Closing Costs - Bracken MacLeod

Bracken MacLeod's new novel, Closing Costs, has just released. If you like thrillers, then this is a book for you!

Nelle and Evan have just closed on their 'forever' home. It's perfect - there's only one neighbor they can't see and their property backs onto a state forest. Uh huh....you're getting an inkling aren't you...? Nelle is alone when a man invades her home...

MacLeod uses one of my favorite devices, writing a past and present narrative from two points of view - Elle and Mack, the invader. The pivot point is the sale of the house. Where did Elle and Evan get the money for such a house? Who is Mack and what does he want? You'll be quite surprised by the answers to both questions. MacLeod throws in a nice turn I hadn't expected.

Closing Costs reads like a movie in the vein of Bruce Willis. Nelle and Mack just keep getting up again and again, going far beyond what you would think the human body could tolerate. But, like those movies, suspend your disbelief and keep turning pages. The action is non stop and the tension is really high! And you've just got to know how it all turns out. 

I'm not sure I liked Elle very much, even though I was behind her need to best or escape Mack. Mack is, as my gran used to say, a piece of work - a violent misogynist. MacLeod's depiction of him gave me the shivers. 

Closing Costs could perhaps shortened up a bit - the escapes, near misses and more started to lose their impact after so many times. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of Closing Costs.  And make sure your doors are locked. 

(Gentle readers, this one's probably not for you - there are definitely trigger situations.)

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.

The Therapist - B.A. Paris

New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris has just released her latest book, The Therapist. If you enjoy psychological suspense, this one is a must read/listen!

Alice and Leo have just moved in together in a small gated community, affectionally known as The Circle. It's only after they're in the house, that Alice learns of a disturbing crime that occurred two years ago in her new home. Alice becomes consumed with the crime and begins asking her new neighbours about the past. But, they're not interested in sharing with her. After all, it's done and gone - right?

The Therapist has the feel of a 'locked room' mystery, which I absolutely love. There's a set number of houses in The Circle, and we come to know the residents, their temperaments and yes, some of their pasts as details are slowly but surely revealed. The 'new house' sheen is wearing off for Alice and Leo and their relationship begins to develop cracks.....

Alice is an interesting lead. I liked her, but found her intrusive as she continues to pry into the past. (I am indeed being purposely obtuse about the crime so as not to provide spoilers.) She continues to push and I'm not sure I wouldn't have shut the door in her face. The residents of The Circle are a varied bunch and the whodunit could have been any one of them. I suspected every one of them at one point or another. As the book progressed, I had my suspicions, but I was happily only partly right. Lies, obfuscations, Alice's imaginings (or are they?) all serve to ramp up the tension.

I chose to listen to The Therapist. The Therapist was a great book, but even better in audio IMO. The reader was Olivia Dowd and her performance was wonderful. She has a lovely accent that's easy to understand. Her voice is very pleasant to listen to and has a rich undertone. The voice suited the character I had mentally imagined. A lot of the book is conversations and Dowd makes it feel like there are different personas there. She captures the emotions and tensions in the plot easily with her interpretation. An excellent performance. There's a limited male role performed by Thomas Judd - his voice was perfect for the character and atmosphere. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I become much more immersed in a story when I listen to it. Another excellent book from Paris!  

London's Number One Dog Walking Agency - Kate MacDougall

At first glance, the cover of Kate MacDougall's new book - London's Number One Dog Walking Agency hints at a fun rom-com read. Well, there is romance, there is comedy...BUT! This is a memoir - a wonderful recounting of an idea and a life and so much more. Oh, and dogs. Lots of dogs. :o)

In 2006 Kate was putting her degree to use at Sotheby’s in London. But she wasn't happy. And so, London's Number One Dog Walking Agency was born. Kate grew up with dogs and quite liked them, but had no special expertise with either dogs or running a business. And at this point in time, professional dog-walking was in it's infancy.

There's so much to enjoy in this memoir. I loved Kate's 'voice' - her take on life, her honesty, her sense of humor and more, making me wish I could sit down for a cuppa with her. I'd also like to visit many of the neighborhoods and parks that are the setting for the dog walks. 

The book is told in twenty four chapters. Each chapter begins with how many dogs are being walked in total and the name of the dog featured. We meet the dogs and their owners, hear about their issues (dog and owner!) and meet their agency walker.

I must admit, I am a dog lover. My favorite dog in the book? Stanley - a mutt of mixed lineage with his own opinions. We catch up with many of the dogs as time moves on with additional entries. Stanley has five or six. Fair warning - he and his walker, Tom had me reaching for the tissue box. The walkers are a mixed bag as well, with some working out and some not. The owners run the gamut - from kind and caring to unbelievably rude and arrogant. And wound into every chapter is Kate's life as she grows and changes and moves forward.

"But, as Kate says, “It’s all down to the dogs” and what they taught her about London - and life."

It's difficult to 'rate' someone's life or experiences. Thank you Kate for sharing! I really, really enjoyed your memoir.

I chose to listen to London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency. The reader was Anna Popplewell. Her voice is very pleasant to listen to - rich and full. She has a lovely British accent that is easy to understand. She has lots of movement in her voice and easily captures the emotions and events in the book. Her reading kept me engaged from first chapter to last. And she did justice to MacDougall's work. A great performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency.

The Retreat - Elisabeth De Mariaffi

The Retreat is Elisabeth De Mariaffi's newest novel. The locked room premise is a favourite of mine, so I was eager to check out The Retreat. 

Maeve has taken herself to an arts retreat high up in the Rockies. She was a prima ballerina, but with a failed marriage, two children and an aging body, she has now has her sights on having her own ballet company. The two week retreat will give her inspiration and help her plan. 

The choice of profession for the protagonist was quite different. As Shakespeare said..."Though she be but little, she is fierce." The six other staff and visitors in residence are quite the varied cast. There's something off about each and every one of them. And Maeve feels the tension right away. Personally, I would have turned and ran. But she stays...and an avalanche ensures that no one is going anywhere in the near future. The dead body is definitely going anywhere.

With the avalanche cutting the group off, the murderer has to be one of them. The first bit of the book was a bit slow for me. But the action picked up after the murder and kept racing forward from there on to the final pages. This is the bit I enjoyed the most. De Mariaffi has ensured that the reader will suspect everyone right down the final pages. I did find the murderer's 'why' to be a bit of a stretch. And as much as I thought I should, I never really bonded with Maeve as a lead character.

The Retreat was a good read, but not a standout for me. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Retreat.

Such a Quiet Place - Megan Miranda

I'm a fan of Megan Miranda's writing and was eager to read her new novel, Such a Quiet Place.

Hollow's End is a gated neighbourhood, an idyllic place to live, where the neighbours all know each other, host neighbourhood events, maintain an online community board, help each other out and more. Idyllic up to the point where two residents were murdered a year ago.  Another resident of Hollow's End was convicted of the murders - but the conviction was overturned. And Ruby has returned to the neighbourhood/scene of the crime. (And isn't the name Hollow's End just a little bit creepy?)

Ohh, the places this plot could go! And go it does. We meet all of the inhabitants and realize that that perfect veneer hides the sins and omissions of almost every resident. Harper Nash is the one resident who was close to Ruby. Harper was never quite sure of Ruby's guilt, but went to court and dutifully testified as to what she knew. Was it really Ruby? Harp still has doubts. But, she's under pressure from the rest of the neighbourhood to stick with the facts they presented last year. They also want Harper to convince Ruby to leave. Ruby is never given a voice, but is instead revealed through everyone else's memories, perceptions and actions. The first half of the book is slower while we come to know all the players. 

I loved the uncertainty as to who the real culprit was. Miranda kept me guessing with each new twist added to the narrative. I suspected every last one! Things move along much quicker in the second half of the book as the tension ramps up.

This is a great mystery read, but also a nice exploration of privilege, mob mentality, community and more. It's more than a little scary as it's not far from the truth at all. The ending caught me unawares and was a wee bit of a stretch. But overall, another great read from Megan Miranda. See for yourself - here's an excerpt.

Look What You Made Me Do - Elaine Murphy

Elaine Murphy has come up with an interesting premise for her new novel, Look What You Made Me Do. 

Carrie and Becca are sisters with very different temperaments - and interests. You see, Becca is a serial killer and over the years Carrie has helped her dispose of quite a few bodies. It's hard to say no to Becca and there's no telling what would happen if Carrie did refuse. When a large number of bodies are found buried in a park, Becca swears they're not her kills. Could there be another serial killer in their town? Becca decides they need to find him or her.

Okay, yes you're going to have to suspend belief a bit. Although, there are a number of actual cases with serial killer accomplices. 

The story is told through Carrie's point of view. And with that pov, the reader can see how manipulative and dangerous Becca is.  And once you're in, you can't get out. 

A cat and mouse game begins with the other killer and Carrie seems to be the prize. Every time Carrie comes home and opens her front door, she's not sure what she'll find.  Murphy did a great job ramping up the tension. I had a sense of watching a horror movie, ready to yell 'look under the bed' at Carrie.

There is more than one choice as to who the other killer is. I was leaning towards one character in particular and was happily surprised when it ended up being another. Murphy provides a nice turn in the plot midway and provides an unexpected, gotcha twist at the end. And she sprinkles some dark humour throughout.

For me, Look What You Made Me Do wasn't a serious suspense novel, if that makes sense. Still, I thought it was a novel idea that kept me turning pages and entertained. See for yourself - read an excerpt.

To Sir, With Love - Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne's new novel - To Sir, With Love - is the perfect audiobook to download for the beach.

Thirty-something Gracie Cooper has been running her family's champagne store since her father's death. She loves it, but it is a struggle at times to turn a profit. And Gracie wonders if she'll ever find a romantic partner. So, she decides to join a "blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos." 

I think a blind dating app is a great premise to start with - there's lots of places that the plot could go from there. (And I think the app's premise is a good one!) Grace ends up paired with someone she address as Sir and she becomes Lady. And they seem to really, really click.

But on the flip side....back at the shop, Sebastian Andrews, the landlord, is looking to buy out the champagne shop's lease. Gracie simply can't stand the man....although he does have the most beautiful eyes.... 

And I think you might be able to predict where things might go from there! Layne has penned a light-hearted romance with lots of yes, no, maybe so woven in. And that's the fun of this type of storytelling. The listener knows more than the players. It's just a matter of time before they figure it out themselves and the fun is in the journey to the inevitable (fairy tale) ending.

I liked Gracie as a lead character - she is outspoken and sassy, but kind and caring as well. The supporting cast of Gracie's family and coworkers is just as engaging. And Sebastian Andrews? Yummy!

I listened to To Sir, With Love. There were two readers - Rachanee Lumayno and Shaun Taylor-Corbett. Lumayno's voice was perfect for Gracie and matched the mental image I had created for this character. Her voice is strong without being loud. It's pleasant to listen to, easy to understand, with crisp enunciation. She captures the emotion of the character and the action. Taylor-Corbett has a very rich and full tone to his voice and it absolutely suited the character. And his voice was perfect for Sir. While Gracie is the voice we hear the most, I enjoyed having another reader for the male characters of Sir and Sebastian. It was more realistic that way. A good performance from both readers. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of To Sir, With Love.

Overall? Light and fun with a lovely dose of romance, perfect for summertime listening or reading.

The Hunted - Roz Nay

Oh Roz Nay, you had me hooked right from the first chapter! If you're a suspense reader, you're going to want to pickup Nay's just released novel, The Hunted!

Stevie and her boyfriend Jacob decide to leave their small town and go on an adventure. They're headed to a secluded island where they'll work at a dive camp. (#1Beware of secluded islands!) On their way to Rafiki, they stay at a hostel that's a bit iffy. (#2) Stevie feels like someone is watching her. But then they meet Leo and Tamsin, a pair of seasoned travelers that make them feel a bit more settled.  And guess what! Yes, they're headed to Rafiki as well. (#3) Oh, the stage is set. (And there's one little detail in the opening chapters that I thought was perfect - take note of what book one of the other hostel guests is reading...)

We see the trip through Stevie's eyes and are privy to her worries, her doubts - and her fears. And who else has a point of view? Leo does. I'm not going to say more, but Leo's inner thoughts and dialogue are more than a little scary. The reader is aware of the overall picture - and the danger. I love that 'watching a scary movie with a pillow, ready to yell 'Don't go in the basement' feeling. And Nay has nailed it!

The tension builds with every chapter, ensuring a 'can't put it down read.' Which I didn't - it was done in a day. There's a nice twist as the end comes closer - I had my suspicions that this twist might transpire, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. Perfect for back porch, beach chair reading! See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Hunted.

The 22 Murders of Madison May - Max Barry

Max Barry opens up his latest book, The 22 Murders of Madison May, with a prologue that gave me the shivers. A lone real estate agent named Madison May and a prospective buyer at a showing....Felicity Staples is the reporter who ends up covering the murder. 

Sounds like a straight forward murder mystery right? Nope. Barry throws a curve ball. Look at the title again. Madison May has been murdered numerous times - in numerous realities. (not a spoiler - this is part of the publisher's description) 

Felicity becomes obsessed with the case and becomes part of the shifting realities. I enjoyed Barry's take on how that might look. Parts of Felicity's life remains the same with every shift, but with subtle differences. I was quite curious to see what version of Felicity's boyfriend Gavin would appear each time. As well as what version of Maddy. The other constant is Levi, a crusty old reporter who also works at the newspaper. I quite enjoyed his dialogue. The killer's dialogue and interactions are definitely creepy. But he seemed one dimensional to me. (pun intended) Other shifters are part of the hunt as well. I was drawn to the enigmatic traveler Hugo.

Barry is a clever writer and will keep you on your toes following the various timelines and narratives. It was quite a different read for me and my first of Barry. I am a regular reader of mystery and crime fiction. While this is the vehicle the story begins with, it is the multiverse idea and the possibilities they provide that takes center stage. The book slowed down for me about two thirds of the way in and I was ready for the ending - which was perfect. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The 22 Murders of Madison May.

Razorblade Tears - S.A. Cosby

I thought S.A. Cosby's novel Blacktop Wastelands was brilliant. His latest book, Razorblade Tears releases today - and I have to say it's even better imo.

Ike and Buddy Lee don't have much in common - one is Black and the other is White. Their paths wouldn't normally cross in their small Virginia town. But what they do have in common are their sons. Sons that loved each other, married and had a child. Sons that are now dead, gunned down for who knows what reason. The cops don't seem to be making any progress with the case, so the two men reluctantly join forces to try and find who killed them. And make them pay. The other thing they have in common? They were both alienated from their sons for their own homophobic bias, they've both served hard time and although they're living the straight and narrow now, they each have a history of violence.

Cosby has created two anti heroes that will immediately have the reader firmly behind them on their quest for justice. Or maybe vengeance is a better descriptor. The action is non stop, the plotting intricate and believable, the dialogue true and the writing addictive. I couldn't put the book down.

"There was no turning back. There was no path that led anywhere except down a long road as dark as your first night in hell and paved all along the way with bad intentions. They could call what they were seeking justice, but that didn't make it true. It was unquenchable, implacable vengeance. And life, inside the graybar and out, had taught him that vengeance came with consequences."

But the real draw amongst all the above is Ike and Buddy Lee. There's more to these two than what they show to the world. They loved their sons, but.... And along the road to redemption, those buts are challenged, their guilt, grief, loss and yes, love is revisited. There's a number of supporting players that are just as well drawn. 

Razorblade Tears is a raw, powerful, gritty, gut wrenching good novel - with many truths woven through it. Absolutely, positively recommended.

And the title? "Tears ran from his eyes and stung his cheeks. Tears for his son. Tears for his wife. Tears for the little girl they had to raise. Tears for who they were and what they all had lost. Each drop felt like it was slicing his face open like a razorblade." 

Razorblade Tears has already been optioned by Paramount Players. The casting has to be carefully chosen to do right by Cosby's book. This reader also hopes that Cosby is hard at work on his next book. He's firmly planted on my 'must read' list. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Razorblade Tears.

You can connect with S.A. Cosby on Twitter, his blog and on Facebook.

Falling - T.J. Newman

Falling is T.J. Newman's debut novel. And I just have to tell you the story behind the book before I tell you how much I enjoyed Falling!

T. J. Newman, a former bookseller turned flight attendant, worked for Virgin America and Alaska Airlines from 2011 to 2021. She wrote much of Falling on cross-country red-eye flights while her passengers were asleep. But getting it published was a whole 'nother thing.... From the publisher:

"Bookseller turned flight attendant writes sensational thriller set on an airplane, gets rejected by forty-one literary agents before finding the right one, and then sells it in a major multibook deal to the first editor to whom it's submitted." 

I am most definitely not a fan of flying. (You might not be either after this tale!) This isn't a spoiler, but is the publisher's description...." You just boarded a flight to New York. There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard. What you don't know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot's family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die."

Oh, great premise! There are so many ways this plot could unfold - and Newman gives us enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Newman's familiarity with commercial flying gives her setting and characters detail and believability.  The characters are all intense, from the captain, the flight crew and the 'bad guy'. I think Jo, the lead flight crew member was my favourite, but Big Daddy is a close second. Just as intense is the action - it just never lets up. And that means I couldn't stop turning pages. Easily done in a day. 

Yes, you might have to suspend belief a few times, but just go with it. 

Falling reads like an action movie - think Die Hard and Speed. The film rights have already sold to Universal Pictures. (Betcha those first forty one agents that said no are kicking themselves!)

Looking for an addictive read for the the beach bag? Pick up Falling! And I can't wait to see what Newman writes next. 

That Weekend - Kara Thomas

Is there anything better than a lazy day in the hammock, reading an entire book? Especially when its YA fiction - my guilty pleasure! What was the book? That Weekend by Kara Thomas.

Claire, her best friend Kat and her boyfriend Jesse all decide to head to Kat's family's mountain getaway instead of going to prom. A great idea....but things don't go to plan....Claire wakes up in the woods with a severe head injury and amnesia. And Jesse and Kat are missing....

A great premise that opens up all kinds of avenues for the plot to take. And the lead character has amnesia? Another device that I really like - trying to figure out what the truth is and what is misconception. 

Now, I'm years past, but I think Thomas has nailed the dialogue, the worries, the pressures and the complicated relationships that the teen years bring. I liked Claire as a lead character and was behind her as she tries to deal with the aftermath, the guilt and the suspicion. It is her voice we hear for the most part, but Kat is also given a voice. Thomas artfully manipulates the reader as the book continues - I had bought into the lies being told by some of the supporting characters and was caught completely off guard by the twists and turns woven into the last bit of the book. Especially that last one - I'm still not completely on board with it, but it's a darn good one. I did have to suspend disbelief for some of the police procedures (or lack of), but that's just my pragmatic nature. Just go with it. That Weekend makes for some entertaining summer reading. 

I really liked Thomas's writing. This was a first read of her, but won't be my last! See for yourself - here's an excerpt of That Weekend. 

The Last Goodbye - Fiona Lucas

The Last Goodbye is Fiona Lucas's newest novel. She pens "heart-warming love stories and feel-good women’s fiction" and this latest is both. 

Anna's husband Spencer died three years ago. She is still struggling with the loss and can't seem to move on with her life. On a lonely New Year's Eve, she calls his cellphone number to hear his voice again on the message. But this time, it's not Spencer's voice she hears - it's someone else named Brody, who has been assigned the number. And he's very much alive.

I thought this was such a great premise - hearing a loved one's voice one more time is something everyone can relate to I think. There are lots of ways this plot could progress...

I liked Anna as a lead character. She's kind, thoughtful and is self aware. Brody is a wounded soul as well, keeping himself to himself. But he's happy to talk to Anna. And talk they do - their conversations become more and more personal, despite never having met. It's is Anna's situation that takes the lead - it's quite awhile before we're privy to the reasons as to why Brody has isolated himself from family and friends. There are a number of strong supporting character as well. Anna's best friend Gabi is quite outspoken and a little loud and pushy, but she does care for Anna. Anna's mother in law Gayle's behavior borders on cruelty. But then again, everyone grieves differently. And that's what Lucas writes - how grief is handled from different viewpoints. And of course the question - can you ever love again after such a loss?

There's a lot of two steps forward, one step back as Anna begins to make progress. The friendship with Brody is a large part of her progress. Can it ever be more? I'm not telling!

I chose to listen to The Last Goodbye. The reader was Antonia Beamish. She had a lovely tone to her voice, very pleasant to listen to. She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. She has lots of movement in her voice, capturing the emotions of the character and the action of the book. She does provide different voices for the characters, including the male players. But...sorry, yes I have a but. I could not stand the voice for Gabi - it just grated on me. It is mentioned that she is Brazilian and Beamish has provided a unique voice for her. But for me, she was too loud, I couldn't stand her dropped letters on every word that ended with ing and shortened, staccato words or on the flipside - long drawn out single words. She just didn't ring true with me. So, I ended up fast forwarding through her appearances. Other than that, a good performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Last Goodbye.

The Last Goodbye was a thoughtful, slow burning exploration of grief and loss and the search for self - and love. 

Eat Your Heart Out - Kelly deVos

Oh my gosh - Kelly deVos's new YA novel, Eat Your Heart Out, was so much fun to read!! 

I think this description from Razorbill is perfect - and it's what had me so eager to pick up Eat Your Heart Out... "Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin' in this bitingly funny YA thriller about a kickass group of teens battling a ravenous group of zombies."

There are six teens and and a leader in Vee's pod at Camp Featherlite for Overweight Teens. One of the other members is a aspiring film maker and she mentally slots everyone into a role - you know, The Outcast, The Jerk, The Nerd and more. This cemented the feeling of being immersed in a teen horror flick. Which I have to say, has been a long time guilty pleasure of mine.

deVos gives each of the characters a voice with their own chapters. They're all wonderfully drawn with strengths and weaknesses. But as a group, they're pretty formidable. The reader is privy to the overall picture - their secrets and the danger stalking them. And there are plenty of chances in Eat Your Heart Out, to pick up a pillow and yell, "Don't go outside - there are zombies!" 

Lots of action kept me rapidly turning pages. Eat Your Heart Out did read like a movie!

And that cover? Fantastic! Eat Your Heart Out was great escapist reading. But along with being a fun page turner, deVos has woven in a needed message as well. "...Because when you create a culture when people can be dehumanized for trivial reasons like body size, everyone's human dignity is in jeopardy. I intend for this read to be inclusive and affirming, and hope you read with care if these topics are ones close to your heart." This was a first read of deVos for me - and it most definitely won't be the last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Eat Your Heart Out.

(And I leave you with this warning - be careful with your hazelnut coffee whitener...)

The Night Hawks - Elly Griffiths

I really enjoy reading series books - following along with character's lives and settling in to catch up with old friends. Elly Griffiths' Dr. Ruth Galloway series is one of my absolute favorites. The latest (#13) is The Night Hawks.

Ruth is a forensic archaeologist in the beautiful Norfolk area in England. She's head of her department at the University and often consults with the police on cases.

I really enjoy Ruth. I think it's because she isn't a 'cookie-cutter' protagonist. She is a single mother looking at her fifties. She's shy and reticent about accepting praise. She is highly intelligent, empathetic and tolerant.  Griffiths has not endowed her with super sleuth abilities, rather she comes off as an actual person - unabashedly and happily herself. Her only worry is making sure her daughter Kate is happy as well. There's a large cast of supporting characters, including the local DCI Harry Nelson and a number of other well drawn, engaging players. The relationship between Nelson and Ruth is complicated and is one of the most intriguing storylines.  My favorite after Ruth is Cathbad, a self proclaimed Druid. He's enigmatic and he seems to see and recognize things that the others don't. A wonderful little sense of the mystical is woven throughout this series. 

The setting is also a large part of the books. Griffith's descriptions have had me exploring Norfolk online. I think I would enjoy living in her little cottage in the Saltmarsh, 'where the sea and the sky meet.'

The Night Hawks are a detectorist group who come upon a body - one recent and one very old. I am fascinated by the items that are found in the ground in Norfolk - the historical element of the books is quite informative and interesting. The mystery in each and every book is well plotted. This latest had me guessing to the end - I was quite surprised by the whodunit.

This series is so good on so many levels. But it is the characters that are the main draw for me. Griffiths always leaves the door open with a little teaser for the next book. For those that have read previous entries - it's a cliff hanger! 

I highly, highly recommend this character driven mystery series. You could certainly read this book as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and start with the first book, The Crossing Places.

Bad Moon Rising - John Galligan

Sheriff Heidi Kick returns in Bad Moon Rising, the third entry in John Galligan's Bad Axe County series.

I stumbled across the first book a couple of years back and was immediately hooked. Why? Well, the lead character has much to do with that. Sheriff Kick is a former Wisconsin Dairy Queen turned Sheriff. But don't let that fool you. Kick is seriously bad***. She doesn't back down from anyone or anything. She's had to fight the local council, the local thugs, the good ol' boy network and much more. She's also a mom with three kids and a husband - and a lot of folks think her personal life is fair game too. 

She's up for re-election this year and the other guy running is playing down and dirty. Heidi will deal with that when she can, but there's other pressing matters first. Homeless men are going missing - and the last one found was buried alive. Veteran and ex newspaper editor Leroy Fanta has an idea of who might be the perp.

So, a great protagonist and an intriguing plot. Galligan has a scary mind - the who and the why behind the missing men is truly twisted. Although there are some truths behind the madness. And that crazy is stealing past the confines of the hollow to the light of day.

And last, but certainly not least is the setting. Bad Axe County. I doubt I would stop in Bad Axe County - it just says 'keep on driving' to me. In Bad Moon Rising, the county is in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures breaking 100 degrees F. The heat is relentless - almost enough to drive you mad.

There's lots of action in Galligan's books and I was engaged from first chapter to last. I'll be eagerly awaiting the fourth book and more of Sheriff Kick. 

I chose to listen to Bad Moon Rising. I've listened to to the first two as well. I'm happy that Simon and Schuster has continued with the original reader - Samantha Desz.  Her voice is perfect for this character and matches the mental image I've created for Heidi. Desz's voice has a nice gravelly tone, is easy to understand and easy on the ears. She rarely raises her voice which is absolutely right for this character. The calm way of speaking belies her determination. It's well paced, never rushing and perfectly modulated. The voices employed for other characters are really good as well. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Bad Moon Rising.

(Gentle readers, this series is quite gritty and may not be the read/listen for you.)

Our Woman in Moscow - Beatriz Williams

Over the last year, I've been really enjoying historical fiction. Beatriz Williams is a New York Times bestselling historical fiction author. Her latest (and a first for me) novel is Our Woman in Moscow.

Our Woman in Moscow has its roots in WWII, but Williams takes us past that and sets most of the novel during the Cold War years in the early 1950's.

The novel is told from two sister's alternating points of view - Iris and Ruth. Once close as children, but as adults they haven't seen each other for over a decade. No one has seen Iris, her diplomat husband Sasha and their children for four years. And then a postcard arrives for Ruth - and its from Iris. And Ruth thinks she knows where Iris might be - and that she must go to her.

Williams has created some great characters. Sassy, in your face Ruth -I loved her dialogue and attitude. Iris is quieter, but still waters run deep. The book explores the relationship between the sisters, as well as their romantic entanglements. This personal line is paired along with the setting, atmosphere, machinations and politics of the Cold War. 

The tension builds with each new chapter in the present time frame, but also in the 'past' chapters as the listener learns how this situation, this point in time, came to be. I did have an inkling as to what might transpire in the final chapters, but it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book.

It was only on listening to the author's notes at the end of the book, that I learned Williams' story took inspiration from The Cambridge Spy Ring. Fascinating! 

I chose to listen to Our Woman in Moscow. The readers were Nicola Barber (a new to me narrator) and a perennial favorite - Cassandra Campbell. Each reader employed voices that suited the character they were reading. Barber's voice was quieter, matching Iris's personality. Campbell perfectly personified the larger personality of Ruth. Each reader's manner of speaking was clear, easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. The British accents were authentic. Each reader also provided Russian accents that were believable. I was quite happy with having two narrators. It made for distinctly knowing who was speaking/on center stage. I thought both readers captured and portrayed Williams' book perfectly. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Our Woman in Moscow.

Sunrise by the Sea - Jenny Colgan

Oh, I am always so excited when I see that Jenny Colgan has a new book coming out! Her latest - Sunrise by the Sea - has just released. (And I've already finished it!)

Colgan has a number of series on the go - Sunrise by the Sea is the fourth in the 'Little Beach Street Bakery series. This latest akes us back to the wee Cornish island of Mount Polbearne. 

Don't you love the cover shot of all those colorful seaside houses? I think (no, I know!) I could very easily live there. The scenery is lovely, but it's those who live there that make this series so heartwarming. 

Polly (the owner of the bakery) is of course there, along with her husband Huckle and their twins Daisy and Avery. The twins have grown and their dialogue is priceless. Another member of their household is Neil the puffin - a reader favorite! It's always lovely to catch up with returning characters - I feel like I'm catching up with old friends.

But, this book belongs to Marissa. Her beloved grandfather has died and she doesn't seem to be able to move on with her life, retreating more and more into herself and away from the world. Through a set of circumstances she ends up in Mount Polbearne in a wee rented house. It's quiet and peaceful - until a new tenant moves in next door.

Colgan has done a great job depicting Marissa's illness, it's written with care and is believable. I'm sure we've all felt like Marissa at some point in time. I loved Marissa's online Skype relationship with her grandmother in Italy. (And I missed mine all the more) And it wouldn't be a Jenny Colgan book without a romance (or two). That new neighbor? Interesting. Loud. Annoying. The will they, won't they, yes, no, maybe so, romantic plotlines are always great fun. And the descriptions of food? Mouth watering!

Mount Polbearne is that place you'd want to live - and the better part of that would be down to the residents. They're caring, quirky and community driven. Barring moving to Mount Polbearne (it is indeed fictional), I'm quite happy to visit in the pages of Jenny Colgan's imagination. 

Another heartwarming, addictive, escapist, just lovely read from Jenny Colgan. I loved it. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Sunrise by the Sea. I can't wait for her next book!

Suburban Dicks - Fabian Nicieza

Oh my gosh, I picked up Fabian Nicieza's debut novel - Suburban Dicks - and was hard pressed to put it down. It's a quirky, fun read with some really well drawn leads. Oh, and a murder or two.

It was only on turning the final page that I discovered that Nicieza is the co-creator of  Marvel's Deadpool. Uh, huh that same wry, sarcastic biting humor, an unusual, intriguing mystery (swimming pool permits are a key factor) and two decidedly different leads. 

Kenny Lee - "A Pulitzer at twenty-two, disgraced by twenty-seven, irrelevant at twenty-nine." And when he gets an inkling of what might be his comeback story, he's all over it. Can I mention that Kenny is a bit of a narcissist? He'll spin the story so he's the hero. But he'll need Andrea's help.

And the other lead? Oh, I couldn't get enough of her! Andrea Stern was an up and coming profiler with the FBI over ten years ago. And then she got pregnant, got married and is now expecting her fifth child. When she inadvertently stumbles across a crime scene it awakens the need in her to solve the crime, to bring justice to the victim. But she'll need Kenny's help. Her skills are still sharp, but the methods are a bit different - needs must. (Call in the Cellulitists!) And her mothering skills had me laughing out loud.

Fresh, fun and with no way to predict what would happen next, Suburban Dicks was a fantastic read for me. And with that said, I really hope there's another Suburban Dicks book in the works. The ending hit just the right note - but I want more Andy - and okay, more Kenny. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Suburban Dicks. 

Dream Girl - Laura Lippman

Today is release day for Laura Lippman's latest novel - Dream Girl.

Here's the premise....."After being injured in a freak accident, novelist Gerry Andersen lies in a hospital bed in his glamorous but sterile apartment, isolated from the busy world he can see through his windows, utterly dependent on two women he barely knows: his young assistant and a night nurse whose competency he questions." There are so many possibilities in this plot! 

I don't want to spoil the details for you, but let me say that Misery and Gaslight sprang to mind as I started listening. But Lippman puts her own spin on things as the book progresses, with a nice gotcha at the end.

Dream Girls is fully stocked in unlikable characters. I found Gerry to be a pompous, self inflated lout who is quite sure in his own mind that he is not. He's been married many times and is also quite sure he has been a more than adequate lover to many along the way. The two young women he has hired are Victoria, the personal assistant and Aileen the night nurse. Victoria seems passable, but his hiring of Aileen had me questioning his competency. Which of course, is part of the plot....

As always, Lippman's writing is clever and I quite enjoyed the dark, satiric humor she ascribes to Gerry's inner dialogue. Lippman slowly builds the tension with every new turn in the story. And we explore Gerry's life through his past memories and present predicament.

And....Tess Monaghan makes a cameo appearance! I miss her...sigh....

I chose to listen to Dream Girl. The reader was Jason Culp and he was the perfect choice for this tale. His voice has a lovely gravelly undertone that's quite pleasant. He enunciates well and is easy to understand. Culp's voice suited the age of the character and cemented my mental image of Gerry. He speaks at just right speed, allowing the listener to fully appreciate every word. He captures and projects that dark humor so well with his voice. Different voices used for the the supporting cast. And this was the perfect book to listen to, rather than read, for me.

Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Dream Girl. 

The Lucky List - Rachael Lippincott

Rachael Lippincott is the co-author of Five Feet Apart, which I really enjoyed. She's just released her solo novel, The Lucky List.

Emily and her mother were really close. Were, because three years ago her mom died - and nothing has felt right since. As Emily and her dad begin to pack up things for an imminent move, Emily finds a bucket list her mother made back in her high school days. And suddenly she knows - she has to do the same list....

Lippincott takes the reader back to the final days of high school. And all the angst, drama, friendships, relationships and the question of what's next. But Lippincott puts more on Emily's plate - unresolved grief over her mother's death and questioning her sexuality. 

Emily is a great protagonist and I thought she was well drawn. Her actions, reactions, internal turmoil and more, are realistic and believable. Blake seems a little too perfect at first, but she seems to know herself more and has confidence in who she is. Lippincott has written the burgeoning relationship in a measured, thoughtful manner. I was a bit skeptical of the relationship Emily had with her dad. He makes a decision without consulting Emily that I thought was a bit of a reach. But, we all grieve in out own way. The supporting cast is filled in with old family friends and high school friends, each with roles to play.

Well done. I chose to listen to The Lucky List. The reader was Rebekkah Ross. I've listened to other books she's narrated and I really like her voice. Its pleasant to listen to, clear, and easy to understand. Her voice is believable as a teenage girl. Her narration is very expressive and has movement, easily capturing the emotion of the book. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Lucky List.

Lie Beside Me - Gytha Lodge

Lie Beside Me is the newest entry in Gytha Lodge's  DCI Jonah Sheens series. 

Lodge starts things off with a great premise...

"Louise wakes up. Her head aches, her mouth is dry, her memory is fuzzy—but she suspects she’s done something bad. She rolls over toward her husband, Niall. The man who, until recently, made her feel loved. But it’s not Niall lying beside her. In fact, she’s never seen this man before. And he’s not breathing. . . ."

This is a premise I've read before, but I'm always curious to see how an author puts their own spin on things

Lodge gives us a blackout drinker in Louise, who can't seem to remember anything of the night before. Truth or fiction? Louise is a fractured personality. She refers to herself as Drunk Louise and Sober Louise and prefers her drunken self. "I was aware, though, of a growing disconnect between Drunk Louise and me. I would occasionally be alarmed at things she'd done." Louise is married and her relationship with her husband Niall is disconnected as well. Her best friend April is hard to pin down - is she using Louise or does she truly care about her? She seems to enjoy bringing out the best - or the worst of Louise. Three very unlikable characters drive the plot forward. There are quite a few other peripheral players that are just as unpleasant.

These ugly characters are tempered by the police squad investing the murder. This is the third book to feature DCI Jonah Sheens and his team. Not having read the first two books wasn't an issue - this entry could easily be read as a stand alone.  Lodge has fleshed out her recurring characters well, giving them personal storylines that make them interesting. I was particularly intrigued by the enigmatic Ben Lightman.

I enjoy being kept guessing in a book, trying to suss out the whodunit with the clues the author lays out. Lodge did indeed keep me on my toes with lots of twists and turns. An epistolary element is added as Louise pens an ongoing letter to her husband, explaining things. I applaud Lodge's complex plotting. But...yes, there's a but. I'm going to be in the minority here - but by the run up to the final pages, I was growing weary of the deception and lies and just wanted a resolution.

Lie Beside Me was good, but not a stand out for me.  Check out the other reviews on Goodreads.

The World Gives Way - Marissa Levien

I am fascinated with the imaginings of what Earth might look like in the future. Marissa Levien has come up with her own spin on in her new novel, The World Gives Way.

"In fifty years, Myrra will be free." Myrra Dal was born into a 'contract', as were generations before her. But in fifty years, her servitude will be done and the Earth will have made it to a safe place. For you see, Earth has been recreated on a massive scale - as a ship. They've been travelling for over one hundred years already. The earth as we know it is just a memory, with some artifacts still around. (Interestingly wood is one of those artifacts. At today's Covid prices, we might be heading there!)

Levien's world building is quite beautiful, with every country having added their bit of the world, the ship. But it is built for the elite, the wealthy. Then, the unthinkable happens and everything changes for Myrra, and she grabs the unexpected opportunity. The reader is along for the journey as she runs from her current situation to what is hopefully a safe haven. 

I initially thought The World Gives Way would be more dystopian, more sci-fi. It is, but the human connections are what drives this book forward and take center stage. There are two main characters - Myrra and Tobias, the agent chasing her. Expectations and duty start to take a backseat to real human emotions, desires, wants, hopes and more. 

Levien is a beautiful writer. The descriptions of time and space are vivid and bring the world, the ship to life. But again, it is that exploration of what it is to be human, to feel and to just be that really drew me in. She captures the uncertainty and then the freedom of just living through her two leads. The ending? Not what I imagined, but exactly right. 

The World Gives Way is a slow burning, strong debut. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The World Gives Way.

Tell Me When You Feel Something - Vicki Grant

Okay, so I read the synopsis of Vicki Grant's latest young adult novel, Tell Me When You Feel Something, and knew it was one I had to read! 

Many of the high school students in Tell Me When You Feel Something have part time jobs working as SPs - simulated patients - for the local university's medical students. I too have worked as an SP - although we called it standardized patients. I'm curious too as to how Grant came to use this as part of her plot. It's a great idea with lots of ways the book could unfold - and it does. 

The book is told from three points of view with Viv being at the center of things. She's the 'it' girl - the one who has it all. Or that's how it looks from the outside in. Davida is the girl nobody notices, but she and Viv click. And Tim - all round quirky good guy. Grant has done a great job in creating believable teen characters - the pressure, the angst and the uncertainty of finding your place. The adults in their lives are a very mixed bag.

Now this isn't a spoiler - it's in the publisher's description and is the first chapter - something happened to Viv and she's in a coma. From that point, the book goes back and forth from past to present recounting what lead up to Viv being in a coma. I adore multiple points of view and timelines. There's some epistolary elements as well with police interview transcripts. They all combine to make addictive reading. The reader knows what is going on with every character (including the supporting cast) and can start to figure out the answers to why Viv is in a coma. But who is telling the truth? That supporting cast comes complete with lots of choices for the final 'whodunit'. (I did find the cab driver to be an odd insert) I certainly did have my (jaded) suspicions and in the end was proven right. The icky feel stuck around for a while....There were a few things that felt unresolved at the end for this reader - what about Jack - and poor Eva?

The title is clever - it can refer to physical or mental sensations, feelings or emotions. Take note that there are trigger situations in this book and it would be best for older teens. 

The Damage - Caitlin Wahrer

The Damage is Caitlin Wahrer's debut novel - and I literally could not put it down. 

"An edgy, propulsive read about what a family pushed to the brink will do in the name of love and blood."

Tony is more like a father to his younger brother Nick. When Nick is sexually assaulted, Tony sees red. Tony's wife Julia is the voice of reason - she's a lawyer and believes justice will be served in the court system. Detective Rice is the cop on the case and he too believes Nick will have his day in court. 

Wahrer employs one of my all time favourite methods of storytelling - alternating past and present chapters. She takes us to 2015,  the time of the assault and investigation. Each of the main characters - Tony, Julie, Nick and Rice have a voice, allowing the reader to know what everyone is feeling, thinking, planning - and hiding. The time frame then flips to 2019. Rice and Julia are the focus of these newer posts. Rice is not well and wants to know.....what really happened back then? Does Julia know what answers Rice is looking for? 

There are so many layers to Wahrer's plot - the assault is tough to read about and will provoke many emotions for readers.  We see the impact through the four different perspectives and how this affects each member of the family. Wahrer's depiction of the aftermath rings true. She herself is a lawyer and "has worked on cases involving some of the broad issues she writes about in The Damage". Her portrayal of the assault is respectful and seems to have been well researched. Social commentary is also scattered throughout and speaks to preconceptions.

Those feelings, emotions, actions and reactions drive the second part of the plot, the one that will keep you wondering. What really happened? Wahrer ekes out references, clues and hints along the way to the final pages. And the twist that awaits you at the end of the book is a really good one!

The Damage is a powerful debut, combining suspense, family ties, mental health, trauma and more into one addicting read. I can't wait to see what Wahrer writes next. Read an excerpt of The Damage.

Who else loved The Damage? Stephen King says "The Damage pulled me in from the first page with smart narration, characters I cared about, a hold-your-breath plot, and a terrific final twist. Put this one high on your summer list.

Hard Cash Valley - Brian Panowich

Brian's Panowich's novel, Hard Cash Valley, has just been released in trade format. Described as one of 2020's ten best crime novels by The New York Time Book Review, I knew it was one I wanted to read.

The book opens with a bang - and a murder that leaves the reader wanting more - who, why and more. Dane Kirby is a former arson investigator and now works for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He's surprised and more than a little reluctant when he is called in to consult on the murder scene in Florida. And his new partner FBI Special Agent Roselita Velasquez doesn't want him there any more than he wants to be there. But there's an eleven year old boy with Aspergers out there all alone - and everyone has their own reasons for wanting to find him. So Kirby signs on.

Okay, where to start? I really liked Kirby as a lead. He's fighting his own demons - and ghosts - even as he tries to move forward with life. He's street smart and book smart, and as a born and bred McFalls County, Georgia resident he knows all the players. And there are some really dark, ruthless and downright frightening characters in this book. (Gentle readers this one's not for you!) The supporting characters are just as strongly written. The reader will have immediate reactions to each and every character. You'll be behind those you would think should be behind bars and question those with badges. 

The setting and atmosphere is just as much of a character in the books. Panowich makes his home in Georgia and the setting greatly benefits from that personal knowledge. Panowich's plotting is intricate and will keep the reader on their toes as another layer and direction is added to the narrative. And truly, there was no predicting what I was going to find in the final pages.

But, it comes back to the characters for me. Each and every one of them is chasing something - money, redemption, love, the past or maybe the future. And who finds what in the end sits just right for me. 

Southern grit-lit at it's finest. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of Hard Cash Valley.

This is actually the third book in Panowich's 'Bull Mountain' series. I had no problem reading this as a stand alone, but I'll be putting those first two books, Bull Mountain and Like Lions on my ever growing TBR list. And I'll be watching for his fourth book.

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)

How Lucky - Will Leitch

I really like the simple unassuming cover of Will Leitch's new novel How Lucky. But the real reason I picked it up was Stephen King's blurb - "A fantastic novel. . . . You are going to like this a lot." And yes, I really, really did!

Daniel lives in Athens, Georgia, works for an airline answering customer issues online, goes to football games on the weekend and hangs out with his best friend Travis. One morning while out on his porch, he sees what he thinks is a kidnapping of a student who walks by daily. But did he? She seemed to get in willingly. But then Ai-Chin is reported as missing. Daniel attempts to let the police know about what he's seen, but....

And a lot of that but has to do with the fact that Daniel has a degenerative physical disability - SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The police officer sent to talk to him, can't seem to see beyond the wheelchair. Daniel's concerns and information are blithely explained and written off. 

What a fabulous lead character! I loved Daniel's voice, his sense of humor and his refusal to define himself with his condition. The supporting cast is just as great - everyone needs friends like Travis and Marjani.

I learned so much about SMA through Daniel. The hard, cold facts but also the human emotions, attitudes, strengths and joys that Daniel embodies. He considers himself to be lucky. You'll need to have a tissue handy in more than one chapter. And maybe see your own life through his lens.

Back to Ai-Chin - she's still missing and Daniel decides to investigate online. And I'm going to leave it there.....

I chose to listen to How Lucky. With such an engaging lead character, the reader needed to be just right. I'm happy to say that Graham Halstead was the perfect choice. His voice is clear and both easy and pleasant to listen to. His voice matched the mental image I had created for Daniel. There's lots of movement in his voice, capturing Daniel's thoughts, emotions and interactions and bringing them to life. Halstead captures the overall tone of the book easily. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I find myself more drawn into a tale by listening. And that is definitely the case with How Lucky. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of How Lucky.

Pumpkin - Julie Murphy

Hands up if you adored Julie Murphy's previous two books - Dumplin' and Puddin'! The latest in this series is Pumpkin - and it was another brilliant listen!

"Waylon Russell Brewer is a fat, openly gay boy stuck in the small West Texas town of Clover City. His plan is to bide his time until he can graduate, move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and finally go Full Waylon so that he can live his Julie-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music-Andrews truth." (And the nickname Pumpkin is thanks to his red hair and his Grammy.)

I couldn't wait to meet Waylon! I loved him from the get go - his spunky attitude, his dreams, his confidence (although it definitely wavers in private) and his determination to live his life the way he wants to. New Clover City students are part of the supporting cast, all just as well drawn. And I was thrilled to see Willowdean and Millie again.

Pumpkin takes place in the last months of the senior year. Plans for what's next with his twin sister have gone awry. Being nominated for Prom Queen was a supposed to be a cruel joke played on Waylon - but he embraces it - and I'll leave you there.....

Murphy excels at depicting the inner thoughts, dialogue, emotions and actions of her characters. They're so believable and I am sure everyone can relate to them in one way or another. (I'd be happy to be part of Waylon's group of friends.) The budding will-it, won't it, romance is so well written as well. 

Julie Murphy has done it again. Pumpkin is a feel-good, cheer for the underdog, wish for happiness, heartwarming listen. There are some difficult situations, such as bullying and shaming, which unfortunately are realistic. Grrr!

I am so glad I chose to listen to Pumpkin. I always feel more immersed in a story when I listen. It's much of that depends on the narrator. And actor Chad Burris was the absolute perfect choice. His voice immediately started building an image and sense of who Pumpkin was. His voice is clear, easy to understand he enunciates well. His voice has such movement. But it's the sass in his voice and the tones and emotions he imbues his performance with that made this a stand out performance for me. The book really came alive with his interpretation of Murphy's work.  Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Pumpkin. 

Pumpkin could be listened to as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and listen to the first two as well. I'm quite sad that this is the end of these characters. Julie Murphy - "It’s hard to say goodbye. I’m ready to move on creatively, but I don’t know if it’s a door I can ever fully close. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Clover City." But I'm still going to have my fingers crossed for the possibility of more from Clover City. 

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - Marianne Cronin

Although my favorite genres are mysteries and suspense, I like to take a break and mix things up with something different.

I loved the colors, flowers and stars on the cover of Marianne Cronin's debut novel, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot.

Seventeen year old Lenni and eighty three year old Margot are both living on borrowed time. Lenni is on the terminal ward and Margot is in for heart surgery at a Scottish hospital. Their paths cross in an arts and crafts class at the hospital and despite their difference in age, they hit it off. 

I liked the story telling method that Cronin chose for her novel. Lenni and Margot decide to share their lives, told in stories and paintings - all in a run up to their 'one hundredth birthday' - a combination of their ages. The point of view is back and forth between the two, both past and present.

Lenni is the first character we meet and I have to say that after the first few chapters, I wasn't quite sure that I would enjoy this book. I found Lenni's actions, inner dialogue and outward questions to be that of a much younger person. She makes friends with the hospital pastor (who was a great, kind patient character) and asks questions such as 'why can't he wear his dress (vestments) to garden in'. I'm not sure if Cronin was aiming for precocious, but I found her to be a bit annoying. And I felt bad about it, as we know she is dying. My opinion did warm up as the book progressed and we come to know her past, her hopes and fears more intimately.

But.....I have to say that I loved Margot! Perhaps because I am closer in age to her and can relate easier to her. Her life story is fascinating as we watch her grow, change and embrace what life throws at her. That's not to say there isn't heartbreak in her life, but she seems to makes it a part of herself and moves on. I couldn't wait for her next chapter.

There are a number of 'good' characters that are positive and populate Lenni's world, but there's also a'Nurse Ratched'. I had a difficult time believing this awful character's actions and attitude.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot gives us two different perspectives on life. One barely begun and one reaching towards the end. Each has heart warming and heart breaking bits. Cronin's tale will leave you wondering what your own story might be.....

I chose to listen to The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot. I often feel closer to and more engaged with a book when I listen. The readers were Sheila Reid and Rebecca Benson. I thought I recognized Reid's voice from a television show as I listened and was proven right once I went looking. She's got a lovely gravelly tone to her voice that connotes an older character, along with a Scottish accent. She's got a measured pace of speaking that added to the mental image I had created for Margot. She easily makes the character come alive, interpreting and presenting Cronin's work well. The voice that Benson provided for Lenni sounds young and suits the character. Her voice is clear and easy to understand. What I wasn't as keen on on was the speed of her narrating and the longish pauses. She also did the voice for Father Arthur and it felt warm, suiting the character. Listen to an excerpt of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot.

Film rights have already been sold.