You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #298

- 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

Once in awhile I like to lose a lazy day in a read different from my usual murder and mayhem. Josie Silver's previous book, One Day in December, was a Reese's Book Club selection. Her latest, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, releases in March. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. A very pastel-y look for the US cover. The images don't overly grab me, but do let the reader know there's most likely something between the two. The mirrored image upside down does mirror the plot. The UK cover has gone for a bolder look with that solid red. The two toothbrushes again let the reader know there's a couple involved. The tagline gives us even more info. And a blurb from Jodi Piccoult also lets the reader know what style and story will be found inside. I'm not a big fan of either this week, but am going to go with the UK cover. I find the US cover just a bit blah. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Two Lives of Lydia Bird?

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

Heart of Junk - Luke Geddes

And now for something completely different..... I loved the cover of Luke Geddes' new book Heart of Junk - all those little pieces of treasure. Or, depending on your viewpoint, junk.

I love flea markets, antique stores, garage sales etc. Geddes has set his book in the fictional Heart of America antique mall in Wichita, Kansas. There's lots of excitement at the mall - Mark and Grant from the tv show Pickin’ Fortunes are rumored to be coming to Heart of America to film an episode. Young Lindy Bobo is also missing - and the vendors decide to help with the search, hopefully finding her and adding that to their television story.

Okay, that's the premise - which absolutely hooked me. But, it was the seven characters and their inner thoughts and personal stories that kept me listening to 'just one more chapter'. I thought all of them were really well written - there's a wild range of misfit heading into unraveling happening here. Geddes caught me off guard more than once with a revelation unexpectedly dropped into the narrative. And then the story would veer in a direction that I didn't see coming.

But, there's also a look at collecting, hoarding, saving, keeping, selling and finding solace with 'stuff'. Or purging. Honestly, you'll never look at a Barbie Doll the same again.

I chose to listen to Heart of Junk. This audiobook features an ensemble of readers. I really like when there is a cast - it makes it easy to know who is 'talking' and makes the book a little more 'real', if you will. The readers were Samantha Desz, Arthur Morey, George Newbern, Rebekkah Ross and Jacques Roy - which includes a number of my favorites. The reader chosen for each character was perfect and matched the mental images I had come up with. Each voice was clear and easy to understand. They all captured their piece of the plot well. (Ronald scared me....) I've said it before and I'll say it again - I find I become more immersed in a story by listening.

Hear of Junk was a wonderfully fun, quirky, satirical, entertaining novel. It kept me engaged from first page 'til last. You're either going to love it or leave it. This listener loved it. Here's an audio excerpt of Heart of Junk.

Over the Counter #435

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? I wish I'd tried something like this when I was younger....

Vanlife Diaries: Finding Freedom on the Open Road Hardcover by Kathleen Morton, Jonny Dustow and Jared Melrose.

From Ten Speed Press:

"A photography book celebrating the nomadic lifestyle and community of vanlife through interviews, essential advice for living on the road, and more than 200 photos of tiny rolling homes.

Inspired by the blog and Instagram account, Vanlife Diaries is an inspiring and detailed look into the world of the rolling homes built and occupied by a new generation of modern nomads: a range of professionals and creatives who have ditched conventional houses for the freedom of the road and the beauty of the outdoors. More than 200 photographs feature the vanlifers, their pets, and their converted vans and buses--VWs, Sprinters, Toyotas, and more--with the interiors uniquely customized and decorated for their work and hobbies, as well as the stunning natural locations that are the movement's inspiration. Interviews and narrative captions share the stories of these nomads and how they decided to pursue vanlife, and provide practical tips and inspiration for downsizing, finding and converting your vehicle, and working and living on the road."

(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 Tenant - Katrine Engberg

Are you a Scandi mystery fan? Yes? Then you're going to want to pick up Danish author Katrine Engberg's debut novel, The Tenant, just released in the US.

A young woman is found murdered in her apartment with curious cuts on her face. Her landlady Esther, who also lives in the building, is a budding novelist. And her work in progress just happens to have a murder that is eerily similar to the tenant's death. Is she a murderer? Or is one of her numerous friends a killer? Could someone be targeting her for another reason?

On the case is the police detective duo of Anette and Jeppe. This pair are a large part of my enjoyment of The Tenant. They play well off each other with very different personalities. I found myself a bit more drawn towards Jeppe, as he fights his way back from some hard circumstances. The banter between the two is entertaining. And their sleuthing skills are sharp. I would read another book featuring these two leads.

I thought things were headed one way, but Engberg keeps the reader guessing with additional bodies and further revelations. There was no way to predict the last 'ta-da'. I did find it a wee bit of a stretch by the final pages.

Engberg fleshes out her characters well, not just the leads, but the other players as well, making them more believable and this allows them bring more to the story. The pacing is measured in The Tenant, taking a more circuitous route to the final whodunit. I enjoyed the journey!

I chose to listen to The Tenant, based on who the narrator was - Graeme Malcolm - one of my all time favorites. He has such a rich, sonorous voice that is a real pleasure to listen to. It grabs and holds the listener's attention. It has a nice gravelly undertone as well. His inflection and tone capture and interpret both characters and plot extremely well. Listen for yourself - here's an audio excerpt of The Tenant.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #297

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

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

US Hard copy cover

US Kindle cover

Recipe for A Perfect Wife by Karma Brown just released in December 2019. It was on my wish list, but I didn't manage to snag a review copy. It looks like an interesting read. The US hard copy cover is on the left and the US kindle cover is on the right. Hmm, pretty similar eh? Why the choice to hide the image I wonder? Yes, you can tell its a 50's housewife behind those labels. Maybe to convey something 'covered up'? Personally I like the uncovered kindle image much better. I like the image and find the font and colors grab me more. So, Kindle is my choice this week. Have you read this title yet? 

Any plans to? Which cover do you prefer?

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

The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow

Yes, my usual fare is mystery and suspense, but I like to step away and read something completely different every so often. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow was my latest read - a foray into fantasy.

1900. January lives with her guardian in a sprawling mansion filled with treasures, oddities and more. Her father works for Mr. Locke, travelling the world looking for the unusual. Mr. Locke seems to view January as one of those unusual finds. January often explores forgotten rooms and comes across an unusual book one day. A book that speaks of other worlds, wonders, love and adventure. And all you have to do is find.....the doors that lead to those other worlds.

I loved this premise! Who hasn't wondered about unseen and unknown worlds just waiting to be found. Having to find a door was the perfect key. I couldn't wait to see what Harrow had imagined. And what January might find.

What I found was a magical tale that took me on a wondrous adventure with surprises around every corner - and through every door. The writing is beautiful and the pacing is measured. I quite enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone.

Over the Counter #434

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? It was the picture that caught my eye. But, you'd most definitely need mittens in Newfoundland this past week!

Saltwater Mittens: From the Island of Newfoundland, More Than 20 Heritage Designs to Knit by Christine LeGrow and Shirley Anne Scott.

From the publisher, Boulder Publications:

"Woolen mittens have long been a Newfoundlander’s best friend. The warmer the better. In a quirky climate of freeze, thaw, blow, and drizzle, good mittens made all tasks easier—to split birch, hammer a nail, gut a fish, draw and haul water, hang clothes on a line, shoot a seabird, or snare a rabbit. Social life, too, always required the finest mittens and gloves. This continues today."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Giveaway - The Wife Before Me - Laura Elliot

Calling all suspense readers! I've got a great giveaway for you today! Laura Elliot's latest North American release is The Wife Before Me.....and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"One evening as the sun is setting, Amelia Madison’s car slides into the sea off Mason’s Pier. Her body is never found.

Two years later, Elena Langdon meets Nicholas Madison. She is grieving the loss of her mother, he is grieving for his wife. Together they can help each other. Now Elena is living with Nicholas. But Elena doesn’t really know him. She doesn’t know what he is capable of.

And she doesn’t know what really happened to Amelia. Until the day she discovers the torn page of a letter and the words she reads chill her to the bone. Elena must find the person who wrote these letters if she is to save herself.

A totally breathtaking page-turner about the darker side of love and what really goes on behind closed doors. This book will have you gripped from the very first page until the dramatic final twist." Read an excerpt of The Wife Before Me.

Laura Elliot was born in Dublin, Ireland. She lives in Malahide, a picturesque, coastal town on the north side of Dublin.

Writing as June Considine, she has twelve books for children and young adults. Her short stories have appeared in a number of teenage anthologies and have also been broadcast on the radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.

If you'd like to read The Wife Before Me, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends February 1/20.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #296

- 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

Canadian cover

I quite enjoyed Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven. I was excited to see that she has a new book coming out. The Glass Hotel releases this Spring. The US cover is on the left and the Canadian cover is on the right. Two very different looks. Water figures into both. The Canadian cover image depicts the journey (boat) and the stars. It's quite stark. The US cover seems to depict the destination. I like the look of that misty, mysterious wee island. I'm going to go with the US cover this week. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Glass Hotel?

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

Over the Counter #433

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? I have always been fascinated with 'little' things...

The Book of Minis: Inside the Big World of Tiny Things by Kate Esme Unver.

From Black Dog and Leventhal:

"Embrace the not-so-small world of minis–and your own tiny book!

From teeny burgers and minuscule handbags to furniture no larger than a quarter, this mind-blowing collection of squeal-worthy miniatures features more than 250 of the tiniest creations from all over the world.

Kate Ünver, a lifelong collector of nearly 1,000 items, has curated unique and extraordinary miniatures on her Instagram account, @dailymini, since 2012. In The Book of Mini, she selects hundreds of pieces of artwork–many of which have never been seen before–and organizes them into sections on tiny food, diminutive wildlife, petite pottery, and more. Also included are interviews with collectors and artists exploring their methods, influences, and how they came to adore everything mini.

Featuring hundreds of photographs and a collectible miniature book, The Book of Mini is a must-have book for the tiny lover in your 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!)

The Poison Garden - Alex Marwood

I stumbled across Alex Marwood's writing back in 2013 with her debut and Edgar Award winning novel, The Wicked Girls. (my review) I've been hooked ever since. Each of her novels has been completely different, unexpected and addicting. Her latest is The Poison Garden - and it too was a story I couldn't predict.

Romy was a toddler when her mother moved them to The Ark, a cult who is waiting and prepping for the end of the world. (Marwood does a great job of world-building with the cult.) They know they will be saved. As we find out from the first chapter, the end of the world comes - for The Ark. Romy is thrust back into the 'world of the dead' as The Ark referred to the outside world. She has to learn how to adapt to this world - and the family her mother left behind.

Marwood tells Romy's story in a past and present timeline. We learn about the cult/commune before the downfall - the pracitces and beliefs, the members and what led up to the the demise of The Ark. But how did Romy survive? We're with Romy from her first day back in the 'real world'. Those time lines progress until they ultimately meet. I love this method of storytelling. The back and forth had me up late, needing to know what is happening on each side of that final resolution and reading 'just one more' chapter.

Marwood kept me on my toes - there was no way to predict where this story was going to go. I so appreciate being surprised by a plot. Marwood's prose flow easily. And as before, I didn't see the ending coming. It finished the book, but left some nice little what-ifs to keep the reader wondering.

Alex Marwood is a pseudonym for a London journalist and her books have a gritty, authentic feel to them. The Poison Garden was another dark and delicious read. Here's an excerpt of The Poison Garden.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #295

- 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 35th (!!!) entry, The Museum of Desire, in Jonathan Kellerman's long running Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis series releases in February on both sides of the pond. I quite enjoyed this series when it first came out and kept up for awhile, but am about 15 behind at this point. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. First difference is the use of color vs. black and white. The US cover image does indeed resemble a (colorful) museum setting. At first I thought that it was light bulbs hanging down, but looking closer it is balls on strings. It's different, calling a vortex to mind. The UK cover has a very noir, crime scene feel to it. Like a lot of UK covers, there's a tagline. But I'm not sure 'One Night of Hedonism' would really draw me in. Neither cover is really calling out to me this week. But if forced to choose, I will go with the UK cover. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Museum of Desire?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Over the Counter #432

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? The shadowy world of ....... truffles.....

The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs.

From Clarkson Potter Books:

"The ultimate truffle true crime tale”*: A thrilling journey through the hidden underworld of the world's most prized luxury ingredient. *Bianca Bosker, New York Times bestselling author of Cork Dork

Beneath the gloss of star chefs and crystal-laden tables, the truffle supply chain is touched by theft, secrecy, sabotage, and fraud. Farmers patrol their fields with rifles and fear losing trade secrets to spies. Hunters plant poisoned meatballs to eliminate rival truffle-hunting dogs. Naive buyers and even knowledgeable experts are duped by liars and counterfeits.

Deeply reported and elegantly written, this page-turning exposé documents the dark, sometimes deadly crimes at each level of the truffle’s path from ground to plate, making sense of an industry that traffics in scarcity, seduction, and cash. Through it all, a question lingers: What, other than money, draws people to these dirt-covered jewels?"

(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!)

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe another year has flown by! I now believe what my grandmother used to say -  time does go by faster - the older we get.

Thanks to all of my readers - I appreciate you stopping by and all of your comments. I wish you health and happiness for 2020! And I'm sure books will be part of that happiness - they always are for me.

Now, I'm not making any resolutions, but maybe some changes. This is the twelfth year for my blog and for most of that twelve years, I've usually posted five days a week. Going forward, I can see it being less some weeks as I look to find balance in my life...... ~~Luanne~~