Review: Final Girls

Final Girls by Riley Sager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Final Girls by Riley Sager is more thriller than horror but still an exciting time.  I say more thriller because with a name like "Final Girls" you think this must be horror.  There are definitely horror tropes and aspects, but this isn't your typical slasher.  The chapters alternate between the present and a past experience, filling in the blanks of the main character's memory of her final girl experience.  The thing is she doesn't know if she was the final girl or the one who killed her friends.  She certainly has the temper to have done it.  It can be scary figuring out who you really are.  It is finally time to find the answer!

If you like horror films but don't want something too slashery, this is a good mix.

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Review: Women's Hotel

Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery from HarperVia via NetGalley.  The book is available now.

I was really intrigued by the premise of Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery.  I have read about women's hotels in New York before.  Having grown up in a small town in the Midwest, I often wondered what it would be like to pick up and move to the big city on my own.  I would do that in my own way later, but these women were truly courageous to take such a chance.  Even the concept of women's hotels is so fascinating with their rules to keep women's virtue intact.  Although this is a fictional account about the different women living in one of the hotels, I'm sure it rings true for some who lived it.  You get an interesting array of characters, all drawn to the city for different reasons, and with varying problems and life circumstances.  I would be the woman who secretly has a cat in her room and also a hidden hot plate.  It also made me excited for my next trip to New York!  So much interesting history there to explore!  If you like history, herstory, or New York, you should check this book out. 

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Review: FantasticLand

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven is a horror/thriller set in a theme park during a hurricane.  It has a Lord of the Flies vibe.  I enjoyed that the story is told through interviews with the people who were either in the park or involved with the park during the time of the disaster.  I know some people might think the premise is too fantastical to suspend disbelief.  However, if you have ever been in a major disaster event, you know things can go south very fast even if resources are plentiful. People can split off into factions.  Not everyone cares about the greater good.  I found the story very engaging and loved the multiple perspectives that help fill in blanks of the overall story.  Even a villain believes they are the hero of their own story....  At the same time, I think it would be kind of cool to be locked in a theme park for a few days (under better circumstances!).  I should be careful what I wish for.

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Review: Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore

Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley.  This book will be published around March 4, 2025.  

Attention Cat Fans!  Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington is a delightful (and disturbing) collection of art, quotes, and history of cats in the Middle Ages. It is the kind of book you can pick up and flip through or read through when you just want a little distraction or need some cat time.  The caption for the art are quite funny.  Some of it is difficult to read because not everyone has loved cats throughout history.  Some cultures revered them.  Some cultures feared them.  If you don't want to read the sad facts, you can just skip them.  It also makes me wonder why so many people thought cats could cure blindness. I guess because of their reputedly good night vision?  This would make a nice coffee table book or gift for the cat lover. 

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Review: 23 1/2 Lies

23 1/2 Lies by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

23 1/2 Lies is a collection of three novellas by James Patterson.  I picked it up because I wanted to read the titular novella about the Women's Murder Club. This story takes place between the 23rd and 24th book in the series. It is stand alone, but it helps if you have some context about the character, Lindsey Boxed.  However, the story does a good job of giving just enough background so someone new to the series won't be completely lost.  If you are a fan of the Women's Murder Club, you will want to read this because it gives a new twist to Lindsey's life!  Meaty stuff.  

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Review: Run

Run by Blake Crouch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Run by Blake Crouch from Ballantine Books via NetGalley.  This book was first published in 2011.  It is out again now!

Run by Blake Crouch gave me an anxiety attack from the first few lines.  Run is an apt title because that is exactly what I wanted to do from the very start.  If you read a synopsis in advance, you might have an idea of what is happening in the beginning.  I did not do that, and I suggest you don't either.  It is much better to let the story unfurl as the characters learn.  It ramps up the intensity.  I also probably should not have read this right before the election because things were already tense.  This book did not help matters.  Without giving too much away, the book is rooted in science fiction but could easily happen in real life, the only difference would be the cause.  If you are already spiraling, maybe save this one for later.  But if you are ready to RUN, I'd pick this up right now.  

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Review: Listen for the Lie

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera incorporates one of my favorite epistolary forms, podcast episodes! Yes, I know everyone (except me) has a podcast.  Still, I really love using them as a way to tell a story in a variety of voices.  And yes, I listen to true crime podcasts anyway so this is just another way to get my fix.  Listen for the Lie is a podcast that tries to solve unsolved murders.  It was successful its first season.  Will it uncover the killer again?  The primary suspect is hoping it does because she can't remember the night her best friend died, but she also can't be sure she didn't do it like everyone believes.  Lots of juicy secrets are about to get spilled!

Bonus points for a sassy grandma who sticks by her granddaughter.  She reminded me of my mom if my mom had a lot of paramours.  

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Review: Over the Woodward Wall

Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Over the Woodward Wall is the first book in The Up-and-Under series by A. Deborah Baker.  I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Heath Miller.  You are definitely going to want to start with this book first.  It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz.  While there are some harrowing bits, it is suitable for middle grade to adult readers. The main characters are children on an adventure they didn't foresee into a world not at all like their own.  They are polar opposites, but that makes them even better suited for what lies ahead of them as each brings a different set of skills and knowledge to their quest. They meet an eclectic group of characters in an improbable and impossible world.  

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Review: A Mirror Mended

A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to a Mirror Mended, the second book in the Fractured Fables series, by Alix E. Harrow and narrated by Amy Landon.  You should read them in order because this book picks up where the first one left off.  The first one was very Sleeping Beauty centric.  Now, we are getting a good dose of Snow White.  If you like your fairy tales twisted, these are a fun read.  They are also great if you like a multiverse with infinite possibilities.   I like them because they are also quite humorous with a generous dose of sarcasm.  Also, who needs a prince to save them when you can just save yourself?

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Review: Strange Beasts

Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris from Bindery Books via NetGalley.  It is currently available to the public.

Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris is a fantastical mystery involving the daughters of Jonathan and Mina Harker from Dracula and Dr. Moriarty of Sherlock Holmes.  They belong to an organization that investigates strange happenings.  When a case of interest to both of them comes up, they reluctantly team up to solve it.  You see, Dr. Helena Moriarty has a bad track record of dead partners.  Plenty of adventure and supernatural thrills in this story.  I really liked the mash-up of these worlds.  There was also some very interesting magic and science involved.  An engaging read with some devilish twists.  

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Review: Fang Fiction: A Novel

Fang Fiction: A Novel by Kate Stayman-London
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London from Dial Press Trade Paperback via NetGalley.  It is available for purchase now!

I don't usually read romance, but I make an exception for Kate Stayman-London.  Fang Fiction is really for anyone who is into vampires, romance or not.  With Halloween coming up, this was a perfectly timed read.  I mean, what if vampires are real?  And what if you accidentally found yourself thrust into their very dramatic lives because you just happened to be a fan-atic of a book series about vampires.  It could happen.  It might be a dream come true even.  It could also be your worst nightmare if you didn't really pay attention to the details.  Besides having interesting characters and a unique plotline, I love the way this is also told in an epistolary-type fashion with commentary from a variety of characters.  If you want something delightful, and a little steamy, to read this holiday, check it out!  If you aren't into romance, I suggest making the Kate Stayman-London exception.  

Bonus points: I usually reserve bonus points for a very particular inclusion in books.  I'm making another exception here.  Kudos to Kate for including diverse characters so that many people can see themselves reflected here.

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Review: Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley. It should be published on January 7, 2025.

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs is the PURRfect book for the Taylor Swift fan and/or the cat lover.  Some might think this is a children's book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I am 50 years old.  Now, some might say I am a bit biased as I am a Swiftie and a bit of a cat lady myself.  However, I think I looked at this book through an impartial and critical lens.  It was so fun!  The illustrations by Katty Huertas are fantastic and really capture the spirit of this precious trio and their mother. Yes, I read it in one sitting.  Yes, I did go back to look at parts of it again and to enjoy the illustrations. Yes, you should buy a copy for the Swiftie(s) in your life.  They will thank you.  

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Review: Sinéad O'Connor: The Last Interview: and Other Conversations

Sinéad O'Connor: The Last Interview: and Other Conversations by Melville House
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of Sinead O'Connor: The Last Interview: and other Conversations edited by Melville House from Melville House Publishing via NetGalley.  It should be available to the public October 29, 2024.

Sinead O'Connor: The Last Interview: and other Conversations edited by Melville House with introduction by Kristin Hersh is a collection of interviews with Sinead O'Connor that span her career basically from beginning up until her death.  Reading it made me miss her so much!  Not only was she an incredible singer, she always spoke her mind no matter what the consequences could be.  Not enough people do that in the world!  She had a tough life, faced so much criticism, and yet continued to make music that would smack you across the face with its beauty and insight.  She was so much more than the woman with the shaved head, or the person who tore up the picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live.  If only people went after pedophiles as hard as they did Sinead after she did that.  How dare she call out child abuse!  Make no mistake, in reading these interviews, you can't ignore that much of what Sinead did was to call attention to all the different ways children are abused. She wanted a better world for her children and all children. She was way ahead of her time.  Now excuse me while I go listen to No Man's Woman.

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Review: Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre

Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. This book should be available to the public after November 12, 2024.

I was very excited to receive a copy of Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke because I am a big fan of his podcasts on tales of the weird. If you've listened to his podcasts, the book is very similar. It is a collection of true stories of unusual happenings throughout history and the world. They are loosely grouped by theme. You don't need to read them in order. You could read it in small snippets or big chunks, however you like. Having listened to the podcasts so much, I could nearly hear Aaron reading the accounts to me. The writing is very similar to the way the stories are presented in the podcasts. Besides being interesting and entertaining, you can come away with some great pieces of trivial knowledge. You never know when that can come in handy!

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Review: The Last Dream

The Last Dream by Pedro Almodóvar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of The Last Dream by Pedro Almodovar from HarperVia via NetGalley.  

The Last Dream by Pedro Almodovar is a collection of short stories, mostly fiction although some are/might be autobiographical.  If you enjoy his films, you should enjoy this collection as they explore similar themes and reflect his style. My favorite story was the titular, The Last Dream.  I won't spoil it by telling you what it is about, but it was so moving.  It made me think of my own experience.  I shed some tears.  But not every story tugs at the heart strings.  Some are fun or dark or fantastical.  It is an interesting read because you never know what to expect from the next story.  Of course, you don't need to read them in order.  You could read them however you want.  But definitely read The Last Dream.  And maybe have a tissue handy just in case!

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Review: How to Sell a Haunted House

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Apparently, I have been on a haunted house kick lately, specifically a selling haunted houses of parents who have recently passed away under suspicious circumstances kick.  How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix fits very nicely in that niche.  Maybe because I am currently dealing with cleaning a house full of my parents' things, this book hit me hard.  I could relate to Louise not wanting to rush to just throw everything away.  There are lots of memories.  Memories are tricky things, and boy, can they be skewed by different perspectives.  This house has an added bonus, creepy dolls and puppets!  I never really thought of puppets as the thing of nightmares until now.  Dolls I can definitely see.  There are plenty of movies that make that point.  Add a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, and you have the makings of a horrific tale.  Get to reading!

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Review: Model Home

Model Home by Rivers Solomon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Model Home by Rivers Solomon from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux/MCD via NetGalley.  It should be available to the public on October 1, 2024.  

Rivers Solomon was in the process of writing Model Home when they read a teeny excerpt at WisCon last year.  I wrote down the title and have been obsessively waiting for its release ever since.  I almost lost my mind when I received an Advanced Reader's Copy because I couldn't wait to read this before Halloween.  You see, Model Home is a ghost/haunted house story, and it will haunt the hell out of you.     When you have to deal with the death of close family members, like your parents, it brings up all sorts of skeletons from your past. How one deals with it varies greatly.  Rivers has a way of writing that really puts my senses through a workout.  I swear I could taste the late night diner pancakes.  I really wanted those pancakes.  Don't let the pancakes distract you! This is some deeply dark stuff we are dealing with, but wow, was it worth it. 

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Review: Raising Women

Raising Women by Shannon Waite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Raising Women by Shannon Waite from the author via NetGalley. This book should be available to the public starting October 11, 2024.

When I read the description for Raising Women by Shannon Waite, I knew I needed to read it.  It is described as an interactive novel about growing into womanhood.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE a choose-your-own-adventure book, game, movie, whatever so this was a no-brainer.  I've also made it into womanhood successfully by many definitions, so how bad could I get it wrong?  Hint: I got it really wrong.  The good news is I could go back and try again.  Reading it on Kindle made it fairly easy to jump to the right section.  Going back was less easy.  This is not a sweet coming-of-age book. You are a teenage girl, but you have to deal with very adult situations and sometimes uncomfortable situations.  Keep that in mind if you decide to gift this book!  I still had a lot of fun ruining my life.

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Review: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix really had me steaming about the patriarchy.  As he says in the forward, this book is a tribute to the mothers who are the everyday, unsung heroes.  To all the people who dismay the "housewife" as someone without a job, you have no idea.  So, a group of housewives start a book club to help them escape the day-to-day for just a bit.  They like to read true crime.  As a fellow lover of true crime, I get the appeal.  Gruesome but fascinating!  Then things start happening in their neighborhood that they would be remiss to ignore.  While many people can overlook a lot, most can't overlook a potential threat to their children.  That's when the book gets uncomfortable.  It's also when the men in the book get so annoying, I wanted to get rid of all of them!  And yet, it didn't seem that over-the-top which makes me sad.  Even though it promises vampires, it reads more like true crime than straight horror.  When you finish reading it, don't forget to tell your mother you love her.

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Review: Murder Road

Murder Road by Simone St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder Road by Simone St. James is a story in the tradition of urban legends about ghostly hitchhikers.  There's many a haunted road in the United States.  They are almost always some long, unlit deserted stretch in a rural part of the country. People who have heard the rumors tend to avoid it just in case.  But sometimes you are just passing through. You take a wrong turn.  And that turns your life upside down.  Lots of good suspense with plenty of secrets.  You might want to take this one for a ride.

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Review: The Book of Gems

The Book of Gems by Fran Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Book of Gems is the third novella in the Gemworld series by Fran Wilde. I had been told you didn't need to read any of the other books to read this one, and that is true. I started here. This book was recommended to me because I like epistolary novels. It helps that it is short, so you don't have to worry about making a huge time investment into something you may or may not enjoy. In this case, I did enjoy it. There are definitely gems involved in new and unique ways. Don't upset them!

For a novella, there are a lot of interesting themes packed in here to chew on. You don't have to know anything about gemstones to appreciate the story even though they play a major role. It is more like a cautionary tale of colonialism and unethical archaeology. It made me think of early Egyptologists and the curses that supposedly plagued them.

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Review: I Did Something Bad

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.

Those who know me know I don't read much in the romance genre. Nothing against romance (I used to read it voraciously). I'm just in a different Era of my life now, and it hits different now. But, I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War grabbed my attention for two reasons: 1) The book title is also a Taylor Swift song, and 2) it was billed as a mystery thriller with romance. I was ...ready for it! The title could have been a coincidence. After reading the book, I don't think it was.  I have reasons.  It definitely was a mystery thriller with romance.  That's the kind of romance I can read.  I also seem to have a thing for books about a journalist writing a piece on a celebrity, so there's that. I almost forgot I was reading a romance, and that is some of the highest praise I can give. 

Now here is the other reason you should read this book. It takes place in Myanmar!  Pyae Moe Thet War is from Myanmar.  This is not someone pretending they know what Myanmar is like. For me, it was fun to be taken somewhere new and given insight into a different culture.

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Review: Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant . . . and Completely Over It

Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant . . . and Completely Over It by Lester Fabian Brathwaite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant . . . and Completely Over It by Lester Fabian Brathwaite from Penguin Group Dutton/Tiny Reparations Books  via NetGalley.

Although I am not queer or Black, the title, Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant . . . and Completely Over It by Lester Fabian Brathwaite, captured my attention and made me want to read this book.  As a middle-aged perimenopausal woman, I am quite acquainted with rage. This book gave me a new and different perspective on rage. Lester has plenty of reasons to have rage.  It is kind of funny that the underlying source of much of his rage is similar to mine even though we have very different life experiences.  I found myself saying, "You are so right about that!" many times. You have to read the book to find out what that source is.  

This book doesn't mince words and deals with topics that may make some people feel uncomfortable. Personally, I think it is good to challenge your thinking and open yourself up to new perspectives. There are things I will never truly be able to understand because I am not Black or queer, but I can get a better idea of where people are coming from with their own rage.  Thanks, Lester!

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Review: The Saturday Night Ghost Club

The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is an engrossing, fast read. It clocks in at about 222 pages. I burned through it on a flight. It falls under horror and mystery, but I found it to be really touching and appropriate for teenagers or adults. I would have loved to have had a family member who owned an occult store and took me on ghost hunts growing up.  I didn't quite have that, but my parents loved a ghost story, and my dad was a master at telling them. I think that added a layer to my enjoyment of this book.  Whether you believe in ghosts or not, people can be haunted in all different sorts of ways.  

In addition to the ghost stuff, I enjoyed the story of making friends when you are a bit weird and having that one friend that every adult thinks is a bad influence but that's just because they don't get why you are friends.  That was a really powerful side story.  This is great if you want some ghost stories but to still be able to sleep with the lights off.

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Review: Darkly

Darkly by Marisha Pessl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Darkly by Marisha Pessl from Random House Children's Delacorte Press via NetGalley.

Don't be fooled by the young adult categorization of Darkly by Marisha Pessl.  This book can certainly be enjoyed by adults because I loved it!  Maybe I am biased because I have read every one of Marisha's books and enjoyed them all. I was so excited to get this one because it promised to be what I love about her work: dark, spooky, and intellectually stimulating.  I love a good puzzle and a good board game.  Combine the two and I am in heaven. Escape rooms, murder mystery parties, all of that stuff, yes please.  When a group of teenagers are selected to solve a mystery related to a lost board game by their favorite game-maker, they find themselves in a real life version of the game.  It is fantastic!  It will have you guessing about whodunnit and who can be trusted.  You might be surprised.  Highly recommend it to anyone who wants a spooky puzzle to solve without a bunch of gore. 

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Review: The Masquerades of Spring

The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch from Subterranean Press via NetGalley.

The Masquerades of Spring is a novella in the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch.  I have only read the first book in the series, so I can safely tell you that you could read this as a standalone.  While maybe reading the first book would help set up some information for you, it is not really necessary.  

I enjoyed the setting of 1920s New York City and Harlem specifically.  It was an interesting time in the United States, and the Harlem Renaissance was in full bloom.  You will also get a taste of ball culture which sounds spectacular to witness in person. 

It may bother some people that the language used is accurate to the time period.  There are terms used regarding black and queer people that would never be acceptable today.  If that bothers you, I would move along to another book. 

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Review: How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training

How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman from Sourcebooks via NetGalley.  It should be available to the public on September 10, 2024

How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman is a good introduction to dog training.  There are some basic exercises you can do to start a foundation for training your dog.  More than anything, this book provides a good description of positive reinforcement training and how it differs from other dog training methods. This is really great for people who might be new to dog training or might be struggling to train a dog.  Even though my dog has been through training, I picked up a few tips.

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Review: Here One Moment

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty from Crown Publishing via NetGalley. It should be available to the public on September 10, 2024. 

I've read and enjoyed a few books by Liane Moriarty, but Here One Moment is my favorite so far. The book is told from various perspectives.  All the narrators were on a flight together.  One of them gets up during the flight and predicts the age and cause of death of all the others.  What happens after that is up to each of them.  There's a little mystery and suspense as we wait to find out if the predictions will come true.  More importantly, it makes you stop and think about what you might do if you were given the same information. Would you accept your fate or try to change it?  Be sure to check this one out!  

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Review: Red Side Story

Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting a very long time to read Red Side Story, the second book in the Shades of Grey series, by Jasper Fforde.  I haven't read a book by Fforde that I didn't like.  For some reason, this series about colors always reminds me of the public gardens in Vienna, Austria.  What if I couldn't see them in color at all?  Or only in shades of one color?  Red Side Story plays on Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story with people divided by a color hierarchy.  Purple at the top. Grey at the bottom. This time though the star-crossed lovers are way smarter and fighting for a better world.  Well, one of them is way smarter and the other just might be really lucky.  While it is fun to read, it also makes you think about our world and how class affects us.  Pro tip: Save your spoons. They may be valuable one day.

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Review: Black Sheep

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison checked so many of my boxes!  Taylor Swift references, making bad choices with bad boys, religious cult, and horror films.  The main character has spent her life trying to escape the fundamentalist religious group she grew up in. It is not that they are bad people, but she just can't find any way to share their beliefs. She can't help being curious though when she receives a wedding invitation for a childhood friend and decides to go back.  I did mention bad decisions, didn't I?  I recommend not reading any summaries before you read the book because it might spoil a really important point.  This is like if horror met chick lit and had a baby with all the best qualities.  Read it!


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Review: Fire and Bones

Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs from Scribner via NetGalley.

Fire and Bones is the 23rd novel in the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs.  If you watched the TV show, Bones, it was inspired by this series.  You could pick up this book and start reading the series here without having read the previous books.  This could also be read as a standalone if you are not sure you want to invest in a series of 20+ books.  

I think what most intrigued me about this one is that it is set in Foggy Bottom in Washington, DC.  Having just started my retirement journey from the US Department of State, Foggy Bottom holds a special place in my heart.  I don't know if the Foggy Bottom gang was a real historical thing or not.  Doesn't really matter to me.  It was a good excuse to get into the history of the area.  There are a couple of different "mysteries" happening in here.  I won't spoil any of them, but you won't be lacking for puzzles to solve if you like that kind of thing.  The only thing I couldn't stop wanting throughout this book was a crossover cameo from Kay Scarpetta.  Maybe in the future???  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  

Bonus points for Chuck.  That chinchilla is going places!  However, I am not ready for Birdie to take a backseat just yet.

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Review: Ascension

Ascension by Nicholas Binge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ascension by Nicholas Binge is somewhere between science fiction and horror.  It is presented as a collection of letters written to the main character's niece that were compiled and printed posthumously to warn humans about a threat to our existence.  I am always going to give an epistolary novel a go.  I just love that style.  There are editorial asides which lend to making it feel real.  This did make me think a bit about the movie, The Thing.  A team of experts in their field end up in a very brutal environment trying to figure out what is going on but also what killed the team before them.  The main question is how does a mountain show up out of nowhere?  The only way to find the answer is to ascend.

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Review: The Writing Retreat

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz was a spectacular thriller.  If you favorite author of all time invited you to spend a month at a very exclusive writing retreat at their remote home with the chance to have your book published at the end, you would go wouldn't you?  Who would turn that down?  Some people might even kill for that chance.  Sure said author is an eccentric character who writes gothic horror and lives a life that reflects that.  The house itself has a ghastly history and may house a demon.  This isn't Stephen King and his corgis although it did give me The Shining vibes.

The main story is interspersed with excerpts from the book being written during the retreat so it is like getting two books in one.  Each story is crazy good in its own way.  Another book not for the squeamish! 

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Review: La empleada

La empleada by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Housemaid is the first book in the Housemaid series by Freida McFadden.  My sister told me I needed to read this because she thought it was fantastic.  We don't often overlap in our taste in books, but it did keep coming up in other areas, so I thought I would give it a try.  I do like a good psychological thriller.  My library only had the ebook in Spanish.  Fortunately, I prefer to use my language skills for reading!  Millie is hired by Nina to do housekeeping and child care.  Millie really needs the job after a bit of a rough life start.  Nina has everything a person could ask for but only because she married well.  So it comes as quite a surprise that she seems to only want to make Millie miserable.  You have to read the book to find out why.

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Review: Gather the Daughters

Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed hooked me because it is described as a book about a cult on an island.  I love a good cult book.  This one definitely delivered!  This book isn't going to be for everyone because it deals with some heavy issues including child abuse and rape.  The chapters alternate points of view of girls and women in the story.  Each of them deals with their society and their personal situations in a different way.  Rebellion...conformity...there doesn't seem to be a perfect solution.  One person's utopia is another person's nightmare.  

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Review: Magpie Murders

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magpie Murders is the first book in the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz.  You could certainly read this as a standalone.  I was actually surprised to learn there is a second book.  This is a perfect read for people who like epistolary format and whodunnits.  There is a mystery within a mystery, a book within a book.  Will you catch all the clues and figure it out before Susan does?  Just remember that life doesn't necessarily follow the neat rules of murder mysteries.  

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Review: The Omega Factor

The Omega Factor by Steve Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Omega Factor by Steve Berry is a standalone novel that takes place in the Cotton Malone universe but does not include any of those characters.  Instead we meet Nick Lee who works for UNESCO investigating crimes against cultural heritage locations and items.  Through a personal connection with a nun he gets drawn into a Catholic mystery involving art, Cathars, Joan of Arc and the Virgin Mary.  Yes, please!  As always, you get the great blend of history and action that Berry consistently delivers.  If you already enjoy the Cotton Malone series, give this a read!  If you have never read a Steve Berry novel, this is a good starter.

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Review: I Was a Teenage Slasher

I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones from Saga Press via NetGalley.

I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones is yet another amazing foray into slasher movies from the perspective of someone living in one.  Tolly Driver is just a teenage boy trying to graduate from high school in west Texas when he unexpectedly finds himself living by the rules of a slasher movie except he is the slasher.  That's not really a spoiler.  It is right there in the title.  The book is him telling his story.  He didn't want to be a slasher.  He didn't even watch horror movies!  Fortunately, his best friend did.  She's a smart cookie and picks up on the signs right away.  The only problem is those movies never tell you how to stop someone from becoming a slasher.  They try their best though.  It is odd to find a book with a lot of violence heartwarming but I'm going to use that word.  I really felt for Tolly and his predicament.  And everyone needs a best friend like Amber.  Lots of nostalgia for growing up in the 80s as well.  Good stuff!

Finally, if you have a peanut allergy, don't accept a soda from anyone in the south apparently.  I didn't even know that was a thing. 

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Review: The Book of Elsewhere

The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley.

The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville is based on the BRZRKR comic books created by Keanu.  I haven't read the comic books, but the story sounded very interesting.  This is weird fiction.  You have to be ok with not knowing exactly what is happening in the very beginning. The story will reveal itself with chapters alternating between "present" time and stories from the past that tell the history of Unute aka B.  Not only does B come back from the dead, he also goes into rage states where he becomes a killing machine.  If you don't do well with violence, you might want to skip this.  Although B is the main character, I wouldn't define him as a hero.  He's not necessarily a villain either.  The first few chapters were very slow going as I puzzled things out.  Once it all started to click, the pace really picked up.  You had me at religious fanaticism and pig-worshipping cults!  If you have read the comic books, definitely pick this up.  If you haven't but are looking for something that is an atypical action thriller, give this a go.

Bonus points for incorporating Babe, the immortal babirusa.  Honestly my favorite character.  I could read a whole series just based on Babe's adventures through history.  

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Review: Skein Island

Skein Island by Aliya Whiteley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Skein Island by Aliya Whitely is a dark tale about Fate.  Yes, Fate with a capital F.  I put it on my list because it is about an island that hosts a women-only retreat.  That theme keeps appearing in my life, so I may just have to sign up for one soon.  Women apply for an invitation to spend one week, all expenses paid, escaping from the rest of the world in exchange for writing the story of their life.  Sounds like an amazing deal!  Turns out there is a catch.  There is always a catch.  That catch is a bit terrifying.  People into mythology may also like this book.

My edition contained a bonus short story set in the same world but with different characters.  I enjoyed it too.  

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Review: Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters

Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn is a delightful epistolary story with "a novel in letters" being a play on words of sorts.  Yes, it is told through letters, but it is also about letters, alphabet letters.  In an isolated island society, the local government decides to start banning the usage of letters of the alphabet based on a perceived divine intervention.  As letters get banned, the letters are written without them.  If you ever thought a letter was expendable, have a read!  The book is very cleverly written and can appeal to a broad audience but especially language nerds.  

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Review: Cat + Gamer Volume 1

Cat + Gamer Volume 1 by Wataru Nadatani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat + Gamer, Volume 1 is manga by Wataru Nadatani.  Easy to read in one sitting, Volume 1 introduces the story of a gamer girl who adopts a kitten.  She doesn't know much about cats, so she tries to user gamer logic to comical results.  As a gamer girl and an animal lover, this manga was made for me.  In my experience, cats tend to like video games, so this is a perfect combination.  It's a very cute and fun read.

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Review: Silence For the Dead

Silence For the Dead by Simone St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James is the embodiment of that phrase, "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you."  This is a ghost story wrapped up in gothic imagery.  An isolated mansion converted into a convalescence home for soldiers with what we would now think is PTSD set in the 1900s has to be haunted.  That's the rule.  This story is not particularly scary but haunting is a good description.  Nice if you are feeling gothy.

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Review: The 23rd Midnight

The 23rd Midnight by James Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 23rd Midnight is the 23rd book in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.  You could start here, but this book's storyline makes reference to a previous storyline that is worth reading first.  All your favorite characters get some time.  We also get some hints that at least one member of the club is thinking about retirement.  I had been wondering when that day might come.  It all has to come to an end eventually.  The good news is there is another book already out so that time is not yet.

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Review: Good Girls Don’t Die

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry is dark feminist horror.  Have you ever read a book and thought you could do better than the main character in surviving whatever it is they are faced with?  What if you then woke up to find yourself in that situation?  That's what this book explores.  It appeals to fans of the Truman Show and the Hunger Games or even just reality TV but the reality TV that is like a Japanese game show where people are entertained by other people getting hurt.  Throw in an overdose of misogyny, and you have quite the recipe.  Would you make it out alive? 

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Review: Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One

Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One by Anita Lo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One written by Chef Anita Lo is exactly that.  There really aren't enough cookbooks in the world designed for single people.  Most recipes make too much food for one person and who wants to do the math to get it down to a single portion?  Not this woman!  I also loved that Lo focuses on making sure there is no waste and supports eating things other people would throw in the trash.  While many of the dishes have meat in them, there were plenty of veggie options or modifications to make vegetarian options.  Make sure you read the stories that come before each recipe too because that is one of the best parts!  

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Review: The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories is a collection of short stories written by Terry Pratchett long before he was ever famous for the Discworld series.  The stories are meant for children but can be enjoyed by anyone.  I had put off reading this for a long time because it is the last book I had on my list by Pratchett.  There will be no more books, and that makes me sad.  But, it was a pleasure to read his voice again.  

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Review: The Book of Cold Cases

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James is another mystery/thriller with a supernatural element.  It is told in alternating narratives between the woman investigating a cold case for her blog and the woman who is suspected of murder in the case. While it could be categorized as horror as well, it isn't really that scary unless you are worried about ghosts murdering you.  Maybe you should be...

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Review: The Library of Lost and Found

The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick has a bit of a cozy mystery feeling to it.  There is a mystery although it doesn't involve a murder.  It is more family secrets in a quaint setting.  There are cake and books, which I always support.  The main character has a problem of putting other people's needs before her own as her way of connecting.  It seems like a great trait to have until you realize that you've lost yourself.  This book is about finding yourself and is a nice read when you need that boost. 

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Review: Snowflakes

Snowflakes by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Snowflakes is an Amazon Original Story by Ruth Ware.  It is only 31 pages, so you can read it in one sitting.  A little bit dystopian fiction, a little bit mystery, a little bit thriller.  In this crazy world, I could see this absolutely happening.  Check it out!

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