Review: The Last Odyssey

The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last Odyssey is the 15th book in the Sigma Force series by James Rollins.  You could start the series here because it doesn't require much knowledge from the prior books, but it might have less of an emotional impact.

As the title suggests, this story takes you on quite an odyssey itself while also drawing inspiration and exploring the mysteries from the epic poem by Homer.  There is so much packed into this book.  I thought the most intriguing mystery was going to be how a medieval boat from the Middle East got frozen into the ice around Greenland.  But it turns out, I am fascinated and terrified by ancient automatons.  It sent me down an Internet rabbit hole of looking those things up!  I really appreciate that James Rollins breaks down what is fact and fiction after the story is over or I might not sleep ever again.  And I don't know why, but I got some serious Jules Verne vibes while reading this.

Bonus points for including an adorably helpful monkey.   

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Review: The Lying Game

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruth Ware got me again with The Lying Game.  I usually can figure out mysteries pretty quickly, so it is always a delight when I have to work for it.  The way she parcels out clues is masterful.  There's definitely foreshadowing but maybe you don't realize it is until much later.  If you like a slow burn that makes you think twice about what you think you know, check this book out!

I don't usually do trigger warnings, but I will say if alcohol, drugs, or abuse are a trigger for you, read a different Ruth Ware book.  They are significant in this book.

Side note:  If a woman's naked body and/or breastfeeding makes you uncomfortable, (first) grow up and (second) don't read this book.  

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Review: Searching for Coach Taylor

Searching for Coach Taylor by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Searching for Coach Taylor is a short story in the Nothing Like I Imagined series by Mindy Kaling.  You can read these stories in any order.

I'm not a single mom, but I am single, and this was so relatable.  There will be women out there that will deny the validity of Mindy's observations.  They're liars or delusional.  A quick, fun read.  I found it difficult not to highlight every line.  

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Review: Bohemian Gospel

Bohemian Gospel by Dana Chamblee Carpenter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bohemian Gospel is the first book in the Bohemian Trilogy by Dana Chamblee Carpenter.  Definitely start with this one.  

This was a unique departure from the typical historical fiction I read.  I wasn't expecting a slight supernatural twist.  And then there was the part where I said, "I didn't see that coming AT ALL!"  Otherwise, I felt like this was sort of a Cinderella story if the glass slipper shattered into a million pieces right before she got to try it on.  If you don't mind your historical fiction to be a little heavier on the fiction, give this a try.

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Review: Help Is On the Way

Help Is On the Way by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Help Is On the Way is a short story in the Nothing Like I Imagined series by Mindy Kaling.  You can read these stories in any order.

I don't know what it is like to be a single mother, but I can imagine from what I've seen friends go through that it is no walk in the park.  I'm glad Mindy found someone to help her get through those initial scary times and develop the confidence to rock motherhood!

Also, I saw what you did there at the end, Mindy Kaling....Fortunately, it wasn't a spoiler!

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Review: The City We Became

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The City We Became is the first book in the Great Cities trilogy by N.K. Jemisin.  Since this book sets up everything, you will want to start here.  Since I don't think any other book in the trilogy has been released yet, you have to start here.

This is the first book I've read by N.K. Jemisin who is a much lauded author.  I was a bit surprised to find I had difficulty getting into the book.  If I weren't living in NYC right now, I probably would have added it to my "did not finish" pile and moved on.  However, I did find the descriptions of the city and its inhabitants interesting.  And, I couldn't help going "I've been there!"  For that I stuck with it.  The writing is very good.  I just wasn't as invested in some of the characters as I felt I needed to be to really enjoy the story.

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Review: Stirring Up Trouble

Stirring Up Trouble by Juli Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stirring Up Trouble is the first book in the Stirring Up Trouble series by Juli Alexander.  Since there are only two books out right now, start with this one.  

This book was just an enjoyable read.  Witches?  Check.  Humor?  Check.  A dog?  Check.  Sure there was some typical teenage angst/drama, but it was wholesome escapism from the horror we see on TV every day now.  I liked that self-serving magic has visible ramifications.  The main character is sweet, and you'll have no trouble rooting for her.  

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Review: Crooked River

Crooked River by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crooked River is the 19th book in the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.   Don't start the series here.  You'll definitely want some previous context.

The mystery in this book reminds me of that unsolved mystery of the Salish Sea severed feet.  A bunch of shoes with severed feet in them wash up on a beach.  Where did they come from?  How could so many people lose their foot/feet at the same time and it not be newsworthy?  Since the Salish Sea mystery is still unexplained, I was really looking forward to Pendergast solving this case.  What possible (and plausible) explanation could there be?  I wasn't expecting this answer!  

Bonus points for making Constance a real badass.

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