Book #17 of 2025: On April 4, 1968, James Earl Ray shot and killed Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Hampton Sides uses meticuBook #17 of 2025: On April 4, 1968, James Earl Ray shot and killed Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Hampton Sides uses meticulous research and detailed writing to tell the intertwined stories of King’s final days and the lead-up and international manhunt for Ray. The result is an account that examines King as a “human on the page” while delving into the contradictions of Ray as a criminal and fugitive. A page-turner that focuses on the history of a national tragedy while reading like a novel.
One especially profound statement from Hampton Sides’s Afterward: “What a sordid tradition of violence we have in our country — and what an alarming record of assassinations and assassination attempts. Perhaps it’s the dark flip side of our extraordinary freedoms. The ease with which a person can move about this huge country, melt into communities, develop new identities — and buy high-powered weapons, no questions asked — has proven a formula for national heartache. Ray is just one in a long line of American nobodies who’ve left their permanent stain on our history.”
Book #16 of 2025: An intricate double mystery involving the disappearances of two children from the same wealthy family across the years. A brilliantlBook #16 of 2025: An intricate double mystery involving the disappearances of two children from the same wealthy family across the years. A brilliantly written examination of the impact that decisions and traumatic moments have on the lives of families, friends, and communities. And remember I said this — pay attention as you get to know these characters, because no detail is too small in figuring out the mysteries that drive this story. Liz Moore pulls everything together in this book. I couldn’t put this one down. The best book I’ve read (so far!) this year....more
Book #14 of 2025: When would-be writer Annie Adams is summoned to a small village to meet her great aunt Frances, she isn’t prepared for the challengeBook #14 of 2025: When would-be writer Annie Adams is summoned to a small village to meet her great aunt Frances, she isn’t prepared for the challenge of having to solve her great aunt’s murder. Transitioning back and forth from the past to the present through her great aunt’s journals, Annie learns that Frances’s lifelong obsession with her own death is connected to the mysteries of the past.
If you’re in the mood for a whodunit that ties together two murder mysteries, this is your book. It’ll keep you guessing, but the clues are there for clever armchair sleuths. Put this one on your summer read list....more
Book #13 of 2025 (audiobook): I chose this story — a short story about two twins in Atlanta who try to steal back a family heirloom from an ex-husbandBook #13 of 2025 (audiobook): I chose this story — a short story about two twins in Atlanta who try to steal back a family heirloom from an ex-husband — primarily because at one hour and 20 minutes, it fit perfectly into drive. The book is a unique look at how family expectations shape who we are, although I found the story meandered a lot. An entertaining listen on a quick car trip, but not overly memorable....more
Book #12 of 2025: A fun and beautifully illustrated story for a fast Saturday morning read. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Doom and a talking raccoonBook #12 of 2025: A fun and beautifully illustrated story for a fast Saturday morning read. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Doom and a talking raccoon… ...more
Book #10 of 2025: A wedding party in a haunted hotel leads to murder, and it’s agent Andrea “Andi” Castle’s job to figure out whodunit. A fast-moving Book #10 of 2025: A wedding party in a haunted hotel leads to murder, and it’s agent Andrea “Andi” Castle’s job to figure out whodunit. A fast-moving mystery that’s more plot-driven than deep character study (although Agent Andi is a compelling character). This is a fast read — in fact, almost too fast at the end with a finish that speeds quickly toward the resolution. 3 and a 1/2 stars....more
Book #9 of 2025: So much potential, but this one mostly falls flat for me. Richard Chizmar notes this is his longest book, and it shows. A mystery/horBook #9 of 2025: So much potential, but this one mostly falls flat for me. Richard Chizmar notes this is his longest book, and it shows. A mystery/horror story that follows three college students creating a documentary on roadside memorials soon evolves into overly descriptive passages of mysterious folks watching them, or strange occurrences, or constant car problems, or constant feelings of unease and suspicion. A promising mystery drags on…and on…and the story meanders until the shocking conclusion just seems over the top. Brevity is sometimes our friend, and this one could have been written in at least 100 fewer pages.
Want to read Richard Chizmar? Pickup his Boogeyman series — brilliant and scary....more
Book #8 of 2025: I listened to this on audiobook and love and believe in it so much that I purchased a copy — and, there’s a graphic novel version, toBook #8 of 2025: I listened to this on audiobook and love and believe in it so much that I purchased a copy — and, there’s a graphic novel version, too. Simply an essential survival guide for the times in which we live. Trust me — this is a must-read. ...more
Book #7 of 2025: A unique — and sometimes disturbing — historical fiction mystery based on the diary and life of 18th century midwife Martha Ballard —Book #7 of 2025: A unique — and sometimes disturbing — historical fiction mystery based on the diary and life of 18th century midwife Martha Ballard — the story of the murder of a local man whose body is found in the frozen river. More than the mystery, though, the story examines the treatment of women, the judicial system, and the issue of sexual assault in Colonial America. A very different kind of murder mystery. ...more
Book #6 of 2025: When journalist Margot Davies returns to her Indiana hometown to care for her uncle who’s been diagnosed with dementia, she begins toBook #6 of 2025: When journalist Margot Davies returns to her Indiana hometown to care for her uncle who’s been diagnosed with dementia, she begins to connect the disappearance of a young girl to the murder of January Jacobs many years ago. Her investigation reveals that no one in her hometown is quite who they appear to be, and that even the best people have a reason to cover up the crime that has haunted the community.
Mixed feelings on this one. Ashley Flowers writes a fast-moving mystery with twists that seems almost true — her fictional story seemed real — but then the story took an unnecessary turn that ruined much of the journey for me. Some may love this book. Ultimately, I wanted to, but didn’t. ...more
Book #5 of 2025: I love these books. This one is the second in a series — 40 different authors retell the story of The Empire Strikes Back scene by scBook #5 of 2025: I love these books. This one is the second in a series — 40 different authors retell the story of The Empire Strikes Back scene by scene, but through the eyes of supporting characters. A fun concept that expands the Star Wars universe. ...more
Book #4 of 2025: When Cassidy Bent joins six acquaintances for their yearly retreat to honor — or maybe it’s to cope with — the tragedy that binds theBook #4 of 2025: When Cassidy Bent joins six acquaintances for their yearly retreat to honor — or maybe it’s to cope with — the tragedy that binds them all together, she begins to wonder who she can trust. The weight of their secrets become more of a burden as it’s obvious that old friends cannot always be trusted. Some clever twists and a creative story structure — sometimes repetitive and inconsistently paced, but overall a fun mystery that will keep you guessing up to the end. ...more
Book #3 of 2025: A fast holiday mystery from Benjamin Stevenson, who again infuses humor and some funny one-liners into a fast-moving Ernest CunninghaBook #3 of 2025: A fast holiday mystery from Benjamin Stevenson, who again infuses humor and some funny one-liners into a fast-moving Ernest Cunningham mystery. A fun story that reads like a puzzle. While other writers of the “humorous mystery genre” seem to be running out of steam, Stevenson is on his game in each book. Inventive and fun. ...more
Book #2 of 2025: More of a YA graphic novel with an important message, perhaps especially in our current times. A little bit of history combined with Book #2 of 2025: More of a YA graphic novel with an important message, perhaps especially in our current times. A little bit of history combined with powerful themes and beautiful art, Superman Smashes the Klan can stand alone or be used alongside more traditional books in the classroom. A great resource for language arts and social studies teachers looking to drop graphic novels into their curriculum. ...more
Book #1 of 2025: I’ve started out 2025 with a winner — the latest in the Renee Ballard/Harry Bosch series. Let’s say 4.5 of 5 stars.
Here, Michael ConnBook #1 of 2025: I’ve started out 2025 with a winner — the latest in the Renee Ballard/Harry Bosch series. Let’s say 4.5 of 5 stars.
Here, Michael Connelly does what he’s a master at — weaving together multiple crimes into a fast-paced, character-driven story — this one blending both a serial rapist case and a theft that jeopardizes Ballard’s career with the infamous Black Dahlia murder. As always, it works, proving again that Connelly is the best crime writer out there....more
Book #23 of 2024: A fun 6-issue volume in which Mark Waid works his magic and captures each character’s unique personality. The art by Emanuela LupaccBook #23 of 2024: A fun 6-issue volume in which Mark Waid works his magic and captures each character’s unique personality. The art by Emanuela Lupacchino and Mike Norton is bright and energetic, fitting for stories about the Titans. Nice bonus of beautiful variant covers, sketches, and drawings throughout the volume and at the end....more
Book #24 of 2024: Ooohh, boy, so much potential in this mishmash of a story. Creative art and coloring with a virtually non-existent story that both jBook #24 of 2024: Ooohh, boy, so much potential in this mishmash of a story. Creative art and coloring with a virtually non-existent story that both jumps around and is a jumbled mess. This just didn’t work for me....more
Book #22 of 2024: A humorous-yet-thought provoking “graphic memoir” (I love that term) in which NPR correspondent Malaka Gharib tells her own story ofBook #22 of 2024: A humorous-yet-thought provoking “graphic memoir” (I love that term) in which NPR correspondent Malaka Gharib tells her own story of trying to find her place in America as a young Filipino-Egyptian woman. It’s a fast read that explores the beauty and challenges of blending diverse cultural experiences in America....more