Over the Counter #455

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? This..."- Build a child’s dream treehouse with nothing more than everyday cling film."

Ordinary Made Extra-Ordinary by Pascal Anson.

From Square Peg Books:

"Inspiring and achievable craft and home design projects – with easy to follow step-by-step instructions – to transform the dull, the discarded and the down-at-heel into something really out of the ordinary.

International designer, artist and blogger Pascal Anson shows us how everyday items, junk and interiors can be reinvented:
- Create a splendid chandelier with just a few rolls of Sellotape.
- Cast a stunning plant pot worthy of any designer homeware store using a cheap bag of concrete mix and a recycled plastic food tub.
- Build a child’s dream treehouse with nothing more than everyday cling film.

There are ideas for projects for everyone – from the four-minute makeover skinny jeans, to repairing and reinventing worn out trainers, to bigger projects such as the wood-clad car and the stylish hairy chair.

‘A resourceful attitude and way of working is key to me but so is fun, playfulness and sometimes magic’ Pascal Anson"

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating - Christina Lauren

Every so often, I need to step away from the murder and mayhem that populates most of my reading. I found my latest light, fun escapist listen in Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren.

Hazel. Well, Hazel could be easily (and accurately) described as 'over the top'. She says what she thinks, does what she wants - most often without a filter. Josh. Calm, thoughtful and the complete opposite of Hazel. The two meet at college and surprisingly become friends. And life moves on. Could their relationship move to a different level as well?

The yes, no, maybe so of this possible relationship is filled with quirky situations, humorous moments, fun dialogue - and yes, romance. Do opposites really attract?

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is told through both Josh and Hazel's viewpoint. It was fun to be a fly on the wall, privy to what both were thinking, often about the same situation. Now, here's the thing - as much fun as Hazel is, I did find her a bit overwhelming as the book progressed. I was more enamoured (okay reader crush) of Josh. Yup, he's everything you would want in a boyfriend. We also get to know the families of Josh and Hazel. I found these relationships and characters charming and heartwarming.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is narrated by two readers -  Todd Haberkorn and Jayme Mattler. Both readers were excellent. Mattler's voice has a young, fresh tone with a nice little gravelly undertone. She's very expressive, interpreting the character perfectly and creating a vivid mental image of Hazel for me. Haberkorn's voice also has a tone that suits the character. It's easy to listen to and again painted a vivid mental picture of Josh. His voice has a lot of movement and brings the story to life. It has a soft, mellow tone that suits Josh's pace. Listen to an excerpt of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating.

I can absolutely see this one as a rom com movie. This was a first read/listen of Christina Lauren for me, but it certainly won't be the last.

The Three Beths - Jeff Abbott

The Three Beths is Jeff Abbott's newest book.

Mariah Dunning's mother disappeared a year ago. Law enforcement is sure that her father has killed her, but has yet to prove it. One day while at the mall, Mariah is sure she sees her mother at the food court - and she redoubles her efforts to find her. And her search turns up another woman named Beth who has also disappeared. And going by the title, you know there's another.

The Three Beths is a busy book with many twists and turns throughout. Now, I appreciate a complicated plot, but I have to say that I found this busyness somewhat off putting as the book progressed. It was too much - too many coincidences, easily explained (but not always believable) turns and somewhat repetitive scenes and dialogue. (I started keeping track of how many times someone said they were going to 'call the police'. Many times) But, I kept reading 'til the end as I wanted to know if the Beths were alive and if there was a connection between them. The (implausible) ending twist? Had that pegged long before the reveal. I found I couldn't get on board with Mariah. I found her annoying, rather than engaging. The other characters were overdrawn caricatures - especially the police chief. 

I had higher hopes for The Three Beths, but it was a bit of a miss for me. Read an excerpt of The Three Beths. Others really enjoyed this book - check out these reviews from Goodreads.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #237

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

We'll have to wait until March 2019, but Harlan Coben has a new suspense novel coming out titled Run Away. The US  cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. At first glance the 'tiger stripe' US cover bothered my eyes. Then I read the synopsis of the book and realized the labyrinth image suits the premise. Along with the woman being pursued by a man. That woman chased by a man is front and center on the UK cover. Unfortunately, it's nothing new - a been there, seen that look. So an easy choice for me this week - US. What cover do you prefer? Any plans to read Run Away?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Elevation - Stephen King

I've read everything Stephen King has written and was excited to hear he had a new book coming out. Elevation is newly released.

Fans will recognize the setting immediately. Castle Rock, Maine. Scott Carey has been losing weight. He can see it on the scale. Oddly enough, the number stays the same even if he's wearing clothes. And his body doesn't look any different. But he's definitely lighter....

Even as Scott's weight decreases, a small fracas with his neighbours increases. But it's not just Scott, it's most of the town against this couple. Scott decides to try and turn things around.

Elevation is the perfect listen for this time of the year. It's timely in so many ways. Uplifting I would say. ;0) Elevation tackles intolerance, doing the right thing and simple kindness and decency with a classic King supernatural twist.

I was thrilled to see that King himself was the narrator. There's nothing like having an author read his own work. The emphasis, the interpretation, the emotion, the quirks and so much more are presented exactly as he intended them to be. Listen to an audio excerpt of Elevation.

A bonus short story, Laurie, is included. And will give regular readers a nice little jolt of King horror....watch out for the 'gators.

This listener really enjoyed Elevation. The ending was difficult - sad, but absolutely fitting. A great addition to my library.

Over the Counter #454

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? "...a modern 'Gatsby' swindle..."

Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood and the World by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope.

From Hachette Books:

"In 2009, with the dust yet to settle on the financial crisis, a mild-mannered Wharton grad set in motion a fraud of unprecedented gall and magnitude–one that would come to symbolize the next great threat to the global financial system. The scandal is known as 1MDB, and the man behind it, Jho Low, is a figure so preposterous he might seem made up.

“An epic tale of white-collar crime on a global scale” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), Billion Dollar Whale reveals how this young social climber pulled off one of the biggest heists in history. Over a half decade, Low siphoned billions from an investment fund–right under the nose of the global financial industry. Low used the money to finance elections, purchase luxury real estate, throw champagne-drenched parties, and even to finance Hollywood films like The Wolf of Wall Street.

Federal agents who helped unravel Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme say the 1MDB affair will become the textbook case of financial fraud in the modern age–and its fallout is already being credited for taking down the prime minister of Malaysia. With his yacht and private jet reportedly seized by authorities and facing money-laundering charges in Malaysia, an Interpol red notice, and an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice Investigation, Low has become an international fugitive.

Billion Dollar Whale will join the ranks of Liar’s Poker, Den of Thieves, and Bad Blood as a classic harrowing parable of the financial world, hubris, and greed."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

The Killing Habit - Mark Billingham

Mark Billingham pens one of my favourite crime series - the Tom Thorne books. The fifteenth book in this series, The Killing Habit, has just released.

Tom is handed a case that he doesn't take too seriously in the beginning - someone has been killing cats. But as he does delve further into the case, he relalizes there's more to these killings. Is it a serial killer ramping up? Or could it be an established killer winding down?

DI Nicola Tanner is back as well. She's chasing down a murderer with ties to a killer new designer drug called Spice.

These two characters are complete opposites and as such, play incredibly well off each other. Different strengths, styles and outlooks. As their investigations proceed, they join forces again.

Billingham consistently comes up with dark, devious plots that hold the reader captive until the last page has been turned. On reading the author's notes, I discovered that the inspiration for the cat killing plotline is based in reality. A UK cat killer has dispatched over 400 pets and as of the release of the book, the killer remains at large.

But what keeps me coming back book after book, are the characters. There are other 'regulars' that appear as well - coroner Phil Hendricks is another character I quite enjoy. Billingham keeps the lives of the cast moving forward through life complete with loves, losses, triumphs and struggles. Thorne is battling his own self doubt in this entry. Doubt about his skills and even his desire to catch criminals. His love life - or lack of - is also troubling to him. The ending surprised me - one character makes a choice that I didn't see coming. I wonder how this will affect this player's (and other's) behaviour and dynamics going forward?

The title is clever - 'killing habit' applies to both murder and drugs. Another great read from Billingham and I look forward to the sixteenth entry in this series. Read an excerpt of The Killing Habit.

Giveaway - Long Road to Mercy - David Baldacci

I've got a fantastic giveaway for David Baldacci fans today! (me included!)  Long Road to Mercy releases tomorrow and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Long Road to Mercy is the first entry in a new series....

From Grand Central Publishing:

"Introducing a remarkable new character from #1 New York Times bestselling writer David Baldacci: Atlee Pine, an FBI agent with special skills assigned to the remote wilds of the southwestern United States who must confront a new threat.....and an old nightmare.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Catch a tiger by its toe.

It's seared into Atlee Pine's memory: the kidnapper's chilling rhyme as he chose between six-year-old Atlee and her twin sister, Mercy. Mercy was taken. Atlee was spared.

She never saw Mercy again.

Three decades after that terrifying night, Atlee Pine works for the FBI. She's the lone agent assigned to the Shattered Rock, Arizona resident agency, which is responsible for protecting the Grand Canyon.

So when one of the Grand Canyon's mules is found stabbed to death at the bottom of the canyon-and its rider missing-Pine is called in to investigate. It soon seems clear the lost tourist had something more clandestine than sightseeing in mind. But just as Pine begins to put together clues pointing to a terrifying plot, she's abruptly called off the case.

If she disobeys direct orders by continuing to search for the missing man, it will mean the end of her career. But unless Pine keeps working the case and discovers the truth, it could spell the very end of democracy in America as we know it..." Read an excerpt of Long Road to Mercy.

"David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 130 million worldwide sales. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America." You can connect with David Baldacci at his website, on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

If you'd like to read Long Road to Mercy, enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends November 24/18. a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #236

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

I think Greg Iles is a brilliant writer. The Natchez Burning

trilogy was amazing. I'm so excited to hear that he has a new novel called Cemetery Road coming out in Spring 2019. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Oh, it's going to be hard to choose this week. On the US cover, I really like the large sky pic and the darker clouds rolling. The long, straight road that ends in who knows what. A cemetery? For me this cover brings to mind Iles' Mississippi. The UK cover takes us into the swamps or bayous it seems. A very different colour scheme. Wet vs. dry it seems. The reflection in the water is effective. What lies beneath? I'm going to go with the US cover this week. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?
 Any plans to read Cemetery Road?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Celebrate Nature with DK Canada

I'm one of those people - I try to get my Christmas shopping done long before December. I love giving books as they give back.

Do you have a nature lover on your list? DK Canada has a great selection of books for both adults and children in their 'Celebrate Nature' boutique.

Peek and Seek, illustrated by Charlotte Milner caught my eye - and Little Guy's.

The cover is bright, colourful and has animal faces peeking through the cut outs on the cover. The title page lets you see who those face belong to. There are six 'find it' double page entries - birds,  monkeys, wolves, ants, fish and rabbits. Each entry asks the read to lift the flap or the fold 'to see'. On our first read through, Little Guy and Gramma guessed what we might find under the flap before opening it. What we found were intricately detailed drawings of each of the five animals presented. He had to look at the entire picture first And then we read the facts about each animal category that accompanies the images. Little Guy learned quite a bit from these snippets.

But that's not all you'll find under the flaps. Each panorama also has a 'seek and find' list that asks the reader to find other creatures hidden in the drawing. There are 28 to find on each double faced page. Depending on the attention span that day, we would find a few and come back the next day to finish the list. Little Guy really likes 'finding' books as he calls them. The last pages house an additional 'fact file' about the six animals.

This book stayed 'fresh' for a long time as there's much to see and do in Peek and Seek. This is a book that will be read many times.

As always with DK books, the colours are bright, appealing, there's much to learn and things to do. The book is in board book format only - it's quite sturdy. Which was good, as Wee Sis decided she needed to read it too. She's quite young, but she too was quite happy that she could find things too. (The larger images)

Peek and Seek gets a big thumbs up from Gramma and Little Guy. This would be an excellent addition to a 3-6 year old's library. Have a peek at the pages below.

Over the Counter #453

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? The story of Doug.....

Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada's Last Great Trees by Harley Rustad.

From Anansi Press:

"On a cool morning in the winter of 2011, a logger named Dennis Cronin was walking through a stand of old-growth forest near Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. His job was to survey the land and flag the boundaries for clear-cutting. As he made his way through the forest, Cronin came across a massive Douglas fir the height of a twenty-storey building. It was one of the largest trees in Canada that if felled and milled could easily fetch more than fifty thousand dollars. Instead of moving on, he reached into his vest pocket for a flagging he rarely used, tore off a strip, and wrapped it around the base of the trunk. Along the length of the ribbon were the words “Leave Tree.”

When the fallers arrived, every wiry cedar, every droopy-topped hemlock, every great fir was cut down and hauled away — all except one. The solitary tree stood quietly in the clear cut until activist and photographer T. J. Watt stumbled upon the Douglas fir while searching for big trees for the Ancient Forest Alliance, an environmental organization fighting to protect British Columbia's dwindling old-growth forests. The single Douglas fir exemplified their cause: the grandeur of these trees juxtaposed with their plight. They gave it a name: Big Lonely Doug. The tree would also eventually, and controversially, be turned into the poster child of the Tall Tree Capital of Canada, attracting thousands of tourists every year and garnering the attention of artists, businesses, and organizations who saw new values encased within its bark.

Originally featured as a long-form article in The Walrus that garnered a National Magazine Award (Silver), Big Lonely Doug weaves the ecology of old-growth forests, the legend of the West Coast’s big trees, the turbulence of the logging industry, the fight for preservation, the contention surrounding ecotourism, First Nations land and resource rights, and the fraught future of these ancient forests around the story of a logger who saved one of Canada's last great trees."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

The Lost Queen - Signe Pike

Okay, I'm going to lead off with this blurb from Simon and Schuster about Signe Pike's new novel, The Lost Queen.....

"Compared to Outlander and The Mists of Avalon, this thrilling first novel of a debut trilogy reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin." Hmm, okay - definitely caught my interest. After listening to the first few chapters? Hooked!

Signe has taken a few obscure historical references to an actual sixth century Celtic queen and created an addicting, unputdownable tale of love, honour, duty, fealty, war, intrigue, religion and yes - magic.

Pike's research is so rich with detail. The settings sprang to life - the castles, the forest, the details of everyday life, clothing, food, family and more. The time period encompasses the clash between the Old Ways and burgeoning Christianity and the wars between kingdoms. Again, well detailed and presented.

The characters will draw you in and transport you back to the sixth century. Languoreth is so well drawn - strong and fierce. Her family and friends are just as well drawn. The 'bad guys'? You'll have no trouble identifying them. The romance angle offers up two very different men in Languoreth's life. This part of the plot is not overwhelming to the main story or overdone, instead it's just right.

I love Arthurian legends and it was this part of the book that captured me - the legends, the portents, the signs and the magic.

I chose to listen to The Lost Queen - the reader was Toni Frutin - and she was amazing. She has a wonderful Scottish accent that is so easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. It immediately embodied the mental image I had created for Languoreth. It's rich and full and her narration is so very, very expressive, capturing all the nuances of Signe's book. Listen to an except of The Lost Queen.

Pike's writing is so very good. This first volume of a planned trilogy is satisfying on it's own. But the last few chapters gives us a hint of what will come next for Languorethe's next challenge. I can't wait for the second book and more of The Lost Queen.

Stray - Tanya Marquardt

Stray: Memoir of a Runaway from Canadian Tanya Marquardt is "the true story of a girl who runs away and finds herself."  I am invariably drawn to memoirs and the cover of Stray immediately caught my eye - there's so much in that photo.

Stray opens in 1995. Tanya is sixteen and has just run away from her mother and stepfather's home. We learn some of the details of her past and what has led to this exodus -an alcoholic father, a violent home, a mother who lived with her two children in this dysfunctional relationship longer than she should have. By the time her mother makes a move to get out, fourteen year old Tanya has already forged an intimate relationship with alcohol.

"Drinking booze became a marathon, and each vodka poured down my gullet felt like a lifesaving elixir, making me feel intensely, tricking me into thinking I was getting in touch with who I really was. "

Stray details the time from walking out that door to Marquardt's acceptance at college - and the turbulent years in between. Tanya finds a sense of family and security with others living on the fringes of society, from the 'wrong' side of Port Alberni to the underground Goth scene in Vancouver's early nineties.

Stray reads like a journal or diary. Putting your life to paper is so intimate, revealing details, baring your life for others to see. Loss, regrets, hopes, dreams - and reality. I am always so appreciative of an author sharing something so personal with strangers.

I thought about the title. As a verb, stray is defined as "to move away aimlessly from a group or from the right course or place" and as an adjective, 'to wander off, go astray, get separated, get lost." Both descriptions seem to capture Marquardt's memoir of those years.

Stray does only cover only a short period of time. I had become caught up in Marquardt's story and would have loved to see how she ended up where she is today. That being said, I really enjoyed Stray. Marquardt's writing is raw and engaging. Read an excerpt of Stray.

"Tanya Marquardt is an award-winning performer and the author of ten plays, which have been produced across Canada and the United States. Transmission was published in the Canadian Theatre Review, and Some Must Watch While Some Must Sleep was the subject of an episode of NPR's Invisibilia. A Hertog Fellow and graduate of the MFA Creative Writing Program at Hunter College, Tanya splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Brooklyn, New York. Stray is her first book."

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #235

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 

But you can like one cover version better than another....

The Boy US

UK cover

Too many books and too little time.... I've read many of Tami Hoag's books, but haven't kept up with the last few. The Boy is her latest - releasing this December in NA and in February in the UK. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Well, the US cover is rather start. Author name, book title and a few strands of grass/weeds. Going for the stark look. Personally, I find it bland and yes, boring. So, the UK cover - I like the punch of yellow. And that wee bit of red that makes you look closer. Yes, it's a person - a boy I would say. I really like the tree images they've used as well. And as always, the tagline gives you an idea of what's inside. I'd be much more likely to pick this up. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?
 Any plans to read The Boy?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Half Spent Was the Night - Ami McKay

I adore Ami McKay's writing.  I settled myself into my favourite reading chair with a cup of tea on a windblown night to read her latest - a novella entitled Half-Spent Was the Night: A Witches' Yuletide.

1881. This historical (and yes, magical) tale is wrapped around the three New York witches from the book of the same name. As the women are sat around the fire, divining what the New Year might hold, three invitations arrive for a New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball from a woman known to none of them. Should they attend?

"Christmas Day has come and gone, the New Year lies ahead. Strange things happen Between the Years, in the days outside of time."

I enjoyed revisiting Adelaide, Eleanor and Beatrice. I've grown quite fond of them. Half Spent Was the Night picks up not long after the ending of the last book. Answers and revelations to previous questions and happenings are found in this little volume. But not all - there is still much to tell.

A sense of enchantment and wonderment wraps the descriptions, the dialogue, the settings and the characters. McKay's writing is so easy and such a pleasure to read. There are some recipes included - the German sweet bread sounds delicious. And I liked the hidden little detail I found underneath the book jacket - a stamping of a mask within holly. And the title? You'll find it's origin in the last few pages.

Half Spent Was the Night is another spellbinding read from Ami McKay. My only complaint - I wanted more - I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Read an excerpt of Half Spent Was the Night.

Over the Counter #451

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? I actually found this one online while browsing ..... and it seemed quite timely.....

Pumpkining by Hugh McMahon.

From HMCM Books:

"Pumpkining, A Story of Pumpkin and Melon Carving," is an illuminating retrospective of Hugh McMahon’s career in sculpting pumpkins and watermelons for local, national, and international events. The book includes over 280 images of carved portraits, scary faces, logos, television appearances, publications and large installations of dynamic carvings, punctuated by insightful anecdotes from Hugh’s 40 years of blood, sweat, and seeds. Enjoy!" Happy Hallowe'en!

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Dark Sacred Night - Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly introduced us to LAPD Detective Renée Ballard in 2017's novel, The Late Show. I really liked this character and was thrilled to find out that Connelly's just released novel, Dark Sacred Night, is billed as a Ballard and Bosch book. Uh huh, two great detectives = one great read.

Ballard is still working the Late Show - the night shift in Hollywood Division. One night she finds a stranger in the squad room, rifling through filing cabinets. That stranger is retired Detective Harry Bosch, pursing a cold case - one he just can't let go. Ballard finds out what he's after - and they join forces....Oh, the joy of starting a new Michael Connelly book! I was hooked from the first chapter.

Connelly's plotting is so very, very good. The reader is alongside Harry and Renée as they put together the pieces. I enjoy not having 'insider' information that the protagonists don't have, instead 'solving' the case alongside them. (I do have to stop myself from peeking ahead at times though - I just can't wait to see the next development.)

I like the two working together, but admit my heart will always have a special place for Harry. Connelly has kept his series moving forward in real time. Harry is an aging war horse, game for the race, but beginning to struggle. Ballard has her own struggles as well - she's a pariah within her own department. But they're both dogged investigators.

This cold case is not the only case on the table - both Bosch and Ballard have other cases they're also running. Bosch gives it his all every time...

" He had always operated according to the axiom that everybody counts in this world or nobody counts. This belief dictated that he must give each case and each victim his best effort."

Connelly's writing has always had the ring of truth - his settings, procedures and dialogue are so detailed and believable. His writing is so addicting. (And I devour his books far too quickly)

Will there be more of Harry Bosch - and Ballard? I think so....

"You know what I was thinking about Harry? I was thinking about all the cases that would never get solved if you were gone. You still have work to do."

....and I can't wait to read them. Absolutely recommended! Read an excerpt of Dark Sacred Night.

Giveaway - The Three Beths - Jeff Abbott

If you like suspense, then I have a giveaway that you're going to want to enter! The Three Beths by Jeff Abbott.

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"From New York Times bestselling writer Jeff Abbott, a psychologically intense and emotionally gripping new suspense novel about a daughter’s desperate search for her missing mother-one that may lead her closer to home than she ever anticipated.

My mom would never leave me.
This has been Mariah Dunning’s motto. Her compass. Her belief. So when she glimpses her mother–who’s been missing for the past year–on the other side of a crowded food court, Mariah’s conviction becomes stronger than ever. Or is she losing her mind?

An unlikely coincidence?
When Beth Dunning disappeared without a trace, suspicion for her murder-despite the lack of a body or any physical evidence-immediately fell upon Mariah’s father. Until Mariah stumbles upon two other recent disappearances from Lakehaven. And all three women had the same name: Beth.

Or a sinister connection?
Mariah would give anything to find out what happened to her mother, and clear her father’s name. But the truth may be more devastating than she could have imagined…" Read an excerpt of The Three Beths.

"Jeff Abbott is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels. He is the winner of an International Thriller Writers Award (for the Sam Capra thriller The Last Minute) and is a three-time nominee for the Edgar award. He lives in Austin with his family. "You can connect with Jeff on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read The Three Beths, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends November 10/18.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #234

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

The 25th book in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series releases in mid November on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right.  Now, I must admit, I got to about 13 and found them to be getting repetitive. That being said, this is a really popular, light-hearted series that has many loyal followers. The colour tone is similar in both covers. The US look matches the style of previous covers - bold words on a coloured background.  The UK cover seems to promise a different read than you might be expecting. More serious than the series actually is.  Hmm, I'm not keen on either cover, but guess I'll go with the US cover simply for it's familiarity. What about you? Have you kept up with this series? Any plans to read Look Alive Twenty-Five? Which cover do you prefer?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Careless Love - Peter Robinson

DS Alan Banks returns in Careless Love - the 25th entry in this long running and much loved series from Peter Robinson. (Yes, I've read every one!)

I never bother reading the synopsis before I turn the first page of the latest Banks book. I already  know I'm in for a great read. And so I happily settled in on a rainy Sunday morning.

A young girl's body is found in an abandoned car. Suicide or something else? Banks and DS Winsome Jackman take on this case. DI Annie Cabot and newer addition DC Gerry Masterson are called out to another death. A man has fallen to his death off an embankment - or has he been pushed?

I'm always happy to reconnect with these characters and see where life has taken them. Robinson has moves their lives along in real time. Careless Love find Banks pondering love... "Banks wasn't even lonely most of the time - it had been over twenty years since he had split up with Sandra - but there were days when he ached for a companion, a love, someone to share it all with."

So, great characters - but Robinson's plotting is just as wonderful. The mysteries are intelligent and intricately plotted. I appreciate the solving of the crimes - the interviews, the piecing together of clues and the connections. A criminal from both Annie and Alan's past surfaces in an unexpected context. The desire to capture him is high on both their lists. This thread will lead nicely into the next book.

Banks' love of music and his new interest in poetry have often sent me to the web to listen or read what has been mentioned. While I appreciate them, I did find there were perhaps a few too many references in this latest.

For me, Robinson's writing is such a pleasure to read. I enjoyed this latest and can't wait for number twenty six! Read an excerpt of Careless Love.