The Last Summer in Ireland by Noëlle Harrison - Book Review

The Last Summer in Ireland by Noëlle Harrison

Publication Date: 03rd Oct 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Dual Timeline 

2.8 Stars 

One Liner: Tries to tackle too many issues 

*****
Something happens twenty years ago that changed the lives of the sisters Aisling, Mauve, and Naula. Nalua’s death and the subsequent events continue to impact everyone related to the sisters. 

Iris goes to Ireland after the death of her mother, Aisling. There is much she doesn’t know, and staying at Swan Hall (her mother’s family home) with her aunt Mauve leaves her with more questions than answers. 

Things come to light when Iris discovers Naula’s diary. However, her own life takes a drastic turn when history repeats itself. Can Iris come to terms with the past and her present? Where does it take her? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Iris and Aisling and the first-person POV of Naula. 

What I Like: 

The setting, especially Ireland, is a tangible part of the story. It blends with the narrative to intensify the atmosphere. 

Naula’s POV in the first person is done so well that she comes alive in those chapters. The writing style suits the character’s personality. I couldn’t help but feel her sense of urgency and get involved in her drama. 

The story picks up pace in the latter half. Though none of the characters were likable, I wanted to read till the end. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

I don’t mind books with unlikeable characters, but this one made it hard to sympathize with the main character, Iris. There’s only one word to describe her- stupid. The plot depended on her being stupid. It might have worked better for me if this wasn’t the case. 

The book deals with many dark themes like catholic laws when dealing with unmarried pregnant girls, abortion rights, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, misogyny, postpartum depression, parental death, complex sibling relationship, single mother troubles, Irish politics (something to do with IRA), emotional instability, et al. 

This overload of themes makes the book heavy and tiring. Furthermore, the issues relevant in the current scenario are overemphasized. It felt like being knocked on the head with a hammer. 

Those pro-choice already know the ground reality. Those against it aren’t going to change their minds by reading a heavy-handed fictional drama. Speeches in fiction are not my favorite. When the similarities are clear as daylight, trust readers to connect the issues and think about them. That’ll be more impactful instead of forcing the issue. 

The blurb and the story’s core focus don’t align. I went into the book expecting family drama (which I got). But I also got a lot of social commentary. Now, if I knew what to expect, I’d take it in stride and go with the flow. Imagine Iris flipping over in the last part of the book when she’s been nothing but annoying until that point.

There’s a happy ending of sorts, which also did nothing to make me happy. Iris finding out the truth about her parent didn’t even create the impact it should have because it wasn’t the focal point. 

And finally, Iris wanted to be a writer. I was startled by her confession. Not being judgmental, but I didn’t associate her with writing based on the character arc. It was a shocker. 

To summarize, The Last Summer in Ireland is a dark read dealing with many themes and a current hot topic. It’s a mixed bag that could have been better with a restrained execution. 

I enjoyed The Boatman’s Wife by the author, but this wasn’t to be.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLastSummerinIreland 

Death on the Pier by Jamie West - Book Review

Death on the Pier by Jamie West

Series: A Bertie Carroll Mystery #1 

Publication Date: 10th Oct 2022

Genre: Historical Mystery, LGBT

4 Stars 

One Liner: A good start to the series 

*****

Bertie Carroll is a successful playwright in the 1930s. He is in Brighton to watch the performance of one of his plays (the not-so-successful one) in the Palace Pier Theatre. Bertie meets an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, and they attend the event together. 

A former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, is shot on the stage as per the play. But they soon realize that a murder took place right in front of their eyes. Hugh asks Bertie to solve the case as his partner. After all, why can’t a playwright who specializes in murder mysteries solve a real crime? 

Things get complicated as more information comes to light. It’s up to Bertie and High to find the killer and the reason for the crime. 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

What I Like: 

• The writing is easy to read and enjoyable. The pacing is steady almost throughout, though it dips a little in the last third. 
  
  
• Bertie is a likable character, and so is Hugh. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series. The other characters are pretty much two-dimensional but do the job. 
  
  
• Gertrude reminded me of Miss Lemon, except that she is more relaxed and cheerful. In fact, the book has quite a few touches of Agatha Christie’s storytelling. The final reveal is another example of this. 
  
  
• I could guess the killer even before the murder happened. Of course, that didn’t diminish my reading experience as I wanted to see if I was right and find out how the crime was committed. 
  
  
• The main character belongs to the LGBT community. Yet, this aspect wasn’t used as a banner on his head. I liked how it’s just who he is. There’s some discussion in a veiled manner (which will probably be revealed in the next books). Bertie and Hugh’s past seem like a potential subplot to connect the series. 
  
  
• The theatre is another character in the story. The detailing shows the author’s experience in the field. But… (continued in the next section)

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

• The beginning has a detailed description of the Palace Pier Theatre. While it helped visualize the place (after all, that’s where the murder occurs), it felt a bit too stretched. I enjoy descriptions, but this went a bit too long, IMO. 
  
  
• The book is dialogue-heavy. This isn’t an issue per se, but I found it tiring at a couple of places. 
  
  
• A little more character development would have been great (we might see it in the coming books). 

To summarize, Death on the Pier is a good start to a historical mystery series, with a playwright as an amateur sleuth. It’s a light read. Pick it up when you want something to relax with.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing, for the eARC. T 

#NetGalley #DeathonthePier 

The Mystery of Raspberry Hill by Eva Frantz - Book Review

The Mystery of Raspberry Hill by Eva Frantz

Publication Date: 13th Oct 2022

Genre: Middle Grade, Dark Fiction, Paranormal 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: A touching and quick read 

*****

Twelve-year-old Stina knows she will die someday. She has tuberculosis but not enough money for treatment. Her widowed mother tries her best to take care of Stina and her five siblings. 

When Stina is sent to the Raspberry Hill Sanatorium for recovery treatment, she and her family are excited. It’s not every day that the poor have the same opportunities as the rich. However, Stina’s stay at the huge sanatorium has mixed results. 

There are secrets around her, and one such secret could put her in grave danger. What happened to the East Wing? Why are there no other kids recovering at the sanatorium? What secrets is the place hiding? Can Stina find out the truth before it’s too late? Does she have a chance to recover and live longer than she hoped? 

The story comes from Stina’s first-person POV. 

My Observations: 

The story has been translated from Swedish to English and reads well. It is short and fast-paced yet has enough material to entertain a middle-grader. 

The book starts with Stina announcing her impending death (because of TB). This is repeated a few times, which may or may not work for all kids. Of course, it is to be expected when Stina is the narrator. 

The atmospheric setting is done well. I could visualize Raspberry Hall and its gloomy surroundings. 

The occasional hits of cheeky humor keep the tone lighthearted despite the heavy topic. Stina makes some thoughtful observations. She’s a smart girl with realistic traits and reactions. 

A few scenes are convenient, and there are easy coincidences towards the end. However, this is a book for kids. They need some amount of positivity to believe in happy ever afters and magic. No complaints here (after all, I’m not the target audience for the book). 

The book can be finished in a single sitting. The way it blends death, health issues, poverty, greed, etc., with adventure, mystery, and bravery makes it a worthy read. I also liked how Stina makes some wrong assumptions instead of being right every time. 

The paranormal bits are an integral part of the plot. It’s easy to figure things out as an adult (though I think kids would, too), but that’s where the charm lies. 

The characters are well-defined (and yes, some are stereotypical, but who cares). I could imagine even those characters who didn’t have an active role in the story. 

To summarize, The Mystery of Raspberry Hill is a touching book with a lovable heroine and an intriguing setting. Just make sure your kids can read about death before picking this for them. Adults shouldn’t have anything to worry about. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books, for the eARC. 

#TheMysteryofRaspberryHill #NetGalley

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh - Book Review

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

Publication Date: 04th Oct 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: A delightful read 

*****

Molly and Andrew have been flying home to Ireland for Christmas on the same flight for ten years. When the flight is canceled at the last minute, Molly is determined to ensure Andrew gets home to his family. She may not like Christmas the way he does, but she will do everything she can to help him. 

They race across the continents to get home on time. At the same time, they also seem to discover something more about their friendship. Maybe it’s time they examined their feelings for each other? Will this Christmas bring them happy-ever-after? 

The story comes in the first-person narrative by Molly. 

My Observations: 

This is such a cute and sweet story! It’s what we call Hallmark sweet, which I love reading once in a while. Christmas and heartwarming romance go hand in hand. I’m glad that my first Christmas book of the year worked well (touchwood). 

Despite being a first-person narration, the story has a good pace. It flatters only in the last quarter but gains some pace to settle down at a medium speed. 

The banter between the characters was fun, lively, and enjoyable. I liked Molly’s interactions with Gabriela, Zoe, and Andrew. It’s easy to like Molly. Her character is balanced to be sweet and a little annoying. Bonus points because she likes food. 

Andrew is just as good, a bit more assertive and confident but vulnerable enough to feel relatable. Hannah had a small role but makes her presence strongly felt. I like that kid. 

I like that the characters don’t drag issues or have communication issues. Sure, they don’t just blurt things out but aren’t afraid to talk about important issues (with good people around them to provide the necessary nudging). 

There isn’t much to dislike in the book. It handles a few themes with a light touch and sustains the lightheartedness throughout. It was almost a 5-star read for me. But I felt that the slow pacing towards the end dimmed the impact a little. The epilogue is cool, though. 

To Summarize, Holiday Romance is a heartwarming Christmas story about friendships, family, love, and being courageous to do what makes us happy. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

#HolidayRomance #NetGalley

The Empress of Indraprastha by Sonali Raje - Book Review

The Empress of Indraprastha - Entering Kuruvansh by Sonali Raje

Genre: Mahabharat Retelling (with so many retellings in the market, I think it deserves a genre)

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Nice 

The Empress of Indraprastha - Entering Kuruvansh is the first book in the five-part series retelling Mahabharat from Draupadi’s perspective. The book deals with her Swayamvar until the partition of Hastinapur, where the Pandavas are allotted the barren section (Khandavprastha) of the kingdom. 

My Observations: 

The book is short, crisp, and easy to read. It sets a decent foundation for the remaining four books in the series. 

I haven’t found any triggers (pseudo-intellectuals maligning the original), so that’s a relief. I will read the subsequent works to see if the intent continues or changes. 

The overall feeling the book gives is light. As if I skimmed the surface and didn’t go into deep waters. This is an advantage and disadvantage, depending on what the reader wants. 

The vibes are pretty much positive despite the post-modern phrases like gender equality (I was worried when this term appeared thrice in the first two chapters) and caste discrimination (which has to be ‘varna’ as there was no ‘caste’ during the Mahabharata era). 

There’s Draupadi’s obsession with Karn again, albeit in a different manner. However, it could go either way, and I’ll reserve my views on it until I know where it leads. The author did handle it better in this book compared to CBD’s Palace of Illusions. I hope it continues. 

Sahdev gets more screen space in this one, which I like. The interactions have strong undertones of foreshadowing (a little too much at times). Krishna’s wordplay gets a special mention (something I always enjoy in our old Telugu movies). 

The book has more domesticated scenes that show the other side of the princes and kings. Of course, the author’s imagination is at work, but as long as it doesn’t harm the original, I don’t mind. 

A little more research into confirming timeframes for samosas and Jaunpuri rang would have been better. Historical inaccuracies don’t look good in books. (it’s not like we don’t have enough native dishes and ragas to borrow from another culture and time)

There are descriptions of the setting where it matters, and the individual characteristics of the Pandava brothers are well presented. But the book, as such, misses the feel of historical fiction. 

A book set in ancient times has to have the charm of the period. Despite the sprinkling of some native words, the impact isn’t there. The writing feels contemporary (almost like modern-day characters role-playing a periodic drama). 

To summarize, The Empress of Indraprastha - Entering Kuruvansh is a decent beginning to the series and a fast read if you aren’t too particular about a few things. Rounding off the rating to 4 stars since this is the author’s debut work (and I didn’t find anything offensive). 

I thank the author for the complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions. 

*****

If you’re interested in knowing more about Draupadi and Mahabharata in general, check out the Draupadi Parashakti website by a friend. It mentions the references from where the information is collected. 

The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly - Book Review

The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly

Genre: Family Drama 

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Interesting but could have been much better

Nell arrives at her family home to celebrate the fifth anniversary of her father’s famous book, The Golden Bones. The book has become a cult favorite and eventually put Nell in danger. She still spends her life like a nomadic traveler. After all, the Bonehunters are still actively searching for the missing bone to revive Eleanor (from the book). 

Frank Churcher, the author of The Golden Bone, is all set to reveal the location of the missing bone and launch the mobile app version of the puzzle. However, he unleashes the buried past on everyone in the Churcher and Lally family. 

With secrets coming out one after another and threats mounting pile high, Nell has to choose between family, her life, and doing what’s right. 

My Observations: 

I’m glad I read it as a family drama rather than a mystery. I expected the story to be centered on the dysfunctional family and wasn’t disappointed (thanks to my brain that forgot the blurb). 

The overall premise is excellent, and some scenes are very well-written. But the book feels a little heavy with many things happening and the constant shift between past and present. 

The pacing is slow and uneven. The story has a loop within a loop that keeps the reader going in circles. It doesn’t help that the book is 500+ pages long (something I missed when I requested the ARC). 

There are multiple POVs in different timelines. While I’m used to this, the ARC I had didn’t have proper formatting. It was hard to know which POV belonged to which character. The saving grace was that except for Nell’s first-person POV, the others are in the limited third-person. 

The middle of the book was info heavy. Though it revealed more information, the process was laborious and long-winded. Sometimes, ‘telling’ works better. The book would have worked much better if it was 70-100 pages shorter. 

The last 15% to 20% left me with mixed feelings. In fact, I should say it made me dislike Nell when I should have been supporting her. None of the characters were likable except Billie, but that wasn’t an issue. There weren’t supposed to be liked anyway. 

What annoyed me was Nell’s holier-than-thou attitude in the climax. What Frank did was a greater crime than murder, in my books. I give this one 4 stars (despite my rants or because of them) for the ending. 

I like how the book ended. Some families are clearly not meant to be together, and the author worked the plot to reach this stage. Nell’s actions gave the story the ending it needed. I dislike her character, but I like the story and its closure. 

The epilogue is a master touch. It confirms my assessments of the characters. It actually makes me feel justified for siding with the family, lol. A definite plus. 

To Summarize, The Skeleton Key is a cleverly plotted novel about unlikeable characters, dysfunctional families, and human fallacies. It would have worked a lot better if the plot was presented with more precision in fewer pages. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheSkeletonKey 

Silverweed Road by Simon Crook - Book Review

Silverweed Road by Simon Crook

Publication Date: 15th Sep 2022

Genre: Short Story Anthology, Horror 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric and entertaining 

Silverweed Road is a spooky, strange, and chilling area with creepy activities and weird people. Everyone on the road is a stranger to the other and has secrets to hide. From spine-chilling sounds to unexplainable disappearances, Silverweed Road is where no outsider wants to go. 

But what happened to the people living along the road? Detective Chief Inspector Jim Heath goes through his notes to talk about the cases he encountered. 

The book is a collection of horror stories with a common setting and multiple themes like greed, human failings, mad brilliance, etc. 

The Jackdaw- 4.5 Stars

Victor Hagman is obsessed with his garden. His wife Patricia realizes that Victor is no longer who he was, and the garden is the only thing that matters. So when the Jackdaw pair thaws Victor’s attempts to protect his late-season raspberries, it unleashes a series of incidents that changes their lives forever. 

This is totally my kinda story! It is atmospheric, creepy, and dark. I knew what would happen but was still curious to see if that’s how the story would progress. The ending is poetic (not the verses one) and concludes the story with perfection. 

The Plot- 3.8 Stars 

Cleo Marsh is a young artist, a reclusive painter who shot to fame with her bold paintings. The demand to interact with the buyers pushes her into a void. Meeting Margaret Prowler seems like a good thing. What happens when Cleo goes to Margaret’s retreat on Silverweed Road? 

The story takes time to get to the point, but the buildup is necessary to understand Cleo and her actions. This, too, is an atmospheric setting where we know something will happen. The concept is great, but I didn’t feel the ending hit me as it should. 

Caught Red-Handed- 4.2 Stars 

Augustus Fry needs a deal to stay afloat. After all, shady antique business doesn’t run without artifacts and gullible sellers. When some Mr. Butterworth from a tiny place calls about a ring, Augustus knows what he has to do. The deal goes better than he expected. But what’s with those strange occurrences in his house? 

This one ups the horror quotient as the story progresses. While the house in Silverweed Road isn’t the focus, that’s where the action takes place. I expected the final twist, but there’s a teeny one that made me smile (sinister types). I do love paranormal entities with ethics. Very important, I say! 

Cuttlefish, Cuttlefish- 4.5 Stars  

Dr. Eric Akoto is all set for the experiment of his lifetime on cuttlefish. It seems to progress well until things take a turn for worse. Can Dr. Eric uncover the secret? What happens to him? 

This is the best story in the book until now. It’s sci-fi horror written in the diary format where Dr. Eric records his thoughts and observations each day. The story is fascinating and eww (depending on how active your imagination is). I enjoyed this one a lot. 

Crash Flowers- 3.7 Stars 

Shanta Kapoor wakes up to an accident outside her home. The crash site is filled with flowers from people in the street. The pink orchids grab Shanta’s attention and start yet another cycle. Where will this lead her? 

The story went really well till the end. It was atmospheric and oppressive as it should be. But I didn’t like the reveal, though it does have some merit. I’d have preferred something more connected with the story itself. 

Darts with the Devil- 3.7 Stars 

Terry Slater has dartritis (a psychological disorder that locks his elbow and prevents him from throwing darts). Nothing he does helps him overcome his humiliating loss in the past and his current inability to throw the darts. What happens when he shakes hands with the Devil? 

You can guess the plot from the title and the blurb. Yep, it goes exactly the way you think it would. The writing was gripping and kept me invested till the end despite the predictability. It is good, but not the best. 

The Vanslow Fox- 4 Stars 

Vanslow Lee’s life is no longer his. He turns into a fox every Sunday night. He meets the ruler of the Woods during one such period. Will this give him a chance to live again, or will it push him into an abyss? 

The story is pretty much in constant action from start to finish. As with the ones, a few elements from the earlier stories are woven into the narrative. The ending was interesting (including the Chief Inspector’s notes). 

The Mogon- 3.7 Stars 

Geppetto Savini comes out of retirement to create his masterpiece, The Mongon, for a movie. His metal costumes have been famous before, but the latest is his best work ever. However, a sudden change of plans ruins things for him. Or will he take control of the situation? 

This is a character-based story where Geppetto is the hero, villain, and victim. While I enjoyed the decline into madness and the subsequent actions, I felt the story was a little rushed and focused more on graphical description (gore) than horror. 

Dust- 4.5 Stars 

Leo Harbinger and his wife Pippa are on their special trip to Scotland for their tenth wedding anniversary? However, one of them has ulterior motives, and it could unleash something they cannot control. 

Yet another story where we know what is likely to happen but want to read it to ensure that’s how the plot goes. Though it is graphic (like other stories), it keeps you hooked, especially in the second half. I love the ending of this one. 

Behind the Curtain- 4 Stars 

Roy and his daughter Lois live in No. 22 and track the goings of the street from behind the curtains. The forever empty house on No. 27 catches their attention. One thing leads to another and could very well end everything. 

The last story in the book works as a standalone and a way to tie up the loose ends. It progresses steadily and has a few moments but doesn’t give that final punch. However, what comes after and the history of the place makes up for it. 

***

To summarize, Silverweed Road is an atmospheric and creepy collection of stories with an interconnected theme. I didn’t find any Brit humor in the stories (maybe it was too subtle for m to notice). But I did find loads of horror and enjoyed reading the collection. 

Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and HarperVoyager, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #Silverweed Road 

*****

There are quite a few trigger warnings, so pick it up if you’re comfortable with dark themes and graphic descriptions. 

Wren by Lucy Hope - Book Review

Wren by Lucy Hope

Publication Date: 06th Oct 2022

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fantasy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

Wren lives in an ancient castle on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. She shares her home with her Pa, brother Tudur, and Aunt Efa (her mother’s sister). Wren is much like her mother, a daredevil who lost her life during an adventure. The same incident put Aunt Efa in a wheelchair (a steam-powered model). 

When Pa decides to send Wren to Airey’s school for spirited girls, she knows she has to find a way to stop it. Her plans inadvertently expose a long-buried secret. Now, it’s up to Wren to do what is right, even if it costs her everything. Can a twelve-year-old girl handle the responsibility on her young shoulders? 

My Observations: 

The story comes in the first person POV of Wren, giving us insights into her thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. The start feels a little tentative but picks up pace after the first quarter. 

The atmospheric setting adds to the intrigue. The characters are pretty much two-dimensional, with some growth in the last quarter. It works well in the story (also because this is middle-grade fiction). 

I enjoyed scenes where Wren puts her foot down and gets really reckless. Yeah, not something we would encourage in kids, but this is fiction. There’s got to be some adventure and action for Wren to grow. 

The book doesn’t ignore the importance of personal safety. There are two scenes (kind of related) that stress the need to be careful even when being a daredevil (and how not doing it right can have adverse results). 

The steam-powered wheelchair and the Phoenix seamlessly blend with the historical setting. The combination of mechanics and myth works well in this one. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop chuckling when Aunt Efa zoomed about in her wheelchair and elaborate hairstyles. 

The gothic part wasn’t that impactful though the climax is very well done and detailed. I just wish the paranormal part was a little more impactful. I’m sure kids wouldn’t be scared. ;) 

The epilogue adds a lovely finishing touch to the story. The author’s note provides more information about the flying ships and her family's connection to them. 

To Summarize, Wren is a heartwarming story about a young girl who loves freedom and believes in doing the right thing. It’s a quick read too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC.  

#Wren #NetGalley

Daggers at the Country Fair by Catherine Coles - Book Review

Daggers at the Country Fair by Catherine Coles

A Martha Miller Mystery #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 26th Sep 2022

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A fun read! 

Winteringham Village 1947

Martha Miller is invited as the guest of honor at the Winteringham Country Fair. She travels to the place with her sister Ruby, the new vicar Luke, and two friends, Maud and Ada. Though Martha is nervous about the event, she looks forward to spending quality time away from her village. 

However, Martha stumbles upon the dead body of the local femme fatale (a teenage girl), and she has no choice but to investigate the crime with Luke. One death leads to another, and Martha has to stop the killer from taking more lives by exposing who they are. Can Martha and Luke solve this case too? 

The story comes from Martha’s POV in the limited-third person. 

What I Like:

• The book is just 210+ pages long and is easy to read. It can be read as a standalone as there’s enough backstory for readers to understand the characters and their relationships. 

• There’s a list of characters and their profession at the beginning of the book. This makes it easy to keep track of them (and to make notes). 

• The story has themes of the changing scenarios after WWII and how they affected women’s lives during the period. It has an array of characters with varying quirks (some stereotypical but work for the purpose). 

• Apart from the crime, this book has three major focus elements- the need for a loving family, how the scales are heavily tilted against young women with no support, and the ease at which people justify their actions (nothing has changed!). The concept of having a child is dealt with from different perspectives. 

• There are bits and pieces of lighthearted moments, gossip, and loads of tea as any countryside mystery should have. (Not complaining. I’d rather read about tea than a variety of alcoholic beverages and heroines who love their drink a little too much!)

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

• Ben is the police, so when he is asked to take over a case, the poor guy needs some scenes where he can do his job (searching for clues isn’t enough). Also, there was a great opportunity to give Ben some credit (the constable issue). 

• Though Martha’s final reveal kind of replicates Poirot's dramatics, it doesn’t have the same impact. Her assumptions seem like a lucky guess than a deduction (which is sad because there is logic in the case and the killer’s identity). Structuring the sleuthing process more carefully would have made it even better. 

• While I love smaller books, I also want some progress in the subplots. Understandable that things cannot be rushed with Martha and Luke, but Ruby and Ben hardly have a scene together. And the second book also ends the way the first does. I hope this doesn’t become a pattern because that would be boring. A hook for the next in the series can be anything. ;) 

To summarize, Daggers at the Country Fair is a short, fast-paced, and easy, cozy mystery set in the English countryside. The book works as a standalone. Grab it when you want a book for a lazy afternoon. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #DaggersattheCountryFair

In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker - Book Review

In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker

Publication Date: 13th Sep 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Magic Realism, Family Drama

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Yarrow in Kentucky is a magical place. The three generations of the Haywood family heal people’s pain and feed it to their shadow garden. The shadow garden gives them rich fruits, herbs, vegetables, and flowers in return.

The Bonner family owns the local bourbon distillery and brews a different kind of magic. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon can make a person’s worst memories go away. The lives of the Haywood and Bonner family are more entwined than the Haywood ladies would care to admit. 

Something happened twenty years ago. No one remembers what made everyone willingly give up the memories. A person died, and no one remembers how. As the secrets from the past come to light, The Haywood ladies have to make decisions that can affect their future. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of many characters. 

My Observations: 

Since I didn’t reread the blurb before starting the book, I was surprised to find it heavier than expected. Yet, I enjoyed the sense of intrigue and drama it created. 

The first 35% is slow. The last 25% is super fast. The second half worked better for me as I wanted to read to the end and could do it by staying up a few minutes extra. 

The book started with three family trees. Yep. I recreated those on paper (as I always do), but the relationships between some characters are still confusing (‘is’ because it’s still messy in my head). 

There wasn’t enough breathing space in introducing characters and changing POVs from one character to another. Lucky that all of them didn’t have a chapter with their name. 

The concept of the shadow garden was wonderful. I loved how it is an integral part of the story from start to finish. A book with magic should have magic as one of its characters, and this book does that. 

But… the story was too elaborate for a 330 page-book. That meant one thing happened after another, and with different POVs in each chapter, you had to pay full attention to keep up. IMO, the premise deserved more. I’d have loved it if the whole story was divided into two books (220-250 pages) with proper character development and optimum utilization of the setting. 

While I decided to go with the flow, I didn’t know if I should root for Irene or Addison. The chapters whizzed by before I could make up my mind. In fact, there’s still a chance for a prequel. Give us more details about the past, about why Maura didn’t like Bonners and Addison’s childhood. 

Despite the lack of character development, the book was entertaining and enjoyable. The mystery wasn’t much of a mystery after 50%, but I sure wanted to know how they would connect the dots. 

What I loved the best was how the Haywood ladies weren’t all goody-good. They had their faults and weren’t perfect parents/ grandparents. There are subtle lessons in the book about family relationships, supporting the younger generation, and trusting them to make their own decisions. 

Another important lesson is how a person can end up pushing away their loved ones by prioritizing their hate for a third party over loving/ supporting their own. I so wish this was given enough space for the gravity of the act to sink in. 

The LGBT side characters are delightful and cute, as adorable as the lovely cover and the drawing of flowers at the beginning of the chapters. 

There’s a glossary for reading the shapes in tea leaves. Tea leaves are a big part of the book. I’m yet to get into it (just started learning tarot), but seems like destiny has it lined up for me. I’ve read quite a few books with magic, witchcraft, and tea leaves reading as major themes since I started learning. Though the glossary is limited, I loved that I could save a copy of it (along with the meanings for different flowers). 

To summarize, In the Shadow Garden is an engaging book about magic, tea leaves, flowers, mystery, love, families, and choices. Pick it up when you want something light (as long as you keep track of the characters). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #InTheShadowGarden 

Kibogo by Scholastique Mukasonga - Book Review

Kibogo by Scholastique Mukasonga and Mark Polizzotti (Translator)

Publication Date: 13th Sep 2022

Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Powerful and impactful 

*****

Kibogo is a recounting of the constant clash between pagan beliefs and missionaries determined to evangelize Rwanda. It is divided into four parts and deals with Kibogo’s story, its distortion over the years, and the lives of people forever stuck between two opposite faiths. 

The book was first published in French and is now translated into English. The story comes from an unseen narrator who talks to the readers in between. The writing is to the point and does what it should.  

Reading this wasn’t easy. I couldn’t stop comparing the situations in Rwanda and India. In fact, the man-made Bengal Famine in India occurred at the same time there was a natural famine in Rwanda. The difference is that India was ruled by the Britishers and its Belgian missionaries in Rwanda. (Reading reference- Bengal Famine: An Unpunished Genocide) 

There are too many parallels to draw, and TBH, I have no idea where to start. I’ll do my best to list them below. 

The disdain for pagan culture is the prominent theme. Calling pagans as devil worshippers, witches, barbarians, uncultured, et al., and the neverending determination to convert them. 

Using fear and punishment as tools for conversion. Yezu and Maria sure wouldn’t punish people for following their cultural beliefs! But the missionaries won’t tell you that. 

Xavier’s over-enthusiasm to break and destroy Pagan idols. Ironic that they want to install Maria’s statue when idol-worshipping is bad. Should I mention that this is still rampant in India and Bangladesh even today? Sadly, the murtis are attacked by radicals from both Abhramic faiths.  

The distortion of native tales by people from the same tribe. This happens because the older generations want to keep their heritage alive while the next generation wants nothing to do with it. Still, the cultural aspects are shared as stories and end up as a mess. 

The inferiority complex that haunts multiple generations and their determination to gain approval from the superior White men. 

People like the Professors who want to ‘revive’ pagan cultures as long as it suits their requirements. Wanting to ‘expose’ the missionaries by converting pagan centers into tourist locations. The yearning of natives to make their lives better and the trust they have in White men to help them achieve it. Breaks your heart. 

Akayezu is such an intriguing character. I loved his arc, the questions he had, his struggles, his dreams, the unconventional methods, etc.  

Mukamwezi is an enthralling character. Her power, presence, and timelessness represent how the pagan culture is rooted in the land and will stay alive no matter what. There will always be someone who refuses to let go of their cultural heritage, and they give the rest of us hope. The book ends with this hope, and that’s what gives me peace.  

To summarize, Kibogo is a book you should read to see things from the African side. The book might make some uncomfortable and trigger generational trauma in others, but it is relatively safe to read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Archipelago Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #Kibogo 

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen - Book Review

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Contemporary, Magic Realism

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Slow start but good 

****

Marrow Island, on the coast of South Carolina, is more of a tourist destination. However, nestled in its center is Dellawisp, an old building in horseshoe design and secrets from the past. 

Zoey goes to Dellawisp to claim her dead mother’s property and continue her education away from an apathetic father and stepmother. She meets-

• Fraiser, the caretaker of the building
• Charlotte, a struggling henna artist
• Mac, a sous chef with secrets 
• The Lime sisters, Lizabeth and Lucy (who couldn’t be more contradictory even if tried) 
• The Dellawisp birds 
• Ghosts waiting for… 

Everyone has a story that weighs them down. Everyone has ghosts from the past. But maybe it’s time to write the stories and let go of the past for a better future.

The story comes from the limited third-person POV of the main characters and the first-person POV of a couple of interesting characters. (Yep, too many POVs but each with a distinct voice). 

My Observations: 

This is my second book by the author, and I like how well she deals with heavy topics. The story could have been melodramatic but reads more like a melancholic narrative. 

Having so many POVs and voices is not easy. This book manages it well, even when the POVs change in the middle of a chapter. That said, reading this when distracted can cause confusion. There are quite a lot of voices. 

The use of magic realism starts with a promise. How can we not be curious about Pigeon or ghosts? However, a little more of it would have been great. The setting has the potential, but the story skims only the surface. 

The same happens with the characters’ backstories too. There are hints of a lot of things (triggers listed at the end), but none are detailed. Though I like books with more depth, this one worked just fine for my current mood. I didn’t want anything too heavy or overwhelming. The characters are a bit stereotypical, which I didn’t mind. 

The story doesn’t progress until after 70%. The first chuck is where we collect information and get to know the characters. Max action takes place in the last 15-20%, and it picks up pace. Feels like the book ended too soon. The last chapter made the ending interesting for me. 

What I would have liked is an acknowledgment of the cultural heritage of henna. Charlotte is a henna artist, meaning there are too many opportunities to add a couple of lines about henna’s origins. There is one teeny reference, more like an indirect nod. Henna has been a part of Hindu, Islam, and other indigenous cultures (Egypt and Africa, I think). Google can help with more information. It’s not common for a white blond woman to be a henna artist. No issues with it (makes me glad that she likes it as much as we do), but proper acknowledgment would have been appreciated. 

To summarize, Other Birds is a mellowed narrative that deals with various topics but doesn’t go deep. It still manages to be emotional in some parts. It will appeal to readers who like a light touch of magic. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the eARC. 

*****

Content Warning: Hints/ mention of pedophilia, child abuse, parental abuse, parental neglect, parental death, romanticized grooming (dunno if I missed any).