McCarthy-James’ book goes all the way back to the very first murder we have on record, through the Ancient Egyptians, Indigenous tribes and the infamous Tudor family (without missing the incomparable Lizzie Borden of course) and right on through to the current century that all have one thing in common- the axe.
Each chapter starts with a breakdown of information on one of humanity’s earliest tools that is still used today, with uses in farming, on ships and many others- the handy axe. These segments, too, go chronologically, introducing readers to the very first tools that humans used as axes, right up through to their current iterations.
The early historical murders were more educational than entertaining for me, but the facts McCarthy-James presents are novel and obscure, which caught my interest. (For example, the earliest known human skull that suffered a tragic head wound was so ancient it predated Homo sapiens. And if a human is hit on the parts of the head that can be covered up with a baseball cap, it is usually assumed that someone else was to blame, as accidental human injury does not cause damage to that part of the skull- neat right?) Once Lizzie Borden entered the picture, and the crimes presented were more popular and notable, I was already enraptured.
Rachel McCarthy James is a co-author on “The Man from the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery”, which was a story I stumbled upon purely by accident but ended up loving, so reading “Whack Job” was a no-brainer for me. I love McCarthy-James’ sarcastic wit, which sprinkles the pages in both of her books, as it is not often that I laugh out loud while reading about axe murderers.
“Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder” is unlike any non-fiction I’ve read before, and it doesn’t quite fit into any specific genre, but instead balances on the edge of at least two or three. However, “Job” is informational, gritty, engaging and smart and whatever the genre is, Rachel McCarthy-James stands out. ...more
1894: Diana Framji’s family lost a large fortune as a result of the global economic downturn and now her beloved brother, Adi, is accused of mother. Diana and her husband, Captain Jim Agnihotri, must return to Diana’s home of Bombay so that Jim can help clear Adi’s name. But it’s been many years since Jim and Diana visited Diana’s home and the country isn’t exactly welcoming, shunning Diana and the rest of her family for Diana’s choice to marry outside of her Parsi community. Even as a private detective, it will take everything Jim has to clear Adi, and hopefully earn a positive reputation in the Parsi culture.
“Puzzle” is the fourth novel, as mentioned, and it is always difficult for me to pick up on a novel series in the middle, although it seems that that has been my lot as of late. In this case, I really would’ve liked to have read books one through three before taking this one on, as I felt disconnected with the characters and the plot.
There are many characters in this novel, some of them are obviously from previous novels in the series, but Jim is the protagonist and narrator. “Puzzle” has multiple mysteries for Jim to solve, as his investigation into the murder of Adi’s partner leads him to uncover another mystery involving forged gold statues and, although they are connected, I found the double mystery to be overwhelming. March connected the two storylines well, but I felt like one complete, organized plot would’ve held my interest for longer stretches.
Although both mysteries in “Puzzle” were solved, there was enough of a hint at the end of this novel to suggest a fifth novel is forthcoming.
The characters were likable and it was interesting to learn about Indian society during the nineteenth century. The ending was unpredictable, which I enjoyed, and there was definitely enough action to keep me engaged however something about this novel fell flat for me. I did not find myself turning the pages rapidly, or becoming deeply immersed into the novel’s plot. Maybe it was due to the fact that I had not read the previous installments but I had to push through “Puzzle”, in order to finish. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 13, 2025
“Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories” by Paul Doiron is a collection of eight short stories featuring Mike Bowditch, Maine game warden and the protagonist in Doiron’s “Mike Bowditch” series. Of varying lengths, the first three stories feature Mike’s mentor, father-in-law and retired warden, Charley Stevens and the final five centre on Mike. Fans of the Bowditch series will know all of the characters well, and Doiron ensures that each story is well-crafted and easy to jump right into.
“Rabid” and “Snakepit” are two of my favourite stories, but I can honestly say I enjoyed all of them. I am not a huge fan of short stories, preferring the collective flow of one seamless plot, but this collection was thoroughly engaging and dramatic. All of the stories have the same setting, the Maine woods and surrounding communities, and feature Mike and his colleagues in one investigation or another, so the general theme is the same throughout, which helps with consistency.
My first Mike Bowditch novel was “Dead Man's Wake”, which is fourteenth in the series, so I can honestly say that it is not necessary to read all of the books in order. Bowditch is a clever spin on the typical police investigator protagonist, being a game warden, which makes Doiron’s novels stand out among the rest in this genre.
Mike himself is not only a super sharp investigator, but he is sympathetic and genuine, even though he is often taken for granted and overlooked by others in his field. He is brave and kind and stands up for the good guys, which is reassuring and comforting in a main character.
Doiron’s “Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories” stories take place after book four, and in between books eight through twelve, but they don’t provide too many important character details, so readers won’t feel lost or confused. “Skin” provides readers with suspenseful, engaging mysteries that are cleverly solved by Mike or Charley within their collection of pages.
Doiron’s collection of short stories fills in the gaps in between novels with action-packed drama and suspense, making me more eager for the newest Mike Bowditch full-length. ...more
Rowan Gallagher is an architect who has recently been commissioned to redo a historic mansion that belongs to the infamous and elite Wincott family in Maine. Even though this is the oppourtunity of a lifetime for Rowan, she feels distracted and heartbroken after her most recent boyfriend ghosted her. When Rowan finds the same ex-boyfriend dead by a gunshot wound on the property of the very mansion Rowan is working at, it doesn’t take long before fingers point to Rowan as the suspect. But soon, Rowan uncovers the secret history of the mansion, and the family who owns it. Secrets that they will kill to keep quiet.
“Dying” is sharp, modern and emotionally charged, as Rowan battles her relationship with her recently deceased ex-boyfriend, her hormone-fueled teenage daughter and her daughter’s father, Harrison, who was recently released from jail and is slowly infiltrating his way back into her life. Although the police suspect Rowan almost immediately, it is very apparent to the reader that Rowan is the innocent party, but there are so many other potential suspects to maintain a consistent state of suspense and mystery.
The novel is told from the perspective of Rowan, primarily, but also a young woman by the name of Coralie, who plays a significant role in the novel but it isn’t until the final pages when we see just how important she is.
As the story unfolds, there are twists and turns around every corner. With Rowan’s ex-boyfriend dead, who is responsible? Is it the journalist ex-wife who Rowan didn’t know about? Or Rowan’s ex-partner and the father of Rowan’s daughter? Or is it someone else- anyone from the long list of women that the elite, white men of the Wincott family have harmed in years past?
“Dying to Meet You” is a slow burn, but once it picks up it hooked me. The sordid history of the Wincott mansion was fascinating, and it served the purpose of tying all of the many plot lines together with one focus. Bowen’s writing is engaging, her characters are likable and her plot is relevant and poignant. “Dying” was only Bowen’s second suspense novel and I hope to see more like this from her as she continues her transition to the genre. ...more
At New Helvetia High, “The Thrashers”, Zack, Julian, Lucy, Paige and Jodi, are not just in the popular group- they are the popular group. During their senior year, a junior named Emily Mills dies of an apparent suicide, but rumours soon start to fly that “The Thrashers” constant bullying and torment led to Emily’s death. Police investigate and all five members of the group have their entire future in jeopardy until Jodi finds a clue that could blow the case wide open. But revealing the clue means that Jodi must turn against her friends and she feels without “The Thrashers”, she’s nothing. Is the truth more important than friendship?
Jodi is the protagonist, and the outcast. She comes from an entirely different part of town then her friends and, with an alcoholic father and a dead mother, she knows she’s only in The Thrashers because she has known Zack, the leader, the longest. This sets the stage for Jodi to take the desperate measures she does in order to stay in the group. As the outsider trying to find her place, she is relatable and her childhood trauma builds an emotional connection with readers, making it easy to root for Jodi. A few chapters feature narration by other characters, so readers can understand their mindsets, but none of the other privileged prom King and Queens in her friend group are as likable as Jodi, so it only makes sense that she takes centre stage.
At the beginning, it is clear that Emily died by suicide, so it isn’t exactly a murder-mystery. But the choices that led up to Emily’s death are the focus of this book and there are a lot of potentials that provide the plot with suspenseful twists and turns. Was Emily as unstable as she appeared? Did The Thrashers really bully her to death? These questions remain unanswered until the final chapters, where Soto’s ending truly delivers the satisfying ending I was hoping for.
Soto adds a paranormal component to this novel that was intriguing, and added yet another layer of mystery to the storyline. It, too, comes to light (no pun intended) in the final pages.
Julie Soto is a new author for me, but “The Thrashers” was modern, emotional and suspenseful and I enjoyed the ride! ...more
For sixteen years, the protagonist and her mother have been on the run, after her mother killed the girl’s father in a fit of rage. Houseless, the girl and her mother survive by selling drugs, and have all the family they need with the eccentric group of abandoned runaways in the automobile wrecking yard they call home. Even though they live a life on the streets, the girl sees big things for herself- one day, she will have an art exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art. But before that happens, the girl’s mother dies, leaving the girl on her own with nothing but big, scary secrets that she needs to uncover to get to the truth of who she is.
“Lola” is narrated by the protagonist, who isn’t given a name until the final pages. This is not a literary arc but, in fact, the girl was never told her name by her mother and has spent the majority of her life making up names for herself. All she knows about herself is that she has big dreams to be an artist, which is supported by the black-and-white drawings that begin every chapter.
The plot is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as the young girl living a life on the run becomes a young woman, with no one to tell her who she is or where she comes from. Dalton provides much-needed relief with his conclusion, as all of the questions about our protagonist are answered.
The protagonist is fiercely brave and I found myself cheering for her and her gang of houseless misfits right from the start. She is bright and creative, yet desperately alone, turning to the woman she sees in a broken mirror for guidance and support.
“Lola in the Mirror” is an unexpected joy, filled with hope and honesty. I loved getting to know the protagonist and the people she meets on her journey (both the good and the bad). There is non-stop action, of course, as our main character is constantly on the run from the authorities, first with her mother and then on her own. But more than anything, “Lola” instigates hope and leaves the reader with a deep-rooted sense of joy and inspiration. ...more
Through his own research, contributions from other medical professionals, and anecdotes from those who have first-hand experience, Dr. Perricone blends chemistry and physiology together to create the ideal recipe for longevity and youthfulness. Obviously, readers can assume that diet, exercise, nutritional supplements and meditation play a part, but Dr. Perricone goes so far as to explain why they are important, and the exact combinations for ultimate success.
I found Perricone’s connection between inflammation and aging to be fascinating, albeit technical. Meditation and I are fickle friends, so I didn’t put too much stock or pay too much attention to that section. Dr. Perricone not only advocates for his own products, but he shares his diet and exercise plan with readers to be completely honest and upfront. So, yes, prepare for Perricone to push and peddle his own products but it is his book after all.
There is a lot of scientific language in this book, especially when it comes to chemical compounds and the like. But overall, “Molecule” is digestible and, although many parts are common sense, Dr. Perricone takes it one step further to explain all of the “why’s” and “how’s” and, of course, he supplies the science to back it up.
As mentioned, “Molecule” won’t really provide you with anything that you don’t already know, but the specific details are helpful. Perricone has earned quite the reputation, with his popular skin care products and bestselling books, and he is more than qualified to present the scientific side of things as well.
“Molecule” is more scientific than self-help, but it does contain parts of both. Highly recommended for anyone who has an interest in the chemical makeup of their bodies and brains and who wants to learn more about how our lifestyle affects our appearance and energy levels. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
When a woman’s body is found in her home, all angles seem to point to the fact that her AI-controlled home was hacked, causing the appliances and electronics in her home to kill her through seemingly random accidents. FBI agent Jude Mackenzie is baffled, trying to figure out how to find the person responsible when they, quite literally, leave no physical trace. Other similar “accidents” happen throughout the community, when two separate vehicles are hacked and all of the passengers are subsequently killed. With the help of Special Agent Victoria Tennant, Jude and his team set out to find the mastermind behind the technology- before it's too late.
I’ll admit, the cover of this novel pulled me in and, although I’ve never read the author, I did recognize her name. The premise, too, was intriguing so I thought I’d go out on a limb and try out Heather Graham for the first time, with her new novel, “The Murder Machine”. Sadly, I was disappointed.
The synopsis of the novel is a modern and relevant one, with machines taking over and wreaking havoc, and it would have served as a great starting off point for Graham’s novel, but it somehow fell flat. The novel was narrated by Jude and, to a lesser extent, Victoria. The characters themselves weren’t unlikable and I connected enough with them to want to see how their storylines played out.
My biggest hurdle with this novel was the language. Being unfamiliar with Graham, I’m not sure if this is her usual style but it was awkward and, in some cases, damn uncomfortable. Graham was trying to create a romance between Jude and Victoria, but it bordered on sexual harassment. Jude, after knowing Victoria less than a week, is calling her “pretty lady” and encouraging her to “flirt” with potential suspects by using her “gorgeous” looks. Even if he was the best-looking guy out there, Victoria must have been pretty desperate to fall for that act. It was completely cringe-worthy, and it’s made worse by the fact that they were partners (professionally). They would’ve worked well together if they had formed a romance more organically, but I felt like I wanted to rush in and save Victoria from the creepy old uncle at the birthday party.
The conversations were choppy, making the characters appear naïve and unintelligent (not who I would want investigating murder). The ending was predictable and it, too, seemed forced and obvious.
“The Murder Machine” had an interesting premise, but that’s about where my enjoyment stopped. I’m still undecided on whether or not I’ll read Graham again, but I hope that her next novel has a little more polish. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
A.J. Landau has created a police procedural series with a twist- his protagonist, Michael Walker, is an agent for the National Parks Service. In “Cold Burn”, the second novel in the series, the mystery Michael is investigating spans all the way from the Florida, Everglades, to the Arctic tundra of Alaska.
Michael Walker is called to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska after a group of scientists disappear. On the other side of the country, FBI agent Gina Delgado is investigating the death of an environmental science researcher. Somehow, though thousands of miles apart, the two mysteries appear to be connected to an extremely deadly material that has the possibility to change the world, especially in the hands of the wrong people.
A.J. Landau is a pseudonym for a pair of authors, Jon Land(author of the Strong Enough to Die series of novels, among others) and Jeff Ayers. Together, they have used their combined experience and writing talent to create a taut, pulse-pounding crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat.
“Burn”, similar to the previous novel in the series, “Leave No Trace”, is not a novel you can skim (not that you’d want to). There are so many government agencies at play here, with all of their acronyms, and all of their important players, plus the residual scientific organizations and multi-billionaires across the globe that take part in the plot, it is definitely one of those “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” type plots. Although the characters are plenty, they are also all relevant to the detailed, yet well-crafted, plot.
“Burn” has a scientific component that fans of Michael Crichton will adore, and with its modern and relevant focus on environmental climate change, it is definitely an engaging and informative story with powerhouse characters.
There are police procedurals aplenty out there, and I have been known to enjoy many, but Landau’s National Park Services novels provide an enjoyable new spin on the genre. Not only is the plot full of non-stop action and plot twists, but “Burn” also served the dual purpose of teaching me quite a few things, without burying me in scientific or technical jargon (something that is difficult to do).
Landau’s “Burn” is a great addition to the Michael Walker series and I look forward to hearing more from these authors. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
“Tough Luck” by award-winning journalist-turned-author Sandra Dallas is a delightful Western about a fourteen-year-old girl and her brother who venture across the American West in order to be reunited with their father after the death of their mother.
Haidie is the main character, a young girl who, after the death of her mother, was left in the care of her older brother, Cheet. Cheet, being true to his name, abandoned Haidie and her ten-year-old brother, Boots, to an orphanage. Delightfully spunky and resilient, Haidie and Boots escape the orphanage and make their way West, running into a variety of eclectic characters along the way. Haidie was charming and likable and, combined with her dedication to her brother, Boots, there was no way I wasn’t cheering for her.
I am not a Western fan, normally, but I did enjoy the historical feel of Dallas’ novel, with saloons and gambling dens and mule-pulled covered wagons, and there was almost constant adventure, all experienced through Haidie’s eyes. I would not have enjoyed this novel as much if it weren’t for the kind yet brave protagonist.
Throughout the novel, Haidie and Boots’ ultimate goal is to be reconnected with their father, who abandoned them to find gold in Colorado. It was not clear at the start if they would be reunited or not and how it would go, but Dallas made sure that this plot line was concluded in an engaging and satisfying way. Of course, there are several plot lines that exist outside of this one, as Haidie and her brother meet a variety of other characters on their travels, and each one was brought to a successful conclusion, with no unanswered questions.
If anyone was going to turn me onto reading Westerns, Sandra Dallas seems to be the author who could do it. Dallas has written eight Western novels and has won many awards for her fiction and non-fiction works, and there’s no question that she has the talent. “Tough” is gritty and endearing with a smooth flow, tight plot and powerful characters. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
With a newborn baby and a beautiful home on Martha’s Vineyard, Brynn Nelson should be the happiest she’s ever been. But she can’t seem to shake the darkness that has befallen her since the birth of her son and her husband, Ross, is being more secretive and distant than ever. When a young woman, Cecilia, is found dead on the island and Brynn’s husband is arrested for the crime, things quickly go from bad to worse. Brynn is convinced her husband didn’t do this, but evidence to the contrary is piling up. Brynn wants to prove to everyone that Ross is innocent but even she has doubts. Is the man she married capable of killing someone?
Julia Spiro’s new novel, “Such a Good Mom” fits into the recently developing genre of “murder among the uber wealthy”, where someone dies among the world of the uber wealthy, and everyone closes up ranks. I have read many novels with this premise as of late and there are piles of Netflix shows that carry this premise, too (such as “The Perfect Couple” and “The White Lotus”), but that doesn’t mean that the novels are pedestrian or unimaginative. In fact, Spiro’s novel is an obsessive read that I devoured.
Brynn is a new mom and is struggling with all that that entails. Her in-laws are Martha’s Vineyard elite, so you know right away they’re shady and suspicious. Brynn is a relatable protagonist, especially for anyone who has ever faced the challenges of motherhood, and it is easy to build a quick connection with her.
There are twists and turns aplenty and although I figured out the “who” pretty quickly, the complex “why” eluded me until the final pages. Spiro crafted a well-developed plot with multi-layered characters, making “Mom” an easy-to-read page turner.
“Mom” is Spiro’s third novel (although it was a first for me), and she shows no signs of slowing down. I was grateful to be a part of Spiro’s book journey and look forward to seeing what else she has in store. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 22, 2025
“Season of Death” is the sixteenth instalment of the “Barker and Llewelyn” series by author Will Thomas. I loved the Sherlock Holmes vibes, with Barker being the perfect Sherlock and Llewelyn being his reliable sidekick. Being unfamiliar with the previous fifteen novels didn’t seem to matter, as I was able to jump right in and follow the two detectives on their journey.
Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn are hired to find the sister-in-law of an influential politician, even though she has been missing for more than six months and no one seems too eager to look for her. But as Cyrus and Thomas investigate, an underground tunnel in London collapses, seemingly revealing the meeting place of a secret underbelly of London society. With all of that to deal with, their search for the missing woman brings them to a woman’s shelter where a beggar woman leads them on a wild goose chase that turns out to be more fruitful than either of them expected.
“Death” is pretty much nonstop action from the get-go. With three mysteries to solve, all connected in subtle ways, the detectives are busy from the jump. Barker is very clearly neuro-divergent and Llewelyn is a new husband and father, which provides an interesting dynamic. Llewelyn is the main narrator, and both he and his partner are a unique and likable pair.
There are lots of twists and turns to weave together, but this series has clearly been running for a long time and it is clear to see why. The plot is cohesive and flows smoothly, the characters are well developed and the ending provides a reassuring conclusion to all of the plot lines.
It is indicative of the writer’s talent when a reader can jump into a series halfway through and not just be able to follow along, but actually enjoy the ride. Will Thomas has crafted a deliciously addicting series that fans of Sherlock Holmes will devour. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 1, 2025
Greta Gatsby, sister of the infamous Jay Gatsby, finally returns home to Gatsby Mansion in the West Egg after years spent aboard at finishing schools. Now a young adult who no longer needs the supervision of her older brother, Greta is looking forward to everything being home will bring to her, including being near Nick Carraway and even suffering the presence of Daisy Buchanan if need be. But almost immediately, Gatsby Mansion is thrown into chaos when Tom Buchanan, husband of Daisy, is found shot to death on Jay’s boat. Although the police are claiming its suicide, Greta is suspicious and she begins to investigate the events, even though she risks finding out startling truths about those she cares about.
“The Gatsby Gambit” is a debut novel by Claire Anderson Wheeler. A rich homage to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, with some Agatha Christie style mystery thrown in, and Wheeler has reinvented the elite, upper-class world of early twentieth century New York, re-introducing us to some much beloved characters.
Through Greta, readers learn a little more of her and Jay’s heartbreaking past, specifically the death of their parents. Jay’s promise to care for Greta is what encouraged him to become immersed in the world of high society, desperate to make money so that she had the care she needed. Now, both older versions of their childhood selves, they reunite under tragic circumstances but still hold the unbreakable love for each other.
Of course, Daisy Buchanan takes refuge at Gatsby Mansion and is just as admired by Jay as she was in “Gatsby”, if not more so. Her relationship with Tom takes centre stage for this novel, however, and it was intriguing and fascinating to get the intricate details of their dysfunctional marriage.
Wheeler’s writing is imaginative and flawless, easily transporting readers back to the Gatsby era. Each chapter was full of suspense with enough guess-who twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. The mystery itself was quite predictable, but the “why’s” of the thing is what Wheeler managed to bring together cohesively, answering any questions that may have remained.
Creative, sharp and nostalgic, “Gambit” is a modern-day retelling of one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century to date. Wheeler has managed to create a new world, featuring the Gatsby Mansion and many of its characters, but has managed to leave the Fitzgerald masterpiece itself undamaged. For those who questioned what happened after the final pages of “Gatsby”, Wheeler has provided an interesting alternative that served to satisfy....more
German princess Julie Saxe-Coburg, aunt of the future Queen Victoria, was selected by Catherine the Great of Russia as the bride for her son, Konstantin. Gruff, cruel, abusive and aloof, Konstantin was a harsh husband but Julie suffered through it in silence, knowing that a marriage dissolution would ruin her family’s reputation and financial situation. After years apart, Tsar Alexander of Russia (Konstantin’s brother) finally permitted Julie the divorce she so longed for however, she spent the rest of her years living in isolation, spurned by townspeople and estranged from her own family.
Rappaport tells the story of Julie through family and friends’ correspondence and any of the remaining official statements and paperwork she could find. Julie is the “Rebel Romanov” for a reason, after all. The only thing she wanted was privacy and to live life away from the public eye and, although she was rarely granted this in her life, it seems that she has been granted almost total dissolution from the records centuries after her death.
Like most families in the eighteenth and nineteenth century, Julie’s story is a tragic one. Forced to marry someone she has no positive feelings for, only to be abused and abandoned, faced with rumours that threaten her family’s honour, not to mention the numerous family and close friends she lost to illness and from childbirth. But, despite it all, Julie rose above it and lived a long (for the time) life, dying in relative anonymity.
The story itself is a very detailed who’s-who of the Russian (and English and, although less so, the Greek) oligarchies and the way they manipulated and schemed and plotted their way into power. Of course, women of the time were seen as nothing more than chattel, pawned off to the highest bidder, although they played an important role in the courts and the countries as a whole. I respected Julie’s bravery and strength but I found it difficult to read through the other convoluted Royal relationships (although most of them did have some connection to Julie’s).
“Rebel” is a look into eighteenth century Russia and its Royal citizens, especially the challenges faced by Julie and other females of her status. Although we learn about Julie, there are a lot of dry segments that focus on the convoluted ins-and-outs of aristocracy that I could’ve done without. Rappaport has chosen an excellent protagonist to feature, as there is very little written in the history books of the young Russian princess, which makes her life all the more intriguing....more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: March 4, 2025
Jeremy Gordon’s debut novel, “See Friendship” is a nostalgic look at the relationships that change our lives and the memories we share.
Jacob Goldberg is a journalist in New York City and although he knows that the way society views information is changing, he is still surprised when his management team tells him that they are leaning toward going the route of the podcast. Knowing that an original podcast will make or break his career, Jacob knows that he needs to come up with something that will be, quite literally, life-altering. Through his research he discovers that the death of a close friend from high school was surrounded by a cloud of mysterious circumstances. Desperate to not only get to the bottom of the incident but, hopefully, create a podcast that will attract viewers, Jacob takes the chance of his lifetime, bringing up memories that encourage him to see his friend in a very different light.
“See Friendship” is a unique novel with heavy topics, such as grief, loss, addiction and the power of memory. Gordon is a published writer (“Friendship” is his first novel however) so it is no surprise that his writing is polished and digestible. The plot flows well and, although there are many characters, Jacob is the protagonist and narrator.
“Friendship” reads like a play-by-play of someone attending their high school reunion. Jacob returns to his hometown to investigate the death of his friend, reconnecting with old acquaintances along the way. The details of his friend, Seth’s, death are not at all mysterious and don’t lead us to a who-dunnit solution, so there’s no guessing game within the pages. The novel itself is more of a nostalgic journey for Jacob, although the story itself remains in the present throughout.
Jacob is an average mid-thirties mixed-race man but does not really have anything of interest that makes him stand out. He’s a middling journalist who can’t decide on a podcast topic, so he decides to relive his high school years, re-traumatizing everyone else who has long since put the incident behind them. I honestly didn’t care whether Jacob got the podcast done in the end or not, but I did care enough about the characters to read through to the end.
“Friendship” is a character-driven examination of one man’s memories, that differed drastically from his classmate’s and friends, and how the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Well-written and cohesive, “See Friendship” had me busting out the high school yearbook for some early-oughts nostalgia. Gordon’s debut novel will stand out for its slick writing and strong character development, if nothing else. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 8, 2025
Turkish writer Yiğit Turhan has created a novel with a terrifying cover and a spooky premise- but that’s about it. The writing in “Their Monstrous Hearts: A Gothic Horror Novel with a Dual Timeline and a Suspenseful Mystery” is chunky and the storyline itself is disjointed. I felt no connection to the characters but kept persevering all the same, as I wanted to see if the ending would provide the entertainment I was looking for (it didn’t).
Riccardo is a struggling writer, about to be evicted from his apartment, when a random stranger shows up and informs him that his estranged grandmother has left him her estate in Italy. When Riccardo arrives, the villa is far more rundown than he expected and so many strange things start happening that Riccardo starts to wonder if the trip, and the villa itself, is worth it. When Riccardo discovers his grandmother’s journal, his curiousity is piqued enough that he sticks around, grateful to understand a little bit more about the woman he once knew. It isn’t long before Riccardo uncovers the dangerous secrets his grandma, and her home, hold and Riccardo is soon desperate to leave however the house, the town and the residents, are not going to let Riccardo leave- alive.
“Hearts” is told from Riccardo’s perspective, interspersed with portions of his grandmother’s journal. Some chapters are very long, others are short but overall, it is a dual timeline, single protagonist horror story.
Initially, I wondered if “Hearts” was written in another language and translated (badly) into English, but it does not seem to be the case. I struggled with Turhan’s writing style and language use and I cannot determine if that is due to the language barrier or to the fact that “Hearts” is only Turhan’s second novel. Some editorial polishing may have made a world of difference for “Hearts”, and I was quite surprised that it was carried by a rather well-known publishing house.
The story had multiple plotlines, any of them could’ve carried an entire novel on their own, but together, the structure was disorganized. There was little character development and, although the setting was creepy and the “monster” in the story had huge potential, I was too confused by the overall story to enjoy the scary parts as much as I was expecting to.
I went into “Hearts” with no expectations, as I was not familiar with Turhan or his writing, but I still managed to be disappointed. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic copy of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Three years a Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic copy of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Three years ago, Augusta Monet’s partner, Howard, disappeared without a trace while investigating a news story. Everyone, even Howard’s parents, had given up hope that Howard would be found. But Gus and her preteen daughter, Bly, struggle for closure and won’t give up hope that Howard will be found alive. When Howard’s parents decide to finally hold a funeral for their son, even though a body was never recovered, Gus and Bly find themselves returning to the small town where Howard went missing. While there, Gus realizes it is the perfect oppourtunity to investigate what really happened to Howard all those years ago. But the truth is far more dangerous than Gus could’ve expected, putting both her and Bly’s life in danger.
Katie Tallo, author of “Poison Lilies”, is a Canadian born writer, and she brings the small community in Prince Edward County to the pages with her new novel, “Buried Road”.
Twelve-year-old Bly is the narrator for “Road”, as she is thrust into her mother’s investigation, just as desperate for answers to find the only father she has ever known. The naive protagonist is charming and thoughtful but she is also old enough to be observant and brave. It is easy to read Bly’s story and somehow forget that she is a young girl but also to be absurdly aware of her age at the same time. Tallo has created a powerful mother-daughter relationship built on trust and love, making it easy for readers to develop a quick rapport with both Bly and Gus.
“Buried Road” is a tale of a corrupt police force, a rich community member desperate for power and two mothers who aspire for the same thing- that their children have everything they could ever need. There is no shortage of drama in Tallo’s new novel and every twist and turn managed to converge in a seamless way, bringing the novel to its end with an edge-of-your-seat conclusion.
I am always proud to support Canadian authors and they get bonus points for including Canadian settings and environments. I loved the summer vibes brought on by the small cottage town and the perseverance and dedication displayed by both Gus and Bly had me cheering. I was introduced to Tallo with her second novel, “Poison Lilies”, so being asked to read this one was a no-brainer, and I am very glad I did. I can’t wait to see what Tallo does next. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 8, 2025
Molly returns in the third novel in Nita Prose’s “The Maid” series. In “The Maid's Secret” Molly has been promoted, working as the head of special events at her beloved Regency Grand Hotel and she is planning a wedding to her fiancé, Juan. But when the Regency Grand Hotel becomes the centre of an antiques television show, Molly is overwhelmed by the cameras, the crew and the couple who host the show. When she brings her own antique to the hosts for assessment Molly gets more than she bargained for- the ceramic egg given to her by her deceased grandmother is actually a Faberge, and is worth millions. But just as Molly is coming to terms with her windfall, the egg is stolen and, once again, the hotel is the centre of a police investigation.
Molly took the world by storm in Prose’s first novel in the series, “The Maid”, and she has continued to catch the attention of readers everywhere. I was a huge fan of Prose’s “The Maid” and have kept up with Molly and her friends ever since.
Molly’s plotline is juxtaposed with sections of her grandma’s journal, each story headlining opposite chapters. Readers grow to understand and love Molly’s grandmother even more as they hear her story through her own words and I loved that Prose made this a central part of “Secret”. Molly’s grandmother’s story is relevant to Molly’s current situation, making the ending come together seamlessly.
I fell in love with Molly right from the first pages of “The Maid”, and I wasn’t alone. I love how she has grown as a character and it is through Prose’s insightful character development that I connected with such a forthright and brave protagonist as Molly.
As neurodivergent protagonists become more and more present in literature of today, which I am happy to see, Molly will stand out among the rest. Prose’s plot line flows, her relatable characters will make readers laugh out loud and the trouble Molly gets in to along the way make “The Maid's Secret” a lovable addition to this collection of novels. As I expected, I’m left begging for more. ...more
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publi Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 8, 2025
Sadie Miles is on the run- leaving her abusive fiancée and their life together behind in hopes of starting over with her young daughter and with a new baby on the way. She finds herself working as a housekeeper at L’Arpin Hotel and when the manager lets her stay in one of the empty rooms, Sadie hopes to have some time to regroup. But things start to happen around the hotel that Sadie can’t explain and, when she tries to explain it to the hotel manager or other hotel staff, they leave Sadie feeling confused and, even worse, crazy. But Sadie knows what she saw and after what she went through with her partner, she is not about to doubt herself again. Especially now, when the lives of her children are at risk. So, Sadie decides to run but it isn’t long until she finds out- Hotel L’Arpin doesn’t want her to leave.
C.J. Dotson’s new horror novel, “The Cut” is a terrifying, addicting and downright compulsive read. Dark, hypnotic and gripping, the Hotel L’Arpin has an Overlook Hotel feel about it, with its run-down structure and things-that-go-bump (or rather, splash)-in-the-night. Sadie, for obvious reasons, doesn’t know who to trust and is just the right amount of desperate to take crazy risks that leave the rest of us shaking our heads.
Dotson’ “creatures” are absolutely horrifying and I loved every spooky tentacle. They are unique and goosebump-inducing, and Dotson’s clever writing brings them to life on the pages. It isn’t hard to guess that something is up at the hotel from the beginning but Dotson brings the terror to the next level.
The novel is told, for the most part, in the modern day with Sadie as a narrator. There is one portion of the plot which touches on a brief period in Sadie’s past when she was still in the abusive relationship, but it is clearly identified and serves a valid purpose. There are some memories that Sadie retells that feature both emotional and physical abuse so, although it isn’t rampant through the whole novel, those who are easily triggered by such topics should tread lightly.
I knew who was involved, but not how or why, but by the end, Dotson had revealed it all, tying it together in a satisfying way. I thoroughly enjoy monster books and “The Cut” had all of the elements I look for- a great protagonist, scary and creative monsters and a suspenseful and haunting plotline....more
It is a cold winter’s evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1987. Six middle school boys have gathered together with one aim in mind- to go door-to-door and sell newspaper subscriptions. The pair that sells the most will be rewarded with a meal from Burger King, which is what brings Sigmone, Mark, Joel, Ryan, Nishu and Al to the “most haunted neighbourhood” in Milwaukee. As the boys pair off, they all begin to have paranormal experiences that will have them forgetting all about their newspaper and just trying to survive the night.
“Hampton” starts off with all of the boys, and their manager, a young adult named Kevin, meeting at Kevin’s van, where they discuss their sales plans and pair off, each group heading to a specific part of the neighbourhood. After this, each pair gets their own (rather lengthy) chapter, where their experiences in their section of the community are as varied as they are terrifying. Kois’ writing talent is evident in the multiple interconnected stories, which are not only spooky and haunting, but also manage to flow together with a connected plot and ending. This is most definitely not an easy feat to do and Kois does it with style.
All six of the boys, three groups of two, are very different, not only in their economic backgrounds but also their schools and friendships groups. They are innocent and awkward but likable and their pairings are perfectly matched to their personalities. Readers learn who the boys are as they form friendships with each other, rallying around a common goal. There is a coming-of-age aspect to “Hampton” that was completely endearing.
“Hampton” has werewolves, witches, trolls and a wide selection of other creepy, paranormal ghouls and ghosts. Each chapter deals with one of these, and as much as I enjoy the paranormal, I was unable to pick a favourite. “Hampton” will remind readers of Paul Tremblay or Grady Hendrix, as well as the aforementioned King, with the writing style showing similarities to Stranger Things or The Twilight Zone. That being said though, Kois stands out as an individual and deserves all the accolades. “Haunting” is an unpredictable and delightful read that I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. ...more
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