Review: The Puzzle Master

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Puzzle Master is the first book in the Puzzle series by Danielle Trussoni.  You will want to start here as it introduces you to Mike Brink and why he is considered the Puzzle Master.  This book appealed to me because it does contain puzzles. I enjoyed trying to solve them before their solutions were revealed to me.  There are also elements of religion, the paranormal, and secret societies which are always things I like to read.  If you liked the DaVinci Code, pick this book up.  

Bonus points for Conundrum, the smart dog, who I was more worried about then any person in the book.  

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Review: The Pallbearers' Club

The Pallbearers' Club by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The Pallbearers' Club by Paul Tremblay falls in the horror genre but it not necessarily scary.  It has an epistolary tinge to it with a character commenting throughout the book as if they were writing their own notes/review/reactions to what is presented.  It is a fictional memoir of a friendship with a suspected vampire. She is more like an energy vampire, so don't worry about a lot of blood.  I feel like this book will have extra appeal to Gen Xers.  I don't know why I feel that, I just do.  It made me want to listen to the Cure and all my alternative music while wearing all black, Gothy clothes and a pair of Doc Martens. 

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Review: Starling House

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is a Southern Gothic, "haunted" house novel.  Dark, mysterious, a little scary, but also funny.  There are epistolary elements which immediately bumps it up for me. There is a lot happening in this book and yet it never feels overwhelming or difficult to keep all the pieces straight.  Some really good surprises.  Ultimately, it is a good reminder that we shouldn't try to bury the sins of our past as that will just backfire.  Also, and this won't come as a shock, racists and misogynists suck.  

Bonus points for the hellcat.  I have met that cat in more than one place in the world.  Always befriend the hellcat. 

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Review: The Atmospherians

The Atmospherians by Isle McElroy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Atmospherians by Isle McElroy is a satire of cults and the obsession with social media celebrity, particularly wellness influencers.  You may find this published under the name Alex McElroy.  While there is much to laugh about, it is also deadly serious and a bit horrific how on-the-nose it is.  I could see it easily becoming non-fiction.  There is definitely an element that I hope remains fiction, man mobs.  Although these days, anything could happen.  Pairs very nicely with the Conspirituality podcast.

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Review: How to Survive Your Murder

How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine is probably best categorized as fiction, it is also quite funny.  I loved all the 90s horror movie references.  The book is fashioned in a way that is reminiscent of those movies.  If you enjoy those, you will very likely enjoy this book.  There is a bit of a mystery to solve.  Is memory reliable?  How many people would you sacrifice to bring back someone you loved?  Lots of interesting, thought-provoking questions wrapped up in a fun, bloody package.

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Review: Shakespeare for Squirrels

Shakespeare for Squirrels by Christopher Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shakespeare for Squirrels is the third book in the Fool series by Christopher Moore.  This is a humorous take on A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Like Shakespeare, it is pretty bawdy.  There is a monkey named Jeff who is my favorite.  

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Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.  I would definitely start here because it builds the world of the series.  It reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast and a less gruesome Game of Thrones.  If you like either or those, I would pick this up.  The story moves quickly, so I ended up reading it in about two days which says something because it isn't super short.  There is fantasy, romance, and intrigue involved.  I can see why this series is currently very popular.    

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Review: The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat . . . Everything with Ranch

The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat . . . Everything with Ranch by Charlie Berens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat...Everything with Ranch written and read by Charlie Berens.  I now plan to buy a physical copy to keep on hand as a reference book.  This is also the perfect gift for anyone who lives in the Midwest, just moved to the Midwest, or thinks they might move to the Midwest.  If you aren't originally from the Midwest, the audiobook will help you get a sense for the correct pronunciation and accent to use when you are here.  

Having grown up in the Midwest, I realized just how much of my life has been influenced by my place of birth.  And even though I have spent most of my life not in the Midwest, certain parts of the Midwest culture have really stuck with me.  This book helped me realize that I have imposed the 12 Step Goodbye on people who were probably absolutely befuddled by why I wouldn't just leave.  So much good information in here, you will want to get your copy right now!

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Review: The Hollow Ones

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hollow Ones is meant to be the first book in the Blackwood Tapes series by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.  I say meant to be because there isn't a second book yet and sometimes a second book never comes to pass, so the series part remains to be seen.  Still, you will want to start here because it lays the groundwork for any future books.  The story is told from a couple of different perspectives and jumps around in time to explain how we get to the somewhat present day situation.  I like the idea that in New York City there is a mysterious mailbox that you could easily miss as you walk by, but that if you do just the right steps, you could summon a paranormal detective like Hugo Blackwood.  I'd drink his tea any day.  While this is probably considered horror, it is really a supernatural thriller.  It moves fast.  I read it in two days.  I didn't even realize I was almost halfway finished when I put it down the first time.  The ending does set up for a second book, but it is not a cliffhanger so you can read this without worrying that you will be left hanging.  


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Review: Devil House

Devil House by John Darnielle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devil House by John Darnielle is a tough one to write about.  The title leads you to think this might be a horror novel.  It is actually more fictional true crime although it is a horror how we treat survivors of crime.  It has a book within a book with a couple of different stories being told at the same time.  It has epistolary elements.  If you like true crime, this is a really fantastic read.  It will make you think about the true crime stories you've heard or read.  It might make you question how you consume them in the future.  Perspective is everything.  I think this would also be good in audiobook form, and I would love to see a visual representation of Devil House.  

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Review: The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the Fbi, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists

The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the Fbi, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists by Tracy Walder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists written by Tracy Walder.  I found the first half of the book very interesting.  It aligned with things I know, things I had nearly forgotten.  The second half was not as detailed about the process of joining the FBI as it was about joining the CIA.  I had hoped it would have more details understanding there is only so much you can share.  Instead, it exposed something that I think isn't just an issue in the FBI.  Bullying and discrimination exist in other agencies too.  We should be shining a light on it.  I'm glad she ended up doing something she enjoys and that helps young women feel they belong in a world that has been deemed men's work for too long. 

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Review: The Vela: Salvation

The Vela: Salvation by Ashley Poston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vela: Salvation is the second and final book of the Vela series.  I listened to the podcast because I couldn't find it in the library.  It has a different set of authors from the first book, but they still alternate writing chapters.  Each chapter is an episode of the podcast.  This book takes place a few months after the last book which left on a cliffhanger.  While it leaves the possibility open for future books, it wraps up The Vela storyline.  I suggest reading it if you are curious to know how things ultimately turn out.  

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Review: The Vela: A Novel

The Vela: A Novel by Yoon Ha Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Vela is the first book of two. This book has chapters written in an alternating fashion by SL Huang, Yoon Ha Lee, Becky Chambers, and Rivers Solomon.  I enjoy reading things by all of them, so I figured this book would be just right, and it was!  You can also find it in podcast form along with the second book.  Each chapter is an episode.  The Vela takes on climate change on an interplanetary level.   Having mined their sun beyond the point of no return, some planets have reached the point of extinction, others have people desperately trying to get anywhere else.  Those planets not yet affected are dealing with an influx of climate refugees in various ways.  Does any of this sound familiar? Plenty of food for thought going on here.

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Review: Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek by Daniel Levy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went to a book launch event in New York City where Daniel and Eugene Levy talked about their book, Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek.  I got a copy of the book at the event.  I don't normally need to have books about the shows I watch, but I really, really, REALLY loved Schitt's Creek.  I love those characters and the cast that played them.  I will watch anything they are in.  Reading the book was a walk down memory lane.  I am surprised about how vividly I can remember the scenes they talk about.  I also enjoyed all the extra visual bits, like seeing all of David's sweaters and all of Moira's wigs.  If those wigs could talk!  If you loved the show too, this is a nice companion piece.  Looks lovely on a coffee table.  

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Review: Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats

Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano is exactly that, a collection of love poems written from the perspective of cats.  Lots of people think cats aren't very loving.  They have a reputation for treating their people like servants.  In fact, they are very loving.  They just show their affection in a way that most people can't understand.  Once you unlock the cat psyche, you will start to see their every action, no matter how distressing, as a loving gesture.  The book is short and can be read in one sitting or savored over a period of time.  While I found the poems quite humorous, as someone in on the joke, I am sure they were written with serious intentions.  If you are a dog person, this book is not for you.  

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Review: System Collapse

System Collapse by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

System Collapse is the seventh book in the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells.  You could pick it up right here, but you might be a little lost.  I'd recommend at least reading book six if you haven't read the rest of the series.  Book six takes place immediately before this and sets the stage for what they are dealing with now.  It also introduces some characters who are part of this story.  If you already read the series, this is more of what you love although Murderbot is almost too busy to watch media in this book which is a downer for everyone. 

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