Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder - Kerryn Mayne

I liked the cover of Kerryn Mayne's debut novel - Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder. But I loved the story so much! 

Lenny is a primary teacher - she's never missed a day or forgotten to plan for the next day. She eats the same thing each day, rides her bike everywhere and plays Scrabble with Monica from Friends. Well, she plays Monica's tiles as well as her own. There is order and peace to her life.

"It had taken considerable effort and time to get to this point and she was not planning on disrupting the perfectly good order of things."

Yes, she's a bit odd, but she is kind to everyone she meets, thinking the best of others. Her students love her, but the some of other the teachers are downright cruel to Lenny. Oh, they made me so mad! There's always a mean girl in a school - and this time it's a teacher.

The cracks start to show in Lenny's carefully built defenses. A conversation with the grocery man, her next door neighbor needing some help and a few other connections open the gates a crack and.....well I'm going to let you find out what's next...

You'll have an idea what the past might hold, but I didn't have the whole picture until the final chapters arrived.

 

Mayne gives Lenny a neat device for defusing her anxiety. She'll take a word and rearrange the letters for other words that fit what's going on.

This was such a great read! There's a lot going on and I just wanted things to work out for Lenny.  

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Lenny Marks Get Away With Murder. 

Off the Air - Christine Estes

Off the Air is Christine Estes's debut novel from St. Martin's Press.

The cover images seem to promise a light-hearted murder mystery.The body belongs to a controversial shock jock named Larry Lemmon at Station KFRK in Phoenix, Arizona. And although the police are involved in the case, it is the view from the newshounds we are following. One in particular - Jolene Garcia.

Estes herself is a reporter in Phoenix. She brings a behind the scenes perspective to Off the Air. There's lots of detail about the battle for a story within one office, as well as between stations/outlets. It's frenetic and more than a little dodgy. The reporters and photographers walk a thin line using questionable tactics and judgement. It certainly made me think about the news I watch and read every day. How was it obtained? Is it the truth? And yes, news reporting has certainly changed over the years.

Jolene is intent to be the one to crack the murder. I applauded her determination, but I have to say I didn't like her.

To me the murder itself is not really the focus of Off the Air. Instead it's the hunt for the next sound bite. Somewhere around page 100, I started to skim some of the details of diving into a van and racing to a site or knocking on a door repeatedly after someone saying no to her. There is, of course, a final whodunit, but it felt like an add on, too little, too late.

There's also some warning re: triggers. I feel this should have been in the first few pages and not at the end. 

Just okay for this reader. Estes does indeed knows what she writes. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Off the Air.

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder - C. L. Miller

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is C.L. Miller's wonderful debut novel.

The cover immediately caught my eye. It promised a great read - and it delivered. I've become addicted to cozy murder tales lately. 

I liked that Miller introduced the book herself. I'm always curious about how a plot is devised. Miller has lots of background herself in the antique world and that adds a great deal to the book.

What is the plot you ask? From the publisher "...a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts." 

Ahh, an isolated manor in England? Perfect setting of course. A wealth of characters to choose from for the 'culprit'. Check. (And I admit, I had picked wrongly for final reveal! Freya is a lead character you'll quite like. Her personal life is tied to the past - will she take her life back? Her Aunt Carole is a great choice for the supporting role. Her acting skills and personality are fun. 

The premise is a good one, the setting is perfect for this tale, it's a wonderful debut and I would be quite happy to see Freya again! Or another book from Miller.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder.

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder - C. L. Miller

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is C.L. Miller's wonderful debut novel.

The cover immediately caught my eye. It promised a great listen - and it delivered. I've become addicted to cosy murder tales lately. 

I liked that Miller introduced the book herself. I'm always curious about how a plot is devised. Miller has lots of background herself in the antique world and that adds a great deal to the book.

What is the plot you ask? From the publisher "...a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts." Ahh, an isolated manor in England? Perfect setting of course. A wealth of characters to choose from for the 'culprit'. Check. (And I admit, I had picked wrongly for final reveal! Freya is a lead character you'll quite like. Her personal life is tied to the past - will she take her life back? Her Aunt Carole is a great character for the supporting role. Her acting skills and personality are fun to see and hear. 

The premise is a good one, the setting is perfect for this tale, is a wonderful debut and I would be quite happy to see Freya again!

I chose to listen to The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder. The reader was Emilia Fox and she was a great choice. Her voice is rich and she has a lovely English accent. Her voice is so easy on the ears. The pacing was just right. She has lots of movement in her speaking, capturing the tension, action and emotions of the book. Fox interprets and presents Fox's work very well. I think this one worked better as an audio book for me. Also, there's a great interview at the end with C. L. Miller. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder.

The Cleaner - Brandi Wells

The Cleaner is Brandi Wells' debut novel. 

The Cleaner is the lead character - her real name is never used or mentioned. She works nights in an office building and is fond of the fourth floor. Or I should say, she is fond of those who work there. But, she's never met any of them. However, she's come to know them through their desks, what she finds in their drawers, what's left out on top, what they've left in the fridge, and what's on their computers. She's got names for everyone, but not their real ones. Instead it's Yarn Guy, Mr. Buff, Mr. Trying Too Hard and so many more.

"I clean the offices and bathrooms and lobby five nights a week, but my actual job is to take care of everyone. They need so much help." "I see it all the time. These are the people need me the most.

As the book continued I wondered what that help would look like. How does she know what they need? Why does she do this? Is she dangerous? Or lonely? The only other people she talks to are the night security guard and delivery person. They too are only named with a single letter - M and L.

Wells has created a character that had me changing my perception of her from chapter to chapters. It's hard to not feel for her. She needs to be needed and has found a way to get that, albeit without the recipients being aware of what goes on at night.

The book was a slow burn for me, with things being repeated their way to the final pages. I thought the plotline might be headed to a different ending than the one Wells has written. It is fitting though,

I think there's a good lesson woven into the book, alongside our protagonist's needs. Truly, just treat everyone as you want to be treated. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Cleaner. 

 

The Expectant Detectives - Kat Ailes

The Expectant Detectives is Kat Ailes' debut novel. Now, three guesses - what might these amateur detectives night have in common? If you said 'they're all pregnant' - you're a winner. 

Alice and her partner Joe have moved to Penton, a small village in the Cotswolds. Of course! Penton is home to a varied (and quirky) bunch of residents. The population is down one when a local shopkeeper is found dead downstairs in his shop - while Alice is upstairs at the same shop attending her prenatal class. 

As they're all suspects now - (bar one) four of the women decide to band together to help the local constabulary find the culprit. The group is made up of a wonderful group very different women.

Alice is our lead character and honestly, her actions and dialogue had me laughing out loud. Ailes is a funny woman and writer. Now I have to mention the four footed character Helen - Alice's dog. Again, very funny. She steals the show in a few places.

And what about the crime? Ailes gives us lots of possibilities for the whodunit. And has us questioning just about everyone's innocence. It wasn't easy to suss out the final ah ha!

Fans of Finlay Donovan will love this new series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Expectant Detective.

Dead Tired is the follow up to The Expectant Detectives, coming out on June 4/24. It's most definitely on my 'want to read' list!

Rabbit Hole - Kate Brody

Rabbit Hole is Kate Brody's debut novel.

What do you think of when you hear 'rabbit hole'? I always think of Alice in Wonderland. "Down the rabbit hole" is an English-language idiom or trope which refers to getting deep into something, or ending up somewhere strange." The title is quite apt for Brody's book.

Teddy's older sister Angie went missing ten years ago. When Teddy's father dies, it triggers something for Teddy. Maybe Angie's still alive, maybe she can find her. Perhaps the amateur sleuths on Reddit can help? These thoughts and actions start the journey to the rabbit hole for Teddy.

I was caught up in the idea that maybe Angie was alive. There are clues that lean towards that premise. But, there are just as many that point another way. Teddy is caught up the investigation either way and it consumes her. She's not herself - or is she? Brody plays with the reader, keeping us guessing. I wanted to shout at Teddy, asking her to open her eyes to see what she is doing to herself and her life. She's most definitely an unreliable protagonist. I'm not sure how I feel about her.

Now, the mystery of Angie drives the book forward. But the questions of family, loss, love, guilt dysfunction and more are explored through Teddy's family, old and new friends, co-workers and more.  

Rabbit Hole is an unsettling read and those last few pages are food for thought. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Rabbit Hole. 

Anna O - Matthew Blake

There are a slew of new books being released in the first few weeks of January 2024. The one I've hearing the most about, is Matthew Blake's debut novel, Anna O. The novel is already set for publication in thirty territories!

Ok, what is it about Anna O that has triggered such a response? Have you heard about crimes being committed by those who sleepwalk? This alone had me going down a (fascinating) rabbit hole. Is it truly possible that someone would have no inkling of what they've done whilst asleep? Even murder?

Lead character Anna can't tell us or her doctors as she never woke up from the night in question. The night two people died was four years ago. Years! Dr. Benedict Prince thinks he can awaken Anna O with his new protocol. 

But Benedict is not the only one interested in the case of Anna O. Armchair detectives will not let the case fade way. Anna O's family, friends, enemies and the law, all want her to wake up and provide answers. The other person the reader hears from? Yup, we are privy to Anna O's thoughts, memories, past and what led up to the 'right now'. There are also many supporting players, each with their own secrets tightly tucked away.

Blake does an incredible job of toying with the readers. What's true? What and who should we believe? I like to think that I'm pretty good at sussing out the perpetrator in a plot. This time I (happily) I didn't. There are a number of twists that were really well done. But, I truly did not see that last twist coming at all!! Kudos Mr. Blake! 

It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I can't imagine what Blake will write next - but I'll be waiting for his book. 

I'm a Fan - Sheena Patel

I really enjoy discovering new authors and reading something new. Sheena Patel's debut novel, I'm a Fan, has won numerous prizes already. This sentence in the publisher's description caught my eye. "I stalk a woman on the internet who is sleeping with the same man as I am."

I'm a Fan is told in a first person stream of consciousness format. The protagonist's thoughts started to build my image of the 'speaker'. Her insecurities, past, wants, needs, anger, desires and more. The man she wants is also sleeping with other women. And so she begins her surveillance. I was caught up in the beginning - but...

Yes, there were buts for me. I was saddened by the fact that she was willing to debase herself in order to have a man who is an ugly, cruel, misogynist. And I was already tired of reading the phrases - 'The man that I am obsessed with' and 'the woman I am obsessed with. That was about page 50 and I realized I wasn't the right reader for this book. I used to 'power through' finishing a book when I wasn't enjoying it. No longer. 

Instead, I encourage you to check out the many five star reviews on Goodreads.

The Housekeepers - Alex Hay

Oh. My. Gosh. The Housekeepers is Alex Hay's brilliant debut novel. 

Say the word 'heist' and I'll watch it, or in this case, read it. (Plus that cover caught my eye.) 

Hay's heist takes place in 1905 London England. Hay does a wonderful job of bringing the time and place to life. Society and mores of the time play a large part in this tale. There's the rich, who want for nothing. And then there are the staff, those who cater to every whim and want of the upper-class. And then there's those outside the manor who do what they need to survive - the con men, thieves and more. 

Hay has created some truly memorable characters, each with their own reasons to undertake the heist of all heists. Mrs. King is the driving force behind the group of six women, all looking for retribution. There are tangled threads of connections amongst them that I didn't see coming. 

Their plan is audacious and bold and the reader can't help but behind them. The details of the 'how' are wonderfully imagined. 

From the author's notes - "And the thrill and joy of writing this novel was to imagine what might have happened if some of the women working below stairs had decided to claim some of that privilege for themselves."

What a inventive, ingenious, captivating read The Housekeepers was! Definitely in my top five for the year. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Housekeepers. 

I received a review copy of this title from the publisher. This in no way influences my opinions. 

Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding

Speak of the Devil is Rose Wilding's debut novel. 

New Years Ave 1999. Seven women are gathered in a hotel room - along with the remains of a man. A man that all seven women have a connection to. Who killed him? Each women says they didn't. Does it matter? Will they be found out? Why are they all together? Why has he been killed?

It's this last question that brings us to know the seven and their connection to Jamie. Jamie - well, he's not a very nice man. Wasn't.

I found it a bit difficult in the beginning chapters to get a handle on and remember who was who. The eighth woman is the female detective running the case. As the book progresses we slowly learn about each of their relationships to Jamie - and each other. The women are all of different ages, so the book goes back and forth from 1964 to 2000, depending on who is 'speaking'. I think it's a big undertaking to have so many viewpoints. I found it to be very busy, and in the end, I hadn't bonded with any of them. 

I think Wilding did a good job with constructing her antagonist. He was perfectly awful. I wasn't totally sold on the women and their situations though. Although they have been wounded, I was angry with more than one of them. I won't say why as I don't want to provide spoilers. But, no man is worth some of the choices made.

The answer to the questions above are answered by the last pages, but the ending was anticlimactic for me. It's a good debut, but it isn't a standout for me.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Colleen Prendergast. She has a rich, full voice that is a treat to listen to. She enunciates well and is easy to understand. Her voice has movement and underlines the emotions and actions of the plot. An excellent performance. See for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Speak of the Devil. 

Gentle readers, there are many triggers and this may not be the book for you.

Camp Zero - Michelle Min Sterling

Camp Zero is Michelle Min Sterling's debut novel. It's a unique, unsettling and addictive read that I just couldn't put down. 

It's 2050 and climate change has decimated much of the world. A group of American investors are secretly planning to build far up in the Canadian North. That's the basic premise - but there's so much more. 

The cast of characters is very different and gives us varying points of view. The investor, the architect, his foreman, the diggers, the six sex workers that were flown in, an English teacher, the 'locals' and women soldiers living in a nearby Cold War-era climate research station. I thought to myself, how in the world will all these players be tied together? They are though - in a devilishly clever plot.

Sterling examines the reasons of each player, what they want, what they need and how they're going to get it. I have to say that I found White Alice's 'whys' and 'hows' were the ones that intrigued me the most.  

There's loads of social commentary in Camp Zero. The stakes are high with the rich building enclaves for themselves, staffed by the lower classes. The blithe idea that they are entitled to the land and it's natural resources. Their own comfort and needs trumps all. Even as the planet is dying. 

Camp Zero's storyline kept me eagerly turning pages as the action and danger is ramped up on the way to the final pages. The ending was not what I had hoped for - but seems to fit the narrative better. 

Camp Zero checked a lot of boxes for this reader - a believable dystopian setting (loved the abandoned mall), interesting characters, a plausible plot and great writing. I look forward to Sterling's next book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Camp Zero. 

The Golden Spoon - Jessa Maxwell

The Golden Spoon is Jessa Maxwell's brilliantly fun debut novel.

 

Okay, hands up if you binge watch baking competitions. Keep them up if you love murder mysteries, especially the 'locked room' kind. Yes? Then this is the book you need to read next.

Six lucky contestants are at beloved celebrity judge Betsy Martin's grand home. Also on the grounds is the tent where the contest will take place. As readers we're privy to the 'behind the scenes' machinations of making the show and what people are like when the cameras stop rolling. I'll stop there as you can just guess what happens right?

I think because I am one of those binge baking watchers, I conjured up very vivid mental images of  both the set and the participants. Fellow watchers will see that Maxwell has created contestants that mirror real show participants. But what I hadn't imagined was the direction that Maxwell would take with her mystery. Each and every character has something they really don't want to bring to light. Each one of them  have point of view in The Golden Spoon, giving the reader lots of opportunity and information to make a guess as to the 'whodunit'. There's more than one mystery woven into the book - and one in particular had me tearing up.

I was whisked away and bowled over by this debut novel. Absolute cozy fun to read, with an Only Bodies in the Building vibe. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Golden Spoon. 

The Writing Retreat - Julia Bartz

The Writing Retreat is Julia Bartz's debut novel. 

Alex works in the publishing industry, but what she really wants is to be an author. She jumps at the chance to attend a month long retreat at the secluded estate of writer Roza Vallo. There will be five attendees, including Alex's former best friend, but she'll deal with that.

From the first night, things feel a little off. Roza's behaviour is mercurial, challenging the five with somewhat uncomfortable discussions - and as things progress - actions. The five acolytes continue to rationalize what's going, until it can no longer can be ignored. There's something very wrong at this retreat...

The book is told through Alex's eyes. And if it was me, I'd be on the next bus home. But there's a snow storm that cuts off their communication, so we're now in a locked room situation. Add in some odd staff and a mansion with a history in addition to the peculiar host. The other attendees are a mixed bunch - almost like you would expect to find in a horror film. There's always one who chooses to go in the basement. 

What's happening in reality is somewhat mirrored in the novel Alex is writing. I do enjoy the plot device of having a book within a book. 

Bartz is a practicing therapist and I can see how her  background has added to the plot. Roza plays a lot of mind games with the five. She's cruel and then kind, keeping the would be authors on edge. Bartz has added a sexual component to her plot line as well as horror elements. (Gentle readers, there are many triggers in this book) 

I'm on the fence with this one. I liked the idea, but I didn't overly enjoy the delivery. Things got into the over the top territory for me. The epilogue tied up many loose ends, but went a bit too long for me.

I did choose to listen to The Writing Retreat. The reader was Gail Shalan and I thought she did a great job. She created a believable voice for Roza that was perfect. Roza is described as having a slight accent and Shalan's reading never missed this. Shalan's voices for Alex and the supporting players are just as good, matching my mental images of them. There's a nice, slight undertone to her voice that's quite pleasant to listen to. The speaking pace is just right. Shalan easily captures the menace and madness of the plot with her voice. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Writing Retreat.

Meredith, Alone - Claire Alexander

Meredith, Alone is Claire Alexander's debut novel. 

In the opening pages, we meet Meredith - who has not left her home in over 1214 days. Now initially, I thought oh, Covid. But no, the book was written prior to that. 

She has a remote job, wonderful friends who understand, an online support group, hobbies such as jigsaw puzzles and baking and a cat named Fred. There is a reason that Meredith has not left. But it's not revealed until we've come to know her better. A then and now narrative allows the listener to see behind the barriers she's erected to stay 'safe'. And the barriers are under siege as the 'then' is knocking on her door, threatening her sanctuary.

Meredith is a wonderfully likeable protagonist. Despite her own issues she's kind, thoughtful and engaging. She has a wonderful circle of support that is just as likable. On the flip side is her family. Especially her mother. Oh, I had a hard time with her. She's deliberately cruel, manipulative and abusive. As the past continues to reveal itself, the trauma Meredith has weathered is so saddening. (There's other trauma besides her mum, but I don't want to supply spoilers, so I'll let you discover those on your own.

Now, that being said, I don't want you to think the narrative is all negative. It's quite the opposite actually. Meredith's journey will have you reaching out for the tissue box, urging her on.  And it's not just Meredith - the supporting players all have their own issues. And that's the thing - everybody has 'something'. 

Alexander has done a wonderful job of bringing difficult scenarios to life in a realistic, believable manner. Gentle readers, there are a number of triggers in this book.

I chose to listen to Meredith, Alone. The reader was Freya Mavor and she was a wonderful choice. Her voice fit the mental image I had for Meredith. Her diction is clear and easy on the ears. She enunciates well and the speed is just right. She has perfectly caught the emotions, actions and situations of the book, bringing the characters to life. This is one of those books that is better having listened and become immersed in the book. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Meredith, Alone.

Wake - Shelley Burr

Wake is Shelley Burr's debut novel - one I quite enjoyed! 

Nannine is a tiny outback town in the center of Australia. Years ago it was a thriving community. Now it's known as the place where young Evelyn McCreery disappeared nineteen years ago. The case is still unsolved and draws many amateur sleuths to the area, all hoping to cash in the reward offer. Mina McCreery is Evelyn's sister. The loss has affected Mina's life greatly - she has become a recluse on her property, refusing to be interviewed or to speak about her sister. Until Lane, a private investigator arrives in Nannine. He has his own reasons for trying to solve the case. And he won't give in.

Burr has written a wonderful debut, successfully combining the mystery itself with the lives, thoughts and actions of the two wounded lead characters. Wake is a slow burn, perfecting suiting the plot. I liked the slow unfurling of clues, with plenty of time to decide if I was right in my guesses for the final whodunit. (I was and I wasn't) I had envisioned another ending, but the one Burr has written absolutely fits what came before.

Burr's own background adds lots of detail and authenticity to both her plot and the setting. I could feel the heat baking the ground, the vast open spaces, the isolation and the loneliness.

I chose to listen to Wake. The reader was Jacquie Brennan and she did a great job. Her Aussie accent is clear and pleasant to listen to. She speaks a good pace and is easy to understand. But I think the best thing was the tone of her voice. It's low, somewhat sultry and has a wonderful gravelly undertone. She never rushes and the pauses and tenor of her performance matches the meatal images and actions of the characters. A great performance of a great debut novel. I would absolutely pick up another by this author. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Wake.

And There He Kept Her - Joshua Moehling

And There He Kept Her is Joshua Moehling's debut novel.

Moehling kicks off his tale with a 'grab you by the throat' opening prologue. Two small town Minnesota teens break into the house of a old man. We're not quite sure what they're after, but things definitely don't go as planned....

We then meet new on the job, Acting Sherriff, Ben Packard. He's got ties to the town and his own secrets that he keeps close to his chest. I quite liked Ben as a lead character. He's smart and more than capable. Moehling has given him an interesting personal life as well. The supporting cast gives us a very competent woman deputy and another deputy not so on the ball. The residents of Sandy Cove are eclectic. And truthfully, it's not a town I would want to live in. 

Moehling has penned a dark, gritty tale. From the publisher: "They thought he was a helpless old man. They were wrong." There's lots of ways for the book to unfold from that initial premise. As readers, we know what's happened in the basement, even as Ben tries to piece things together. Having the advantage of the two narratives definitely ramps up the tension. (Gentle readers - this one may not be the book for you.) 

There's a satisfying ending to And There He Kept Her. But, there's also a door left open for an unanswered question from the past. So, it sounds like there will be another book with Ben Packard - one I would happily pick up. See for yourself - read an excerpt of And There He Kept Her. 

With Prejudice - Robin Peguero

With Prejudice is Robin Peguero's debut novel. 

I quite like legal suspense and am always on the lookout for new authors, so I happily picked up With Prejudice.

Peguero rapidly introduces us to a large group of characters - jury members, prosecution, defense and judge, all involved with a rape/murder case. We meet them in the present, but are then served up a snapshot of their past. A time that they exhibited prejudice - racial, faith, sexual orientation, social status and more. These moments can be tied to the present. 

But....yes, I have a but. Those time periods don't follow a pattern. So, that was difficult to keep track of. Sometimes the jurors are called by name, some by number. Also confusing. 

I agree with Peguero's take on the 'prejudices'. This happens and is indeed an issue. I applaud that part of the book. 

But the execution wasn't great for this reader. I found the courtroom legal machinations to be overly convoluted, with way too much legalese. Peguero has worked as a homicide prosecutor in Miami, so his take on that bit is spot on. But, I found myself skim reading some of those scenes as the end drew nearer. Which took a while for me to reach, as I kept picking up and putting down the book. It didn't hold my interest as I had hoped. Peguero did surprise me with a late entry twist that changed things. The jury is still out for me on the ending. For me it almost negated what had come before. On the other hand, it does show the cracks in our systems.

The prose are staccato, almost presented like court documents. It kept me at arm's length as the depiction of the characters was too clinical. They never became 'real' to me. 

A solid debut, but not a stand out for this reader. See for yourself - read an excerpt of With Prejudice.

Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

I was intrigued by the premise of Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel - Remarkably Bright Creatures. And I was hooked by the first few chapters.

Tova's son Eric died over thirty years ago and her husband is gone as well. She has coped with her grief by cleaning, both at home and on the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She's the only one there at night and often speaks to the creatures who live in the tanks. Including Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. No, he's not a talking octopus, but he is a sentient being.

Tova's grief is tangible, evidenced by the way she cleans and tidies, keeping her heartbreak locked away behind the façade she presents to the world. She's a lead character that you simple can't help like and feel for. There's a quirky group of supporting players. Ethan, the local Sowell Bay grocer - and gossip. And Cameron, a young man who jumps from job to job, searching for what is missing from his life. And a few more as well, including Tova's friends, the Knit Wits.

Tova, Cameron and Marcellus are given voices. The listener can see the tendrils of connection between the three lives. But how Van Pelt weaves those threads is an absolute joy to listen to. Van Pelt deftly explores grief, loss, love, family and friendship in this book. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The ending brought me both joy and sadness.

The narrators were Marin Ireland and Michael Urie. Ireland is a longtime favourite of mine. She's quite talented, providing easily identifiable voices for each character. Tova's voice is crisp, clean and unfailingly polite. The Scottish brogue for Ethan was spot on. As well as a believable voice for Cameron that matched his age and personality. And if that wasn't enough - all of the supporting players had different voices as well. Ireland's reading is clear, well enunciated and easy to understand. Her speed of reading is perfect. Michael Urie's interpretation of Marcellus was absolutely perfect - a dry, droll, sarcastic tone, with a rich timbre. He also conveys the sadness of Marcellus with his voice. Both narrators interpret the plot well and bring Van Pelt's story to life. I've said it before - listening to a book draws me deeper into a story. That's definitely the case here. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Remarkably Bright Creatures. Great book, great performances. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an amazing first book. It's hands down one of my favorites for 2022. I can't wait to see what Van Pelt writes next!

And just because I was curious, I looked up the great Pacific octopus. They are indeed quite intelligent ' "Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus is extremely intelligent and has been observed opening jars and mimicking other species."

Sari, Not Sari - Sonya Singh

Sari, Not Sari is Sonya Singh's debut novel. I really enjoyed it! 

What's it about? From Simon and Shuster: "This delightful debut rom-com follows the adventures of a woman trying to connect with her South Asian roots and introduces readers to a memorable cast of characters in a veritable feast of food, family traditions, and fun."

Our lead character is Manny - the owner of a unique business. 'Breakup' helps people ease the pain of ending their relationships. They'll help find the right way and words to break up - by email and/or text. A fun premise for sure. You'll find email requests at the beginning of each chapter that are quite funny. I found this tidbit reading Singh's bio - "Sari, Not Sari, is an ode to her own personal dating experiences, during which she honed the art of writing the perfect break-up email/text."

Now, following the rom-com formula, Manny has her own relationship issues, there's a client that might just be more than business, a find yourself epiphany for our lead character, a great bunch of quirky supporting characters and the ending that you really want. I quite liked Manny as a lead - she's warm, funny, caring and - she can't see that her fiancée is a bit of a donkey's behind. 

Singh gives us more to love with Manny's search for her South Asian roots and the large, boisterous and loving Patel family. Seriously, I'd love to go to one of their family get togethers - food, family and dancing - what's more to want? (Note that I really like Bollywood movies and can see this novel as a film!)

I loved Sari, Not Sari - what a great debut this was. Pick this one up for the beach bag this summer. 

I look forward to Singh's next book. But for now - read an excerpt of Sari, Not Sari. You can connect with Sonya Singh on her website and on Instagram.