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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