This was a real mystery and a thriller. The unanswered questions kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the mystery and questions forming in my mind. The characters had mostly good intentions. If you like a medium paced novel, with lots of intrigue and tension, this book would be a good one to pick up. I gave this a solid 4.5/5.

As the lies and secrets were uncovered, I found it strange how many people just closed their eyes and mouths to the facts. Eli was strange in many ways (I don‘t mean his being gay.) His statements were so varied from one account to the next with the death of his wife and son. I read this with an open mind but feel that Gregg Olsen has figured this out. I gave it a 3.5/5

I really enjoyed The book of Charlie. I believe Charlie enjoyed life even when things weren‘t perfect. He figured out how to be successful in life after the untimely and tragic death of his father. He seemed to find ways to work for his goals. I almost felt as if I knew Charlie by the end of his life. If you‘re looking for a very good true story of a remarkable man, you won‘t be disappointed. 4.5/5

I like reading cozy mysteries because they don‘t get too deep. They are easy to read and enjoy. I enjoyed meeting the characters and putting the pieces of the “puzzle” together. Killer Cottage was a cute and cozy mysteries. I gave it 4 stars.

This novel had a magnetic draw on my mind. I couldn‘t put it down. A thriller with many turns and twists. I had my favorite characters and several I wasn‘t sure about. Several times I thought I had the mystery solved. I gave this 4.75/5

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was good. The storyline was interesting. I enjoyed meeting the characters and getting to know them. I was surprised at some of the twists and had me guessing what the outcome would be. I thought I knew pretty much how it would end but I was wrong.

I‘m not sure if I enjoyed the novel more or the way Tom Hanks read it! I really liked the storyline and most of the characters. The stepmother and the mother weren‘t my favorites, however they had their flaws. I definitely will read more books by Ann Patchett. I gave it a 4.5/5.

A well written historical fiction set in the 7th century. Three monks leave Ireland to find an island without any people so they can live without any negative worldly influence. Train and Cormac are very likable men. Artt is more unlikely to be by the two other monks. The island is covered with sea birds, which are used for foods, fire, down, feathers until they leave for the winter. Will they survive? Lots of rituals and ceremonies. 4/5 stars

An interesting novel which revolves around a Navajo family of photographers. Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer for Albuquerque police force. She has the “gift/curse” of seeing and talking with ghosts. Rita has had these visions and visits beginning when she was a child. Currently, Rita is being asked to help the ghosts who have been murdered by some corrupt police officers.

Silent Witness is the third in the series with Detective Amanda Steele. I would say this is the best so far. Being a thriller, there are murders with unexpected twists to keep the reader wondering what will happen next. A small girl is orphaned when her parents are murdered in their home. Corruption can run deeply and costs much damage. I enjoyed this page turner and gave it a 4.5/5

This was a very touching historical fiction novel. Most of the characters were very likable. Imagine growing up in the south as an indentured child whose parents died on voyage from Ireland. The novel takes many turns and life isn‘t very easy for anyone living in the late 1700s and early 1800s. I found the story held my attention and I wanted to find out what happened. I gave this book 4.5/5

The first novel in the series with Detective Jo Fournier. The mystery introduces us to the a single man who is a serial killer. The women he likes to kill are married and they each feel somewhat unsatisfied in their marriage. Our killer enjoys the interaction between himself and his targets. There are unusual twists along the way. I kept turning the pages hoping he would be caught…..

I have enjoyed the Amish series by Linda Castillo. I find them to be good for a more lighthearted read. This one, went deeper into the evils in an Amish community. Most of the characters are respectful people. This novel has some darker and more evil elements. It‘s a medium paced book with a couple of murders. I thought I had figured out who the murder was—no there were twists I hadn‘t figured out. 4:5 star

This is the first novel of the series with Detective Amanda Steele trying to rid the public of despicable humans. She has a bit of a rebellious nature and doesn‘t always follow the rules. Amanda‘s husband and young daughter are killed in an accident by a drunk driver. When the drunken driver is found dead in a motel room the plot thickens as the police determine he was murdered. A thrilling page turner. 4/5 stars.

This novel has issues which could trigger emotions because young girls are being trafficked by sexual predators. This is the second in a series by Carolyn Arnold. I liked the mystery and wasn‘t sure who the killer was for most of the book. The detective has issues in her past which sometimes have her making decisions which get her into trouble. I will read more of these books. I have it 4/5 star rating.

This novel was centered on the discovery of a young eleven year old girl who was found dead. The girls parents were devastated when she was not at school. The family was wealthy but sent their two kids to the local public she. The Sheriff worked to find answers but ran into the obstacles. There are school yard bullies who had lots to do with the death. Good twists and turns and turns I didn‘t expect. New author for me. 4/5 stars.

The writing style of the author was good. I‘m not usually a big fan of time travel. This novel took the reader through many time frames with the different characters. I did enjoy the book.

This was a cozy/type mystery. The location as well as the baking show aspect was the reason I chose this book. The contestants were unique. They arrived at the Grafton House, in Vermont where the cook off was to take place. Chapters focused on one player at a time. Of course, there was a murder. Contestants were sabotaged. There were twists and turns. It you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I think you will enjoy it.

This novel wasn‘t what I expected! The twists had me thinking “WHAT” I didn‘t see this coming. I gave it a solid 4/5.

John Irving definitely had a plan when he wrote this novel. I was intrigued by the title and the plot. It has more religious overtones than I expected. I found some of the characters quite interesting. I laughed in certain situations and felt tears in my eyes in others. Owen and Johnny were best friends and I respected their bond. The chapters carried on forever! I will remember the VW and headmaster story for a long time. I gave a 4.5/5 rating

This was the first book I‘ve read of S.A. Cosby. I found the novel kept me turning the pages. It had some good characters and some not so great. Racism is very much alive in many places. I often hope I will awaken and find it was just a nightmare. It will always break my heart. I gave this book a 4.25/5.

I enjoyed this novel more than I expected. I‘m not usually into much magical stuff. Some of the characters were very nice and others not so much. Ivy and Mia were my favorites. I gave it a 4/5. If you enjoy fiction with a magical twist, I believe you‘ll enjoy this story.

This story broke my heart time and time again. I can‘t imagine anyone treating an innocent child with such disrespect. How anyone could continue to beat a toddler and do this daily for many, many years, is beyond my understanding. I found it of interest that there was a society to prevent cruelty to animals before there was one for children. I would rated it a 4/5. I learned a considerable amount about a part of history I had‘nt heard of before.

What a thriller. This novel could trigger some who have suffered from abuse (both physical and emotional.) The story had me wondering who was the craziest. The twists weren‘t exactly expected. I gave it a 4.25/5.

A very good historical fiction dealing with a family of 4 Jewish siblings. After their father died unexpectedly, the kids they went to see a woman who was known to foretell when a person would die. Two of them headed west. Three die tragically. The novel touches on topics of homosexuality, suicide, family traditions and mental illnesses. I really enjoyed the story and most of the characters.

The Girl Before was certainly a thriller worth reading with many twists I didn‘t expect. I enjoyed reading it.

This book was more of a romance than a mystery. It was good but not my usual book.

Wow, horror lovers will certainly enjoy this collection of five novellas. Each one was very different in its own way. My personal favorite was the cover title.

This novel had several twists and turns in it. Many of the characters had grown up together. The story takes the reader from life for them in the 1990s and into today‘s life with their own children. Life certainly didn‘t follow all the classic lines in either of these timeframes. The author does note there are references to sexual abuse and the topic of suicide comes up. If those are triggers you may want to read something else.

This was another good novel by J.A. Jance. Sheriff Joanna Brady finds herself solving three murders in the extreme heat of summer in the Arizona desert. This time there are some very disturbing facts to be dealt with. Joanna handles the situations as they arise.

The novel “Unspeakable Things” is based on real life events that happened in MN. I remember when the actual events happened. I think the author did a good job telling the story. It is difficult to read but the need to understand is a must. We need to protect our children!

This thriller had me turning the pages. I basically read it in one sitting. April is the wife of a serial killer. During the early chapters she is seemingly unaware of his actions. Good looking husband James believes he is a “gift” to young women. His murders occurred in Colorado, Utah and Idaho. The victims are not resting in peace as they try to find ways to save others from the fate they suffered.

This novel had several twists and turns in it. An abandoned sanatorium is turned into a hotel. The characters are certainly in for an unexpected adventure. High in the Swiss Alps during a snowy winter, there is no way out when an avalanche closes out the police. Murders occurred and a detective on medical leave is determined to solve them and prevent any other deaths. I certainly didn‘t figure out who did it.

I have enjoyed this series. Kate Shugak is a good character. The plot in this novel brought Covid and the January 6th insurrection into play. I did miss the interactions with the aunties, as it was minimal. I do love reading about Alaska and will probably always will.

I listened to this book on Libby. Toni Morrison‘s voice is so smooth and really soothing. The story is about Frank, a veteran who fought in Korea who suffers from PTSD. He heads to GA to help his sister. This story is short but important for people to understand how difficult life was for so many.

Tom Brokaw‘s book telling the story of his life and especially talking about his cancer diagnosis. The year of chemotherapy with lots of doctors visits. He explains how he had been living his life his way feeling pretty lucky. Intertwined he tells some of the highlights of his reporting years and his worldwide travels. A well-written book.

I enjoyed this historical fiction which took place during WWII. I liked most of the characters. In 1940 London the bombs fall all around Josie Banks. Her husband is off to fight the war. Josie is buried alive and luckily survived. She is sent out to the countryside to heal. She meets remarkable people who find her charming. Josie was my favorite character. She finds love and friendship.

Not being a huge fan of short stories, I did find these stories interesting. Lauren Groff does have a way with words. They are well written. I gave this collection of stories 4/5 stars.

I enjoyed the historical fiction story about a young Irish woman who left Ireland in the early 1950s for America when work couldn‘t be found at home. The characters were interesting. The courage need for a young woman to pack up and head off so far from home made an impact on me.

Shiver was a thriller. A serial killer is life in New Orleans a scary place to live. The killer is killing in twos. There has to be a connection with the victims will have the reader trying to understand the reasons certain victims are killed together. I found it to be a page turner.

I found this book slow going. I did enjoy it quite a bit. Towles developed the characters and their personalities quite well. The story covered the better part of a lifetime. I believe it was well worth the commitment I made to read it.

The Singing Trees was a love story. The characters were mostly likable. Definitely, most young artists don‘t find the successful as Annalise was. The twists and turns of the novel were quite unfortunate. I did shed some tears while reading.

What a twist ending! I certainly didn‘t expect that. This thriller was hard to put down. Alicia is very troubled and confined to an asylum. She hasn‘t spoken since she murdered her husband. Theo is the psychotherapist who is obsessed with her. I may never think of therapists in the same way again!

Freida McFadden certainly has the thriller genre in her hands. The characters in this book were not very likable. Yet the book was a page turner. I give it 4/5 rating.

What a story! Historical fiction at its best. I loved the characters. Deborah Samson deserves to be known and understood. As a woman during the Revolutionary War who wanted to serve. Of course, during those days, women had their place-in the home. I love the the way the author wove the truths in this fictional novel.

Arizona sheriff Joanna Brady has to solve multiple murders in the novel. A trusted teacher is among those found murdered. The plot thickens when we find out the teacher is not who the public thought she was. Students are interviewed and are possible subjects of interest. The story has several different side line sub-plots which have the characters intertwined. If you enjoy J. A. Jance‘s writing you will enjoy this story.

This is one of the best books I‘ve read in years! I loved the characters. It was the most normal thing to fall in love with an octopus. The intertwined lives were filled with their own tales yet everything fit together. Well written and throughly enjoyed!

A fun book to read. As we all tried our best to survive Covid 19, there were plenty of adventures for all. The dogs were full of energy and fun.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I liked the quirky characters and the plot. The summer of the “panic,” had me thinking back to a time when I was younger and learning about panic around Orson Wells. I give this a 4/5 star rating.

This historical fiction was well written. The characters were mostly kind. WWII novels can be difficult to read because of all the horrors which were happening. My heart broke with each person who disappeared and I rejoiced when some escaped. Be prepared for some heartbreak. Prepare yourself to celebrate each new birth and always be thankful that we are not living through this hell currently.