Giveaway - Last Girl Seen - Nina Laurin

Nina Laurin's debut novel, Girl Last Seen,  releases on June 20/17 - and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"Two missing girls. Thirteen years apart.
Olivia Shaw has been missing since last Tuesday. She was last seen outside the entrance of her elementary school in Hunts Point wearing a white spring jacket, blue jeans, and pink boots.

I force myself to look at the face in the photo, into her slightly smudged features, and I can't bring myself to move. Olivia Shaw could be my mirror image, rewound to thirteen years ago.

If you have any knowledge of Olivia Shaw's whereabouts or any relevant information, please contact...

I've spent a long time peering into the faces of girls on missing posters, wondering which one replaced me in that basement. But they were never quite the right age, the right look, the right circumstances. Until Olivia Shaw, missing for one week tomorrow.

Whoever stole me was never found. But since I was taken, there hasn't been another girl.

And now there is." Read an excerpt of Girl Last Seen.

Nina Laurin studied Creative Writing at Concordia University, in Montreal where she currently lives. She has published speculative short stories in various e-zines and anthologies over the years and her narrative nonfiction piece, "On Happiness" is soon to be published in the local literary journal Cosmonauts Avenue." You can connect with Nina on her website and follow her on Twitter.

And if Girl Last Seen sounds like a book you'd like to read, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below! Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends June 24/17.

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Girl Last Seen - Nina Laurin

Girl Last Seen is Nina Laurin's debut novel.

Ella Santos was taken when she was ten years old. Three years later, she's found stumbling down a road in the rain. Escaped? Released?

Ten years later Ella is living under an assumed name (Laine) when she sees a missing poster for a ten year old named Olivia. She somehow believes that the same man who took her has taken this girl as well. So do the cops. They bring Laine in to see if she can remember anything more......

Laurin has taken a popular premise and put her own spin on it.

For me, however,  Girl Last Seen read like a YA novel, rather than an adult psychological thriller.  But some of the details, scenarios and language would not be suitable for a YA aged reader.

The focus of Girl Last Seen is not so much on the investigation as it is on the romantic/attraction/sexual interest between the investigative Detective and Laine. The police procedural details are almost non-existent and those that are there are far removed from reality.

Laurin paints a clear picture of a walking wounded protagonist - one severely abused. Which is why I can't figure out why Laurin would have her working in a 'gentleman's club'. She is a sympathetic character though - I liked her. Not so much the cop - his behaviour was just too far-flung to be believable and I just didn't buy his 'caring.'

Laurin drops several bombshells into her plot that do surprise the reader and propel her plot forward. I read right to the end, curious as to where Girl Last Seen would finish up. Although Girl Last Seen wasn't turn out to be quite what I expected when I read the description, it was a quick and easy read for the hammock. Read an excerpt of Girl Last Seen.

Magpie Murders - Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz's latest release - Magpie Murders - is well, simply brilliant! The writing is so very, very clever. Mystery fans - this is a must-read for you - especially if you love Agatha Christie style mysteries!

An unnamed narrator warns the reader about Magpie Murders in the first few pages..."As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a good whodunnit: the twists and turns, the clues and red herring,s and then finally, the satisfaction of having everything explained to you in a way that makes you kick yourself because you hadn't seen it from the start. That was what I was expecting when I began. But Magpie Murders wasn't like that. It wasn't like that at all. I hope I don't need to spell it out any more. Unlike me, you have been warned."

Well, who could resist such a warning? Not I! I settled in with delicious anticipation - and was rewarded. You see, Horowitz has written a novel within a novel. Our narrator starts reading a period murder mystery set in the 1950's in Britain. "...the golden age of British whodunnits with a country house setting, a complicated murder, a cast of suitably eccentric characters and a detective who arrived as an outsider." That outsider is Private Investigator Atticus Pünd. (Who will call Hercule Poirot to mind) This book kept me enthralled for over two hundred pages - then we go back to our narrator on page four. (who turns out to be the author's editor) And discover that there is a mystery to be solved in the present day. But we're left on tenterhooks, awaiting the reveal of the final whodunnit of the 1950's book.

Confused? Don't be - the novel reads seamlessly and is so very, very addictive. I've tried to say much without giving too much away. Suffice it to say, that Magpie Murders is highly recommended - easily one of my favourite reads this year. Read an excerpt of Magpie Murders.

I received this book from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Maker Lab with DK Canada

Makerspaces. Have you heard the term before? I'm going to give you the library definition, as that's where my interests lie.

"A library makerspace is an area and/or service that offers library patrons an opportunity to create intellectual and physical materials using resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio and video capture and editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies. In the field of library science, makerspaces are classified as a type of library service offered by librarians to patrons."

Maker Lab - 28 Super Cool Projects: Build * Invent * Create * Discover by Jack Challoner looked like a great place to find some new ideas!

Maker Lab is divided into four sections: Food For Thought, Around the Home, Water World and The Great Outdoors.

Experiment! I remember making a version of Slime with my son when he was younger. Ingredients needed - everything you already have at home. Invisible ink - ah, yes - my son wanted to be a spy when he was younger. Do you know the science behind Baked Alaska? This one would be great to try - and eat. There's some more food based ideas as well. But my fave is using a lemon as a battery. This is one we've actually tried in the library. Making a kaleidoscope from a few beads, some paper, plastic wrap and a cardboard tube - easy and fascinating. How about a balloon rocket car from used water bottles? Summer is the perfect time to try the water ideas - a waterwheel or soap powered boat. Make your own bath fizzies! But I have to say my personal favourite was Sun Prints. I'm going to make a few myself for some wall artwork at home.

What I liked - full colour shot of each idea - one that will appeal to young maker. Clear concise instructions accompanied by pictures. The time needed to complete and the difficulty level are noted for each. Most of the ideas can be executed using items you already have. And the few you would have to purchase are very inexpensive. And this I really like - the science of how and why it works. Creating and discovering can be a group activity or one you do at home with your children. And the bonus is that they'll start coming up with their own ideas and experiments. There's also a glossary at the with definitions for many of the terms used in the book. Learning can be fun! See for yourself - here's an excerpt of Maker Lab.

Discover all the great STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) titles that DK carries! And remember, creativity isn't just for kids.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover # 162

- 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

Haylen Beck is the pseudonym for an award winning crime author. I'm really looking forward to this forthcoming suspense novel. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Okay, so deserted roads on both covers. It's hard to see the terrain on the US cover, but the road is on the woods on the UK cover. One road is paved and the other isn't. Headlights on both covers - one coming and one going.  differing views makes you wonder if the danger is coming towards the character or if the character is running from the danger. I'm going to go with the US cover this week - I like the darker look and the winding road shot a bit better. The off kilter lettering also appeals to me more. Any plans to read Here and Gone? Which cover do you prefer? You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

The Last Hack - Christopher Brookmyre

The Last Hack is the 8th book in Christopher Brookmyre's Jack Parlabane series. This was the first time I've read a book by this author.

Nineteen year old Sam Morpeth's mother is in jail, leaving her as the sole caregiver for her challenged sister. With that, her university plans are out the window. To look at her, you'd never know that Sam is a hacker - a really good hacker. After all - "There are no women on the Internet." But, after her group causes chaos by hacking into a prominent institution, it turns out that someone has discovered who 'Buzzkill' really is. That someone has decided to blackmail Sam - 'do as I say or I'll reveal who you are - and then where would your sister be.' What does the blackmailer want? The impossible - to steal a prototype from a seemingly impenetrable company.

Sam knows she can't pull it off on her own - so she reveals her real life persona to Parlabane who has used her hacker skills in his investigative journalism. She 'convinces' Jack that he needs to work with her......or....

Sam was a great lead character - I liked the duality of her persona - online and offline. Brookmyre has taken the time to flesh this character out and make her believable. As mentioned, this is my first introduction to Jack Parlabane. He's sketchy, driven, resourceful, talented and although he's not necessarily likeable, I really liked him as a lead.

"The phrase 'veteran reporter' has already been used, which he is not delighted about, but he is sufficiently familiar with the terms 'disgraced reporter' and 'former reporter' to make his peace with it."

The interactions between the two worked well and the underlying secondary plotline brought a personal note to the novel.

I'm not much of a 'techie', so some of what they were up to went over my head. (Although I did pick up some security tips along the way!) Brookmyre never bogs down the plot or pace with too much technical detail. That plot is fairly involved and fast moving. We are presented with many choices along the way as to who is the blackmailer and my guess changed many times. What is scary is that Brookmyre's imaginings are probably not that far removed from reality.

I have a weakness for 'heist' movies and The Last Hack is at it's heart, a quintessential heist novel. And a darn good one. I can see this one as a movie as well. Read an excerpt of The Last Hack.

Giveaway - Small Hours - Jennifer Kitses

Jennifer Kitses' debut novel, Small Hours, releases on June 13/17 - and I have two copies to give away to two lucky readers!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"In a story that unfolds over the course of a single day, a husband and wife try to outrun the secrets that threaten their marriage, sending their lives spiraling out of control.

On the edge of the economic downturn, Helen and Tom fled New York for what they’d hoped would be a fresh start: a small home in a former mill town, where they could raise their twin daughters away from the pressures of the city. But two years later, their fragile equilibrium has hit a breaking point. One September morning, Helen begins to lose control. Exhausted from juggling ambitions, frustrations, and unrealistic expectations, she snaps — and finds herself drawn into a violent conflict with two local teenagers. Unaware of her danger, in a Manhattan office seventy miles away, Tom is facing a crisis of his own at his high-pressure newsroom job — and struggling to hide a second, secret life.

The hours tick by ruthlessly as Helen and Tom fight to bury the mistakes and lies that are rising ever faster to the surface. Searing and suspenseful, Small Hours is both a powerful story about how one misstep can derail a life and a moving portrait of a couple’s search for a new path forward." Read an excerpt of Small Hours.

"Jennifer Kitses is a graduate of the creative writing program at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She also attended Columbia Journalism School, and has worked as a reporter for Bloomberg News and as an editor for several universities. Her writing has appeared in The New York Observer and in Akashic Books’ online series, Mondays Are Murder. She lives with her family in New York." You can connect with Jennifer Kitses on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Small Hours, I have two copies to give away to two lucky readers. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends June 17/17.

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Over the Counter # 369

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Can-do this week - in more than one way....

First up is The Gutsy Girl: Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure Hardcover – Mar 1 2016
by Caroline Paul, illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton.

From the publisher, Bloomsbury:

"Why should girls miss out on the joy of adventure? They can jump off rocks, swing on ropes, and climb trees just as well as boys can. But girls often allow fear to stand in their way.

In the New York Times bestselling The Gutsy Girl, author Caroline Paul emboldens girls to seek out a life of exhilaration. Once a young scaredy-cat herself, Caroline decided that fear got in the way of the life she wanted--of excitement, confidence, self-reliance, friendship, and fun. She has since flown planes, rafted big rivers, climbed tall mountains, and fought fires as one of the first female firefighters in San Francisco. In The Gutsy Girl, she shares her greatest escapades as well as those of other girls and women from throughout history, and offers engaging activities such as confidence-building stances, compass-making, positive self-talk, and using crickets to estimate outside temperatures. Each section includes a place for girls to "journal" their adventures, thus encouraging a new generation to develop a zest for challenges and a healthy relationship to risk. The Gutsy Girl is Lean In for young girls, a book about the glorious things that happen when you unshackle from fear and open up to exhilaration. It is fully illustrated and enlivened throughout by bestselling illustrator Wendy MacNaughton's whimsical pen-and-ink drawings.

The New York Times bestselling "book of the year for daredevils, doers, and dreamers of all ages."--Cheryl Strayed"

Next up is You Can Knit That : Foolproof Instructions for Fabulous Sweaters by Amy Herzog, photography by Karen Pearson.

From Harry Abrams Books:

"When knitting superstar Amy Herzog gets complimented on her hand-knit sweaters, the compliments are often followed by “but I could never knit that.” Now, you can! You Can Knit That is a clear, simple reference book and pattern collection that gives knitters the sweater-making confidence they need. Whether you’re knitting a sweater for the first time or seeking to expand your skills to knit sweaters in styles you’ve never tried before, this essential guide starts with basic sweater know-how and moves into instructions for knitting six must-have sweater styles—vests, all-in-one construction, drop shoulders, raglans, yokes, and set-in sleeves. Each chapter offers a less-intimidating “mini” sweater sized for a child and a selection of adult women’s patterns in 12 sizes—24 sweater patterns in all, each building on the next, to ensure success with even the most complicated sweaters."

(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!)

Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore - Matthew Sullivan

Debut novels are such fun to read - there's no preconceived notion of what the author's work is like and the contents are a surprise just waiting to be discovered. That's how I felt about Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore - Matthew Sullivan's debut novel. I loved it - and it's one you're going to want to get your hands on.

Lydia Smith lives a quiet life, working as a bookseller at The Bright Ideas Bookstore. She is quite happy with her quiet life. As a child she was the lone survivor of a horrendous event - and she keeps those memories locked away. But tragedy comes to the bookstore when a young man hangs himself. Joey was one of Lydia's favourite BookFrogs - one of the 'lost men' of the neighbourhood who make the bookstore their 'home'. (I'll leave it to you to discover the why of this name - it's the perfect book reference.) But how and why would Joey have a picture of ten year old Lydia in his pocket when he died? Lydia is also the beneficiary of Joey's eclectic book collection. Joey seems to have left a message in the pages of those books. Lydia needs to decipher what it is and what the connection to her could be.......

Sullivan has worked in bookstores, as have I. I identified so much with the settings he had created, the behind the scenes areas, the love of books and the eclectic staff. The book titles referenced are great fun - both real and imagined. Anyone who loves books would want to work or visit Bright Ideas. The supporting cast of quirky characters is just as wonderfully drawn - BookFrogs included. But it is Lydia who will capture your heart.

"Lydia's skills as a bookseller came mainly, she believed, from her ability to listen. A raging case of bibliophilia certainly helped, as did limited financial needs, but it was her capacity to be politely trapped by others that really sealed her professional fate."

Oh my goodness, Sullivan is a clever, clever writer. The plot went places I couldn't imagine - but when I got there, I couldn't imagine it unfolding any other way. "The act was impulsive and had only taken seconds, yet it had rippled through the decades like a shockwave." Curious now, aren't you?

Yes, it's a mystery, But romance, family, life and more populate the pages of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore. Absolutely recommended - this is hands down one of my favourite reads for 2017.

Here and Gone - Haylen Beck

Are you looking for a summer thriller read for your beach bag? Here and Gone by Haylen Beck is one I couldn't put down!

Audra Kinney has finally found the courage to leave her abusive husband. She and her two kids - Sean and Louise - are driving to California to stay with a friend of Audra's. She's sticking to back roads - her vehicle isn't in great shape and she's sure her husband will have alerted the authorities. When a sheriff pulls her over in Arizona, she figures that's exactly what has happened. Arrested and taken to the local jail, she asks where her children are. And here's the showstopper .....the cops say there were no children with her when they arrested her. Uh-huh. Great premise eh?!

Here and Gone reads like a thriller action movie. (And apparently film rights have been optioned) Beck's crooked sheriff is a piece of work - he's so very easy to hate. His attitude, his posturing and his scheming will make your skin crawl. His sidekick is no better.  Audra is a great, likeable protagonist - the reader is firmly in her camp, urging her on.

Audra has been pushed around for years by her husband, but after finally finding the courage to leave her husband, there's no way she's going to accept what's happening to her. For you see, no one believes her - including the FBI. They believe the sheriff. Except for one man - who has also lost his child in the same circumstances......

Here and Gone isn't a character driven book - rather it's the plot that propels this story forward - and it's going mighty fast. There was more than one turn in the story where I just had to put the book down as the tension, intensity and action never lets up. (Here and Gone is not for the faint at heart!) We're alongside Audra as she tries to escape this nightmare and find her kids. There are other points of view as well, from the sheriff, his cohort and the kids. Again, this just ratchets things up another notch.

There were a few plot points that were tied up by the end, but I would have liked more details. But, Here and Gone is getting five stars from me, because I simply couldn't put it down.

Haylen Beck is a pseudonym for a well known crime author, whose books I have enjoyed in the past.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #161

- 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

Karen Dionne's forthcoming book, the Marsh King's Daughter, has been getting some press - cover blurbs from Lee Child and Clare Mackintosh caught my eye. So, it's been added to my teetering TBR pile! The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. The same idea is presented on both covers  - an isolated cabin hidden away in a marshy area. Colour tones are along the same lines, but the US is brighter. I like the tagline on the UK cover as it gives you an idea about the story inside. But I think I am going to go with the UK cover this time. I like the cabin better than the US (which looks abandoned.) And I also like the trees rather than the openness of the US cover. But, I guess a lot of it depends on your definition of 'marsh', doesn't' it? So, any plans to read The Marsh King's Daughter? Which cover do you prefer?  You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

The Burial Hour - Jeffery Deaver

The Burial Hour is the 13th entry in Jeffery Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series.

For those who haven't read this series - Rhyme is a quadriplegic with limited hand control. Formerly an NYPD detective, he now works for them as a consultant. His fiance Amelia Sachs, also a NYPD detective, is his eyes on the ground, attending the crime scenes and gathering evidence.

Settling in with the latest Deaver is like catching up with old friends. The romance between the two leads is moving (slowly) towards marriage. The 'business' part of their relationship is successful - their combined skill sets are renowned in police circles. The supporting cast includes Rhyme's care worker Thom. I did miss NYPD investigators Sellito and Pulaski who only have brief cameos this time 'round. I feel like I've come to know all the players quite well over the last twelve novels. So, settling in with this latest is like catching up with old friends.

In The Burial Hour, seemingly unrelated victims are being snatched in broad daylight. The miniature noose left at each crime scene ties the cases together. But it is what the perp is doing with his victims that is horrendous. He is obsessed with sounds and music and is filming the death throes of his victims, using their tortured sounds as part of a musical accompaniment. The killer is given a voice through his own chapters and the reader is privy to his reasoning before the cops are.

At the heart of this series is Rhyme's uncanny ability to find clues in the most minute of trace evidence. And it is this skill that puts the cops on the trail of the killer they now call The Composer. That trail takes Rhyme and Sachs overseas to Italy. Deaver has done this in previous books - moving the crime and investigation to different countries. I'm not sure I'm sold on it. It does provide an opportunity to introduce new characters and new settings. At the same time it provides the opportunity for the investigation to be more difficult as laws and practices are differen from the US. While I found the settings and law in Italy interesting, I quickly grew tired of the two Italian leads - a forestry officer and a prosecutor. I felt they were overdrawn - one is quite bright, but a novice, the other is secretive and bullying. The number of times this was demonstrated grew tiresome.

There is always a secondary plot to Deaver's books. This time it's an American accused of rape in Italy. Can Sachs and Ryhme help expose the truth? This plotline was quite different with the whodunit and why quite removed from my initial assumptions. It also showcases a current political viewpoint. The resolution of that case opens up a new possibility for future books - one that looks quite promising.

It is the forensic detail that I enjoy the most about this series. The minutiae that provides the clues. The sharp analytical mind (and personality) of Lincoln Rhyme. I mentioned that reading this series was like sitting down with old friends. And it is - but this latest book kinda reminds me of friends who are telling the same stories each time, albeit with a few twists. Enjoyable but not mesmerizing. Read an excerpt of The Burial Hour.

Over the Counter # 368

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Summer cooking this week....

Coleman - The Outdoor Adventure Cookbook: The Official Cookbook from America's Camping Authority.

From Oxmoor House Books:

"A new cookbook from the brand that is the authority on the best camping experiences delivers the ultimate guide for creating wow-worthy campsite meals.

As you'd expect from the experts at Coleman, The Outdoor Adventure Cookbook is both useful and beautiful. It's filled with 100 delicious campsite recipes that are easy to prepare, using some simple but innovative cooking techniques that will take your outdoor meals to the next level. It includes hearty breakfasts, portable snacks, drinks and appetizers, satisfying sandwiches and salads, hot main dishes, side dishes, and sweet desserts that use familiar ingredients and minimal tools to keep your packing list as short as possible.

Since no camping trip is complete without s'mores, you'll find those endearing flavors in S'mores French Toast Sandwiches. You'll also discover new twists on classic camp favorites with Homemade Sriracha Beef Jerky and Loaded Mac and Cheese Bowls as well as some unexpected new options, including Mexican Street Corn Salad and Grilled Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Cider Vinaigrette. There's also plenty of essential camping information, including menu and packing guidance, expert camping tips, and equipment advice. Whether you are planning a picnic or heading into the wild, you'll find all you need to make your next camping trip unforgettable."

(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 Thirst - Jo Nesbo

Jo Nesbo always has me worried that there won't be another Harry Hole book at the end of every novel. This is the what I wrote about the tenth book 'Police'.

".... Nesbo snatches it away again in the final pages with another gut wrenching ending that will have fans counting down the days 'til the next entry in this fantastic series."

Well, three years later, the eleventh book - The Thirst - is here. And, boy oh boy, was it worth the wait! I have loved every one of the 'Harry' books, but have to say this is, in my opinion, the best one - yet.

Tinder users swipe right to say yes. In The Thirst, they don't realize they're also saying yes to death. Someone is using the hook-up app as a trolling ground for a killing spree. What's really frightening is the method - and weapon - he's using. And that there may be a connection to a past case - one of Harry Hole's. "Now it was time. Time he drank from the well of life again. Time he returned."

Harry is enjoying his life - he has stopped drinking, works as a college crime lecturer and life with Rakel and Oleg is good. But...there's that pull, that undercurrent, that frisson of excitement, the draw to the darkness, the thrill of the chase. "Possible the best, possibly the worst, but certainly the most mythological murder detective in the Oslo Police..."

Readers will be happy to hear that Harry is still Harry - a dark, dangerous, conflicted and complicated protagonist I can't get enough of. While Harry is reluctantly pulled out of retirement, the rest of the supporting players are still in place. The one we love to hate - the self-serving chief, the ones we cheer for - the dogged crime tech, former protegees of Harry and some new additions. There are undercurrents to each player's life that also drive the plot forward, in addition to the main plot. Supporting characters also have a voice and POV. The reader is privy to the maneuvering happening behind the scenes.

And what a plot it is! Brilliant, gritty, action packed and completely unpredictable. Nesbo absolutely kept me guessing. I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was. I did and I didn't. Nesbo fooled me - I love not be able to figure out the answers in a crime novel. And just when I thought things were tied up, I realized there were still one hundred pages to go!  The ending? Absolutely perfect and unexpected. I cannot wait for book twelve!

The Thirst is a great title - it can be interpreted in so many ways - through both the killer's and Harry's eyes. Read an excerpt of The Thirst. If you've not read this series before, I encourage you to start at the beginning to fully appreciate this character and Nesbo's writing. Absolutely recommended!

Little Boy Blue - M.J. Arlidge

I love reading mysteries, thrillers and police procedurals. I've had many a library patron recommend M.J. Arlidge's books to me, but until now I hadn't read or listened to any - but that will certainly be changing after listening to Little Boy Blue! This is the 5th book in the series featuring DI Helen Grace.

A young man is found dead - wrapped in plastic. He was involved in the BDSM scene, so it first appears to be a sex game gone wrong. But then another body turns up, also cruelly killed by asphyxiation. Here's the thing - DI Helen Grace also participates in BDSM  - and knew both victims. This couldn't be personal....could it?

Helen is a fantastic lead character. She's tough, speaks her mind, annoys her superiors, has the loyalty of her team, is intelligent, flawed and different enough to stand out from other female leads. I enjoyed the supporting cast of players as well. Not all are likeable which is much more realistic. The news reporter is horribly manipulative and aggressive - very easy to dislike intensely.

The circumstances around the crimes make it difficult to investigate. No one wants to step forward and reveal their lifestyle. Will Helen? I was intrigued as to how and where the plot would go. Arlidge has created a real page turner. Action, deceit, personal agendas and one great twist I didn't see coming. The ending provides the answer to whodunit - but not full resolution. The game continues and I will be hunting down the next in the series - Hide and Seek.

Elizabeth Bower was the reader. Her British accent is very easy to understand and very pleasant to listen to. Her voice is very expressive and she captures the tone of Arlidge's novel. And now, that I've started listening to the series - she is the voice of Helen Grace for me. Her voice suits the mental image I have created for Helen.

Listening to a book is often a quite different experience than reading a physical book. I feel much more involved when listening - you hear every word and nuance. It often feels like you're right there solving the crime along with the team. Great listen! See what you think - listen to an excerpt of Little Boy Blue.

If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, Don't! - Elise Parsley

If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, Don't! is the third book in the 'Magnolia' series by Elise Parsley. Parsley is both the author and illustrator.

Magnolia has previously brought an alligator to school and a piano to the beach. So is a circus in the library a good idea? Well, the poster says...."You Can Do Anything at the Library!"

I work in a public library and have a small grandson who adores being read to as well as visiting the library so this newest book was a great fit for us.

He was interested in the book right away - the cover caught his eye - and it held his interest 'til the last page.

He started to remember the 'chorus' line with repeated readings...."You can do anything at the library - except......" and shouted the lines as they came up. There's a wonderful rhythm to reading this book out loud and so many opportunities to be vocally expressive. I do wonder if another word could have been found for 'concessions' (used in the food sense) as I ended up paraphrasing. There's a countdown moment that he loved as well.

Subsequent readings had us stopping to look at the pictures more closely (Library Gramma quite enjoyed the posters!) to see details more closely. There's lots of opportunity for discussion based on the book -  talking about what his library looked like and what he does at the library and what he might like to do - both 'approved' and over the top like Magnolia. I do want to say as a library employee that things have changed over the years. Things do get 'loud' at the library sometimes and we do bring in 'events'. Not a circus so far though....

Magnolia as a lead character is wonderful - she is full of life, enthusiasm and imagination. The illustrations are colourful and quirky. The facial expressions allow a little one to interpret what the characters might be thinking or feeling.

Gramma and Little Guy both enjoyed this book. You can connect with Elise Parsley on Twitter.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #160

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

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

Canadian/US cover

UK cover

Two Nights is a new stand alone from Kathy Reichs releasing at the end of June in the UK and beginning of July in North America. The  Canadian/US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Two very different 'tones' between the two this week - cool and hot if you will. The UK cover includes a tagline, giving us a bit more bout the book. And the reflective picture of the woman is much better than 'woman in danger' images. But I think I prefer the US cover this week - the worn jetty, the gray, ominous tones in both water and sky hint at something dark. Any plans to read Two Nights? Which cover do you prefer? You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

A $500 House in Detroit - Drew Philp

I was born across the river from Detroit. As a child we often crossed the border to shop. I watched the fireworks on the river and my male relatives loved checking out all the new cars that Detroit was producing. Driving the tunnel under the river was an adventure.
That was many years ago and as everyone knows, the boom went bust for Detroit. We've read about Detroit's problems in the news, but what about the regrowth that is happening? Or the people that never left? Drew Philp. is one of those who believes in the city and wants to part of the regrowth. His book is called A $500 House in Detroit: Rebuilding an Abandoned Home and an American City.

Yes, fresh out of college, he bought a $500 abandoned house in an east Detroit neighbourhood called Poletown. He knows no one, has no steady job when he arrives, no money in the bank and is white. Poletown is predominantly a black community.

What follows is an absolutely fascinating memoir. Philp details his journey to rebuild the house bit by bit, by himself, as he can afford to. I used the word community above - and that's what he finds Poletown to be. There is crime, abandoned buildings, racial tension etc - but there is so much more to this neighbourhood. There are those who have persevered, those who believe as Drew does that the neighbourhood and city can be saved. We also learn the history of the downfall of this once great city and what contributed to it. I admit to be quite surprised (and appalled) by some of the facts presented.

I love old houses and rarely pass an abandoned house without exploring. Old houses have charm, personality and history. Personally though, I cannot imagine doing what Drew did. However, I am envious of his drive and appreciate his conviction and beliefs. And as Drew's belief in his community grows, so does he personally.

Philp's words flow so easily and his narrative is such an addictive listen. The audiobook narrator reader was Jacques Roy. His voice is well modulated and easy to listen to with a nice little gravelly undertone. The matter of fact tone to his voice seems to interpret Philp's prose and story as it was meant to be. Factual, but with conviction and feeling. Listening to a book seems to draw you deeper into the narrative.

As much as I love reading fiction, real life is so much more interesting. Absolutely recommended! Listen to an excerpt of A $500 House in Detroit.

Over the Counter #367

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? It was the picture that first stopped me.....

All Birds Have Anxiety by Kathy Hoopmann.

From Jessica Kingsley Publishers:

"Life as a bird can be stressful! From worrying about airplanes, windows, and getting enough worms to eat, it is clear that birds can be anxious beings. Through a light-touch, quizzical depiction of bird behaviour, All Birds Have Anxiety uses colourful images and astute explanations to explore with gentle humour what it means to live with anxiety day-to-day, and how to begin to deal with it.

Following the style of the best-selling All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome and All Dogs Have ADHD, wonderful colour photographs express the complex and difficult ideas related to anxiety disorder in an easy-to-understand way. This simple yet profound book validates the deeper everyday experiences of anxiety, provides an empathetic understanding of the many symptoms associated with anxiety, and offers compassionate suggestions for change.

The combination of understanding and gentle humour make this the ideal introduction to anxiety disorder for those diagnosed with this condition, their family and friends and those generally interested in understanding anxiety."

(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 Only Child - Andrew Pyper

The Only Child is the newest book from Andrew Pyper.

Dr. Lily Dominick is a forensic psychiatrist, specializing in the 'worst' cases and the most dangerous offenders. Much of her motivation for her chosen profession is the unsolved murder of her mother. Lily was there, but has only hazy, dream-like memories of the first six years of her life. Her latest patient, Client 46874-A, has committed a horrific crime and claims to over two hundred years old. What he also claims is knowledge of Lily's past - and her mother. When he escapes, Lily is driven to find him - and the answers she so desperately seeks.

The cover of The Only Child gives you a good idea of the story within. Gothic feel - foggy, old building, mysterious fleeing men wearing a black, somewhat capelike coat..... Uh huh, you got it. Pyper takes inspiration for his story from classic horror literature such as that from Stevenson, Stoker and Shelley. Indeed, they play a role in his tale.

Lily was a complicated lead to like. I never felt drawn to her, but rather questioned her choices and motivations. But her decision to pursue Client 46874-A are akin to those horror movies where you shout at the screen....'Don't go in the basement!" We know she is heading into danger, but are curious as to where and what Pyper has planned for her. Pyper has created his own monster with a modern twist. I did find Client 46874-A to be what I expected - he wasn't an overly original creation IMO.Is Client 46874-A truly dangerous? Or are the men hunting him the danger? Lily is torn by what to believe - especially after Client 46874-A reveals more and more of his connection to Lily.

The exploration of family and the need to know ourselves figure prominently into Lily's search. But, the sexual tension between the two leads is, well, just icky. Pyper's descriptions of characters and settings are dark, chilling and creepy. The tension escalates as the cat and mouse game progresses. Pyper ends The Only Child with a nice little twist that suits perfectly.

For this reader, The Only Child was an okay read, but not a stand-out. Was it my love for those classic tales? My feeling that I had read this story before? Not sure, but this was only a middle of the road read for me.

Read an excerpt of The Only Child. You can connect with Andrew Pyper on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.