Review: Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind

Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind by Annalee Newitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind written by Annalee Newitz and narrated by Alexandra Cohler.  I only listened to this because that was the version that was available.  I actually think I would want to go back and read it so I can absorb more of the content and really sit with some of the examples.  

Sadly, Annalee Newitz couldn't have picked a better time to release Stories Are Weapons.  This is one of the most important books people can read right now.  Annalee digs into the history of propaganda and how it is used to mold our minds.  Annalee's writing is always engaging, and I found I wanted to keep going long after the book was over.  I want to take psy ops classes!  They have laid out a perfect case for why everyone should be critically thinking about the information we are consuming on a daily basis and ensuring we have responsible sources.  Even if you aren't a history buff, the examples were compelling, and I learned a lot about topics I thought I already knew well. If you only add one book to your to-be-read list this year, make it this one (and then read it!).

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Review: For the First Time, Again

For the First Time, Again by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For the First Time, Again is the third book in the Take Them to the Stars series by Sylvain Neuvel.  You could start reading here although you would be better served by starting with book one and reading in order.  The stories and characters build on each other.  However, they can be read as standalone and you will still understand what is going on.  

If you like cunning female protagonists with a good dose of space talk, this is the perfect series for you.  I am not very good at math and science, but I really find learning about the space program and space exploration fascinating.  And while there might be some alternate history in here, much of it is grounded in fact.  It is also still easy enough to understand for the non-nerd. 

Bonus points for having a soundtrack to listen to while you read.  I loved that the chapter titles are songs and what a kick ass playlist!

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Review: We'll Prescribe You a Cat

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We'll Prescribe You a Cat is the first book in the We'll Prescribe You a Cat series by Syou Ishida.  I would start here because it sets up the backstory for future books.  Cat lovers will totally understand why cats are the perfect prescription for whatever ails you (except maybe cat allergies).  This fantastical tale involves a mysterious clinic that seems to pop up just when you need it and has a cat that can cure your troubles even if you don't see how it might be possible.  The doctor and nurse are just as mysterious and have their own secrets. 

Warning: If you don't already have cats, reading this may make you want to adopt one immediately. 

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Review: End of Story

End of Story by A.J. Finn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

End of Story by A. J. Finn will keep you guessing up until the end (of story).  If a writer I admired asked me to spend their last months with them so I can write their story, I would jump at the chance, and I am not even a good writer.  Would I hesitate if if there was a question as to whether they had killed their spouse and child, maybe, but the temptation would be great.  I like a mystery.  I would be tempted to try to get some answers.  It was giving me Rebecca vibes, and I adore that book.  Everyone seems to have a secret.  Will you live long enough to find out what they all are?

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Review: The Killer Question

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Killer Question by Janice Hallett from Atria Books via NetGalley. The book is set to be published September 25, 2025. 

I was so excited to read The Killer Question by Janice Hallett.  Not only have I enjoyed all of Hallett's books because I love her style of writing, this one involves pub quizzes!  I am such a trivia nerd.  I could only have been happier reading this if the quizzes had been included.  But don't worry, there is plenty of trivia included even without the full quizzes.  Much of the story is told through text exchanges.  That gives all the characters another layer of personality.  The story has a few different mysteries going on.  There is one in the past, the murder in the present, and one involving potential cheating on the quiz circuit.  It will keep your brain buzzing.  If you like a good game of trivia, give this book a read.

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Review: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix felt a little different from his other books.  There is still the horror element and the great pop culture references.  There is even a little bit of humor.  However, you feel that there is a more important story to tell.  It is one that still happens today even if we don't hear about it.  Young, unwed, pregnant women and girls parceled off to a location to have their babies to avoid shaming their families.  Not surprisingly, there is often a religious element to it.  To the shame, that is.  The babies are most often put up for adoption.  Whether that is really what the young mother wants is up for debate and usually doesn't matter.  It is a reminder of how much ground we lost when Roe vs. Wade was overturned.  Ultimately, the book left me wanting to give all these girls a hug because compassion goes a lot further than shame.

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Review: Lessons in Magic and Disaster

Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders from Tor Books via NetGalley.  The book will be published around August 19, 2025.  You can preorder a copy now.

Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders is a touching story of family and love in its many facets.  While the title tells you there will be magic involved, I found the part about literature to be really compelling.  I loved the quotes that opened the chapters and learning more about female writers in the 1700s. Could we get a copy of the dissertation as bonus content?  I would read that.  If you want a book that sort of hugs you like a warm blanket but also doesn't shy away from the darker side of life, you'll want to check this out.  

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Review: The Retreat

The Retreat by Gemma Fairclough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Retreat by Gemma Fairclough from Wild Hunt Books.  It is currently available for purchase from their website.

The Retreat by Gemma Fairclough is a novella from The Northern Weird Project.  The project features books about strange happenings in Northern England.  The Retreat appealed to me because it is told in a nontraditional way (through interviews and journal-type entries) but also involves a wellness retreat that might be a cult.  It was really engrossing.  I could have read even more.  And while this is fiction, it tracks with the stories you hear of so many wellness scams.  Maybe they don't have mysterious entities punishing the less devoted, but you never know!  If you are into books about cults, mysterious disappearances, and/or wellness, give this one a go.  

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Review: OtherLife

OtherLife by Jason Segel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OtherLife is the third book in the Last Reality series by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller.  You will definitely want to read the books in order.  I let a lot of time lapse between the last one and this one because I wasn't ready for the series to be over.  I didn't have any trouble remembering what was going on after a few pages in.  This book is considered YA, but it is just as appealing to an adult reader. If you like LitRPG and/or video games, this series is a great choice.  The world is so vibrant and the addition of virtual reality and alternate reality gaming makes you wonder what the future looks like for gamers.  Hopefully, there won't be sinister game companies.  Maybe I am being naive.  

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Review: Annie Bot

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of Annie Bot written by Sierra Greer and narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya simply because that was the version the library had available.  I think it would be great in any format.  The story is more than just some guy falling in love with his android.  There have been similar concept pieces, but Annie Bot is really about Annie and her journey of self discovery.  The guy could be anybody.  Or maybe he couldn't.  Because he is who he is, Annie has developed in a certain way.  Annie doesn't have the benefit of seeing red flags like other women.  I couldn't help but want to tell her to RUN.  Not everybody has that luxury, especially when you are considered property.  Lots to think about with this one.  Would also love to see a sequel.  

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Review: If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You

If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein from Ballantine Books via NetGalley. It will be out around August 26, 2025.

With a title like  If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You, Leigh Stein has already got you hooked.  I mean, could it be any clearer that you need to read this?  I was also drawn into descriptions of a Gothic, potentially haunted mansion and tarot card readings.  Yes, please!  The mystery surrounds what happened to the very popular tarot card reader living in the hype house when she suddenly disappears.  A new member of the house is determined to find out.  The machine behind Internet celebrity is also quite fascinating to read about.  This might be fiction but that part seems based in a decent amount of reality.  And while I don't spend much time on social media, I probably would get sucked into a series of videos that offered up a mystery.  And if a random video popped up on my feed that was titled  If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You, I just might watch it.  If you are reading this, you are meant to read this book.

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Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a gamer, so it is no surprise that Dungeon Crawler Carl kept being recommended to me by the universe.  Dungeon Crawler Carl is the first book of the LitRPG series of the same name by Matt Dinniman.  Although I haven't read any others yet, you will want to start here and read them in order because I'm guessing they follow the progression of Carl's journey through the dungeon created when Earth was reclaimed.  If Carl wins, he can inherit the Earth.  Most likely though, he will die long before that happens because  it is designed for people to lose.  Carl is lucky though.  He entered the dungeon with his ex-girlfriend's cat, and she wants to WIN.  Yes, the cat is what drew me into reading this.  I do enjoy LitRPG, and this is one of the best I've read.  I couldn't put it down.  

Bonus points for Grand Champion, Breed Winner Regional, National Winner Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk.  Carl's name may be in the title, but she is the true star.

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Review: Truth Truth Lie

Truth Truth Lie by Claire McGowan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Truth Truth Lie by Claire McGowan is a pretty intense read. I wasn't sure I would be into reading a book about a rich group of friends who go to an isolated private island for a weekend birthday celebration. Then they decide to play Two Truths and a Lie and all hell breaks loose. The secrets start coming out and very bad things happen. But, who is responsible? Could be anyone or everyone! Could you survive 48 hours with just your friends and no WiFi? Apparently, it is not for everyone. Don't read if you are squeamish.

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Review: Moonflower Murders

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

Moonflower Murders is the second book in the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz.  You don't have to read the first book, but there are references to characters and events that happened in it that are helpful to know.  I'm not sure if I really like Susan Ryeland, but I find these mysteries really interesting to try and solve along with her.  The other fun thing about these books is that they have a book within a book.  The other book is written in a different style with different characters but gives you clues that help you figure out whodunnit in the original plot.  Very clever!  

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Review: Keep It in the Family

Keep It in the Family by John Marrs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keep It in the Family by John Marrs is a mystery told through alternating points of view and some epistolary forms.  A family finds dead bodies in the house they are renovating.  Since the bodies are in suitcases, they probably didn't die from natural causes.  There was a serial killer at work.  Trying to figure out who did it gets a bit crazy after that.  This is one where if you think you know who did it, you probably don't.

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Review: The Last Murder at the End of the World

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton is more than a murder mystery.  In a utopic society, murder is unthinkable.  Yet, it happened.  If it doesn't get solved in 48 hours, the whole world will come to an end.  No pressure, right?  The person chosen to solve the crime is pretty unique and has the sole qualification of having read mysteries before.  Again, no pressure.  In the process of solving the murder, they uncover all sorts of other disturbing secrets.  There's a lot to think about here.

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Review: El Dorado Drive

El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott from Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley.  It will be published around June 24, 2025.  

El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott is about three sisters, struggling to make ends meet, who get swept up in a pyramid scheme.  There can be a lot of money earned for those who get in early. It can solve some problems and create plenty of others.  The interplay among the sisters felt realistic.  I kept thinking that this is why my mother said never to have three children.  There are also plenty of secrets that keep you guessing up until the end.  

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Review: The Refrigerator Monologues

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente is a fantastic tribute to all the women in comic books.  With few exceptions, these are usually the girlfriends or love interests of the superhero.  They are always put in peril.  They are often seen as the damsel in distress.  The archnemesis usually kills them.  It's awful.  The Refrigerator Monologues gives them their own voice to tell their own stories.  The truth behind the superhero fantasy.  You won't see any of these characters in a Marvel or DC comic, but I bet you will recognize an echo of them.  That was kind of fun.  I could read an entire series of these.  In fact, can we have more please?  I feel like there are plenty of characters in Deadtown to discover.

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Review: New York 2140

New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson isn't going to be for everyone.  This is definitely for someone who believes climate change is real and is an issue that must be addressed (because that's true).  As I was reading, I wondered how it would be different if it were to be written right now in this political climate.  The story switches narrative points of view as the characters navigate life in a New York City that is mostly under water.  It isn't that far-fetched when you look at the global climate disasters that have been happening.  New York is an interesting and perfect setting for a lot of reasons.  Primarily, I agree that a lot of New Yorkers would be too stubborn to leave the city even if their home was completely flooded.  They would figure out how to adapt.  This is the second book I've read about a flooded New York, so there might be something to it.  For the most part, I really liked the characters.  There were two that I did not like, and I don't think you are necessarily meant to but they serve a purpose.  I'm also pretty sure that in a world like this, I would want to fly around in a blimp saving animals like Amelia.  

This is a very long book, but don't be put off by the page count.  I found it moved along at a quick pace and didn't feel like a tome.  I'm pretty sure this book was also the inspiration for Neil Stephenson to work on Termination Shock, another climate and flooding book.  If you like Neil Stephenson, New York 2140 should be on your list of books to read.  

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Review: Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness

Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith is about the philosophy of consciousness but accessible to the novice.  The best part is you learn a lot about the octopus and how it may think and how that differs from the way humans think and why.  It does get deep (pun intended) in some places, but I still found I could follow the major concepts.  Without them actually telling us, we can still only guess at what it all means, but Godfrey-Smith lays out very good evidence for his theories.  It helps that he has first-hand experience with a number of octopodes in their natural habitat.  So even if you aren't into philosophy, come for the stories.

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Review: Cut and Thirst

Cut and Thirst by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cut and Thirst is an Amazon Original Story by Margaret Atwood.  This was a fun story.  Of course, it is well-written.  It's Margaret Atwood!  I can get behind a story where the main characters delight in cheese and revenge.  These are a few of my favorite things.  You can also finish it in one sitting.  Perfect!  Pairs nicely with cheese.

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Review: Talking to Strangers

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talking to Strangers is the second book in the Elise King series by Fiona Barton.  You don't have to read book one to be able to jump into this one.  You also don't have to read them in order.  

Talking to Strangers is about a lot of things but mainly the perils of online dating.  This was a topic I could sink my teeth into, and I honestly wasn't even sure I was ready to read this right now, but I did.  Uff.  If you didn't know, online dating, especially for straight women, can be a perilous endeavor.  It isn't just meet cutes and funny stories about dates gone awry.  This book puts all that front and center.  While that is tough to read, I appreciate that Barton keeps sending the right message.  The women who are preyed upon are not the problem, and people need to stop treating them as if they are.  Nobody deserves to be raped or stalked or murdered because they wanted to go out and have a good time or wore a skirt or a low-cut blouse.  It is sad that it is still a thing.  Enjoy might not be the right word to describe how I felt about this book.  It was compelling, and I read it pretty quickly.  Also, I can't say I want to try the dating pool anytime soon.  Ugh.

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Review: Episode Thirteen

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie has so many elements of storytelling that I just love.  There is the epistolary and found footage aspect.  It has a "haunted" house.  It is essentially following a Ghost Hunter-type show as it films its 13th episode.  The difference with this show is one of the experts is a physicist and rigorously debunks phenomena they encounter.  The story is told through journal entries, text messages, show recaps and film transcripts.  It was really engaging.  This was the type of book I had trouble putting down because I really wanted to find out what would happen next.  It also made me want to watch every episode of every ghost hunting show made.  So much fun!

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Review: Lost Films

Lost Films by Max Booth III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lost Films is an anthology of short stories (and one novella) about horror films.  It was edited by Max Booth III and Lori Michelle.  I've been on a horror kick lately, and this really scratched an itch.  I love a horror story that is about a film, tv show, or book.  This was perfect!  The variety of interpretations of "film" was fun.   The good thing about an anthology is that if you spook yourself, you can put it down and come back to it later without wondering what will happen next.  Many of the writers were new to me, so it gave me a list of new writing to explore.  

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Review: The Only One Left

The Only One Left by Riley Sager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Only One Left by Riley Sager is two mysteries in one.  A woman accused of killing her mother is hired as the caregiver for a woman accused of killing her family. What are the chances???? Well, they are pretty high when you live in a smallish town.  The story has a sort of Rebecca feel set in a crumbling mansion on a cliffside with a cast of slightly odd characters.  As the story moves along the mysteries of both women unfold.  There's a lot going on in this sleepy town.  But also, police forces probably need to hire more than one detective.  

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Review: Eleven Numbers

Eleven Numbers by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleven Numbers is an Amazon Original Story by Lee Child. It is about 50 pages so easy to read in one sitting. I was drawn to it because of the math angle. Even though I don't understand complex math, I find it quite fascinating to read about. Having worked for the State Department for a very long time, I am always amused to see how diplomacy and Consular services are portrayed in fiction. It does spoil some things for me, but I won't spoil them for you!

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Review: The English Experience

The English Experience by Julie Schumacher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The English Experience is the third book in the Jason Fitger series by Julie Schumacher.  You don't have to read the other books to start with this one.  You may want to go back and read them though if you haven't.  

The English Experience was practically written for me.  I studied abroad in London when I was in college.  This story felt very, very, very close to my own experience.  I was laughing the whole way through.  It was also extremely nostalgic.  This is definitely my favorite book in the series.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading what the students wrote about their different excursions.  Coming up with so many different writing styles must have been a real challenge.  The artwork of the twins though was incredible.  Thanks for including the illustrations!

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Review: Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity

Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity by Iliza Shlesinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity by Iliza Shlesinger is a great read when you need a laugh.  I don't know if straight men will find it nearly as funny although they may recognize mentioned behaviors.  As a fan of Iliza's comedy, I could hear her voice throughout.  And even though I am Gen X, I can still very much relate to the issues she raises.  I have appreciated that she uses her platform to  raise other women up.  She acknowledges that wasn't always the case in her early career, but it is certainly the case now.  If you are in need of a laugh, give this book or one of her comedy specials a try.  

Bonus points for Blanche.  She was very special.  

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Review: Chronicles of a Liquid Society

Chronicles of a Liquid Society by Umberto Eco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: You Think It, I'll Say It

You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Blanks

The Blanks by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Buried Deep and Other Stories

Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Ankle Snatcher

Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: In Bloom

In Bloom by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Shakespeare Requirement

The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble

Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Lock Every Door

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager really hit the spot for me.  The Bartholomew is a gargoyle-clad, doorman building on the Upper West Side of New York City.  I could picture exactly where it would be based on the descriptions from the windows and the proximity to Central Park.  It is rumored to be haunted.  The tenants keep to themselves.  I probably would have answered the ad to apartment sit there too.  Pay me to live in a swanky building?  Yes, please!  So there are a few strict rules.  It is totally worth it, or maybe it isn't.  I loved piecing together the clues of what is really going on.  

Bonus points for having a character named Jeannette, spelled correctly.

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Review: That Night in the Library

That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by the title, That Night in the Library.  The book by Eva Jurczyk is about exactly that.  A group of students lock themselves in the basement of a library the night before graduation.  They are planning to carry out a ritual based on Greek mythology that will leave them without fear.  Seems like a good way to start off a new post-graduation life.  The library itself is also quite cool with its rare tomes and obligatory creepy basement.  They've thought it all through.  What could go wrong?  More than you could imagine.  It is probably better to just keep the fear.

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Review: Dark Places

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn was a very different take on the survivor story.  What if the sole survivor of a terrible tragedy isn't really a good person?  It made it challenging to get into the story at first, but there was enough mystery and good writing to keep me going.  The story alternates among timeframes and character perspectives to slowly reveal what happened the night of a family slaughter.   Even though I had a hunch, there were still some surprises at the end.


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Review: The Language of the Birds: A Novel

The Language of the Birds: A Novel by K.A. Merson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Language of the Birds: A Novel by K.A. Merson from Ballantine Books via NetGalley.

The Language of the Birds: A Novel by K.A. Merson appealed to me just based on the title.  I didn't really know much about it when I started to read and was delighted I did!  This is a thriller about an incredibly intelligent young person who gets pulled into a dangerous venture to try to save her mom.  To do so, she has to solve puzzles and essentially go on a scavenger hunt to get the next pieces.  I loved that the puzzles were included so you could also try to solve them with her.  I love a good puzzle!  If you do too, you will want to check this book out.

Bonus points for Mojo!  What a good dog!

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Review: The Family Experiment

The Family Experiment by John Marrs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Family Experiment is the third book in the Dark Future series by John Marrs.  I didn't know that when I started reading, but it turns out you can read this as a standalone without issue.  It makes reference to the topics of the first two books, but it won't hinder your reading.  I do plan to check out the other books now!

I was drawn to this book because it is about a reality TV show where parents raise a virtual child to compete to either keep that child or win enough money to have a "real" child.  The chapters focus on the different competitors and tell the story through their experiences.  Now and again there is a chapter of online chat comments about the show, think going to Reddit to read about your favorite TV show.  

The world this book is set in is not that different from our own.  It could be our near future.  In it, it is a little more difficult for the average person to afford a child which is why people are willing to consider virtual options to the point of competing.  It is really well done and very plausible.  It is dark, so keep that in mind if you decide to read it.

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Review: The Full Moon Coffee Shop

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is the perfect cozy read for someone who enjoys coffee and/or tea beverages and/or cats.  Basically, me.  Each section of the book is about a different character, although they are all intertwined in a way.  They are all lead to the Full Moon Coffee Shop which is exactly that, a pop-up coffee shop that shows up during the full moon.  There are cats involved, special drinks and treats, and some fun astrology.  It made me want to get my chart done even though I don't place much faith in it.  It was really interesting.  I also want to know what special drink or food I would get!  The book isn't very long, so you should just read it already.  

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Review: Tides of Fire

Tides of Fire by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tides of Fire is the 17th book in the Sigma Force series by James Rollins.  If you have never read the books, you could pick up here.  It might not be the best entry point because there is some character backstory you would miss.  It wouldn't take away from the main action though.  

If you are claustrophobic, afraid of the ocean, or not a fan of boats, you may want to steer clear of this book.  If you are not any of those things, charge on, my friend!  This was very intense and really you do get the sense of how similar deep sea exploration is to space exploration.  You also realize just how little we do know about what lurks down deep as we continue to discover new things all the time.  At the same time, I don't think I am in any rush to go down there.  It sounds incredible but really if things go bad, you don't have many options.  

Rollins bases his story on real science, so there is always a hint of "this could actually happen" when you are reading.  This time, I really hope he is wrong because uff.  It was stressful.  Incorporating the rainbow serpent concept was very cool.  I knew a little already and ended up doing a deeper dive (pun intended) to learn more.  

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Review: The Reinvented Heart

The Reinvented Heart by Cat Rambo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of The Reinvented Heart edited by Cat Rambo.  It is an anthology of short science fiction/romance stories by female and nonbinary authors.  I learned about it when Naomi Kritzer read a section of her story at WisCon a few years ago.  I really wanted to hear the rest of the story, so I sought out the book.  The anthology also includes a bunch of my other favorite authors, so I knew I would enjoy a good portion of it.  I don't normally read romance, but when it is presented in an interesting fashion, I am open to exploring it.  And while this can be considered romance, it is not traditional, formulaic romance.  The topics covered make you really think about love and what it means. We call it romance, but the anthology is really more about love in all its many facets.  If you like science fiction, give this a read even if romance isn't your thing.  The writing is excellent.

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Review: The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel

The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel by Annie Hartnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel by Annie Hartnett from Ballantine Books via NetGalley.  This book is expected to be published on April 29, 2025.

Annie Hartnett has a way of writing books that I just love to read.  I think some of it is her dark sense of humor, but I mostly think it is the way she incorporates animals into her stories.  They aren't just set dressing.  The Road to Tender Hearts delivered on that again.  I've done my share of road trips, but I don't think any of them have been quite this eventful.  It reminded me a bit of National Lampoon's Vacation in that way.  This is a little bit of spoilers, but the part about the soap opera convention was really spot-on.  It makes me think Annie may have been to one...for research?  If you want to read something that will lightly tug at your heartstrings but will mostly make you laugh, you will want to get a copy of this as soon as you can.  

Bonus points for Pancakes who should have his own series. 

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Review: Starter Villain

Starter Villain by John Scalzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit that this cover picture and title was enough to make me want to read Starter Villain by John Scalzi.  My beloved Izzy was the perfect villain's cat.  She generally had disdain for any human other than me.  She would approve of this book.  In fact, I think she may have been the basis for one of the characters.  This book was so much fun I would want to read a sequel or a whole series.  If you like Despicable Me, Minions, Bond villains, cats, or dolphins, you will enjoy this book.  If you don't like even one of those things or this book, I am adding you to my list of people to go after once I get my villain business off the ground.  I was inspired!

Bonus points:  Have I mentioned the cats?

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Review: New Adventures in Space Opera

New Adventures in Space Opera by Jonathan Strahan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Adventures in Space Opera is an anthology of short stories written by a variety of great authors and edited by Jonathan Strahan.  I knew I wanted to read this when I saw it included Charlie Jane Anders, but there are other writers I really enjoy reading as well.  You can read the stories in any order you like.  If you aren't sure about space opera, this is a good entry point because each story could be read in a sitting.  You aren't buying into hundreds of pages of epic storytelling.  And yet, you still get a taste of the genre.  

Bonus points: The Becky Chambers story is an origin story of a character in of one of her books but won't spoil anything for you.  I found it so sweet and was so happy it was included.  

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Review: (Don't) Call Mum

(Don't) Call Mum by Matt Wesolowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of (Don't) Call Mum by Matt Wesolowski from Wild Hunt Books. The book is expected to be released May 8, 2025.

I have loved every book Matt Wesolowki has written. When I saw that Matt would be participating in the Wild Hunt Books' The Northern Weird Project, I was very excited. "Northern Weird" sounds like a typical day for me. I needed to read this. I am going to do my best not to give anything away. It mostly takes place on a train. It is definitely creepy. It reminds us that folklore often has a basis in some truth. There is a reason a story catches on and sticks with a group of people, even if it gets embellished over time. It is a very fast read because you really want to know what's going to happen next. Hope you have a chance to read it!

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Review: When We Were Real

When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory from Saga Press via NetGalley.  It should be published April 1, 2025.  How appropriate!  

When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory explores one of my favorite theories, what if this is all a simulation? Would it change how you approached life?  Is it that different from believing in a god that created everything and let it just play out?  Or would you go on a cross-country bus tour to see the oddities the programmers created?  That's what this eclectic group does.  What happens next is not what anyone could have predicted. Things get crazy!  Even crazier than learning that life is a simulation, and you are nothing more than computer code.  I didn't really want to put this book down, partly because I wanted to know what happened next and partly because I liked noodling over the questions this brings up about life in general.  Also, there is a good bit of humor so don't worry that it will be too serious.

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Review: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett is my kind of mystery.  Told in an unconventional epistolary-style format, not too gruesome, potentially involving a cult that thinks they are angels, lots of surprises...it is near perfect. It also is fitting for these times where people you thought were solidly rational suddenly get sucked into something that is hard to imagine they would believe. If any of that resonates with you, treat yourself to this book.

Bonus points:  It is rare that I develop a theory about a storyline that is totally wrong.  However, this book got me.  I got it wrong.  Well played!

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