Review: Hydra

Hydra by Matt Wesolowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series. You don't have to read the first book before reading this one. The main character is the same, but the format is such that it isn't really about the main character. Both books are essentially transcripts of a podcast. Each chapter is an episode of the podcast. Each one is an interview with someone who was involved with or knew someone involved with a tragedy. In this book, the story revolves around a young woman who killed her family. The book explores the aspects of her life that may or may not have contributed to her actions. There's also some spooky threads woven into the story. Can't wait to read the next one!

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Review: Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison

Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison by Shaka Senghor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I saw Shaka Senghor on Sarah Silverman's I Love You, America. After that episode, I bought this book because I wanted to hear more of his story. It was really worth it. In telling his story, he transitions back and forth between the story of the life that led to his incarceration and the story of his time in Michigan's correctional system. I found it very insightful. There is certainly work to be done to improve the system. Reading stories like this give us insight into what types of changes need to happen.

This book could be very inspirational for those going through difficult times, at risk of going to prison or already there. One can make a change for the better, and the author is proof of that.

There is language that some may find offensive but is definitely appropriate for the subject matter.

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Review: A Dead Red Miracle

A Dead Red Miracle by R.P. Dahlke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In my last review for this series, I expressed concern that I may not like the new direction in which it was going. As it turns out, I don't. There is still a good animal character, but I don't really like the humans. I still think others may like these books, and the fact that you can get them through Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited makes them even more attractive. The writing is good, just not the stories for me.

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Review: Eleven

Eleven by Carolyn Arnold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Serial killers, Behavioral Analysis Unit....I thought this would be like Mind Hunter or Criminal Minds. It was to an extent. The case itself ended up not being that compelling and the characters were not interesting enough to carry a series. It was ok for a standalone book. I've read other things by Carolyn Arnold that I felt were much better. If this is your first time reading her and don't love it, I would suggest trying one of her other books before you give up on her.

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Review: The Widow

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

This book turned out to be very different from what I expected. I thought it would be a mystery or thriller. It was both and neither at the same time. You see the story from different perspectives which does make you wonder what is true or just a character's perception of reality. When I reached the end, I realized I was wrong about what I thought the truth was. I just also happened to be in a class about media engagement while reading this so the press part was extra intriguing.

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Review: Mona Lisa's Secret

Mona Lisa's Secret by Phil Philips
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I gave this book three stars because I didn't finish it and felt guilty that people may judge it harshly if I gave it two. The premise of the book was intriguing. What if the Mona Lisa was a fake? But, I disliked the main character from the very beginning and really couldn't continue after a couple of chapters. I did skip forward to read the end. Not that it mattered.

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Review: The Cinderella Murder

The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this second book in the series to be as good as the first one. It really makes me wish this show did exist. It is a great idea for a true crime reality show! The writing is fast-paced and engaging. I admit I didn't figure out who did it until right before the reveal which is a sign of a good mystery for me.

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Review: Pink Balloons and Other Deadly Things

Pink Balloons and Other Deadly Things by Nancy Tesler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this series because I got the second book free from Amazon. The whole series is free through Kindleunlimited. The thing I found most interesting about this book is that the main character is a biofeedback specialist. I realized that is something I don't think I've ever seen done before, and I found the information about biofeedback really fascinating. In fact, it made me want to sign up for a session. The main character is also near my age, and I found her to be relatable. It was a quick read, and I 'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Review: Noir

Noir by Christopher Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I should have loved this book. Noir, San Francisco, and Christopher Moore should make for a fantastic combination. It even had some Chinese mixed in that should have cinched it for me. But, I just couldn't get into it. I tried really hard to love it and just couldn't. There were funny moments. The part I enjoyed most was I happened to start this book on a flight from Dallas to Roswell, New Mexico.
That made me laugh out loud at this part:

“Roswell, New Mexico,” said the general. “There it is.” I popped up from under the bar with a dusty bottle of Glenfiddich. “Never heard of it.” “No reason you would,” said the general. “Nothing ever happens there.”

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Review: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really fun read. I want to work in that bookstore. A few characters were introduced that didn't seem necessary. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the quirky characters. A bookstore of secrets? I'm in. Robin Sloan could have taken the story in many different directions, and I would have followed all of them. While I love e-books, this story is a great reminder that not everything should be captured electronically. You can lose important details that way.

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Review: A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book enough to finish it and put the second book on hold. There was just enough to keep me intrigued and to move it from three to four stars. I am not a big fan of love-at-first-sight romances which may be my biggest issue with the book. I am more forgiving when a seemingly normal character suddenly starts to have powers even if it strains credulity. I enjoyed the alchemy, the cast of characters, and the history.

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Review: Bloom County: Brand Spanking New Day

Bloom County: Brand Spanking New Day by Berkeley Breathed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came because there was a promise of a "brand spanking new day." While there was promise at the end and we already had the new hope, I'm holding out for at least one more.

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Review: Bloom County Episode XI: A New Hope

Bloom County Episode XI: A New Hope by Berkeley Breathed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bloom County, I missed you!

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Review: The Word Exchange

The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this book was classified as dystopian/science fiction, but I put it in horror. It didn't take me long to realize that this book describes my worst nightmare. As I was reading, I actually got the chills. It was also disturbing how easily I could picture this being a reality in the not distant future. I really loved the way the author approached characters with word flu. It was very unsettling and caught me off guard. I also liked the alternating narrators and how the end of the book tied into the beginning to add just one more little twist that I didn't necessarily expect.

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