The Lost and the Found - Kevin Fagan

I usually read fiction, but I've found myself becoming more and more interested in non fiction. What is happening, changing, challenging and so much more. What can we do? What is needed?

Kevin Fagan has been boots down for the last twenty plus years, covering homelessness and all that comes with that. He has spent extensive time on the street as a reporter and himself as a young man.

The subtitle says it all - "A True Story of Homelessness, Found Family and Second Chances". We meet Rita and Tyson and are privy to the life stories of these two unhoused people. And yes, drugs do seem to be inexorably tied to being homeless.

Does anyone get out of that life? You'll have to read or listen to the book to find that answer. And all the questions, ideas and strategies that arise with this narrative. See the person. 

Fagan's writing is excellent. I chose to listen to The Lost and the Found. The narrator was Sean Patrick Hopkins and he did a fantastic job of presenting Fagan's work. His voice is easy on the ears and he speaks clearly. His voice moves with the narrative and he captures the tone of the book as it unfold. Hear for yourself - listen to a excerpt of the Lost and the Found.   7.5 hours

Famous Last Words - Gillian McAllister

Gillian McAllister's new book is "Famous Last Words".

I always take a good look at the cover of a book before I start to read or listen. The words here lean to the right and feel rushed. Maybe an on the run tale? When you’re turning the last few pages, you’ll see how clever that title is.

Camilla’s maternity leave is up and she’s heading back for work today. She’s more than a little upset that her husband has gone off to work without saying goodbye or have a great first day. Or anything. But when she walks through to her office, the police are there to take her to a building where…her husband has taken three people hostage. Camilla doesn’t know what to say or do. Her husband couldn’t do something like this…Or could he?

This was such a great opener, I was so curious! There’s a great twist right after this introduction. The narrative moves from past and present. We’re privy to Camilla‘s thoughts and another character who was at the kidnapping. Love, hope and grief are explored with a keen eye. Very believable and well written. But for me, that slowed down the initial movement and action I had thought this book and plot would be using. But, I was still curious and needed to know what would happen in the end. This is most definite a character driven tale. 

I chose to listen to Famous Last Words. The narrator was Emilia Fox and she did a great job with interpreting and presenting McAllister's work. Her voice is low with a undertone of velvet that's pleasant to listen to. She speaks clearly and enunciates well. She has captured the emotions of the characters with her voice. A good performance.

Something in the Walls - Daisy Pearce

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Daisy Pearce's new book is Something in  the Walls.

You might be wondering why I included such a large picture of the cover. Well, I wanted to make sure that you could see what’s behind the lath. Did you see the eye? Creepy!

Mina is a newly graduated child psychologist. What she needs to finish her degree, is hours. She thinks she’s found the perfect situation. She gets her hours, the family will benefit from it and Sam, a journalist, will get a great story. They head for a remote village in Britain. Mina will be staying with the family.

Alice is a 13 girl who believes she’s being haunted by a witch. And it doesn’t take Mina long to realize things aren’t as they should be. Oh my gosh, the characters gave me the shivers more than once. The villagers all seem to  believe the same thing. 

Pearce’s prose are just fantastic. She slowly and carefully builds a tale that is hard put down. And just wait for the final chapter…

I chose to listen to Something in the Walls. The narrator was Ana Clements and she did a fantastic job. She provided voices for each character and I built mental images of them using those. She enunciated well and is easy to understand. Her presentation of Pierce’s work was so good, using her voice quiet, loud, menacing, fearful and so much more. And for me, one that I didn’t want to be listening to at night with my creaky floors. You never know...

The publisher compares Something in the Walls to The Haunting of Hill House. I agree.

The Quiet Librarian - Allen Eskens

Allen Eskens is hands down one of my favourite authors. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of his latest - The Quiet Librarian.

Hana works as a librarian and she keeps to herself. She dresses to hide, always with a sweater. When a police detective shows up and asks to speak to her, she knows that her past has finally caught up with the here and now. Someone knows who she is and what she's done.

Eskens interviewed survivors of the Bosnian War of 1990 who came to Minnesota as refugees. Their stories are woven into Eskens' fictional characters as well as time and place. 

Eskens excels at storytelling. The concept, the setting, the history and ... Hana. The mystery was so well drawn - I was truly on the edge of my chair. The book is told in now and then chapters, guaranteed to keep up for 'just another' chapter. And no word of a lie, I had to put the book down many times as the danger overwhelmed me. I wanted a certain ending for Hana. Did I get one? You'll have to find out yourself. A brilliant read! 

Cold as Hell -Kelley Armstrong

I aways get excited when I see that Kelley Armstrong has a new book out. Especially when it's a Haven's Rock novel! The third entry, Cold as Hell, has just arrived. And I feel like I’m settling down with old friends. What’s happening?!

Haven’s Rock is a hidden village up in the Yukon, for those who don’t want to live in a regular town…or can’t. 

 Armstrong has given her lead characters rich personal lives that are always moving forward. I am just as curious about their personal lives as I am in the newest mystery. Detective Casey and her husband Sheriff Dalton are the law in Haven's Rock. 

The book is told from Casey’s point of view. The reader is privy to her thoughts and investigative skills. There's been a horrific murder and it looks to be one of the residents that is the culprit. But who? Armstrong's mysteries are not easy to solve. And a blizzard is not going to make things any easier.

I find that some stories are even better in a audio format. That's the case for this title for me. The narrator was Thérèse Plummer and she did a great job. The voice matched the mental image I'd created for Casey. She has an interesting undertone to her voice that works. She's pleasant on the ears and enunciates well. Voices have been created for other characters including males that are believable and recognizable.  Plummer captured and presented the story very well!

10 hours and 6 minutes

Cold as Hell - Kelley Armstrong

I aways get excited when I see that Kelley Armstrong has a new book out. Especially when it's a Haven's Rock novel! The third entry, Cold as Hell, has just arrived. And I feel like I’m settling down with old friends. What’s happening?!

Haven’s Rock is a hidden village up in the Yukon, for those who don’t want to live in a regular town…or can’t. There's been a horrific murder and it looks to be one of the residents that is the culprit. But who?

Armstrong has given her lead characters rich personal lives that always moving forward.  I am just as curious about their personal lives as I am in regards to the newest mystery. Detective Casey and her husband Sheriff Dalton are the law in Haven's Rock. 

The book is told from Casey’s point of view. I really like her voice and especially her investigative skills. The reader is privy to her thoughts. Armstrong's mysteries are not easy to solve. And a blizzard is not going to make things any easier.

Another excellent read from Kelley Armstrong. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Cold as Hell.

PS. I would start with the previous series, the Rockton books with the first one - City of the Lost. 

Whiteout - R. S. Burnett

Whiteout is new from author R. S. Burnett and Spotify.

I'm often disappointed when a book is labeled as a thriller or suspense title and it misses the mark. But...I'm happy to say that Burnett's book is not one of those! Instead he had me staying up late listening for 'just one more' chapter.

Glaciologist Rachael is one of the last researchers left in the station in  Antarctica. A radio message delivers unbelievable news... and... I'm going to let you discover what's next.

Rachel is a great lead character - she's clever, dogged and strong, mentally and physically. But the odds are against her - alone with dwindling resources.

Burnett does a great job with the setting. Nothing but snow, the unbelievable cold and the wrath of mother nature. 

There's a number of 'Oh I didn't see that coming' that changes the storyline many times.

I chose to listen to Whiteout. I've said it before but I'll say it again. I find that I much myself more immersed in a tale. Thea was definitely the course with Whiteout. The narrator was award winning  Billie Fulford Brown. She is a amazing reader! She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. She captures the fear, the anger and determination of Rachel. And what else follows. An excellent presentation and a great book.

And as the publisher says "perfect for fans of The Martian. I agree.

The Haters - Robyn Harding

Robyn Harding has come up with a great premise in The Haters!

What you ask? Well, the main character is Camryn. She works  as a high school guidance counsellor in the daytime. But on nights and weekends, she works on her novel until…she’s finally published. And the reviews look promising! Until they don't. Someone is working very hard to make sure she fails. The harassment starts with a bad rating and grows until…

I’m not going spoil it for you. I couldn’t believe how insidious it was. Anyone in Camryn’s circle could be the one. Ex-husband daughter, friends, coworkers, boyfriend, her work, her publishing house and more. Initially, I was behind Camryn. But some of her actions and words are self-serving. But on the flipside, Camryn’s dream is to become a noted author and how can you fault that.

 I was really impressed with Harding’s writing and her plotting. I thought I had the culprit, but was proven wrong more than once. And as the book near the final chapters, the culprit was revealed, and I’m happy to say I couldn’t figure it out before the end!

Kudos to Robin Harding for another great suspense read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Haters.

The Inheritance - Trisha Sakhlecha

I saw that Sophie Hannah had given Trisha Sakhlecha’s latest book - The Inheritance - a thumbs up. I enjoy Hannah’s work and if she liked this one, I was sure I would also. Well, the truth is I loved this book!

The book is set on a private island owned by the Agarwal family. They've gathered to celebrate Raj and Shalini's 40th anniversary. Their three adult children also have another item on the agenda...

Sakhlecha does a wonderful job of creating her characters  - I could easily imagine them. Did I like them? My opinion changed with every revelation.

Sakhlecha carefully drops hooks as the book progresses. Events are alluded to, but not fully detailed. Under that veneer of civility are old hurts, secrets, anger, loss and more. 

More than one character is given a voice and the reader is privy to their thoughts - and actions. I applaud the plotting and the end. I totally did not see that coming!

 A great read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Inheritance.