Halloween night. Jet is hit over the head by an unknown assailant and left for dead. For the next week, she “Please don’t hurt anyone else. Love, Jet”
Halloween night. Jet is hit over the head by an unknown assailant and left for dead. For the next week, she and her long-time friend, Billy try to determine who her killer is, because the hit she received, will eventually be fatal.
So, who tried to kill her, and why did they do it?
Readers are led down a slippery slope of some of Jet and Billy’s past memories during this short time period to figure out the possibility of culprits. As readers, also contemplate what happened in the past and what does it have to do with Jet?
Will Jet learn who her killer is before she dies?
Best-selling author, Holly Jackson of the YA series, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” brings this interestingly creative premise adult murder mystery to readers. But to be honest, it still reads YA to this reader.
Why?
The characters seemed immature for their thirty-something ages. It was also difficult to relate, connect to or have empathy for the mains, considering readers are supposed to be concerned about what is happening directly to them.
As much as I wanted to breeze through and appreciate this page-turning who-dunnit, I felt like I was questioning so many ‘what was Jackson thinking’ twists that my head hurt. Many of them were such weird convoluted hard to fathom moments, I couldn’t believe they were even included in the book. At least the dog was treated respectfully.
I eventually felt relieved when one character helped readers with a simple wrap-up – almost like an epilogue ending. But. In the end the plot just felt contrived. Especially the epilogue-like ending.
Then again, I am most likely an outlier. So, please read other reviews.
Have you ever read a story where you know there is going to be a murder, and you find yourself hopeful about the one to be murdered? Does that make usHave you ever read a story where you know there is going to be a murder, and you find yourself hopeful about the one to be murdered? Does that make us awful people for wishing something bad on someone?
Well, in this particular story, the author is giving us insights into complex familial relationships, and the consequences of actions because of them. And then, the author creates an added ambiance of a dark view of Hollywood. And, an octopus named Persephone whose character also sets the tone for the story.
And, because this is a character-driven story, not one fueled by page-turning, thriller action, readers will be taken through three acts to learn more about the motivations for the actions taken.
It is slow-paced, dark, and uncomfortable for its triggers, with clues to follow as readers assess the role each complicated character plays in the story.
Still, don’t just go with my review. I may be an outlier.
Triggers: trauma, after effects of abuse, grief ...more
“When the caterpillar thought her world was ending, she became a butterfly.”
What are your first thoughts when you hear the words rage? Well, mine are “When the caterpillar thought her world was ending, she became a butterfly.”
What are your first thoughts when you hear the words rage? Well, mine are to consider what the definition brings to mind.
“Violent, uncontrollable anger.”
And, in true Castillo fashion, she lays out the remnants of a fairly violent unfortunate crime for kids to come upon while playing hide and seek in the woods. Can you even imagine such a horrible circumstance for kids to have to see? Side note: Was this even necessary to the plot?
And, even if I am not revealing the spoiler crime, the idea of it, is still that the title of this book leaves something to our imagination, right? Rage. Still, what would create such rage here?
Is it the crime itself? Is it what leads to the crime? Is it the aftermath of the crime? Or, is it what readers discover about what is behind the crime? Maybe, the ultimate crime? Is there more to this story?
This is what readers will need to contemplate as they quickly turn pages.
This is not a stand-alone. So, for those unfamiliar with this series, it is always best to begin at the beginning, so that you can get a good sense of the characters, the town of Painters Mill, and the background, which finds our main characters in the midst of Amish country vs. the ‘others’ who learn to live alongside each other. And, that is especially true for Police Chief, Kate Burkholder, who once lived amongst them, and who is now investigating the brutal murder (s).
What created this rage? And, what of the subsequent murders? What will she discover as she and her team dig deep into the investigation? Who is so keen to keep the Chief from looking into them? And, why?
As pages keep turning, and more is revealed, readers will learn about the darkness and naivete that surrounds this case. And, the team’s ability to get to the truth.
However, there is one reason this reviewer chooses to place this review one star down. In each of the stories, I have read over the past few, the Chief has a way of heading in to danger on her own that seems to be a bit too often. I hope the author changes this in the future. There is no reason to do this to create tension with her main character and the story. The story still has merit regardless....more
What would you do if you were in a lifeboat stranded at sea? Would you hope that at least one of the castaways with you is God? Of course, the majoritWhat would you do if you were in a lifeboat stranded at sea? Would you hope that at least one of the castaways with you is God? Of course, the majority ‘enjoying’ this unfortunate incident happened to be some of the world’s richest and powerful people. How powerful are they now?
This is the story of those castaways. How they react to each other. The caste system blatantly determining position on that boat. And, the struggles that occur when all are left floating with little in the way of resources.
So, how does God fit in to all of this? What lessons is Albom trying to teach his readers? Mostly, can we as readers overcome the plot?
As much as I love this author, this one was a miss for me. Please read other reviews, I am no doubt an outlier here. ...more
I wanted to read a Christmas in July story. Well, more like feeling the vibes of Christmas, while in July. So, I found this British crime classic at mI wanted to read a Christmas in July story. Well, more like feeling the vibes of Christmas, while in July. So, I found this British crime classic at my local library. It seemed perfect with its subtitle: ‘A Christmas Crime Story.’ And, on the cover is a picture of a train. Would this be a fun closed room mystery on a train at Christmas? Intriguing possibility, right?
This story was initially published in 1937 which puts it in the category of the Golden Age of detective fiction. A story that had the potential to be balanced with period charm and a puzzling mystery.
Readers will find travelers on a train through the English countryside in the midst of a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. With nowhere to go, several passengers decide to leave the stranded train and head for shelter. They find an empty house that already seems to be welcoming with Christmas decorations, a fire in the fireplace and a table set for tea.
But where are the occupants? Why was the scene set in this way?
Should the characters be concerned?
Now, if I were watching this on screen, this might be the moment for me to put a pillow over my eyes. Cue the music! I am already getting the sense of something suspenseful and creepy.
With an interesting blend of characters with their own secrets and motives, readers are bound to be in the midst of expectations for something terrible to occur.
As readers anxiously turn pages, no doubt the anxiety heightens.
What is happening and why?
The author does a phenomenal job of transporting readers to the scenic countryside, and the house (as its own character). And thus, creating that foreboding sense of expectation.
Although imperfectly told, with some red herrings that take a while to explain, and a slow burn unease with even more characters introduced later in the book, there was much to appreciate and be annoyed by in the telling of the story. Still, it was a different kind of locked room mystery that, had the potential to be mildly satisfying once the reveal occurred. If readers can be patient for it.
Typically, I enjoy this author. But this time I found myself a bit put off by the more than perfect good-looking pair of main characters. Is that realTypically, I enjoy this author. But this time I found myself a bit put off by the more than perfect good-looking pair of main characters. Is that really possible to be so perfect?
And, do we need to be reminded of just how cute they are – over and over again?
Also, the insta lust was a bit too saucy and spicy for me, especially with an over-abundance of foul and coarse language spread throughout the story.
Although it had a plot that could be considered interesting, i.e., a past that for one of the characters left her somewhat traumatized which affected her life decisions, and a child in the middle of a divorced couple, expecting more for her parents, it was hard to connect to this rom-com for all the reasons shared above. Still, don’t go by just my review, I may be an outlier.
As I sat here reading the 3rd and final novel in the Susan Ryeland series, I had to ask myself the same thing Susan Ryeland, the editor was asking herAs I sat here reading the 3rd and final novel in the Susan Ryeland series, I had to ask myself the same thing Susan Ryeland, the editor was asking herself, ‘why am I here, again?”
For Susan she may have a different answer. She has a mortgage to pay. And thus, she was being asked to read and edit a manuscript that was being written by another author that would extend dead author Alan Conway’s, Atticus Pund’s mysteries. To her that would bring up tortuous memories. Was it going to be worth it? For me, would it be worth it? Especially since I didn’t like “Moonflower Murders,” the second in the series.
In this book, Susan is typically a loner, after realizing a relationship back in Crete had gone the distance. Susan and readers will learn she will be better off with the adoption of Hugo the cat. Readers will learn that Hugo will be an important relationship that doesn’t become clear to us until towards the end when something happens.
And, what did the author mean when they started the book with the following paragraph…
“Marble Hall Murders is a stand-alone novel – but it is also the third book in a series that began with Magpie Murders. Readers should be aware that the solution to Magpie Murders is revealed in this book.”
Huh? What does that mean?
I mean, I obviously loved “Magpie Murders” both as a book and a Britbox television series, even if I didn’t like “Moonflower Murders.” So, that paragraph absolutely confused me.
What I do know is that this is the third and final installment in this series. And, for that I am grateful. Because to be honest, this book within a book is underwhelming. Now that I have read all three, I think the series should have stayed with the first book, and stopped there.
As I mentioned earlier, Susan is expected to work with another author to finish off the dead author’s Atticus Pund mystery who also eventually ends up dead. Oh my! Her hope in putting herself in this regretful position will be to get a full-time editing position out of the deal. But complications obviously occur which leads her in a very unpleasant direction that also becomes rather complicated. Poor Susan! Isn’t she just supposed to be an editor?
When we first are introduced to “Magpie Murders,” it was a unique premise and concept to read a book within a book. Now, it feels old and worn out, with 130ish pages of ‘Pund’s Last Case’ also included within this story. Supposedly, if we pay close attention, this continuation novel gives us keys and clues within clues to Susan’s story of armchair sleuthing. Unfortunately though, the telling felt rather uninspiring.
Of course, for Agatha Christie fans, there will be those twisty moments, but it won’t happen until towards the end which means you have a long time to wait for it, and that may take some incredible patience because this book is 579 pages. Would it just be easier to skim through?
So, was the Pund story really necessary? And, what finally happens to Susan Ryeland? Does she get what she needs in the end? Could the story have been told just through her, without readers having to be dragged through ‘Pund’s Last Case?’
Typically, I am a Horowitz fan. But as I said earlier, I am glad this series is over. I hope you enjoy this one more than I did.
One last thing…
Remember when I said that the cat Hugo will be important to Susan when something happens towards the end? Well, I won’t give away spoilers, but I will say that, Hugo lives. I wanted to be sure you knew that much. ...more
Sometimes I try to remember why I ordered a book from my local library. Especially when, like in this circumstance, I ordered the book on December 2, Sometimes I try to remember why I ordered a book from my local library. Especially when, like in this circumstance, I ordered the book on December 2, 2024, and finally received it on May 14, 2025. Please know that I am not complaining. I recognize that when I made the decision to focus on reading books that are available from my local library, I always feel fortunate when they are available to me. It is just, that when it takes so much time to get here, I can’t help but forget why I requested them. Until they come. And then, I can read the book blurb about them, and go, “oh yea, that is what you are about!”
On to the review…
So, what happens when your one-night stand turns out to be dead as a doornail the next morning? Well, for gay writer David who is suffering from writer’s block, will he see this as a book idea? Seriously, that is the place David decides to go?
Well maybe he should first figure out how to get rid of the body. Granted, David, our main protagonist, didn’t kill the guy, but the situation does pose a rather comic scenario. Or, does it?
Readers will soon determine whether they will like David or not and his antics at figuring out how he is going to get out of this mess and find a way to resume his life.
With other characters who make their entrances and exits, readers may not be sure whether they care about David’s self-reflections or not. Or, what happens to him and the body, in this unusual quirky dark comedy that focuses on loneliness and the misadventures of relationships. ...more
This April (2025) I read and reviewed “The Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict. Review link available below, if interested.
Interestingly enough, “The This April (2025) I read and reviewed “The Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict. Review link available below, if interested.
Interestingly enough, “The Queens of Crime” also featured the same real life crime fiction authors within her fictionalized story as this book is also doing: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham.
So, when I heard about this book, I was curious how this author was going to write these same women into her fictional murder mystery. And, I also wondered if I would be as captivated with it, as I was Benedict’s book.
As I opened this book, I was greeted with a 2-page list of 29 characters! Oh no! Will I be able to keep track of all these people?! The good news was that at least the author had provided a list. And, interestingly enough, in the author’s preface, she lets readers know that some of these characters she has listed (other than the ‘queens’ authors already mentioned) are based on real people. So, will this many characters enhance or hinder the story?
It is 1938 London. The sense of pending war is in the air with the recent actions of Hitler’s Nazis. The four queens have been invited to be the centerpiece attraction at a fundraiser for the Women’s Voluntary Service being hosted at the estate of Sir Henry Heathcote, an aristocrat.
As short chapters introduce readers to the various players/guests to the event, and the event itself, the murder of Sir Henry is eventually discovered.
Who wanted Sir Henry dead and why? Especially when so many within the family could possibly benefit from his death. Still, there were also others who may have been affected by Sir Henry’s actions as an aristocrat that may have been motivation for murder. Could the motive have been…
“Revenge, freedom from oppression, a crime of passion, money and property?”
The four queens decide to put their sleuthing skills together to try and figure out what occurred with the help of Detective Chief Inspectors Lilian Wyles and Richard Davidson.
With many suspects, will they be able to solve his murder?
The author finds a way to weave together the temperament of the time, including political leanings, which add to the eventual understanding of what could possibly have motivated the killer. As well as, provide good character development of the four queens, and the women police assigned to solve the case, based on their own historic real-life resumes. There were also a few more ‘real people’ characters within the story that were well-developed.
But unfortunately, the plot dragged a bit in the beginning and middle as it was weighed down by so many characters entering and exiting the scenes. It wasn’t until close to the end when characters started to be more revealing about what happened that night, that the story lit up and came to an interesting conclusion.
For this one, 2.5 stars for ‘authentic’ character development of the queens and chief inspectors.
As a Little Free Library Shed book donation, I was intrigued by the title of the book and the colorful book cover. Unfortunately, that was about all tAs a Little Free Library Shed book donation, I was intrigued by the title of the book and the colorful book cover. Unfortunately, that was about all that intrigued me.
The story revolves around a woman named Pen. She is attempting to find her own independence as well as investigate the ending of her parents’ marriage as she takes off for university in Scotland.
The premise itself seemed plausibly interesting. Especially with a mystery to solve in respect to her parents. But the execution of the story felt forced. It involved an overwhelming cast of characters, coming-of-age, exploring their sexuality and autonomy. With so many characters to keep track of, it seemed to dilute the plot, in following along on Pen’s journey.
And, what about the octopus? Especially as it relates to the title of this book. Is there supposed to be a parallel between octopi and human behavior? If so, it felt lost in translation for this reader. And, didn’t seem to connect to the title of the book or the story presented.
Unfortunately, for this reader, the storyline fell flat and the characters were more annoying than likable. And, the mystery proved anti-climactic. With an abrupt ending, it added to the disappointment. I may be an outlier, so please read other reviews.
“…even the most ordinary life was like a good novel, a tale to be told.”
As readers we find ourselves inside Consider the first sentence in this book…
“…even the most ordinary life was like a good novel, a tale to be told.”
As readers we find ourselves inside Riley Sheffield’s Driftwood Cottage Bookstore owned by her mother. Her mother had transformed the cottage into a bookstore, downstairs, and Riley’s home with her 12-year-old son, Brayden, upstairs. And, even if Riley runs it, this is still her mother’s pet. She knows exactly what is needed and why to keep it important to the community.
The sense of place and feelings of comfort continued beyond that first sentence. I found myself entranced by the author’s description of that experience.
“The sea-infused air mingled with the scents of ink and paper. The ocean breeze coming through the open windows created a symphony with the creaking walls and groaning bookshelves. The same sand that found its way between her toes was also embedded in the cracks between the uneven floorboards.”
Could you smell the sea and books, too?
Even when Riley “ran her fingertips lazily across the spines of the books lining the crooked shelves” I found myself blissfully feeling those books, too.
I could easily get lost within this bookstore and its book clubs.
“Book clubs acted as a balm on the ache for intimacy.”
I wondered if I would ever get through this book with the way I kept finding so many quotes within the story to love.
I remember when this happened to me during the reading of Erica Bauermeister’s book, “No Two Persons.” ‘No Two Persons’ was my favorite book for 2023. I kept stopping every few lines to reflect on what was being said in the book. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In this story, Callahan Henry also included one of my favorite Thomas Jefferson quotes at the beginning of the book.
“I cannot live without books.”
That would definitely be me. I love when books do this to me. I want to be a part of the character’s lives. Live within the pages, and be aware of every aspect of what is happening around them. Especially when the centerpiece setting involves a bookstore.
But as I read on, in this book, I noticed something happening to me. With less quotable moments the story started to lose its’ appeal. Oh no! What happened? For me, it seemed to devolve into a chic-lit, been-here-before, soap opera of sorts.
Would it, or could it redeem itself for this reader?
Readers find that the story revolves around this family of 3 estranged sisters, asked to come back home to help save the bookstore. And, to be available for Kitsy, their mother, who has suffered a fall.
Maisy the now southern California designer, and Adalee, a college student, reluctantly come to support Riley and celebrate their mother’s upcoming birthday. Not knowing that there is more to their mother’s story. What secret is she hiding from her daughters?
At times it was hard to like the sisters. Adalee seemed like a selfish teenager, and Maisy seemed filled with mean energy. While Riley seemed to bathe herself in guilt and shame.
With past tensions, and jealousies, will these sisters be able to come together?
What about when Mack Logan decides to come back home, too? Could what happened between the sisters have something to do with Mack Logan? What did Mack do? Would sisters really allow a man to get between their sacred sisterly bond?
Can the sisters forgive each other and come together to help save the bookstore?
And, will they find their happily-ever-after? Afterall, it is chic-lit.
Redeeming qualities for story…
In some ways this chic-lit story of sisters, and old loves felt like a bridge towards finding the importance of family and community healing. With a backdrop of the beach and a bookstore and the importance of books. Especially with book clubs that foster compassion for others and a sense of community.
The story may have felt overly dramatic at times for this reader, but I appreciated the moments of celebration of those things I dearly love – books, the beach, a local town bookstore, and an imperfect love story.
Last note…This story also includes references to books to read within book discussion groups. The full list is provided by the author at the end of the story.
After reading “Memorial Days” I found myself staring at one of her older books, this one, which was published in 2015. It had been donated to my LittlAfter reading “Memorial Days” I found myself staring at one of her older books, this one, which was published in 2015. It had been donated to my Little Free Library Shed a few months ago, and I decided to hold on to it, until I could decide whether I wanted to read it or not.
I told myself that after I was finished with “Memorial Days” I would consider reading this one. I peeked inside. And then, I saw the list of names (characters) at the front of the story. “Oh no,” I thought to myself, “this is not a good sign. Would I be able to keep track of all those people?” And then I said, “give it a chance. This author typically moves you.”
So, I put it in my personal pile, not recorded on Goodreads, to consider reading at some future point after I completed “Memorial Days.” And, now I am here ready to tell you what I experienced.
“I understood that I was being shown the future: shards of what would come to be. Often, I cried out for the pain of it. But other times, I was comforted, because I saw, for an instant, the pattern of the whole.”
This is the historical fiction story of King David. It is gritty, emotionally stirring, with lots of characters. (Plan on referring back to that list of characters at the beginning of the book.) Brooks tells her story from scriptural sources, but in such a way that she brings everything to life. The setting. The people. The history.
“He was not afraid of silence, which most of us will rush to fill.”
There is something poetic in the telling of this story. How readers can see David as someone who is brave, just, charismatic and talented. But he also does bad things which causes him to fall from grace. And, even with some of those life decisions he made, we as readers aren’t inside a tragedy necessarily, but a story that takes our “King” to old age and a peaceful passing.
In the telling, Brooks does not take away from the biblical version, but whittles down the biblical hero figure to human. Which makes this book a compelling read.
Sociopath definition: ‘a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. Sociopath definition: ‘a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. Sociopaths often exhibit a lack of empathy or remorse, and show a pattern for disregard for others’ rights. They frequently lie, manipulate, act impulsively, often breaking laws and disregarding social norms.’
Hmmm…sounds like somebody we have experienced. Starts with T ends with p.
When this one was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. For one, the title was not very appealing. And secondly, who wants to spend time between the pages with a sociopath?
Unless maybe we would like to understand them.
Still, I chose not to put it in my currently reading pile here on Goodreads, because I just didn’t know how motivated I would be about entering this book. Yes, I had curiosity, but isn’t there enough sociopaths already serving in the United States government? Did I really need to read this?
In regards to this author and her book, it appears she wants to destigmatize the often-misunderstood sociopath personality type. Most commonly referred to as antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Please note that if you were expecting someone that was informative about sociopathic personality disorders, because of their vast research on the subject, this will not be the book to read.
She will however say that most sociopaths are not murderers. Instead, she wants readers to look at those diagnosed as sociopathic as on the spectrum, like autism. She wants to void the idea that ALL sociopaths are monsters.
Still, as she describes herself, readers can’t help but wonder how terrifying she really is, with her ‘on the spectrum’ personality type and the things she chooses to do as an adult, or did as a child. Like having no guilt. And, funerals being her go-to-party experience.
And, as readers trying desperately to understand her, what we come to recognize is that she may not feel people’s emotions, or apathy or empathy towards others. But she can feel love because it is “not transactional, not possessive, not ego-driven.” And, when it comes to emotions, even if she doesn’t care about someone else’s pain, she doesn’t want to cause more of it.
I believe her point to writing this book seems to be that she is really trying to get us to like her – maybe feel a sense of empathy towards her, too. Even if that is not an emotion or feeling she will experience back towards us. But all I felt was uncomfortable. And, relieved to move on from her story.
Trigger warning: foul language (a lot!), violence against animal...more
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
I had just finished a delicious rom-com called “First-Time Caller” by BK Borison with a character named Lucie that I absolutely loved. Review here: htI had just finished a delicious rom-com called “First-Time Caller” by BK Borison with a character named Lucie that I absolutely loved. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And, as I was reading this one, I am reminded that the main character’s name is Lucy, too and she is still in the throes of grief over the loss of Gabe, almost 10-years later. So, what is happening here? To me. As I read this one.
Is reading 2 rom-coms in a row a good thing? Or not?
Well, I am grateful for short chapters as I read on. But I keep asking myself…
How am I really feeling about this one?
To be honest, I am feeling dreadful.
Lucy begged to “heal me, please.” And, yes maybe we wanted that for her, too. But her healing journey didn’t come naturally. For me.
I wanted to connect to this novel, because I loved the first story so much. And, it seemed like it was the author’s intention to have readers feel Lucy’s life through ‘love, loss, birth, death, marriage, divorce, success, and the character’s perceived failures.’
But for me, everything felt forced. Her actions. Her reactions. Even her endless discussions with “dead” Gabe. And, even the moment she met Dax, and what came after, didn’t feel natural and meant to be, but instead felt expected. Like, we as readers were just supposed to go along with it. And, be happy and excited and gushy for Lucy. And, that just didn’t happen for me.
I didn’t feel the chemistry. Or the heart. Everything just felt like words tumbling together, that we are supposed to swoon over. And, no matter how hard I tried to get in to those words, I couldn’t feel any of it. The “feels” just weren’t there for me.
With this book, I found myself detached, disappointed, disinterested and anxious to leave. I know I am an outlier here, so please read other reviews....more
This author has many characters/series. And, stand-alone books. For the most part, I admire his writing, and enjoy whenever a new book of his comes ouThis author has many characters/series. And, stand-alone books. For the most part, I admire his writing, and enjoy whenever a new book of his comes out. This one is the 2nd in his Keera Duggan series. Keera is a defense attorney. And, one of my favorite genre’s is courtroom drama. So, this is what attracted me to this particular series.
The first book in this series was, “Her Deadly Game.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... But since it had been a while since I read the first book, I did not feel it hindered reading this book as a stand-alone. Of course, if possible, it is always encouraged to read books in series order for the best background on characters.
So, now we are to this book. And, I could see immediately that readers were going to face an interesting dilemma along with their main character, Keera.
The question and concern being, what happens when Keera’s father Patsy expects her to defend Jenna Bernstein, someone she did not trust or care for while growing up, and considered a lying, manipulative, possibly narcissistic, psychopathic b---h?
Not only that, but Keera’s father defended Jenna previously and got her a not guilty verdict for a murder she was accused of committing. And, now Jenna is the prime suspect in this second murder, years later. What is Keera to do? Does Keera believe that even though Patsy won the first case, that it was beyond reasonable doubt? More importantly, do we as readers?
And, that becomes the gist of this story.
The questions evolving in readers minds will no doubt include how Keera can defend Jenna if she believes her to be guilty. Especially defending Jenna when she does not like or trust her. Wouldn’t Keera rather drop out of the case because she felt it was time for Jenna to take responsibility for any of her actions? Or could Jenna be innocent, despite her personality defects?
These questions will probably consume readers as they read on. Hoping the author will eventually get to the point. This in itself could possibly frustrate readers. But eventually we do get to the courtroom, and all the drama and twists provide for a relatively satisfying ending....more
Have you ever walked into a story and felt like you were in the middle of a horror movie? Like everything you are reading feels creepy and dark and haHave you ever walked into a story and felt like you were in the middle of a horror movie? Like everything you are reading feels creepy and dark and haunting – not just the plot, but the characters? And, as you read you wonder if you can get in to the story when you don’t like anybody, and you don’t care what happens to anyone?
Well, that is how I felt with this book. Now, it is important to understand that I am not a fan of the horror genre. I am not into creepy crawly things in the night. And, I don’t like to be scared when I turn a corner, only to be faced with some form of evil that I cannot unsee. So, you really won’t see many, if any book reviews on books that have this intention.
So, how did I find myself here? Well, I have read a lot of your reviews of Samantha Downing books, and I was curious.
With this story, readers are thrust into Belmont Academy, a prestigious private school with a record for such excellence, that most likely students can find themselves at any Ivy League college upon graduation. After all, their parents are rich and influential. Shouldn’t that be enough? Unfortunately, Belmont Academy also has a history of community members, and some faculty and staff members dropping dead under suspicious circumstances. Is there a killer loose at this prestigious academy?
Needless to say, this is a very unsettling and atmospheric thriller with lots of twists, eerie characters, and psychological suspense. It almost feels like, if we listen closely, we can hear the music they play in the background of movies that are warning you that something sinister is about to happen. And, with this story, it always does. But unfortunately, the music doesn’t come to give readers warnings. So, how do I get that music out of my head as I quickly turn pages?
The story is told from multiple perspectives, which adds to the tension created by the author. Leaving readers wondering, who really is the bad guy here – and what really happened? Who can we believe to be the truth teller? And, with an ending like this one, well, no spoilers from me.
This twisty thriller has well-drawn characters and short chapters that will keep readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, on the edge to the very end. And, when readers get there, what will they possibly think? For this one, I have become more and more aware that psychological thrillers with vindictive, spiteful, cunning and devious characters, just aren’t my thing. But don’t let me stop you from reading this book....more
The author shares in their notes section at the end, “I don’t like killing people.” And yet, that is exactly what readers will experience. Soon to be The author shares in their notes section at the end, “I don’t like killing people.” And yet, that is exactly what readers will experience. Soon to be dead persons. With some unlikable characters. Does that mean we are glad the person died? When did readers become so callous? To say more would provide spoilers, and that is not my thing to offer.
So, I will share only the premise, that a very popular author of mysteries is found dead, and everyone in her hemisphere is considered a suspect.
What I can say is that this is a clever who-dunit that will most likely hook readers from the beginning. Of course, the fact that it is a large book with 470 pages, means that readers will need to be committed to wanting to stay with it. And, if they do, readers may feel rewarded by their tenacity, as they frantically turn pages to unravel the mystery. Regardless of how many pages need to be conquered.
It is also a story told from multiple points of view, with lots of characters to keep track of; and, many subplots. And, for those of us who don’t like keeping lists of characters, this may be a slight unfortunate distraction. But it still delivers a roller coaster ride of twists, suspense, tension and intrigue....more
When this was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought maybe it was meant for me to read first. Apparently, he was a musCatching up…
When this was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought maybe it was meant for me to read first. Apparently, he was a musician for the group, Black Flag. So, even though I wasn’t familiar with him or the group, I did still choose to read this book.
This short book filled with journal notes, poetry and prose, is raw and visceral writing. The author tells it like it is. From his own perspective. Be aware of profanity throughout-the-pages. He openly shares his experiences and reactions to people and him in counted moments. (Especially since he is seen as a celebrity by many.)
“#53. John Coltrane has invented a new kind of music that will save the world.”
Even in his poem ‘I Know You’ that goes on for several pages and cadences, we can feel his mocking and somewhat relatable words.
“…made you think that there was something wrong with you You would look in the mirror trying to find it You thought that you were ugly And that everybody was looking at you So you learned to be invisible…”
“…for you life is a long trip Terrifying and wonderful Birds sing to you at night The rain and the sun The changing seasons are true friends Solitude is a hard won ally Faithful and patient Yes I think I know you.”
Pull up a chair with a nice black coffee, and just read some words of his “in your face” reality. Words that are angry? Yes. Depressing at times? Yes. But he knows how to make readers look inside. He certainly has taken his own deep dive into himself. And, sometimes maybe that is all we need for ourself. Which includes an open mind to see the world from different perspectives.