Book Review - Legacy; Nora Roberts

 

Legacy; Nora Roberts

Macmillan Audio - 2021 - January Lavoy - Narrator

(Library Loan - 14+ hours)

I was craving something different so I decided to try a Nora Roberts standalone novel.  This one was a combo family saga, crime drama with a tad of romance thrown in. The audio, although a bit long, was excellent - narrated by January Lavoy.

The story centers around the Rizzo family: mother, Lina and her daughter Adrian. When Adrian was only eight years old, her biological father, who wasn't a part of her life, forced his way into the family home and almost killed his own daughter.  Fortunately, he died during the incident instead.

Lina is a hardworking, self-made yoga and fitness influencer with a work schedule that doesn't allow much together time for her and young daughter Adrian.  Luckily, Adrian has loving grandparents who love having Adrian in their lives and take her in to live with them. The couple owns an Italian Restaurant and Pizza shop.  As Adrian grow up she follows in her mother's footsteps by starting her own fitness brand company.  Life is good until something unsettling begins happening around Valentine's Day one year. Adrian begins receiving notes and poems from what seems to be a mysterious stalker. The individual, we later learn, has several targets.

Adrian was a great character that was easy to root for.  As with other Nora Roberts books, there was a the slow build of a romantic relationship with Raylan, who Adrian had a crush on as a child when she lived in Maryland with her grandparents. Raylan is another wonderful character who hadn't had an easy time in recent years. I enjoyed reading about the two of them.  This was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it enough to add Nightwork, Nora Robert's latest book to my library reserve's list.  

Rating - 4/5 stars

Brief Book Review - It All Comes Down to This; Therese Anne Fowler

 

It All Comes Down to This; Therese Anne Fowler

Macmillan Audio - 2022 - Library download

(Barrie Krenik - narrator - very good)

This is a story about family and sisterhood that had great potential but, fizzled out fast for me.

The story begins with the not unexpected death of Marti Geller who was dealing with cancer.  Marti was a planner and had all her final wishes clearly spelled out with few surprises. Her modest estate is to be split equally among her three daughters: Beck, Claire and Sophie.  One puzzling provision is that the Maine family cottage must be updated and sold.  The sisters do not understand why and are not looking forward to selling the property.  The sisters are  quite different and not close and each is dealing with their own issues.  When a southerner named CJ Reynolds enters the story as an interested buyer for the Maine cottage, things get a bit more tense and interesting.

It All Comes Down to This, is a character driven novel which I usually love.  Unfortunately, for the life of me, I could not connect with any of the characters. They felt flat and their issues uninteresting to me,  This was a story about family secrets, past betrayals and regrets. It had  a convenient ending as well. I'm giving this one a generous 3/5 stars but, it clearly isn't a book I can recommend.  Other readers may feel differently.  Barrie Krenik, a favorite audio book narrator, couldn't even help save this one for me even though she did a great job.

Rating - 3/5 stars

Book Review Two Nights in Lisbon; Chris Parvone

 

Two Nights in Lisbon; Chris Parvone

Macmillan Audio - 2022 

(14 hrs. 30 min - narrated by January Lavoy - very good)

Ariel Pryce accompanies her new and much younger husband, John Wright, on a business trip to Lisbon, Portugal.  After a wonderful night, Ariel wakes up to find John gone - no note and he isn't answering his phone.  No one at the hotel has seen him so she gets the local police and the American Embassy involved.

Later we learn that John is being held for ransom (3 million euros) and there are only (2) days to come up with the money.

This is a book were the characters have something to hide, Ariel doesn't know much about John's line of work and both of them have changed their names in the past.  Ariel's past was interesting and I liked her back story. I thought that the details about John, his past, and his business a bit sketchy at times but, perhaps deliberate on the author's part as well. There were quite a few secondary characters and some felt  bit under developed.

I was in the mood for an international thriller and this one fit the bill. The Portugal setting was a bonus and even though this thriller was longer than it needed to be in IMO, I liked the high stakes aspect to the story and found that it really held my interest. Its unexpected twists and turns added to my enjoyment. I also thought that the author did a good job with the big reveal. Readers who enjoy international thriller with a political bend should give this one a try.

RATING - 4/5 stars

NOTE:  The audiobook download was provided by the publisher Macmillan Audio and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - The Golden Couple; Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekknan

The Golden Couple; Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekknan

Macmillan Audio  (NetGalley) - 2022  - (11 hr 3 min)

Marissa and Matthew Bishop are the "golden couple" that many view with envy: looks, brains, success and an adorable 8 year old son as well. Privately, all is not "golden" and something is amiss within their marriage but, Marissa is desperate to fix things.  She seeks out a couple's therapist named Avery Chambers who is known to use some unethical tactics.  Well, that is how she lost her license but, some clients continue to rave about her amazing results. She employees a unique Ten Step program which turns out to be somewhat unorthodox to saw the least and her methods at times were even jaw dropping at times.

Can this marriage be saved? What brought the"Golden Couple" to seek therapy? Who can you trust in this story?

This audio book hooked me immediately: narrated by Marin Ireland and Karissa Vacker who did an excellent job.  The story is told from the POV of Avery, the therapist and Marissa, the "golden wife" and even though I wasn't sure I could trust either one them at times, I was drawn to each of them for different reasons - Marissa seemed to want to mend her marriage and Avery, well, she adopted an abused pit bull:)  These women do have their secrets as does "golden husband" Matthew. There were several secondary characters as well that added suspicion to the story.

I found the story engaging even if it did fizzle out a bit after a while. There were several twists and a somewhat unexpected climax as well.  I enjoyed the team of authors in the past and was happy I had a chance to try this one.

Rating - 4/5 stars

(audio book download provided by Macmillan Audio and Net Galley free of charge in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review - These Silent Woods; Kimi Cunningham Grant

 

These Silent Woods; Kimi Cunningham Grant

Macmillan Audio - 2021 - (library download)

Read by Bronson Pinchot and Stephanie Willis - both very good

(8 hours - 22 min.)

Cooper and Finch (not their real names) are a father-daughter duo that have lived in isolation in a cabin in the woods in the Appalachian mountains for nearly 8 years.  Cooper is a vet and the cabin belongs to one of his vet buddy Jake who brings them large quantities of supplies in preparation for winter.  One thing little Finch knows is that no one must know they are staying in the cabin and they must be very careful not to be discovered by anyone. The truth is Cooper has a lot to be concerned about and he risks losing his daughter if they are discovered.  Why is he hiding from civilization and keeping his young daughter from a more normal childhood? Where is the child's mother?

This is one of those stories that is best to begin with as little information as possible as I did - too many spoilers out there.  Cooper is a devoted dad who is trying to protect the daughter he loves. He teaches her survival skills, they have a hiding place under the floor boards with a trap door and he teaches his daughter to love books (the cabin has no electricity but it is well stocked with books of all sorts.) Finch loves her dad and is wise beyond her years, which I found unusual since she has really not been socialized since infancy. As a child she is not as cautious as her dad and this spells trouble down the road.  Just as we begin to understand why Cooper and Finch are living a survivalist lifestyle, another mystery involving a missing teen threatens to ruin the life they have together.

I read a few glowing reviews for this book so I wanted to try it for myself. I enjoyed the audio ( Bronson Pinchot is terrific), the story had a slow, mysterious build and I liked the vivid descriptions of their life and surroundings.  At times the story felt down right creepy especially when their neighbor Scotland showed up unannounced - he made my maternal instincts switch into high gear. This is a story that left me tense at times, tugged at my heart strings and finally left me satisfied even though the ending felt rather unlikely. Worth reading.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Book Reviews - Matrix; Lauren Groff - My One Square Inch of Alaska; Sharon Short and Reckless Girls; Rachel Hawkins

Hope everyone who celebrated Christmas had a wonderful day. We had an inch of the snow of Christmas Eve which looked so pretty and then freezing rain came on Christmas to crust over the snow. Fortunately, the kids, spouses and granddaughters were able to come for dinner and presents.  It was a beautiful day for us and it felt much more relaxed for me in the meal preparation department compared to all the side dishes and prep involved at Thanksgiving. I kept it simple:  fruit plate, chicken parmesan, pasta, salad, rolls, pistachio cake and (4) different kinds of Christmas cookies (we are a dessert family.)  Note to self: make fewer cookies next year.  Yes,  I overcooked and all went home with a care package.  Everyone loved their gifts - all is good.

We all seemed healthy - time will tell - everyone was fully vaccinated, including the girls and all adults boosted as well.  

Reading - I finished what will be my last (3) books of 2021 (quick reviews below). I started Winter Solstice, Rosamunde Pilcher but, I am not enjoying the audio version so I stopped listening and ordered a print copy to arrive during the week.  This week I hope to work on 2021 stats and favorite reads of 2021....stay tuned.

Do you have in New Years Eve plans? We had early dinner plans at a nice restaurant but, we most likely will cancel with the raging virus once again.

Matrix; Lauren Groff

Penguin Audio - 2021 

8 hours 51 min. - Adjoa Andoh - narrator _excellent

(audio download provided at no charge by the published)

The setting for this historical fiction story is a 12th century rundown abbey in England. It's a feminist novel that is all about women, sisterhood and the power of friendship and community and there's a bit of sex among women as well.

Marie is the illegitimate daughter of the royal court. At 17, she is tall skinny and unattractive and, she is deemed "not marriage material" by Queen Eleanor, who Marie deeply loves.  She is sent away to an impoverished abbey and, the work that needs to be done there is almost insurmountable.  Marie, although not all that religious is devoted, smart, strong and industrious but, don't cross her as she can be mean as well.

Initially, I thought this book might not be for me but, because I've had good luck with the author in the past, I decided to give it a try. I was very happy I did.  If you are into audio books, I highly recommend the audio read by: Adjoa Andoh, a new narrator to me.  She made this book feel like a theatrical performance at times by giving each character a distinct voice. 

I loved the way the women banded together to get things done whether it be farming, baking, building, weaving and even writing. A group of engaged, committed women shut off from the outside world building a life and making things better.  This feminist historical book is worth reading is you like historical fiction at its finest and a character driven story.  Rating - 4.5/5 stars

My One Square Inch of Alaska; Sharon Short

Plume Books - 2013

(print edition - my shelves)

Donna Lane has a lot on her plate; she's about to graduate high school but, she's also a mother figure to her younger brother Will.  Their mother took off when they were young and their father drinks a bit too much.  Donna has dreams of her own but, it's her brother she is most concerned with. 

Brother Will is obsessed with collecting enough cereal box tops for a chance to win a contest - "one square inch of Alaska."  Will is also obsessed with protecting and giving a better life to a neglected, mute, Siberian Husky that lives nearby. When Will is diagnosed with childhood leukemia - (it's the 1950's-60s) and recovery is not looking very good for Will,  Donna is determined to make her brother's dream come true.

This book sat on my shelves far too long and I'm so happy that I finally got to read it.  It's a story that started slightly slow and at times seemed geared more to the YA genre but, oh my did it ever stir up many emotions as I read - such a good story - worth reading.  Rating - 4/5 stars

Reckless Girls; Rachel Hawkins

Macmillan Audio - January - 2022

7 hours - 43 min - Barrie Kreinik - Narrator - very good

(Audio download provided at no charge by publisher and NetGalley)

Lux and Nico are a young couple in need of a change after an unfulfilling job and personal tragedy.  The two find what seems like the perfect opportunity to get away and change things up.  The couple is hired to sail two friends Brittney and Amma to the remote island of Meroe in the South Pacific.  Expecting to be there alone they are surprised to find another boat there as well.  Soon (4) becomes (6) as Jake and Eliza, who appear to be not only wealthy but quite interesting and welcoming as well.  Before long the reality of their isolation sets in as does a feeling of desperation. Soon (6) become (4) and the reader is left wondering who to trust and whether there is someone else lurking in the remote jungle?

This was one of those thrillers that started out slow and I began to think this might not be for me. Barrie Kreinik is a great narrator though so I persisted. Soon as we begin to get insight into each character's secrets and past the story became more interesting.  I began to get the feeling that one or more of the players could not be trusted.  I loved the remote island setting. The story of told from the POV of Lux in the present and flashbacks to the past of all of the characters as well. The short chapters and the way the story was told held my interest once it got going. My suspicions proved correct yet I still wondered a bit about motivation when all was said and done.  Rating - 3.5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Winter Solstice; Rosamunde Pilcher

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. 

I always wanted to read or listen to this book around the Winter Solstice after having reading so many rave reviews. I finally purchased the audio and so this is the year - 2021 (book originally published in 2000.)  Have you read it?  If I like it I'll try others by the author as well.

Winter Solstice; Rosamunde Pilcher

Macmillan Audio - 2018 

17 hours - 52 min.

ELFRIDA

Before Elfrida Phipps left London for good and moved to the country, she made a trip to the Buttersea Dogs' Home and returned with a canine companion. It took a good--and heart rending half-hour of searching but as soon as she saw him, sitting very close to the bars of his kennel and gazing up at her with dark melting eyes, she knew that he was the one.  She did not want a large animal, nor did she relish the idea of a yapping lap-dog. This one was exactly the right size. Dog size.

What do you think --read more of pass?

Catching up with Book Reviews - The Sentence, Louise Erdrich - The Last House on the Street; Diane Chamberlain and Midwinter Murder; Agatha Christie

Hello out there, I'm still around.   I've been reading but lax about keeping up with reviews with so much going on as the year comes to a close.  

We had a Christmas luncheon for my library book group last week (11) showed up at my favorite restaurant - it was great gathering and we got our list of books to read in 2022 (more about this next week).  We had 2" of snow on Wednesday our first snowfall - (late this year). It looked quite pretty and now it is nearly gone - 60 degrees today! Crazy weather.

This weekend we our going to the theatre for a live on stage holiday show and music festival. It was an annual tradition for us but last year COVID put a halt to it.  This year, it is a go but, masks and proof of vaccination is required which makes me happy!!!  This coming week is my birthday week and we have something special planned that we are both looking forward to - more about that next week.

I still have some gift cards to purchase and some gifts to wrap.  We haven't finalized Christmas get together plans as with the girls in school (they are vaccinated) we still need to play it by ear as there have been some COVID cases in the classes - will this ever end?  We already made reservations for an early New Years eve dinner reservation - that too of course is subject to weather and COVID.

How has your December been and do you have any special plans coming up?

Here's an attempt to catch up on what I've read and what I'm reading now. 

The Sentence; Louise Erdrich

Harper and Harper Audio - 2021

Rating - 5/5 stars 

The Sentence is a very different kind of story by Louise Erdrich. It begin's on All Soul's Day, November 2, 2019 and ends on the same day in 2020.  Yes, it takes place during the pandemic, in Minneapolis amidst the George Floyd protests and the setting of local Indie bookstore that is haunted by one of the staffs least favorite (now decreased) former customers - Flora.  The ghost is determined to stick around until Tookie, the ex-con, who developed a love of books in prison and now works at the bookstore can figure out why she is still around.

Tookie is a great character who did something dumb that landed her in prison.  She ends up marrying the tribal police officer who was involved in her sentencing.  I loved how she has discovered a newfound love and appreciation for books that helped her survive her time behind bars.

The story has a lot going on but is so well done. Like most of the author's books there is Native American folklore and the struggles of the indigenous people. Books and specific book titles play a nice part in this story and, as always, the author's writing left a lasting impression.  There are some funny moments but yet this story is much deeper than it may seem from my brief ramblings.  The audiobook was narrated by the author and it was pitch-perfect! Don't miss it!

(audio download  from my public library - eGalley provided at no charge by Harper Books and Edelweiss)

The Last House on the Street; Diane Chamberlain

St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio - January -2022

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

This was a book I almost passed on but am so happy I had a chance to experience it.  It has history, mystery and real social issues that were all so well done. Told in dual timelines - 1965 and 2010, the story takes place in Round Hill, NC.  

(2010) Kayla Carter is a recent widow with a 4-year old daughter. Kayla's husband died in accident which happened as their dream house was being built. The house is a a grand McMansion with some fifty windows and, it is now ready to move in when Kayla has a strange woman that shows up at her office. Kayla is also an architect as was her late husband and, the woman advises Kayla against moving into that new home.  Who is this woman and should she take this as a threat or at least report this to the police?  Does the woman have anything to do with the strange things that begin happening once Kayla and her daughter move in?

(1965) Ellie Hockley is a college student from Round Hill involved in The Scope Project -- students who were committed to registering Blacks so that they could exercise their right to vote.  This, of course. in the 1960s South had to be done secretly. Ellie couldn't even tell her parents as they never would have approved.  What, if anything, does Ellie have to do with the present day story involving Kayla?

I loved this story and the way it played out. I really felt like I got to know the characters, especially Ellie and, even though the story was sad at times and it mad me mad as well, it was an important story to tell. and the author did a great job.  The audio book was read by Susan Bennett who did a great job.  Highly recommended.

(audio download provided at no charge by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley.)

Midwinter Murder; Agatha Christie

William Morrow and Harper Audio - 2020

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

I actually purchased this audio book last December through Libro.fm but, I never listened to it until this month.  Honestly, I haven't had the best of luck with the Agatha Christie books I've tried in the past but, a short story, winter collection seemed right up my alley.

There are (12) short stories featured and the only one I was familiar with was Three Blind Mice, (which I liked a lot) the stories in the collection were:

Christmas at Abney Hall
Three Blind Mice
The Chocolate Box
A Christmas Tragedy
The Coming of Mr. Quin
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Rose House
The Plymouth Express
Problem at Pollensa Bay
Sanctuary
The Mystery of Hunters Lodge
The World's End
The Manhood of Edward Robinson

Christmas Adventure

The stories feature familiar Christie characters like: Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, Harley Quin and Parker Pyne.  Miss Marple is a favorite as I like the way this elderly lady operates - such fun. Three Blind Mice, Sanctuary, Christmas Adventure and The Clergyman's Daughter were the ones that I liked best.

While I can't recommend the audio version as, at least for me, I found the narration by (Fennella Woolgar) a bit difficult to understand at times. Fortunately,  having the print edition was a bonus. Overall, while I liked a few of the short stories, several left me somewhat disappointed. I guess Agatha Christie isn't for all readers.

Reading Now - 

• A Calling for Charlie Barnes; Joshua Ferris (different/funny & good)
• No One Goes Alone; Erik Larson (Fiction - atmospheric/good)
• A Christmas Party; Georgette Heyer (hope to begin soon)

Library Books - (waiting to be read)

1. Matrix; Lauren Groff (combo read/listen)
2. Cloud Cuckoo Land; Anthony Doerr (combo)
3. Five Days in Winter: Stories; Lily King (audio)

Book Reviews - The Pessimists; Bethany Ball and Nothing But Blackened Teeth; Kassandra Khaw

It's always tough for me to write even a brief review when I just didn't enjoy the book but,  I always feel the need to tell a little bit about everything I read. These are (2) books that I expected to enjoy more.

The Pessimists; Bethany Ball

Grove Press/Dreamscape Media - 2021 

(8 hrs. 13 min.) (Carlotta Brentan - narrator / good)

I don't think I've read a novel set in Connecticut in quite a while so the setting definitely pulled me in.  The story features (3) upper middle class suburban families.  We meet soccer moms who want everything in their lives to be perfect but deep down are failing miserably and dissatisfied with life.  The couples have some serious issues and secrets: fertility and other health issues, infidelities, even preparing a basement cache for the end of the world, Who cares though as long as appearances have these individuals coming across as having it all together.  Besides the couples we have Agnes, the Nazi-like headmistress of The Petra School, an elementary school whose tuition is more than many colleges but where learning early on (even reading and math) and competition seem discouraged and no Jews please.

I know this book was supposed to be satirical but, for me I just never connected with the characters and the absurdity of their situations.  On audio all of the characters, their issues and unhappiness just seemed to blur together without a real plot line to the story.

Rating - Disappointed

Nothing But Blackened Teeth; Kassandra Khaw

Macmillan Audio - 10/2021

(2 hours - 32 min) (Suehyla El-Attar - narrator/good)

This sounded like a decent novella for a spooky October read.  The story features a group of five college-age friends who rent an ancient Heian mansion believe to be haunted as a wedding gift venue.  The Japanese folklore history here is that a bride-to-be was buried alive just before her wedding.  As the story unfolds we learn that one of the friends struggles with mental illness, there is too much alcohol consumed and soon the current day bride-to-be is believed to be taken by a spirit. Now it's up to the remaining friends to see that she is released.

I was never a fan of slasher movies but this short book had that same type of eerie vibe. Some parts seemed downright silly too but, isn't that cover art terrific?  Fortunately,  the entire audio was just 2.5 hours so it wasn't a struggle to finish this one. 

Rating - Disappointed

Book Review - Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy; Anne Sebba

Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy; Anne Sebba

Macmillan Audio - 2021  - (10 hrs. 21 min)

Orlagh Cassidy - narrator (very good)

I've always enjoyed a good dose of NF, especially with a good bio or memoir, so when I saw this biography was recently released, I was intrigued.

I think most of us in the US have heard at least a little about Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. The couple who lived on the lower East Side in NYC and were convicted of conspiring to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. The couple was put to death by electrocution minutes apart on June 19, 1953, leaving two young boys who would enter the foster care system.

Ethel, a Jewish immigrant, was raised by a mother who was very cold and critical and favored her brother David. Ethel was a bright girl who graduated from school at 15 and loved music; she had dreams of a career in the opera. She landed a job with the government which she gave up when she married Julius so that he could work for the government in New York. She wanted to be a good wife and mother, but at the age of 37 she was put to death leaving her sons ages 6 and 10 orphans.

All of this happened during the Cold War and both husband and wife believed in communism as did many immigrants at that time. They, along with others,  saw communism as a way to lift immigrants who came to US in search of a better life out of poverty.  The US in the 1950's was the age of McCarthy-ism and there was rampant political paranoia.  Ethel's own brother David perjured himself and later admitted he lied when he gave testimony. There was jealousy among the families and David's false testimony against his sister Ethel was an effort to protect his own wife.  There was no concrete evidence that Ethel was guilty but, it was proven that her husband Julius had been recruited and was a spy. Despite the pressure put on Ethel to incriminate Julius, she refused to do.  Most believed that at least Ethel Rosenberg was innocent but, the government was determined to send a frightening message by putting her to death as well. 

This book was extensively researched and was an eye-opener for sure; it gives the reader a lot to think about. At times it made me mad that something like this could have happened here in the United States, especially in the manner it all appeared to go down.  

Rating - 4/5 stars

This audio download was provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The narrator, Orlagh Cassidy did a very good job.

Book Review - The Last House on Needless Street; Catriona Ward

The Last House on Needless Street; Catriona Ward

Macmillan Audio - 2021

This is the story of a murderer. A stolen child. Revenge. This is the story of Ted, who lives with his daughter Lauren and his cat Olivia in an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street.

All these things are true. And yet some of them are lies.

You think you know what’s inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you’ve read this story before. But you’re wrong. In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, something lies buried. But it’s not what you think…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ted Bannerman lives on the "Last house on Needless Street."  The house is boarded up, has triple locks on the doors and backs up to the forest.  Ted is pretty much confined to his house, he's severely overweight, drinks too much but, he likes going out at night and also loves feeding the birds in his backyard.  He has a cat named Olivia, who also narrates this story and, her POV provides some excellent perspective so readers need to pay attention to her POV.  Ted also has a young daughter Lauren who only resides with him sometimes but, where she lives otherwise is a bit of a mystery.  The neighbors think Ted is strange and his property is often the target of vandals and pranksters.  Then there is Dee, a new neighbor, who moves in next door. She is definitely suspicious of Ted and she thinks he might know what had happened to her sister who disappeared when she a very young girl years earlier.  What's up with Ted and did he have anything to do with the missing girls disappearance?

Ted comes across as very gentle and sincere but, something is definitely off with him. I viewed him with both suspicion and sympathy the more the story progressed. As he enlightens us to missing pieces of his childhood, it's easy to see his mother was a definite kook. Olivia the cat was another terrific POV that added insight into both Ted and Lauren as well as things that have been happening around the house.

When I first came across this book I thought it seemed like a perfectly awesome choice for my list of darker fall weather stories and, this one worked out great. The audio, read by Christopher Ragland, was excellent. Although this is described as falling into both the psych thriller and horror genres - there was no horror but, it is quite creepy at times.  How can a creepy book make a reader feel sad and sympathetic toward a person like Ted? That's what made this story so good; this author has real talent and made this story so compelling. I can see why this has already been optioned for a movie as well.  A perfect RIP Challenge pick. I'm so happy I listened to this one as well.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

The audio book download was provided to me by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - The Heron's Cry; Ann Cleeves

The Heron's Cry; Ann Cleeves

Macmillan Audio - 2021

In Book #2 of the Two River series, Detective Inspector Matthew Venn returns to the North Devon coast to investigate a murder that took place at at an artist's studio.  Dr. Nigel Yeo is the victim and he was stabbed in the neck with a jagged shard of blown glass from his own daughter Eve's workshop and art studio.

The previous evening the deceased approached Matthew's homicide partner Jen Rafferty telling her there was something he wanted to discuss with her in private but, Jen had a little too much to drink so she gave him her number and asked if they could talk in the morning.  When her phone wakes her the next morning,  it is Matthew giving her the bad news and asking her to meet him.  Apparently, the late doctor was a patient advocate who had concerns regarding some suicides of patients with mental health issues. He was planning on voicing his concerns about the NHS and the way certain groups of patients were being handled.  When a second person is murdered under similar circumstances, the reason for the murders as well as the suspect pool widens.

Less than a month ago I read, The Long Call (Book 1 of this series) and I was quite impressed. In this sequel we see further development of each of the returning characters both professional as well as Matthew's marriage  and relationship with his husband Jonathan. I loved seeing how Jonathan is trying very hard to have Matthew rebuild his estranged relationship with his mother. I love the character driven style of this author and also the unique way in which her crime procedurals and investigations proceed.  There are lots of details and clues to take in and quite a few characters as well.  This was a very good sequel.  Someone mentioned that the Two River series will become a 4-part series for television.

Thanks go to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to download this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review. The audio was narrated by Jack Holden who did a very good job.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Book Review - The Stowaway; James Murray and Darren Wearmouth

 

The Stowaway; James Murray and Darren Wearmouth

Macmillan Audio - September 2021

Maria Fontana is a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University and single mother to younger twins, she's in a committed relationship with Steve.  Two years early Maria sat on a jury where Wyatt Butler, was on trial for several murders. At the time Butler was portrayed as a brutal, ritualist serial killer.  The evidence however for the most part was circumstantial.  While eleven jurors voted for him to be convicted, one in good conscience could not convict him -- that juror was Maria and as a result Wyatt Butler was set free.  Soon a media circus ensued as well as outraged family members of the victims. It wasn't long before the public knew that Maria was the lone hold out juror.  Maria's  life became a living nightmare and the university made her take a force sabbatical.  

Eventually to get away from her nightmare Maria decides that she, Steven and the children need a family vacation and book a two-week transatlantic cruise.  Just as the family begins to think of having some much deserved fun and relaxation, people begin to go missing onboard and it soon becomes evident that there is a killer on the ship.  When details of the killings are leaked Maria soon realizes that the details of the killings on the ship are eerily similar to evidence shared at the trial of Wyatt Butler.  Is there a copycat on board?  

I couldn't recall reading a book that for the most part takes places on a transatlantic cruise ship but the setting was perfect and, because of the ship's size there were plenty of places for the cat and mouse game of a serial killer.  There wasn't much character development in this book but, it certainly was intense. This was a very addictive story but not a book for all readers as the serial killer targets mostly children and the details are quite specific.  If you're the type of reader who say keep telling yourself "it's not real, it's fiction," we found it to be a riveting thriller. We listened to the audio version in 2-days flat and we were satisfied with the way the story played out.

The audio book was read by Barrie Kreinik who did a fantastic job ramping up the thrills and chills. Thanks go to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me access to this audio book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - We are the Brennans; Tracey Lange

TITLE/AUTHOR:   We Are the Brennans;  Tracey Lange

PUBLISHER:  Macmillan Audio

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction / Family / Saga

FORMAT:  eAudio / LENGTH: 9 hours and 40 min.

SOURCE:   NetGalley

SETTING(s):  New York (and briefly Los Angeles)

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  A family drama about an imperfect Irish Catholic family and the secrets the have tired to keep hidden. 

BRIEF REVIEW:     The Brennans are a close knit Irish Catholic family but,  they are also a family with secrets, ones they have kept hidden from other family members and people they care about.

As the story opens twenty-nine year old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital after being involved in a car accident while she was driving drunk. She is rescued by her big brother, Denny, a pub owner, who flies in from New York after learning about her situation.  It was five years earlier that Sunday left friends, family and her ex-fiancee more than a little surprised when she took off across the country. Now her brother has convinced her to return to New York to deal with her past and to get her life in order.

This was a well-written debut novel that unfolds from the perspective of each of the characters. The flow, even though there were multiple characters, worked quite well on audio and held my interest as well. This is just the type of story I tend to enjoy: a story about an imperfect, dysfunctional family and a slow reveal of the secrets they have been hiding.  Even though several of the characters were unlikable, it didn't matter as each characters were well-crafted and felt genuine and complex.  I especially enjoyed learning more about Sunday and why she felt compelled to flee.  Recommended for readers who enjoy stories about flawed families.

Thanks go to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for my unbiased review. The audio book was read by Barrie Kerinik who did a great job.

RATING:  4.5/5

Book Review - Dead By Dawn; Paul Doiron

 

TITLE/AUTHOR: Dead By Dawn; Paul Doiron

PUBLISHER:   Macmillan Audio

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction/ mystery

FORMAT: audio download / LENGTH: 8 hours 44 min.

SOURCE:  NetGalley and Publisher / audio download

SETTING(s):  Maine

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  A killer wants Maine Game Warden,  Mike Bowditch dead and soon he will be fighting to stay alive.  

BRIEF REVIEW:  This story starts out in high gear with Game Warden, Mike Bowditch and his half-wolf dog Shadow, crated in his truck, driving home on a frigid winter's night when large spiked jacks-shaped objects placed randomly in his path. This causes his tires to blow out and his truck careens into the frozen Androscoggin river below.  Will man and dog survive the icy plunge?  Who set him up and is someone waiting to attack as Mike tries to escape the vehicle and save himself and the dog?

In the other storyline of what happened earlier in the day we learn that Mike was asked to revisit the death of a wealthy professor by his difficult daughter-in-law. She believes her FIL's death was not accidental (death by drowning) as it was ruled. She claims that her late FIL been duck hunting on the Androscoggin river and supposedly fell out of his boat and drowned yet when he was found he did not have his life vest on. She claims that he would never have gone on a boat without a life vest. She further suspects a survivalist who was hunting with him that day had something to do with his death.  

The entire story is told over a 24 hour period and the writing is very good and engaging. I loved the 1st person POV and how the mystery played out. I also enjoyed how humor is peppered at appropriate times which was a nice touch.  This one is #12 of the Mike Bowditch, Game Warden series and unfortunately, I've only read a couple of other books in this series.  I definitely would have benefited by reading the previous installment involving the Dow family as there were references to people and events that were foreign to me.  I don't recall feeling that way with the other 2 series books I read previously.  I do now want to go back and read all of the ones I've missed - the writing is well worth it and the characters well-crafted.

RATING:  4/5

Thanks go to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for access to this audio book in exchange for my unbiased review. The audiobook was read by Henry Leyva did a very good job.

2 Book Reviews - The Guncle; Steven Rowley and The Newcomer; May Kay Andrews

I was looking for a couple of light summer reads and these (2) fit the bill. They weren't perfect but, they were fun and I was happy I tried them.

TITLE/AUTHOR: The Guncle; Steven Rowley

PUBLISHER:   G.P. Putnam

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction / LBGTQ / Family

FORMAT: print / LENGTH: 324 pp

SOURCE:  Library

SETTING(s):  CT and CA

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  Gay uncle Patrick "The Guncle" steps up to care for his young niece and nephew just when his brother and the kids need him the most.

Patrick lives in Palm Springs, CA and once was a famous actor but his life hasn't been quite the same since someone he loved was killed by a drunk driver.  When his brother Greg, an attorney in CT loses his wife to cancer and he is struggling with his own personal crisis, he asks for  Patrick's help in caring for his two young children for a few months. The children: Maise 9, and Grant 6, love when they visit GUP (gay uncle Patrick) in Palm Springs but, living with him for several months will prove quite different for all of them.  Grant, the adorable and toothless. The 6 year-old speaks with a lisp and is super inquisitive adding much humor to the story as does, Patrick in the manner he deals with the (2) youngsters in his life.

The story is heartfelt, funny and a tad sad at times (not overly so(. It's a story of family and loss and about stepping up when others are hurting. I loved all the old-Hollywood references and all of the charming characters. Patricks relationship with his niece and nephew was special. I'm not surprised that this one has been optioned for a movie - very sweet.

I picked this one up from the library on a whim and was glad I did.

RATING - 4.5/5 stars

TITLE/AUTHOR: The Newcomer; Mary Kay Andres

PUBLISHER:   Macmillan Audio

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction / Family

FORMAT: audio download / LENGTH: 14 hours 30 min.

SOURCE:  Publisher/Library  / audio download

SETTING(s):  NYC and FL

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  One sister is dead and the other flees with her motherless 4 year old niece to Florida.

When Letty finds her sister Tanya dead in her expensive Manhattan townhouse, she heeds her sister's previous warnings that if anything were to happen to her Letty was to take her daughter Maya and flee as her ex-Evan is most likely the killer.  Letty then takes her sister's Mercedes, her to-go bag packed with $19,000 in cash and a motel clipping of a place in Florida called the Murmuring Surf Motel and heads off with Maya.  When she reaches her destination she finds a "no vacancy sign" on the run down motel.  She plays on the heartstrings of the kind owner Ava about her long drive and needing a place for her and Maya to sleep and although they are fully booked Ava agrees to help them out.  Soon Letty is working there in exchange for charging her room fees.  However, is The Murmuring Surf motel the safest place for Letty and Maya? Why did her sister have the clipping in her bag in the first place?

I felt there was a lot to like about this story, it is part mystery (Tanya had a dark past) yet overall a light summer read. I loved Letty and her relationship with Maya. I loved the run-down motel setting which was mostly inhabited by grouchy senior snowbirds who return year after year and think they set the rules, of course, they see Letty as "The Newcomer."  There is also Joe, who is Ava's daughter. He is a cop although he seems a bit unethical at times. He first gives Letty a difficult time but, before you know it there appears to be a budding romance which I felt seemed out of place.

Overall, I thought this story was entertaining with the unique cast of characters. I thought the author did a good job meshing Tanya's story with the present story as Letty tried to figure out what really happened to her sister and why.  My biggest complaint was that this story was way too long (14+ hours) on audio. A story this long is not what most would expect for a summer beach read. The audio was read by Kathleen McInerney who did a very good job.

RATING:  4/5

The audiobook was a free download provided by Macmillan Audio in exchange for my unbiased review.  Unfortunately, the download disappeared from my NetGalley shelf before I had a chance to listen to it but, I was able to download it from the library.