Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death by Maria Vale - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th April 2023

Genre: Urban Fantasy (Romance)

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: A commendable attempt 

***

Azrael, aka The Death Agent, Grim Reaper, et al., has made a mistake. He was supposed to take Molly Molloy’s soul but ended up saving her from death due to chicken wings. Of course, the boss up there isn’t pleased and ordered him to set things right. 

Molly may have had a hard life, but she isn’t going to let a bumbling Agent of Death take her life. Now that she can see and talk to him, she is determined to stay alive for as long as possible. 

Interacting with Molly makes Azrael question a lot of assumptions… and he is falling in love with a human! But how will it end for them? 

The story comes in the third person POV of the two main characters (with an occasional insight by another character). 

What I Like: 

The premise is intriguing, and so is the cover. In fact, I requested the book for the cover. So good!

Death, aka Azreal, is quite a delightful character. Not someone confident and rude but more like an enthusiastic young kid who needs constant supervision. This is rather fun to read, even if it gets exasperating in the second half. 

Molly is a strong-willed character with a tragic past. She still retains her cheerfulness and loves bossing around Dee (Death). There are a few things I didn’t like about her, though these make her more ‘real’, I suppose. 

The first 40% of the book is super cool. Yeah, the writing is a bit different (complex). Still, it has some laughs and weird stuff going on. Entertaining too. 

The setting isn’t explained, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you go with the flow. Sometimes, it’s easier to not wait for explanations and let the story go where it wants to. Yet… 

The book sure has some introspective points about life, choices, changes, etc. However… (more in the next section). 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Though a majority of the story is set in NYC, the setting up there and the role of other people (so many have names, but only a couple of them are recurring characters) isn’t fully explored. As someone who likes world-building, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the lack of details.

The last 30% of the book is boring. It takes the story forward at 8x speed to cover a huge timeline. However, I couldn’t stay invested in the plot and stop bothering. I just wanted the book to end.  

The climax should have been powerful. It is set up to be. Though, for me, it ended up confusing. I read it twice to understand what happens. Somehow, the impact isn’t there. 

In a way, the book should have been a novella. I didn’t like the preggs trope and the subsequent track. That’s where my interest started to dip. Since the concept isn’t explained much, this would have been more entertaining as a novella. 

I like dark humor. I enjoy it in most books. Here too, I like it in some places. Yet, some of it (again in the second half) gets stressful. I sure don’t want to laugh when a woman literally has to run the household because her partner is not suited for pretty much anything. The said guy being ‘Dee’ doesn’t change things. Not really. 

To summarize, Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death has an entertaining first half and a heavier second half with some weird stuff and dark humor thrown in. It has a bit of steam. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Wild and Ashe, LLC, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MollyMolloyandtheAngelofDeath

***

TW: A reference to child rape and death. It can be triggering even if the incident isn’t detailed at all. 

Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni - Book Review

Publication Date: 28th March 2023

Genre: Contemporary Legal Thriller 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Super entertaining; Love it 

Keera Duggan, the daughter of the reputed defense attorney Patsy Duggan, is making a name for herself as a prosecution lawyer in Seattle. However, she is back at her father’s law firm after ending a toxic relationship with her former boss. Things aren’t great with her family either, and Keera finds comfort in playing anonymous online chess and sharpening her skills. 

Vince LaRussa, an investment advisor, hires Keera’s family law firm when he is suspected of his wealthy wife’s murder. Keera sees this as a chance to establish herself but soon realizes she has to use all her chess strategies to stay one step ahead and win the case. What’s more, Keera may have to make some tough decisions that could affect her family, the law firm, and her career. 

With her former boss and lover as the prosecution attorney, Keera knows the stakes are higher than ever, and there may not be a second chance. 

What I Like: 

The book takes time to set the stage but does it very well. We already know how Keera’s mind works by the time the actual case is introduced. This makes it easy to read fast and enjoy the developments too. 

As a legal thriller, the focus is on courtroom scenes and the backend work lawyers do. The police work complements the case instead of overshadowing it. And I got strong Adaalat vibes (one of the crime shows I binged on telly). Am I right or am I right? ;)

I really like how the author writes women. I was impressed by Tracy Crosswhite’s character though I read only one book in the series. Keera Duggan is also etched to be real and relatable. 

The family dynamics also get some importance in the book. Given how the law firm is run by Patsy and his daughter, this move to present them as a dysfunctional yet loving family enriches the plot and characterization. 

Chess is an integral part of the book (I skimmed the scenes as my knowledge of the game is the bare minimum) and shows the importance of using one’s mind and wits to fight a case in court. Turns out the author doesn’t even play chess. Very impressive! 

Patsy’s alcoholism, its impact on the family, and the subsequent changes in the family dynamics during the case have a natural arc. Patsy isn’t just an alcoholic lawyer. He is a father who loves his children. Never did I expect to like an alcoholic character this much. He made me root for him. 

Despite being a legal thriller, it doesn’t get heavy on the jargon. Only the necessary terminology is used, and some of them are explained in a natural flow. There’s even a Powerpoint presentation in one of the scenes. Nothing more fun than reading about a systematic approach to things (I love lists). 

Miller Ambrose may seem like a stereotype, but he nails it on the head. He’s a character readers would love to hate. I wish Keera beats him in more cases. 

I could guess the murder case and the connection halfway through. However, I enjoy the process of logically revealing the information to readers. I also think the author didn’t try to prevent the reader from connecting the dots b deliberately misleading them or ‘pulling the rug’.  

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

Well… nothing much for me to rant about. But I still got a couple of issues to talk about… 

While repetition is expected in courtroom scenes, the same seems unnecessary during the climax reveal. The conversation gets a bit too long, with one character repeating information that has been already presented multiple times. Since I figured out almost all of it, I just wanted to get to the ‘how’ and ‘what next’ part of the story.

A certain diagnosis (for the lack of a better word) doesn’t seem to be necessary. The character has already been established. This didn’t add anything to it. In fact, I like it when characters can be who they are without some sort of medical diagnosis to support it (trying hard not to reveal spoilers). 

To summarize, Her Deadly Game is easily one of the best legal thrillers. It is entertaining, intriguing, and fun to read. I hope the author turns this into a series. All main characters have the potential to star in multiple books, especially Keera, Rossi, and Patsy. 

Oh, the author’s note is one of my favorites. It’s a letter from the author to the readers, and that’s how it is written. Beautiful! 

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

#NetGalley #HerDeadlyGame 

The Amethyst Dusk

Not a flutter or a ripple in sight

Neither a bird’s song nor a frog’s call

No rustling leaves and no gushing winds

A thin spread of grey clouds

Mild and gentle, unmoving; suspended in motion 

Is there anything more tranquil than an amethyst dusk?

PC: Cleverpix/ Pixabay 

Deep violet, blending with soft lavender 

The purple shades easing into soothing golds 

As the line between the earth and heaven blurs into nothingness

A lone tree stands proud, with its scattered branches and onyx leaves 

A broken piece of its former self lay beside, resting in peace 

Oh, the glory! Who else but nature can make the end feel soulful and complete? 

***

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop. 

#BlogchatterBlogHop 

Down the Hatch by Lina Hansen - Book Review

Series: Magical Misfits Mystery #2

Publication Date: 01st April 2023

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Slow start but gets better in the second half 

***

Myrtle has her hands full with the Witch’s Retreat B&B, unpredictable magic, and constant pressure to lead a new-found coven with (over) enthusiastic members. She doesn’t even have the time to indulge in her budding romance with Chris, a software developer and witch hunter. 

As if things aren’t hard enough, a body turns up in the local pub, followed by another death. Sergeant Sarah Widdlethorpe is trying hard to structure the cases as her pig-headed boss complicates matters. Myrtle is happy to help, of course. 

However, it’s not long before Myrtle realizes something is terribly wrong, and magic is way too involved in the process. Can she get to the bottom of the truth without risking her neck? 

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

My Thoughts: 

I read the first book in the series some 2.5 years ago. It was one of my first NetGalley ARCs. I lost track and worried I missed the subsequent books but turns out that the second book is here and releasing next month. 

Though I hardly remember anything, I could recollect a few bits and pieces as I continued with this one. It helped get into the plot. This one can still be read as a standalone, but only if you want to go with the flow instead of wondering what terms like skyelles mean. You’ll figure it out soon. 

The beginning is super slow, and the first-person narration doesn’t help. Myrtle’s POV takes time to get used to (I remember struggling with it even in the first book). She is still not happy being a witch and having magic (duh, give it to me!). 

The second half is where many things happen, so the story does get better once we settle in. In fact, there’s some noteworthy character development in the climax, which makes me hopeful about book three (I’m sure there will be one, given how this ends). 

As a typical small-town cozy mystery, the book has enough characters that come and go. That’s not an issue. The problem lies with the lack of depth in the main characters. We don’t get much to connect with either of them (and Chris should have had a better role given his background). 

So what made the book better for me? Petty, of course! 

Petty is a magical primula (Primrose) Myrtle creates (or brings to life in book one). And guess what? Petty is a familiar… yep, we have cats, rabbits, and animals as familiars, but a plant is something new and super cool. Moreover, Petty is a treat to read about. I so wish she has a POV of her own. I loved all scenes involving this darling plant. There’s a pet cat, too, but almost overshadowed by Petty (can’t say I object). 

To summarize, Down the Hatch is a decent cozy mystery with some magic, murder, and mayhem during the summer solstice. Pick it up if want to meet an adorable plant familiar. There are bits of humor that keep the story lighthearted most of the time.

Thank you, NetGalley and Literary Wanderlust, for the eARC.  

#DowntheHatch #NetGalley

***

P.S.: Myrtle has a vast collection of shower gels in multiple scents. She chooses a different scent each time to go with her mood. I’m so envious of her! 

The cover is well-done without feeling crowded. Each element in it is significant in the book. 

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner - Book Review

Publication Date: 22nd March 2023

Genre: Historical Paranormal Mystery, Romance

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: An entertainer; atmospheric but nothing deep 

***

1873, Paris and London 

Vaudeline D’Allaire is an acclaimed spiritualist known to conduct séances for murder victims and help find their killers. She is in Paris after escaping London due to unknown reasons.

Lenna Wickes is her apprentice intent on learning more about the process to find her sister’s killer. She is also struggling to accept the existence of the paranormal since her logical mind refuses to believe in anything she cannot see. However, Evie, her sister, was a firm believer, and Lenna is willing to try anything to discover the truth. 

When Vaudeline is requested to visit London and help solve the crime of the founder of The London Séance Society, things turn dangerous quickly. Soon, the two ladies may have only each other and the paranormal to rely on if they want to stay alive. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Lenna and the first-person POV of Mr. Morley. 

What I Like: 

The beginning is a little slow but picks up pace in the second half (after a weak middle part). It’s easy to read and doesn’t require your grey cells to function. In fact, don’t let them be active. 

The séances are atmospheric. The book almost carries a dark moody vibe throughout. However, it doesn’t get heavy at any point. 

The seven-step process to conduct a séance is among the highlights of the book. I always enjoy such information. You never know when it may come in handy (shh!). 

The Victorian setting enhances the plot. The common bias against women and a man’s role in society comes across clearly. I have to mention the author’s notes at the end. Informative, interesting, and useful (it has recipes!). 

The climax begins on shaky ground but ends well. I like how it’s done. The epilogue is also well done. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Well, I don’t think the combination of Lenna’s and Morley’s POVs did anything to enhance the plot. Morley is a weak character with a wobbly arc. I’m not sure if it is deliberate (makes sense in a way), but it should have been better established. 

Lenna… well… she started strong until she turned whiny, stupid, and silly as the story progressed. It’s only in the climax that she redeems herself. I can see the allure of having a logical character ace paranormal interaction. It could have been better, though. A character jumping to conclusions is hard to empathize with. 

Vaudeline is probably the steadiest character in the book. However, not having her POV didn’t help the story. She should have been one of the narrators. In fact, if you think about it, Evie and other women are also intriguing (too bad they don’t get enough space). 

The dual POV also means that information is repeated in consecutive chapters. This makes the plot boring and slow. We don’t need to know the same thing from both POVs and go around in circles. 

A few developments don’t make sense, especially when they should. This is where you have to turn off your logical side and consider it an entertainer (or a Bwood film). If the issues were handled better, I think the plot would have been enriched with more drama and tension. A wasted chance, TBH.

I don’t know if I should call this a romance. It’s supposed to be slow-burn (maybe) but doesn’t get enough space to grow organically. While I like the darkish touch to the track, I’m not happy with the overall development. It could have been achieved with some care. Removing the repeated content would have created space for this track. 

To summarize, The London Séance Society is an atmospheric entertainer and a light mystery with some good and not-so good points. Read it for fun and don't worry about things that don't make sense.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Australia, and HQ (Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA) & MIRA, for the eARC. 

#TheLondonSéanceSociety #NetGalley

***

Confession: I rated the book 3.7 stars immediately after finishing it. After drafting the review, I brought it down to 3.3 stars. Somehow, I had more things I disliked despite enjoying the book. Sigh! 

A Broken People’s Playlist by Chimeka Garricks - Book Review

Publication Date: 21st March 2023

Genre: Short Story Anthology, Music

4.3 Stars

One Liner: A wonderful collection of short stories

A Broken People’s Playlist is a collection of twelve short stories set in Port Harcourt. The stories deal with various life stages, situations, moments, memories, and more. The characters are varied (though a few appear in more than one story, which doesn’t affect the readability) in personalities, professions, and age groups.

The common theme is that the stories are inspired by songs. I don’t know a single song mentioned in the book, but it didn’t make any difference. The stories are independent. Some have music as the central theme, while others don’t.

An interesting point is that many stories come in the second-person POV and read very well (not an easy thing to achieve). That said, an anthology cannot have all hits, and this one is no exception. However, the quality of writing and execution is top-class. The character arcs are subtle yet perfect. It’s not common to have such layered characters in short stories.

The setting is an integral part of all stories and just enough to visualize everything. There are a few native words that can make it a little difficult, but it’s easy to go with the flow (as always, I winged it).

Here’s a list of stories in the book:

Lost Stars – 4.5 stars

Oh, my! The story starts out quite casually, but soon we see the layers peeling off, revealing the depth of emotions. The climax and the ending made me teary-eyed (not an easy task). The writing is almost off-handed and distanced, which is a perfect choice for the plotline. A solid start to the collection.

Music – 4 stars

A story about a boy growing up in a broken family and the role of music in his life. The story looks like it is limited to one phase of his life, but gives us the entire picture of the past and the future. The characterization is top-class. It’s not often that short stories have such strong characters.

Hurt – 4.5 stars

A dying man decides to arrange his funeral when he’s alive. The story isn’t about the funeral, though. It is about people, their actions, flaws, regrets, repentance, and more. The second-person POV is impactful in this one and hits the reader with strong emotions when you least expect it. Wonderful!

Song for Someone – 4.5 stars

Another story in the second person POV, and just as impactful as the previous one. How does a woman break the toxic cycles in her life? Can she even do it? The story goes back and forth, giving snippets of information to build her character arc. I love that this one has the kind of endings I enjoy.

In the City – 3.5 stars

A policeman fighting demons, a drug peddler, and an innocent young man looking for a chance to get a decent job. How does a chase gone wrong change their lives? This theme is familiar to me (we have enough movies with it). The story is structured to continue the suspense, and the ending is blunt. However, I knew what would happen and didn’t feel as emotional as I thought I would.

I Put a Spell on You – 4.5 stars

The title says it all! The lives of three friends are changing, and they can’t stop it. Given the tone of the stories until now, I didn’t expect something lighthearted and funny. This steals deals with toxic relationships, but the overall tone is a touch humorous and teasing.

I’d Die Without You – 4 stars

What breaks a broken man who can’t cry even though he wants to? The story is written in the second person POV and has a distanced narration to suit the character. It is compact and contained with just enough ease at the end. The ending rounds up the theme and offers a different perspective.

Beautiful War – 4 stars

What happens when a husband confesses to cheating on his wife, especially when he was considered the faithful kind? The story comes in the second-person POV of the husband and the first-person POV of the wife. Knowing both sides makes the ending even better.

River – 3 stars

This is a story about an unlikely but strong friendship between two young boys and how their lives change when they join confra (something like a local rowdy gang). I can see why this is an important story, but somehow I couldn’t connect with the main character despite the story being in the second person POV. The ending is good, though.

Love’s Divine – 3.5 stars

What happens when a young teenage boy with dreams about becoming a football star gets a chance of a lifetime? This one has great potential and almost hits the mark. However, the main plot is predictable, which dims the overall impact. Like the previous story, the ending is very good, in fact, just right for the main character.

Desperado – 4 stars

A womanizer tries to get his wife back and finds something more precious. Yet another story in the second person POV. It starts almost like every other piece, but the writing and character development are strong. The ending is half hopeful, though the readers can guess it could go either way. The relationship between the two is beautifully presented.

You Suppose Know – 4.5 Stars

Oh, my heart! This is such a tender and touching story. I don’t want to say anything except that it is the best of the collection. Stories with loving and bickering older couples are a favorite of mine. This one does full justice to the theme.

To summarize, A Broken People’s Playlist is a bitter-sweet and heart-touching collection of stories about people we find around us.

Don’t forget to read the author’s note. It’s heartfelt and informative. As a writer, I can understand the struggle with novels (one reason I prefer to write short stories). Nevertheless, I hope the author will not give up and finish his second novel. I sure want to read it.

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

#NetGalley #ABrokenPeoplesPlaylist

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore - Book Review

Publication Date: 28th March 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Good premise but slow (and needs better execution towards the end) 

***
Sloane Parker is a librarian in a small town and lives a simple life. She doesn’t have many friends despite being a friendly and kindhearted person. When Sloane meets Arthur McLachlan, an old and rude patron of the library, their sparing becomes the highlight of her day (and maybe even his).

One day Arthur doesn’t turn up as usual. Days pass on, but he doesn’t visit the library. Sloane is worried and decides to visit him (ignoring her boss’ warnings). When she finds him ill but grudgingly happy to see her, Sloane knows she needs to help him. Maybe it’s her chance to help herself too. Arthur’s neighbor is only too delighted to pitch in. 

Soon, they start an odd book club that grows bigger, as more people with different personalities come together. Each of them needs to heal, and, as a group, they might make it happen. 

The story comes in the first person POV of the main characters- Sloane, Maisey, Mateo, Greg, and Arthur. 

What I Like:

The premise is heartwarming. Imagine good-hearted people who suffer from loneliness due to various reasons come together to help and support each other. It’s a novel concept. 

Given the characters, there are enough references to other books and quotes from these. Though I’m not much of a highlighter myself, I know people who love to highlight bits that touch their hearts (or mind). 

Using the first-person POV for each of the main characters works to a good extent. I could get a glimpse into who they are and what holds them back. However… (more in the next section)

The book also blends everyday issues and major life decisions to add depth to the characters. Some of it works well. 

There are bits and pieces of lighthearted scenes that make the book a little easy to read. Maisey sure brightens up the book club. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The pacing is super slow. Moreover, this is the kind of book one cannot speed-read. A few things are stretched too much, and the ending is compressed. There isn’t an epilogue either (I deserve it after reading about so much heartache!).

Maisey’s POV is probably the best. It’s not perfect, but I could feel for her and understand the situation with her teen daughter Bella. Greg’s POV is the second best. I thought Mateo’s would be just as great, but somehow, ended up liking Lincoln more. 

Now, Brett is Sloane’s fiancé and chiropractor. Going by the standard trope, he is initially presented as a snobbish guy with an overbearing family. And we have Sloane, who thinks they can give her the kind of comfort she wants. However, towards the end, Brett really isn’t a jerk. He is just another guy with some flaws. In fact, the climax puts him in a better light than Sloane. He handles it far better than she does. I’m not sure that’s what is supposed to happen.  

I went to skim through a few reviews after drafting mine and saw references to Ove. Well, for me, this is a half-successful attempt to create an Ove-like character in Arthur. With Arthur’s POV towards the end of the book, I expected something truly emotional. But let’s just say it was disappointing. The POV started strong, but soon I lost interest and wanted the book to be over. 

To summarize, The Lonely Hearts Book Club is a decent book dealing with topics like grief, loneliness, friendships, and finding your tribe. It could have been a lot better but ends up more as an average read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

***

P.S.: Would a book lover use precious copies as a makeshift step to hold rotting stairs at home? Wouldn't the books get damaged? Though books are considered god in my culture, I know it's not the same everywhere. But book lovers are supposed to take better care of their copies irrespective of the rest.

Murder at Waldenmere Lake by Michelle Salter - Book Review

Series: An Iris Woodmore Mystery #2 

Publication Date: 21st March 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable 

***

1921, Walden 

Local reporter Iris Woodmore is back in action, and this time she is intent on saving the beloved Waldenmare Lake from being destroyed in the name of progress. 

The war is over, and the British Army can no longer afford to maintain the convalescent home or the lake. The Walden City Council wants to buy it for rehabilitation, while the railway company wants to convert the location into a tourist spot. 

However, the old mansion on the site belongs to General Cheverton, who is determined not to leave him home. But when the General is found dead in his home, it becomes quite impossible for Iris to save the lake. But as new developments occur, Iris realizes that her fight isn’t limited to the land. There’s a lot more to uncover, and she needs to get to the bottom of it, come what may. 

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

My Thoughts:

Though this is the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone. At the same time, series readers will enjoy the new developments for the main character Iris. 

The beginning is a little slow, but soon, the book picks up pace. It drags in the middle and goes in circles before finally moving ahead to the climax and reveal.

I like Iris more in this one. Her character arc is growing steadily while also keeping things realistic to a good extent. George is an interesting character, and I wish there’s more of him in the coming books.

The mystery is tied up well but takes time to unfold. Two tracks need to converge at a common point (the Waldenmere Lake), which meant the pacing is sacrificed. Some information is repeated multiple times in different conversations, further weighing down the narration. 

However, the mystery here has a greater emotional connection to the characters than we normally see in this genre. This makes the plot more personal instead of something that needs to be solved and settled. 

Though I like how Iris connects the dots, I wish the actual reveal was a little more detailed and came a bit sooner. That said, the red herrings were well done without going overboard. 

The setting and treatment of women from that era are seamlessly woven into the plot. The observations, the changes, the resistance, etc., become a part of the story rather than taking the focus away from it. 

I must admit that the author does endings very well. She somehow makes me enjoy the kind of endings I usually dislike. The same happened in book one too. I’m impressed! 

To summarize, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is a strong continuation of the series with interesting characters and an attractive setting. I’m excited about book three (the cover has been revealed). 

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

#NetGalley #MurderatWaldenmereLake

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller - Book Review

Publication Date: 28th March 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Read it as a light mystery and romance novel 

1878, Vienna, Austria 

Maria Wallner has only one goal- to revive the lost glory of Hotel Wallner and make it the most successful establishment in Vienna once again. She is determined to not let anything come in the way of her plans, be it her dysfunctional family dynamics, the sudden attacks on her, and a handsome American agent with secrets of his own. 

Eli Whittaker doesn’t have time for anything except his job. He is in Vienna to find out who is selling the American codes. He just wants to uncover the truth and go back to Washington, DC. Of course, life has other plans for him. Eli may be annoyed by the night-long waltzes and dazzling attractions. But when he sees that Maria Wallner is somehow in the middle of chaos, he is determined to keep her safe and also find the culprit selling American codes, no matter what it takes. 

The story comes from the third-person POV of Maria and Eli. 

What I Like: 

The book is set in Vienna, and though it doesn’t exactly explore the region, it gives enough details about the local culture, the people, etc. I could picturize the hotel, the waltzes, those lovely gowns, and yummy cakes. 

Maria is an interesting character, even if she needs Eli’s help a little too much. She is competent enough to handle her hotel (after all, she isn’t trained to deal with assassins) and knows when to put her foot down. 

Hannah is one of my favorite side characters. Her love for baking and creativity comes across very well throughout the book. I sure wouldn’t mind tasting her cakes and cookies. The almond cake seems to be a general favorite. 

The writing is easy to read once you get into the grove. It is lighthearted, a bit funny, quirky, and a touch sarcastic. Not something I expect in a historical mystery. But this one is a blend of genres (more in the next section), so the writing style keeps the plot light instead of weighing it down. It works for me as I don’t look for heavy plots. 

A few scenes are quite delightful and entertaining. Some of it is a little cringe, but it somehow fits the narration and makes it funny. I’m not sure if it was intended or if I’m the only one who found some steamy scenes a bit humorous. A little weird but fun too. 

I really like the reversal in how the FMC and MMC are portrayed. Let’s just say Maria has a lot more experience than Eli. ;) 

The other side characters have varying roles. Some, like Mac, have an extra space to grow while a few waltz in and out whenever required. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I’m not sure how to categorize this book. It starts out as a spy-ish thriller with international mystery. The romance appears slow burn until around 50%. Then, the plot shifts genres, and we have romance at the forefront with steamy scenes. The mystery part weakens in the second half. 

Eli is supposed to be a grumpy and standoffish brooding hero with a tragic past. He is okay and has good qualities, but his career isn’t fully explored. This is disappointing, given the strong start. An epilogue set a year later would have sorted this and given a more rounded ending to the plot. 

Josephine, Maria’s grandmother, was a formidable character. I would have loved it with her in a greater role. Also, maybe more about her past would have been icing on the cake. The same goes for Adelaide. She has a limited role but aces it. I could visualize her with ease. 

The reveal and climax are dramatic but more in the family drama genre rather than that of a spy thriller. The tension and suspense aren’t enough. The ending also feels a little abrupt after reading 400-odd pages. 

To summarize, Hotel of Secrets is an entertaining historical novel that reads best as a drama with open-door romance and a bit of mystery. It’s lighthearted despite the heavy themes. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

***

P.S.: I love the cover! 

The One Who Fell by Kerry Wilkinson - Book Review

Series: The Whitecliff Bay Mystery #1 

Publication Date: 17th April 2023

Genre: Small Town Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: An intriguing start to a new series 

***

Whitecliff is your typical seaside small town where everyone knows everyone and everything is everybody’s business. Millie Westlake volunteers at the local nursing home as a way to avoid her past and the suspicions that cling to her like a second skin. Her parents died a year ago, and people think she killed them. What’s more, Millie has to deal with personal issues too. 

However, when Ingrid, an old lady from the nursing home, tells Millie that she saw a young girl being pushed off a roof, Millie doesn’t know what to believe. Something urges her to find out more, and soon she comes across a few things that can be counted as evidence. 

This puts Millie in danger, and with most of the town against her, can she find the truth about the young girl on the roof? What about her past that she doesn’t want to think about? Is Millie strong enough to handle the truth? 

The story comes from Millie’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a slow-burn mystery with more focus on the central character. Mille is intriguing and complex, with flaws, vulnerabilities, and secrets. 

Gus is another interesting character. His passion to tell people’s stories and his complicated relationship with Millie and her parents makes him an almost secondary character in the book. 

The small town setting is darker and feels oppressive. It suits the plot and the characters. The underlying tension, the secrets, hints of violence, and the narrow-minded attitudes of people seamlessly oven into the narrative. 

The mystery itself is weak. It starts out strong, but the reveal and reasons aren’t emphatic. It doesn’t help that the characters themselves say things like it was a miracle so and so happened. It feels like taking an easy way out to deal with the mystery. 

However, the mystery also feels like a subplot, something to take the main story ahead and establish the character arcs. It helped to know that this is the first book in the series, and the next two are also available. I could readjust my expectations and read it more as an installment rather than a standalone. (It can be standalone, though my curious nose will never be satisfied unless I know more.)

The supporting characters, especially Jack and Rish, are sweet and just as flawed. The other side characters aren’t fully developed yet but show promise. The pacing is decent; slowish in the first half but medium-to-fast in the second half. 

I like that there aren’t a bunch of suspects or the routine amateur sleuthing. Though Millie does get into trouble for being impulsive, it doesn’t happen until the climax. 

To summarize, The One Who Fell is a good start to a series, and I am curious to know more. It is a cozy mystery, albeit slightly dark. So dark cozy mystery, maybe? 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheOneWhoFell 

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto - Book Review

Publication Date: 16th March 2023

Genre: Contemporary Humorous Cozy Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Read it as women’s fiction with a mystery thrown in 

***

Vera Wong is a sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert. Her tea shop is her pride, never mind that it barely has any customers now. However, Vera stumbles upon a dead body in her shop, and it gives her the best chance to put her detective skills to use. And not to mention, dole out advice to youngsters who may or may not need it. 

Knowing the police are likely to mess up, Vera is determined to get to the bottom of the case. If the man had to die in her tea shop, the least she could do is solve the case, isn’t it? Vera is having a time of her life, listing suspects and ordering them around like school kids. 

The story comes in a limited third-person POV of multiple characters. 

What I Like:

The opening sets the tone for the rest of the book and pretty much sustains it throughout. The humor keeps things from going too deep. While this isn’t always a plus, it is a good move for the book (and the genre). 

Vera is such a delightful character. She is annoying and doesn’t have a sense of boundaries, but she is adorable, loving, and someone you want on your side (even if you plan to commit a murder). She is a mom first, and it is evident in her character arc. As an Asian (Indian), I think Vera has been crafted very well and acts much like a woman of her age.  

The book shows the lives of first-gen and second-gen immigrants with a light touch. The setting reminded me of Joy Luck Club, but this one is more lighthearted and easy on the reader. The pacing is steady in this one, so that’s another plus. 

There’s an Indian character and an Indonesian character, and both have solid roles in the plot. Finally, a book where I know the character is Indian but not way too stereotypical. Another bonus is that the book handles the Asian aspects well. 

There’s loads of food. Though I’m a vegetarian, and most dishes are meat-based, I do love it when food plays an integral part in the plot. It brings people together in different ways. 

The ending ties up things well. There may or may not be a sequel, though I won’t say no to one. Vera Wong is too big a character to be limited to a single book. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

The mystery, as such, is a little weak. This is too cozy even for a cozy mystery. Of course, we have a dead body and Vera actively interfering with the lives of potential suspects. But the mystery is more of a tool to bring the characters together. Once I adjusted my expectations, I could enjoy the book a lot more. 

The reveal is a bit weak. It may or may not work, depending on what the readers prefer. For me, it is okay. I see the reasoning, but I want something a little more intense. 

Emma is an adorable two-year-old. However, sometimes, she seems more like a four-year-old. I’m not sure (haven’t been around kids of that age), but her character arc doesn’t seem smooth. The kid is a darling, though. 

To summarize, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a fun book with plenty of laugh-out-loud and eye-roll moments. It is a lighthearted yet heartwarming read with a mystery thrown in. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HQ, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #VeraWongsUnsolicitedAdviceforMurderers

***

P.S.: I saw a few reviewers wondering why Vera is called old when she is only sixty. Age is subjective and has different classifications in different cultures. 

Death at Castle Cove by Mary Grand - Book Review

Publication Date: 08th March 2023

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: A decent mystery 

***

Susan loves living on the Isle of Wight with her darling dog, Rocco. She is a part of the local dog walkers group, a bunch of people who are different from each other but share a common love for dogs. Colette is a young girl and a new addition to the group. Susan takes her under her wing and into her home. 

However, when she digs into her gran’s past on the island, she creates unrest and uncertainties in their lives. When Colette dies under suspicious circumstances at Castle Cover, Susan is determined to get to the bottom of the truth, no matter how uncomfortable the situation is. 

With danger taking over her peaceful existence, can Susan fight for justice? 

The story comes from Susan’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I like mysteries set in small towns and islands with picturesque settings. This one has a beautiful backdrop used well throughout the book. 

Dog lovers are in for a treat as the book has many fur babies. All of them are darlings and hardly cause any trouble. 

The characters are all different and easy to identify and track. This makes it easier with the constant interactions between them. There’s no confusion about who is who. 

The case is well done. There are enough twists and develops to keep the pointer moving from one suspect to another. It drags a bit in the middle but manages to pull back in the last third. 

Susan is already going through a rough phase in her personal life but is determined to find out what happened to Colette. However, she is annoying at times. In the first half, she is reluctant to believe that someone she knows is the killer. Once she accepts it, she repeatedly puts herself in danger in the second half. 

Though I know Susan is no sleuth, she is supposed to be a smart and capable 62-year-old woman. Not someone jumping to conclusions and accusing/ confronting potential murderers. I was half-afraid she would end up with a broken neck.

That said, I like how she puts her foot down when her people try to make decisions for her or pressurize her to do something she doesn’t want to. I like how she doesn’t hesitate to draw lines when necessary. If only she does the same when sharing information with others! 

Alice is an interesting character, and I hoped she would have a bigger role in the book. A little disappointed that she doesn’t appear often, but the scenes with her are vital and nudge Susan in the right direction. 

The epilogue ties up the loose ends and provides a satisfactory ending. The book is standalone, though I won’t be surprised if there’s a sequel. In fact, I would look forward to one as it appears that Susan will be in a better position to handle a case without risking her neck or making the same mistakes (or so I hope). 

To summarize, Death at Castle Cove is an intriguing cozy mystery set on a beautiful yet dangerous island. With past secrets and flawed characters, it is worth a read on a lazy afternoon. 

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

#NetGalley #DeathatCastleCove  

Mr. & Mrs. Witch by Gwenda Bond - Book Review

Publication Date: 7th March 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fantasy 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining but could have been a lot better 

***

Savvy (Savannah) Wilde is a powerful witch working with the CRONE organization. Griffin is a top agent at the HUNTER organization that obviously works against CRONE. Since their identities are supposed to be secret, Savvy and Hunter end up in love. 

Their wedding day ends up as a disaster when the truth comes out. But things have just gotten worse. Savvy and Griffin soon have a bounty on their heads, and maybe working together is the only way to stay alive. 

The story comes from the MCs' limited third-person POVs. The narration moves back and forth between the present and the past. 

If you haven’t guessed already, this is a witchy retelling of the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. 

What I Like: 

It’s a light read, and I mean really light; the kind of book you read with the grey cells turned off and go with the flow. 

The writing is easy to read and has a decent pace. It is also easy to speed-read the book. 

There are enough laughs and some roll-your-eyes kind of jokes that may or may not be funny. This depends on what the reader enjoys. 

The premise is rather good as it tries a different take on the centuries-old war between witches and hunters. Having different animals and birds as familiars is a cool touch. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Well, I know rom-coms are supposed to be lighthearted and fun, but this one is a little too easy. 

Insta-lust turned love isn’t explored. The world-building is sketchy. The climax is simple. The ending feels effortless (not in a good way). 

The conflict is presented but never worked out in detail. The bits and pieces of the past (not MCs' past but the fights and deaths) mentioned aren’t talked about. Generational trauma, baggage, and hatred are solved with such ease, I wish for the same in real life. 

World-building is a crucial part of fantasy work. It is necessary even in rom-com. This one sets the base but doesn’t explore it. 

The characters are uni-dimensional. Some of the supporting characters show hints of being more but are underutilized. Even the main characters are more about their physical appearances. Calling the guy nerdy a dozen times isn’t going to be enough if we can’t see how he qualifies to be one (and no, a professor with fake glasses doesn’t automatically become a nerd). 

I don’t mind steam in books. In fact, I do like reading well-written steamy scenes. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of character development. A good rom-com should do justice to both elements. 

The villains are boring. Yeah, yeah, rom-com and all. But come on, at least give me villains I can despise. Give them some attitude, if nothing else. 

To summarize, Mr. & Mrs. Witch is a decent entertainer that could have been a great book with a little more of everything (except steam). But it ends up as a time pass book. Read, review, and forget. 

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

#NetGalley 

SINISTER SPRING: Murder and Mystery from the Queen of Crime by Agatha Christie

Publication Date: 2nd March 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, Short Stories 

4 Stars 

One Liner: It’s Christie, guys! 

*****

The book is a collection of twelve short stories with mysteries and adventures that occur during springtime or in the gardens. Since it is a Christie collection, I’m not too bothered about the theme. I only want to read and reread her works. 

The book brings together the cases solved by Miss Marple, Poirot, Mr. Quin, Tommy & Tuppence, and a few regular stories with no special detectives. I list them all below (without ratings). Some of them aren’t that good (which is fine too). 

However, I’m glad to see that the stories seem to be mostly from earlier publications and are without modern-day rewrites to suit certain sensibilities. Some of the terms can make people uncomfortable, but it is important to realize that the words had different meanings back then, and people used terms that are now deemed offensive. Not their fault if the authors can’t time travel. 

Since I don’t believe in editing older writings in the name of whatever, I applaud the publisher’s decision to use the original (or older) text in the book. If you can’t discuss different periods when reading books, you aren’t likely to discuss the dark web, which is more harmful, IMO. 

Anyway, back to the decidedly sinister spring. ;) 

The Market Basing Mystery 

Captain Hastings, Poirot, and Inspector Japp visit Market Basing village for a small holiday. However, the case of the not-a-suicide of Walter Protheroe interrupts their plans. It’s up to Poirot to determine if it is suicide or murder and the reason behind the death. A short and simple case solved by Poirot without his usual dramatics. Easy to guess if you pay attention to the subtle clues. 

The Case of the Missing Lady 

When an explorer returns home to London and finds his fiancée missing, he goes to a detective agency by Tommy & Tuppence. Now, it’s up to the couple to find out what happened to the missing lady. It’s a quirky case with a twist at the end. As with most T&T stories, this one offers a few chuckles and smirks. 

The Herb of Death 

It’s Mrs. Bantry’s turn to tell a story for others to guess the crime/ criminal. Miss Marple is right there, listening to how a group of people fell ill after eating foxglove leaves (being mistaken for sage). Was it accidental or intentional? When you have little Miss Marple, you know the case will be solved in her style by comparing human nature and oddities and deducing the reasons. 

How Does Your Garden Grow? 

Hercule Poirot gets a vague and mysterious letter from an old lady asking for help. He responds only to find out that she has passed away. Intrigued, he sets out to find the truth. Like many other cases, Poirot gets to the root of the matter using his love for order and logic. This one has Miss Lemon in an active role, something I enjoy much. 

Swan Song 

This is the story of a famous soprano singer with a bit of mystery thrown in. It is one of the weaker stories in the collection with a straightforward plot. The hints are easy enough to guess. It doesn’t have any of the famous detectives, so pretty much something you can read and forget. 

Miss Marple Tells a Story 

As the title goes, Miss Marple shares how her lawyer brought his client to her for advice about the case of his murdered wife. Miss Marple listens to their story, asks a couple of questions, and presents the solution. This is a neat little story in the dear ol’ bird’s voice. ;) 

Have You Got Everything You Want? 

How does Mr. Parker Pyne help a young woman on a train journey from England to Istanbul? Mr. Pyne is no doubt successful after a small hiccup. However, being a man who solves the issues of the heart, he goes the extra mile to tie up the loose ends. Some readers may find his opinions stereotypical and offensive. So remember that the books weren’t written for contemporary readers.  

The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan 

Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings visit Grand Metropolitan for a weekend trip. They meet Mr. and Mrs. Opalsen after dinner, and soon, there’s news of the theft and an appeal from Mrs. Opalsen to find her pearls. How does Poirot solve the case? It’s a fun story with loads of dramatic characters. A satisfactory solution, which isn’t that apparent until towards the end. 

Ingots of Gold 

Raymond shares his experience about a mini adventure in Cornwall, which is, of course, solved easily by Miss Marple. How is the criminal? Where is the gold? What had happened? Raymond, being a writer, adds some dramatic flair to the story, and Miss Marple sweetly bursts his bubble. 

The Soul of the Croupier  

And finally, we have a story with the mysterious Mr. Quin and dear old Mr. Satterthwaite. Mr. Satterthwaite is on a holiday in Monte Carlo, thinking about the changing society. He notices Countess Czarnova has taken up a new pet, a young American, already impressed by her charm. But Mr. Satterthwaite sees something isn’t right and wonders how to set it right when Mr. Quin enters to help him. The story is more of a study of characters than a mystery. I love stories with Mr. Quin, and this is no exception.  

The Girl in the Train 

George Rowland is on the streets after his uncle kicks him out one morning. He decides on a whim to travel to a remote place called Rowland castle. The train journey proves to be more eventful than George could have ever guessed. After all, it’s not every day that a beautiful young girl runs into a stranger's first-class cabin. This is a humorous cozy mystery with a touch of romance. A lighthearted story with some laughs, drama, and a few social observations woven into the plot. 

Greenshaw’s Folly 

The last story in the collection has Miss Marple helping her nephew Raymond solve yet another case. Miss Greenshaw of Greenshaw Folly is an eccentric character but someone in grave danger. Though the danger isn’t Miss Marple leads the police to criminals. An interesting story with a good deal of dramatics. 

To summarize, Sinister Spring is a delightful collection of different types of mysteries written by the Queen of Crime over the years. Pick it up if you want something light and entertaining. 

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

#NetGalley

The Protégé by Jody Gehrman - Book Review

Publication Date: 07th March 2023

Genre: Academic Psychological Thriller 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Good pace and premise; not really dark or twisted 

***

Dr. Hannah Bryers is an anthropology professor and a forensic expert at Mad River University. She is most comfortable with dead and rotten bodies than living people. Socializing terrifies her. 

Winter Jones is Hannah’s student and TA. However, she is out to seek revenge and destroy Hannah one step at a time. She seems to be successful too, and Hannah still has no clue who is targeting her. Of course, Hannah won’t give up without a fight. 

Who will win this war? Why is Winter intent on destroying Hannah? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of the main characters, Hannah and Winter. 

My Thoughts: 

This one has dark academia vibes sans paranormal elements though it doesn’t explore the elements. The setting feels heavy (even if it isn’t). This works well to sustain momentum and mood. 

The main characters have alternating POVs (mostly), which means that the reader knows what’s going on, while the characters don’t yet have a clue. I enjoy this style of narration as it focuses on when and how the characters figure out things and what happens afterward. 

The book sets the tone from the very first page. Characters are established right away, and they continue to be who they are. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on what the reader prefers. 

The beginning is a little slow. The first chapter by Hannah has a lot of technical jargon. Though I like to learn new things, I almost zoned out because of the dry narration and too much technicality. Luckily, Winter’s POV set things back on track. 

The second half is fast-paced as things happen one after another. I could finish the book in two days (less than 3 hours), which is always a plus. Another reason I rounded up to 4 stars. 

The characters aren’t entirely likable, of course. But I couldn’t feel anything for them either. Winter is definitely more interesting, so sadly, her past and the things that affect her aren’t presented in detail. This is a kind of book that limits things to the surface level. 

The climax and end are predictable but enjoyable. The steady pace keeps the reader going despite the lack of depth. This isn’t a book to read if you want something dark or twisted. It’s a Lite version of a dark psychological thriller. What you see is what you get; pretty much. 

To summarize, The Protégé is a decent thriller if you want something light and fast-paced. The forensic and anthropologic details are cool to read (even if some terms are hard to understand). There are a few queasy descriptions of dead and rotten bodies, so be prepared. 

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

#NetGalley #TheProtege

The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry - Book Review

Publication Date: 2nd March 2023

Genre: Historical Fantasy, YA (older teens)

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining if you read it as a YA book 

1912, Hy-Basil & London 

Orphaned Biddy grows up on Hy-Basil Island with Rowan and Hutch as guardians. Magic is a part of her life, though she doesn’t have it. As Biddy grows older, she has too many questions about things that were never explained to her. And then, one day, Rowan is hurt, and Biddy comes to know a little about his enemies and stuff from outside of Hy-Basil. 

However, there isn’t time for her to learn. Biddy is thrust right into the middle of a power clash. It seems that she holds the key to save magic and restore it from being lost forever. Of course, it comes with grave consequences, and Biddy has to decide what she would do. 

Can Biddy save magic as well as her and her guardians’ lives, or will she have to sacrifice one for another?

The story comes in Biddy’s limited-third person POV. 

My Thoughts:

The writing is descriptive and paints a vivid picture of the settings, be it the wild island or the castle dungeons. It is easy to visualize the story and the characters. 

Once I realized this would be more of a YA book, I adjusted my expectations and enjoyed it a lot more. The book has some dark elements and scenes, but it should work easily for older teens. Since Biddy is 16 or 17, readers of the same age group might relate to her. Adult readers, do note that Biddy can be annoying and dramatic sometimes. 

The beginning is a little slow, as expected. Once the basic premise is established, the story picks up pace. The scenes in the poorhouses of Whitechapel somehow didn’t fully blend in. I understand Biddy’s conflicting emotions and vulnerabilities and how the place ties up with the rest of the plot, but it somehow feels less effective than it should have been. 

The other main characters are well-etched. I like how Rowan is caring and affectionate when it comes to Biddy but can resort to violence to handle his opponents. He has his faults, some of which are the reason for this trouble in their heads. Though he is one of those characters the readers may or may not like. 

Hutch is Rowan’s familiar rabbit, and it is fun having a rabbit instead of a cat. This could be the author’s partiality (she has pet rabbits), but I like this change. A soft and furry rabbit with strong opinions makes for an entertaining read. (Please don’t tell me rabbits aren’t new to magic books. I want to continue living under my little rock.) 

Morgana is another interesting character. Is she good or evil? Does she want to help Rowan or Vaughan? Vaughan is pretty much the charming bad guy with evil in his heart and more than enough manipulative powers to get what he wants. 

The second half is much more engaging than the first, mainly because we see Biddy grow and make her own decisions. These come with consequences but set the stage for her to become independent instead of being the sheltered bookish kid she was when the story begins.

The writing is a little long-winded at times. You can speed-read at such places. There are a couple of long conversations, too, so gets a bit tiring. The ‘magic’ part is well-established, and I like the concept behind it. 

The ending is apt for the book. It ties up the ends while also leaving enough opportunities for a sequel. I wouldn’t mind one if it is set in Hy-Basil and explores the magical island in greater detail. 

To summarize, The Magician’s Daughter is an entertaining read with good world-building and a strong second half. I think it would be more appropriate to tag it as YA (darkish) fantasy. The content is clean. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Orbit, for the eARC.  

#TheMagiciansDaughter #NetGalley

***

P.S.: The cover is perfect for the book.