This moving and poignant novella was my very last read in the year 2020. What a delightful way to end a great year of reading.
This spoke to my heart This moving and poignant novella was my very last read in the year 2020. What a delightful way to end a great year of reading.
This spoke to my heart on a variety of levels. It made me think of my mother, it made me reflect on just how much society has changed in the past fifty years, it made me melancholy and joyful at the same time. It spoke to the lives of every man and woman with thoughts on hope, love, and disappointments.
A novella, yet it had the heft of a much longer work. Enough heft that I would qualify it as 'literary fiction' which speaks to the heart. The characters were very realistically drawn, and the writing was outstanding....more
It took me a good while to get into this book. I couldn't bond with any of the characters and I couldn't understand their approach to this dreadful moIt took me a good while to get into this book. I couldn't bond with any of the characters and I couldn't understand their approach to this dreadful moral quandary they found themselves mired in. Then, at about the 30% mark, I found I was hooked. Why? It was about then that I realized that there was something seriously fiendish about one of the parents. The playing field was no longer friendly. The parent in question believed themselves to be omnipotent and was ruthlessly diabolical in their attempts to get their own way.
From then on, I couldn't put the book down. I just had to see if justice would be done. More importantly, in a situation such as these families find themselves in you have to ask... Just what would be justice in this case?
This is nature vs. nurture to the nth degree.
Told from the point of view of Pete and then alternately Maddie, the pace of the story moved quickly. I found I didn't care for Maddie's character at all, despite the desperate circumstances she found herself in. Pete was my favourite character and I rooted for his happiness throughout.
How the author brings this novel to a conclusion is chilling... yet somehow bizarrely fitting and darkly satisfying. Recommended!...more
This is the 13th novel in the fabulous D.I. Kim Stone series. If you haven’t yet started the series…. why haven’t you? I read this novel in the week bThis is the 13th novel in the fabulous D.I. Kim Stone series. If you haven’t yet started the series…. why haven’t you? I read this novel in the week between Christmas and New Year’s. As the characters seem more and more like family to me by this point, it seemed the perfect time.
Note: When I downloaded this book it had the title “Death Score” – a title which I personally think fits the novel better than its present title.
The series just seems to go from strength to strength. I highly recommend though that this series be read in order to fully realize its brilliance and appreciate the evolving dynamic between the characters.
This time out, the book examines the dynamics of sibling rivalry, and the extreme role it can play in the lives of the people involved. Thankfully, Angela Marsons balances her disturbing subject matter with liberal doses of witty sarcasm which I thoroughly enjoy.
As I devoured this 13th novel in the series, I felt even more invested in the characters than I was with the previous dozen titles. I will certainly recommend the series to all lovers of gritty crime fiction. I have read all thirteen novels in the series, but have not yet read the prequel. I look forward to reading the future installments in this brilliant crime series. Oh, and in case you didn’t already guess… “Deadly Cry” is very highly recommended by me....more
Having never read anything by Alice Hoffman, I was uncertain what to expect. I purchased this short story as a way to try her writing without committiHaving never read anything by Alice Hoffman, I was uncertain what to expect. I purchased this short story as a way to try her writing without committing to a full length novel. WOW! Now I know why she is a best-selling author!
The story told SO much in SO few words... much like the protagonist of the story, young Adeline. Atmosphere fairly reeked from the pages so that you could feel the beach rocks in your hands, hear the gulls, and smell the salty sea brine.
Adeline's mother in this story was only twenty-nine years old, but even her youth couldn't excuse her actions, nor her conduct toward Adeline.
This was a short story which displays empathy and cunning while simultaneously engaging the reader. Now I cannot wait to read one of Hoffman's novels....more
My first Michael J. Malone read. Lucky me.. he has a backlist for my future reading pleasure.
"There's no smoke without fire" is an old adage that mostMy first Michael J. Malone read. Lucky me.. he has a backlist for my future reading pleasure.
"There's no smoke without fire" is an old adage that most people seem to believe. Muck slinging, however ill-deserved, is oftentimes believed by those who are discontented in their lives and are envious of the victim of the libelous accusations. This book highlights the sad trend of crowd psychology. When that crowd psychology includes envy and avarice - it is a deadly combination.
All of the main characters in this novel were fully-fleshed out and the reader empathized with all three. The plot was fraught with injustice upon injustice, and the reader cannot help but be frustrated and distraught over the character's plight.
The novel covers themes of wrongful accusation, guilt, envy, betrayal, avarice, resentment, and parental pressure.
With excellent pacing,an absorbing story, and a highly satisfactory ending, "A Song of Isolation" is a superb thriller.
Almost exactly a year ago, I read Vanessa Savage's debut novel "The Woman in the Dark". Ever since then I've been eager to read more of her work.
This Almost exactly a year ago, I read Vanessa Savage's debut novel "The Woman in the Dark". Ever since then I've been eager to read more of her work.
This psychological thriller, set in an atmospheric locale on the borders of a forest in the Vale of Glamorgan, in Wales, proved to be another enjoyable read.
The novel explores themes of loss, jealousy, lies, secrets, sibling relationships, betrayal, and yes... murder. The author seems to have an innate knowledge and understanding of the insecurities of teenagers. Their mercurial mood swings, their crushes, and their angst.
I recommended this novel to anyone who enjoys thrillers with unstable characters who have grave and burdensome secrets....more
Eudora Honeysett – 85 years old and increasingly troubled by the usual ailments, vulnerabilities, and indignities of old age. Eudora has never been maEudora Honeysett – 85 years old and increasingly troubled by the usual ailments, vulnerabilities, and indignities of old age. Eudora has never been married and still lives in the London house she grew up in – her only company is a cantankerous black cat named Montgomery. She feels like she is ready to meet death ‘head on’ and she has no fear of its mysteries. Alone, with neither family or friends, Eudora feels that she is done with life. She despairs of the modern way of life with lack of manners, its technology, and public displays of affection.
“It’s such a nuisance that elderly people have to look so old. This shrunken, prune-like appearance, as if someone is slowly deflating them, is most unprepossessing.”
Rose Trewidney – a 10 year old, precocious, talkative, relentlessly cheerful girl with a colorful and often ill-advised dress sense. She has just moved in to the house next door to Eudora, and she makes it her mission in life to ease Eudora’s loneliness and become her best friend.
Though Eudora tries to resist Rose’s persistent attempts at forming a friendship, she realizes quickly that Rose is a ‘force of nature‘ who is impossible to resist.
Stanley Marcham – an elderly widower who lives near Eudora. Though he is very gregarious, he too is lonely, and grieving his beloved wife. He lives with two King Charles Cavalier spaniels who he walks regularly on Eudora’s street. When he comes on Rose’s radar, she adopts him as another of her ‘best friends‘.
“Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path.”
MY THOUGHTS
The unusual trio of Eudora, Stanley and Rose become true friends and their journey together is a joy to read. The importance of inter-generational relationships between the very young and the very old are showcased in an absorbing way.
The narrative switches from the present day to frequent flashbacks of Eudora’s life throughout the years. This gave the reader a comprehensive understanding of Eudora and her way of thinking.
The book discusses death, a topic that is usually avoided at all costs. It approaches this often taboo subject with empathy, compassion and levelheadedness. Also stressed in this novel is the paramount importance of being kind to others.
This lovely novel engenders all the emotions with its straight-forward Eudora and her dry humour. It is a book that I think everyone should read, regardless of their age as it clearly describes how it feels to get old – a state that is often neglected and ignored by society at large.
While reading Eudora’s story I was strongly reminded of Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove“. Fans of that book will surely love this one as well.
A heart-warming, life-affirming novel of intergenerational friendships. I laughed – I cried. It was a book that you feel like hugging at the end. ‘Uplit‘ at its finest! All the stars!...more
It is always a treat when you read a debut novel that is written with the skill of a more seasoned novelist. "The Silence" is just such a book.
This isIt is always a treat when you read a debut novel that is written with the skill of a more seasoned novelist. "The Silence" is just such a book.
This is a book about dysfunction. In families and in social justice. Rife with family secrets, shame, moral quandaries, apologies, and betrayal, the novel depicts how secrecy, alcoholism, adultery, and spousal abuse all serve to play a part in the history of two neighbouring families.
Also, the book sheds light on a fact of Australian history that I was previously unaware of. "The Great Australian Silence" which saw children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples forcefully removed from their families and rehoused. These children are sometimes referred to as "Australia's Stolen Generation".
One wee quibble I had was the use of the word 'but' at the end of myriad sentences. Then, I realized it might very well be an Australian colloquialism. It seemed to translate as the word though... (Eg. "Her roses were doing well, but." and "Bad posture, but."
Since this is a debut novel, I had absolutely no expectations going in. I discovered it to be a domestic thriller expertly blended with social history. A well researched, skillfully written novel that will likely make my 'Best of 2020' list. Highly recommended!...more
Full review to follow on publication date of August 28, 2020
Wow! What a fast paced and engrossing thriller!
This is a book that examines how far we wiFull review to follow on publication date of August 28, 2020
Wow! What a fast paced and engrossing thriller!
This is a book that examines how far we will go to protect those we love and also to protect our own reputations. It showcases profound moral dilemmas, ones you never want to experience. It touches on the dire topics of illegal immigrants, human trafficking and organ harvesting.
This book served to remind me yet again of the many people in this world who are alone, living solitary and unfulfilling liveA compelling debut novel!
This book served to remind me yet again of the many people in this world who are alone, living solitary and unfulfilling lives. My heart went out to Angie. Imagine believing you don’t have much time left to live and regretting that your life has held no happiness, adventure, or most importantly, LOVE.
I enjoyed reading about Angie’s time spent with Danek. How his arrival in her life led to her having friendships for the first time. The setting of Jaywick Sands was one that I had not heard of before reading the book and I found it somehow heartwarming that it has turned into a refuge for people without much material wealth.
I had my suspicions about Nikoleta’s boyfriend from the start. Kamil was shady yet Nikoleta’s naiveté kept her from realizing it.
The novel had themes of loneliness, betrayal, the often dire situations of immigrants, the nourishing aspect of being part of a community, and how social acceptance can influence the human psyche.
I can confidently recommend this debut novel. It has engaging characters, good pacing, an absorbing story, an almost palpable sense of place, and a heart-warming ending. An absorbing read!...more
A fast-paced, gritty crime thriller with a protagonist you'll remember for a long while.
If I had to give this novel a label, it would be Southern RuraA fast-paced, gritty crime thriller with a protagonist you'll remember for a long while.
If I had to give this novel a label, it would be Southern Rural Noir. Fast-paced, gritty crime fiction featuring very real characters. I didn’t expect to love it quite as much as I did. After all, I’m a white grandmother from Canada who has little basis to ‘relate’ to Beauregard Montage. Set during a sweltering Virginia summer, the oppressive heat seemed palpable.
Kudos to S.A. Cosby who created a criminal protagonist – a man whose actions were often deadly and cunning – but is also a likeable, empathetic, moral, good man. A good man whose family history, fate, and circumstance conspire against him at every turn.
A loving husband and father, Beauregard was brought up in dire poverty with only a criminal father as a role model. Despite his upbringing, his intelligence, his eidetic memory, and his strong moral code ensured that he was truly a character who the reader is rooting for throughout the narrative despite his criminal proclivity.
In addition to being a ‘heist’ crime novel, “Blacktop Wasteland” examines the situation that people who are living in poverty experience. Particularly black Americans. The rural south, where poverty breeds desperation and racial profiling is a grim reality. Where folks think a double-wide mobile home is the epitome of what life will provide them. A place where poverty and sometimes avarice guide the actions of its inhabitants. The characters that people this novel want more choices that will get them out from the low expectations of others. They want a better life for themselves and those they love.
Potential readers should be warned that this novel contains quite a bit of graphic violence within its very fast-paced story. I was fully immersed in the book throughout. The ending was realistic – as in life, you’ll find no ‘happy ever afters’ here.
Wow! What a great movie this story would make! Highly recommended!...more
With myriad characters and told from multiple points of view, this dual time-line novel features a present day accidental death as well as a historicaWith myriad characters and told from multiple points of view, this dual time-line novel features a present day accidental death as well as a historical narrative that takes place over the course of the two world wars.
The historical parts of this story were interesting and served as a grim reminder of some dark days in France's tragic past. The setting of South-Western France was idyllic and the author's love of the area has shown through her writing.
The characters for the most part I found to be one-dimensional. Hébrard was the only one who the reader comes to know in any depth. I found it interesting to learn that the author has written textbooks in the past - this because I found the narrative style quite dry and textbook-like.
I did learn more about the German Occupation of France in WWII, so the read was worthy on that front. Also, I finished reading this book on Remembrance/Armistice Day, so a WWII novel was perfect timing.
All in all, I would recommend this novel to those who are more into history than characterization and don't mind a slow-paced, rather dry read....more
As I was reading this novel, one phrase kept repeating itself in my head. "Physician heal thyself". Erin Cartwright, a psychiatrist, was one tormentedAs I was reading this novel, one phrase kept repeating itself in my head. "Physician heal thyself". Erin Cartwright, a psychiatrist, was one tormented and traumatized woman who really needed to see a psychiatrist herself in my opinion.
The descriptions within the novel were well wrought, yet the writing was less than smooth in places. This is a debut novel, but one which held my interest throughout.
Erin's character was deeply damaged by her childhood experiences - in that aspect she had a LOT in common with Timothy Stern. In fact, I'd have to say that the parents in this novel were some of the worst I've ever read or heard about. If there are such atrocious parents out there, they should be sterilized.
My favourite character had to be Timothy Stern. He seemed such a pitiable character - especially in the flashback scenes to when he was a teenager.
The plot was compelling, but seemed laborious in parts. The ending was satisfying, though the plot twist didn't really come as a surprise. In summation, I would recommend this novel with a few reservations. I would definitely like to read more of this author to see how her skills develop.
3.5 stars rounded UP for NetGalley and Amazon and rounded down for Goodreads (where the stars have different values)...more
This compelling crime thriller shows the reader a seedier side to the magnificent city of London. A London sweltering in a summer heat-wave.“Blood RedThis compelling crime thriller shows the reader a seedier side to the magnificent city of London. A London sweltering in a summer heat-wave.“Blood Red City” was a fast-paced crime story in which all characters were interesting and had some redeeming qualities. I love that sort of balance.
Very much a modern thriller, set in 2018, the plot features scary, though plausible situations. The writing style held my interest throughout and I found myself rooting for Lydia and her investigation. Stringer’s associates and mission were rather convoluted and I found parts of this sub-plot difficult to follow.
A gritty urban noir crime story which reminded me greatly of the television series “Ray Donovan” another ‘fixer’ who shows both his good and his bad sides to great effect. The novel featured subjects of money-laundering, extortion, paranoia, bribery, murder and more.
Highly recommended to those who prefer fast-paced, gritty crime thrillers with interesting characters and situations....more
Let’s face it, we all wonder whether there is life after death. If not ‘life‘ then we wonder just what does happen aOriginal and quirky. I enjoyed it.
Let’s face it, we all wonder whether there is life after death. If not ‘life‘ then we wonder just what does happen after we die. The author uses dark humor and pathos to imagine coming back to your home after you die. Original and oddly compelling.
The entire time I was reading of Fay’s foray back to her marital home, I was wondering what would become of her. This kept me turning pages. Ironic because she was already dead.
I loved how one of the things she regretted is that she never got to finish her Denise Mina novel (and I know just the one). Fay’s love of literature was palpable.
I enjoyed the writing, the pacing, and the humour. I did feel a profound sympathy for Fay and wondered how her death came about at the tender age of thirty-seven. I could easily imagine how torn her husband was. Also, I could feel Fay’s frustration at being able to witness events, see things and people, yet not be able to touch – hug – or feel…
This novel was an original examination of all things existential. Of leaving a life you loved – much too soon. Of how regret, grief, memories, love and loss shape our lives, and of selfishness vs. selflessness. Sure it was imaginative, and ‘out there‘ to a great extent, but I really enjoyed sharing in Fay’s journey. This was a fast and enjoyable read....more
After my first experience with the writing of Agnes Ravatn, I expected this novel to be great - and I wasn't a bit disappointed. "The Seven Doors" keAfter my first experience with the writing of Agnes Ravatn, I expected this novel to be great - and I wasn't a bit disappointed. "The Seven Doors" kept me enthralled for the entire book with scenes and characters that were very easy to visualize.
The novel, a domestic thriller with psychological overtones, was brilliantly plotted. Having Nina as the sole narrator of the story created more of a mysterious atmosphere as you didn't know what anyone else was thinking or feeling. The ending left the reader simultaneously satisfied and quite chilling.
Some of the themes covered were betrayal, trust, coping with change, loyalty, family secrets, and the inequality present in most doctor/patient relationships.
With literary references, musical jargon, strong characterization, and a somewhat complex story, the author has written another compelling thriller, while the translation from the Norwegian was seamless and accomplished.
I can't wait to see what Agnes Ravatn writes next. Highly recommended!...more
After reading Doug Johnstone's "A Dark Matter", the first book in the Skelf series, I was very much anticipating this follow-up. If anything, I found After reading Doug Johnstone's "A Dark Matter", the first book in the Skelf series, I was very much anticipating this follow-up. If anything, I found it even more enjoyable than the first book, due to the fact that now I'm familiar with the characters, and they have become almost like friends.
With a unique family dynamic, and an even more unique family business, this series had me hooked from the beginning. The Skelf women are memorable, moral, and authentic.
In addition to the family's personal stories, I enjoyed following the cases they were working on throughout the book.
Set in Edinburgh, in early spring, the novel explores loss, revenge, betrayal, selfishness, and guilt. If there is a moral to the story it is that we must all grab happiness where we can - for life is short.
Written with an engaging dark humour, this crime novel displayed a richness in characterization along with unique and clever plotting that made the story stand out from its peers. The book reads as a pleasing cross between crime thriller and literary fiction. I found the three strong female protagonists fascinating, and the I am eager to read more about their lives and exploits in further books. Guess you could say I'm an ardent fan. The ending left one of the story-lines unresolved which makes me desperate to read book three in the Skelf series.
Written with humour and compassion this was a truly enjoyable read. The characters were well rendered and the menagerie of animals added levity to theWritten with humour and compassion this was a truly enjoyable read. The characters were well rendered and the menagerie of animals added levity to the narrative.
The author has taken some very serious subjects and treated them with respect via sarcasm, humour, and pathos. The story tells of the love/hate relationship that can often be found between siblings. She speaks to the various ways different people grieve and the often misguided decisions they make when they are vulnerable.
An easy read that I recommend to readers who enjoy a good story told in an entertaining way.
I was fully prepared for this novel to be dark - one only has to read the blurb to know that. Just how dark and disturbing I was not quite ready for. I was fully prepared for this novel to be dark - one only has to read the blurb to know that. Just how dark and disturbing I was not quite ready for. Also, I thought that its darkness would be off-putting and hard to read, yet the author turned this story into one which I found myself devouring. I couldn't read the pages fast enough.
Why? Hannah. A young girl with such a distorted view that I just couldn't reconcile how she was going to move on with her life. And Jasmin... so damaged that at times she didn't even know who she was, or how to cope with living. Such characters are the type of characters that writers and readers dream of. Alive on the page.
The entire time I was reading I wondered just WHO these people really were. HOW they would continue on with their lives - all the time wondering... was their nightmare really over? What really happened to them? Whose story can you trust?
The book causes the reader to realize that 'normal' is subjective. What is normal for one person can be the very antitheses of normal for another. It also questions 'fate'. Are some people just terribly unlucky? or, can we influence our lives to control our fate?
Shocking, disturbing, mesmerizing, and compelling are all words I would use to describe this debut novel. Wow! Highly recommended! Definitely a contender for this year's "Top Ten List". Enthralling and unsettling in equal measure....more
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