You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover # 278

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

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

US cover

UK cover

" The heart-pounding debut from the creator of the hit

Scandinavian television show The Killing." I quite liked the show and am looking forward to reading this one. The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Okay, we have two deliciously creepy covers this week. The red of the US cover just signals danger. And with a few black squiggles, we have the shape of a man. And those few lines are very, very effective in their simplicity. The UK cover background is a dirty white - who knows what the dirt is rom. And the figure is made from chestnuts - with a nail driven into the heat and splintered sticks for limbs. Also very creepy. But I think I am going to go with the US cover this week. I just find those understated lines so ominous. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?

 Any plans to read The Chestnut Man? 

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

Lost You - Haylen Beck

I enjoyed Haylen Beck's previous book, Here and Gone. (my review) I happily added Lost You to my TBR list.

Lost You starts off with a great prologue to set the plot. Two women and one little boy - with both claiming they are his mother. From that start we head back to the beginning, meeting Lilly who desperately wants a child. She is unable to have children, so she and her husband seek out a surrogate agency. They are paired with a surrogate named Anna.

Yup, you can see the problems that might arise right? Beck does a great job of telling the story from both women's perspectives. Both were well drawn and easily provoke a reaction from the reader.  My heart was firmly with one of them. The other one? Oh, it's not hard to dislike her. At all. Mr. Kovac, the representative for the agency is frightening in his politeness.

The tension grows exponentially as the baby's birth draws nearer. And yes, some of the situations require the reader to suspend disbelief (which I happily did). I thought I had guessed what the ending might be, but was proven wrong. I can't say it's the ending I wanted, but it's the right one.

Beck's writing reads like a screenplay, fast-paced, quick and with the obligatory twists a suspense novel needs.  I was looking for an escapist summer read and found it in Lost You. Read an excerpt of Lost You. Film rights have been sold for Beck's first book and I can see the same happening for Lost You.

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

Over the Counter #415

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

The eyes were what made me stop and take a look inside....

No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison by Behrouz Boochani  and translated by Omid Tofighian.

From Anansi International:

"In 2013, Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani was illegally detained on Manus Island, a refugee detention centre off the coast of Australia.

He has been there ever since.

This book is the result. Laboriously tapped out on a mobile phone and translated from the Farsi.

It is a voice of witness, an act of survival. A lyric first-hand account. A cry of resistance. A vivid portrait of five years of incarceration and exile.

Winner of the Victorian Prize for Literature, No Friend But the Mountains is an extraordinary account — one that is disturbingly representative of the experience of the many stateless and imprisoned refugees and migrants around the world."

(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 Perfect Wife - J.P. Delaney

I've read both of J.P. Delaney's previous suspense novels and quite enjoyed them. I easily put The Perfect Wife on the TBR list.

Abbie awakes in a hospital with no idea of who she really is or what happened to her. The man who says he is her husband begins to fill in the gaps in her memory. An accident five years ago took her from him. Now stop here if you plan to read the book.....

"She is a miracle of science." In fact she is an AI. Yes, an artificial intelligence one of a kind. Husband Tim runs a high tech company that has the capability to pull off this one of a kind..Project? Miracle?

And this reveal is where I stopped and thought do I really want to read this? I'm not much of a sci-fi reader. But I wanted to see where and how Delaney would inject his suspense and twists, so I kept reading.

Alternating timelines give the reader a look into the 'before' of this marriage. And it is unsettling. However, both the narrator and perspective alternates between second and third person and found this a bit confusing.

So yes, we learn that the marriage and family (they have a son) had/has issues. How is a co-bot (companion robot) going to cope with real life issues? I got more caught up in the story as AI Abbie becomes more sentient. But pragmatic me had a hard time buying into the premise (which is why I don't read a lot of sci-fi). I found the characters (including the human ones) fell all a bit flat for me. The exception to that is their son Danny who has autism. I thought the depiction of both boy and autism to be written really well. It was only on finishing the book, that I learned Delaney has a son with autism.

Delaney is a British author. I found The Perfect Wife reminded me of a British television show called Humans which imagines a world with sentient AI's.

The Perfect Wife was an interesting combo of domestic noir and sci-fi. I can't say I loved it, but I am glad I kept reading. And I will pick up Delaney's next book. Here's an excerpt of The Perfect Wife. And check out what others thought on Goodreads.

Giveaway - Thirty-Life Crisis - Lisa Schwartz

I've got another great giveaway for you today! Thirty-Life Crisis: Navigating My Thirties, One Drunk Baby Shower at a Time Paperback by Lisa Schwartz releases August 27/19 and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's inside? From Grand Central Publishing:

"A hilarious essay collection perfect for anyone dealing with the challenges, indignities, and celebrations that come with being a thirty-something by actor and YouTube star Lisa Schwartz (Lisbug).

Thirty-Life Crisis Lisa Schwartz's stories and musings are all about watching her friends adult like pros, while she tries to understand why she doesn't want or can't seem to find all the things they have for herself. Like a big sister who's already seen it all, Lisa will take readers through her own life experiences to say that one thing we all need to hear: you are so not alone. Unabashed and unfiltered, Schwartz's voice and candor will appeal to anyone in their thirties who just can't deal with the never-ending Facebook feed of friends' engagement photos and baby pictures, the trials of figuring out where their passion meets their career, and everything in between.

So, if you've ever had to figure out...Parenting Your Parents (Yikes) Gender Reveal Parties (It's an actual thing.) Discovering That Your Boyfriend Likes Boys (Surprise!) Online Shopping Away Your Anxiety (Don't) or Gender Reveal Parties (Seriously. It's an actual thing.) This book is your new best friend." Read an excerpt of Thirty-Life Crisis.

"Best known for her successful and irreverent YouTube channel, Lisbug, which features original comedic and musical content, Lisa Schwartz has garnered more than 2 million unique subscribers and over 395 million views. Her most popular video, a parody of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” generated 19 million views and received coverage in several outlets, including The Huffington Post. Lisa also starred opposite frequent collaborator Shane Dawson in the feature length comedy “Not Cool,” which immediately shot to #1 on iTunes and Netflix.

Most recently she created and starred in the Freeform original series Party Girl, which premiered at Tribeca in April and can be seen on Hulu. The show is currently being developed for network TV. She also created the comedy series in which she starred, This Isn’t Working, which premiered to tremendous success on ABC Go and Hulu. As a comedic host, Lisa has made many online segments for Seventeen and Yahoo and is currently hosting the after show for ABC’s The Bachelor franchise." You can find Lisa on her YouTube channel and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Thirty-Life Crisis, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends Sept. 7/19.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #277

- 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

John Grisham has a new novel - The Guardians - releasing on October 15 on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. I have to admit I haven't kept up with Grisham - I'm two behind I think. I like the premise of this latest and have added it to the ever growing TBR pile. Two very different looks this week. I like the road cutting through a lush green forest on the US cover. The road is a great metaphor. And I would actually like to drive that road. Its quite the contrast to the UK cover which kinda looks like a wasteland. And no clear path. That washed out earth colour is depressing. I would be much more likely to pick up the US book, so that's my choice this week. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? And plans to read The Guardians?

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

Hideaway - Nicole Lundrigan

Oh Nicole Lundrigan, you have a frightening imagination! I simply could not put down your latest release, Hideaway! Start to finish on a recent day off.

Gloria is a devoted wife to her husband Telly and mother to her teenaged son Rowan and young daughter Maisy. That's what you would see from the outside looking in. But inside it's a different matter. Gloria's moods swing from high to low with little warning. She either loves her children or 'disappears' them by banishing them to a room or a place and not speaking to them. When Telly leaves Glow for another woman, it tips her over the edge. One night Rowan has had enough and runs into the woods. And there, under a bridge, he meets Carl - a kind man who is battling his own demons - and Rowan decides to stay. And Gloria? I just don't want to say any more and spoil your discovery of the lengths a jilted (and unstable)  woman will go to to get her husband back. (But he too is, as my gran used to say, a piece of work) Yep, this is where things get downright terrifying.......

Lundrigan's character building is so very good. I don't even know how to describe Gloria. She's a master manipulator, devious, cunning and cruel. We see her actions, but don't really get a look at her inner thought processes. Instead we see them - and the aftermath - through the eyes of Rowan and Maisy. And yes, these are heartbreaking to read. It was the 'what is going to happen to Rowan and Maisy ?' that kept me reading for the whole day. Lundrigan takes her story places I couldn't have imagined .The tension was unbearable in parts and I really had to fight myself to not skip to the last chapter to make sure things turned out the way I needed them to.

It seems a little off for me to say how much I enjoyed this book given the darkness it explores. But there are patches of light as well. An easy five stars and one of my most addictive reads this year. See for yourself - here's an excerpt. This was a first read of Lundrigan for me - and it won't be the last.

Cr: AnnaLena Seemann

"Nicole Lundrigan is the author of six critically acclaimed novels, including The Substitute and Glass Boys. Her work has appeared on best of the year selections of The Globe and Mail, Amazon.ca, and Now magazine. She grew up in Newfoundland, and now lives in Toronto." You can connect with Nicole on her website and like her on Facebook.

Over the Counter #414

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? One that many of us will connect with....

Take Care, Son: The Story of My Dad and his Dementia by Tony Husband.

From Little Brown Books:

"Hi Dad . . . can we have a chat about your dementia . . . Can you remember how it started?

When Ron Husband started to forget things - dates, names, appointments . . . daft things, important things - it took a while to realize that this was 'a different form of forgetting'. But it was just the first sign of the illness that gradually took him away from the family he loved.

This is the touching, illustrated story of Tony's father and how dementia slowly took him away from his family. The title is a reference to his last words to his son - on a day when Tony had spent the day in the care home with no sign of recognition. The book is framed as a chat between Tony and his dad, who fades away through the last few pages of the book."

(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!)

Big Sky - Kate Atkinson

I was so happy when I heard that Kate Atkinson was penning a new Jackson Brodie novel. It's been nine years, but oh it was worth the wait. Big Sky was a fantastic read.

I loved settling in to catch up with Brodie. Atkinson has moved things along in real time - the book is set in 2019. He's living in a seaside town with his old doh, has contact with his son and is working as a private investigator. Lot of 'catch them cheating' cases, but hey, they pay the bills. He's out walking one evening when he comes across a desperate man standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to end things. This chance encounter leads Brodie down a dark and twisted path.

Oh, I had missed Jackson's irreverent sense of humour, his inner dialogue and his innate ability to land himself in the thick of things. With a few side trips....

Atkinson's plotting is impeccable, detailed and so current. The crime could be inspired by many newspaper headlines. But Atkinson puts her own twist and delivery on the crime. And I wondered how all the threads were going to be connected by the end. Where Atkinson shines for me is in her characterizations and dialogue. Each character, including minor players, are fully fleshed out and so detailed. I love that we're privy to each player's inner thoughts. I was particularly fond of Crystal - a wife and mother trying to leave her past behind. Her stepson Harry was another character I was drawn to. Fans of the series will recognize Reggie - now grown up and a policewoman. She and her partner Ronnie are a great duo - I hope we see more of them.  Just as detailed are her descriptions of time and place. The vaudeville-esqe theater, the boardwalk and it's tacky attractions and more.

Atkinson's work is meant to be savoured and enjoyed, taking in the details she provides in every aspect of the book. All four hundred delicious pages. Love, love, loved it! Here's hoping we don't have to wait another nine years for more of Jackson! Read an excerpt of Big Sky

Lady in the Lake - Laura Lippman

Laura Lippman takes us back to the Sixties in her new stand alone novel Lady in the Lake. Its also set in the city she knows so well - Baltimore.

The prologue had me hooked - its the voice of a dead woman, cursing the woman who wouldn't let her lie in peace. Curioser and more curiouser....

Maddie is the perfect housewife, but she's growing bored with her life, wondering if this is all there is and seeing nothing but the same for years to come. So - she leaves her husband, gets an apartment and a lover and an unexpected job at a local newspaper. Determined to make her mark as a reporter,  she latches on the story of a young woman found murdered.

Now, here's the neat thing about this book. While Maddie is the driving force, almost every person she comes into contact with is given the next chapter in the book. The reader gets an in depth look at many characters and their connection to both Maddie and the dead woman. (Cleo) This format provided a very different reading experience. It had the feel of a serialized news story. With so many points of view, I felt like I knew something about each player, but didn't really know them - and I wanted to know more about many of them. (This speaks volumes about Lippman's characterizations!) Maddie is the exception as her voice and chapters are updated as the book progresses. I felt one way about Maddie in the beginning and quite liked her. But as the book progresses, she grows harder, becoming quite conniving when it comes to getting a story and I found I was becoming disillusioned with her. But - you don't have to like a protagonist.

Lippman always brings the city of Baltimore to life for the reader. The racial tensions, mores of the time, gender and class divides, the newspaper industry (always well done as Lippman herself was a reporter) and more are woven into the story.

The ending provides a great twist - I like being surprised with unexpected turns. And it was only on finishing the book that I discovered that Lady in the Lake  takes inspiration from an actual murder.

Lippman is an excellent wordsmith. I quite enjoyed this character driven, different style of narrative. Have a look for yourself - here's an excerpt of Lady in the Lake.

The Helpline - Katherine Collette

The Helpline is Katherine Collette's debut novel.

Germaine Johnson loves math and sudukos. She firmly believes that a formula can be found for everything in life. But such is not the case when an unfortunate happenstance at her insurance company job results in her being let go. But through a family connection she lands a job on a senior citizen's telephone helpline.

Although it is never specified, it is apparent that Germaine is somewhere on a spectrum - Asperger's? A telephone hotline is probably not the best fit for someone with her interests. But an unscrupulous city official has recognized that Germaine's naivete and attraction to a male Suduko player can be exploited.

And this is the part that saddened me. She has been taken advantage of more that once - the insurance company situation is particularly disheartening. But counterbalancing that are her new fellow employees at the council office. They are a quirky bunch, but for the most part good-hearted and accepting. They provide a needed balance to offset the nefarious mayor and counterparts. The seniors at the community center are also kind. And are also being taken advantage of.

And yes, you can see where the book is going to go. Can Germaine see and participate in life beyond the narrow constraints she has set for herself? Find friends and a new place for herself? Do the seniors take back their center? And is the mayor thwarted?

I liked the premise, but I must admit to having a harder time liking Germaine. I felt like I should be drawn to her as she's the lead character. But I wasn't. She is written with many hard edges and an inability to feel sympathy or empathy. This may be attributable to her 'condition', but I think I was expecting someone more like Don in The Rosie Project. Likable.

There are some funny moments in The Helpline. (I enjoyed the workplace fight for the biscuits) But I didn't find so many that I agreed with the idea that this would be a charmingly funny debut.

The ending provides a turn that I think it supposed to be humourous, but it fell flat for me and only solidified my inability to be on board with Germaine. Sadly, this book was just okay for me.

Aussie Jane U’Brien was the reader. Her voice is easy to interpret and listen to. She gives supporting players easily distinguishable voices and tones. She interprets the work well, giving movement to the words. There are easily differentiated from Germaine's voice. For Germain, she has used a lower timbre with a growly tone that  suited the cantankerous tone of Germaine's thoughts and actions. This voice suited, But. Germaine is a difficult character to depict as she is described as speaking in a flat and often monotone voice. U'Brien did a good job of narrating the book. Listen to an excerpt.

Others quite liked The Helpline - you can find those reviews on Goodreads.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #276

- 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 know, it's a Christmas book! Sophie Kinsella has a new entry - Christmas Shopaholic - in the Shopaholic series releasing in October on both sides of the pond. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. There's no mistaking that its a Christmas book with the presents featured on both covers.  Both colour schemes are holiday oriented. I do find the US colors a bit muddy and dull though. I much prefer the brights used on the UK cover. The white background makes the colors pop as well. I quite like the tree made from presents as well. The UK cover lets you know it's part of a series and includes a tag line. I feel the UK cover conveys the 'too much' conundrum that Becky Bloomfield invariably finds herself in. An easy choice for me this week - UK. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? 

Any plans to read Christmas Shopaholic?

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

Someone We Know - Shari Lapena

I read Shari Lapena's first thriller, The Couple Next Door, in 2016 and loved it. I promptly added Lapena to my 'must read' list. Her latest suspense novel is Someone We Know.

Okay, here's the premise - and it's a really good one!

A quiet suburb. A bored teenager who has decided to break into his neighbour's homes and have a look around. Maybe check out what's on their computers, send some emails and see what happens. It might have gone unnoticed had the teenager's mom not left an 'I'm sorry' note at the houses for the break-ins she knows about. Not a good idea at all - there is someone who has a very dark secret in the quiet neighbourhood. And truly, almost every household has secrets they would prefer not to see the light of day.

Great set-up and excellent execution! One action leads to another action and so on, changing the direction of what is going to happen with each new development. (and for many of them, I was mentally yelling no, don't do that!) Lapena kept me guessing - it was impossible to predict what happen next. I quite enjoyed trying to solve the whodunit - yes, there is murderous intent within! And many suspects to choose from.

Suspense and mystery woven together in a very readable, fast paced package. Someone We Know was an excellent read, one I had a hard time putting down. And one that might have you wondering about that neighbour at the end of the street.......read an excerpt of Someone We Know.

Over the Counter #413

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner?  A little something on the side....

100 Side Hustles: Unexpected Ideas for Making Extra Money Without Quitting Your Day Job by Chris Guillebeau.

From Ten Speed Press:

"Best-selling author Chris Guillebeau presents a full-color ideabook featuring 100 stories of regular people launching successful side businesses that almost anyone can do.

This unique guide features the startup stories of regular people launching side businesses that almost anyone can do: an urban tour guide, an artist inspired by maps, a travel site founder, an ice pop maker, a confetti photographer, a group of friends who sell hammocks to support local economies, and many more. In 100 Side Hustles, best-selling author of The $100 Startup Chris Guillebeau presents a colorful "idea book" filled with inspiration for your next big idea. Distilled from Guillebeau's popular Side Hustle School podcast, these case studies feature teachers, artists, coders, and even entire families who've found ways to create new sources of income. With insights, takeaways, and photography that reveals the human element behind the hustles, this playbook covers every important step of launching a side hustle, from identifying underserved markets to crafting unique products and services that spring from your passions. Soon you'll find yourself joining the ranks of these innovative entrepreneurs--making money on the side while living your best life."

(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!)

This Little Light - Lori Lansens

Lori Lansens is one of my favorite writers. (Rush Home Road will always be near and dear to me) Each of her books has brought something different to the page - and her latest - This Little Light - is no exception

This Little Light is set in the near future - 2023. The most frightening thing about this book? It's happening here and now. Abortion has been re-criminalized, as has birth control, 'Virtue Balls' where a teenage girl pledges chastity with a ring (to her father) are the norm, unwanted babies are being sold. And women are being 'kept in line.' Lansens weaves current issues - women's rights, the have and the have nots in terms of money and resources, religion and politics, immigration and more into this latest novel.

This Little Light is told by sixteen year old Rory Miller. Rory is (reluctantly) at her Purity Ball when a bomb goes off. And she and her best friend are now 'the most famous girls in America.' But for all the wrong reasons. They are being accused of being the bombers - and are now on the run. Through her blog over the course of forty eight hours, we get a bigger picture of what is going on - and who might be pulling strings. Why is she being targeted?

Rory questions the way things are, she's a square peg who refuses to go along with the crowd and accept the edicts being given to women. "I never shut up. I never give up. I ask too many questions I'm a contrarian. So I stared my blog, This Little Light." I loved her, I loved her voice and most of all - her courage in questioning.

Lansens has done a good job of finding the voice of a teenager. The dialogue, interior thoughts and actions all ring true. The stream of consciousness as she posts to her blog draws the reader into the action and tension. I was completely caught up in the who and the why. And as the number of pages left to read grew smaller, I couldn't put it down. What would the ending bring? I must admit - I was caught unawares and was gutted. It's right but wrong.

Bottom line? Couldn't put it down. Another great read from Lori Lansens. Who would like this book? If you like The Handmaid's Tale, pick up This Little Light. Here's an excerpt.

You've Been Volunteered - Laurie Gelman - Q and A and Giveaway!!

I'm today's stop on the blog tour for Laurie Gelman's new Class Mom novel - You've Been Volunteered! (If you're looking for a fun - and funny read, this one's for you!) Laurie was kind enough to answer a few questions.....and I have a fabulous giveaway as well!

Tell us about your background and when you decided to become a writer.
I had been a broadcast journalist before and partially during my time as a mother, so I had always written in some form - mostly “just the facts ma'am” pieces for the news. I decided to try my hand at writing when I realized I was going to need something to do now that my daughters were growing up.

 What was the inspiration for the Class Mom novels?
The inspiration for the books comes from my own horrifying, pride-swallowing, butt-chapping experience as the mom who volunteers in the classroom.

 Any favorite authors influence your writing?
Tina Fey is most definitely one of my favorite comedic writers, but I think I took my fiction cues from Lianne Moriarty.

Do you have a connection to Kansas City? Why are both novels set there?
I've never been but I plan to go this summer! I set the book there because it is close to the geographic center of the US. I wanted everyone to be able to relate to Jen's trials and tribulations.

What do you hope readers take away from your novels?
All I hope is that they get a good laugh. Moms always need one.

What’s next – for Laurie Gelman and for Jen Dixon?
Well, Laurie Gelman is going to be dealing with her daughter leaving for college and writing the third Class Mom novel. As for Jen Dixon...we'll just have to see.


"Laurie Gelman was born and raised in the Great White North. She spent twenty-five years as a broadcaster in both Canada and the United States before trying her hand at writing novels. The author of Class Mom, Laurie has appeared on Live With Ryan and Kelly, Watch What Happens Live, and The Talk, among others. She lives in New York City with her husband, Michael Gelman, and two teenage daughters." You can connect with Laurie on her website and follow her on Twitter and on Instagram.

And the giveaway? I have a copy of You've Been Volunteered, a fabulous “Ron’s Gym and Tan” T shirt, and the chance for Laurie Gelman to Skype with the winner’s book club! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, ends August 24/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See what other bloggers had to say - here's the full schedule. Follow the conversation at #You’veBeenVolunteered, #ClassMom, @lauriemgelman (Twitter), @lauriegelman (Instagram), @HenryHolt (Twitter), @HenryHoltandCompany (FB), and @HenryHoltBooks (Instagram).

Giveaway - Hollow Kingdom - Kira Jane Buxton

Hollow Kingdom is Kira Jane Buxton's debut novel. Its garnering lots of praise - and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

S.T., a domesticated crow, is a bird of simple pleasures: hanging out with his owner Big Jim, trading insults with Seattle’s wild crows (those idiots), and enjoying the finest food humankind has to offer: Cheetos ®.

Then Big Jim’s eyeball falls out of his head, and S.T. starts to feel like something isn’t quite right. His most tried-and-true remedies–from beak-delivered beer to the slobbering affection of Big Jim’s loyal but dim-witted dog, Dennis - fail to cure Big Jim’s debilitating malady. S.T. is left with no choice but to abandon his old life and venture out into a wild and frightening new world with his trusty steed Dennis, where he discovers that the neighbors are devouring each other and the local wildlife is abuzz with rumors of dangerous new predators roaming Seattle. Humanity’s extinction has seemingly arrived, and the only one determined to save it is a foul-mouthed crow whose knowledge of the world around him comes from his TV-watching education.

Hollow Kingdom is a humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp through the apocalypse and the world that comes after, where even a cowardly crow can become a hero." Read an excerpt of Hollow Kingdom.

"Kira Jane Buxton’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, NewYorker.com, McSweeney’s, The Rumpus, Huffington Post, and more. She calls the tropical utopia of Seattle, Washington, home and spends her time with three cats, a dog, two crows, a charm of hummingbirds, and a husband" You can connect with Kira Jane Buxton on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Hollow Kingdom, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends Aug 24/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #275

- 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 new Virgil Flowers book - Bloody Genius - from John Sandford releases in October on both sides of the pond. This one time supporting character in the Lucas Davenport series has many fans. (including me) The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Well, the US cover does say bloody, doesn't it. The UK cover brings in red with the title font. The US cover has words in the forefront, while the UK cover has the image of a clock tower taking a good piece of the cover. A similar clock tower is on the US cover as well. There's more the images, but its hard to see.  Stephen King gives a nice blurb to Sandford on the UK cover. Busy vs. somewhat understated. Hmm, a hard choice for me this week....but I'm going to go with the in your face US cover this week. What about you? 

Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read Bloody Genius?

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

Good Girl, Bad Girl - Michael Robotham

Michael Robotham is firmly on my 'must read' list. I've read all of the Joe O'Loughlin  series. I've got the feeling that this series might be winding down. But, I'm pretty happy with Good Girl, Bad Girl - the first in a new series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven.

Haven is a great lead character - intelligent, driven but wounded, with darkness in his own background. He works with the police department, but isn't fully accepted. I appreciate a flawed lead as I find I bond more with the character. I enjoyed his fractious relationship with  DCI Lenny Parvel. She's gruff and tough and is also part of Haven's past.

When a teen skating star is discovered murdered on a lonely footpath, Cyrus is called in to assist. His interviews and probing uncover a life that doesn't match her 'good girl' reputation. And there are more than a few suspects for whodunit.

He's also called in to assess a teen girl (the 'bad girl' of the title) who wants to be released from the group home setting she lives in as she says she is eighteen. Says? Uh, huh no one truly knows how old she is. Evie Cormac (a name given to her) was discovered in a hidden room at a violent crime scene. The man who was holding her is dead - unable to provide answers. And Evie herself - she either doesn't know or won't tell. As the book progressed there are small references that only begin to hint at her past. And Haven is the only person she seems to actually like. Why? Because he tells the truth. And Evie can uncannily tell when someone is lying. It's hard to read Evie's story and the reader will be firmly on her side, despite her attempts to alienate everyone who crosses her path. Who can blame her? This first book is the beginning of (hopefully) a firmer relationship between Cyrus and Evie.

So good on so many levels. Robotham's books are easy to get lost in for hours at a time - addictive listening/reading at its best. Getting to know these new players intrigued me as did the search for the murderer. The tension in Good Girl, Bad Girl just never lets up. The final whodunit wasn't who I expected and there's a nice little twist in the last few chapters. And those last chapters are action packed as well.  Kudos to Robotham for coming up with this premise and these two leads. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Another excellent listen/read from Robotham - but hey, I knew it would be. An easy five star book.

I did choose to listen to Good Girl, Bad Girl. And that choice was made based on the reader - Joe Jameson. His voice is rich and full. His speaking voice is clear and easy to understand. He created distinctive voices for each character, making it easy to know who was speaking. And those unique voice created much clearer mental images for me. He interprets the book well and uses his voice effectively for the emotions and action as they play out. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I find myself more drawn into a book when I listen to it (and it's often harder leave)!

Here's an audio excerpt of Good Girl, Bad Girl. Or if you prefer, here's a written excerpt.

Over the Counter #412

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Plants that you wouldn't want (or need) to water.....

Handmade Houseplants: Remarkably Realistic Plants You Can Make with Paper  by Corrie Beth Hogg.

From Timber Press:

"In Handmade Houseplants, expert crafter and tastemaker Corrie Beth Hogg offers a no-water option for your urban jungle: plants made from paper! This stylish guide includes step-by-step instructions and templates for making 30 of the most popular houseplants, from monstera and peperomia to fiddle leaf fig and philodendron. Additional projects show how to use paper plants for home décor, wall art, holiday decorations, gift giving, and more. The projects are simple enough to be made in few hours and the materials are affordable and easy to find. Packed with colorful photos and filled with inspiration, Handmade Houseplants shows how paper plants can provide a modern, light-hearted touch to a well-designed home."

(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 Escape Room - Megan Goldin

A Bookworm's World is today's blog tour stop for Megan Goldin's brand new book, The Escape Room.

I love twisty suspense novels and Goldin's premise was a great one. Four co-workers believe they're doing a team building exercise by participating in an Escape Room. Believable right? Uh huh, until they realize that the elevator itself is the room - and getting out alive is the goal. Love it!

Each of the four in the elevator are selfish, self-serving and just downright unlikable. (And that's just right for this book.) As the heat turns up in their box, we learn more about each one, their secrets and their true natures. They are all financiers determined to make deals and more and more money - at the cost of just about anything. I wondered if the depictions of their cut throat practices were true. Alternating with the action in the elevator are chapters from a former employee named Sara. Details from the past are slowly played out until they collide with the present.

The Escape Room is a heckuva page turner - I couldn't wait to see what would happen next! The ending is a bit implausible, but perfect for this story and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. Oh, this one has movie written all over it!  What a great debut. Here's an excerpt of The Escape Room.

"Megan Goldin worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets where she covered war, peace, international terrorism and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia where she raises three sons and is a foster mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. The Escape Room is her debut novel." You can connect with Megan Goldin on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Giveaway - Haben by Haben Girma

If you love memoirs, you're going to want to read Haben by Haben Girma. It releases tomorrow, August 6, 2019. Her story is riveting - and I just happen to have a copy to give away to one lucky reader! What's it about?

From Twelve Books:

"The incredible life story of Haben Girma, the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, and her amazing journey from isolation to the world stage.

Haben grew up spending summers with her family in the enchanting Eritrean city of Asmara. There, she discovered courage as she faced off against a bull she couldn't see, and found in herself an abiding strength as she absorbed her parents' harrowing experiences during Eritrea's thirty-year war with Ethiopia. Their refugee story inspired her to embark on a quest for knowledge, traveling the world in search of the secret to belonging. She explored numerous fascinating places, including Mali, where she helped build a school under the scorching Saharan sun. Her many adventures over the years range from the hair-raising to the hilarious.

Haben defines disability as an opportunity for innovation. She learned non-visual techniques for everything from dancing salsa to handling an electric saw. She developed a text-to-braille communication system that created an exciting new way to connect with people. Haben pioneered her way through obstacles, graduated from Harvard Law, and now uses her talents to advocate for people with disabilities.

Haben takes readers through a thrilling game of blind hide-and-seek in Louisiana, a treacherous climb up an iceberg in Alaska, and a magical moment with President Obama at The White House. Warm, funny, thoughtful, and uplifting, this captivating memoir is a testament to one woman's determination to find the keys to connection." Read an excerpt of Haben.

"Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change. She received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, and a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Chancellor Angela Merkel have all honored Haben. Her work has been featured in the Financial Times, BBC, Washington Post, NPR, and more." You can connect with Haben on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read Haben, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends August 17/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Magnificent Mrs. Mayhew - Milly Johnson

The Magnificent Mrs. Mayhew is a first read of Milly Johnson for me - but it won't be my last!

Sophie has been brought up to stifle her emotions and 'do her duty'. That duty doesn't include herself. Instead she is to support her husband, a politician who has a good shot of being Prime Minister. She has always done what is necessary to help his career. After all, he loves her - doesn't he?

Until....Doorstepgate.....the day that Trophy Sophie has had enough. Enough of her husband, their families and not enough of herself. She runs away to the only place she truly remembers being herself - and being happy. To a small village by the sea. (Who doesn't want to live in a village by the sea?!

The first few chapters have a lot of political machinations and descriptions - not my favorite. But it does give us an idea of what Sophie is living with and shy she rebels. (In fine fashion!)

The real treat is when she lands in the village. The village is home to many quaint shops, kind and generous villagers - and a handsome vicar and his son.... Uh huh, there is most definitely some attraction there.

I loved Milly as a lead character - the reader can't help but feel outraged at how her family and husband treat her. (And they are quite despicably well depicted) And hope that that little spark inside her can grow. The supporting cast in the village is simply wonderful - you can't help but wish you lived there! Johnson develops the Sophie romantic sub plot at the just the right speed - as friends with no agenda. There are also some other relationships in the village that need repair and these too are well depicted. There's a wee touch of magic in an old house as well that makes you wonder.....

And although the book builds towards it and the reader has an inkling of what it might be, the ending is simply perfect! I wonder if there could be more stories from this Yorkshire village?

Jenny Colgan is one of my go-to's for feel good reading. I've added Milly Johnson to that list as well! See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Magnificent Mrs. Mayhew.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #274

- 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 enjoyed all of Jojo Moyes's previous books and am looking forward to her forthcoming book, The Giver of Stars. (October 2019) The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. This ones looks a little different than previous novels. And yes it's on my TBR list. (There's a travelling library involved!) So, a very bucolic picture on the US cover. No stars, just a horse and lot of scenery. The UK cover brings nothing but stars. I have to say, the US cover is a bit boring, but having read the premise, it suits the story. The UK cover is sparkly. But that sparkle could be anything. Magic? A night sky? Neither cover is a standout for me this week but I'm going to go with the US cover. What about you? Which cover do you prefer?

 Any plans to read The Giver of Stars?

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

Layover - David Bell

I was intrigued by the premise of David Bell's latest novel Layover.

Frequent flyer Joshua is killing time before his next flight when he meets a woman named Morgan. She is attractive and enigmatic and Joshua finds himself attracted to her. Even more so when she kisses him. She leaves to catch her flight.....and Joshua sees her face pop up on the television news - she's a missing person. Joshua decides to find her. But his imaginings of what might be aren't quite what he finds.

I was also curious as to why she was missing and why she was running. But here's the first thing that stood in the way of me loving this book. I had a very hard time believing that Joshua would abandon his job, miss his flight and go chasing after a woman he had few drinks with and one kiss. Believing the earth shattering attraction he feels towards Morgan was a bit of stretch for me. His immediate infatuation just said stalker to me. And even as we learn more about Morgan and her reasons, she just never coalesced into a character I cared about - or even liked for that matter. The why's - once I learned them - left me a bit flat as well. The only character I liked was the police detective. Although her sharing of information with Joshua seemed unprofessional and not likely to happen in a police investigation.

The chapters are short and this makes for a quick read. One that would kill time on a flight. Here's an excerpt of Layover.