Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman is a 2024 Atria publication.
This true crime book details the decadeGuilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman is a 2024 Atria publication.
This true crime book details the decades long investigation into the murder of Mike Williams in Florida. Mike went duck hunting one day, but was never heard from again. Meanwhile, it became obvious that Mike’s wife, Denise, and his best friend, Brian, were getting pretty chummy with each other. With only circumstantial evidence and no body, it was hard to prove Mike was murdered and even harder to prove Denise or Brian were responsible for his death. So, for years the case was kept alive by Mike’s mother, Cheryl, and a stubborn Florida reporter until finally, a series of events breaks the case wide open…
This is one of those cases that really does have it all. A bit of of Double Indemnity- a bit of Shakespeare. These people are incredible- one minute they are having a hot and heavy affair, plotting murder, and the next they are deeply religious, devout church members... and seriously convince themselves they are sincere believing their own lies.
This was a high-profile case- especially if one lived in Florida. Mike’s disappearance was featured on the Discovery channel show, “Disappeared”- but I’m not sure if everyone knows the case chapter and verse- so I thought the author could have gone with a more suspenseful approach so that the reader would feel compelled to find out how it would all play out. Instead, very early on we are told some pieces of information that popped that balloon- though there are plenty of twists in the case- and tons and tons of juicy tidbits and gossip. At times it felt like I was reading a trashy novel instead of a true crime saga. But as they say- you can’t make this stuff up.
The writing, though, is just okay- sometimes it didn’t flow well, and though this won’t make sense, it could be dry reading sometimes- but it was never boring- that’s for sure. If you like true crime this case is one you’ll want to check out, especially if you’ve never heard of Denise and Brian. It’s a real jaw-dropper.
Bad Day Breaking by John Galligan is a 2022 Atria publication.
Heidi Kick, besides dealing with the usual politics of Bad Axe County, must now figure Bad Day Breaking by John Galligan is a 2022 Atria publication.
Heidi Kick, besides dealing with the usual politics of Bad Axe County, must now figure out how to handle a religious cult that has moved in and are beginning to display troublesome signs akin the situation in Waco back in the early 90s. It’s a slippery slope under normal circumstances, as nobody wants history repeating itself. But for Heidi the stakes are raised even higher when a couple of people from her past seem bent on revenge....
This is a good, gritty, atmospheric thriller. Again, the Wisconsin winter backdrop helps create the dark undercurrents, punctuating the bleakness and corruption. The cult segments weren’t as cohesive as I would have liked, but their agenda is clear enough.
Heidi is a complex character. She’s vulnerable and her past is always on the periphery of her subconsciousness. She’s not perfect- and her fate is certainly precarious, but there is no doubt that she’s a survivor- she’s smart, tough, and tenacious- and I hope her story will pick back up soon… another installment is most definitely required!!
Overall, despite a few uneven segments, this is a perfect thriller for deep winter reading!
The Heights by Louise Candlish is a 2022 Atria publication.
The Heights is a tall apartment building in London- and from the terrace of this building,The Heights by Louise Candlish is a 2022 Atria publication.
The Heights is a tall apartment building in London- and from the terrace of this building, Ellen sees a man she knows for a fact is supposed to be dead. How can that be? Once it is determined that she wasn’t just imagining things- Ellen descends into a frenzy of obsession- determined to rid the world of a man she can’t allow to continue living on the same planet as herself…
This is one crazy story of revenge, hate, and obsession- a lethal combination- for sure. The story flips back and forth between the past and the present, catching us up on why Ellen despises Kieran Watts, and present day, as she begins to realize she’s been laboring under an illusion for a long while, and determined to end any designs Kieran may have to further disrupt or cause pain to Ellen or her family.
Well, my goodness! I don’t know what this says about me- but I liked this novel- a lot! I think I might have been under the impression this was a different type of revenge story when I started reading it, but I was way off base. It is a story of obsession, revenge, and hate- no doubt, but one is never sure who is trustworthy- if anyone is.
These characters are not likeable, or at least I didn’t think they were, but Ellen is so unhinged she nearly overwhelms any chance the reader might have at objectivity. She becomes the villain- but is she the only one?
There are so many twists in this story, so many angles, it is hard to figure out who to believe. While I get that Ellen was not palatable for most people, she was an interesting character study.
This is a mesmerizing story, hard to put down, and doesn’t really fit into any specific mold- which is a good thing. The story does take its time to develop, but is well-crafted, executed, and thought-provoking.
I thought about these characters long after I turned the last page- marveling at the way their minds worked, and my own response to them.
Overall, this is a great brain twister that will toy with your emotions as well. The wrap up was both clever and satisfying!
Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett is a 2022 Atria publication.
A strange, abandoned, octagonal shaped house, hidden deep in the woods, rumored toBeneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett is a 2022 Atria publication.
A strange, abandoned, octagonal shaped house, hidden deep in the woods, rumored to be haunted, is a magnet for kids looking for a thrill. When four teenage girls decide to go in the house, a childish prank has unintended consequences that will haunt two of them well into adulthood.
Clare and Abby were best friends as kids, until the fateful day they entered that house. Twenty years later, Abby went back to the house and was found in the basement, near death after what was a suspected suicide attempt. Upon learning of Abby’s condition, Clare, whose life is a right mess, returns home to offer support and to hopefully find the courage to fix the mistake she made all those years ago, in hopes it will save Abby’s life, as well as her own….
In March, after months of dark, cold winter days, my thoughts turn to light, sunny beach reads. But this book caught my attention and though horror novels are usually a hard sell for me these days, this one sounded like one I might like. Turns out my instincts were correct! The story does get off to a slow start and the atmosphere takes a while to cement. It didn’t take much thought to figure what- or who- was behind the haunting- but the specifics take a while to reveal themselves.
Because ‘horror’ novels these days is usually synonymous with over-the-top blood and gore- I’m very picky about this genre and rarely ever indulge in them anymore, but this one was not dependent on those elements, instead making it more of a mystery and relying a on good old-fashioned haunted house atmosphere.
The book goes back and forth between the past and the present, exploring other areas of the past where the octagonal house played a role in a tragedy. The areas centered on the teenage Abby and Clare could occasionally feel juvenile, but it was important to the story, because the triggers for Abby’s mental state is relevant to how Clare and Abby’s family approaches the present-day issues that have trapped Abby in a comatose state- though I did feel it went on a bit too long- since I got the general idea, and was ready to get on with learning the history of the house and how Clare will figure it all out.
The best part of the story, though, was the bonds of friendship, and underlying message of how childhood or teenage traumas can haunt our adult lives.
Overall, this was a quick-low on the graphic violence -sort of old school horror story. It’s not destined to be a classic or anything- but it was a nice change of pace for me right now.
Game On by Janet Evanovich is a 2021 Atria/Simon & Schuster publication.
Diesel is back after a two-year absence. This time he’s in search of a computGame On by Janet Evanovich is a 2021 Atria/Simon & Schuster publication.
Diesel is back after a two-year absence. This time he’s in search of a computer hacker, named Oswald, who is rumored to have left a trail of disappeared wives and girlfriends and perhaps a few rival hackers, too.
As it turns out, Stephanie is also looking for Oswald- so they help each other out, a little- but they each have their own agendas- which pits them against one another in a way, but regardless, they need to capture Oswald before more people die…
If you have followed this series at all over the years, then by now you know exactly what to expect and that’s part of the charm, I think. It’s the type of series you grab when you want something familiar and comforting that you know will be light, fun, and entertaining.
This installment provided all those things- it was the usual zany, and madcap adventure, but there was a small, subtle shift- something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Maybe I was missing Ranger a little bit? (He does make a few 'cameo' appearances- but that was all)
Either way, the story is still fast paced and entertaining, which is exactly what why I keep showing up time and again to see what Stephanie and the gang have been up to...
The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer by Liza Rodman is a 2021 Atria publication.
This combination of memoir/ true crime chronicles Liza RodThe Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer by Liza Rodman is a 2021 Atria publication.
This combination of memoir/ true crime chronicles Liza Rodman’s memories of her summers spent with serial killer Tony Costa, as a child.
Vivid nightmares, as an adult, jolted Liza’s memories of summers, back in the 1960s, when she spent some significant time with Tony. Her mother worked days and partied at night, often leaving Liza to her own devices, and vulnerable to Tony's attentions.
Her nightmares prompted Liza to quiz her mother about Tony, and was shocked by her mother's flippant announcement that he turned out to be a prolific serial killer.
The book alternates between Liza’s childhood, where she chronicles her upbringing, and complicated relationship with her mother, which is hardly warm and fuzzy, while detailing Tony’s everyday life when he wasn’t taxiing Liza and her sister around, keeping them entertained while her mother was otherwise occupied.
As Liza thinks back on those summers, some of the details she shares are bone chilling- like Tony’s secret garden, for example. The very premise alone is enough to send someone into therapy. I can’t imagine how I would feel knowing I’d been so chummy with a serial killer… or that my mother didn't appear to be all that unnerved by it.
The author did overshare some details about her life I didn’t really need to know, and wasn’t necessary to set up the scenario that put her in contact with Tony.
Tony was not Liza’s official or paid babysitter, but under the circumstances, one could understand how she viewed him as a such, but the title sort of insinuates a different scenario than the one we are presented with. A small gripe, I know.
The other issue I had, was with the book’s structuring, which made it a little hard to follow sometimes.
That said, the segments pertaining to Tony are obviously well-researched, full of chilling details depicting Tony’s troubling nature, and of course his murderous streak, which is quite disturbing and gruesome.
Before I read this book, I didn’t know anything about Tony Costa, really, other than vaguely recognizing his name. He was accused of killing several women, but was only convicted of two murders. He later committed suicide.
The Cape Cod Killer will now haunt my dreams too- but thankfully, not in the same way he has haunted Liza Rodman’s.
The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy is a 2021 Atria Books publication.
Okay- well, that was different- in a good way!
Satire is hard to balance, but if iThe Atmospherians by Alex McElroy is a 2021 Atria Books publication.
Okay- well, that was different- in a good way!
Satire is hard to balance, but if it is done right, I love it! This book hits an uncomfortable mark as it examines influencers, toxic masculinity, and body image, and perhaps the role we play in it.
Sasha is a successful influencer, until an unforeseen tragedy sends her popularity plummeting, turning her into a pariah in an instant. At the height of her anxiety, her old friend, Dyson, approaches her with a opportunity. He wants Sasha to be the face of his planned cult, which will be disguised as a workshop for men hoping to cure themselves of their toxic masculinity. They will name the cult ‘The Atmosphere’ and the members will be called ‘The Atmopsherians. ‘
Desperate to escape the frightening reality of her life, Sasha agrees to join Dyson at an abandoned summer camp where they will invite a specific number of men, from a curated list of candidates, to join them. Upon arrival, these men will dedicate their lives to cleansing themselves of their ingrained traits of toxic masculinity.
As the cult grows more bizarre, as the only woman at the camp, Sasha walks a fine line, especially since she only agreed to this madness out of pure desperation.
Sometimes a point is best made through satire. Preparing oneself for anything satirical, means accepting that you are being made fun of, in a sarcastic, occasionally caustic manner. This novel is a parody, with laugh out loud funny moments, but the truth is, it wouldn’t be funny, if there wasn’t some truth in it.
Satire can also be rather dark, and this novel has some gruesome moments- so be warned. Mostly, though, the book definitely hits on the pulse, and components of our current culture and society, and does so with searing and occasional graphic stabs at some very serious topics.
One must look at the whole picture, to understand what’s being said here. It’s not just a localized bashing, it’s open season on all of society.
Typically, the word ‘cult’ in a book synopsis will draw me in like a moth to a flame. But, in this situation, the cult, an ingenious move on the author’s part, is one of the most screwball cults ever, making the setup seem more like a means to an end- but it’s the perfect environment to examine all the issues at play and a perfect opportunity to ponder the ways in which we might contribute to them.
For me, though, I thought the most important theme was how our society is addicted to self- performance, always ‘on’ … being followed, observed, and recorded, by an enormous audience on social media platforms and YouTube, with people overrating their own importance, while overlooking troublesome issues, such as the impact or consequences of their ‘influence’- and to what end?
To feed an illusion, an unrealistic, ego driven image, all for the sake of ‘likes’, followers, subscribers, and the headiness of power, through ‘influence’- and how this continual spectacle has affected all those who dwell in this ‘atmosphere’, including the casual observer.
From the outside looking in, it seems dangerous, not only to one’s physical and mental health, but for our society, overall. Here we see a couple deprived of their ‘fix’, desperate to keep in contact with that adulation, and then finding other ways to satiate their dependence on power and ‘performance'.
This is a strange little book, I must say, but I got a kick out it, dark though it was at times. It was hilarious, clever, and serious, very well- written, and smart. You may recognize yourself in this book, but, even if you are like me, and don’t follow all that wellness and influencing stuff, you’ll recognize the characters for who and what they represent. The message is there for you to decipher, either on the surface or on a deeper level.
Maybe someday, we’ll all get lucky, and someone will intentionally topple the whole house cards, even if it is only to escape their own self- made trap. Maybe then, people will awaken, as if from a long sleep, and return to building real relationships again- one's based on morals, merit and principle, instead of popularity, influence, or performance.
Overall, I liked this book- it’s funny, sure- but remember- satire often exposes the underbelly in such a way to avoid strident offense. One has to be able to read between the lines of the exaggerated scenarios to see the way it exposes some unflattering, but important insights and promotes independent thought.
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell is a 2020 Atria publication.
Clever and suspenseful!
Three first person voices narrate this enthralling story which examInvisible Girl by Lisa Jewell is a 2020 Atria publication.
Clever and suspenseful!
Three first person voices narrate this enthralling story which examines the various devices humans employ to hide their innermost secrets, darkest pain, obsessions, or deepest character flaws, from society, from family and friends, and maybe even from themselves.
Saffyre Maddox, in treatment for self-harm, is released by her therapist, Roan Fours, before she’s ready. This leads her to stalk him and spy on his family.
Meanwhile, Cate Fours, Roan’s wife, acquired an uneasy feeling about her neighbor, Owen Pick, after several sexual assaults were reported in the area, and her daughter thinks Owen may have been following her home one night, with dark intentions.
Owen, a virgin, living with his aunt, has been let go from his job after being reported for sexual impropriety with his female students. He finds a sympathetic ear after joining an online chat group of ‘incels’.
When Saffyre disappears, key evidence leads investigators to Owen, who then becomes an obvious person of interest...
This is another winner for Lisa Jewell!! The story held my rapt attention from start to finish! The exploration of the darker corners of the internet was chilling. Although, the atmosphere was not as heavy as Jewell’s previous novels, I thought the story was extremely creepy!
I was a tiny bit concerned about the ending after reading a few editorial reviews for this book. I must disagree with the critics in this case.
Okay, sure, in a perfect world, it would end differently- but that’s what made Jewell’s decision so provocative. I thought it was fitting to leave the reader feeling unsettled.
As to the suggestion the conclusion may be weak-as a seasoned crime reader- I guess I must be losing my touch, because I closed the book with a definite shiver running down my spine!!
Fans of domestic and psychological thrillers will enjoy this one!
The Wolf and the Watchman is a 2019 Atria Books publication.
Morose and grisly- but morbidly fascinating!
Late 1700s- Stockholm-
A mutilated corpse is fThe Wolf and the Watchman is a 2019 Atria Books publication.
Morose and grisly- but morbidly fascinating!
Late 1700s- Stockholm-
A mutilated corpse is found in the lake- and by mutilated, I mean limbs, tongue, and eyes had been methodically removed, one at a time, the work mimicking that of a surgeon.
Cecil Winge, a lawyer, suffering through the last stages of consumption has been asked to look into the matter, which is the only thing that keeps him on his feet, fighting to stay alive long enough to solve the mystery.
Winge teams up with Mickel Cardell, a disabled former soldier, who discovered, then fished the body out of the water. Together they work to officially identify the body and discover who murdered the man in such a gruesome manner.
This novel has generated a bit of publicity, and as such, has already garnered a bit of a reputation- clueing me in on its violent nature. However, I was still unprepared for the lurid content I encountered in this story!! So, even if one has a high tolerance for graphic violence and gore, this novel will test your limits and boundaries. So- consider yourself warned.
The plot is intricate, and very absorbing, with several interesting character studies rounding things out. The dark and macabre underbelly of Stockholm provides an unsettling and nerve-wracking atmosphere which never allowed one to relax or exhale, even for a moment. There is also an urgency to the solving the crime as Winge’s health progressively worsens, adding an even heavier quality to an already depressingly grim tale.
Although there are very few rays of light in this dreary mystery/thriller, the sun does break through the clouds from time to time, offering some modicum of relief, but not for very long. I needed a respite from this one a time or two, but did find the story very compelling, with moments of real brilliance, although, the grit still overshadowed the finer nuances.
I can see why this book has captured the attention of its publisher, and why they hope a marketing push will steer it into the mainstream. But, despite the impressiveness of it, I’m not sure it’s ready for prime time, which is an audience trained to absorb bland, contained, polished, and watered down content. I'm not convinced this novel is suited for mass consumption.
Perhaps it would work better with a cult following, which is a far more intriguing, enduring, and even flattering thought, appealing to a specific audience capable of giving it the credit it is due…. Without feeling a little blue or green around the gills. ...more
My Love Story by Tina Turner is a 2018 Atria Books publication.
Simply the best-
Tina Turner is another artist who has been around my entire life. I rMy Love Story by Tina Turner is a 2018 Atria Books publication.
Simply the best-
Tina Turner is another artist who has been around my entire life. I remember seeing her perform Proud Mary on television back when I was a little kid and found Tina’s stage presence to be electrifying.
Still, it wasn’t until she released her solo album,back in the eighties, that I became a huge fan. I loved her MTV videos, her music, her voice, and her style. I knew she’d long ago dumped Ike Turner, but I didn’t know all the particulars. I had heard rumors he abused her, but I remained ignorant of how harrowing her life was until the movie, "What’s Love Got to Do with It” came out.
I still haven’t read, ‘I, Tina’, but I got the gist of the situation from watching the movie. So, of course, by now, most of us know Tina escaped a brutal marriage, walked away with nothing but her name, reinvented herself, and became a huge star. In other words, she personifies the word ‘inspirational’.
But, what about the second half of her life? What has Tina’ life been like since her rise to superstardom and beyond?
This second memoir by Tina Turner, is a not only about her humble beginnings, which she does spend some time on, including the years she spent married to Ike. It’s not just about her rise up from the ashes to meteoric fame, or the many great relationships she has forged over the years, both in her professional life, and in her personal life. It’s about her finding peace and contentment in Switzerland, it’s about finding true love with her second husband, Edwin Bach. This is her real love story. However, Tina also reveals her myriad of health concerns, none of which I was aware of before reading this book.
Tina is so refreshing. Musical memoirs are risky business with me. I often come away wishing I hadn’t read one of these books because the featured artist is so self- absorbed or so out of touch with what is going on in the world, I lose respect. Tina’s story, even the parts we’re familiar with, is a fascinating testament and an inspiration to so many people. Her music stands the test of time and her attitude towards her audience and fans is one I wish more professionals would adopt.
I enjoyed being a part of her shared memories and her success, and hearing about the life she’s forged with Edwin. Her approach is often humorous, at times shy, and maybe even a little embarrassed or chagrined by some of her mistakes, or moments of uncertainty. As with any celebrity memoir, I couldn’t relate to everything Tina is involved with, nor do I agree with all her philosophies.
I also found myself cringing a time or two as she went into more details than I really needed her to when describing her health issues and the various symptoms she had to cope with. But, I did love her tenacity, and the way her husband protects her, helped to keep her spirits up, and went above and beyond for her. I also thought she faced her illnesses with optimistic bravery.
I was happy to hear she is still holding her own, still interested in decorating her home and I love that she’s involved in the musical production about her life which has been very well received. Sadly, though, Tina has endured still more tragedy and I do hope she finds a way to get through it, as she has vowed to do.
Once again, I am struck by how many layers there are to this amazing and talented performer. Watching her amazing metamorphosis over the years, is incredible. She’s earned her right to enjoy retirement and the lovely surroundings of her home and adopted country. I am happy she’s found real and true love and hope she has many more years left to enjoy her time with Edwin and that the musical will be a huge hit on Broadway when it comes to America.
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman is a 2018 Atria Books publication.
A sullen, yet optimistic examination of a town suffering an identity crisis and tUs Against You by Fredrik Backman is a 2018 Atria Books publication.
A sullen, yet optimistic examination of a town suffering an identity crisis and the residents who must learn to adjust to a new normal-
While many of us became fans of Fredrik Backman because of his unique ability to weave whimisical stories, featuring quirky, but loveable characters. This method of presentation often softened the darker tones. With Beartown, however, Backman didn’t sugarcoat the darker elements and created an edgier story than some were accustomed to, but one that truly resonated with many people.
Us Against You is the follow-up novel to Beartown and deals with the fallout and ramifications of the events that transpired in the first book, beginning with Maya’s assault accusations, which turned her family into pariahs.
When Peter learns that Beartown’s hockey team will be dismantled, he finds himself at the mercy of local politicians with their own shady agendas. The team players are offered positions with the rival town of Hed. This creates a division, on top of the tensions surrounding the situation with Maya, ultimately exposing a gap in priorities, and shines a bright spotlight on misogyny, and the lack of diversity. As a new team begins to form, the competition between the two towns reaches a fever pitch.
Meanwhile, Peter, Kira and Maya struggle to find balance in their lives again. For Peter, hockey is all he has ever known, and he has no idea how to give it up- not without a fight- even if he must make certain concessions. Kira is once again in the position of putting her career, her marriage, and herself in second place so that Peter can still pursue hockey- while both of them struggle to come to terms with what happened to their daughter.
Eventually, the tensions boil over- with devastating results…
As I said in my review of “Beartown” you don’t have to understand anything about hockey to ‘get’ this book. You can substitute a number of things for hockey, instead. Here in Texas, high school football is a molten god and many small towns depend on it for their revenue, their very identities, which was a parallel I immediately related to, but it doesn’t even have to be about sports- it’s whatever issue or situation that becomes an obsession. In this case it's blowing a sport, or a fun pastime out of all proportions, turning it into something else entirely.
The characters in this novel are complicated, raw, and so very human and so very real. Backman has a real knack for nailing human frailties, exposing the most sensitive fears and conflictions, as well as understanding the dynamics of small towns everywhere. While the story is bleak, the town and characters suffering setbacks and dissension, progress is not completely off the table. We’ll see people go to hell and back, face their darkest demons, take bold strides in combating ignorant bias and destructive attitudes and behavior, which will provides that allegorical explanation of the book’s title. Backman’s characters are pragmatist, occasionally cynical, often reflective, but also optimistic and tenacious, eventually leading them to a destination they were long overdue to arrive at.
In so many ways, Beartown points a mirror back at all of us- It’s me- it’s you- it’s every town, every city, everywhere. Once again, Backman nails it. This is a very thought provoking read, and expansion of Beartown that left me in a very contemplative mood, but also one of peace, and with a feeling that these characters can only go upwards from here.
The Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
With Wall Street and finance, loop holes can go undetected for longThe Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
With Wall Street and finance, loop holes can go undetected for long periods of times, especially if everyone is doing well. But, sooner or later, the piper demands payment, something Jake Pierce finds out the hard way, which elicits very little sympathy from me, but it’s the innocent victims, like his wife and children, who will pay the ultimate price for his sins.
This story examines the lives of Phoebe and Jake Pierce, how they began dating as teens, got married, started a family, and experienced immense financial success, only to have it all come crashing down around them in spectacular fashion.
The story is told from the dual perspectives of Phoebe and Jake, alternatively, going all the way back to the beginning of their relationship in the 1960’s, and is told chronologically, ending with the fallout of Jake’s actions as he sits in prison.
This is a familiar tale, ala Madoff, one that is still very fresh in the minds of many people following the economic crisis of 2008. However, this is more of a character study and analysis of a marriage, of family life, as well as greed, and the many ways people may cover up lies or sins and even rope their spouse into helping them do something that isn’t exactly proper. Phoebe works just as hard as Jake to reel in investors, working alongside him in a social capacity as they wine and dine and romance potential clients. But, does that make her complicit in his misdeeds?
In the meantime, Phoebe raises two children, embarks on her own enterprises without the slightest support from Jake, who occasionally scoffs or put down her business ventures or humanitarian efforts. But, Phoebe had no problem enjoying the spoils of their success, living a life of luxury, seemingly without the slightest clue that Jake was skimming off the top, or doing something illegal. Her only concern is a suspicion he may have been unfaithful to her.
What I learned about Phoebe is that she is not stupid, is actually a ‘good’ person, and is not as culpable as people are convinced she is.
Jake’s perspective shows us the ‘real’ Jake, and he is not the Jake Phoebe or her children believe him to be. Naturally, the reader can easily see through him, which made it very frustrating for me because I couldn’t understand why Phoebe couldn’t or wouldn’t see Jake’s true nature.
While everyone in the family becomes accustomed to living a pampered lifestyle, Phoebe, and by extension, her children, seem to remain grounded, while Jake’s greed took over and became his ultimate downfall. This was an interesting juxtaposition, and a book club topic, which gave me something to chew on.
Once the pyramid crumbles and Phoebe loses everything she had gained, becoming a pariah, she finds herself at odds with her children who do not understand why she continues to write and visit Jake in prison. Phoebe finds difficult to explain her loyalty because of one big secret she’s harbored all these years and because of the longevity of the marriage. But, personally, I wondered if she was looking for some kind of redeemable quality in her husband that she could point to that would make all her years with him seem less of a lie.
She endures many indignities because of Jake and while she bravely confronts her situation, it’s obvious Jake is still Jake and will never change. The question is what will it take to pull the wool from Phoebe's eyes?
When Phoebe finally does have that epiphany, it's fairly late in the game and after much suffering and tragedy. But, once it happens I felt a huge sense of relief, despite the lingering sadness and grief, because I felt Phoebe was finally free for the first time in her life.
This is an absorbing story which gives the reader an inside look at how it could be possible to remain ignorant of the crimes committed right under your nose and how easy it would be to look the other way if you did suspect anything was amiss, especially if you are insulated by money. It also examines the selfishness of such acts, not only against the obvious victims, but against those closest to you, who will perhaps suffer the most.
Overall, this book gave me a lot to think about. The family drama and the push/pull from all angles as Phoebe struggles to maintain her own place in life, not just as a wife or mother, while Jake plots and plans and sins and rationalizes and justifies his actions makes for some riveting scenes. The characterizations are very well drawn and believable, and enabled me to see all points of view, pass my judgements without qualms, and made me hope that others would come around to my way of thinking, eventually.
But, ultimately the question the story is begging me to answer is, “What would I do in this situation?’
The answer is not as easy, or black and white, as you might think.
The Last Night at Tremore Beach by Mikel Santiago is a 2017 Atria publication.
An excerpt from my review posted on Night Owl Reviews:
Still, this is The Last Night at Tremore Beach by Mikel Santiago is a 2017 Atria publication.
An excerpt from my review posted on Night Owl Reviews:
Still, this is a fun, fast paced thriller, entertaining enough and worth taking a look at, especially since this is a debut novel and shows the author’s potential, which I would say is very promising. 3.5 stars
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia is a 2017 Atria/ Emily Bestler Books publication.
Very suspenseful, atmospheric, and absorbing.
This is a Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia is a 2017 Atria/ Emily Bestler Books publication.
Very suspenseful, atmospheric, and absorbing.
This is a cleverly written novel of suspense featuring not one, not two, but three first person perspectives.
Hattie has grown up in Pine Valley, and is bursting to break free. She has played a variety of roles in her life, and can easily transform herself into the person people want her to be. She’s a good daughter to her parents, a good friend, a sweet girlfriend, a good student…
But, when she is found brutally stabbed to death, the shocking facts about her secret life come bubbling to the surface and will shock the town and devastate lives for a long time to come.
Peter, who is Hattie’s high school English teacher, gives us his perspective, as he explains how he came to live in Pine Valley with his wife, Mary.
Mary’s mother is gravely ill, but she refuses to sell the farm, leaving Mary no choice but to stay and take care of her and the farm. Peter, however, feels like an outsider as Mary’s focus on her mother’s health becomes morosely obsessive, leaving little room for Peter.
Del is the head of Pine Valley law enforcement and walks us through the investigation into Hattie’s murder. His story is raw, and conflicting as he must maintain professionalism while delivering bad news to one of his best friends and grieve the loss of a girl he watched grow up.
But, the most haunting voice is Hattie’s, who tells us her story posthumously. She’s a chameleon in many ways, a teenager with a bright future, a little too advanced for her small-town classmates and friends, who needs more a challenge. She has big dreams and hopes and nothing is going to get in her way of what she wants...
For me, this story was deeply absorbing and hard to put down. The focus is firmly on the characterizations, but that doesn’t compromise the mystery and suspense elements. There is an understated quality to the story, as it moves toward what appears to be an inevitable outcome. I was so consumed by the characters’ emotions and actions, I never saw the twists coming. But, once they start, they just keep coming, with one shock wave after another.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mindy Mejia and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. I loved her writing style and her ability to pull me so deeply into the story, building suspense at just the right pace. I love it when a book is unpredictable and challenges me, really making me work for it, and just when I think I have it all worked out, pulls the rug out from under me.
Good stuff! I recommend it to all mystery, suspense and thriller fans! ...more
The Cutaway by Christina Kovac is a 2017 Atria publication.
A solid debut!
This is another book that has been lingering around on my TBR pile for too The Cutaway by Christina Kovac is a 2017 Atria publication.
A solid debut!
This is another book that has been lingering around on my TBR pile for too long. In fact, it’s been hanging around so long the blurb was still comparing books to ‘Gone Girl’. Oy!
I think the newsroom premise is what prompted me to add this book to my list. Personally, investigative journalism is more interesting to me than standard police investigations. They tend to uncover the best scandals and conspiracies!!
In this case, an up and coming young attorney named Evelyn goes missing, catching the attention of TV producer, Virginia Knightly. Hoping that by calling attention to the case, the story might morph into positive ratings, and maybe help her exorcise a few personal demons, Virginia and her team open an investigation. But things take on a much stronger sense of urgency when Evelyn is found murdered.
Meanwhile, Virginia is fighting for her job, and those of her team, when a new station manager takes over, which makes solving this case more important than ever. However, the deeper she digs, the murkier the case becomes, and it looks as if key players may be attempting to cover up pertinent information and are purposely trying to stymie her progress. It soon becomes clear that Virginia can trust no one- and she could be putting herself directly in the line of fire.
For a debut novel, this book is pretty good. At first it was a bit dry and the pacing was anemic, but then several interesting twists upped the ante, and from there the story picked up steam.
There is a dark undertone to the story, and Washington is the perfect setting for this type of thriller. The newsroom atmosphere has a realistic quality to it, and the behind the scenes dramas were a nice touch. There were a few surprise developments on that end of things as well. I never could figure out who to trust, any more than Virginia could, and I don’t think I ever would have guessed how things would eventually turn out.
Overall, the premise and location, is what really sells this story. The author did a great job with construction, but the execution is a little wobbly. Other than that, I enjoyed the story, and I think the author is off to a good start. I hope she will try her hand at writing again someday.
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