Jennifer McMahon belongs to the category of countless other storytellers whom I've been aware of for years but have never actually read. Prioritizing Jennifer McMahon belongs to the category of countless other storytellers whom I've been aware of for years but have never actually read. Prioritizing new authors can be challenging, especially with a towering to-be-read list. While I knew of McMahon's reputation for crafting gripping fiction with a touch of horror, I hadn't found the right moment to delve into her works. That all changed recently when her publisher sent me a copy of her latest book, My Darling Girl. This novel tells the story of a mother and daughter working to mend their relationship as the mother confronts a terminal illness. The story carries a spooky undertone that makes it a perfect read for this season.
As the Christmas season envelops her charming Vermont home, Alison struggles to muster her holiday spirit. Her house is adorned with picturesque decorations, her husband diligently assists their youngest daughter in preparing for her role as a mouse in "The Nutcracker," her eldest begrudgingly agrees to join in the cookie-baking tradition, and Alison herself is even the author and illustrator of a bestselling children's book centered around the holiday. Despite all of this, she has never been one to embrace this time of year fully. Instead, as mothers often do, Alison will force a cheerful grin and engage in the festivities. Everything changes, though, when she receives a phone call from her own mother.
“The world was filled with terrible things.”
The call coming at all is a shock in itself. But the news Alison's mother has to deliver is even more surprising – she has cancer with a grim prognosis and wants to spend her remaining days with Alison, her son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Alison's mind immediately flashes back to the years of violent abuse she endured at the hands of her alcoholic mother. Those traumatic memories are etched into her, both physically and emotionally. Yet, looking at the frail figure of the woman who is still her mother, Alison can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. She reluctantly agrees, allowing her mother to come and live out her remaining days with the family. Little does she know that this act of reconciliation will set off a chain of strange and unexplainable events, turning what was meant to be one last family holiday into a nightmare. Alison will be forced to confront her own dark past and battle her inner demons to protect her family from an inexplicable evil.
Jennifer McMahon skillfully navigates the narrative of My Darling Girl, deftly balancing the tale of a mother and daughter's struggle to mend their strained relationship with a demonic possession story that infuses an undercurrent of horror throughout the entire plot. It's as though the demons of the past have materialized, posing a dire threat to the protagonist and everyone she holds dear. McMahon's expert handling of character development grounds the story, preventing it from descending into an overblown horror spectacle. The eerie elements of the story are subtly woven in with the moments of character exploration, enhancing the underlying tension. I found myself equally captivated by both facets of the novel. As the narrative unfolded, I grew increasingly uncertain about the reality of the events Alison experienced. Was this terror genuinely happening, or was it the manifestation of repressed trauma in the troubled mind of a fragile woman? To uncover the truth, you'll have to read for yourself. McMahon has crafted a multi-layered work of dark fiction that delves into family drama, psychological suspense, and outright horror. It was an exceptional introduction to her writing, leaving me thrilled to have finally experienced her storytelling....more
What makes great art? Walk through any museum and you'll be surrounded by works of varying importance. I'll admit that sometimes a visit to a museum lWhat makes great art? Walk through any museum and you'll be surrounded by works of varying importance. I'll admit that sometimes a visit to a museum leaves me overwhelmed by the things that I see. Yes, there are obvious masterworks. The Mona Lisa has been a permanent resident of the Louvre since the 1700s. It is safe to say that art gains its significance through the collective impact it has on society throughout history. In her novel The Exhibitionist, Charlotte Mendelson explores a family and the impact that has on their dynamic.
Ray Hanrahan is an artist, though this painter's star seems to have faded from his glory days. It has been several years since his last exhibition, and the art world is beginning to forget about him. Not to worry, though. Ray is mounting a comeback, a new showcase of his work that is sure to bring him back into the limelight and cement his status as one of the country's preeminent artists.
The Hanrahan is in various levels of support of their patriarch. Ray's wife Lucia is also an artist, one who (rumor has it) is said to be more talented than her husband. This forms a wedge between the couple causing verbal spats and threats of infidelity. Not even Lucia's battle with cancer was able to mend the pair's discontent. As the gallery is prepared for Ray's revival, the marriage seems to be at a breaking point.
Then there are the children. The eldest daughter Leah is in full support of her father. She is Ray's biggest champion who has become his right hand in mounting his artistic resurgence. Her sister Jess has completely removed herself from the situation, seeking exile in Edinburgh, away from the family. Then there's Patrick, the nervous stepson who is too afraid of his parents to admit that he dreams of leaving their life to become a cook at a pub. As the family gathers for Ray's big day, their interpersonal tensions threaten to derail the entire event.
The Exhibitionist was released in the UK last year where it garnered critical acclaim and was longlisted for the 2022 Women's Prize. As it makes its US debut this week, I fear the novel may not meet the same acclaim with this new audience. The publisher advertised the novel as comedic, but I didn't find myself laughing at it. Instead, I was turned off by the main character Ray. He's an entitled jerk who treats his family extremely poorly. Even so, the rest of the family is hardly innocent. The novel takes place over a weekend where we are subjected to their troubles which are all mostly self-inflicted. I kept wanting to shout at them to just talk to each other and tell the truth! There are deeper contemplations on the nature of art, relationships, and class, but I found the characters too grating to get much meaning out of anything else. Mendelson provides a few glimmering moments of brilliant insight that only added to my longing for a book that focussed more on the deeper themes than the trivial family squabbling. I know the book has garnered acclaim, but it simply didn't land with me. I was perfectly happy to be finished with the entire family. ...more
When you think of James Bond, you probably think about the movies. How could you not? The James Bond films have been a consistent part of popular cultWhen you think of James Bond, you probably think about the movies. How could you not? The James Bond films have been a consistent part of popular culture since Sean Connery first clad the trademark tux in 1962. Did you know, though, that James Bond the character comes from Ian Flemming's books that date back to 1953? The character's staying power, in both film and the written word, stems from the ability of the series to evolve with the changing times. Looking back at the older versions of Bond, there's plenty of fun, but there's just as much to cringe about. Flemming passed away in 1964. Since then numerous authors have given their take on 007, keeping the legendary character alive through many new adventures. Kim Sherwood is the latest author tapped by the Flemming estate to take on the mantle of writing about the famous James Bond. With the first novel, Double or Nothing, in her planned trilogy Sherwood attempts to take the series in a bold new direction.
In the present day, MI6, a branch of the British Secret Service, looks and functions much differently than it did in the decades past. Bond's secretary Moneypenny has taken charge of the infamous Double Os, bringing in a new crop of secret agents. Q is no longer simply a person who comes up with ingenious inventions to aid the agents. Instead, Q in this world is a supercomputer, capable of the kind of sentient AI that the world seems closer and closer to bringing to reality. Most notably, James Bond the famous agent 007 is missing. He's either been taken captive or killed, either of which is not ideal. Without the tenured agent to head her mission, Moneypenny turns to a group of new agents. 003, 004, 008, and 009 will each need to team up to head off the latest threat.
Taking on a famed series such as Bond is no small undertaking. Sherwood approaches the task with vigor and a willingness to make the book her own. I've been a fan of Bond films since I was a kid, so I was really excited when William Morrow offered me the opportunity to read the latest Bond novel. Sherwood brings the series into the modern era by correcting a few wrongs from the series's past and by focusing the plot on the timely subject of climate change. It is difficult, though, to call Double or Nothing a James Bond book. The character is missing at the start of the novel and does not make an appearance in the story. Instead, Sherwood focuses on a group of young, diverse agents. While each of these new characters has redeeming qualities, none of them emerged as a central character strong enough to carry a series. After a promising opening, the novel begins to shift perspectives between each agent, causing the pace of the narrative to slow. Just as I thought things were picking up, the perspective would shift and the momentum would die. There's an intriguing thriller buried within this book, but it ultimately can't decide what exactly it wants to be. Is this a James Bond book? A fast-paced thriller? A novel filled with espionage and intrigue? Double or Nothing makes an attempt to be all of these things, but ultimately never lives up to the legacy that it is attempting to continue. ...more
What's your go-to genre? My tastes have evolved and varied, but I always return to crime fiction. There's just something about following a character tWhat's your go-to genre? My tastes have evolved and varied, but I always return to crime fiction. There's just something about following a character through the process of investigative discovery that I find eternally appealing. It should come as no surprise then that I happily accepted a copy of The Wheel of the Doll by Jonathan Ames from his publisher. This follow-up to his novel A Man Named Doll promised to be an "...irreverent and inventive mystery...", so I knew I had to give it a read. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I wasn't about to let that stop me from diving right in.
When we meet our hero, he is physically and emotionally scarred from his last case. All things considered, though, he's ready to hop back into the proverbial saddle. A man named Happy Doll probably doesn't have any other choice but to be optimistic. He's a private investigator who relies on independent cases for his livelihood, so he's willing to listen to the young woman who shows up at his door with an offer for a new investigation. He's not prepared, however, for the way this case will force him to reckon with his past.
The woman is named Mary DeAngelo, and she's looking for her mother Ines Candle. Happy instantly recognizes the mother's name as an ex-lover of his. The last time the couple was together, she barely survived an attempt at suicide. Happy is saddened to learn that her life didn't get better after that. Mary has been estranged from Ines for a while, but recently received a Facebook message that alleges to be from her. Mary's mysterious husband puts up the funds to pay Happy to find Ines. As he embarks on finding her, he's left with more questions than answers. Old wounds will reopen and new ones are sure to follow.
The Wheel of the Doll sees Jonathan Ames write a hardboiled private investigator novel that blends echoes of the genre's past while blazing a trail into the future. This is a small, intimate story that takes full advantage of developing the characters and the mystery with laser-like precision. Reading about this down-on-his-luck investigator reminded me of some of the great noir novels, especially as the entire book is set in the shadows of Los Angeles. Ames hints at some of the events that happened in the first novel, but this story is self-contained enough that I never felt lost. There's a sparseness to the work that makes it compulsively readable. I was hooked from beginning to end, unable to pull myself from the pages. The Wheel of the Doll is a novel that knows exactly what kind of story it is trying to tell, and Ames deftly executes it to its fullest potential....more
Most of my yearly reading tends to fall into the thriller genre. There's just something about these stories' quick pace and twisted plots that I find Most of my yearly reading tends to fall into the thriller genre. There's just something about these stories' quick pace and twisted plots that I find irresistible. Reading so many works within the genre isn't without its problems. You see, I have read so many similar stories that it has become challenging to find one that genuinely thrills or surprises me. I'm always on the lookout for the next great one. Lisa Jackson's latest The Girl Who Survived, provided to me by the publisher, is my latest candidate.
Kara is no stranger to tragedy. She was orphaned at the age of seven when her family fell victim to a brutal killing spree. Her mother and father were murdered. Her elder sister Marlie hid Kara in a closet and instructed her not to make a sound. Marlie hasn't been seen since. Worst of all, Kara's brother Jonas was tried and convicted of the crime. Horrified by what was unfolding in her home, Kara escaped and began to run across a frozen lake. The girl fell in but was rescued and left the scene with her life intact.
Twenty years later, Kara is still grappling with the traumas of that fateful night. As the anniversary of that crime nears, one of the officers who were on the scene that evening has a change of heart and makes a damning claim. There was a break in the chain of custody on the weapon that was used to convict Jonas of the murders. As the investigation reopens, it becomes apparent that Jonas is not the only, let alone most likely, suspect. He's set to be released, calling into question everything Kara has believed about the night that has haunted her entire life.
The initial setup of The Girl Who Survived is extremely compelling. Lisa Jackson immediately sets the scene as our main character attempts to come to terms with her trauma while surprising new details set to dismantle every truth about the scenario that she thought she knew. It isn't the most original premise, but it certainly sets the scene for what is to come. As the novel progressed I was hopeful for a good deal of twists about the truth to be revealed. While those revelations do come to fruition, I can't say that I was satisfied by them. As more and more of the story comes to light, it becomes clear that The Girl Who Survived employed a kitchen sink approach to throwing in just about every cliche of the thriller genre that has come before it. Unreliable narrator? Check. "Shocking" family secrets? Check. A set of investigators whose career rests on the success of the case? Check. A final reveal that belies everything that comes before it? Check. To be fair, the book is briskly plotted and is adequately entertaining. There's just very little substance to encourage me to recommend it to you. It is a fine read for what it is, but it will not be among my favorite thrillers of the year. ...more
The late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was nothing if not a recognizable persona. His monochromatic look, tailored suit, tinted glasses, and powdereThe late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was nothing if not a recognizable persona. His monochromatic look, tailored suit, tinted glasses, and powdered ponytail helped him to become a kind of living logo for his brand. With a quick sketch, he was able to capture the look of the moment, perfectly encapsulating everything about his vision with immaculate precision. But who was Karl Lagerfeld? Who is the man behind the acclaimed fashion houses? The answer to that question may not be as easy to come by. Beyond the public facade of high-brow elegance and timely trends lies a man who valued his personal life and rarely revealed anything about himself that didn't further his brand. Even his date of birth was clouded by his own noncommittal origin story. In Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Fashion, author Alfons Kaiser attempts to unveil the man behind some of fashion's most iconic moments.
The earliest sections of the book reveal Kaiser's deep research as he debunks many of the tall tales that Lagerfeld told about his early years. From the year of his birth (yes, he was older than he claimed to be), to the way he interacted with his family and schoolmates, it is clear that Lagerfeld embellished the story of his life to fit the narrative that he conjured for himself and his image as a designer. The reality is this. Karl was born to a family that made a name for itself in the evaporated milk business in Germany during the brink of the second world war. He wasn't particularly close with either of his parents, and he was always a bit different than the other boys his own age. It is hard to imagine Karl Lagerfeld as anything but the icon that he became. Even so, he was the last of his friend group, including Yves Saint-Laurent, to find success. Once he did find it, though, he would enjoy a rich career in the industry that spanned over half a century.
Professional accolades, friendships, and feuds scatter the pages of Kaiser's detailed biography. The sheer scope of Lagerfeld's career is placed on full display in the work, which is quite astounding considering the industry he worked in. Fashion has always been something of the moment. Styles come in and out with a regularity that can often leave designers behind. Lagerfeld's staying power and ceaseless quest for relevancy is a remarkable feat. I was struck by how different Lagerfeld's public persona was from the man he was in his private life. He fiercely guarded his privacy, only confiding in his close friends, confidants, and his romantic partner of many years. Karl seemed to have been a loyal friend who went out of his way to take care of those around him. I have a mixed response, then to this work as a whole. It isn't that the reporting on Lagerfeld's life is bad. In fact, the writing is well researched and highly empathetic. Still, I can't help but feel that parts of the work pry more into Lagerfeld's life than he would ever have wanted to be revealed. Nevertheless, the brilliance of Lagerfeld's work and the genius of the man he was is carefully portrayed in this book. ...more
As the hardships of The Great Depression emerged, the people of the hills of North Carolina buckled down to make ends meet. For many families, this meAs the hardships of The Great Depression emerged, the people of the hills of North Carolina buckled down to make ends meet. For many families, this meant grueling days of chipping away at the trees of those hills to produce the sap that helped drive the turpentine industry. It is among these hills that we are introduced to young Rae Lynn Cobb. Rae Lynn has always been a bit aloof, but she's settled into life with her husband Warren. He's a bit older than the kind of man she imagined she would end up with, but he cares for her nonetheless.
The couple has made a go at their own turpentine endeavor, a life that is as difficult as it is dangerous. It is after years of labor that an act of negligence sees Warren gravely injured. In those final hours, he begs for mercy, and Rae Lynn obliges. There's only one problem, she has no way to prove that ending her husband's life was an act of mercy and not something more nefarious. Desperate to avoid jail, she chops off her hair, disguises herself as a man named Ray, and sets out to work in a turpentine camp in Georgia.
Delwood Reese has set out to escape some problems of his own. Swallow Hill, a turpentine camp in Georgia, is just about as far away from those troubles as he can get. His experience in the field nets him a job there. The conditions are harsh, and the lodging is meager, but Del is at peace with the place. He encounters a slight young man named Ray, who is far from adequate at meeting his daily quotas. There is something about the man that Del is drawn to, and he soon becomes his protector, shielding Ray from the worst consequences of his inadequate work. As Del earns the trust of the camp's owner, he begins to envision changes to make life in Swallow Hill better.
I'm rarely drawn to historical fiction as a genre, but when I do read it, I want to be transported to the time and place that it depicts. In The Saints of Swallow Hill, Donna Everhart plants her readers amongst the grit and dust of laboring in the turpentine fields. She inhabits this history with characters who are richly drawn in a way that connects the reader to them and the era they live in. Amongst commentary on gender roles, relationships, and racism, Everhart crafts a narrative that speaks to the power of finding your own voice, standing for what you believe in, and learning to trust yourself and others. Once I was firmly planted in the world that Everhart created, I didn't want to leave. Simply put The Saints of Swallow Hill is historical fiction at its best. ...more
Think about the way your parents cared for you as a child. It was their job to keep you safe and help you to grow both mentally and physically. For moThink about the way your parents cared for you as a child. It was their job to keep you safe and help you to grow both mentally and physically. For most of us, that care continues well into adulthood. To this day, my parents will still send me home with a cooler full of food just to "make sure I have enough." There comes a time in life, however, when the roles get reversed. Suddenly the people we've always turned to for advice or a shoulder to lean on become the ones who need the support. In The Final Case, author David Guterson explores a father and son relationship facing this shifting dynamic.
Our narrator is a middle-aged novelist who hasn't published in many years. His father Royal has been the stalwart head of the family for as long as he can remember. Beyond his place in the family, Royal has enjoyed a decades-long career as a respected lawyer in the community. We meet the characters as the narrator is called to help his father who recently was in a car accident. The incident was the final straw in Royal's life as a driver, and his son has been tasked with driving him to the office. As his father goes about his morning routine, the son begins to see that the world and the profession that his father devoted his life to are moving on from him. Subtle things like the way Royal has a preference for paper memos over emails only prove this point. Moreso, the jobs just aren't lining up like they used to. On this morning, Royal has no prospects whatsoever. He's simply going through the motions of his daily routine.
To both father and son's surprise, Royal receives a call asking for him to take on a murder case. The defendants and Royal's clients are Delvin and Betsey Harvey. The couple has been charged with the murder of their adoptive daughter Abeba, a child these white Christian parents brought over from Ethiopia. The couple's extreme measures around discipline come to light, and all signs point to their abuse and negligence as causing the girl's death. More concerning perhaps is that the couple has four other children. As Royal takes on what will become his last case, he must grapple with justice and retribution, all while facing the reality that his relevance in the field that he loves is coming to an end.
David Guterson is best known as the author of the award-winning novel Snow Falling on the Cedars. His first novel in over a decade, The Final Case proves his mastery of crafting a moving story across a complex set of themes. At the center of the novel is a reflection on parenthood. The octogenarian lawyer tries to hang onto the last bits of his independence as not only a father but a career professional. The son struggles with becoming the primary caregiver for his aging father while second-guessing his own childless life. Who will be there to care for him when he reaches his father's age? Finally, the family at the heart of the murder trial is being held accountable for their harsh, conservative parenting style that ultimately led to the death of their daughter. Guterson's matter-of-fact way of presenting all of this gives the reader the space we need to contemplate each of the character's motivations. The Final Case is a deceptively straightforward narrative that slowly surrounds you with an emotional heft that will leave you reeling long after the final page. Guterson never tells the reader how to feel or think. Instead, he allows us to draw our own conclusions and judgments. I was moved by the entire experience and thank Guterson's publisher for sending me a copy of the book to review. ...more
Where do you get your news? Like most of my fellow millennials, I mostly consume news from social media and on my phone. I'm grateful to have access tWhere do you get your news? Like most of my fellow millennials, I mostly consume news from social media and on my phone. I'm grateful to have access to so many different sources, but filtering through all of the noise can be quite the task. My earliest recollections of being aware of the news stem from watching my grandfather consume the morning newspaper and completing the daily crossword puzzle. For decades, the local newspaper was the best way to learn what was going on in your community. Acclaimed journalist Carl Bernstein is no stranger to the allure of the news. In fact, his landmark reporting on the Watergate Scandal marked the beginning of the end for Richard Nixon's presidency. In his new book Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom, Bernstein recalls his early years as a young man looking to make his mark on history.
At just sixteen years old, Carl Bernstein landed a job as a copy boy at Washington's Evening Star. Using his knowledge of the town he grew up in, he quickly ingratiated himself with the more tenured newspaper men. A career in journalism, however, seemed far away for the young man who was struggling to pass even the most rudimentary of high school courses. It isn't that Bernstein wasn't smart. In fact, in his early days with the Evening Star, he was already showing the potential to become an observant and nuanced reporter. Still, he would have to graduate from school if he ever dreamed of making a career out of the news.
Bernstein's beginning in the business couldn't have come at a more noteworthy time. Some of his first assignments centered around attending campaign events for the young presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy, crime sprees in the city, and the growing movement for civil rights. Unlike other reporters, both up and coming and tenured, Bernstein had a knack for connecting with the people involved in the stories he told. His connection to the city and the people gave him an advantage that saw him become a reporter for the publication at only nineteen years old.
Chasing History is a time capsule of sorts. The time and place that Bernstein tells about is one that I've only read about in history books or seen in old newsreels. Bernstein transports the reader to this era through his vivid descriptions, candid recollections, and quick wit. Just as the country was on the cusp of great changes, so was this young man growing into adulthood. Bernstein's personal life is intertwined with news-making history. He's grappling with the injustices of racism as he struggles to graduate from high school. He sees the nation mourn the death of a young president as he brims with the hope of growing personal romance. Bernstein's willingness to give the reader unbridled access to his life during this time helps to ground the larger historical moments in a reality that every reader can relate to. Chasing History succeeds as a memoir, origin story of an incredible career, and chronicle of history. ...more
Cold weather and ice made their way to South Texas this past weekend, making for the perfect excuse to curl up by the fireplace and read a book. I've Cold weather and ice made their way to South Texas this past weekend, making for the perfect excuse to curl up by the fireplace and read a book. I've opted for a title that takes place in about the most wintry setting I could imagine, the Canadian Arctic. I won a copy of Alice Henderson's A Blizzard of Polar Bears from a Goodreads giveaway late last year. The rush of the holidays and a few publisher-provided books kept me away from the title for a bit. Then early this year, Henderson's work was put on my radar again, this time via a recommendation from Chris with Book Cougars. She included the title as one of her favorites of 2021, so I knew I was in for a treat.
Biologist Alex Carter is no stranger to working with wildlife in rugged terrain. She was stationed in Montana when she received a call requesting her help in a different kind of place. Alex quickly accepted the opportunity to study polar bears in the arctic climate, a place that has seen the effects of rising global temperatures that threaten the future of vulnerable species. From the start, she realized that the harsh cold weather would be the least of her worries. Obstacle after obstacle arose all coming to a head when her team's helicopter caught fire and forced a landing in the unformidable wilderness.
Not one to panic, even in the most insurmountable of circumstances, Alex set to navigating the vast sheet of ice. Her years studying wildlife in the field make her uniquely qualified for this kind of survivalist situation. Nothing in her past, however, could prepare her for what comes next. The team is being hunted. It isn't wild animals or subzero temperatures that threaten their life. No, this time they are being chased by armed assailants riding aboard snowmobiles. Alex will have to turn to her instincts and improvise a way to not only complete her mission but simply to stay alive.
I wasn't sure what to expect from A Blizzard of Polar Bears, especially because I hadn't read Henderson's first novel to feature her hero Alex (A Solitude of Wolverines). Despite my lack of familiarity with the character and her previous adventure, I had no trouble following along with this novel. Henderson sets a pace that matches the primal setting she writes about. She peppers in commentary about climate change and the impact it has on the natural world, but never in a way that detracts from the survival story at the center of the novel. A Blizzard of Polar Bears is a breakneck thriller that perfectly balances character beats with pulse-pounding action. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and plan to backtrack to the first book soon. ...more
Sometimes it is best to go into a book blind. I won a copy of Shanora Williams's latest novel The Perfect Ruin in a Goodreads giveaway that I didn't rSometimes it is best to go into a book blind. I won a copy of Shanora Williams's latest novel The Perfect Ruin in a Goodreads giveaway that I didn't remember entering. (Please tell me I'm not the only one to have done this!) I didn't even recall reading a blurb about the book, so I had zero expectations about what it would be. It turns out that knowing nothing was the perfect way to approach this novel. Williams shrouds much of the motivations of the first part of her book in mystery, so coming in with no preconceived notions about what the story is really worked to my advantage.
Ivy has spent years in therapy recovering from the trauma of her childhood. When we first meet her, we don't know exactly what that trauma is, and it isn't clear why she has faced such a long period of recovery. What we do know is this. Ivy's therapist has just revealed the name of a person who is responsible for much of her troubles. Armed with this new information, Ivy has vowed to get revenge. To reveal any more of the plot would rob you of the discovery that makes reading the novel as much fun as it is. Suffice it to say that each of the characters keeps their secrets close and their enemies even closer.
The Perfect Ruin reads a lot like one of those made for T.V. melodramas where every character has a secret and each reveal becomes more shocking and outlandish than the last. That's not a knock on the quality of writing by any means. In fact, each layer of the plot in this one kept me turning the pages waiting to see what crazy thing would happen next. I do think, however, that reading this book will require you to suspend your disbelief to fully enjoy it. Many scenes reminded me of classic prime-time soap operas like Desperate Housewives or Dallas. It is a credit to Williams that I found myself caring about the characters in this one, especially as they acted from mostly selfish motivations. The ending of the book did crescendo to one too many twists for my tastes, but it was all in good fun and in keeping with the momentum that drove everything before it. The Perfect Ruin is the best kind of popcorn read, an entertaining page-turner that never takes itself too seriously....more
I'm always on the search for the next great thriller. I just can't get enough of the suspenseful page-turning stories that keep me reading late into tI'm always on the search for the next great thriller. I just can't get enough of the suspenseful page-turning stories that keep me reading late into the night. I try to read a variety of genres, but thrillers have always been the safest bet to capture my attention. My last read was a classic sci-fi novel that I really struggled to work through, so I was eager to move on to something that had a quicker pace. Enter Robin Gigl's debut thriller By Way of Sorrow. Her publisher sent me an advanced copy to read, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Suspenseful, thoughtful, and thrilling, By Way of Sorrow was just the antidote I needed to cure my reading slump.
Erin McCabe has just agreed to take on the highest-profile criminal case of her career. Sharise Barnes, a transgender woman, is accused of robbing and killing the son of a New Jersey State Senator. The senator's family says that Sharise tricked their son into sleeping with her so that she could rob him. Sharise has a different story. She says that when the son discovered that she wasn't born a woman, he got violent with her. Sharise stabbed him in an act of self-defense. The case is down to the word of a transgender prostitute against that of an influential politician. It isn't hard to guess which side of the story the courts will favor.
Despite the odds being stacked against them, Erin believes that Sharise is innocent and is determined to defend her. Beyond her desire to see justice served, Erin's involvement in the case is out of something more personal. You see, Erin is a transgender woman herself. Like Sharise, Erin knows what it feels like to be a stranger in her own body. She's faced the challenge of having to live her truth or keep her family and friends. In taking on this case, Erin knows that her past will be brought to the forefront, but she can't let Sharise's case go. In Erin's eyes, the only thing separating her from Sharise is money and privilege. She has to help this woman win this case.
The best thrillers combine a riveting plot with captivating characters. In By Way of Sorrow Robin Gigl does just that. The legal case pits the large political force against the small, marginalized minority. That dynamic of power versus weak drives most of the suspense in the novel. What elevates the story is Gigl's ability to write characters who strive to overcome their perceived weakness and turn it into strength. The main protagonist Erin is still coming to terms with being a transgender woman. She's accepted herself but struggles with how the rest of the world perceives her. Gigl imbues Erin with a sense of truth that is undeniable. She places her in real situations and allows them to play out as they would in the real world. As Erin finds her place in the world and builds her confidence in defending her case, we too gain an understanding of her character and how universal her story truly is. I was glued to the pages of this novel and can only hope that Gigl has more stories to tell in the future. ...more
As we slide past Memorial Day and into the summer season, I'm really dialed into working through my summer reading. I've written in the past that summAs we slide past Memorial Day and into the summer season, I'm really dialed into working through my summer reading. I've written in the past that summer reading usually marks a shift to addictive page-turners that pull on my emotions through either strong character drama or twisty thrills. Fortunately for me, my friends at William Morrow sent along a book to review that does both of those things. In The Anatomy of Desire writing duo, L.R. Dorn presents a modern retelling of Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy.
Cleo Ray has everything she could ever dream of. She's escaped the restrictive grasp of her religious fundamentalist parents by moving to Los Angelos under the guardianship of her uncle. Since moving and growing into adulthood, Cleo has made a name for herself as a fitness influencer. Her charisma has skyrocketed her to fame and notoriety. She's in a relationship with another prominent influencer, and everything seems to be going her way.
Life has a funny way of catching up with a person. One afternoon Cleo takes the young woman Beck Aldin canoeing on a lake. The isolated location provides a quiet respite for the two to talk and take in the scenery. Soon after, the roughed up remains of Beck are found floating in the water, and Cleo seems to have disappeared. From the start, the situation provides more questions than answers. We aren't exactly sure what relationship the girls have, let alone why Cleo would leave the scene of what is either a tragic accident or calculated murder. As the news of Cleo's involvement breaks across social media, one thing is certain. Cleo's dreams of a life of fame and luxury are about to be traded for one of pure tragedy.
I'm always a bit apprehensive about picking up a book that reimagines a famous novel. Sometimes they are hits, like Margaret Atwood's creative take on Shakespeare, that breathe riveting new life into the original work. Other times they seem to exist more to attract readers of the classic they are based upon than for any true creative reason. It has been over a decade since I read Dreiser's novel, but Dorn's take on the story works as both a modernization of a classic and as a standalone endeavor. Even if you've never read An American Tragedy, you'll still be able to find value in the commentary on fame, relationships, and the criminal justice system that The Anatomy of Desire provides.
The novel is presented as the transcript of a podcast with each chapter serving as an episode. It took me a bit of time to fall into the rhythm of the format, but by the third episode, I was completely drawn in. The book ends up reading like a play, with each character giving their version of the events. As such, I actually think this story might work better as an audiobook than it did in print. The bulk of the work centers around a criminal trial. I found myself rushing to the next page to see the entire event through. My only real complaint is that the main character Cleo isn't an inherently good or bad person. While the ambiguity of her innocence lends to a more suspenseful read, it also makes it hard to know if the reader should root for her. Still, The Anatomy of Desire is a thoughtful page-turner that gave me everything I was looking for in a summer read. It was a great choice to start off this season. ...more
Over a year into the pandemic, things seem like they may finally be getting back to normal. I've been working from home since March of last year, but Over a year into the pandemic, things seem like they may finally be getting back to normal. I've been working from home since March of last year, but I recently learned that I'll finally be returning at the end of this month. Last weekend, I traveled out of town for a wedding. Yes, the wedding was outside and masks and social distancing were practiced, but it was nice to have some sense of normalcy after a year that has been anything but. Like many of you, I've turned to reading to help me cope with the stresses of the pandemic, escaping into fictional worlds and exploring many new authors and genres along the way. Imbolo Mbue has been on my radar ever since her debut novel Behold the Dreamers garnered rave reviews. While I never got around to reading that one, I was happy to accept her sophomore effort How Beautiful We Were to review.
Mbue sets her novel in the fictional African village of Kosawa, a place that is rich in culture and heritage. The people there are intimately connected to the land, hunting, farming, and raising generations of families on it. Although the people of Kosawa hold a deep respect for their village, the same can't be said of the dictatorship that oversees it. The government has partnered with American oil company Pexton, allowing the corporation to mine the village of its resources with no oversight. While this partnership greatly benefits both parties, the people of Kosawa aren't reaping any rewards. Pexton is poisoning their land and killing their children. Even boiling the water has little effect on reversing the effects of Pexton's practices. The young people of the village continue to fall ill. Many of them die. Worse, there seems to be no end in sight.
With such a dire situation in front of them, the people of Kosawa seem stuck. Pexton sends representatives to speak with them from time to time, and they voice their concerns. Pexton reassures them that they are looking into the claims of poisoning and will work with the government to find a solution. But nothing ever comes from these talks. Finally, at one of these meetings, enough is enough. Resistance begins in the unlikely form of the village fool, a man most would ignore on any other day. He takes the Pexton suits hostage, promising their release only once a resolution is reached. Thus begins the multigenerational battle between government-sanctioned big oil and the small village.
How Beautiful We Were sees Imbolo Mbue transport her readers to a quaint village in the middle of rural Africa. She tells her David vs. Goliath story through the people at the center of it, the villagers embroiled in the fight for their land and their health, and the children who are slowly succumbing to the polluted land they are being raised on. The narrative comes together through the shifting perspectives of the various characters, casting a wide net on the village and connecting the reader to the global impact of the conflict through the most intimate lens. As in real life, this story plays out over several decades, leaving some hopeful, others jilted, and even more ready for a revolution. There's a vast scope to this novel, and Mbue deftly touches upon the personal, political, and environmental impact of the situation by leaning into her characters with a careful sense of duty to the story and the people. While I found the writing to be brilliantly descriptive and engaging, I was a bit disappointed in the ending of the novel. With such a sweeping journey throughout, I didn't feel the story reached a conclusion that adequately encapsulated everything that came before. Perhaps that is the way these things end though. Wars are waged and generations of lives are altered over natural resources. In the end, I'm not sure we can really look back and say that sum is worth the parts. ...more
Robin Monarch is no ordinary man. The son of two con artists, Robin began a life of theft at an early age. After his parents occupation finally cost tRobin Monarch is no ordinary man. The son of two con artists, Robin began a life of theft at an early age. After his parents occupation finally cost them their lives, young Robin was forced to use his skills to survive on the streets of poverty stricken Buenos Aires. There, he banned with other young boys, forming a fraternity of theft. His life was quickly spiraling out of control when he was seriously injured in a street heist. Rushed to a local clinic, his life was forever changed when he met Sister Rachel.
Now years later, Robin, possibly the best CIA operative, has decided to start a new chapter in his life. While searching for a secretive weapon, "Green Fields", overseas, Robin sees something that disrupts his faith in the CIA. When the lab he is searching explodes, Robin ceases the opportunity to escape. The directors at the CIA are worried about the information Robin acquired, so he instantly becomes one of the most wanted men in the world. Armed with information that could change the course of modern warfare, Robin enters a race to obtain the secrets of "Green Fields" before it falls into the wrong hands.
In "Rogue" author Mark Sullivan, perhaps best known for his collaboration with author James Patterson, imagines a believable protagonist in Robin Monarch. After leaving the CIA, Monarch takes to a life of crime, stealing from wealthy individuals to help fund Sister Rachel's clinic. This allusion to Robin Hood, while obvious, successfully turns the militarily robotic Monarch into a relatable character. The story is, at times, a bit predictable, but Sullivan knows how to mix suspense and action with interesting characters. Overall, there is nothing extraordinary about this novel, but it does do what it sets out to achieve. Any reader hungry for a quick action novel similar to James Rollins' Sigma Force series is sure to enjoy this book.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program....more
This is a pretty run of the mill thriller. The characters work about as well as they need to as the action based plot unfolds. My main complaint isn'tThis is a pretty run of the mill thriller. The characters work about as well as they need to as the action based plot unfolds. My main complaint isn't the blandness of the story, but rather the use of "supernatural" powers that some characters possess. Its all just a bit too convenient and unbelievable for my tastes. ...more
Like many other deceased authors, Michael Crichton and Sydney Sheldon immediately come to mind, author Andrew Britton's untimely death in 2008 has notLike many other deceased authors, Michael Crichton and Sydney Sheldon immediately come to mind, author Andrew Britton's untimely death in 2008 has not halted the production of new novels under his name. Of course, this opens the whole debate about ghost writers and unreleased manuscripts that are passed off as new material from bestselling authors. Despite my growing dislike of this practice, the book jacket summary seemed promising enough that I decided to give The Operative a read.
After years as a counter terrorism operative, Ryan Kealey is finally adjusting to a more peaceful lifestyle. This newfound peace is quickly shattered when Kealey finds himself smack in the middle of a large-scale terror attack at a charity gala. With many deaths and injuries, the CIA fears that some of their units may be compromised. Now Kealey is the only man who is both trusted by the US Government and capable to discover the truth behind the attack. As he delves into the depts of the conspiracy, he discovers unimaginable secrets that could shatter the stability of the entire country.
There is nothing horribly wrong with this novel. The writing is serviceable, the characters do what they are intended to do, and the story comes to a solid, if a bit predictable, conclusion. To my taste, however, the pacing and structure of the story is too disjointed. The opening and build up to the main action takes entirely too much time. When Kealey is finally allowed to begin his investigation, the part that should be the most interesting, he blazes through to the conclusion without the intelligence and suspense that modern thriller readers have come to expect. Overall, the novel was a fine diversion, but ultimately not worth the time.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program....more
First time mothers are supposed to spend the nine months before birth in a blissful state of anticipatory preparation. With only a few weeks before thFirst time mothers are supposed to spend the nine months before birth in a blissful state of anticipatory preparation. With only a few weeks before the arrival of her newborn, Amanda is feeling anything but bliss. After discovering her husband's infertility, Amanda undergoes the grueling process of in vitro fertilization. A couple miscarriages later, she finally carries a healthy child. Despite all of this, she and her husband are fleeing for their lives. A few weeks ago, she received anonymous notification, indicating that the life of her child was threatened. Now, off the coast of Africa, the couple is aboard a yacht, fleeing for the safety of their child. Under the cover of darkness, a group of Somali pirates hijacks the ship, killing the crew, her husband, and kidnapping the pregnant Amanda. This story alone would be enough to capture American headlines, but there is one more detail that makes this an even bigger story. Amanda is the daughter of the President of the United States!
In "Bloodline", the latest installment in the popular Sigma Force series by author James Rollins, Sigma, a secretive US military group, is tasked with finding the kidnapped Amanda. Gray Pierce, field leader of the covert team, is dealing with problems of his own. His mother was caught in the crossfire of his previous mission, in which his pursuit of the elusive organization, The Guild, led to her murder, leaving his father, who is slowly declining into dementia, to live alone. By straddling his protagonist with the guilt of his mother's death, Rollins turns what could have been a mindless super-human warrior into an everyman with genuine emotions.
Sigma enlists the help of a highly trained, army dog, Kane, and trainer, Tucker, to assist with the search. The sequences featuring the dog allow Rollins to flex his creative muscles, as he narrates entire passages from the perspective of the dog. Through this inventive method, Rollins successfully portrays the authentic relationship of trust between man and animal where the lives of both completely rests in the hands of the other.
As the investigation continues, the team uncovers a shocking connection between the kidnapping and the elusive Guild. Coming closer to discovering the motivation behind the abduction, Gray is fueled by both a desire to return the missing woman and unborn child safely to their family and by an urge to seek revenge for the brutal killing of his mother.
Despite being the eighth novel in the series, "Bloodline" has enough back-story to stand on its own. Writing with an authoritative confidence, Rollins provides the perfect combination of thrills, emotion, and fact. With an abundance of characters and story lines, he keeps the story sailing in the right direction, never allowing the focus to shift from the impending conclusion. His accessible language allows for a quick pace and an easy read that packs action, science, and intrigue into a smart and entertaining novel.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program....more
These days, it seems like everyone is writing their memoirs. While I agree that some biographies are worth the read, many seem just plain unnecessary.These days, it seems like everyone is writing their memoirs. While I agree that some biographies are worth the read, many seem just plain unnecessary. Did the world honestly need the life stories of Flavor Flav? It is not that I don't enjoy reading the occasional autobiography (I recently read and reviewed one that I really enjoyed), but many times, these stories get bogged down in details that are unimportant to the story and boring to the average readers.
In her latest book, In Other Worlds: Sf And The Human Imagination, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood has found a way to provide an insight into her beliefs, life, and writing process without following a typical "life story" format. Through personal stories and examples form her works and other influential novels, Atwood argues that there is a clear difference between works of Science Fiction, all of which must take place on some far away planet, and her "Speculative Fiction" novels, which are built upon the idea that everything "could" happen on Earth.
This is not a memoir. Instead, Atwood provides readers with small, essay style insights into her life. Because the book follows no real narrative structure, I can be very choppy at times. The ending section, in which the author provides short snapshots of stories, felt particularly tedious. I wouldn't recommend this book to all readers, but fans of the author, science fiction, and those looking for a history of the genre should definitely check this out. It is by no means perfect, but it is a commendable attempt at redefining the way opinions and histories are presented to readers.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program....more
This novel very much succeeds at portraying the domestic life of a family. The characters are richly drawn and even their mundane problems seem believThis novel very much succeeds at portraying the domestic life of a family. The characters are richly drawn and even their mundane problems seem believable. Unfortunately, the story just didn't have any kind of drive to it. I felt like the novel simply leaves you hanging with no clear cut ending. I understand that this could be by design, but I was left with the sense that the story was unfinished. Fans of this type of domestic fiction may find the book easier to get into, but I feel it lacks any story to keep readers invested.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program....more
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