Review: Antiques Fire Sale

Antiques Fire Sale by Barbara Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Antiques Fire Sale is the 14th book in the Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery series by Barbara Allan.  If you are new to the series, there is always a bit of an introduction that will give you a general overview of the previous books, but I still like to read them in order.  There are often references peppered throughout to previous books.  Plus, none of these books are so long or heavy that you can't breeze through them.  That's one of the reasons I love these books so much.  They are funny, take place in small town Iowa, and include recipes and antiquing tips.  They remind me of home.  Antiques Fire Sale is no exception EXCEPT there is a new sheriff in town.  Watch out!  

Bonus points for always have a cute illustration of Sushi on the cover.

View all my reviews

Review: Stars and Bones

Stars and Bones by Gareth L. Powell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of Stars and Bones by Gareth L. Powell from Titan Books via NetGalley.  

I'm not sure what originally drew me to this book.  Maybe it was the idea of a mystery in space.  Maybe it was the description of all the arks with their various environments.  It was probably the promise of a talking cat.  Whatever it was, I am really glad it did.  The story is told through multiple perspectives, including sentient machines, although there is one character I would consider the main.  Eryn is a scout ship navigator trying to figure out who/what killed her sister when things go terribly (an understatement) wrong.  What was really impressive is how quickly you get invested in these characters even though there is a lot of action happening.  You wouldn't think there was enough room for character development, but there is!  While it would be easy to just focus on the action, the story did raise some interesting ethical and moral dilemmas if you like to do a bit of deep thinking.     

Bonus points for space animals that can communicate with people.  Also, Sam is spectacularly catty and realistic.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy

The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy by Paul Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy by Paul Myers is a must-read for fans of the Canadian comedy troupe.  Myers digs into the comedy roots that brought the five guys together and follows their ups and downs over the decades.  I particularly enjoyed learning about the origins of some of the sketches and who brings what to the table for a sketch.  It wasn't what I expected.  In fact, there were a lot of things I didn't expect!  In all, I think it helped me develop a deeper appreciation of their work.  

Bonus points:  I did not know that Mark is the son of a diplomat.  I knew I liked that guy.

View all my reviews

Review: Future Tense Fiction: Stories of Tomorrow

Future Tense Fiction: Stories of Tomorrow by Kirsten Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Future Tense Fiction: Stories of Tomorrow is a collection of short stories by Carmen Maria Machado, Emily St. John Mandel, Charlie Jane Anders, Nnedi Okorafor, Paolo Bacigalupi, Madeline Ashby, Mark Oshiro, Meg Elison, Maureen F. McHugh, Deji Bryce Olukotun, Hannu Rajaniemi, Annalee Newitz, Lee Konstantinou, and Mark Stasenko.  That's quite a line-up of amazing authors!

The main thread flowing through the stories is how emerging technology is changing our lives.  Sometimes for the good.  Sometimes for the bad.  It is hard to pick a favorite story because they were all so good.  Then again, I like stories with sentient technology or A.I.  I was a little disappointed to learn The Minnesota Diet by Charlie Jane Anders was not about hotdish and Jell-O salad.  Still a great story, you just won't find any tater tots in there.  

Bonus points: Ok, I maybe loved one story just a smidge more than the others.  When Robot and Crow Saved East St. Louis by Annalee Newitz tugged at my heartstrings.  An adorable robot and a crow learn to communicate and have an adventure?  Yes, please!

  

View all my reviews

Review: The Cherry Robbers

The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker from Mariner Books via NetGalley.

I am a huge fan of Dietland, so I was very excited to read Sarai Walker's latest book.  She nailed it again!  I've always been a sucker for gothic tales.  Nathaniel Hawthorne may have been my first author crush.  The Cherry Robbers was right up my alley.  

Without giving too much away, you are reading the journals of famous reclusive artist, Sylvia Wren.  When someone threatens to expose the secret she's been keeping almost her whole life, she decides to tell the story in her own words.  It's tragic and a bit spooky.  Is there a curse?  Are those ghosts or just your mind playing tricks on you?  You definitely feel the inspiration of Sarah Winchester and her mystery house.  Maybe a little Georgia O'Keefe.  If you enjoy beautiful gothic stories, this book is for you.  

View all my reviews

Review: Chainmail Bikini: The Anthology of Women Gamers

Chainmail Bikini: The Anthology of Women Gamers by Hazel Newlevant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chainmail Bikini: The Anthology of Women Gamers edited by Hazel Newlevant is a collection of comics celebrating women in gaming.  It also covers the full range of gaming; console, handheld, PC, tabletop, even LARPing.  I can never get enough of stuff like this because these are stories so rarely heard.  I think what I liked most about this is there is no sugar-coating.  Yes, there is joy to be found in this stores, but there is also the confrontation of misogny and condescension.  The more women who share their gamer stories, the more we break that down.   This is perfect for my fellow gamers.   

View all my reviews

Review: Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu

Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Junju Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito is a departure from the horror manga he normally produces.  Drawn in the same style, this is really about his own adventures with his cats, Yon and Mu.  It was fun and sweet and sometimes sad.  Junji is a self-described dog lover who has cats thrust upon him by his wife.  Antics ensue.

For anyone who has ever loved a cat, even if reluctantly.  

View all my reviews