Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire - Book Review

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire

Series: Christie Bookshop #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 01 Nov 2022

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Uneven pacing and a bit silly but entertaining 

PC: Publisher's promotion kit

*****

Ellie Christie is back home in her tiny Colorado town to run the family bookshop with her older sister, Meg. Her sister’s teen Rosie and their fun-loving Gram help them in the business. The bookshop cat, Agatha C. Christie, does her bit to spread her hair around the books and bring more customers with her haughty frown. 

The bookshop, Book Chalet, is a favorite destination for booklovers in the town. However, the appearance of a mysterious stranger disrupts their book club meeting. When the man later ends up dead and has a history related to the town, the list of suspects starts to grow. 

The Christie family goes on an unsubtle amateur sleuthing as the snow piles high around the town. When a close family friend ends up as the prime suspect, Ellie and Meg have to sharpen their Marpling skills and find the killer. Can they do it in time and prevent more disasters in their cozy little town? 

The story comes in the first-person POV by Ellie Christie. 

My Thoughts: 

• The book is set in a snowy fictional town in Colorado. The small-town setting is spot on, with an array of characters and even a celebrity thrown into the mix. 
• As the characters’ names suggest, there’s a lot of Christie in the book. As a fan, I did enjoy it, especially the regal cat. 
• The story is quite lighthearted and humorous. If you want something silly and goofy with murder, this is your pick. 
• The family dynamics are sweet, like really sweet. The teen is well-behaved and has enough skills to survive just about anywhere. Gram is tech-savvy enough to send voice messages (so what if the message ends up different from what she intended).
• My major grouse is with the pacing. It starts well, dips, slows, picks up a little, dips again, and ends with a moderate pace. Tighter editing would have solved the issue. I wouldn’t mind editing the repeated references to reading, either. I already know that they are bibliophiles. No point in reminding me multiple times throughout the book. 
• Absent in the Spring by Christie (written as Mary Westmacott) has a key role in the story. I like how it’s incorporated into the plot. 
• The murder and a few reveals were easy to guess (something I don’t mind in cozies). As the first book in the series, this one sets a decent base for the upcoming murders… books. I’d like more details about the main characters’ lives and a little less about how much they love to read. 

To summarize, Dead and Gondola is an entertaining read but a slightly bumpy ride. That said, I’m looking forward to the next in the series. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Bantam, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #DeadandGondola 

The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke - Book Review

The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke

Genre: Historical Horror, Drama, Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric 

In the middle of Ghost Woods in Scotland is Lichen Hall, a huge house with mysterious members, rooms, and incidents. It is a place where unwed girls go to give birth and hand over the child to adoptive parents. It is supposedly a better place than the ‘institutions’ that serve the same purpose. 

Mabel goes there in 1950 and Pearl in 1965, along with a good many other girls. Pearl notices strange happenings and events in and around the house. One day, she meets a mysterious young woman and a boy on the grounds. Together, they start to unravel the hidden secrets even as darkness threatens to swallow them whole. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Mabel and Pearl in alternating timelines. 

My Thoughts:

• The story is divided into four parts: 

1. Part I: okayish and slow 
2. Part II: picks up pace and intriguing 
3. Parts III and IV: engaging and steady-paced 

• As you can see, the book is slow to start and even a little boring. But once the atmosphere sets in, it keeps you hooked. 
• I read The Lighthouse Witches by the author and know that she writes settings very well. The book lives up to the previous one in this aspect. It is atmospheric, gothic, and dark. It’s not spine-chilling but has enough to sustain the mood. 
• Folklore and science blend nicely, and there are enough social issues to add to the list. However, it doesn’t get preachy or OTT. 
• Various human emotions and dark sides merge seamlessly as the story progresses. It also requires a little suspension of belief to take a few things in stride. 
• The main characters are well-defined if not fully sketched. The side characters do what’s required of them. Though they aren’t explored, we get the essence of each character without trouble. 
• Mabel and Pearl’s voices are distinct enough. They blur a little toward the climax, but it’s still easy to keep track. 
• The author’s note at the end is detailed and provides insights into her idea and intent for the book. 
• The climax and ending are predictable (there are many hints). The climax isn’t as impactful as I wanted, but the detailed epilogue is more than satisfying.  

To summarize, The Ghost Woods is a dark and atmospheric tale that uses folklore and science to explore the dark human side. Be careful of the triggers. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Emma Pickard from HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheGhostWoods 

P.S: Don't you love the cover? 

The October Witches by Jennifer Claessen - Book Review

The October Witches by Jennifer Claessen

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

*****

October is the time for magic. Clemmie loves and dreads it. As a young witch, this October could be the time for the stars to descend on her for the first time. But magic comes with its share of responsibilities. Clemmie spent twelve years knowing how magic makes her eccentric aunts messy. 

However, things seem to be much more complex and dangerous this time. Clemmie’s aunts want their magic to last beyond October, and so do the Morgans, but for different reasons. What starts as a Merlyn obsession to live as a witch turns into a life-threatening situation. 

Meanwhile, Clemmie is still not sure how her magic works or if she can even use it. But it’s time for Clemmie to step up and accept her gift. Will she know what and how to do to save her family? Can Clemmie be the witch she was born to be? 

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

My Thoughts: 

• The story lands us directly in the middle of a magical mess at the beginning. It’s a bit slow to take off but goes full throttle from around 25-30%. 
• The mess, however, continues throughout. It is cute, annoying, eye-roll-worthy (even for the young hags), and carefree. 
• Clemmie is a twelve-year-old and sounds like one throughout the book. I like how she has magic but doesn’t know what to do with it. She isn’t a superhero and doesn’t pretend to be. 
• The aunts are quirky, loud, and full of energy (a little too much, but that’s who they are). The contrast between the Merlyns and Morgans comes out very well. 
• The kids (young hags) have strong personalities but are still kids with insecurities, doubts, and vulnerabilities. 
• The climax is super cool. It’s high action with emotions and humor interwoven together. The combination works rather well and creates a visual treat for readers. 
• While there’s enough history and lore, there’s no information about the whats and whys. Logical questions have no answer. You’ll enjoy this more if you go with the flow. Though I wouldn’t mind a few answers. 
• Not sure if there will be a sequel because things tie up well enough, but there is potential for another book or two as the kids grow. I’d be interested to read those. 

To summarize, The October Witch is a delightful read and a perfect choice for October. It is emotional yet humorous, magical yet messy, and, of course, super cute. 

Thank you, NetGalley and UCLan Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheOctoberWitches 

The Curious Life of Elizabeth Blackwell by Pamela Holmes - Book Review

The Curious Life of Elizabeth Blackwell by Pamela Holmes

Publication Date: 25th Nov 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Starts well but goes downhill in the second half 

Elizabeth goes against her family’s wishes to marry Alexander Blackwell. She knew life with him would be different but hoped it would be exciting. While the excitement was certainly present, Elizabeth learns that dreams are different from reality, and what made Alexander unique may not be his best traits. 

Life in London was good and bad, and Elizabeth took things in stride without compromising her individuality. But when things take a turn for worse, and Alexander is in debtor’s prison, she has to be braver than ever to get him out of prison and deal with what life throws at her. Can Elizabeth handle the pressure and lead the life she dreamt of? 

The story comes from Elizabeth’s third-person POV, with a few scenes from other characters’ third-person POVs. 

What I Like:

The first 40-50% has steady pacing and yet presents a clear picture of the characters and their lives. 

There isn’t much ‘show’, but ‘telling’ works for the storyline. There are enough descriptions to visualize the setting and the story. 

The details about Elizabeth’s artwork and the creation of Curious Herbal were great to read. I loved reading about the process of engraving and the skills required to create something so intricate. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

Using real-life stories to write fiction comes with responsibility. The writer has to balance the authenticity of real people while using creative liberties to dramatize their lives and events. However, staying true to their characters is crucial. While Alexander’s arc seems to align with the real person, I’m not impressed by certain changes to Elizabeth’s character. 

A few changes have been made, some of which are not a big deal. But a couple of changes did affect the plot. One of those doesn’t stay true to Elizabeth’s original character and grit. I read a few versions of her life’s story, and none mentions anything close to what has happened in the book. What’s more, I don’t even see the need for it. This isn’t something we should be doing to real people. She isn’t alive to present her side, right? 

Apart from the said creative liberties (I understand all about it. I’m a writer myself), the second half is slower and even drags in some places. While I appreciate the details about the conditions at the debtor’s prison, I would have liked it better with quicker pacing. 

The side characters are not fully explored. There are hints with bits and pieces of information but those seem to help the main characters more. Only Christian’s character has a good arc. Therese and George seem to drift in and out. Tobias… well, let’s not talk about it. 

To summarize, The Curious Life of Elizabeth Blackwell starts on a solid note but dips and dips further towards the end, especially after reading her true story. 

Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. 

Naham Karta Hari Karta by P.V.R.K. Prasad - Book Review

Naham Karta Hari Karta by P.V.R.K. Prasad 

Publication Date: August 2003

Genre: Memoir, Spiritual 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Inspiring and soothing 

Naham Karta Hari Karta translates to ‘it’s not me but Hari who got things done’. The book is a memoir, a collection of incidents when the author was the Executive Officer at Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh during 1978-1982. 

‘When I saw Tirupati Balaji’ is the English translation though I have no idea how it is. You can see that the title isn’t an exact translation. I hope the book does justice to the original. 

About the Author: 

A memoir is only as relatable as the author. PVRK Prasad was an IAS officer with MA in English and LLB, with a Fellowship from Cambridge University. He was a Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (1971-72), Collector, Khammam (1974-77), EO of TTD (1978-82), and Media Advisor to former Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao (and many more important positions). He became an advisor to the TTD board afterward. 

It was his four years as the Executive Officer at TTD when a majority of the reforms took place in Tirupati. From building new pathways to changing internal policies, streamlining administration, fighting court cases that prevented progress, developing the surroundings around the temple and its premises, etc., are credited to him. 

Prasad garu wrote a couple of books about his administrative experiences (which I intend to listen to soon). He passed away in 2017 (aged 75 years). 

About the Book: 

This book is a collection of incidents from his 4-year stint at Tirupati. It was first published as a series of articles in Swathi magazine. The book starts with how he was chosen for the post and the subsequent incidents that made him accept the offer. The last two chapters are more personal, one about his daughter’s marriage and another about how he became the man he was. 

Each chapter deals with a different issue. He recollects incidents that made him wonder about life, faith, God, and our role in this universe. However, the book doesn’t preach religion. It is spiritual and philosophical, with loads of information about how government offices, bureaucracy, and politics work behind the scenes. 

Every position of authority comes with a truckload of responsibilities and headaches. Pulling the wrong thread will mess things up rather than undo the intricate knots. He explains how he had to deal with protesters who objected to progress as it wasn’t beneficial for them. 

Prasad garu talks about being stuck in a rock and hard place where his duty demands he provide the best facilities for devotees but the resistance from a whole bunch of people who are more than happy to profit from the loopholes. Of course, he is also answerable to politicians with wholly different priorities. 

My Thoughts: 

While this isn’t my regular genre, I was interested in reading it someday. We have a copy at home, and dad already shared a few incidents with me. Reading the whole book was going to be time-consuming, and I was more than happy to delay it. 

Then I found an app with Telugu audiobooks and saw that this title was for free. It was too good to resist, and I decided to give audiobooks one last try before giving up forever. I liked the first couple of chapters (as in, I didn’t zone out even once) and continued listening to it. 

I also realized that true to his words in the intro (there’s a small audio clip in his voice), the book should work for a range of readers. The bottom line is simple yet complex- 

ü  Trust your instincts and stay true to yourself 

ü  Accept that things will go wrong but can be sorted 

ü  The solution comes in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be what you think it should be 

ü  The universe will help you if you ask (but you have to have faith in yourself and the universe) 

ü  Events cannot be viewed in isolation (chain reactions and cycles are an integral part of our lives)

ü  There will always be things you don’t know 

ü  Attitude matters; you are who/ what you manifest 

ü  A change of perspective can clear a roadblock 

These aren’t something new. Thousand of self-help books, podcasts, blogs, videos, etc., say the same. It’s how we take it that matters. 

He talks about his associations and interactions with the Dasa Sahitya project, the literature of the bhakti movement in Kannada, Swami Ranganathananda, a head Swami of Ramakrishna Math, and MS Subbulakshmi. Balancing traditions and progress wasn't easy, but he showed how it could be done. 

The highlight is the chapter with the book’s title, which was pretty much an impossible task (replacing the centuries-old dwajha stambham with a new one). Prasad garu was transferred to another important post six days after this momentous task was fulfilled. He explains in a different chapter how it was rare to stay in a position for four long years as an IAS. The transfers were frequent, but since he brought major developments, the government extended his responsibilities until he could complete them all. 

His wife and children are also mentioned in the book. While the kids don’t have much role, his wife, Gopika, played a vital role in a few chapters. The words reflect his love and respect for her without any declarations. 

What I love the most is how Prasad garu doesn’t shy away from sharing certain parts of his past. The last chapter is dedicated to how he changed for the better after becoming the EO and TTD. In fact, the last chapter makes us see the book and the person in a different light.

Prasad garu is also open about his uncertainties, fears, doubts, anguish, happiness, contentment, and tears. How many times has he mentioned that tears of grief or happiness flowed through his eyes! So what if he was an IAS and a civil servant? He was a human, and every word reflected that.  

My Audiobook Experience: 

Well, this is the first audiobook that worked for me. The reading isn’t perfect, but it did the job. The narrator, Konduru Tulsidas, the app's founder and a retired officer from the Andhra Pradesh Board of Education, brought out the necessary intonations and emotions in his voice. 

Still, I listened to the book throughout the month. I started with a chapter or two per day and could stretch to three long chapters (~1hr total). 

Since each chapter was independent, the book worked very well as an audio version. Being in conversational Telugu (but of premium quality with some poetic metaphors) helped the most. Listening is a different experience when someone talks in detail about administration (also, I’m used to it, thanks to my dad). 

To Summarize: 

I dug out the physical copy of the book and found that it has black & white pictures included with some chapters. Though I know that this was a book I had to listen to.

I’ve always felt that some books come to you when the time is right. This is one of those books. It seems fitting that I conclude the review in Prasad garu’s words- Naham Karta Hari Karta… 

*****

P.S: I read the book for a reading challenge. 

Found Object by Anne Frasier - Book Review

Found Object by Anne Frasier

Genre: Contemporary Thriller, Drama 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Great premise but failed to keep me interested 

*****

Jupiter’s mother, Marie Nova, a celebrated TV actress, was murdered twenty years ago. Jupiter has moved on and built a life for herself as an investigative journalist. When her latest expose affects her, Jupiter is sent back to Savannah to write a piece about a cosmetic company’s 100th-year celebrations. 

However, the trip back home makes Jupiter question everything in the past and her life. As she starts to dig into the details of her mother’s death, Jupiter is left with more questions and unconvincing details. The killer’s confession doesn’t seem right, and there are too many gaps in the details. 

Can Jupiter get to the bottom of the case and find the closure she desperately needs to have a normal life? 

The story comes from Jupiter’s first-person POV and another character’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise intrigued me, and the page count was right in my zone. The beginning was good, too, despite the slow pacing. However, I lost interest even before I touched the halfway mark. 

Jupiter was a cool character, willing to acknowledge her vulnerabilities and smart enough to connect the dots (though she does make a few mistakes). However, the first-person narration didn’t move me. It couldn’t feel involved in the story.

A few scenes were unbelievable and pretty much unrealistic (at least to me). Also, there wasn’t much backstory to justify the scenes. 

Poppy was an adorable character and my favorite in the book. The others were left unexplored almost throughout. Even Jupiter doesn’t have much depth once you realize how things stand. 

I knew about the excessive twists towards the end (thanks to other reviews) and was prepared for them. Yet, I found them a little too much. The whole of it somehow felt melodramatic, though things easily work Jupiter one way or another. 

To summarize, Found Object didn’t appeal to me as much as I thought it would (and this is when I already went with low expectations). I enjoy thrillers of most kinds, but I just couldn’t make myself care about this one. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #FoundObject 

Even in the Grave Anthology - Book Review

Even in the Grave by James Chambers and Carol Gyzander (editors)

Genre: Ghost Stories, Horror, Paranormal, Short Story Anthology 

3.2 Stars 

One Liner: Great variety but mixed results 

*****

Even in the Grave is a collection of short stories with a common theme- ghosts. The author’s note at the beginning sets the tone and provides information about how the editors came up with the idea for the book. 

The stories belong to a range of genres and settings- futuristic to historical, contemporary to dystopian, and more. We also have a plethora of ghosts- helpful, friendly, creepy, vengeful, and terrifying. 

Some stories are a little shorter than others, but they all seem to be within a specific word count. That makes the collection more compact in terms of pacing. A few stories were brilliant, and a couple of them were meh! Some had great potential but didn’t wow me much. 

As with every anthology, every reader will have their favorites, hits and misses. Here’s what I liked the best (4-5 stars)

In the Machine: How does an old dead woman communicate with her granddaughter using a computer? Easily the best and least scary ghost story in the book. It was so cute! 

Taps: What happens when a ghost communicates with a drummer from high school? Compact and well done, with a good dose of drama. 

The Bells: Not all debts are money, and no one can escape their past, especially if the ghosts are determined to have their way. This one ups the impact as the story progresses, and the end is too good. 

Moshigawa’s Homecoming: A Japanese historical retelling. Takes time to set the stage but delivers a worthy climax.  

These were good but not great (3-4 stars): 

House of Cracks: An injured army vet with PTSD tries to move on and start fresh. The ghosts from the past have a role to play. The only thing this didn’t go to the first category was the somewhat bland (detached) POV. 

Fetch: Moves between past and present in a historical setting. Who does like a vengeful ghost story? Felt a bit too long. 

After Trevor Vanished: Forgetting your first love is not easy, definitely not when it ends in tragedy. Good plot, but the ending felt rushed. 

The Spectacles: The spectacles can help solve a past crime but remember that ghosts always know more than humans. Well-written and has a good twist. But feels diluted at the end. 

Bruised and Battered Nevermore: Restless ghost, rented apartment, and the quest for truth. An entertaining ghost story. 

Rawhide Rex: The title is self-explanatory. A good ending to the collection. I liked it more for the innovative concept. 

**

I realized that the more I read about the past, the more it triggers me. The Source of Fr Santiago de Guerra de Vargas Monstrous Crimes is about the Spanish conquest of the Maya, with descriptions of heathens being tortured and killed in hundreds to accept the True God and spread peace and light. The story is gory, too, though it won’t trigger the intended target audience. 

To summarize, Even in the Grave would work much better if you spread it over a few days. It wasn’t wonderful, but I wasn’t bored either. There’s no denying the variety of stories in this collection. None of the stories feel repetitive or similar despite having a common theme. 

Thank you, NetGalley, eSpec Books, and NeoParadoxa, for the eARC. 

#EvenintheGrave #NetGalley

Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1

Publication Date: 24th Oct 2022

Genre: Historical Paranormal Mystery, Novella, Gaslamp Fantasy  

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining 

*****

Madame Elinor Chalamet is a trained Ghost Talker, a medium belonging to the Morpheus Society. She helps the police using her skills and also takes up private clients. Elinor is also searching for her father’s killer and the missing details of his death. 

A dead body puts her in the path of Tristan Fontaine, Duke de Archambeau, who needs to solve the case and keep things in wraps. However, issues get complicated (in the case and in their personal lives). Can Elinor and Tristan find the killer on time? 

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

My Thoughts: 

The blurb gave me Amanda Quick vibes, and I grabbed the book right away when I saw the author’s name. I read A Spell of Rowans by the author and enjoyed it.

The novella starts with a bang and progresses at a steady pace. The writing is easy and entertaining. I like the bits of humor sprinkled throughout. 

Elinor is smart, intelligent, capable, and determined. She deals with people in her style and knows how to get information. 

The ‘ghost’ scenes blend with the main narrative, which is an advantage and a disadvantage. The shift is seamless, but if readers want something heavily atmospheric, it can be a wee bit disappointing. 

The hints about her father are just enough to keep the readers interested for the next installment. Of course, the interactions between Elinor and Tristan are just as promising. 

Ann-Marie is an excellent side character. I hope she has a meatier role in the coming books. The series has loads of potential, and I hope to read them all. 

The climax is good and rightly sized, but it wasn’t mind-blowing or wow. The follow-through is smooth and ends well, but I wanted a little more from the climax. 

To summarize, Ghost Talker is an evenly-paced paranormal novella with a feisty heroine and a grumbling hero. It’s an entertaining read for those who enjoy the genre. 

Thank you, Net Galley, Rook and Castle Press, and IBPA Members’ Titles, for the eARC. 

#GhostTalker #NetGalley

**

P.S: I wish the cover was better. It caught my attention only because of the title and the author’s name. I can see it fits the story, but it doesn’t have the magic factor. 

Mistletoe and Murder by Laura Stewart - Book Review

Mistletoe and Murder by Laura Stewart

Series: Amelia Adams #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 19th Oct 2022

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Slow but entertaining 

***
Amelia Adams has turned her Scottish inheritance into a hotel. The Stone Manor Hotel is set to host its first-ever Christmas wedding of a millionaire and his young fiancé. Naturally, this resulted in an assortment of guests, quirky and annoying personalities, old grudges, buried secrets, blackmail, and high-voltage drama (with loads of booze).   

Amelia gets a call from a mysterious stranger who wants to tell her something important. This sets things in motion, resulting in a few attacks, deaths, and chaos. As if that’s not enough, her friend and celebrity painter, Lorcan, seems to be in trouble. 

With the impending wedding celebrations and a killer on the prowl, it’s up to Amelia to get to the bottom of the mystery and save the day (without becoming the killer’s next victim).  

The story is in Amelia’s third-person POV, with a few chapters in Lorcan’s POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is the second in the series but works well as a standalone (I haven’t read the first and could follow this without much effort). There’s enough info about the previous book but scattered in bits and pieces. This prevented info dump and kept the focus where it should be. 

The pacing is slow and steady. It doesn’t pick up the pace, but the writing is easy and engaging. Also, the book is 400 pages, so the plot is detailed, and takes time to get to murder and sleuthing. While this usually irks me, I liked the (recurring) characters and their interactions, so it wasn’t boring at any point. 

The generous doses of humor and the setting are major plus points in the book. The rooms in the hotel are pretty interesting and named after famous mystery writers. Guess what’s the best room in the hotel? Agatha Christie’s suite, of course! 

The main characters seem easy to like and have a few quirks that make them a wee bit flawed. There are a few eye-roll moments (which are expected). 

The climax and ending are well done without being over the top. It took me a good while to guess the killer, but I’m glad I got it right. A certain revelation was unexpected though it fits with the overall plot. 

To summarize, Mistletoe and Murder is a solid cozy mystery and a wholesome entertainer. It is lighthearted, funny, and satisfying. A bit of pace could have made it even better. 

I’m tempted to check out the previous book to know Amelia’s complete story and look forward to reading more from this series. 

Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. 

The House of Lost Wives by Rebecca Hardy - Book Review

The House of Lost Wives by Rebecca Hardy

Publication Date: 13th Oct 2022

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance (and Mystery)

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: A mixed bag 

*****

1813, Sussex

Lizzie and her older sister Esme have a tough time dealing with their father’s debts. Esme is sold off as a wife to an aging Lord Blountford to clear the debts. However, Esme dies within a year of the marriage, and Lizzie is ordered to take her dead sister’s place. 

Lizzie is taken to Ambletye Manor as Lord Blountford’s fiancé to discover that she would be his fifth wife. Apparently, all four wives have died in the manor. Can Lizzie find the truth behind their deaths and save herself? 

With growing feelings between Charles Blountford (the old man’s nephew) and Lizzie, she has a lot more at stake in getting to the bottom of the truth. It certainly helps that Lizzie has a special gift. But what will this cost her?

The story comes in Lizzie’s first-person POV. 

My Observations: 

The blurb makes the book sound like an atmospheric paranormal mystery. However, the story is more of a romantic drama with a couple of ghosts and some social issues. 

The pacing is great, an advantage, as I could breeze through the book in a couple of days. 

There is no atmosphere despite the book being set in an old Manor with a vast estate. Imagine cloudy days, dark manor rooms, and secret spots in the estate. All of these are used, but none create the atmosphere. 

Lord Blountford is supposed to be some sort of villainous old man with too many secrets. But most of his secrets aren’t the kinds that send chills down the spine. In fact, when Lizzie herself feels sad for him on multiple occasions, it’s hard to consider him ‘the villain’. He ends up being more of a controller than sinister. 

The book is a blend of romance, mystery, and family drama. It has a bit of everything though none of them feel intense. One theme gets extra focus and is handled pretty well. 

How you like the book depends on what you expect from it. If you’re looking for a slow-burn gothic setting with intense scenes, this isn’t for you. However, if you like something fast-paced with zero spookiness, you’ll enjoy the book more. 

The book doesn’t require any effort from the reader’s side (be careful of the triggers), which is an advantage and a disadvantage. I liked it okay and enjoyed the pace, so it worked decent for me. 

The ending is satisfactory, though the climax is as dramatic as it can get. Lizzie has to do something idiotic, right? Still, the following scenes could have been used to bring out the real darkness in Lord Blountford, but that doesn’t fully happen. 

The side characters are a treat. Jordie, Price, Judith, etc., deliver their best and shine better than the main leads. I’d love it if Jordie and Price get a book each. Such potential! 

To summarize, The House of Lost Wives is a regency romance (clean) with some friendly ghosts and great side characters. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Headline, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHouseofLostWives 

P.S: It gets easy to root for the heroine when her opponent is a true baddie. Giving him a soft side is okay if it doesn’t dilute his villainous nature. If the heroine alters between feeling sad for him, lashing out at him, realizing his ‘true’ side, and feeling bad for him again, it puts the reader in the same position (this being first-person POV). 

**

TW: Sexual assault (multiple mentions), gambling, death 

Statuesque by Ada Rossi - Book Review

Statuesque by Ada Rossi

Genre: General Fiction 

2 Stars 

One Liner: Wasted potential 

*****
Hannah joins Emily’s troupe as a statuesque in an attempt to climb the social ladder and achieve her dreams. Emily guarantees a perfect match for her troupe members, which leads Hannah into dark waters. Emily’s socialite status gives Hannah a luxurious life. But what does it cost her? Can she have a life of her own and get what she wants? 

The story comes from a limited third-person POV of Hannah. 

What I Like: 

It’s rare for books to have a lead character that makes a living as a live statue. The scenes where Hannah describes her preparation and process to play her role (rather, not ‘play’) were the best part of the book. 

The narration gains pace over time, though it doesn’t help much by then. Freddie is adorable, and Xe does what he was meant to do (it does feel like an overused trope, but it still works). 

Hannah’s POV makes her sound like an immature girl with her head in the clouds. Since I think that’s what the author was aiming for, this point stays here. If it’s not, I’ll have to move it to the next section. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

The foreshadowing was too much. I still don’t see the need for it, and as much as I like the concept, I don’t want to be hit in the face with a brick in every chapter. 

Emily was the farthest thing from a 'subtle' manipulator. She was blatantly obvious. Hannah’s lack of common sense cannot be portrayed as Emily’s success at manipulating her. 

I knew what would happen (a certain gruesome incident) halfway through the book. It was so obvious that I only had to wait for the climax to arrive. 

The excessive foreshadowing made me imagine a dark story and increased my expectations. What I got was a watered-down version with the supposedly important character having almost no role to play. 

I was looking for something intense (not to be confused with ‘hyper’, which is what I got at the end), given the introduction and the first chapter, but man, that was the most disappointing part of the book. Why create a character so magnetic when they don’t have a solid role in the story? 

The other twist was super easy to guess. All thanks to excessive clues and foreshadowing again. This concept doesn’t work for all plots and overdoing it will ruin the story for the reader. 

The ending was (a little too) easy, but I was glad that the book would be over when I saw the remaining page count. There weren’t enough to continue the drama. 

To summarize, Statuesque as a plot had great potential, but much of it was wasted (unless the book was never meant to be dark, in which case, the foreshadowing and hints of sensuality were misleading the reader). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Butterdragons Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #Stauesque 

*****

P.S: I read The Condemned Oak Tree by the author and loved it. This one could have been so much better but ended up diluted. 

**

P.P.S: I read my friend’s review after writing mine and saw that the book is a retelling of a classic. Since I had to ask her about it, my review stays the same. And did I say that cover is bad? 

**

TW: Animal cruelty and murder

Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams

Series: An Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #1 

Publication Date: 18th Oct 2022

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun but slow 

*****

Retired DCI Dan Armstrong isn’t a writer but has no choice but to attend the two-week writing workshop in Villa Volpone in Tuscany. He is not happy about it, though the setting gives him hope. Maybe he can decide what to do with his life. 

The last thing Dan expected was a murder, that too of Jonah Moore, the famous writer who hosted the workshop. With eleven suspects and buried secrets surrounding him, Dan knows he has to get back on duty, albeit unofficially. 

Can Dan and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano (who is happy to have some help) solve the crime before there’s another murder? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Dan Armstrong. 

What I Like: 

• The setting becomes a part of the story with ease. The descriptions are detailed but not overly so. The book does justice to the title and shows Tuscany to the readers. 
  
  
• DCI Dan Armstrong is a good man. He is smart, but many mistakes. He grumbles but knows to take things in stride. He shows his soft side and isn’t afraid to be emotional. 
  
  
• Oscar is an adorable black lab. I like that he is a constant part of the book and will be a part of the other books too. You can’t help but love a dog like him. 
  
  
• The mystery is well done, and the subplot progresses along with it. In fact, there are instances when the subplot has more progress than the case, but that’s expected in a cozy mystery series. 
  
  
• There’s loads of food in the book. Though I’m a vegetarian, I enjoyed the scenes with food. And who can resist macaroons, velvety ice creams, tiramisu… yum. ;) 
  
  
• Oh, by the way, the book is squeaky clean (except for the murder, which is not graphic either). 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

• The pacing is real slow. I understand why it was necessary for the first quarter, but the story refused to pick up the pace even in the latter half. It’s either that or the page count is off by 100. It definitely feels like a 330+ book instead of 260 pages. 
  
  
• The chapters are too long. They were separated based on the days. But with a linear narration, this doesn't really matter. Shorter chapters would have been the same, maybe even easier to read.   
  
  
• There’s quite a bit of repetition that further slowed down my reading. Some of it was necessary, but the rest only weighed down the narration. 

To summarize, A Murder in Tuscany is a decent start to a new cozy mystery with a retired DCI and his adopted doggy. It’s a clean read but has a few triggers (mentions). 

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

#NetGalley #AMurderinTuscany 

Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden - Book Review

Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden

Series: Inspector Corravan #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 11th Oct 2022

Genre: Historical Mystery 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: This is good! 

*****

Sep 1878, London

Pleasure boat Princess Alice collides with an iron-hulled collier, Bywell Castle, in the Thames. Princess Alice is torn apart, and 600 passengers are in the waters. With only 130 of them surviving, the case is one of the biggest accidents on the river. 

However, the problem is that the collision may not be an accident. It appears that the Irish Republican Brotherhood planned the incident as a way to demand the restoration of the Irish Home Role. 

Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan is on the case. His Irish roots and connection could help him solve the case or put his life at risk. The increasing violence in Whitechapel adds to his troubles. Colin, the youngest Doyle, seems to be in the middle of it. Corrovan has no choice but to save the Doyle family. After all, they are his family, albeit adopted. 

But can Inspector Corrovan get to the heart of the matter before it’s too late? The life of the Irish in London is horrible as it is. Will his investigation make it worse? What will it do to him? 

My Observations: 

The book works very well as a standalone (I read book one though I confess I don’t remember much, which isn’t uncommon). 

Corrovan’s character arc is getting better and better. I love that he has issues but does justice to his job as a policeman. 

The side characters are just as important and do their bit to keep the story going. They aren’t mere cardboard pieces but are growing similar to the main character (except for a couple, maybe). 

What I love in the book is the theme. It deals with the Britishers’ hatred for the Irish and how this causes long-lasting repercussions on the poor and innocent. The writing is hard-hitting and straight to the point.

The themes of politics, gang wars, racism, personal prejudice, deliberate misinformation (some things don’t change), etc., are handed with a deft hand. The book is darker than the previous one, but nowhere does it get hyper, dramatic, or preachy. 

There’s quite a bit of philosophical introspection (which reduces the pace), but it is a part of character development. I see how this might led to crucial revelations and developments in book three. 

What could have been better are the pacing and the blurb. I didn’t read the blurb until I finished the book (I requested a copy when I saw the series title and didn’t bother with the blurb) and noticed that it reveals a little too much information. A tighter blurb will make the book more intriguing and effective. And maybe Belinda could have had more space. 

To summarize, Under a Veiled Moon is an excellent and strong continuation of the series. Pick it up when you want something thought-provoking and slow-paced. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #UnderaVeiledMoon 

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith - Book Review

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith

Series: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #23 (Standalone)

Genre: Mild Drama, Cozy Mystery (without murder) 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming; a comfort read (but go with the right expectations) 

****

Grace Makutsi's husband has a furniture business, which is in trouble. An international is selling furniture for cheaper prices. While Phuti Radiphuti is particular about quality and comfort, the new competitor is intent on sales and profits. 

Grace and Mma Ramotswe meet Grace’s childhood friend Patience, who appears to be dealing with her own issues. Mma Ramotswe comes up with ideas that might solve both issues and provide a happy solution for all of them. 

But are things as easy as the plan? How will Grace Makutsi and Mma Ramotswe handle the latest complexities?

The story comes in the third person POV. It alters between limited third-person (of both the leading ladies) and omnipresent narration. 

The last time I read a book from the series was about a decade ago. I picked it up at random from the library and wasn’t impressed by the lack of dead bodies in a cozy mystery (blame it on my bloodlust). Comparing it to Agatha Christie’s book didn’t help. Still, I was compelled enough to finish the book before turning to a murder mystery. 

Now I see why the series is successful and much loved. The book doesn’t really fit any genre. The mysteries are not ‘mysteries’, but aspects of one’s life- things we see in society, issues someone has to deal with, and decisions people need to make. 

The narration is relaxed and takes time to gather momentum. Even then, it is languid and lingers here and there before coming to the main point. The writing has a semi-stream-of-consciousness style (an incident happens/ new info is revealed, and one of the leading ladies thinks about something relevant from the past). Once I got used to this, I could sync my reading style with the narration. 

The book has a good dose of social commentary but doesn’t overdo it at any point. Mma Ramotswe’s calm acceptance of whatever life throws at her helps ground the narration. 

Coming to the main issues in the story, things don’t take off until the second half. The first half gathers information in bits and pieces, while the ‘solving process’ begins in the latter part. Of course, we know what and why already. It’s how that matters. One solution is simple, and the other is well… elaborate and dramatic. The teeny twist at the end adds a cheeky charm to the book. 

To summarize, A Song of Comfortable Chairs is the kind of book you want to sit with on cold noon and warm your heart. It isn’t a typical cozy mystery or drama. It’s a comfort read that’ll make you think and smile at the same time. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Knopf Canada, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

*****

P.S: The book works as a standalone but reading at least one book in the series might be better.