Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Happy, Merry, Joyful...


However you celebrate, I wish you all a wonderful, joyful time with family and friends!
Merry Christmas!!

Luanne

Friday, December 20, 2019

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #294

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 
 But you can like one cover version better than another...

US cover.
UK cover
I read Sarah Pinborough's first book, Behind Her Eyes. I was 
completely caught up in it, until that ending, taking the book from a 5 to a 4. Not sure if I'll get to her forthcoming book, Dead to Her, coming out in Feb in North America and August across the pond, but let's have a cover look-see. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both are in the sun as evidenced by the sunglasses and pool. The shadows on the woman's face on the US cover make her look like a cyborg to me. And there's an ominous figure reflected in the sunglasses.  The UK cover transmits that ominous tone through a red font and the word murder as part of the tag line. Hmm, not a fan of either this week, but if pressed I'll choose the UK cover, simply because I don't like the cyborg picture. What about you? 
Any plans to read Dead to Her? Which cover do you prefer?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Over the Counter #431

What book caught my eye this week? Saw this one on a new books list online. So, if you're looking for the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present or Future in the next week or two, this one might help......

"Ghost Hunting for Dummies by Zak Bagans.

From Dummies Books:

"Dive into the ghostly world of the supernatural with America’s leading paranormal investigator

Inside, paranormal investigator, star, and executive producer of The Travel Channel's hit series, Ghost Adventures and founder of the award-winning Haunted Museum (Las Vegas’ most popular attraction), Zak Bagans takes readers on an exciting journey into the supernatural world. With insider information on the history of ghost-hunting to learning about ghosts with all kinds of temperaments, Ghost-Hunting For Dummies is peppered with true accounts and stories from Bagans' famous cases and investigations.

Featuring expert advice on picking a haunted location, setting up cameras, and dealing with unwieldy ghosts, this book shows how today's investigators use the tools of modern science to study a wide range of paranormal activity. 

Take an exciting adventure into the supernatural world. Explore haunted sites. Get messages from beyond the grave  Read true accounts from famous cases and investigations. If you're one of the countless fans of Ghost Adventures itching to get off the couch and track some spirits on your own, this book provides everything you need to know to conduct a successful paranormal investigation."

(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!)

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Perception: A Photo Series - KC Adams

No matter what you think - you've done it, I've done it. Made a snap judgement about someone based on an initial look or meeting. And how many times have you been wrong?

KC Adams has just released Perception: A Photo Series - 'a project to combat racism and present First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the way they see themselves.' This was initially a project in Winnipeg.

Two photos. First you see the one taken while hateful words are hurled at the sitter. And on the following page, the same person, but now thinking of joy and happiness. And the truth.

The result is powerful. I sat and pondered every face and then the flip side. And the difference is 'in your face', if you will. Truly eye opening. Perception should be in schools as a starting point for discussions that need to happen.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Giveaway - Hindsight by Iris and Roy Johansen

Iris and Roy Johansen are back with the seventh entry in their Kendra Michaels series. It releases Janissary 7/20 - and I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"Investigator Kendra Michaels -- whose former blindness has left her with uniquely insightful observational skills -- must put her life on the line to catch a terrifying murderer setting his sights on some of society's most vulnerable in this electrifying new novel from the #1 New York Times and Edgar Award winning writing duo Iris and Roy Johansen.

Dr. Kendra Michaels, blind for the first twenty years of her life before gaining her sight via a revolutionary surgical procedure, is a renowned investigator known for her razor-sharp senses--honed during her years in the dark--and keen deductive abilities.

Now her skills are needed uncomfortably close to home. Two staff members have been murdered at a school for the blind where Kendra spent her formative years. But the murders are puzzlingly dissimilar: one victim was brutally stabbed, while the other was killed by a bullet to the head. Are the crimes related? Or is Kendra on the hunt for more than one dangerous killer?

With the killer (or killers) still on the loose, Kendra must put her life on the line to unravel a terrifying conspiracy. But Kendra soon discovers that she herself may hold the key to the deadliest secret of all." Read an excerpt of Hindsight.

"Iris Johansen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 consecutive best sellers. Her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has sold over 20 million copies and counting, and was the subject of the acclaimed Lifetime movie, The Killing Game. Along with her son Roy, Iris has also co-authored the New York Times bestselling series featuring investigator Kendra Michaels. Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia." You can connect with Iris Johansen on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Hindsight, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflectopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends January 2/20.

Friday, December 13, 2019

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #293

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 
 But you can like one cover version better than another...

US cover
UK cover
I've not read the last few Temperance Brennan books from Kathy Reichs, as they were getting a bit stale for me. I might give this latest a go on audio though. A Conspiracy of Bones releases in March 2020 on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. The US cover had me looking twice. At first I thought the image was of a shrunken head with hair. And then realized that it was trees! The red and black are quite effective. And then there's the UK cover - I swear I've seen this image many times before. A woman running from danger ( I gathered that there was danger from the cut fence). Honestly kinda ho-hum. So, easy choice for me this week - US. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?
 Any plans to read A Conspiracy of Bones?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Over the Counter #430

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

I am determined to make knitting a winter project this year. And One-stitch Baby Knits: 22 easy patterns for adorable garments and accessories using garter stitch by Val Pierce looks doable. And what baby wouldn't look cute in a cow hat?

From IMM Lifestyle Books:

"Welcome a new baby into the world with lovingly knitted garments!

22 adorable projects for baby clothing and accessories
Step-by-step instructions and photos for blankets, hats, bibs, booties, mittens, burp cloths, and more
Techniques and methods such as casting on, binding off, and creating slip knots
Expert tips for choosing yarn, working with different types of needles, and avoiding problems
Skill-level ratings, materials, gauges, and measurements for each project
Easy-to-understand charts for conversions and abbreviations
Create handmade cuddle-worthy knits!

This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you'll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 22 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from booties to hats to blankets. Whether it's a kimono-style jacket that you don't have to pull over a newborn's head, or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love.

Made from the heart, One-Stitch Baby Knits is the perfect project book for any knitter on any level. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them both accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Every project also features a skill level rating of beginner, intermediate, or experienced, so you know where to start based on your current knitting skills.

Designed with small babies in mind, Val's patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that's cheaper and sturdier than anything you'll find in stores. Nothing is more special than a hand-knit garment, especially when it's for a rosy-cheeked baby!

With the step-by-step instructions and photography inside One-Stitch Baby Knits, you'll complete the cutest ever pieces, including blankies, diaper covers, cardigans, scarves, shoes, rompers, clothes, and accessory sets.

Whether you gift your hand-knitted garments or keep them for your own little one, these designs are sure to make you say "Aww," all while you become a skilled knitter along the way!"

(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!)

Monday, December 9, 2019

Giveaway - Vanishing Girls - Lisa Regan

If that creepy old barn caught your eye, you'll be 'thrilled' to know that I have a copy of Lisa Regan's book, Vanishing Girls, to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"The USA Today bestselling thriller that “keeps the dramatic reveals coming” as Detective Josie Quinn desperately chases a killer hidden within her close-knit town before they claim another victim (Publishers Weekly).

The little girl curled into a tiny ball as the chamber grew colder around her. “Please,” she whispered, rocking back and forth. “I want to go home.”

When Isabelle Coleman, a blonde, beautiful young girl goes missing, everyone from the small town of Denton joins the search. They can find no trace of the town’s darling, but Detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn’t even know was missing.

Mute and unresponsive, it’s clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle’s.

The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. When the trail leads her to a cold case labelled a hoax by authorities, Josie begins to wonder is there anyone left she can trust?

Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses their life?" Read an excerpt of Vanishing Girls.

"Lisa Regan is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Education degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter, and a Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip." You can connect with Lisa on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Vanishing Girls, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends Dec 21/19.

Friday, December 6, 2019

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #292

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 
 But you can like one cover version better than another...

US/Canadian cover
UK cover
Elly Griffiths pens one of my favourite series - The Ruth Galloway mysteries. This twelfth entry releases in February across the pond and not until June in NA. I can't wait to read it! The US/Canadian cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both versions follow the look of previous versions. The UK cover seems to be set on the salt marshes - a setting oft used in the books. I love that little stone cottage with smoke form a fire. That one bright window could be ominous or welcoming. The UK cover seems to literally represent the title with a lantern and also set on the marshes. I know I've gone with US versions of previous titles as it's the 'look' I'm used to...but this week I'm going to go with the UK cover. I love lonely houses. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Lantern Men?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Over the Counter #429

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

A unique running partner....Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall.

From Knoph Books:

"From the best-selling author of Born to Run, a heartwarming story about training a rescue donkey to run one of the most challenging races in America.

When Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder, he thought it would be no harder than the rest of the adjustments he and his family had made after moving from Philadelphia to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. But when he arrived, Sherman was in such bad shape he could barely move, and his hair was coming out in clumps. Chris decided to undertake a radical rehabilitation program designed not only to heal Sherman’s body but to heal his mind as well. It turns out the best way to soothe a donkey is to give it a job, and so Chris decided to teach Sherman how to run. He’d heard about burro racing–a unique type of race where humans and donkeys run together in a call-back to mining days–and decided he and Sherman would enter the World Championship in Colorado.

Easier said than done. In the course of Sherman’s training, Chris would have to recruit several other runners, both human and equine, and call upon the wisdom of burro racers, goat farmers, Amish running club members, and a group of irrepressible female long-haul truckers. Along the way, he shows us the life-changing power of animals, nature, and community."

(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!)

Monday, December 2, 2019

Christmas Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

Christmas seems to have crept up on me this year and I know I need to get started on my shopping. But, the ninth book - Christmas Shopaholic - in Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series is here! And surely a book about shopping and Christmas could inspire me - right?

Those of you familiar to the series will be happy to hear that this latest is a return to the 'old Becky' if you will. (I must admit that the last two books that took Becky to the US fell flat for me.)

Becky's love of shopping has not lessened. Or the predicaments she gets herself into. (And these are so much fun!) All of it is done with the best of intentions of course. But the pressure is on this year - Becky will be hosting the family Christmas.

It takes a bit to make me laugh out loud at a book, but Kinsella had me giggling many, many times throughout Christmas Shopaholic. Just what I needed! Just beneath that humour are some truths as well - family, friends and what is truly important.

I enjoyed catching up with Becky and all of the supporting players. I feel like I've come to know them all and hearing what they're up to is like catching up with old friends.

This latest was perfect reading for the season. The door has been left open for the tenth entry in Becky Brandon, nee Bloomwood's life. I look forward to it! But for now - here's an excerpt of Christmas Shopaholic.

Friday, November 29, 2019

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover # 291

- 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
A Good Man is the debut novel from Ami Katz, releasing in January 2020 on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. "A Good Man is a dark and gripping novel of psychological suspense about a family man, in the wake of a horrifying act, trying to work out where he went wrong." Two very different cover interpretations of the book this week. Both employ bold colors. Instead of a woman's face, we have a male profile this week, one looking pensive and bit downtrodden. The font used for the tile is also bold. And that X between title and author name seems to underscore something dark. The US cover also has an X of sorts. That twisted green hose (must admit I thought it was a snake at first with the scale pattern on it) is also an X of sorts. I found this image much more evocative. I thought that little red dot by Ani might be blood, but it's a ladybug. An easy choice for me this week - US. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read A Good Man?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Guardians - John Grisham

John Grisham is a very talented writer, but I must admit - I've found his last few books to be 'just okay' reads. But, this latest release, The Guardians, is absolutely fantastic! It felt like a return to his roots, if you will. It's easily one of my fave reads for 2019.

I really liked the lead character - Cullen Post. He's a lawyer and a minister. He and a skeleton staff run Guardian Ministries. Their mandate is to overturn wrongful convictions, to release the innocent who have spent years behind bars for crimes they did not commit. Limited resources means they only take a few cases at a time.

Their latest case is that of Quincy Miller, who has spent over twenty years in prison for the murder of a lawyer. Their are many flaws in the case, but as Post investigates, he realizes that there are those still around who don't want this case - or Quincy - to see the light of day.

I loved the premise! It's not a new idea, but Grisham executes it so very well. A combination of investigation and legal maneuvers kept me thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. There are other smaller cases and some personal moments along the way that only added to the book.

I'd love to see more of Post and his team - I feel like there are so many more stories and cases that could be told by Guardian Ministries. On reading the author's notes at the end of the book, I learned that the plot of The Guardians is based on an actual case.

The Guardians was an excellent read and an easy five stars. Read an excerpt of The Guardians.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Over the Counter #428

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

Apocalypse Any Day Now: Deep Underground with America's Doomsday Preppers by Tea Krulos.

From Chicago Review Press:

"Full of dry humor, this sociological adventure explores potential doomsday scenarios and the people who believe them.

Everyone always seems to be talking about the end of the world—Y2K, the Mayan apocalypse, blood moon prophecies, nuclear war, killer robots, you name it. In Apocalypse Any Day Now, journalist Tea Krulos travels the country to try to puzzle out America's obsession with the end of days. Along the way he meets doomsday preppers—people who stockpile supplies and learn survival skills—as well as religious prognosticators and climate scientists. He camps out with the Zombie Squad (who use a zombie apocalypse as a survival metaphor); tours the Survival Condos, a luxurious bunker built in an old Atlas missile silo; and attends Wasteland Weekend, where people party like the world has already ended. Frightening and funny, the ideas Krulos explores range from ridiculously outlandish to alarmingly near and present dangers."

(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!)

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Noel Street - Richard Paul Evans

It wouldn't be Christmas without a new holiday tale from Richard Paul Evans. This year's book is Noel Street.

Set in 1975, Noel Street introduces us to Elle, a widowed mother of young Dylan. She's barely scraping by on her waitress's paycheck. When her car breaks down again, she doesn't know how she'll pay to get it fixed. But William, a new-to-town mechanic and Vietnam vet, fixes it for free, to repay a kindness she has shown him.

And yes, you can see it coming can't you? And that's what I was waiting for - the slow building attraction, two wounded souls finding each other, complications that come between them and...hopefully a happily ever after ending. There's much comfort in listening to this type of book around Christmas. (And the book is set at Christmas as well)

Both leads have not come to term with their pasts, not forgiving themselves and having a hard time living in the present. Love, loss, family, friends, forgiveness and redemption all play a part in Evans' story.

I liked both characters a lot and Dylan was a treat. I liked the 'historical' setting. I don't think the story would have worked written in present day. Evans knows his audience and his writing reflects that. I did find the 'villain' of the story, The Ketchup Lady, to be a bit over the top. I appreciated the supporting players, notably Fran and the diner crew.

I chose to listen to Noel Street. The reader was Helene Maksoud - a nice bit of continuity as she has read the first two 'Noel' books. She has a wonderfully calm, paced manner of speaking. Her voice is gentle, with a nice undertone and is very easy to listen to. Maksoud enunciates well and her speech is clear. She provide different voices for all characters, making it very easy to tell who was speaking. (It's hard to portray a child's voice, but Dylan was done well.)  Listen to an excerpt of Noel Street.

Perfect listening for the holiday season. (Officially less than a month away!)

Monday, November 25, 2019

Giveaway - Jane Austen's Sanditon AND The World of Sanditon

Oh my gosh - I have the most amazing giveaway for Jane Austen fans!!

This new release of Jane Austen's Sanditon goes on sale December 10/19. "In the vein of Downton Abbey, Jane Austen’s beloved but unfinished masterpiece-often considered her most modern and exciting novel-gets a spectacular second act in this tie-in to a major new limited television series."

From Grand Central Publishing:

"Written only months before Austen’s death in 1817, Sanditon tells the story of the joyously impulsive, spirited and unconventional Charlotte Heywood and her spiky relationship with the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker. When a chance accident transports her from her rural hometown of Willingden to the would-be coastal resort of the eponymous title, it exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make, and the characters whose fortunes depend on its commercial success. The twists and turns of the plot, which takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London, exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself… and ultimately find love. " "Now, author Kate Rioirdan has finished the novel so fans can read it right before the release of Masterpiece’s brand new TV adaption starring Rose Williams and Theo James! Read an excerpt of Sanditon.

And that's not all..... I also have a copy of The World of Sanditon: The Official Companion by Andrew Davies and Sara Sheridan to give away!

From Grand Central Publishing:

"An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Jane Austen’s Sanditon television series.

Sanditon, the final novel Austen was working on before her death, has been given an exciting conclusion, and will be brought to a primetime television audience on PBS/Masterpiece for the very first time by Emmy and BAFTA Award winning screenwriter Andrew Davies (War & Peace, Mr. Selfridge, Les Misérables, Pride and Prejudice).

This, the official companion to the Masterpiece series, contains everything a fan could want to know. It explores the world Austen created, along with fascinating insights about the period and the real-life heartbreak behind her final story. And it offers location guides, behind the scenes details, and interviews with the cast, alongside beautiful illustrations and set photography. Read an excerpt of The World of Sanditon.

And one lucky reader is going to win a copy of each book! Enter for a chance to win using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, ends December 7/19.

Friday, November 22, 2019

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #290

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true. 
 But you can like one cover version better than another...

US cover
UK cover
I always enjoy browsing 'coming soon' lists and have added a number of them to my ever teetering TBR pile.Graham Moore's forthcoming book, The Holdout is one of those. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right.To give some perspective, the holdout is a juror. So, both images are a good match for the plot - a single wooden chair and figures tumbling, but hitting the holdout and stopping. Two different colour schemes, but both very bold. Both catch the eye, but the red seems to draw me more. The UK cover gives the prospective reader an idea about what will be found inside and also features a cover blurb from a 'big name' author. I like both, but find the cleaner look of the US cover more appealing. And I like the looking down perspective. The UK cover just seems a bit busy. So, US for me this week. Any plans to read The Holdout? Which cover do you prefer?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Knitting Book - DK Canada

There's a knitting group at my local library. I've stopped in many times to see what they're making and each and every time I leave I think - "I want to learn how to knit." And I've convinced myself I will knit hats for each and every family member for next Christmas!

But, I need some direction and instruction. And I've found it in The Knitting Book - New Edition- by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore.

And speaking of Christmas, The Knitting Book would make a great gift book for anyone on your list. DK Canada has some other great suggestions in their Wonders of Gift Giving Boutique.

The Knitting Book is a fabulous resource for anyone - beginner through to those who already have skills. Everything is covered from start to finish.... Materials, including types and weights of yarn. All accompanied with large, full colour photographs that really allow the user to see the detail. Tools includes the same excellent photos detailing needles and other equipment. The Swatch Gallery contains 30 different styles and full instructions for these are found in another chapter at the end of the book.

But how to knit? Well, the Key Techniques chapter has very explicit and detailed instructions from casting on, so many ways to knit with patterns, colours, styles, embellishments and more, right through to casting off. Over 250 step-by step techniques! Again, all with colour photographs showing how to proceed very clearly. This is what I love about DK books - the clear instructions, clean layout, easy to see and process detailed information and most of all the colour photos.

The Knitting Book also includes a number of project ideas for beginners through to seasoned knitters. And yes - there's two hat patterns! And a really easy baby blanket that would be a good starter project for me. There are sweaters, throws, runners, an arm knitted rug and more.

A wonderful resource! Check out the excerpts below.






Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Over the Counter #427

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? One from the coming soon list...

The Thank You Project by Nancy Davis Kho.

From Running Press:

"Gratitude and happiness go hand-in-hand — and The Thank-You Project provides an easy-to-follow approach for creating more of both.

Who helped you become the person you are today? As Nancy Davis Kho approached a milestone birthday, she decided to answer that question by sending thank-you letters to the many people who had influenced her, helped her, and inspired her over the years: family, friends, mentors, teachers, co-workers, even a couple of former friends and exes. While her recipients always seemed genuinely pleased to read the letters, what Nancy never expected was the profound and positive effect the process would have on her. As it turns out, emerging research proves that actively appreciating the formative people in your life, past and present, can lead to a lasting increase in your happiness levels–and The Thank-you Project offers a charming, entertaining roadmap to see, say and savor your way there."

(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!)

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell

The Family Upstairs is the newest release from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell.

On her twenty fifth birthday Libby Jones receives an unexpected letter from a lawyer. She learns her birth name and is stunned to find out she has inherited a Chelsea home worth millions. Desperate for answers to her past, she visits the home and discovers it has been abandoned for years. But perhaps not....there are others who have been waiting for Libby to turn twenty five.

Well, I had no idea where Jewell's story telling would take me this time. There are so many directions the past could take. But, the house is at the core of the story. Just Henry and his parents lived in the home - until his mother invited two other families to live with them. And one of those 'others' slowly takes control of the house - and the lives of the rest of the inhabitants. Cult-like you could say.

Jewell employs a past and present narrative in The Family Upstairs. We start with Libby's discovery - that twenty five years ago, she was the baby found alive, with three dead bodies in the house and two others missing. We're along as she tries to find answers with a journalist friend. But, the reader is privy to two narratives from the missing. From them the reader learns what life was like inside the house and what lead to those bodies. And what they might want from Libby today.

And that makes for some disturbing listening. I could feel the tension rise as I listened to each new entry in the tale. The Family Upstairs has a pretty dark undertone running through it - traumatized children being the main plot line. The now grown survivors have created new lives and in some cases, new names for themselves. I had to cement who was who in the beginning.

The present begins to make more sense as the listener learns more and more about the past. The final run to the last pages had me listening late into the night. And Jewell throws in a nice little twist in the end that gave me shivers...

I chose to listen to The Family Upstairs and was really happy that there was more than one reader. It became easy to know who was talking with three narrators - Tamaryn Payne, Bea Holland and Dominic Thorburn. All did a great job and I thought each voice suited the character they were portraying. Thorburn does the innocence and outrage of young Henry really well and adds a darker note as adult Henry. I'm not sure what reader did the two female roles, but they were excellent as well. Again, innocence and confusion for Libby. But the Lucy reader was the one I enjoyed the most. (She was also my favourite character) All were easy to understand, their diction was clear and the speaking speed was just right. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I become much more immersed in a book when I listen to it. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Family Upstairs.