Alone in the Wild - Kelley Armstrong

Oh, I have been eagerly awaiting the next entry in Kelley Armstrong's 'Rockton' series. The fifth book, Alone in the Wild, releases today - and it's a fabulous read!

For those of you who haven't read this series yet (and you need to!), Rockton is a hidden, off the grid town up in the wilds of the Yukon. The residents? Yeah, they're all running from something or hiding from someone. Nobody asks too many questions. But even this town needs some laws - and someone to enforce them. That's where Detective Casey Duncan comes in - she was a homicide cop 'down south'. She and Sheriff Eric Dalton are partners at work - and at home. The first four books have let us get to know the lead characters, the residents, the dynamics and follow along as Casey and Eric work cases.

In Alone in the Wild, the pair are on a rare weekend off, camping out in the woods when Casey finds a baby - alive, but in the arms of a dead woman.....

What makes this series one of my absolute favourites? I am fascinated with the setting and Armstrong's world building. A town full of secrets offers up so many possibilities for storytelling. And the idea of a hidden town? Who's to say there isn't? Armstrong has slowly eked out the details of the town and what lies beyond it's fences over the course of the last four books. In this entry, most of the action and story takes place outside the town in the wilds of the Yukon. Rockton residents aren't the only ones in the area. There are those who have chosen to leave town and make their home elsewhere in the wilderness. There are the First Settlement residents who live a rougher but recognizable life. But, there are also Hostiles - people who have reverted to an almost animalistic state. And a few who live alone. I've been itching to find out more about these 'outsiders' and Alone in the Wild finally gives us some answers. But there are still questions and more to learn. I'm hooked!

What else? The characters. Casey is a strong female lead - tough, intelligent and determined - but not perfect. Eric is just as well drawn. The two together make a great team. I'm not a big romance reader, but Armstrong does it well. Their relationship is believable, not 'over the top' and enhances the book, rather than being the main focus. The main core of residents are very eclectic (and dangerous) and I enjoy what they bring to the books as well. I must say, I very much like the new addition of Storm the dog - her chuffing and baleful looks speak volumes.

And last, but certainly not least are the mysteries/cases in every book. They're unpredictable, intriguing and impossible to figure out ahead of the ending. Twists and turns along the way kept me guessing. And the action had me on the edge of my seat.

Sorry, one more thing - the writing. Armstrong's work is just so, so...well, so readable! And addictive. I am immediately engrossed in the first few pages of her novels and get quite annoyed when someone interrupts me! See for yourself - here's an excerpt of Alone in the Wild.

This reader can't wait for the sixth book!

Giveaway - Crooked River - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Calling all Pendergast fans! Crooked River (#19!) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child has just released - and I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"Racing to uncover the mystery of several light green-shoe-clad severed feet found floating in the Atlantic, Agent Pendergast is faced with most inexplicable challenge of his career in this installment of the #1 NYT bestselling series.

A STARTLING CRIME WITH DOZENS OF VICTIMS.

Appearing out of nowhere to horrify the quiet resort town of Sanibel Island, Florida, dozens of identical, ordinary-looking shoes float in on the tide and are washed up on the tropical beach–each one with a crudely severed human foot inside.

A GHASTLY ENIGMA WITH NO APPARENT SOLUTION.

Called away from vacation elsewhere in the state, Agent Pendergast reluctantly agrees to visit the crime scene–and, despite himself, is quickly drawn in by the incomprehensible puzzle. An early pathology report only adds to the mystery. With an ocean of possibilities confronting the investigation, no one is sure what happened, why, or from where the feet originated. And they desperately need to know: are the victims still alive?

A WORTHY CHALLENGE FOR A BRILLIANT MIND.

In short order, Pendergast finds himself facing the most complex and inexplicable challenge of his career: a tangled thread of evidence that spans seas and traverses continents, connected to one of the most baffling mysteries in modern medical science. Through shocking twists and turns, all trails lead back to a powerful adversary with a sadistic agenda and who–in a cruel irony–ultimately sees in Pendergast the ideal subject for their malevolent research." Read an excerpt of Crooked River.

And if you'd like to read Crooked River, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no po boxes please. Ends Feb. 22/20.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #299

- 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

No Bad Deed is Heather Chavez's debut novel. What caught my eye was the blurb from Lee Child on both covers. And this descriptor has landed it on my ever teetering TBR pile."A gripping new thriller that fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay will read in one sitting". The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both covers are a bit lurid IMO. The US cover features ominous colors, dark stormy night and tag line.The rain is also present on the UK cover, complete with the ever popular woman's face in the rear view mirror. View of car outside vs. view from in car. Easy choice for me this week - US. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read No Bad Deed?

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

When We Were Vikings - Andrew David MacDonald

I was intrigued by the publisher's description of Andrew David MacDonald's debut novel, When We Were Vikings.

"A heart-swelling debut for fans of The Silver Linings Playbook and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." And yes, that descriptor is spot on!

Twenty one year old Zelda is a Viking enthusiast. She also has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She is high functioning, but her view of the world is seen through a different set of eyes. Zelda lives with her brother Gert. They've agreed to a set of rules that is posted in their apartment. But, money is tight and when Zelda suspects that Gert is operating outside the rules, she sets herself a quest."...Zelda finds herself in a battle that tests the reach of her heroism, her love for her brother, and the depth of her Viking strength."

Oh, where to start? Zelda is such a wonderfully drawn lead character. The reader can't help but be on her side, urging her forward, fearing for her safety and discovering what we might take for granted, as she also navigates her own coming of age. The supporting cast is just as wonderful - her brother's girlfriend AK47 is a calming influence, her therapist is the voice of reason, her boyfriend Marxy and the rest of the gang at the community center are inclusive and without guile. Gert is a complex character and I appreciate his struggles as he tries so hard to raise himself and Zelda. The 'villains'? Yes, you will love to hate them.

I love that MacDonald kept things 'real' with Zelda. She sees Viking lore and values as a guide for living, but she's still a young woman exploring her sexuality, the meaning of love, the responsibility of family, finding a place for herself and so much more.

When We Were Vikings was an unexpected, captivating, heart string tugging (and nail biting in some spots!) tale. I can't wait to read what MacDonald writes next.

I chose to listen to When Were Vikings. The reader was Phoebe Strole. Her voice was perfect for Zelda. She has a younger tone of voice and it absolutely matched the mental image I had created for Zelda. She also captures Zelda's personality and outlook with her intonation, speed, volume and emphasis. Voices used for the rest of the cast were just as well done. Strole speaks clearly and is very easy to understand. I've said it before and I'll say it again - listening to a book immerses me in the story. And in the case of When We Were Vikings, I know that I enjoyed listening to Zelda's story so much more than I would have by reading. (But either way, you're going to love it!)Listen for yourself - here's an audio excerpt of When We Were Vikings.

And remember - "We are all legends of our own making." Absolutely recommended.

Over the Counter #436

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? I'm dizzy just thinking about it...

The Man Who Walked Backward: An American Dreamer's Search for Meaning in the Great Depression by Ben Montgomery.

From Little Brown:

"From Pulitzer Prize finalist Ben Montgomery, the story of a Texas man who, during the Great Depression, walked around the world — backwards.

Like most Americans at the time, Plennie Wingo was hit hard by the effects of the Great Depression. When the bank foreclosed on his small restaurant in Abilene, he found himself suddenly penniless with nowhere left to turn. After months of struggling to feed his family on wages he earned digging ditches in the Texas sun, Plennie decided it was time to do something extraordinary — something to resurrect the spirit of adventure and optimism he felt he’d lost. He decided to walk around the world — backwards.

In The Man Who Walked Backward, Pulitzer Prize finalist Ben Montgomery charts Plennie’s backwards trek across the America that gave rise to Woody Guthrie, John Steinbeck, and the New Deal. With the Dust Bowl and Great Depression as a backdrop, Montgomery follows Plennie across the Atlantic through Germany, Turkey, and beyond, and details the daring physical feats, grueling hardships, comical misadventures, and hostile foreign police he encountered along the way. A remarkable and quirky slice of Americana, The Man Who Walked Backward paints a rich and vibrant portrait of a jaw-dropping period of history."

(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 the 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 Authenticity Project – Clare Pooley

I just knew from the first few pages that I was going to love Clare Pooley's debut fiction novel, The Authenticity Project. Trust me, you will too....

An older, lonely widower/artist who has spent the last fifteen years pretty much by himself in his home is determined to get back out into the world. He comes up with an idea.....he writes his truth in a green notebook and leaves it on a table in a local cafe.....and The Authenticity Project is begun.

"Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead? The one thing that defines you, that makes everything else about you fall into place. Not on the internet, but with those real people around you? Maybe nothing. Or maybe telling that story would change your life, or the life of someone you've not met me. That's what I want to find out."

What a great premise eh? I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Well, the notebook is picked up again and again - and the lives of six strangers intersect.....

I loved Pooley's characters - they're all wonderfully drawn, strengths, foibles and all. (And yes, I'd like to be sitting around the table with them at the back of the cafe.) I was immediately invested in their lives and kept quickly turning pages to see who would next pick up the book. The narrative moves from player to player and again and this only ensured I couldn't put the book down. Those intersections get more and more complicated, changes happen and I certainly didn't see some of them coming. Some I liked, some I didn't, but they were all 'just right' for the book.

Pooley's writing is so easy to read, flows so easily and is utterly addictive. If you're looking for a warm, feel-good, uplifting, unexpected, just be yourself tale, this is one you'll want to read. After I turned the last page, I wondered - what would happen if someone actually did this? Here's an excerpt of The Authenticity Project.

"If we all stopped making each other feel sad and inadequate by pretending to be perfect, and instead opened up about our struggles, we would all be much happier, and feel less alone." Clare Pooley.

This is easily one of my favourite reads for 2020 - and yes, I know we're only in February!

Giveaway - Framed - S.L. McInnis

Happy Monday! Let's brighten the day up with a great giveaway! Framed by S. L McInnis releases tomorrow - and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"How much can you trust your closest friend?

Beth Montgomery seems to have the perfect life: a beautiful house in the hills above Los Angeles, a handsome, ambitious husband, and plans of starting a family. So it doesn’t occur to her to worry when the news breaks of a quadruple homicide across town, a botched drug deal that leaves an undercover officer among the dead. Beth certainly would never think to tie the murders to the sudden reappearance in her life of wild, sexy Cassie Ogilvy, the estranged best friend she hasn’t seen since they were college roommates.

As Cassie confidently settles into Beth’s new life, making herself comfortable not only in Beth’s guestroom but with her husband as well, it becomes increasingly clear that her old friend has a lot to hide. But it isn’t until a shocking late-night phone call, and Cassie’s even more startling disappearance, that Beth begins to understand that her world, as she knew it, is gone forever.

Unfurling over the span of three fraught, heart-pounding days, McInnis’s masterful suspense debut is fast-paced and diabolically unpredictable–a fresh, surprising, and powerfully smart twist on the traditional thriller." Read an excerpt of Framed.

"S.L. McInnis was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada in 1963. She has a degree in Broadcasting and has worked in public television and radio. Like the main character in Framed, she studied music for years. When not reading or writing, she binges crime dramas and true crime documentaries. She lives in Toronto with her husband, once a TV-Vice President, now a chef. Framed is her suspense debut. She's currently working on a true crime thriller and is also outlining the sequel to Framed."You can like S. L. McInnis on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

If you'd like to read Framed, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends Feb 15/20.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~~

Happy, Merry, Joyful...

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

Merry Christmas!!

Luanne

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

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

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

US cover.

UK cover

I read Sarah Pinborough's first book, Behind Her Eyes. I was 

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

Any plans to read Dead to Her? Which cover do you prefer?

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

Over the Counter #431

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

"Ghost Hunting for Dummies by Zak Bagans.

From Dummies Books:

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

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

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

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

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

Perception: A Photo Series - KC Adams

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

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

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

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

Giveaway - Hindsight by Iris and Roy Johansen

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

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

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

US cover

UK cover

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

 Any plans to read A Conspiracy of Bones?

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

Over the Counter #430

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

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

From IMM Lifestyle Books:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway - Vanishing Girls - Lisa Regan

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

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

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

US/Canadian cover

UK cover

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

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

Over the Counter #429

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

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

From Knoph Books:

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

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

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

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

Christmas Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

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

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

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

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

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

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