Review: Hollywood Vendetta

Hollywood Vendetta by M.Z. Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 22! I've enjoyed this series as a quick read between more serious novels. How is a series about serial killers not serious? Well, there are some very quirky characters involved in the main character's life. I do feel the main character has had more than her fair share of bad luck and drama in her life. At times, it borderlines on soap opera-esque. Still, I've made it this far and hope to see it through to Z.

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Review: The Invisible Library

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I expected to love this book. It has all the elements of the types of books I do love, a bit of mystery, some fantasy, BOOKS, alternate worlds. I thought this might feed my longing for more Jasper Fforde novels. It didn't quite do that. It was good. I enjoyed parts of it quite a bit. I finished it, but I didn't leave it wanting to continue the series. And while it wasn't for me, I can see why some people really love it. I would recommend it to younger readers who are interested in these themes.

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Review: Press Start to Play

Press Start to Play by Daniel H. Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I' ve only recently started reading short stories on the regular. Nothing against them. I just wasn't tuned into finding them, and my TBR list is already hundreds of books long. But, I do love books about gaming, and this short story was in "Press Start to Play." I read it and fell in love with Charlie Jane Anders. Head over heels. Now, I can't get enough. I'm still unsure how a short story could get so deeply under my skin. I want to play The Divine Right of Cats! Somebody make that game with mask, please.

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Review: The Demon Crown

The Demon Crown by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will be upfront that I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and was asked to provide a review. I would have read this book anyway as a big fan of the series. It also did not influence the rating I gave the book.

If you are reading this review, I will assume you are a series reader and did not just pick up book 13 and decide to start reading there. If you did, no judgement. However, The Demon Crown departs from the previous books with its formatting. It was more like the Tucker Wayne books by this author. I enjoy that series as well so the shift was a fun surprise. Not to give too much away, some of the chapters are written from a different perspective giving you insight into a character(s) you wouldn't normally hear from. Intrigued? Read the book!

The other thing I enjoyed about this book is it plays on a pretty typical fear many people have and amplifies it. At the same time, the chances of it happening are within the realm of possibility. I was really unsure the Sigma Force team could get out of this one. I was very thankful for the addition of images. That was new but addressed something I have wanted for a long time. Sure we should be able to use our imaginations to picture something that is described but sometimes I just want a visual image to make it easier. Call me lazy.

Finally, for the 'shippers out there, this book has some good news! I was pleasantly surprised. It is about time some members of the team have good things coming their way.

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Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. That didn't influence my final review of the book because I love the Charley Davidson series. I can't believe it will come to an end soon. If you've never read the series, put this book down and pick up #1. You will want to read from the beginning. If you are a regular reader and have made it this far, you don't need me to tell you why these books are awesome. Get to reading!

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Review: The Swans of Fifth Avenue

The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book quite some time ago, but it comes back to me every time I see a reference to Truman Capote. I felt like this book transported me into the lives of "the swans" and Truman. It was incredible because it is a life I could not imagine living. At first, I thought I might not enjoy it because I could not relate. On the contrary, I felt more like I was being drawn into the inner circle. I felt a strong desire to eat watercress sandwiches! Except I wouldn't be allowed to eat them which is how I know I don't belong in those circles.

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Review: The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story

The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story by Douglas Preston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this book from a giveaway.

I enjoy all of Douglas Preston's work. However, this was not my favorite. I felt as though it was a short story that was supplemented to make a full book. The actual adventure portion was shorter than I expected.

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