Product review - OXOQO iPhone 6/6s Waterproof Case

My husband and I have taken up kayaking this year. I've enjoyed taking picture of our travels on the local waterways, but I've been terrified of dropping my Iphone in the water. So when I was offered a chance to review.

On opening the package, I noticed the instructions were inside the waterproof case. My suggestion would be to have them kept separate. I wasn't quite sure how the case opened and didn't want to snap the latches, negating the whole waterproof concept. The case is made of heavy duty plastic material which seems like it would stand up to a drop or two.

There is a card included indicating you should do a waterproof test first using paper towel. I folded a large square inside, snapped the unit shut and submerged it in a large bowl of water. I left it for an hour and there wasn't a drop of water on the paper towel. Check. The unit has an IP68 rating which is: "Protected from total dust ingress. Protected from long term immersion up to a specified pressure."

That same card indicated there is a piece of protective film on the inside screen that needs to be removed before use. I have to say - it was quite difficult to remove this as there was no 'pull tab' or larger edge to grasp. I had to scrape an edge loose with my fingernail to remove it.

Be sure to buy the right size for your phone. My phone fit in snugly and the case latched securely. Instructions indicate you should "set the phone to flight mode, cancel screen automatic lock, raise the screen brightness and be in camera mode before closing the case up, I was intrigued by the wide angle lens (170 degrees) built into the case. The screen covering the control panel is quite thin, so operating the phone was no problem. The wide angle does produce fish eye pictures, but the images are clear and crisp. Sealed stainless steel pins allow you to operate the side buttons.

The set comes with a neck lanyard - very handy to have. The case can be removed from the lanyard to use without having it on your neck. One suggestion would be to have a quick release safety latch on the lanyard. A wrist strap is also include with a lock. This also worked well.

Also included are a number of attachments allowing you to attach the case to your bicycle handlebars (I did try this and it worked) or if the pictures are correct - to your helmet.

I would suggest that OXOQO have someone with substantive English writing skills edit their instruction booklet. I do question the use of a brand name GoPro in their literature and product description.

Overall, this product did exactly what I hoped it would do - kept my Iphone safe from water splashing, ensured that if I did quickly drop it into water, it would be okay (Although I don't think I could do total immersion - just my own fears). I'll be using it at the beach as well to keep the sand out.  And the splash pad. Bottom line - it allowed me to take pictures with less worry!

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover#128

- 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've read every book in John Sandford's 'Prey' series. A character named Virgil Flowers started appearing in the books. His popularity grew and he now has his own series - one I follow as well. The newest book featuring Virgil is Escape Clause. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Hmm, so both covers feature a cityscape. Lightning in one, ominous skies in the other. Bright colours used in both. But I think the UK colours grab my attention a little bit sooner. So, UK for me this week. But no matter what cover, I'll be reading Escape Clause. Which cover do you prefer? Are you a Virgil Flowers fan. You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. 

Unlock the Weird with Ripley's Believe It or Not

The Ripley's Annuals have been a staple in our house for many, many years. When my son was young, it was hard to get him to read. But we found he enjoyed the weird and wonderful, so every Christmas he would receive the latest Ripley's Annual.

Well, he's in his late twenties now.....and he still hasn't lost his love of the strange but true tales you find in Ripley's. The latest entry, Unlock the Weird is newly released. And he will still be reading it cover to cover. But here's the thing - it's not just him that enjoys reading it. I've left it out on the coffee table before and everyone who stops by can't help but pick it up. It is addictive - and fascinating to read of the odd, the strange and the downright bizarre. Current day and historical. I dare you to read just one entry! (I can't!)

The cover is 3-D and those eyeballs are a little freaky. Okay, delving in.....

The story of the same greeting card, mailed back and forth between friends for almost 65 years.
The researcher who donned prosthetics and lived like a goat to study the animals.
It is common for Chinese schools to practice fire alarms - using real fire.
How about the guy who tried to smuggle 146 iPhones across a border.
And the man who had his ears removed and his face and eyes tattooed to look like his pet parrots.
Or the man who spent $75000 on plastic surgery to look like Madonna.

Oh my gosh....there's so much more drawing from categories such as: Believe It, World, Animals, Body, Pop Culture, Transport, Feats, Art, Food and Beyond Belief. Be forewarned - there are some gross pictures (in full colour)

Unlock the Weird is another great entry in this series. And the bottom line? Truth is truly stranger than fiction!

Ripley's are always on the lookout for new additions. So if you can do something extraordinary, they'd love to know. Send them your photos or video. More information can be found at www.ripleys.com/unlock the weird.

The Heart of Henry Quantum - Pepper Harding

The Heart of Henry Quantum is the 'first' novel for Pepper Harding. Pepper Harding is the pen name of a 'San Francisco writer known for an entirely different kind of literature.'

Its close to Christmas and advertising exec Henry Quantum is on a mission. He needs to buy his wife Margaret a bottle of perfume. He starts out with great purpose, but is easily distracted along the way by well, just about anything. But the one thing that captures Henry's attention is running into his old flame Daisy.

The novel is told in three narratives - from Henry, Margaret and then Daisy. Henry leads things off. And I think it's here that readers will either like or dislike Henry. His mind is a (very) busy place. His thoughts hop from one to another and another and another. Very stream of consciousness writing with lots of run on sentences. Here's the thing - I didn't like him, didn't feel sorry for him, didn't become engaged with him at all. Without revealing too much, he's a bit of an a**. "How is it that the woman you loved last year is no longer the woman you love this year? And to whom was he referring? Daisy or Margaret." I pitied Margaret being married to him.

And then I started Margaret's chapter, fully expecting to empathize and engage with her, based on my opinion of Henry and his actions and thoughts. Surprise! I didn't connect with her either. She too has her own agenda and isn't very likeable.

We see some of the same events from Henry and Margaret's lives from each of their perspectives that goes far in explaining who they are today.

Daisy. I was really hoping for a character I could like. And I did like Daisy. But, by this time, I truly wondered why anyone would want to be in a relationship with Henry. There are some positives in Daisy and Henry's past, but negative baggage as well.

The ending is just right for the book, but didn't redeem it in my eyes. Yes, I read it all - curiosity as to where the book would go and what further revelations Pepper would reveal kept me turning to the last page. I can't say it was a satisfying read for me, but it was definitely a different one. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Heart of Henry Quantum.

I chose to read The Heart of Henry Quantum based on the publisher's description - "In the bestselling tradition of A Man Called Ove." I loved Ove - his cantankerous ways, grumpy demeanor and his heart of gold. I personally didn't find much similarity between the two books. Another descriptive phrase, 'Socially awkward', from the publisher is the only similarity I agree with.

We Know It Was You - Maggie Thrash

We Know It Was You is the first novel in Maggie Thrash's Strange Truth series. I always imagined myself as an 'investigator' when I was younger, so the premise of We Know It Was You appealed to me. But...

Fifteen year olds Benny and Virginia are the only members of The Mystery Club at Winship Academy. Up until now their cases have been fairly pedestrian, such as a missing musical instrument. But when the Winship Wildcat mascot throws him/her self off a bridge, Benny sees an opportunity for a bigger case. You see, there's a camera with footage.....and Benny sees and takes it before the cops get there.

I initially liked Benny and Virginia as lead characters. They're somewhat dorky and social misfits of a sort. But I found their initial characterization at odds with the situations and actions that Thrash assigns to them. As the book progresses Thrash has Benny, but mostly Virginia, in situations that were completely out of character and frankly unbelievable. Now if you plan to read We Know It Was You, stop here. Spoilers ahead.

Serious stuff on the camera they stole - filming underage girls in the locker room. Fifteen in a bar. Porn rings. Not going to the cops. Hypnotizing someone to have sex with them. Rape. A student who carts around his grandfather's gun, complete with bayonet on campus. And a whole descriptive scene where he masturbates to/with the gun. What did this add to the novel? (answer = nothing) And Benny and Virginia never go to the school or the police about what they know.

But this is where Thrash completely lost me. This is a conversation good old Coach Miles is having with his male students. Bolding is mine.

"Everyone one of you is a potential rapist. You've got the hardware." "So what can you do to make sure you respect the ladies and never rape them accidentally." "Well first throw out your dictionary. You need to learn girl language. And in girl language, everything means no. No means no; I don't know means no; maybe means no. Being drunk means no. Being a lot younger than you means no. " What if they say yes?" " Sometimes even yes means no. So how can you tell? Well here's what you do, guys. If she says yes - and don't f****** count on it - if she says says yes, you reach up her skirt and feel around. If she's nice and lubricated - " "If she's nice and wet, then you go ahead and seal the deal. If she's not, then sorry buddy, yes means not and you better seek other accommodations." The rape of a male character is fluffed off.

Are you freakin' kidding me?! Really?! In this day and age?! 

The disjointed plot was all over the map and full of holes. Stereotypical characters. I did plow through to the end. Why? I think I was so incensed by the above dialogue, I just wanted to see if it could get any worse.

The publisher has this in the description of the book: "Twin Peaks meets Pretty Little Liars."  Sorry, not even close. If  this was meant to be a parody or a satire, then I missed the memo. Definitely not recommended for the YA crowd its being targeted to. If you like, you can read an excerpt of We Know It Was you here.

Over the Counter #337

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Ahh, one of my guilty pleasures this week.....Now, I don't have cable, but when I visit my daughter, I'm always up for a HGTV marathon!

First up is The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

From Thomas Nelson:

"Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.

In The Magnolia Story, fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes."

Next up is Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me)  by Nicole Curtis.

From Artisan Books:

"For the first time, Nicole Curtis, the star of the megahit HGTV and DIY Network show Rehab Addict, reveals her private struggles, her personal victories, and the inspiring lessons we can all learn from them.

Part celebrity memoir and part self-help book, Better Than New goes behind the scenes with an entrepreneurial single mom who worked her way from waitress/real estate agent to home renovation expert, preservationist, and television star. With eight chapters in the book—eight lessons told through her life story and through several of the homes she has remodeled—readers will get to see another side of Nicole Curtis, including the private and personal struggles that are not seen on TV. Working in Detroit and Minneapolis, Curtis has opened her fans’ eyes to the beauty of older homes and the value of reclaiming and reusing authentic original materials rather than sending dumpster loads to the local landfill. Curtis applies the same principles to her personal life—valuing old friends, rescuing dogs, and advocating for the wounded, the elderly, and the disadvantaged. Readers will find inspiration to apply to their own lives supplemented with never-before-seen photos of Curtis and the homes she renovates. Better Than New is a visual treat, packed with more than 75 color photographs from Curtis’s personal collection, ranging from family photos to before-and-after photos of the rehabbed homes’ interiors and exteriors."

(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!)

Superfood Breakfasts with DK Canada

I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for years, I just skipped it, either too rushed, too lazy or not hungry.

I've changed my ways and now try to get up and eat breakfast before I head to work. And yes, I've noticed a difference.

So Superfood Breakfasts: Quick and simple, high-nutrient recipes to kickstart your day from DK Canada's Great Tastes Boutique definitely caught my eye. And so did the line ...."the recipes have been compiled with busy, modern lifestyles in mind." Quick, nutritious and all the planning already done for me? Umm, yes please. The other must for me was gluten and refined sugar free. Check.

What is a superfood you ask? From the opening chapter: "These are foods that are nutrient-dense, with vitamins and minerals for the perfect functioning of our bodies." There's a great pictorial index of the superfoods along with each one's benefits.

There are 25 recipes included with lots of choice in both content and time. Me, I like the good to go ones - take it with me and eat it when I get there. Included are recipes for something I've always wanted to try, but hadn't gotten around to - Overnight Oat Jars. Well, I don't know why I haven't done it - it was really easy and only took a few minutes the night before. Or taking it with me. Smoothies are easy to drink on the drive to work.

But there are some great make aheads too. I've made the quinoa and buckwheat granola and it was really, really good. I tried it as a breakfast bowl, but found I also liked it on yogurt and as a snack in midafternoon. The quinoa superseed bread is next up for a make ahead.

With more time on weekends, the Rainbow Vegetable Frittata and Blueberry Oat Pancakes have been enjoyed by my husband as well. The breakfast parfaits would appeal to kids for a fun looking (and good for them) breakfast.

As with all DK books, the layout is great - clear and easy to read alongside great colour photos. And the bottom line? Always packed with great, useful, up to date information. Superfood Breakfasts hasn't made it to the bookshelf yet - it's been in constant use on the side kitchen counter. Recommended! See below for some sample pages.

Giveaway - Edgar Allan Poe: An Adult Coloring Book - Odessa Begay

With Hallowe'en only two weeks away (have you decided on a costume yet?) I have the perfect (and timely) giveaway for you today!

Edgar Allan Poe: An Adult Coloring Book: An Adult Coloring Book  by Odessa Begay.

From Sterling Publishing:

"Dive into the macabre, mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling tales with popular coloring book artist Odessa Begay (Little Birds). Inspired by Poe’s beloved stories, Begay has created images that reference settings, motifs, and details that fans will recognize." Take a peek inside!

"Odessa Begay resides in Philadelphia, PA. She is a graduate of NYU/The Tisch School of the Arts where she studied photography and imaging. She has licensed her work widely in the children's/baby markets, as well as botanicals for home décor, paper, and fabric." Learn more about her at her website, find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to get coloring, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends October 29/16.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just Fine With Caroline - Annie England Noblin

Just Fine With Caroline is Annie England Noblin's second novel.

Caroline has moved back home to Cold River, Missouri. Her family needs her help - her mom has Alzheimers, her dad is so busy (he's the town doctor) and her cousin Ava Dawn always seems to need a hand. And Caroline wants to keep her mom's beloved bait store open.

Life gets a little more complicated when Noah Cranwell returns to town to resurrect his family's store - directly across from the bait shack.

Noblin hits all the notes you would expect in a light hearted read - a slow building romance that hits more than one bump in the road, family issues, quirky supporting characters, conflicts that our main characters need to challenge - and secrets. Noblin also weaves some historical fact into her story that was quite fascinating.

Annie herself makes her home in the Missouri Ozarks and uses that first hand knowledge to create her town, residents and atmosphere. I have lived in more than one small town and Noblin's depiction is spot on. Everyone really does know you, your business and it's really hard to keep a secret in a small town.

I liked Caroline as a lead character - she's the solid, smart one that people tend to turn to. Ava Dawn is a foil for Caroline - she makes mistakes, bad choices and tends to live a wilder life. Noah as the yes, no, maybe so romantic lead was well drawn - and attractive. The rest of the supporting players round out the cast. High school hero also back in town, good guy sheriff with his own secrets, lovable town drunk etc.

There's usually not much you can't figure out ahead of time in 'heartwarming small town' types of reads. And yes, this proved true for Just Fine With Caroline for me. But that's the appeal of them  - you know everything is going to turn out okay in the end.

This is the first book in Annie's new Cold River series. I can see a wealth characters just waiting to be met and and for their stories to be told. Read an excerpt of Just Fine With Caroline.

My only quibble is that those quirky characters, dialogue and situations just try a bit too hard and are a bit over exaggerated. But on the other hand, this suits this style of novel. A sweet little read, meant to be enjoyed with a tall glass of sweet tea. Read an excerpt of Just Fine With Caroline.

"Annie England Noblin lives with her son, husband, and three dogs in the Missouri Ozarks. She graduated with an M.A. in creative writing from Missouri State University and currently teaches English and communications for Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She spends her free time playing make-believe, feeding stray cats, and working with animal shelters across the country to save homeless dogs." You can connect with Annie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

I received this book for review from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #127

- 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 really liked Claire Macintosh's debut novel, I Let You Go. Her

next book, I See You,  is also a suspense novel - and has joined my ever growing TBR list. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Hmm...so the font on bother covers is the same, with a just a minor colour change. The blues are very similar as well. But I think I like the picture used on the US cover a bit more. It's stark and a bit ominous. Where is that escalator headed? Why is there no one else around her? So, US cover for me this week. Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read I See You? You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. 

Over the Counter #336

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? A pair of cookbooks this week - for those short on time.....or ingredients....

First up is The I Heart Naptime Cookbook: More Than 100 Easy & Delicious Recipes to Make in Less Than One Hour by Jamielyn Nye.

From Grand Central Publishing:

"More than 100 inspiring recipes and crafts to cook, bake, and create during that precious hour known as naptime.

Every parent knows how magical naptime is-that blissful hour when the house is quiet and you actually have a few moments to yourself. Now Jamielyn Nye, founder of the popular blog IHeartNaptime.net and mother of three, is making naptime even more delicious with her highly anticipated first cookbook. With millions of visitors a month, I Heart Naptime has become a favorite online destination for readers who can't get enough of Nye's easy, kid-pleasing recipes and adorable crafts.

From Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits to BLT Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, One-Pot Cheesy Bacon and Chive Macaroni, and Cookies 'n' Cream Cupcakes, The I Heart Naptime Cookbook features more than 100 recipes that have you covered for any meal, snack, or sweet craving-and many will even inspire your kids to help in the kitchen! In addition to recipes, Nye's charming crafts like DIY plates, napkins, and aprons transform any meal into a celebration and makes it easy to give the perfect gift, from a basket of homemade toffee to birthday cupcakes.
An indispensable resource for home cooks and busy parents, The I Heart Naptime Cookbook will make it easy to answer that age-old question, "What's for dinner?"

Next up is Simple: The Easiest Cookbook in the World by Jean-Francois Mallet.

From the publisher, Black Dog and Leventhal:

"This is really the easiest cookbook in the world. Every recipe has less than four steps and fewer than six ingredients, illustrated with more than 1,000 user-friendly photographs. No wonder it is an overnight international bestseller!

Want a quick answer to "What should I eat?" Simple-with its clean design, large type, straightforward photos, and handy icons-will have you enjoying a meal in minutes. Through combinations of basic flavors and fresh ingredients, chef, food photographer, and cookbook author Jean-François Mallet helps anyone, the novice and gourmand alike, prepare tasty time-saving meals. His "at-a-glance" approach will change your relationship with your kitchen. You'll find yourself whipping up dishes as varied as Thai-Basil Beef, Saffron Risotto, Mozzarella and Fig Skewers, Salmon and Lentil Salad, Jumbo Shrimp Curry, and Pistachio and Cherry Cook."

(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!)

Giveaway - Love You Dead - Peter James

Love mysteries? Police procedurals? Yes? Then I've got a great giveaway for you today!

Peter James has just released the twelfth novel in his award-winning Detective Superintendent Roy Grace crime series - Love You Dead.

From the publisher, Pan MacMillan:

"An ugly duckling as a child, Jodie Bentley had two dreams in life - to be beautiful and rich. She's achieved the first, with a little help from a plastic surgeon, and now she's working hard on the second. Her philosophy on money is simple: you can either earn it or marry it. Marrying is easy, it's getting rid of the husband afterwards that's harder, that takes real skill. But hey, practice makes perfect . . .

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is feeling the pressure from his superiors, his previous case is still giving him sleepless nights, there have been major developments with his missing wife Sandy, and an old adversary is back. But worse than all of this, he now believes a Black Widow is operating in his city. One with a venomous mind . . . and venomous skills. Soon Grace comes to the frightening realization that he may have underestimated just how dangerous this lady is." Read an excerpt of Love You Dead.

"Peter James is the UK’s biggest selling police procedural author, with 11 consecutive Sunday Times No 1s, as well as a No 1 bestseller in many countries around the globe, where he is published in 37 languages in 52 countries." Peter James' entire series is being re-launched in the U.S.! You can find Peter James on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Love You Dead, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Open to the continental U.S. only. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Ends Oct. 22/16.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devil Sent the Rain - Lisa Turner

Lisa Turner's newest release is Devil Sent the Rain, the latest installment in her Detective Billy Able series. It's a first read of this author for me - but won't be my last. (And yes, this could be read as a stand-alone)

A good prologue always draws me into a book, eager to find answers to what has been presented in the first few pages.....who and why being the ones that spring to mind most often. The opening of Devil Sent the Rain absolutely drew me in. An unnamed pregnant woman, driving to her own wedding, is shot in cold blood.

Billy Able and his partner Frankie Malone of the Memphis Police Dept. boast the highest solve rate on the squad. They're handed this case when the identity of the high profile victim is discovered. The pressure is on from both the victim's family and police higher-ups to solve it quickly.

This was my first introduction to this pair. For the record, Frankie is a woman. Both are strong characters with very different personalities. Frankie is smart, tough and ambitious. Billy has some baggage, but he too is a smart cop, often relying on his intuition and hunches. They play off each other well. References are made to past cases, but I never felt out of the loop. Instead, I felt like reading more of this pair by picking up the previous two books.

Turner also brings in the South as a character. Attitudes and history are woven into everyday descriptions and settings, as well as figuring into the plot. Turner is from Memphis and her personal knowledge adds to the tone and tenor of the novel.

Turner's plotting is well paced, relying more on interactions and dialogue than forensic evidence for the final whodunit. And this is what I liked about the book - it is character driven. We become invested in the lead characters. And there is no doubt as to who is on the other side of the fence - they're quite easy to dislike. Billy's personal connection to the victim and her family makes the case personal. The run up to the final whodunit is fairly well telegraphed, but there are many red herrings and a choice of suspects laid along the way to muddy the waters and keep the reader wondering until that last chapter. (How many metaphors did I just mangle!)

I always enjoy the origin of a book title. In this case it's a discussion of the circumstances surrounding another death....

"They brought in boats and dragged the fields and tried to search the riverbanks, but the current was too fast. It started to rain. Poured for three days. I stopped at a convenience store for sandwiches and coffee. This crazy-looking woman in line got in my face and whispered, 'The devil sent the rain.' Then she crossed herself. It was creepy."

I love discovering new authors and series and Lisa Turner has been added to my list of authors to follow.  Read an excerpt of Devil Sent the Rain.

Cr:Phillip Parker

"Born in Memphis, Lisa Turner travels between her ancestral home in the Deep South and her writing getaway on the wildly beautiful coast of Nova Scotia." Find out more about Lisa at her website, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

See what other on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.  I received this book for review from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #126

- 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'm a sucker for those words....psychological thriller....My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry was a bestseller in the UK earlier this year. It releases in North America in Jan 2017. So....the  US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Well, an easy choice for me this week. I am truly tired of backwards girl pictures. (Even worse is when they're looking over their shoulders) I think the colours are too dark and I just don't find it overly appealing. The title is probably the only thing that would make me pick up this version. I'm going with the UK version this week. It's a bolder look, the colours catch my eye, as does the tagline. I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Haynes, so her blurb would entice me to pick it up. The photo matches the title.  So...which cover do you prefer. Any plans to read My Husband's Wife?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. 

One Was Lost - Natalie D. Richards

One Was Lost is the fourth book from Natalie Richards.

A group of high school seniors head out on an end of year camping trip. An unexpected flash flood separates the group into two - on either side of the river. The bedraggled second group (consisting of a teacher and four students) beds down for the night, resting up for what tomorrow might bring. What tomorrow brings is a group that has been drugged, a teacher that won't wake up and words inked onto each teen's arm. Damaged, Deceptive, Dangerous, Darling.

Uh, huh. There's someone in the woods. Playing games - with their lives.

"Lucas was right. This is a trap, a carefully constructed production. And we played our parts to perfection."

One Was Lost absolutely brought a slasher teen flick to mind. The kind where you want to yell at the characters to not go into the woods alone. (and someone always does) Richards does a good job of casting suspicion on every character as the book progresses. Interactions between the four - who were not friends before the trip - also adds to the confusion and doubt. Who can they trust?And it wouldn't be a YA book without the obligatory romantic subplot. Our main character Sera has fallen for local bad boy Luke, but the path to true love is a rocky one. Very rocky if you're stuck in the woods with a maniac trying to kill you.

The whodunit is a bit far-fetched, but provides a nice little twist at the end. But the journey there was an enjoyable, easy read.

For me, YA fiction is fun escapist reading. One Was Lost was the perfect one night read for a dark and stormy night. (and the cover telegraphs that too) My only quibble would be the recommendation of  One Was Lost by the publisher to fans of Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood. Ware's work is an adult novel that really cannot be compared to this YA book. But I think teens will love it. Read an excerpt of One Was Lost.

Over the Counter #335

What books caught my yes this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Performers this week.....dead and/or alive.....

First up is The Tao of Bill Murray: Real-Life Stories of Joy, Enlightenment, and Party Crashing by Gavin Edwards.

From the publisher, Random House:

"This collection of the most epic, hilarious, and strange Bill Murray stories, many of which have never before been reported, spotlights the star’s extraordinary ability to infuse the everyday with surprise, absurdity, and wonder.

No one will ever believe you.

New York Times bestselling author Gavin Edwards, like the rest of us, has always been fascinated with Bill Murray—in particular the beloved actor’s adventures off-screen, which rival his filmography for sheer entertainment value. Edwards traveled to the places where Murray has lived, worked, and partied, in search of the most outrageous and hilarious Bill Murray stories from the past four decades, many of which have never before been reported. Bill once paid a child five dollars to ride his bike into a swimming pool. The star convinced Harvard’s JV women’s basketball team to play with him in a private game of hoops. Many of these surreal encounters ended with Bill whispering, “No one will ever believe you” into a stranger’s ear. But The Tao of Bill Murray is more than just a collection of wacky anecdotes. This volume puts the actor’s public clowning into a larger context, as Edwards distills Murray’s unique way of being into a set of guiding principles. A sideways mix of comedy and philosophy, full of photo bombs, late-night party crashes, and movie-set antics, this is the perfect book for anyone who calls themselves a Bill Murray fan—which is to say, everyone."

Next up is Elvis is Alive: The Complete Conspiracy by Xaviant Haze.

From the publisher, Adventures Unlimited Press:

"Oh Elvis, where art thou? Living on the Moon? Witness Protection? Kalamazoo? For more than 35 years Elvis lovers have been asking themselves this question, desperately wanting to believe their musical hero is still alive. Seeking to finally put the matter to rest, Xaviant Haze blows the Elvis conspiracies vault wide open with the first book dedicated solely to the mysteries surrounding the King of Rock n’ Roll. While giving an accurate and concise history of the King's life, he also illustrates how Elvis's talent was seized and controlled by the darker forces within the entertainment industry. The rise of an artist to celebrity status, his work while a mind control victim and his (or her) ultimate self-destruction has become an all-too-familiar story in pop culture, so frequently seen it can hardly be considered a coincidence. But Elvis was no manufactured Disney creation, he was a true one-of-a-kind talent rising from epic poverty to become one of the most iconic entertainers the world has ever seen. His was a tale of screaming fans, groundbreaking music, untold riches, dizzying fame and a spectacular free fall into obliteration. It was also a tale of UFO encounters, zany fake funerals, studies in metaphysics, numerology, occult theology—and a strange connection with Michael Jackson. An infamous pill addiction led the King to an early “death” and in the aftermath a pop culture phenomenon was born, enabling Elvis to sustain a famous afterlife thanks to over three decades of conspiracy theories. It’s time to reexamine these theories and put to rest once and for all the notion that Elvis could have faked his own death. If we can…"

(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 Heavens May Fall - Allen Eskens

You know that little frisson of excitement you get when you start to read a new author and realize you've found someone who is good, really good? I had that feeling when I read Allen Eskens' award winning debut novel, The Life We Bury, in 2014. (my review) The next book, The Guise of Another was just as good. (my review) On re-reading my review, I see that Max Rupert, was my favourite character in TGOA and that 'I'd love to see him in another book, even in a peripheral role."

Well, I got my wish! Detective Max Rupert is the lead character in Esken's just released third book, The Heavens May Fall.

Jennavieve Pruitt is found dead, her body dumped in an alley. But the original crime scene is her own bedroom. Jennavieve's husband, attorney Ben Pruitt was out of town, that day. But, Pruitt has a history with the police, specifically with Rupert. Despite his claims of innocence, Rupert likes him for the crime. This is the case that Rupert pulls on the anniversary of his own wife's unsolved murder.

Lawyer Boady Sanden is a friend to both men. When Pruitt asks him to represent him - even before any charges have brought - Sanden hesitates....he had to walk away from the law six years ago for personal reasons. But in the end he agrees.

Eskens has crafted another great plot, giving the reader the best of two genres - police procedural and legal reads. The final reveal of whodunit at the end, complete with a nice little twist was great. The ongoing search for Rupert's wife's murderer provides a nice sub-plot.

But Eskens takes things a step further in his novels. His characters have depth and introspective voices. The Heavens May Fall is told from two perspectives - that of Max and Boady. The reader sees the investigation and trial from two different viewpoints. But what we also see is the inner turmoil of each man, their search for personal peace of mind against the search for justice. Friendship and loyalty are also pitted against justice.

I always enjoy coming across the origins of a book's title as I read. In this case...

"Fiat justitia ruat caelum - do justice though the heavens may fall. If a person is ever presented with the choice, that person must always do what is right even though it may bring on great personal loss."

Eskens himself is a defense lawyer. That credibility, combined with his impressive writing chops, makes for some great reading. The Heavens My Fall could absolutely be read as a stand-alone. But do yourself a favour and pick up the previous two as well. You won't be disappointed. Read an excerpt of The Heavens May Fall.

And as before, I hope to see Max Rupert in Esken's next book. You can connect with Allen Eskens on his website, follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

The Kept Woman - Karin Slaughter

I read Karin Slaughter's first book, Blindsighted, back in 2002. After I turned the last page,  I knew I wanted to read more from this author. Slaughter didn't disappoint me. I've read every book since, including her new release, The Kept Woman.

Slaughter has two series, The Grant County books and the Will Trent novels, as well as some stand-alones. The Kept Woman is the 8th book in the Trent series.

Will and his partner Faith (both work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation) are called out to a murder at a construction site. The body is discovered to be that of a retired cop. Forensics indicates that there's another possible victim, but where's the body? Adding to the pressure - the construction site belongs to a high profile athlete who has run afoul of the GBI in the past. The project has the blessing of politicos and the pressure to solve the case is high.

Why do I love Karin Slaughter's book so much? Characters. Dr. Sara Linton has been a constant from the first book. She's strong, but vulnerable, smart, capable and likeable. Will Trent. Ahh, well who doesn't love a walking wounded lead. (Who just happens to be pretty hot) As the books have progressed, Slaughter has slowly released details about the shadowy pasts of some of the characters - both the ones we love and the ones we love to hate. She doesn't skimp on character building - the 'negative' players' lives are just as fleshed out. This latest book gives us lots of background that we've been waiting for.

Plotting. I was happily devouring The Kept Woman, pretty sure I knew the direction the story was going. And then about halfway through, Slaughter sucker punched me. Totally did not see it coming. And within that second half are revelations Slaughter fans have been waiting for. Secrets and more secrets. Running parallel to the personal side of things is a helluva great central plot. Gritty, dark and dirty. Non stop action. Great dialogue and settings. Seriously, Slaughter can do no wrong in my eyes.

And the ending. The case is neatly wrapped up by the final pages, but the doozy of a last line leaves the door open for the next chapter in this fantastic series. This reader can't wait to see what happens next. Five stars for me. If you're not familiar with this series, I strongly suggest starting with the backlist. You won't fully appreciate The Kept Woman without context. Read an excerpt of The Kept Woman.

CR. Alison Rosa

"Karin Slaughter is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Will Trent and Grant County series and the instant New York Times bestselling standalones, Cop Town and Pretty Girls. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print around the world."  Find out more about Karin at her website and connect with her on Facebook. See what others on the TLC book tour thought. Find the full schedule here.

I received this book for review from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #125

- 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

Federico Axat's novel Kill the Next One releases soon in North America. Rights have been sold to 33 international publisher and movie rights have been optioned already! The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. An easy decision for me this week - I'm going with the UK cover. It's bold, it's in your face and the colours leap out. The tag line 'The Perfect Thriller' would also have me picking it up. The US cover is bland and washed out. The maze idea is okay, but the X across the eye is meh. It also refers to the book as a 'novel' vs. the UK's 'thriller.' So, I guess I'll have to read it to see. Which cover do you prefer this week?

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

When the Music's Over - Peter Robinson

One of my absolute, all time favourite series, that never, ever disappoints, is Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks novels. The 23rd book in the series, When The Music's Over, releases early next month.

Robinson opens When the Music's Over with a gut wrenching prologue. The reader knows that there is someone and something very, very dark out there......

Banks has just been promoted to Detective Superintendent. And along with his promotion, comes a high profile case. A beloved public performer, now in his eighties, may not be the man the British public has believed him to be. More than one woman has come forward with accounts of 'historical sexual abuse'. It's up to Alan and his team to see if they can prove a case that's over fifty years old.

I wondered how Banks would go about investigating the historical case. After so many years, what clues would be left to follow? As Banks says...."I mean...nearly fifty years ago...It's about as cold as case as you can get."

Running parallel and just as challenging is Detective Inspector Annie Cabot's case. The body of a young girl has been found by the side of the road, horribly beaten.  Racial tension, political correctness and public relations tip-toeing are muddying the waters in Annie's investigation.

"And what are the odds of some stranger just happening along this road, seeing a naked woman walking and turning out to be a passing psychopath, deciding to beat her to death."

This latest mystery from Robinson is both topical and current. Both cases draw upon actual cases for inspiration - that of  Rotherham and Jimmy Savile. Although there are two separate cases, they have common (and disturbing) starting point. The plotting is excellent, well thought out, well paced and absolutely believable.

Well loved supporting characters return, including one of my perennial faves, Winsome Jackman. We get to know young newcomer Detective Constable Gerry Masterson a bit better. She provides a different outlook from the seasoned detectives and I look forward to seeing more of her. And I never grow tired of Annie and her strong opinions.

I have always enjoyed Banks' musical tastes, often seeking out some of what he's listening to. In this latest book, poetry is a new passion of Banks. Robinson has grown his characters as the series has progressed. Alan's personal life is always of interest.  His last relationship has ended and as the book progressed I wondered if he might follow through with his attraction to one of the witnesses in his historical case. 

I always like finding the reference to the title when reading. In this case, it's from a conversation...

"You know what they say. When the music's over, it's time to have fun."
"Never heard that one, said Banks. I thought it was turn out the lights."
"Don't you turn out the lights when you want to have fun, Superintendent?"

Well, leave the lights on and immerse yourself in this latest wonderful read from Robinson. While I don't know about fun, I do know it's another fantastic read from Robinson. Five stars for this reader.

Over the Counter #334

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Books with an 'F' and a star(s) in the title.......

First up is I'm Your Biggest Fan: Awkward Encounters and Assorted Misadventures in Celebrity Journalism by Kate Coyne.

From the publisher, Hachette Book Group:

"The Executive Editor of People Magazine provides an unfiltered and hilarious look at her life alongside the rich and famous, as she reveals how being a fan-girl lead to celebrity close encounters she could only dream of growing up.

From the NY Post's "Page Six" to Good Housekeeping and now People, Kate Coyne has spent years on the front lines of the entertainment industry, feeding our insatiable appetite for celebrity news and gossip. I'm Your Biggest Fan chronicles her journey from red-carpet reporter to upper-level editor and the countless surreal, surprising, and awkward interactions she had with stars along the way. Featuring A-listers such as Michael Douglas (who warned her about tabloid reporting), Tom Cruise (whose behavior will surprise you) and Tom Hanks (who, yes, is wonderful) Coyne's stories reveal insights about pop culture's biggest icons-and the journalist who has followed their every move."

Next up is It's Just a F***ing Date: Some Sort of Book About Dating by Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola.

From Diversion Books:

"A fun and funny guide to dating from the New York Times bestselling authors of It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken and He's Just Not That Into You.

Why does dating have to be so hard?

It doesn’t! Stop trying to out-game the system and relax. It's Just a F***Ing Date presents the tools, not the rules, for bringing back the art of the date. The ordeals of 21st century dating, from online dating and hooking up to pulling the plug when it isn’t working, will soon be easy to navigate. With tips to define what is and isn’t a date, how to get asked out, and setting your own dating standards, dating won’t seem old-fashioned, it will be fun.

Bestselling authors Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola return to the minefield of modern relationships with this revised and updated edition."

(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!)

Giveaway - The Light of the World - Elizabeth Alexander

"Elizabeth Alexander's Pulitzer Prize winning memoir is now available in paperback with a new foreword. The Light of the World is a deeply resonant memoir for anyone who has loved and lost." I have two copies to giveaway to two lucky readers.

From Grand Central Publishing:

"A deeply resonant memoir for anyone who has loved and lost, from acclaimed poet and Pulitzer Prize finalist Elizabeth Alexander.

In The Light of the World, Elizabeth Alexander finds herself at an existential crossroads after the sudden death of her husband. Channeling her poetic sensibilities into a rich, lucid price, Alexander tells a love story that is, itself, a story of loss. As she reflects on the beauty of her married life, the trauma resulting from her husband's death, and the solace found in caring for her two teenage sons, Alexander universalizes a very personal quest for meaning and acceptance in the wake of loss.

The Light of the World  at once an endlessly compelling memoir and a deeply felt meditation on the blessings of love, family, art, and community. It is also a lyrical celebration of a life well-lived and a paean to the priceless gift of human companionship. For those who have loved and lost, or for anyone who cares what matters most, The Light of the World is required reading." Read an excerpt of The Light of the World.

Praise for The Light of the World:

“In this powerful, beautifully written memoir, she shares the tragic story of her husband’s sudden death, the challenges of raising her boys in the midst of gripping sorrow and the solace she gained along the road to healing.” —Michelle Obama, More Magazine

“A brave and beautiful book about love and loss—the deep pain that comes with such a loss, and the redemptive realization that such pain is a small price to pay for such a love.”—Jeannette Walls, New York Times bestselling author of The Glass Castle

"Elizabeth Alexander composed and recited "Praise Song for the Day" for President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration. She is the author of six books of poetry--including American Sublime, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize--and is the first winner of the Jackson Prize for Poetry and a National Endowment for the Arts and Guggenheim fellow. She is the Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale University." You can connect with Elizabeth Alexander on her website, follow her on Twitter and find her on Facebook.

Enter to win one of two copies I have to giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends October 8/16.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd - Alan Bradley

Okay, hands up if you've been waiting (and not patiently) for the next entry in Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce series. Well, the wait is over - the eighth book - Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd has just released. I've devoured it and will be waiting (and not patiently) for the ninth book in this absolutely wonderful series.

Early 1950's. Twelve year old Flavia has been drummed out of Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Canada and sent packing back to England. She arrives home in time for the Christmas holidays, but much has changed in the few short months she's been gone. But what hasn't changed is Flavia's penchant for finding dead bodies. Or should I say that the bodies find Flavia? On an innocent errand for the vicar's wife, Flavia stumbles across yet another. And her reaction?

"It's amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one's spirits."

I'm drawn to the time period, the crumbling mansion the de Luces live in, the small village of Bishop's Lacey, the quirky inhabitants of the village, the characters and the whole idea of a very clever amateur girl detective.

A younger cousin has been introduced in the storylines of the last two books. I'm not completely sure yet how I feel about her (and either is Flavia), but Undine is beginning to grow on me. The enigmatic family retainer, Dogger, is my favourite supporting character, turning up at just the right moment with just the right (or no) words. He sees past the clever front Flavia presents, to the sometimes lonely little girl often left to her own devices. (Did I mention the chemistry lab in the moldering east wing? Flavia is quite adept at poisons....)

Lonely enough that her best friend is Gladys - her bicycle. Flavia often attributes her own feelings and thoughts to Gladys.

"Gladys gave a little squeak of delight. She loved coasting as much as I did, and if there was no one in sight, I might even put my feet up on her handlebars: a bit of bicycle artistry that she loved even more than ordinary free-wheeling."

"Gladys loved to pretend she was being abducted. She was being amusing, I knew, and because it helped pass the time until we reached the road, I did not discourage her."

I enjoy the mysteries that Bradley concocts and this one is fairly complex - woodcarvers, witches, childhood storybooks and more, but it is Flavia that's the main event for me. I love her mind, her deductions and her outlook on life:

"Life with my sister Daffy had taught me that you could tell as much about people by their books as you could by snooping through their diaries - a practice of which I am exceedingly fond and, I must confess, especially adept."

"Thanks to my Girl Guide training, I was able to bluff convincingly when required. All those wet and windy Wednesday evenings spent in cold, drafty parish halls were paying off at last."

"There is an art to staging a convincing accident. It is not as easy as you may think - particularly on short notice. First and foremost, it must look completely natural and spontaneous. Secondly, there must be nothing comical about it, since comedy saps sympathy."

I've said it before and I'll say it again...."Flavia is one of the most endearing, captivating, curious, beguiling, precocious characters I've ever discovered in the pages of a book." I always wanted to be a detective (like Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy) when I was younger. In Flavia I get to imagine it all over again.

"The world can be an interesting place to a girl who keeps her ears open."

The mystery is solved by the final pages, (and really with Flavia on the case, was there ever any doubt?) and the door has been left open (a bit of a shocking ending really) for the next entry in this series. Each entry in this series answers question, but (happily for this reader) leaves just as many unanswered.

The titles for Bradley's novels are always curiously interesting. This latest, if you've not already recognized it, is a line from the witch's scene in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Double, double, toil and trouble......

Read an excerpt of Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd. I loved it - five stars for this reader!

(And yes, I suppose you could read this as a stand-alone, but I really think you should start at the beginning with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.)