I am not a true crime fan so I was not familiar with the author. It is her debut. The plot is interesting even if it seems to borrow heavily from the JonBenet Ramsey tragedy and perhaps others. A child‘s murder and a family ruined. Years later a friend, now a journalist is back home to care for her uncle when tragedy strikes again. Are the murders related? Cue the mystery, revelations and danger. Basic prose, but worth a look at this 3.5 ⭐️ read.

A child is “adopted” by a wealthy white British explorer. Forced to leave his family and home he is at first treated as a companion and beloved son. When his “father” dies suddenly Celestine‘s fortunes change. Nearly 70 years later another child suffers in the same house. When Lowra inherits the house years later she decides to research the hidden items that gave her comfort so long ago. This haunting & heartbreaking 4 ⭐️ story will linger.

I had high hopes for this one. I have read most of Johansen‘s thrillers especially those featuring Eve. The Death Mask brought a few of my favorite characters from previous books and introduced two new ones. With so many, there ended up being little for them to do. The villains are brutal, ugly and a little slow. The plot seemed designed to bring the characters together to say farewell. Only 2+ ⭐️ for a less than satisfying read.

This was an easy read. Tova is 70, lives alone and each evening cleans the Sowell Bay Aquarium to keep busy. She loves her maritime friends at the aquarium especially Marcellus, the Giant Pacific Octopus. Marcellus is a wily escape artist, collector and wise observer of humanity. An accident and a visitor are the catalyst for big changes for the two unusual friends. A happy diversion at 3.5/5 ⭐️.

I found this very readable, but not relatable. Jane has taken 10 years to write her second novel. In those years she and her husband have barely scraped by, moving their kids every year. Now that she has finished it, Jane feels that they will finally be able to have the life she has always wanted. Her efforts to find success wreak havoc in her life. Only 3 of 5 ⭐️ for this one.

Hana‘s quiet existence as a small town librarian is upended when her best friend dies after falling from a balcony. The ensuing investigation threatens the facade Hana has created after immigrating from Bosnia during the Bosnian War. Hana seeks answers in order to protect herself and her friend‘s young son. A 3.5 ⭐️ pick for this intriguing novel that shines a light on a conflict that I knew little of except for the headlines.

“They are told that the only way to have peace is to expel us or kill us. When such are the words they hear every minute of every day, it becomes too loud for them to listen to their hearts. They do terrible things and believe they are doing what is right. “

A mother seeking vengeance for a murdered child finds herself serving an older woman and her family haunted by a strange curse. An investigator with an unusual gift is asked to explain a spate of recent deaths, but cannot find his dearest friend. Fate brings these characters and others together against a backdrop of modernization and political turmoil. I enjoyed this 4/5 ⭐️ pick immensely.

A soft pick for this one. There were some laugh out loud moments and the short chapters helped propel the story forward. A couple and their adult children again return to a shabby rental at Cape Cod. The children are moving forward and the mother, the heart of the family is struggling to let go of the past. The MC fixation on her children is too intense for me. Only 2.5 ⭐️ for this angst-filled novel.

I learned of this book from a podcast. The guest was reminding listeners how individuals and churches are called to help the poor and the marginalized and how having secure housing can help stabilize the issues that contribute to homelessness. I was compelled to track down his book. For me his work is a five ⭐️ pick. It is teaching me how a change in perspective and a willingness to do small and big things may make a difference.

“It is past time for us to get into some holy trouble on behalf of the unhoused.” pg 179 ❤️

“Above all else, homelessness, dehumanizes. It isolates, it discards, and it amplifies fear and anxiety. In your daily interactions with people experiencing homelessness, their homelessness is not truly at stake. Their humanity though is.”

Judith a cruciverbalist, Suzie a dog walker and the vicar‘s wife, Becks discover they have a knack for sleuthing when three people are murdered in their village. Our heroes are often overlooked, yet they bravely take on villains in a series of quirky and dangerous escapades. This seemingly mismatched trio find true friendship, help the police solve the three cases and earn a four ⭐️ rating from me.

A pleasant story of a struggling small town and the two young women that find a way to save it. Sarah Dove is a descendant of the town‘s founder. Grace has moved to town for a new job and to care for her foster mother and niece. Together they inspire and revitalize the community. A 3⭐️ rating for this novel that touches on some challenging topics and has a little magic and romance sprinkled in.

Four ⭐️ pick for Hickey‘s novel of finding home against the backdrop of tribal politics. Mitch is the fixer for childhood friend and President of the Passage Rouge nation. After two years the two have learned that power is kept by doling out per capita checks and banishing those that disagree with you. As they strive for re-election they stoop to dirty tricks to win and the stakes are higher than imagined.

Beautifully written novel telling the story of a wealthy woman, Sera and her slum dwelling servant, Bhima. Together for many years the women have shared an unusual closeness that almost transcends their socioeconomic differences. The tenuousness of their relationship is revealed when an unjust accusation is leveled against one of them. A 4.5 ⭐️ for this hauntingly sad and lovely tale.

A story of the greatest American race horse and race in America. A freed slave breeds a horse that can run fast with extraordinary endurance. His enslaved son is the horse‘s trainer and caretaker. Freedom for the man is out of reach until a Civil War confrontation. A contemporary grad student finds a dingy horse painting and his research revives the legend, but racism is still only thinly veiled. A slow starter, but worth the journey for 4/5 ⭐️.

“But after a time, he had stopped seeking such dialogue. They were, all of them, lost to a narrative untethered to anything he recognized as true.” Private Thomas J. Scott (artist) p. 337

After their mother‘s death, Byron and ‘Benny‘ learn that almost everything they thought they knew about their mother was wrong. B&B‘s ma, Eleanor hoped that telling them the truth would heal old hurts and mend their relationship. Eleanor left her kids traditional black cake and more room for love. I was left with love for this novel and a hankering for cake. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mia‘s younger brother is non-speaking and has physical challenges, but he ran home from the park alone. Where is their Dad? Mia, her twin John and their mother Hannah are desperate to find him, but only Eugene knows what really happened and his knowledge is locked within him. A fascinating family facing heartache, a small miracle and a twisty plot make this a great 4 of 5 ⭐️read.

Purchased a copy for a child and realized some readers were concerned about the content and I needed to check it out. I found that this quirky fairytale reminds children that the world can be difficult and silly, but that all are searching and fighting for their heart‘s desire. Read and discuss together. This tale of an unlikely hero fighting fear and rats to save a princess is a four ⭐️ read.

“Something in an ant is sure where these morsels belong, but the ant could not explain this Something in a poem is certain where its words belong, but the poet could not explain this. All day the ant obeys an inexplicable order. All day the poet obeys an incomprehensible demand.” ~ Jane Hirshfield

Wrong book, wrong reader. Page 67 and I am abandoning it. Each paragraph and chapter seems endless.

Zamora‘s memoir details his harrowing journey from El Salvador to “la USA” at the age of nine. I was amazed at the author‘s detailed memories of his months long trip. He and his travel companions demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion under the most difficult of circumstances. A 4.5 ⭐️ pick for a story that will stay with you.

The Guardian (2/2025) summed it up well: “This book within a book weaves a writer‘s struggles with scenes from their Africanfuturist tale of post-apocalyptic robots.” Fueled by anger at a job loss, Zelu, scraps her failed writing and begins a SF novel that is an instant success. Now Zelu must deal with fame, but new doors are also open. Zelu‘s story is closely entwined with Ankara, her MC in “ Rusted Robots.” Full of angst and hope for 4/5 ⭐️

Powerful gut wrenching narrative. It is the period of Reconstruction, when Sethe and her daughter Denver live in a haunted house at 124 Bluestone Road. The baby ghost doesn‘t cause too much trouble. Sethe and Denver are shunned by their neighbors until Paul D and then a mysterious young woman appear at the door. Sethe tries to make a family of the four, but her memories and dark forces hinder her efforts. Brutal and beautiful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another novella with a mini-mystery for Mallory and Gray. Mallory is excited to see Charles Dickens perform. As she and Gray angle for an autograph, they are introduced to the author by Gray‘s ex-lover. Gray‘s ex has a little blackmail problem and Mallory agrees to take the case. There was less tension and danger, but it is always nice to meet historical figures and be reminded that people are the similar no matter the time period. 3/5 ⭐️

Jade is a teen growing into adulthood and finding self amidst the challenges of being a black scholarship student at a prestigious high school. Jade lives with her hardworking grounded mother and young uncle E.J. The struggles of not fitting in and growing up are beautifully portrayed in this novel. A 4 ⭐️ pick for this one.

Although I enjoyed this YA novel not everything worked. The characters needed more development and the plot pacing was uneven. The story had a lot to recommend it. A princess that is more than meets the eye, a prince that looks the part of a hero and a reluctant hero with a gift set off to find and kill a dragon so they can all live happily ever after, but it is all more dangerous than they could ever imagine. Only 3/5 ⭐️ for this fairytale.

This is the 4th in the Greer Hogan series. Greer is back in New York working as an archivist and investigating her husband‘s murder. This entry has Greer leaning into her dark side and preparing for the worst case scenario. This is a softer pick for me earning 3 of 5 ⭐️.

When looking for a read that will take me away from the world for a time, contemporary romance is not my usual choice. I selected this for book club in the hope it would be appealing just because it is different. I have had a few tell me they didn‘t finish. Alas, I did. Although I wanted to sit the main character down to talk a few times, I did appreciate the friendships. We could all use a happy place that includes friends and family. 3/5 ⭐️

I am happy I discovered Kelley Armstrong. The characters are engaging and the plots are interesting. This is the second in this series and we discover why Rosalind disappears leaving behind her husband and young son. When Rosalind finds a way home after 3 years she devises a plan to ease back into her old life. This story was a bit too complicated and the main characters less developed, but still a satisfying 3 of 5 ⭐️ pick.

First in another series by Kelley Armstrong, A Stitch in Time is the story of Bronwyn, William and their home, Thorne Manor. After her aunt‘s death, Bronwyn returns after a long absence, but everything has changed for them both. An enthusiastic 4 ⭐️ pick with time travel, ghosts and rekindled love.

This was a delight. Brendan O‘Hea and Dame Judi cover her extensive work in numerous productions of Shakespeare‘s plays. In the audio, Judi recites famous lines from memory and her reminiscences are read by Barbara Flynn. Their discussions reveal a spirited kind woman in love with her craft and the words of the man who pays the rent. I am inspired to watch Judi‘s past performances. 4.5 ⭐️

A novella from the Rip in Time series, Cocktails & Chloroform finds Mallory and Gray uncovering a trafficking ring preying on young Edinburgh women. A fast paced adventure that is a 3.5 ⭐️ blast.

In Find Me, Hope, a young woman with no memory of her past decides she needs to leave her best friend and the community that embraced her in order to begin a new independent life. When Hope goes missing her best friend, Lindsay will stop at nothing to find Her. No big surprises, but some fun twists keep it interesting for 3/5 ⭐️.

Before this novel, Harmel wrote contemporary romantic fiction. Hope and her grandmother, Rose‘s stories changed that. Hope is losing everything. She can‘t repay the loans on her family bakery and her beloved Mamie has Alzheimer‘s. On a lucid day, Mamie writes several names on a piece of paper and asks Hope to find them. Hope‘s journey will change both their lives. An ultimately uplifting pick for my first book of 2025. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friends have always called Tanzi a witch, but she believes she is just more intuitive. Landing fewer acting gigs means she needs to take on a job at Mystery Pot, a new age shop. Tanzi soon learns she does have a gift and that it is great fun to help others with it, but it can be scary too. This cheekily spirited romp is 3.5/5⭐️. Note: the language and drinking may be too much for some. I did get to look up a lot of great British slang! 68|2024

My first by Deaver. I jumped on the holds list with so many others when Tracker aired. I liked that we met Shaw and his Scooby gang after he was established as a rewardist. Interesting change from book to screen for one character. The unsub is kidnapping people and recreating a video survival game with more vicious scenarios at each level. The flashbacks and personal mystery were slightly more interesting than the main plot in this 3+⭐️ thriller.

I attempted a few times, but I eventually bailed. Lovely romanticized descriptions, but it seemed like the retelling of a dream instead of memories. My first try reading this celebrated author. I am not convinced I will try another of her works.

New series with a new murder solving team. As others stated the back and forth between very different and new main characters was a bit confusing initially, but the narrative soon evened out and the short snappy chapters propelled the story forward. With an engaging cast and the knowledge that Steve and Amy could drive to Cooper‘s Chase and meet the TMC gang it earned a 4 of 5 ⭐️ rating from me.

Third in the series. The members of the Secret, Book & Scone Society continue to move past their difficult histories and open themselves up to others. Nora meets a local artisan and the new owners of the inn. After Danny, the potter is found dead in the rain swollen river, Nora discovers that there is a mystery from the past that may be connected with the murder. Loved the characters in this ⭐️⭐️⭐️+ pick.

This was a personally important read for me. It is a thoughtful heartfelt reminder of the need to give up a modicum of independence and comfort to find and hold on to good friends. Allen shares a lot of advice to give the reader confidence in the process. A helpful pick at 4/5 ⭐️.

Some poets took the title literally with trees, a cactus, parks, the ocean and other natural places central to their prose. Other contributors described their internal “here.” It was less engaging than I had hoped. Some favorites: When the fact of your gaze…, Aia I Hea Ka…, Unendangered Moths, Remembering a honeymoon and To think of Italy… Only 3 ⭐️ for this collection.

It has been several years since my Civil War class in college (shout out to my prof with unbelievable recall); but as I read DoU I was reminded that the missteps, misunderstandings and mistakes on both sides seemed to fan instead of douse the flames of war. The declarations of secession for many of the confederacy were honest; it was about slavery 1st and state‘s rights 2nd. A 4/5 ⭐️ read with contemporary insights.

In this novel, Quain dreams up a young adult Sense and Sensibility on a cruise ship. Margaret is planning a summer on the sea with her sensible oldest sister Elinor before leaving for college, but the romantic middle sister Marianne appears after another shattering breakup. Margaret devises a plan to find new love for Marianne, but Margaret is the one in danger of falling when she meets Gabe. A 4⭐️ pick for a sassy heroine full of wit and love.

Jefferson Davis - “Our separation from the old Union is complete. No compromise, no reconstruction can now be entertained.”

I suspended my hold so as to not read this at such a fraught time, but in a moment of weakness I downloaded it when it was again available. That was a mistake. It is a difficult read at this time in history.

The Secret Book & Scone Society friends and the Miracle Springs community are still reeling from the murders and financial fallout of the summer. A new mystery arrives at Nora‘s door in the form of a young woman in need of help. The friends take her under their wings, but is she behind a new murder? I was a little less invested in the murder mystery, but did appreciate how Nora and the others worked together to help a newcomer. It‘s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️+ pick

Mallory is making a place for herself in 1869 Edinburgh. She is the assistant to Dr. Gray and aids him and McCreadie in their investigations. The friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping, but the unwrapping unveils murder and ruins Mallory‘s borrowed dress. There is a mystery to solve and Mallory is given an unexpected opportunity. Interesting historical notes in this entry. A 3+⭐️ pick. I guess I now have to wait for the 4th installment.

Still trapped in 1869 Edinburgh, Mallory along with Dr. Gray and company investigate three mysterious deaths. The stakes are raised when Gray and Isla‘s older sister, Anis is under suspicion for poisoning her husband. Another satisfying 3+ ⭐️ read from Armstrong. I am enjoying the series and when I have finished one title I promptly download the next.