoiling a bit of the mystery of Mr. Penumbra. If you are like me and really loved that book, you will surely want to read this one. It won't unlock the secrets of the universe, but it will extend the story just a bit longer for those that weren't ready to let go just yet.

So why four stars instead of five? Because I am a bit pouty that this book was sooooo short. I'm not quite ready to admit it is over.

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