My absolute favorite thing is when writers make you believe things you didn't think were possible.
In this case, it's less about believing the twists My absolute favorite thing is when writers make you believe things you didn't think were possible.
In this case, it's less about believing the twists of the story, because pretty much all the reveals were fairly easy to guess. But that doesn't detract from the book at all, because the author spends so much time crafting each POV with such purpose and care that I absolutely believed that the characters could make the choices that they did. Some of the greatest human tragedies are rooted in the lengths people will go to seek security and love, and we see that theme play out with every character here.
Yes, it's a convoluted plot (with perhaps one far-fetched subplot too many), but I didn't really mind this because the writing carries it through. If I'm going to quibble about anything, I'd say the primary villain needed a bit more back story and nuance--not much, just a little more to make us more fully understand the choices that were made. But I love the fact that every single character is flawed and that each one had moments of painful self-reflection. The lines of the plot may be ones I anticipated, but the layered character work and unexpected poignancy were not.
(view spoiler)[The sullen, resentful teenager and his complicated feelings towards his bigamist stepmother were so well done, as were the husbands' POVs. I was most particularly touched by Daan's clear-eyed certainty of Kylie's motives, as well as his commitment to carry on what he knows would be her desire to keep the boys safe. (hide spoiler)] That bone-deep knowledge of another person doesn't always exist, nor the desire to help/be fair to someone who has betrayed you--but that kind of innate conscientiousness is very real.
I look forward to going back to book one to find out more about why these characters ended up in this position. There is real emotional truth in these character sketches, particularly the portrayal of fierce, unshakeable motherly instinct.
4.5 stars Rounded up because I liked it so much. Really excellent thriller—not the literary kind, mind, despite high marks for the writing—but the thoroughly-entertaining-keeps-you-turning-pages kind.
Audio Notes: I've listened to other books narrated by Kristin Atherton before, but she really gets a chance to shine here with all the different POVs. I appreciated the obvious skill in the various male/female/teen/child/authority figure dialogue, but also the shading in how she subtly changes her voices and manner of speech even when she's reading the narrative portions for each character. To do all that, and to give the text urgency and emotion and hope as needed--well, suffice to say she's a a narrator I'll be paying attention to in the future.
I didn't realize this was book two in a series when I requested the audiobook, but knowing what I know, I actually like that I read this one first. It totally works without the background of the first book and perhaps even adds to the suspense. The detective work is a solid presence, but really takes a back seat to the messy characters who are central to the crime--unusual choice, but I really liked it....more
Somehow each one of the books in this series has managed to be even better than the previous one. Such a delightful comedy of manners! Such distractinSomehow each one of the books in this series has managed to be even better than the previous one. Such a delightful comedy of manners! Such distracting chemistry! Such an unabashedly absurd plot! Such a violent smashing of fruitcake!
...a look so wicked, he might as well as gone through and dog-eared all her pages.
And such wonderful, wonderful love of literature, present directly in the story (they are both soothed by their books, and he is bespectacled), in the witty dialogue, and in quotes/misquotes brazenly seized and tossed into the story at dizzying speed. I want to ply India Holton with copious amounts of tea and cake and inspect her pockets for daggers, as her prose is so wickedly sharp, I'm half in love with her myself, despite being neither witch nor pirate. Along with The Lady Janies' work, this series is a masterclass on how to write a madcap historical with a modern eye.
I loved the book, adored the ending, and can't wait for her new series featuring RIVAL ORNITHOLOGISTS in 2024.
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: I fear I'll sound like a deranged stalker if I heap more praises upon Elizabeth Knowelden's narration, but I'll just say she has in her armory a series of demented social laughs that made me burst into giggles every time they appeared.
So much fun! Started out sort of typically, but then my ears perked up at a particular spot and it got better and better as it went along.
Acid-sharp So much fun! Started out sort of typically, but then my ears perked up at a particular spot and it got better and better as it went along.
Acid-sharp writing and shrewd, ego-centric characters playing cat and mouse. It's interesting that Sutanto wields her canny pen with such knowing insights into publishing, marketing, and the complex love-admiration-hate relationships with which so many authors seem to circle each other. She also believably portrays neurodiversity, narcissism, female friendships, and sociopathy with assured style and humor. I also appreciated one character's re-examination of everything she thought she knew about herself and her relationships, which was approached with just the right touch--though I'm curious what the end means for the character in that respect! It's fun to speculate.
Similar themes as the excellent Death of a Bookseller, but with more thriller elements and wider scope. I very much enjoyed this and am excited to read the author's other books.
Audio Notes: This is a case where I borrowed this book because I saw that Saskia Maarleveld voices one of the characters, so a happy find indeed. All the audio performances are terrific, perfectly shading the words of each character with fixed intensity, careless arrogance, and manipulative charm. A very nice marriage of text and interpretation....more
Agents, you should be taking Keri Lane to lunch if she’s interested, because this lady deserves a book deal. Books like this are exactly the reason whAgents, you should be taking Keri Lane to lunch if she’s interested, because this lady deserves a book deal. Books like this are exactly the reason why I still pick up indies now and again, because the excitement of potentially finding a fresh new voice is always there.
So funny, so sexy, so fun, with perhaps one of the best examples of how to write a relationship where the love interests are on opposite sides of the fence about an issue—-in this case, whether ghosts exist. I liked that they passionately defend the nuances of their positions, particularly her standing her ground on her beliefs and what it means if he doesn’t respect them. (His relationship with his best friend gets a hat tip as well.) The arguments are fierce, their banter is witty, and the way they eventually come together (view spoiler)[ HAH (hide spoiler)] is believable and cute.
Already so well-put together (frankly better than a lot of traditionally published books that have the benefit of betas and agents and editors and proofreaders and marketing), but it will be so exciting to see what happens in the future if this author gets picked up.
Currently free on Kindle Unlimited. If you enjoy cute, light-hearted contemporary romance with zingy dialogue and great chemistry, don’t miss this one!...more
A contemporary romance whose love interest just happens to be an endearingly formal, well-mannered, and gently inquisitive vampire. I smiled and smileA contemporary romance whose love interest just happens to be an endearingly formal, well-mannered, and gently inquisitive vampire. I smiled and smiled at this book from beginning to end—so sweet and funny, particularly the notes they leave for each other and his puzzlement over/misunderstanding of modern language and customs.
It’s a little light on plot (if you enjoy Erin Sterling/Rachel Hawkins YA, I expect you’d enjoy this), isn’t much interested in complicated supernatural stuff, you might wonder why she doesn’t ask more questions, and it gets a little scattershot towards the end, but I don’t even care. An enjoyable little Halloween bonbon.
Ugh, the CUTENESS of this book. From hilariously annoyed inner dialogue as she’s fighting her attraction to him to sexy banter to adorable gr4.5 stars
Ugh, the CUTENESS of this book. From hilariously annoyed inner dialogue as she’s fighting her attraction to him to sexy banter to adorable grandma/grandma love, this one surprised me from beginning to end with how funny and thoughtful it was.
Great chemistry between them (physical, intellectual, and emotional), and even better, the swooniest affection, too....more
I really enjoyed being inside these characters’ heads. All the POVs are well done, particularly Anna’s and the dead husband’s. It is very difficult toI really enjoyed being inside these characters’ heads. All the POVs are well done, particularly Anna’s and the dead husband’s. It is very difficult to reveal things to the audience that the narrator doesn’t know him/herself, and you can’t help but get nervous and distraught on their behalf as the story inevitably progresses towards what you know or suspect will happen, but they don’t.
I liked most of the surprises, but towards the end I think it got a little trigger happy with wanting to add more twists, something a lot of modern thrillers seem prone to. (view spoiler)[I really disliked the reveal about Nicole and the grandmother (hide spoiler)]—I can’t see what it really added to the story. Maybe if more groundwork was laid for it, but as is it felt like a bit of a betrayal, both to Tom and to readers. It was particularly off-putting because of the piercing poignancy of what Tom’s POV reveals to us. I had difficulty reconciling those unexpected emotions with that reveal, and in some ways the gotcha ending felt like it was meant for a different kind of book, too. It’s just so rare when a thriller manages to incite higher feelings that it’s a bit of a letdown when those feelings are somewhat negated by the impulse to provide shock value.
But. I liked the writing and will definitely read this author’s other books.
3.5 stars Almost a 4.
Audio Notes: Pleasant, all the narrators did a nice job....more
I’m really digging these contemporary romances that feature supernatural creatures. No snarly pack wars, no vampires leaving a trail of blood across tI’m really digging these contemporary romances that feature supernatural creatures. No snarly pack wars, no vampires leaving a trail of blood across the city, just romances with…unusual challenges. :D
This one is so fun! It’s basically The Love Hypothesis vibes with werewolf doctors, except way less hectic and sitcom-zany, and even funnier and cuter and sexier. (Oh my god, the amount of extended foreplay with them literally just necking as they leave their scents on each other for weeks and weeks is so much hotter than actual sex scenes in most books.) Both of them are so smart, but the author doesn’t exhaust you trying to prove it. This is probably the best version of the popular grumpy + sunshine trope I’ve read after The Hating Game, with his terrifying reputation written with wry understanding and affection, and her hilarious banter and cheerful refusal to be intimidated by him convincing you they’re a great match. Plus the author subverts a lot of typical romance choices, with a minimum of misunderstandings and exaggerated rom-com shenanigans. Which is saying something, considering the premise, haha.
I’m really excited to read more of this author’s books. Anyone who can make you laugh out loud and arch your neck a little more thinking about handsome werewolves moves right onto the auto-read list.
It's rare when you get a non-fiction book that is so riveting you can't put it down. It starts out with Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Butcher going tIt's rare when you get a non-fiction book that is so riveting you can't put it down. It starts out with Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Butcher going to a dark, rundown apartment in New York where she finds a man hanging from the ceiling. It seems like a typical suicide. She can't cut him down from the cord he used right away because of her hand injury, so she decides to go back to her office. There, looking over the crime scene photos, she notices one detail that makes her realize this is no ordinary suicide, however, but in fact one that might be calculated to do maximum damage. She places an urgent phone call to ask a single question--and saves several lives.
That's just the opening chapter (read it to find out what that detail was!). From beginning to end, it's filled with fascinating stories from Butcher's career, with a goldmine of interesting information about the process of investigating a death, as well as the author’s experience in the aftermath of September 11th. It’s well-written and compassionate, with occasional (and welcome) gallows humor. This book will be highly enjoyable for not only those with an interest in criminology and death, but anyone who reads suspense-thrillers in general, as it gives you so much insight into the way criminal and investigative minds work. (And honestly, a lot of contemporary thriller writers should check this out as well to add some substance to their crimes.)
I hope the author writes more in the future, she has a real knack for story-telling even in non-fiction, and her breadth of knowledge is a great foundation for possibly venturing into fiction as well. (Tess Gerritsen also used to work in this field, and her standalone thrillers and earlier Rizzoli and Isles were great.)
Also: someone get Barbara Butcher and Karin Slaughter together. Best murdery dinner ever.
Audio Notes: I don’t usually enjoy authors reading their own work, but this one gave me exactly what I wanted: her delivery was measured, calm, and pleasant, but purposeful and intent. Just as I’d expect she would be as a medical examiner....more
I LOVED her on The Big Brunch so this definitely was worth checking out.
Content is great, techniques and recipes clearly explained with tons of photosI LOVED her on The Big Brunch so this definitely was worth checking out.
Content is great, techniques and recipes clearly explained with tons of photos. Especially good for beginners since she explains the why behind methods as well as how.
Less enamored with the massively heavy, unwieldy size (current hand injury exacerbates that) as well as the odd matte-slick, textbook-like texture of the pages. Because of that, I’m not likely to purchase this one, even though I do appreciate the content. But I did get my library to purchase a copy, so I can borrow it again and others can, too!...more
Taken as a traditional mystery, The Secret of Hartwood Hall has many elements that recall many of the very best stories in the gothic genre without beTaken as a traditional mystery, The Secret of Hartwood Hall has many elements that recall many of the very best stories in the gothic genre without being too referential. I loved listening to the story, which unfolds slowly as Margaret Lennox arrives at Hartwood Hall to serve as governess to a lonely young boy. She's forbidden to enter the west wing, notices that there are very few servants for a house of this size, and is disturbed by her employer's refusal to let her young charge leave the grounds. But Margaret is also hiding secrets of her own.
This is one of those instances where I loved the narration by Olivia Vinall so much that I have to try to separate it from how I feel about the book. Overall, it's very engrossing, kept my interest throughout, has a lovely (and unexpectedly sensual) romance, and is well-written, especially in the sense that it feels like a story about a woman in the 1800s, without jarring anachronistic actions or thoughts. Margaret has a strong sense of self and questions much of what is dictated by society, but she doesn't behave in a cursory 21st-century-rebel kind of way.
Eventually, there were so many plot points and characters that quite a few of them didn't get developed enough, however. I wished we had felt Margaret's (and other characters') chafing at societal constraints more, that the overbearing and scheming villain(s) were more complex, that the mysteries of the house had been more detailed and even more emotionally laden, and that the themes of independence and autonomy were more unequivocally emphasized. This would have made the choice Margaret makes at the end something to celebrate even more; as it was, I admit that I applauded it in theory if not so wholly and unreservedly in my heart.
Still, such a wonderful listening experience and a beauty of a debut. I very much look forward to Katie Lumsden's next book....more
So freaking good, with some of the best character writing I’ve read in years. Messy heroines, dark humor, and an utterly engrossing examinati4.5 stars
So freaking good, with some of the best character writing I’ve read in years. Messy heroines, dark humor, and an utterly engrossing examination of how feelings of kinship can lead to obsession, and so easily cross the line. As a former bookseller of many years, the bookstore setting is so familiar, too. An incredible debut.
Audio Notes: Both narrators were superb, especially Roach. Her performance, paired with the masterful writing that reveals things to the audience the character herself isn’t even aware of, strikes exactly the right tone. You feel impatience and sympathy and revulsion and a weird affection for this ticking time bomb all at once—and slowly, you start to realize that the pleasant, professional bookseller she desperately wants to befriend isn’t perfect, either....more
Once, I was watching a show in which one of the contestants became helplessly, endearingly panicked and overwhelmed. You could see how he was utterly Once, I was watching a show in which one of the contestants became helplessly, endearingly panicked and overwhelmed. You could see how he was utterly at a loss at what to do, until the host swiftly, firmly, gently put it into context and told him that she had full confidence he could cope with it. This whole-hearted, unreserved kindness suddenly and immediately made me intensely attracted to the host, whom I liked but had never previously thought about in that context.
Which is all to explain in part why I love this book, whose Hallie is so passionately drawn to Julian because he is kind. A guy who goes out of his way to help people, sincerely, and who can’t stop staring at her glorious curls, or stand the idea of her being unhappy. (He’s also a professor, grumpy, and hot. And he tells a bunch of kids they are disgusting, which makes them laugh.) People can be complicated, yes, and I love a sexy villain, but deep down and IRL, nothing is more appealing to me than someone trying their best to do the right thing. I guess how much you value that might play into how you react to this story—it’s a big part of the plot.
Other pluses: their chemistry is electric and their absorption in each other is fucking adorable. I loved her sarcastic and foul-mouthed friends and his rebel sister, I enjoyed the vineyard setting (all aspects so familiar to me, as a Californian) and the subplot helping the elderly neighbor’s wine shop, and it’s funny from start to finish.
Quibbles: the stuff that are the “hooks” for marketing purposes could have been developed more (and there was a lot of it), including the secret admirer letters, their past missed connection, the landscaping/personal development thing, his family dynamics and panic attacks…it’s too much and not enough at the same time. I also wish Tweed Twit had had a bigger comeuppance! I expected we would circle back triumphantly to the rival wine shop at the end, so it was disappointing that never happened.
But still. He’s so utterly charmed by her and she’s so intensely into him that you can’t help but fall in love with them both. I love when people are genuinely kind to each other, and it’s so nice to see books that embrace that without cynicism or being overly, simplistically sticky-sweet....more
This is more of what I wanted out of The Quiet Tenant but that one never really got there. It comes close to the same anxious, helpJust...devastating.
This is more of what I wanted out of The Quiet Tenant but that one never really got there. It comes close to the same anxious, helpless feelings that Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffery series gave me. More thoughts when I can think about this a little more rationally.
But please, if the synopsis intrigues you at all, pick this one up. I'll just be huddled under a blanket whimpering quietly in the meantime.
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: The audio version is EXCELLENT. Highly recommended. ...more
Wendy Darling
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