Review: The 19th Christmas

The 19th Christmas by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 19th book in the Women's Murder Club series.  You don't really need to have read the previous 18 to start here although you may not feel as invested in the characters and the outcome of their holiday if you don't. 

As someone who has had to miss spending many a holiday with family, I can relate to the pressures the main character feels as she tries to juggle her work and her personal life.  There isn't much mystery here.  We know who is doing what, but I still enjoy these books because I've become so invested in the women of the Women's Murder Club.  I want to know what happens in their lives.  Each book is like catching up with old friends.

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Review: Bloom County: Best Read on the Throne

Bloom County: Best Read on the Throne by Berkeley Breathed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that the custodian is the hero and that one character is more rational than I am. Steve Dallas gets called on his bad behavior. The cure for what ails you this year.

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Review: Antiques Ravin'

Antiques Ravin' by Barbara Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 13th book in the Trash 'n' Treasure mystery series. I recommend reading them from the first book although this book does have a summary of the previous books around midway. The good thing is they usually indicate how far to skip ahead if you don't want to read the recaps.

This is a cozy mystery series with plenty of humor, tips on antiquing, and almost always at least one recipe. There is also a super cute dog that helps solve the crimes. I think I've mentioned before it is one of my favorite series.

In this particular book, the setting is a town with an Edgar Allan Poe festival. Poe fans may enjoy all of the references to his work. I also felt it added a bit of a creepier element than the previous books. It did keep me guessing quite a bit which is always a good sign.

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Review: Catherine House

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

I thought Catherine House would be like Hogwarts or the Xavier Institute. It isn't. The students don't have powers. They are just regular kids with something unique about them that only the Catherine House admissions process can seem to identify. The school sounds amazing until you start to scratch the surface. Maybe it isn't as fabulous as it seems. Maybe there is a price to pay for this one-of-a-kind education. Is there something sinister afoot or is that just my imagination?

Gothic is a good description of the writing. The story haunts you. It has a dreamy feel. And while it wasn't what I expected and sometimes I wondered where the story was going, I got it in the end and was satisfied.

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Review: Unspeakable Things

Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey
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.

While it is true that I got it from NetGalley, I also chose it from Amazon First Reads. I guess I was really meant to read this book. What drew me to it was that it takes place in Minnesota in the 80s, a time and place I can relate to. Plus, the premise sounded very similar to the Jacob Wetterling story. If you are into true crime, you probably have heard of it.

The main character is a young girl growing up in an area where boys from her town are being attacked. At the same time, she is dealing with issues at home. This book is going to make you feel uncomfortable, much the same way she is uncomfortable. You feel like something bad can happen at any moment. And because you only know what she knows, you will jump to many of the same conclusions she does. I appreciated the inclusions of her handwritten letters to her aunt and the stories she devises to keep away bad things. It makes it feel almost like you are reading a diary.

Because of the disturbing subject matter, this book isn't going to be for everyone. If you like some serious suspense, give this book a go. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Review: You Don't Own Me

You Don't Own Me by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in the Under Suspicion series. I got this book from a library hold the same day the news broke that Mary Higgins Clark had passed away. It was really heartbreaking. With that, this could be the last book in the series unless Alafair Burke plans to continue alone. I have enjoyed this series so much and recommend reading it in order.

I would so happy that the relationships were back on track. The central mystery wasn't what I expected which is always a good sign. If you like true crime and/or reality tv, give this series a try.

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