Whistle - Linwood Barclay

I’ve read everything that Linwood Barclay has written. And I thought I knew what I would find - some excellent thrillers and mystery suspense. But…I’d also heard that Whistle was a new direction from Barclay. It was indeed!

“A cursed toy train.  A desperate mother.  An evil with a one track mind…..”

Annie is a great lead character.  Barclay gives the reader more info than Annie has about the trains, ensuring I couldn’t put the book down. There are other characters who figure it out and those who already know. I was surprised by some of their fates.

The choice to use toy trains as the ‘evil thing’ was excellent. Because because who would think of them as being dangerous. What kid doesn't have a set?  And the inspiration? Barclay has a large train set up in his home...

I really enjoyed this one and I’m hoping that Barclay continues to explore other ideas like this one.

Stephen King gave Whistle this blurb -“Terrific“. And on the flip-side, I really enjoyed the nod given to King by Linwood.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books - Kirsten Miller

I think that little libraries are just the best thing. You can share with friends or make new connections. I routinely leave books I’ve finished around the neighbourhood little libraries. So with that in mind, I happily picked up Kirsten Miller’s new book - Lula Dean‘s Little Library of Banned Books. 

Banned books. I’ve worked in public libraries and for profit bookstores. And this is a topic that comes up and up again. Kristyn Miller has penned an absolutely delightful book that takes on the question - who can tell you what you can read? Well, in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia Lula Dean decides that it’s her that will carry the banner. And...things don’t go quite the way she planned.

I like the eclectic characters. I loved some of them. I really got angry at some of them. I laughed out loud. And I really like, really like the whole conversation this book brings to us. I absolutely recommend this book! Read an excerpt of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife - Anna Johnston

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is Anna Johnston's wonderful debut novel.  

Fred is eighty two now and he’s lonely, broke, and has just been informed that he will be evicted. And then.....oh I loved this 'then'. Fred has landed in the last place he could have expected. He tries to explain things but no one really listens. So, he decides to stay.

Fred is a wonderful lead character. He's kind, thoughtful and loves people. He's found a place for himself and he is welcomed by all he meets. But someone questions his story and that's the start of the ending. Or is it?

I've been a little obtuse as I don't want to spoil this book for you. 

I've really been enjoying tales with 'seniors' in the lead roles lately. I think those characters have so much to offer an author - wisdom, experience and a voice. Fred's voice is one we should listen to. 

Johnston deftly tugs on our heart strings as she explores loss, redemption, forgiveness, friendship, family and more. (With a side of humor!) You'll want a tissue or two.

A joy to read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife. 

This is Why We Lied - Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter is hands down one of my favorite authors. I get so excited when a new book comes out. This is Why We Lied has just released and is the latest in the Will Trent series.

Will and Sara are taking some time off up at an off the grid mountain resort run by a family. There is a lot of friction within the family. And then there's a scream in the night. And Will and Sara have to switch to work mode...

Oh my gosh! I truly could not put the book down. Slaughter has come up with a truly gut wrenching plot. Everyone lies and Will has to figure who is behind the murders. I always appreciate a 'closed room' scenario. The trip to the final pages has surprises, red herring's and twists and turns. There's no way to figure out the whodunit before the last pages.

I really like the four main characters in this series. Slaughter keeps their personal lives moving forward. Will and Sara relation is well written. Amanda's hard as nailing personality that runs over anything in her way or telling her no. Faith is funny, I aways enjoyed her out look.

While I couldn't stop reading, sometimes had to wait to turn the page. Some of the characters had me talking out loud - telling what I thought of them. And it wasn't nice. 

Another excellent entry in this series. Can't wait for the next one! Gentle readers - there are a number of triggers. Read an excerpt of This is Why We Lied.

 

Don't Let the Devil Ride - Ace Atkins

Don't Let the Devil Ride is Ace Atkins' new novel. And what a ride it is! Atkins hits the ground running and the action, twists, turns and more just never stops.

The starting point? "A Memphis woman hires a PI to find her missing husband, only to discover that he is involved in a dangerous web of international intrigue - and she and her children are now at risk. Hell is empty…and Addison McKellar’s husband is missing."

There are many characters and each is given a voice. I really liked Addison, but my hands down favorite was legendary Memphis PI Porter Hayes. I swear the music from "Shaft" started to play in my head. (In a good way!)

The narrative bounces from plotline to plotline in each chapter - a style that always keeps me up late for just one more chapter. At first, I thought it was a bit far-fetched, but I changed my tune as the seemingly disparate elements started to weave themselves together. 

The dialogue is short, snappy and adds to the overall feeling of the book. I quite enjoyed Don't Let the Devil Ride and was a bit surprised by some of the other reviews. I was with S.A. Cosby on this one. "An instant Southern noir classic". See for  yourself - read an excerpt of Don't Let The Devil Ride. 

I Hope This Finds You Well - Natalie Sue

Okay, you know that feeling you get when you start to read a debut novel - and you can't put it down? Yeah, that's what happened to me when I started to read I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. 

Jolene works as an admin for a large company. She does her best to hide in her pod, and interacts with the other staffers as little as she possibly can. Which works out, as they ignore her. Jolene has a way she uses to get back at them, but it backfires on her. She's now on HR's radar. But....someone in HR has messed up - and Jolene can see everyone's email - and what they're really thinking. Hmm, there are so many ways this tale could go... 

Having worked in similar setting, I could empathize with Jolene. I  was appalled and angered by the treatment she received from the others. Sue has filled the office with easily identifiable personalities. (I has some flashbacks from the television show The Office.)

Sue takes us home with Jolene as well. What is happening at work is only one issue. She's also carrying trauma from her past and there's pressure from her Persian family to get married and do well at work.  

Now, it might sound like heavy reading, but it is - and it isn't. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud. Rather than think 'heavy' I think of it as introspective and taking back yourself. I think that everyone that reads this book will recognize something that speaks to them.

I Hope This Finds You Well is a wonderful debut, one I can easily recommend. See for yourself - read an excerpt.

The Manor House - Gilly Macmillan

I've really enjoyed Gilly Macmillan's previous books and knew I was settling in for another great read with her latest - The Manor House.

When Tom and Nicole win the lottery, they give up their starter home, and instead they build Nicole's dream house - in a very wealthy neighborhood. 

What's that saying? Money is at the root of all evil? Match that avarice with a nod to one of Hitchcock's best movies and you've got an idea about what you'll find inside Macmillan's novel.

But Macmillan has made this idea her own. More than once, she completely caught me off guard with a twist, an unexpected development, red herrings,  reveals I couldn't have imagined. 

The characters are so well drawn! You'll have your favorites and your ones to loath. But are they each telling the truth? Are they really what they present to the world?

The Manor House was a great, page turning read for me. Really well done! See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Manor House.

The Christmas Guest - Peter Swanson

Is it too early to start reading Christmas tales? Umm- no! I happily picked up Peter Swanson's yuletide novella, The Christmas Guest. 

Ashley Smith is far from home and is thrilled to be asked to spend Christmas at her British classmate's family home - Starvewood Hall. And she's even more thrilled when she meets Emily's handsome brother Adam. But...it's not quite the perfect Christmas Ashley had imagined.

I loved the setting - an old, cold family manor that has seen better days. But that's the charm of it for Ashley. Other Gothic devices are present as well - spooky woods, a small village, a pub, secretive hosts and more.

Much of Ashely's storytelling for Ashley is done through her 'dear diary'. She's a faithful scribe. I was a little complacent as I started the novella and finished part one. Part two brings a completely unexpected (but quite appreciated) plotline to The Christmas Guest! I'll let you discover what I mean!

The Christmas Guest is the perfect stocking stuffer for a friend or relative who loves mysteries and murder. Or for yourself! Read an excerpt of The Christmas Guest. (112 pages) And be sure to read the author's note at the end of the novella - Why I Wrote the Christmas Guest. 

Murder Most Royal - SJ Bennett

SJ Bennett has just released Murder Most Royal, the third book in the 'Her Majesty the Queen Investigates' series. I've read the previous two entries and have quite enjoyed them.

This third book takes place at Christmas 2016 at Queen Elizabeth's beloved Sandringham House. I love the details Bennett gives her physical settings. It lets me create vivid mental images, not just of Sandringham, but other settings that the book visits. And it's at one of those other locations that a severed hand, still wearing a signet ring, is found. It is the Queen who identifies the ring. 

Now, the Queen is not the one physically investigating. But she is conducting a secret inquiry of her own alongside the formal investigation. She again employs her Assistant Private Secretary Rozie Oshodi, to be her eyes, ears and legs, reporting back only to her. This time around the Queen is doing more investigating herself than in the previous two books. She knows all of the family ties of her titled neighbours and uses that information to gently direct the constabulary.

I initially had concerns over how the Queen would be portrayed in that first book. Well, I didn't need to worry. She is drawn as kind, gracious, wise, highly intelligent, well-spoken, observant, but imposing as well. All quite true. Her inner dialogue is a treat to read and her sense of humor is dry, as are her observations about her Royal family. The relationship between the Queen And Prince Phillip is lovely and loving

Rozie brings her own take on things as well. Bennett weaves current events from 2016, such as Brexit, through the book. 

The plotting is well done, giving a believable reason and victim by book's end. There are a number of characters to keep track of and more than once I had to stop and think who was who. 

I quite enjoyed Murder Most Royal. It's a fun, clever read that could be considered cozy. But with corgis and no cats. :0)  See for yourself - read an excerpt of Murder Most Royal. I'll be waiting for number four!

Murder in the Family - Cara Hunter

Oh wow! Cara Hunter's new book, Murder in the Family, is crazy good! 

Why? Well, first up is the style used in telling the tale. It's an epistolary novel - not bits of it, but all of it! 

The book is setup as a true crime show with six experts determined to solve a twenty year old cold case. Police reports, emails, memos, online chat rooms, interviews, memories, newspaper clippings, texts, messages, old photos, suppositions, clues and more are all there for the reader to see.

But - can you determine who the culprit is? I couldn't! Which is absolutely fine with me. I truly enjoy being unable to solve a mystery book. Hunter makes it very difficult to solve, with multiple twists and turns that change the direction of the investigation. Fantastic!

There is a large cast of characters in Murder in the Family. There's a detailed bio for each of the prime characters at the beginning of the book. I had to refer to it at first, but I came to 'know' them all as the book progressed. There's a wide variety of personalities. Some will rub you the wrong way, others are know-it-all, some are secretive and more....

Murder in the Family was a treat to read. Addictive, clever and unique. Loved it. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Murder in the Family. 

After That Night - Karin Slaughter

I have been eagerly awaiting a new book from Karin Slaughter! After That Night is the new Will Trent (#11), and Sara Linton book. 

Slaughter continues to move the lives of her characters forward. Will Trent is an Investigator and Sara Linton is a Medical Examiner with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The supporting characters are all back as well, including Faith and Amanda. All of the players have a personal storyline that always makes the characters feel like actual people.

Faithful readers will know of the brutal attack that happened to Sara fifteen years ago. In After That Night, another young woman is attacked in a manner that appears to have similarities to the attack on Sara.

Slaughter is a master of plotting. The details, the clues, the connections, and the final answers also feel like this is an actual case. The reader can't help but be drawn into the story. And it's impossible to put the book down. And that last bit? Loved it.

Slaughter does such a fantastic job of handling and presenting a hard topic with candor and respect. And reality.

After That Night is another stellar book from Karin Slaughter. See for yourself - read an excerpt of After That Night. 

Just Another Missing Person - Gillian McAllister

Gillian McAllister's latest twisting turning tale - Just Another Missing Person -  has just released.

The book opens with a prologue that that sets everything off...

Just Another Missing Person is told from three points of view. Our lead character is DCI Julia Day - a respected officer who prides herself on her tenacity, work ethic and stellar reputation. Her home life isn't quite at the same level. And then the event in the prologue occurs. And someone knows what happened. I liked Julia initially, but wasn't too sure what to think as the book progressed. How far down another road will she go?

Emma is a mother as well, and she's not sure about her adult son's secretive manner, the lies she captures him in and his behavior. Has he done something bad?

And the third view that of Lewis, a father desperate to find his missing daughter. She's been gone for almost a year. Is there any hope?

Readers will have to keep an eye on the chapter headers to know whose point of view it is. 

McAllister has penned another addictive read. I couldn't wait to find out how all the narratives would come together. With three views, the reader gleans clues from every entry. But just when you think you've got things figured out, they change. I truly didn't see the resolution or reasons coming and was surprised. The end chapter delivers one last twist. I'm still thinking about it to figure out if I like it or not.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Just Another Missing Person.

The Lie Maker - Linwood Barclay

Linwood Barclay's new book, The Lie Maker, has just released and it's another page turner from one of my favorite authors. 

Jack was nine when his father left - and went into hiding. (I'll let you discover why) Fast forward to adult Jack. He's been offered a job that seems a bit too coincidental, given his past, but he needs the money. And Jack also has other reasons for taking the job. He's a great lead character that I liked. His girlfriend Lana is a strong supporting player. 

We get glimpses into the past through two characters' memories and come to understand what's going on in the present. Which is...a lot of subterfuge, murder, revenge and my favorite - twists and red herrings strewn along the way to the final pages.

Barclay is a master of suspense novels. Once I start one of his titles, I can't stop turning pages. And this latest was no exemption. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Lie Maker.

The Last Word - Taylor Adams

Wow - I don't even know how to start talking about Taylor Adams' latest book - The Last Word!

I've read all of Adams' previous books. He's perfected the 'everyday person in a really bad situation' type of tale that keeps me on the edge of my chair every time. However, this latest has knocked it out of the park.

Emma is housesitting a remote home. Odd things start happening - sounds, smells, things moved - or is it all just in her head?

Next question - have you ever left a one star review for a product? What if the author or vendor asked you to take down the review? And you said no. And... yeah, I'm going to leave it there for you to discover what's next. Great premise.

The delivery of this story is cunningly and deviously crafted. Who is the un-named narrator and his point of view? Emma also has a voice. And the two narratives definitely don't match. It feels like two different stories are being told. (which made me so curious!) A critical event happens more than once (almost every chapter, in fact) completely changing the direction of the story every time. I'd be sad or angry about what has transpired, only to be proven wrong in the next chapter. Kudos to Adams for this twisty, turny tale and how it was presented. 

Yes, some of it is a bit over the top. Just go with it - you won't be able to put The Last Word down! I've often thought that Adams' books would make good thriller movies. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Last Word. 

The Kind Worth Saving - Peter Swanson

The Kind Worth Saving is Peter Swanson's newest novel. It's the second to feature Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner. But this new book can be read as a stand alone.

Henry Kimball has worked as a high school teacher, a cop and now as a private investigator. He's surprised when his new client walks in, as she was one of his students many years ago. What a coincidence...or is it?

Swanson tells this story in two time frames - then and now. I really like this style of storytelling. Each new chapter builds on the last and bleeds into the present. There are a few points of view and they too add details and history from the past to the present. As readers, we can see everything that is going and why. And the why is quite disturbing. We can only hope that Henry can put the pieces together sooner rather than later.  

I like Henry and his way of looking at the world - and his limericks. Lily scares me - she's capable of more than you would imagine. The new client is, well, let's say she's interesting. Swanson's characters are well developed rather than being one dimensional.

Swanson's tale isn't straightforward and I love the twists and turns the plot visits. The ending - and the book title - are quite fitting. 

I enjoyed The Kind Worth Saving. I hope Swanson has planned a third book with Henry - I think he has more to say. Read an excerpt of The Kind Worth Saving.

A Killing of Innocents - Deborah Crombie

Deborah Crombie writes one of my absolute favorite police procedural series - the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James novels. The nineteenth entry - A Killing of Innocents has just released.

Kincaid and James are both Scotland Yard detectives, albeit in different departments. Sasha, a young trainee doctor is stabbed as she walks across a square to meet a friend. As it's a knife crime, both of their teams are on the case. But as the case progresses, they realize there's much more to this case than a random stabbing...

Crombie always writes an intriguing, multi layered plot that isn't easy to figure out. It's great fun to try and solve the crimes along with the detectives. I truly appreciate how those crimes are solved in Crombie's books - with a team that uses modern day methods as well as the ' old fashioned' ways. Interviews, intuition, experience etc. Adding to the mystery are some enigmatic missives that appear as italicized chapters. How will they figure into the plot?

But the biggest draw for me are the characters. From one of my previous reviews of this series.  "... the most captivating of all, is the large group of characters that appear in each book, their lives changing and growing with every new entry.  They're so well drawn, they've become almost real, especially Duncan, Gemma and their children. I feel like I know them. Although others may complain that the domestic details of the characters detracts from a good mystery, I find it gives the story much more depth. I've become invested in their lives and want to see where Crombie takes them from here. Sitting down with the latest feels like catching up with old friends." This is what has me always eagerly awaiting the next book from Crombie.

And no surprise - I loved this latest! The crime is solved, but the door is open for the next book. Can't wait! See for yourself - read an excerpt of A Killing of Innocents. 

Downton Shabby - Hopwood DePree

Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!

How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall. 

I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit! 

DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. You can see more on his website. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged. 

Nine Lives - Peter Swanson

I've been looking forward to Peter Swanson's newest book Nine Lives. The premise really appealed to me. 

Nine people each receive a letter with a list of names, including theirs. One of the nine is found murdered on the beach with his letter clenched in his fist. Local police initially investigate, but the FBI is called in as things.....progress. I needed to know what that connection was. And if I could figure it out before the last pages.

There's a large list of characters to keep track of. Swanson provides a who's who in the beginning of the book that you can refer to. We meet each of the nine on the list through their own chapters. Not all are likeable, but some are. Some make connections with the others. All as the FBI tries to protect them. The local Maine cop likens the case to Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None', a very apt comparison. 

The details of the life of each of the nine is told somewhat dispassionately, staccato almost, from an observer's point of few. I came to hope that the ending would be different for some. But for most, the ending is noted and the list is shortened. And the count continued.

Swanson begins laying down a few clues to follow as the book progresses. The ending is a nice whodunit. I'm not sure I was all in on the impetus for the killer, but I quite enjoyed the journey. And the last chapter was a surprise add on. Tuck this one in your beach bag this summer. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Nine Lives.

False Witness - Karin Slaughter

After I finish a Karin Slaughter novel, I always say 'oh, that was her best one yet'. But with this newest novel - False Witness - I really do think that it's going to be hard to top. 

From the outside looking in, Leigh Collier has a 'normal' life - she's a successful lawyer, has a daughter and an amicable relationship with her ex. That's what everyone sees...but Harleigh has a dark past with secrets she has tried to bury in more than one way. Then, one of her law firm's partners assigns her to defend a wealthy man accused of rape. He has asked for her specifically. And when Leigh meets him, the past coming roaring into the present. "He saw what you did. He knows who you are…

The prologue is a gut punch scene from the past and sets the premise and tone for the story that's going to unfold. Harleigh is part of it - but so is her younger sister Callie. The relationship between the sisters is complicated and quite emotional, but unbreakable. Where Leigh has taken her life is in the opposite direction from Callie's life. Callie is an addict and has been for many, many years. Now, they're both part of the narrative, but I have to say - my heart and my hopes were with and for Callie. She was so well drawn. There's much more to her than her addictions. The scenes in Dr. Jerry's veterinary practice were so good. (And I loved Dr. Jerry) Their mother Phil is the epitome of lousy parenting both then and now. But it was the client - Andrew - that gave me the heebie jeebies. He is evil, manipulative and downright terrifying. And he's playing a scary cat and mouse game with Callie and Leigh.

Slaughter's plotting is, as always, brilliant. I couldn't predict how the story would unfold. (I love that!) Slaughter adds in additional characters, twists and a turn I didn't see coming. The tension is ramped up so high, I had to put the book down and walk it off before returning to rapidly turning pages. The ending? Not everything I wanted, but it was just right.

There's a lot of food for thought and social commentary throughout False Witness with sexual abuse, sexual harassment and drug use at the top of the list. Covid 19 is also a part of the book, with the timeline set squarely in the last year.  

Gentle readers - this book contains many triggers and descriptive writing and may not be the book for you. 

An easy five stars for this reader. I'm hoping there's a new Will Trent book in the works as well.

Hairpin Bridge - Taylor Adams

Taylor Adams kept me on the edge of my seat with his previous book, No Exit. And his latest book, Hairpin Bridge? Couldn't put it down! I love twists and turns, but Hairpin Bridge is a corkscrew of a read!

Lena's twin sister Cambry is dead - suicide they say. They? The cop who was the last to see her on the isolated Hairpin Bridge in Montana. But Lena doesn't buy it - there's just too many inconsistencies in Officer Raycevic's report. She asks to meet him on the site of Cambry's death - Hairpin Bridge. And he agrees.... Lena has her own agenda though...

I love books with epistolary elements. In this case its Lena's blog and entries are scattered through the book.

Hairpin Bridge is told from Cambry's point of view, giving the reader an inside look at what really happened to her. Or does it? The POV switches to Lena in real time on the bridge with Officer Raycevic. It starts off cordial enough, but there's an underlying, simmering tension on both sides that quickly comes to a boil. And again, what is the truth? Raycevic also has a few chapters of his own as well - and his are downright scary. 

The twists and turns come hard and fast. What is the truth? Its near impossible to tell and very hard to predict what's coming next. There are most definitely some gruesome parts and creepy conversations - and great gotchas.

Kudos Taylor Adams - you made me squirm! That tension and action never really lets up and it was hard not to flip to the final pages! Over the top in spots? Absolutely - but it made for addictive reading. Hairpin Bridge would also make a great movie. (Gentle readers, this may not be the one for you)