Counterfeit - Kirstin Chen

I've been hearing really good things about Kirstin Chen's new novel, Counterfeit. I happily earmarked  for my summer listening list.

"Ava Wong has always played it safe. As a strait-laced, rule-abiding Chinese American lawyer with a successful surgeon as a husband, a young son, and a beautiful home - she’s built the perfect life."

Uh huh, it looks like the perfect life, but from the inside looking out - not so much. When Winnie Fang, an old schoolfriend, gets in touch, Ava gets caught up in her business. What business you ask? Counterfeit high end handbags. 

Now, I must admit, luxury, 'big name' purses and bags are not something I would want or pursue. I found Chen's descriptions of those that do and the manufacturing of legit and not so legit bags quite fascinating. (And sit peaks to consumerism in a big way)

We meet Ava in part one of the book as she is recounting her story to a police detective. So, from that we know that something has gone wrong in 'the business'. I've gotta say it - I wasn't sure how I felt about Ava. She's unhappy with her husband. Her young son is a bit of a challenge, but it is the nanny who can calm him best. She's is still trying to live up to her family's expectations, even though she is in her thirties. In part two, we get to know Winnie a bit better as she is given a voice. She's a skilled manipulator and a clever thief. I'm going to leave things there to avoid spoilers. Except...the ending isn't quite what I had predicted!

That being said, there are some themes woven in the story as well - racism, cultural, social strata, parenthood, marriage and more. 

I chose to listen to Counterfeit. The narrator is award winning Catherine Ho. She's got a pleasant, modulated voice that's easy on the ears. She speaks clearly and at a good speed.  Discernable voices for each lead character were used. She interprets and presents Chen's work very well. Emotions, situations and actions are brought to life with her voice matching what's happening in the book. Counterfeit is a great summer, beach worthy listen. Hear for yourself - listen to an audiobook excerpt of Counterfeit.

Riding the Lightning - Anthony Almojera

I truly enjoy memoirs, but not those of celebrities, politicians etc. Instead I am drawn to the lives of everyday people going about their work and lives, making a difference, testing limits, exploring our world and more. 

Anthony Almojera's memoir Riding the Lightning: A Year in the Life of a New Your City Paramedic, is one I knew I wanted to listen to. Almojera is a Lieutenant Paramedic with the FDNY's EMS.

Almojera is brutally honest, detailing his own life and sharing personal stories, thoughts and emotions in this memoir. And I couldn't help but think 'I would like to meet this guy in person'. His strong opinions have nothing behind them but betterment for the patients and employees of  the Emergency Medical Services of the New York Fire Department. The first half of the book can be seen as a 'before'. We see what the Paramedics do on a daily basis. The lives saved and the lives lost. And at what cost to those who have chosen this job. 

Part Two is the 'after' if you will. After Covid-19 arrived. And the job got even tougher. The realities of trying to answer so many calls and only getting there to find yet another body is heartbreaking. I am truly in awe of those who kept coming to work, trying to save who they can and do their best, even when it seems futile. The job was tough enough pre Covid, and what they're facing now in these new parameters is simply mind boggling. I could see why Almojera is crusading for for better equipment, sufficient supplies, higher pay and equality for EMS personnel. 

Almojera is Brooklyn born and bred. His love for his city is evident in his descriptions, actions, service and more. 

I chose to listen to Riding the Lighting as the author himself was narrating. I find I become more immersed in a book when I listen. And this was most definitely the case with Riding the Lightning  Having the author read his own work is a treat. Almojera has an authentic Brooklyn accent that I enjoyed listening to. He also has a gravelly tone to his voice that seems to just emphasize the subject matter and underline what's being said. He reading speed was good. I was easily drawn into the book and was caught up 'til the last chapters. You really can't rate someone's life story, but if I had to rate this book, I'd give it a five. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Riding the Lightning.

"Anthony Almojera FDNY EMS lieutenant and vice president of AFSCME DC37 Local 3621, the New York City Fire Department’s EMS officers’ union. He has been profiled on the front page of the Washington Post and featured by CNN, Al Jazeera, USA Today, NPR, the BBC, and numerous other media outlets. Born in Brooklyn, he is a practicing Buddhist and works a third job as an on-site paramedic at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. He lives in Brooklyn." You can follow Anthony on Twitter.

Never Coming Home - Kate Williams

Time for some YA fiction reading in the hammock! What book came with me?Kate Williams' new novel, Never Coming Home. 

Never Coming Home takes a bit of inspiration from Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' Ten teen influencers are invited to be the inaugural guests of a super secret resort on Unknown Island. Upon landing on the island, each guest feels like something is off with the vibe, the accommodations aren't as luxurious as the photos promised and where are all the staff? 

The ten are a diverse group that don't really know each other, but they've checked out each other online. Who has the most followers? Why this group of ten? What's the connection? Well, the connection is a dark one as each guest has a similar secret. And those secrets are about to see the light of day. 

This premise lends itself to so many ways the book could play out. I loved the social media component. Nothing is ever as it appears on a screen, is it? There is a screen in the lounge on Unknown Island.....and someone is posting. 

And then there were nine.

And the methods of dispatch? Decidedly devious! 

I enjoyed trying to figure out who the culprit was, changing my choice quite often. Williams puts a nice spin on the final whodunit with a surprise twist. I did feel the epilogue was a bit too detailed. Shorter and snappier would have matched the pace of what came before.

Never Coming Home was a fun, escapist read that was hard to put down. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Never Coming Home. 

An Island Wedding - Jenny Colgan

Oh, Jenny Colgan can't write fast enough for me! She is hands down one of my favorite authors. Her latest is An Island Wedding.

When I start the newest book, I feel like I'm settling in to catch up with old friends. As well as making some new ones as new characters are introduced with each new entry. Some who may have been in a supporting role in previous tales now take a larger role. But, each and every one of them has a part to play in the tapestry that is the life of Mure. I have my favorite characters - and those who are not. (I'm looking at you Jan)

Colgan keeps her various series moving forward. This time, we return to the wee Scottish island of Mure and the main character Flora. Flora and her fiancé Joel are going to tie the knot at last - on summer solstice. But when a past resident of the island wants to book the hotel on the same weekend, plans change. But are they for the better?

Colgan does a bang up job with the interactions, complications, emotions and feelings of her characters. They ring true. Everyday life, love lost, love found, friendship, family rifts, family uniting and community are the driving forces behind Colgan's plotting.

There's a satisfying ending for this book, but the door has been left open for the next tale. And this listener can't wait!

I chose to listen to this latest. The reader was Eilidh Beaton and she did a fantastic job interpreting and bringing Colgan's characters and setting to life. She has the loveliest Scottish brogue that is easily understood and pleasant to listen to. But honestly, you'd think there was more than one reader presenting the book. Beaton provides so many different voices for the population of Mure. Old, young, male, female and easily identifying the characters. She easily presents the emotions and situations of the Colgan's work. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of An Island Wedding. 

An easy five stars for the book and for the audio performance. I can't wait for the next Jenny Colgan book!

The Self-Made Widow - Fabian Nicieza

I absolutely loved Fabian Nicieza's Edgar Award nominated debut novel, Suburban Dicks. I was thrilled to see that he had penned a follow up The Self-Made Widow. Would it measure up to the five star first book? It did indeed! 

At the center of the cast of characters is Andrea Stern. She was an up and coming profiler with the FBI many years ago. And then she got pregnant, married and now has five children. But does that stop her from investigating? Nope! (Her mothering skills had me laughing out loud more than once.) Andrea has the respect of a number of law enforcement agencies after the last case. The other main character is Kenny Lee. He's a journalist and is flying high on the success that the last case brought to him. The relationship between he and Andrea is, well, complicated. There is a wealth of supporting characters including the Cellulitists - a group of neighborhood mothers.

This latest case involves them directly as one of their husbands has died. But Andrea can't let go of the idea that it was murder, not a natural death. And she's like a dog with a bone...

Okay, fabulous characters that are really well drawn. Check. We met them in the first book and Nicieza has continued fleshing them out, touching on a number of real concerns, thoughts, events and more.

Next? A fantastic plot! This is not a cozy series. The plot premise is so well written and it was difficult to suss out the final whodunit. The reader is along for the ride, presented with the same clues as our characters. 

Wonderfully creative writing. Fun, fresh, different, engaging and just a whole lot of fun to read. Nicieza is the co-creator of  Marvel's Deadpool. Uh, huh that same wry humor, an unusual, intriguing mystery and two decidedly different leads make this another 'can't put it down read.' 

Highly recommended and an easy five stars. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Self-Made Widow. 

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle - Matt Cain

I knew from the first chapters of Matt Cain's new novel, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, that I was going to love it.

Albert is a small town postman in England. He does his best to stay out of the spotlight and do his job, keeping himself to himself. His only company is his cat Gracie. But then he receives notice that as he is turning 65, he must retire. 

My curiosity was piqued. Why does he live such a small life? What has happened in his life? What will he do now, without his job to anchor him? I knew what I wanted to have happen....

Slowly, but surely Albert ventures out into the world, speaking to people, beginning to interact and more. And finally, he decides to rectify his biggest regret, the one that shaped his small world.

Ahh, what a great lead character. You can't help but behind Albert cheering him on as he takes hesitant steps forward. And your heart will break when you learn of the 'why', the 'who' and the how. Just as engaging as Albert are the friends he makes, the community he becomes part of, and the life he finds at sixty five. 

Matt Cain has penned a wonderful feel good listen. It's easy to predict what the end of Albert's odyssey will bring, but the journey there is enjoyable, uplifting and heart warming.

I chose to listen to The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. The reader was Simon Vance - one of my favorites. He has a rich tone to his voice and a lovely British accent, that's very easy on the ears. The voice he initially uses for Albert is hesitant and unsure. But as the book progresses, Albert's voice grows stronger. Vance provides different and identifiable voices for the other characters, including female players. I thought the voice for Nicole was spot on. Vance has captured Cain's work and does a great job of presenting it. The emotions and situations are well portrayed. I've often said that I become more immersed in a book when I listen and this was the case for The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

@MattCainWriter • @recordedbooks • #TheSecretLifeofAlbertEntwistle 

Go Hunt Me - Kelly deVos

Kelly deVos' new YA novel is Go Hunt Me.

I'm usually pretty good at requesting books for myself and rarely have a DNF. I'm sorry to say that Go Hunt Me was one of the rare ones. I adore YA fiction for fun, escapist reading. The premise of Go Hunt Me sounded fun -  teen horror film aficionados heading to Romania (hello Dracula!) to make their own movie. But instead, one by one they're picked off.

What didn't I like - well, the characters for one. Yes, there's the smart one, the shy one, the hunky guy etc. But they're flat and I never connected with any of them. And I lost them in all of the film making minutiae that frankly, I found quite boring after the first few pages. 

And then … we jump the shark, taking Scooby Doo along with us. The reader has to suspend disbelief multiple times as the plot overreaches. That's where I chose to fast forward to the final pages. There's a nice turn at the end, but it's not enough to rescue what came before. 

Others quite enjoyed Go Hunt Me - see the reviews on Goodreads. 

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. 

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting - Clare Pooley

I adored Clare Pooley's first novel, The Authenticity Project. (my review) I was very excited to read her second novel, Iona Iverson's Rules For Commuting. And like the first book, it was a fabulous read and is one of my faves of 2022!

Pooley took inspiration from her own experiences on the train. "I also started to wonder what would have happened if I'd ignored the unwritten rule of commuting and had been brave enough to talk to my fellow commuters. What adventures might those conversations taken me on? And that thought became this book." I loved this premise! The story could go anywhere. 

Iona Iverson rides the train to work every day, sitting in the the same seat along with her dog Lulu (who also has her own seat), which funnily enough, no one ever questions. But Iona's life and many others are destined for change from the opening line...."Until the point when a man starting dying right in front of her on the 08:05, Iona's day had been just like any other." 

I knew from Pooley's first novel, that the plot would be character driven. Oh my, Pooley has again created the most wonderful, eclectic, quirky group of players. They're a mixed bunch - different ages, jobs, social strata, personalities, joys, problems and more. But what they have in common is the train - and Iona.

Each of the train riders is given a voice with their own chapters. They're so well drawn, detailed and relatable. Slowly but surely, with every new chapter, their lives become enmeshed. I came to care for them all and honestly couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what was going to happen with everyone! 

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?

An absolute five star, must read! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting.

Good Husbands - Cate Ray

Good Husbands is Cate Ray's new novel.

From the publisher - "Three wives, one letter, and an explosive secret that will change everything. He said, she said. Who do you believe?"

And that's the question that three women struggle with after receiving a post mortem letter from a young woman who claims she was conceived after her mother was raped. By all three of their husbands. 

The book is told in alternating chapters by their wives - Jessica, Stephanie and Priyanka. Now, the alleged crime is horrific, but Ray's focus is more on the women and their decisions. Could their husband have done this? They begin their own investigation. But, not every wife is on board with opening up old wounds. This was the most interesting part of Ray's premise for me. She takes us inside every marriage, the wives' actions, thoughts, reasoning and decisions. She also explores the interactions between the three women, as well as their own thinking. As a reader, I too made a decision based on my own thoughts about the husbands. We do hear from the past in the form of a diary and more on the road to conclusion.

I think Ray has handled tough subjects with candor and thoughtfulness. Those looking for a thriller won't find it here. But instead a, well written slow burning suspense novel.

There's a nice twist in the final pages. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I was caught off guard for sure. And it somewhat negated what had come before. If' you've read it let me know what you thought. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Good Husbands. 

Gentle readers, there are trigger situations/descriptions, this may not be the book for you.

TJ Powar Has Something to Prove - Jesmeen Kaur Deo

TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is Jesmeen Kaur Deo's absolutely brilliant debut novel.

Why/what/who/where and how you ask? Let's start with the who. Deo's lead character is TJ, a popular senior at high school, first string on the soccer team, a leader of the debate team, a friend to all and is Liam's beautiful girlfriend. 

But what does she have to prove? Well, when her cousin Samrin is the target of a hurtful meme, TJ takes a stand. She will let all of her body hair grow, unchecked. "This house believes that TJ Powar can be her hairy self and still be beautiful."

I liked TJ in the first few chapters and I adored her by the last few. She's such a dynamic personality - quick, smart, caring and principled. But she's vulnerable and unsure as well. Do you remember the pressure at high school to conform in so many ways, with physical appearance being right up there at the top? Now, can you see yourself bucking the trend and saying no to hair removal of all kinds. And sticking to it when your life starts to fall apart? 

There's a great cast of supporting players as well. I thought the high school strata was well written and believable. And the same for family, friends and relationships. Matters of the heart are a large part of TJ Powar's story. There are some wonderfully funny bits and on the flip side, some very poignant, true life moments. 

Deo has employed a unique and very apt platform for the plot. Debating. Arguing for and against topics in front of others and being judged. TJ's mental debates with herself are so well written and structured. (I had no idea it was so cutthroat either!)

There's so much food for thought in TJ Powar. I'll leave you with this from TJ's esthetician..."Hair has no gender darling. It's just hair. Do what you want with it, but it does not make you less of a woman. It does not make you less interesting, less worthy, or less deserving Understood?"

This was such a fantastic read and a very easy five stars. I will be eagerly awaiting Deo's next book!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of TJ Powar Has Something to Prove. 

Aurora - David Koepp

I really enjoyed David Koepp's first book, Cold Storage, and happily picked up his new book - Aurora.

The first chapters recount The Carrington Event - an actual historical happening that caused a solar flare in 1859. And what would happen in our day and age you ask? "A geomagnetic storm of this magnitude occurring today would cause widespread electrical disruptions, blackouts, and damage due to extended outages of the electrical power grid"

Yup, the power grid goes down - worldwide. Oh, this premise leaves so many ways for Koepp's story to unfold! 

Koepp drops us into Aurora, Illinois at the end of Cayuga Lane. Aubrey is our lead character. I quite liked her. She's real, smart (except when it comes to picking husbands), forthright and determined. Aubrey, her stepson Scott and their neighbors decide to tough out the crisis out in their homes. No one knows when the power will come back on, but they'll make the best of things. After all, it can't go on very long - can it? Thom is Aubrey's estranged billionaire brother. He's riding out the crisis in his desert bunker. The bunker has everything he and his family will need. More actually. Thom's reasoning, decision making and self assured entitlement is almost comical.

You just know there's gonna be some bad apples in the barrel. Chaos, looting and more. Koepp has created some truly awful antagonists. 

Aurora is driven by the characters - their choices, actions, thoughts and deeds. And Koppe is not afraid to sacrifice players along the way. (Seriously, I was not happy about that!) Action is the name of the game. Koepp knows how to capture the reader's attention and hold it. The tension is palpable and I absolutely couldn't put the book down. And I admit - I peeked ahead a few times. Just to relieve the tension! That being said, there are some poignant moments as well. 

Koepp's books read like movies. Which makes perfect sense as he is a very successful screenwriter, with some best selling movies to his name. And on that note - Aurora is being made into a film.

Who else enjoyed Aurora? Stephen King did -"Fantastic story, a real page-turner. Impossible to put down." See for yourself - read an excerpt of Aurora. 

Deep Water - Emma Bamford

There's been a lot of buzz around Emma Bamford's new book, Deep Water. 

And after some binge listening one rainy day, I can say that buzz is justified. 

I was hooked after reading the author's notes at the front of the book. "I've long had an affinity for films about vacations gone horribly wrong". She also  references Dead Calm, The Beach and The Ruins. All films and books I've really enjoyed. Oh, and she's an experienced sailor. The book benefits from that inside knowledge as well.

Deep Water opens with the ending. We know the outcome, but nothing else - the how, the why, the who. Just Virginie praying her husband survives....

Virginie and Jake are newlyweds with a dream of sailing their own yacht wherever they choose. At a port on the way to Thailand, an older man tells them of a beautiful island that few know about, completely off the grid and 'about as remote as you can get in this world.'

Uh, huh - sounds amazing, doesn't it? It does, and Virginie and Jake decide to change their itinerary to go the island named Amarante. When they arrive, there are two other boats and a third shows up. Things start off well, but.....

And that's where I'm going to leave things, so you can experience Bamford's wonderfully insidious plotting. She builds the tension and suspense slowly, layer by layer. It seems easy to dismiss somebody's  actions and behaviour when you've just met them. But as the reader looking from outside in, I could see where things might be headed. And I found myself talking out loud, telling Virginie to open her eyes! 

The description of the island was vivid. I thought that one element of the island's past might have figured larger. And it does in a sense if you look at what's happening amongst the characters.

I chose to listen to Deep Water. The book was narrated by Sophie Roberts and Daniel York Loh. I liked that there were two readers to cover the story. Loh's voice was perfect for Malaysian Navy Captain Danial Tengku. We meet him at the end/beginning and it is his voice that recounts what he knows/sees and hears from Virginie. He also ends up playing a larger part than I expected. The voice he employs has gravitas, comforting in it's gravelly, take charge tone. It also has an accent that matches the description of the character. Loh's voice has movement, capturing the plot easily. The voice for Virginie is British. It's a light, pleasant voice, easy on the ears. She captures the depiction of lead character for Virginie. There are some other male voices that Roberts reads. I would have preferred another male reader take the parts of the other male boaters. There's not much difference between Virginie's voice and the others on the island. The voice for the prime protagonist sometimes has an a slight accent, but not always. But overall, I enjoyed the book and the performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Deep Water. 

The Foundling - Ann Leary

Ann Leary's new novel, The Foundling, took inspiration from a true story about her own grandmother. 

Leary takes us to 1927 England and The Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. A time when when eugenics was seen as progressive social science. Uh huh.

Mary Engle is eighteen and grew up in an orphanage. She's excited to be hired as a typist by Dr. Vogel, the female doctor in charge of the institution. We see the entire book through Mary's eyes. She is portrayed in the beginning as an innocent, used to taking orders, afraid of making a mistake and eager to please her employer. While that worked for me in the beginning, I slowly found myself slowly beginning to dislike her. While it's human nature to protect one's self, Mary takes everything Vogel says as gospel and turns a blind eye to what's actually going on. To be fair, she does start to notice after she encounters Lillian, an old friend from her orphanage that has been sent to the institution. I lost count of the number of times I heard the phrase "I can't lose my job". The romantic plot line for Mary was sweet in the beginning, but the scene with her 'awakening' felt like an afterthought and fell flat for me. It seemed very out of character. The relationship as a whole felt one-sided.

However, Leary does a great job portraying the antagonist, Dr. Vogel. Her actions and dialogue riled me greatly. This is the character that rang true. I had a hard time with the words used to describe the patients even though they fit the time period being portrayed. Lillian was also well portrayed and she was easy to get behind. She hasn't given up or given in. 

The last quarter of the book picks up speed and action. For me, this was the part that kept my attention. I liked Leary's premise and the familial connection. I thought her depiction of the institution was well detailed. And from a historical point, very interesting. But, I just didn't like the lead character. So, for me, a three.  

I chose to listen to The Foundling. The reader was Laura Benanti. She did a fabulous job capturing the character of Dr. Vogel. The voice she used is perfectly condescending, superior and just oozes entitlement. She provides a very innocent, unsure, subservient tone for Mary that suited the character. But, as I grew further annoyed with Mary, the voice started to grate on me. Benanti creates new voices for many players, both male and female. Her voice is clear and easy to understand. The speed of speaking is just right. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Foundling. 

Deep Water - Emma Bamford

There's been a lot of buzz around Emma Bamford's new book, Deep Water. 
And after binge reading it one rainy day, I can say that buzz is justified. 

I was hooked after reading the author's notes at the front of the book. "I've long had an affinity for films about vacations gone horribly wrong". She also  references Dead Calm, The Beach and The Ruins. All films and books I've really enjoyed. Oh, and she's an experienced sailor. The book benefits from that inside knowledge as well.

Deep Water opens with the ending. We know the outcome, but nothing else - the how, the why, the who. Just Virginie praying her husband survives....

Virginie and Jake are newlyweds with a dream of sailing their own yacht wherever they choose. At a port on the way to Thailand, an older man tells them of a beautiful island that few know about, completely off the grid and 'about as remote as you can get in this world.'

Uh, huh - sounds amazing, doesn't it? It does, and Virginie and Jake decide to change their itinerary to go the island named Amarante. When they arrive, there are two other boats and a third shows up. Things start off well, but.....

And that's where I'm going to leave things, so you can experience Bamford's wonderfully insidious plotting. She builds the tension and suspense slowly, layer by layer. It seems easy to dismiss somebody's  actions and behaviour when you've just met them. But as the reader looking from outside in, I could see where things might be headed. And I found myself talking out loud, telling Virginie to open her eyes! 

The description of the island was vivid. I thought that one element of the island's past might have figured larger. 

I enjoyed the plot's slow burn but others may find themselves wanting more 'action'. This reader quite enjoyed Deep Water. See for yourself - read an except of Deep Water.

A Rip Through Time - Kelley Armstrong

Happy Dance! A new series from Kelley Armstrong! A Rip Through Time is the first book.

2019. Mallory is an American Homicide Detective who has travelled to Edinburgh to say goodbye to her dying grandmother. She goes out for a walk in the evening hours and is attacked and left for dead in an alleyway. 

But, Mallory isn't dead. And here's where the title comes in - she wakes up in a hospital to find herself in the body of a housemaid, who was also attacked in the same alley. But.....in 1869. Oh, what a great set up! 

I really liked Mallory as a lead character. The reader is privy to her inner thoughts as she tries to figure out what she's going to do in the here and now, even as she wonders how she can return home. She has to think of everything - what her behaviour should look like, the language she uses and how to navigate in a past she doesn't really know much about. The supporting cast is excellent - the master of the house and his sister have skills and interests that intersect with Mallory's talents. How can Mallory keep her façade up, while still offering suggestions to the Detective in charge of the cases?

I really enjoyed how the case was solved using deductions, legwork, suspicions, observations and more. Forensic science is it's infancy and it too adds to the tools used on this case. Armstrong always draws the reader with the thinking and deductions of the investigator. Mallory reminds me a bit of Casey from Rockton. 

I also enjoyed the description of the settings and the depiction of the mores of the time.

Armstrong has given us a  unique premise with characters you can't help but like. The mystery and the solving of, is excellent. The ending is satisfying, but there are still questions to be answered. The biggest being if Mallory can ever get back through the rip. But on the other hand...where is Catriona?

See for yourself - read an excerpt of A Rip Through Time. 

Take Your Breath Away - Linwood Barclay

I know I'm in for a fantastic read when I see that Linwood Barclay has a new book out! His latest is Take Your Breath Away. And yes, it was every bit as good as I knew it would be. 

Six years ago, Andrew Mason went on a fishing trip with a friend. When he returned home, his wife Brie was missing. Despite having an alibi, Andy has always been the prime suspect for her murder, despite there being no body. He's moved on both physically and personally. Until a woman who bears more than a passing resemblance to Brie shows up at his old address. And then disappears again.... 

Oh, what a great premise! There's so many ways this could unfold. Barclay keeps the reader guessing from start to finish, with a wealth of characters (all with their own secrets) to choose from for the 'whodunit'. There's nothing I like better than a good twist and turn that I don't see coming. There's more than one of those in Take Your Breath Away. 

I love the level of detail Barclay puts into his settings, his players, the dialogue and of course, his clever, clever plotting. There are many sub plots and I wondered how the heck they would be woven together in the end. Barclay's writing is addictive, making it really hard to turn off the lights at night. I was happily entertained from first page 'til last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Take Your Breath Away. 

And now the wait begins until the next Barclay book....

On A Quiet Street - Seraphina Nova Glass

On A Quiet Street is Seraphina Nova Glass's new novel. 

The perfect neighborhood, beautiful houses, lovely neighbours - what more could you want when you're living on such a lovely, quiet street. Ahh, the possibilities that await in such a neighborhood! 'Cause we just know it can't be perfect behind every closed door. I'm always curious to see what direction an author will take a domestic suspense read.

Glass gives us a core group of three. Cora, whose husband may or may not be cheating on her. Paige is grieving the loss of her son. And no one really knows much about Georgia, as she never leaves her house. Each woman is given a voice and we learn about what's going on in their lives. And as the book continues, their lives are woven together in an unexpected manner. I admit I went in thinking I'd have a good idea of the plot from 'meeting' the characters. I was happily proven wrong. Glass takes these neighbors down a darker, unexpected road. Some of the plot devices do require a few grains of salt, but just go with it- it makes for very entertaining and addictive listening. I wasn't able to predict what was going to happen and the ending took a nice, unexpected turn as well. 

I chose to listen to On A Quiet Street. I saw that Imogen Church was the reader and she is one of my favorites. She is a very versatile performer and I was curious as to how she would differentiate the three lead characters. Paige opens the book and Church has used a loud, in your face, taking no prisoners tone for her. It was perfect. Cora is the mother hen of the the group and is a people pleaser. Again, the voice - somewhat prim, always proper and somewhat saccharin tone matched the character. And for Georgia, an English accent is employed that is softer, and polite, but somewhat nervous. Again, just right. Church also provides different and believable voices for the male/teen characters. She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. The speed of speaking is just right. Church interprets Glass's book well, bringing lots of emotion and action to her reading. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of On A Quiet Street.

Downton Shabby - Hopwood DePree

Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!

How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall. 

I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit! 

DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. You can see more on his website. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged. 

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.

Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak

I read Jason Rekulak's first novel back in 2017 and loved it. I was thrilled to see that he had penned a new book - Hidden Pictures. This descriptor and cover from the publisher caught my eye...."comes a wildly inventive spin on the classic horror story in Hidden Pictures, a supernatural thriller about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets." Who else liked it? Stephen King did..."I loved it." 

I quite liked the flawed but likable lead character Mallory. She's a recovering addict and desperately wants this second chance to pan out. She's making good money, has her own little cabin to live in, the parents seem like good people and their little boy Teddy is a joy. Sounds great right? But...yup, there's that but. Young Teddy starts drawing some increasingly disturbing pictures. The parents dismiss her concerns but....

I'm going to leave things there for you to discover. Rekulak's plot is inventive and insidious. The creep factor increases as Teddy's drawings begin to tell an unsettling tale. The drawings included in the book  from illustrators Will Staehle and Doogie Horner add extra goosebumps. 

Hidden Pictures was a page turner for me. I was caught up in the story and really wanted to know what/who was behind the pictures as well as the why. I have to say, Rekulak surprised me with a twist that no reader could predict on the way to the answers. Bravo! I absolutely love being caught off guard with what direction a book is going to take. A few situations require a few grains of salt - but go with it. It's entertainment I'm after and I definitely found it in the pages of Hidden Pictures. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Hidden Pictures. 

Take Your Breath Away - Linwood Barclay

I know I'm in for a fantastic read when I see that Linwood Barclay has a new book out! His latest book is Take Your Breath Away. And yes, it was every bit as good as I knew it would be. 

One weekend, six years ago, Andrew Mason was away on a fishing trip with a friend. And when he got home - he discovered his wife Brie was missing. And despite having an alibi, Andy has always been the prime suspect for her murder, despite there being no body. But, he's moved on both physically and personally. Until a woman who bears more than a passing resemblance to Brie shows up at his old address. And then disappears again.... 

Oh, what a great premise! There's so many ways this could unfold. Barclay keeps the listener guessing from start to finish, with a wealth of characters (all with their own secrets) to choose from for the 'whodunit'. And there's nothing I like better than a good twist and turn that I didn't see coming. There's more than one in Take Your Breath Away. 

I like the level of detail Barclay puts into his settings, his players, the dialogue and of course, his clever  plotting. There are many sub plots and I wondered how the heck they would be woven together in the end. His writing is addictive, making it hard to stop reading or listening. I was entertained from the first page 'til the last. 

I chose to listen to the audio version of Take Your Breath Away. Harper Audio chose to employ a cast of readers to tell the story, which I personally prefer. It's easy to know who is speaking and it feel more realistic. The narrators were Joe Knezevich, George Newbern, Hillary Huber, Pete Simonelli, Michael Crouch, Lauren Fortgang, Jim Meskimen and Karissa Vacker. I've listened to many of these readers before, but have to add that George Newbern is one of favorites. He reads the lead character, Andy, and he was a great choice. He has the most interesting, expressive voice with a somewhat sardonic bent to it. He brings an author's work to life with his inflections, timber and tone. His voice is clear, easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. The other readers were excellent as well. I always love getting lost in a story and listening immerses me in a tale. An excellent performance of an an excellent book.  Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Take Your Breath Away.

The Island - Adrian McKinty

I really enjoyed The Chain - Adrian McKinty's previous book and New York Times bestseller. I eagerly picked up his latest, The Island, anticipating another suspense filled read.

The premise was good and took inspiration from an event in McKinty's own life. 

"While I was driving in rural Australia on a very isolated island inhabited by one large extended family, a woman wearing a hearing aid pulled out of a blind road on her bicycle and I swerved to miss her. I half jokingly told my wife, Leah, that if - God forbid - we had hit her we wouldn't have got off that island alive."

McKinty's characters - Tom, his teen children Owen and Olivia and his second wife Heather do hit the bicyclist. They make some bad decisions and suddenly they're fighting for their lives. Cue the Deliverance movie sound track. 

McKinty has created some godawful, depraved characters in the island folks. They are a law unto their selves and they want retribution from Tom and his family for the death of the cyclist. The narrative is experienced from Heather's viewpoint. Heather is a good lead and given some background. But there's not a lot of depth. It's all about the action. 

Initially I was caught up in the tension, the danger, the next twist of trouble in the family's attempts to escape the islanders. But about midway, it became more than a little unbelievable. Now, I'm all for suspending belief in a suspense novel. But it all became too much. Heather is now a kick butt warrior, the snotty stepkids are as well. Cue Bruce Willis. There's more 'grain of salt' plot lines, skill sets and more, but I don't want to provide spoilers. The plot is busy and by the end felt almost repetitive as the close calls and near misses just keep on coming. McKinty has also included First Nations folklore, customs and history. The relationship between Heather and the kids is often explored, but didn't really work either for me. It felt like an inserted element ticked off on a check list. 

The prose are short and staccato. I became annoyed with one word pronouncements. Water. Sky. Sun. etc. 

The Island felt and read like a movie script. Which is kinda true, as Hulu has picked this up as a series. 

So, bottom line - implausible, but somehow gripping. I had to see what happened in the end. I'm in the minority on my three star rating - check out the other reviews on Goodreads. Or read an excerpt of The Island. That being said, I will pick McKinty's next book. 

Book Lovers - Emily Henry

Well, I don't know how I've missed reading/listening to Emily Henry's books!  I absolutely adored her latest - Book Lovers.

Nora Stevens is a literary agent and Charlie Lastra is a book editor who don't see quite eye to eye. Both are based in New York. Nora is devoted to her clients - and her younger sister Libby. When Libby asked Nora to take a vacation with her to the small town of Sunshine Falls, she agrees. After all, she can work remotely. But Libby has other ideas about how they should spend their time. She's written up a sort of bucket list. Oh, and guess who they run into!

Oh my gosh where to start? I enjoyed Henry's characters so much. She brings her players to life with well rounded out backstories, excellent dialogue and believable emotions and situations. Although Nora is our lead, the supporting cast is just as likable and well drawn.

The setting? Well, Sunshine Falls is a lovely, quaint town with a wealth of quirky residents that I absolutely live in! Again, the descriptions created vivid mental images. Oh, did I mention that there's a book shop/cafe?

The dialogue/bantering is really well written - whip smart but also realistic - especially between Nora and Libby.

And yes, this is a rom com. So how's the romance bit? I love the yes/no/maybe so of the relationship. Can they make it work? (I found myself coming up with strategies to make sure that happened!) And the physical bits? Descriptive but not over the top. Instead it was just right. 

And not to be forgotten - the love of books that is woven into the novel. 

I chose to listen to Book Lovers. And boy was that the right choice. The reader is Julia Whelan - a perennial favourite of mine. The voice for the characters change to match their moods, emotions and settings. The Nora voice is wonderfully snarky and caustic at times, but also kind, vulnerable and more. There's a lovely smooth tone to Whelan's voice. Libby's voice is always upbeat and sounds younger. Whelan uses a low, growly (and yes, kinda sexy) voice that absolutely sounds like a man speaking. The speaking pace is just right. Henry's voice is clear and easy to understand. She interprets Henry's work very, very well. An excellent performance of an excellent book! What else can I say? I loved this audiobook! Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.

Last One Alive - Amber Cowie

The premise of Amber Cowie's new book, Last One Alive,  hooked me right away. 

What's it about? From the publisher: "A team of researchers exploring the myth of a witch find their numbers mysteriously dwindling in this irresistible psychological thriller for fans of Ruth Ware, Shari Lapena, and Lucy Foley."

I love 'locked room' mysteries. In this case, it's ten people on the site of an historic crime. And yes, one by one they die. But here's the thing that kept me guessing 'til the final pages. Is it the curse of the witch? Is there really something to the legends? Or is one of the ten turning on their fellow researchers?

Penelope is the organizer of the trip. While she has a good reason for the trip and says and does all the right things, I didn't like her. Or any of the ten for that matter. There's something 'off' with each and every one of them. Which only serves to have more suspects!

The setting descriptions easily conjured up a detailed picture in my mind. The isolation, the forest, the rocky beach, the old outbuildings and more all add to the unsettled feeling of the endeavor.

But what I enjoyed the most was trying to solve the whodunit - keeping track of who was where at a certain time, who was together, what was overheard, what was found. (I always wanted to be Nancy Drew.)

I did find some chapters ended quite abruptly and I would have to flip back to make sure I hadn't missed something. 

Cowie's book is well written, not easy to suss out and kept me interested right through to the final pages. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Last One Alive.  

The Murder Rule - Dervla McTiernan

I love a good legal suspense tale. There's been lots of buzz around Dervla McTiernan's newest book, The Murder Rule - and it's well deserved. I thought The Murder Rule was an absolutely fantastic listen.

"First Rule: Make them like you. Second Rule: Make them need you. 

Third Rule: Make them pay."

Hannah is a law student who leaves Maine to volunteer at The Innocence Project in Virginia. The impetus for the move is what she discovered in the pages of  her mother's old diaries - and the story they tell. And the man at the center of the latest case of the wrongly convicted justice group.

Oh, Hannah is a complicated lead character. She presents one persona to the group, hiding her real motives and self from the group and the public. But - she would do anything for her mother. She sacrifices much to keep her healthy and happy. I was so curious about the why and what of her plan.

Now here's the neat bit - McTiernan's inspiration for the Murder Rule was an actual case of The Innocence Project. It is indeed a real organization. McTiernan is a lawyer herself and that insider knowledge adds so much to the book. The courtroom pieces, the behind the scenes machinations and more have that ring of authenticity. But, that's not to say that McTiernan doesn't put her own spin on things, adding levels and more levels to her plotting. The answer to that burning question - is he innocent - is up in the air until the last chapters. 

Danger, suspense, action, corruption, betrayal and duplicity abound in The Murder Rule. And my favorite - twists and turns. I honestly couldn't stop listening. An easy five stars for me. 

The readers were Kate Orsini, Sophie Amoss and Michael Crouch. I really like having multiple narrators, as it makes each character easily identifiable. And it feels more 'real'. The voices used matched the mental images I created for the characters and suited the characters McTiernan created. The energy of the plotting, the emotions of the characters and more are all easily portrayed and performed, bring the book to life. Each narrator spoke clearly and was easy to understand. The speed of speaking was just right. A great performance by all. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Murder Rule. 

The School for German Brides - Aimie K. Runyan

There’s a wealth of World War II fiction just waiting to be read these days, told from many different points of view. Land girls, air taxis, nursing, codebreakers and more. Aimie K. Runyan gives us another view point in her latest historical fiction novel - The School for German Brides. 

What's different you ask? The book takes us to 1938 - 1939 Germany and is told from the sympathetic view of three young German women. One of them, Tilde, is Jewish. She and her mother make a living as seamstresses. Hanna has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Berlin. Her aunt is determined that Hanna will marry well. Hanna has other ideas, but her future is already written when an SS officer takes an interest in her. The third woman is Klara and her future looks just like Hanna's. I quite liked all three women and thought they were well drawn. The reader can't help but behind them. And of course there are those on the other side of the equation. Just as well done and you can't help but dislike them!

Now, about the School for German Brides. There actually were Bride Schools that taught the skills needed to be the (supposedly) perfect SS wife. Runyan has also woven historical figures and settings into her novel. 

Runyon does a great job of giving us an inside view of Germany at this time. She makes it personal as we see it through the girls' eyes. Their stories build towards an inevitable meeting of the three. Lives hang in the balance and their bravery, sense of rightness and their own ideals are called upon. There’s love, loss and hope and an ending is satisfying. 

Fashion funnily enough plays a large part in uniting these three women. I really enjoyed the descriptions of fabrics, patterns and the dresses worn. 

WWII fiction fans, this one's recommended for you. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The School for German Brides.   #BooksofHCC   @harpercollinsca

The Night They Vanished - Vanessa Savage

I enjoyed Vanessa Savage's first two books and happily picked up her latest - The Night They Vanished.

"A family with a secret. A past about to catch up with them."

Hanna has had a very rocky relationship with her family over the years and now barely sees her dad, step-mom and younger sister Sasha. But when she sees a picture of their home alongside a horrific headline on a 'dark tourism' website, she tries immediately to get in touch with them....and can't reach them. And so begins a roller coaster of a read. 

Savage plays her clues close to her vest, eking out the details of the reason why Hanna is so unwelcome in her family home and village.  And fair enough, it goes both ways. Her father is very unlikable. That thread runs parallel to what's happening in the present. Has her family been harmed? Where are they?

The supporting players give us a wide group of suspects, with each one with something to hide, to lie about. Who can Hanna trust? I honestly had no idea of who was going to be the culprit until the last few chapters. 

I thought the dark tourism plot device was a unique and frightening idea. Savage's carefully given clues, twists and revelations kept me reading 'just one more' chapter 'til the late hours. Both Sasha and Hanna have voices. As a reader we can see the danger in Sasha's actions and what might unfold. My attention was held through to the final pages. There are a few bits that ask the user to suspend disbelief, but they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. Another great read from Savage. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Night They Vanished.

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."

The Homewreckers - Mary Kay Andrews

You know that summer is on the way when Mary Kay Andrews releases a new book! MKA's thirtieth book - The Homewreckers - is newly released. You're going to want to add this one to your beach bag!

I'm a fan of MKA's storytelling. Why you ask? Well, there's always a lead character that you'd like in real life. Hattie Kavanaugh is that character. She's a young widow and works with her father-in-law and best friend flipping houses in Savannah, Georgia. She's ambitious, smart and driven. The supporting cast of characters are just as warm and likeable. Most of them that is. There needs to be some antagonists in every tale as well. Oh, and there's a dog. Every good book has a dog. ;)0

When the latest flip loses money, Hattie has to find a way to recoup their losses. She finds a property, but it's still going to be a struggle. Until....a Hollywood producer offers Hattie a chance to star in a 'home show.' I have to admit, I love those shows. It was fun to read what transpires 'behind the cameras'.

There are some strings attached to the offer though - including one in the form of a co-host - an attractive designer. And there's the next bit - a romantic angle - or two. There's always the right one and the wrong one. We just need Hattie to see what we see!

The last few books have included a mystery as well. Someone seems determined to not have Hattie succeed with this latest reno. But who and why? Well, we discover the why, but the who takes us right to the final pages. There are lots of suspects for the answer to the whodunit, and I was kept guessing. 

And let's not forget the setting. The house they're working on is on Tybee Island, Georgia. Mary Kay Andrews herself has ties to the island. Her descriptions make me want to visit, sit on a porch or walk on the beach. Here's a fun fact  - "Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses."

Now, take these wonderful characters, the fantastic setting and weave in the mystery and romance and what have you got? A book you don't want to put down. And I didn't. Five stars for another engaging, heartwarming, eminently readable, take me away from it all, beach worthy read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Homewreckers. And so begins the wait for next year's book!

The Agathas - Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

My last few reads have been 'heavier', so I was ready for a fun escapist YA read. And The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson was beckoning to me!

From the publisher: "Who killed Brooke Donovan? It’s the biggest mystery of the summer, and everyone in Castle Cove thinks it’s the wrong guy. Fans of One of Us Is Lying and Riverdale can’t miss this page-turning who-done-it that’s sure to be the next must read Young Adult thriller!"

Yup, you caught my attention with that description. But what clinched it for me was the fun premise. WWAC do? What would Agatha Christie do! Yes, our intrepid teenaged sleuths take their inspiration (and lots of tips) from Christie's mystery novels. Each chapter opens with a Christie quote that is perfect for what's going on in the chapter.

What about the cast of characters? Oh, Glasgow and Lawson capture high school life perfectly. Our lead pair of investigators come from very different backgrounds and school social cliques. Alice is wealthy and a member of the 'Mains.' You know - the popular 'it' crew with money to burn and lots of attitude. And for her, school is really just a place to socialize. Iris is from the wrong side of the tracks and is one of the 'Zoners' - the kids that are smart, the nerds, and kinda the bottom of the social strata. This unlikely pair find common (but a bit rocky) ground in their pursuit of a murderer. There's a large cast of supporting players that provide lots of sub plots - and many, many choices for the 'whodunit'. 

My guess for whodunit changed many times as the book progressed. Glasgow and Lawson lead the reader down the garden path many times on the way to the final pages. The mystery is well done. But, the other bits that's also well done are the situations, emotions, stressors, highs and lows of being a teenager. Of that hard bit of finding yourself and what you want. 

I could easily picture the settings of The Agathas. The school, the roller rink, the country club and more.(Maybe more than a little bit of Riverdale in my mind as well) 

The Agathas was the perfect, fun, escapist read. And it looks like the door might be open to another 'Agatha' tale? I'd be happy to visit Castle Cove again. Fingers crossed! See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Agathas.