Murder in a French Village by Merryn Allingham - Book Review

Series: Flora Steele Mystery #7 (standalone)

Publication Date: 30^th Oct 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0C53HLVP6social

4 Stars

One Liner: A little slow but entertaining

Book Blurb

Join bookshop owner Flora Steele and handsome writer Jack Carrington as they set off on a French adventure and solve a chilling crime!

Jack is stunned to receive a call from his estranged mother, Sybil, asking him to drop everything and come to France. Together with Flora, his fellow sleuth, they pack their suitcases, dreaming of fragrant lavender fields and freshly baked pain au chocolat. It’s only when they arrive that they discover the shocking truth – Sybil’s friend was killed on a street in Paris, and she is desperate for their help.

The case leads them to a picturesque village in the south of France where life should be rosé, but even the bright blue skies can’t hide the fact that something is very wrong. And the mystery only deepens when Flora discovers that Sybil was in fact the intended target. Who would want her out of the way?

Perhaps Sybil’s relationship with wealthy Italian count Massimo Falconi has something to do with it. His darling daughter Allegra, ruthless business partner Pascal and his jealous estranged wife Isabella all have reasons for revenge…

Then when another person in the small French town dies in suspicious circumstances, Flora is convinced the two untimely deaths must be connected. Just when the case seems impossible to crack, a chess box provides an unlikely clue.

Can Flora discover the truth before Sybil meets her end? Or could trouble in paradise spell a final au revoir for the detective duo?

A completely addictive cozy crime novel. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and Joy Ellis!

My Thoughts

The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack.

Despite being the seventh book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. However, you will enjoy it more if you read at least the previous book or two.

The setting, especially Provence, is vivid and beautiful to read. We get a majority of the descriptions from Flora’s POV. It helps that this is her first visit to the country. The narration has a sense of awe and makes it a delightful read.

Sybil is quite a character. She’s annoying and infuriating; someone we would love to hate. Luckily, Jack and Flora know how to deal with her tantrums (which is to let her go on until she’ll shut up).

The other characters, aka suspects, also have definite personalities, some bordering on stereotypes. Still, this is a cozy mystery, so it works well for the plot.

The pacing is slow due to the focus on the setting, but I don’t mind it much. Reading about new destinations is always fun, and the duo is a favorite of mine. We also see progress in their personal lives (Flora’s backstory feels anticlimactic, though I suspect it’s a deliberate choice and necessary).

The mystery has multiple elements, though if you pay attention, it is easy to identify the actual culprit. Most questions get answered by the end, while a couple of them are left to guess (even for the main characters). The reveal comes in two stages, followed by a nice rounded ending. I’m also sure we have two leads for the next book.

To summarize, Murder in a French Village is slower but never boring. It combines mystery, emotions, and introspection to deliver an enjoyable read. The book is a solid addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one.

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

#NetGalley #MurderinaFrenchVillage

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Author Bio - Merryn Allingham

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas, and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cozy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Website: https://merrynallingham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

X: https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here:  https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

***

This is a pitstop on the Books On Tour by Bookouture. Thank you for stopping by!

Ghosted by Mark McCrum - Book Review

Publication Date: 30th October 28, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Okayish; nothing new 

Adam Albury is shocked to find himself attending his funeral. He is even more surprised when his death was ruled a suicide. While the ghost Adam had no memory of what happened, he knew for sure that he would never take his own life. This could only mean one thing – he was murdered. 

Adam decides to take advantage of his ghost state to solve his death. Soon, he realizes that quite a few people, including his family members, have reasons to bump him off. But who is the killer, and why? Can Adam find it before his ghostly time ends? 

The story comes in Adam’s third-person POV with random first-person rants and three chapters from others’ third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

My primary reason for picking this book is to tick off a reading challenge prompt – a book from a ghost’s POV. And this, being a cozy mystery, was a nice addition. 

Well, Adam is a wealthy architect in his late fifties and has/ had a colorful life. He has more than his share of faults, which does make him a bit realistic and quite annoying. Dude is quite judgmental, too, though we can see where he gets it from. 

The concept of ghosts and interactions with humans doesn’t have much reasoning as it is more of a trial and error for Adam. After all, this is the first time he is a ghost. Nevertheless, most people he interacts with seem to quite easily accept his ghostly presence. There’s some doubt, naturally, but not that much. 

His dysfunctional family keeps things interesting. Each of them has a definite personality, making it easier to track who is who. I do like Adam’s relationship with his children, Matilda and Leo. His love for them resonates in his words. 

However, the writing is slow and borderline uninteresting. Adam can really ramble on, and I zoned out a few times before deciding to speed-read the book. That turned out to be the best way to stay focused. 

With such a cool premise, I expected more chills. This one is more on the comic side, but it’s not humorous either. Hard to describe, tbh. The best I can say is that it tries to be funny but doesn’t succeed. At least, not for me. 

The mystery is decent and easy enough to guess. There could be a parallel track, or maybe it is a part of the main mystery. Not saying to avoid spoilers. The reveal comes in lengthy, multi-page-long dialogues. The first part is boring, but the second reveal is cool. I like how it is done. Suits the character perfectly. 

There’s a last chapter to round up the threads, though some are left open (which cannot be helped). However, it settles the mystery, which is the primary requirement. 

To summarize, Ghosted is a slow-paced, cozy mystery with a ghost or more. It has its moments but delivers only an average reading experience. Don’t take my word for it, though. Give it a shot if the premise appeals to you. 

Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. 

The Search for Us by Susan Azim Boyer - Book Review

Publication Date: 24th Oct 2023

Genre: YA Family Drama

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming but with a few issues

Samira Murphy is stretching herself thin to keep her family together. At seventeen, she has an autoimmune disorder, low attendance, a Gran in mourning, an alcoholic brother, a mother working the job of her dreams in another state, and a low bank balance. When Samira’s college and future become uncertain, she decides to hunt down her estranged father through a DNA search. Imagine her surprise when it matches with a sibling she didn’t even know about!

Henry Owen has two moms – a bio-mom who loves him (and may not always be reliable) and a not-adopted-but-adopted mom and dad/ uncle who want him to achieve the sky and more. Henry longs for a connection to call his own. His DNA search leads him to Samira, a half-sibling. 

Can two people struggling with personal demons find comfort in this new bond? What is it to have a brother or sister you didn’t know about? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Samira and Henry in alternative chapters. 

My Thoughts: 

My only reason to grab this book was the premise. A YA read that centers on half-siblings finding each other is not common (at least as far as I know). It’s refreshing to read how two people get to know each other’s existence when they are in a most vulnerable age group. 

Samira and Henry are well-etched. They are your average teens but also different. Samira is half-adult, no thanks to the responsibilities dumped on her head. Henry has anger management issues (which somehow get resolved off-page) but is a sweet guy. 

Tara and Linh ensure there are enough lighthearted and sweet moments in the book. People do need friends like them (even if Tara can be overwhelming at times). 

The dual POV (both in the third-person) works well. We see their current situation and get the necessary backstories. Once they start interacting, the dual POV helps maintain the balance between the happenings and the characters’ perceived ideas about the events. 

The interactions between Samira and Henry feel organic. They go through a range of emotions, learn to bond, fight like all siblings do, and support each other. 

Since this is a YA novel, it doesn’t deal with the triggers in depth. Much of it is surface level but that’s expected. Still, I wish Kamron’s alcoholism got a bit more space. While we see how it affects Samira’s life, the resolution feels a little too neatly tied up. 

The same goes for Henry’s personal issues with his uncle and aunt, who are also his dad and mom. The change seems to come out of nowhere. While this can be due to the POV restrictions, it also makes everything seem too easy. 

However, I do like that Gran’s arc is consistent. It makes more sense since people are indeed like that in real life. Change doesn’t happen so easily, and people who make selfish decisions are more likely to continue making them. I don’t mind the happy ending, though I do wish it wasn’t made easy for certain characters. 

I also wouldn’t mind if Samira and Henry spent more time together. The siblings sure have a lot to talk about! 

Family is another theme of the book. Some of it is handled well and provides a hopeful outlook. The other part may be too optimistic even for YA readers. 

There are a few cuss words commonly used by teens (even if we want to pretend otherwise). There’s a bit of adult-ish content, too. 

To summarize, The Search for Us deals with quite a few complex issues at the surface level. It is a steady-paced read with a different premise and delivers a neatly wrapped-up ending. 

Oh, don’t miss the author’s note at the end. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press (Wednesday Books), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th Oct 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Steady paced and well done 

Jasmine runs away from rural China to New York with the help of snakeheads. She doesn’t have the necessary papers but needs to find a job desperately to pay the money loaned for her move. Jasmine hopes for a fresh start away from her controlling husband. She is in the city to find and reunite with her daughter, the one her husband gave away for adoption due to the One Child Policy. 

Rebecca has it all – a flourishing career as an editor-in-chief of a reputed publishing house, a handsome and successful husband, and an adopted daughter. There’s enough money for luxurious living and designer labels. However, a scandal put Rebecca’s career in jeopardy, and she finds herself on the outer boundary in more ways than one. Soon, Rebecca realizes she needs to make some tough decisions if she wants her career and family. 

What brings Jasmine and Rebecca face-to-face? What will happen when things go beyond their control? 

The story comes in Jasmine's first-person POV and Rebecca's third-person POV. It is divided into four parts (not sure why). 

My Thoughts: 

I’m not sure why this is tagged a mystery/ thriller on NetGalley. While it does have a ‘mystery’, 99% of it is evident and too easy to guess. The book works better as women’s fiction or drama. Luckily, I saw the tag on NG after reading it, so it didn’t affect my experience. 

It’s a short book and a quick read. Not everything is explored in detail. However, this works for me since I’d rather have character arcs do the talking than be hit on the head with the message. Jasmine and Rebecca are the main characters and they indeed carry the book well. 

The book deals with themes like motherhood, immigration, love, family, acceptance, relationships, career, choices or the lack of them, casual racism, privilege, Asian fetish, etc. Even though there’s a lot of tell due to Jasmine’s first-person POV, it doesn’t get overboard anywhere. 

We see the ground-level impact of China’s One Child Policy, and there’s no sugarcoating here (neither is much drama). I remember our social teacher in school creating a discussion around it and how a similar policy in India (Two Child Policy) would work in reality. 

We also get a glimpse into the world of publishing, where appearances and persona matter more than maybe even talent. While I am a bit doubtful about a few things (after all, there are enough books in the market that shouldn’t have even been published), I do know that the stakes are high. 

I’m not sure about Anthony’s track, but I’m not the one to say no to a bit of happiness for my characters. I just wish the ending didn’t take such a big leap, like our daily soaps, and tie up the loose ends. A few more pages would have helped.

I like Rebecca’s characterization. She represents millions of people in the thought process (even if they don’t have the same financial privilege). Be it white saviorism or inherent racism, it’s a part of society and manifests itself in different ways. 

The bits about the differences in cultural aspects are well done, whether it is the significance of white flowers or the use of chopsticks. I could connect a lot with this since Indians, too, have to deal with similar apathy and appropriation in the West. There have been countless incidents of sellers printing our Gods on doormats, footwear, underwear, etc. Pubs have our gods painted in their bathrooms! 1-2 years ago, we had to write to a fashion brand about why they should not print our gods on their bikini collection. A quick internet search would tell them (that’s where they get the images, too), but nope, they still go ahead. The reason is quite simple – they don’t give a damn. I don’t even want to start talking about what the billion-dollar white yoga industry does. 

The climax is predictable. I see some readers being surprised by Jasmine’s decision, but that’s the only way it would have gone (or maybe I saw too many movies to guess it right). I have a few doubts about certain plot developments (they seem less likely), but I’ll let it be since the overall presentation delivers. 

To summarize, The Leftover Woman is a steady-paced and balanced read dealing with a multitude of themes. It’s not an easy read, but a worthy one. There are a few triggers, though nothing too graphic. 

Thank you, NetGalley and William Marrow, for the eARC.  

#TheLeftoverWoman #NetGalley

T.W: Mentions of domestic abuse, mention of miscarriage, hints of probable infidelity, mentions of abuse.

Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta - Book Review

Publication Date: 29th Sep 2023

Genre: Fantasy 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: A fever dream that makes sense! 

Myung and Laleh are the keepers of the whale of babel. They were created by the Great Wisa and know no one else. When Myung’s curiosity takes her away from the whale, it sets in motion for the worlds from different times to collide. Her adventure is a bridge between the pasts and the presents. 

Myung and Laleh uncover the secrets of the island of Ojda. They also stumble upon the mystery hidden for centuries -the mad sisters of Esi. Somewhere in this quest, the sisters might find a way back to each other. 

The story comes in multiple POVs and snippets from research papers, diary entries, books, articles, etc. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise and the cover intrigued me enough to try for a copy. I loved the cover even more after holding the paperback (the picture doesn’t do full justice to how beautiful it looks). 

NGL, I was wary when I read the first 40-50 pages. The plot seemed extravagant and intricate. Combined with beautiful prose, it could be a hit or a horrible flop. Luckily, the stars were in my favor (as you can see from the rating). 

This is the kind of book best read in the physical format (at least for me). I’m glad I got the paperback, even if the font size is slightly small. The pacing is slow but steady and cannot be rushed. Nor can you skim it and miss something important. 

Moreover, the narration frequently blends different POVs. It jumps from third-person to second-person and breaks the fourth wall at times. However, none of them distracted me. In fact, it pulled me deeper into the setting and made me an integral part of the story. 

The book is one of those rare ones where I could even hear the characters speak at times and not just visualize it in my mind. Maybe it is due to the format chosen. The dialogues between the main characters are not in quotes but in italics, as if they listen to each other’s minds rather than speak them out loud. It should have been annoying (I’m picky), but it suits the characters. I also marked quite a few quotes for the sheer beauty of the prose and the weight of emotions behind the words. 

The book predominantly deals with sisterly bonding. The sisters are not related by blood, but their love for each other is so deep, poignant, and intense that the reader has no choice but to be swept away by it. 

However, this isn’t a book to look for logic. Not everything is explained since even the characters don’t know the answers. It’s where you go with the flow from start to finish and learn as the characters do. Some questions will remain unanswered. Needless to say, this won’t work for everyone (I’m surprised it worked for me). 

I absolutely love the setting, be it inside of the whale of babel or the islands of Ojda and Esi. Nature is entwined with humans to an extent where the lines blur many times. The same goes for magic. As someone who loves forests and all things mystical, I couldn’t have asked for more. 

The characters stand out and crave space for themselves, even if most have limited roles. There are five main characters, all of them women. Each is different from the other but with enough similarities to draw parallels between their lives. 

I don’t read much of high fantasy since most books are super large and run into series. Fortunately, this is a standalone and not a very big book, though it requires high concentration levels. While it is enjoyable, it also demands you to pay full attention and not miss any details. That’s tough since I read at night, and my energy levels are already down. Still, I managed (and ended up being behind on my reading schedule). 

There are a couple of triggers, though nothing major. However, madness is one of the core themes. It is done well, but you may want to read a sample first if you are wary of this theme. 

The ending is heartbreaking and poignant. It aligns with the storyline and leaves it high up there at the top of the cliff. I’m not a fan of sad (but maybe hopeful) endings, but I wouldn’t want anything else for this story. It’s perfect. 

To summarize, Mad Sisters of Esi is an ambitious plot presented in a complex format. However, the end result is satisfying, impactful, and heart-touching. I can’t say who will enjoy this one. You have to decide for yourselves. 

Thank you, Blogchatter, author Tashan Mehta, and publisher HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

You can buy the paperback of the Mad Sisters of Esi on Amazon. 

***

P.S.: I don’t know if the book is supposed to be some sort of allegory or a metaphor. I enjoyed it for what it is. Any ‘deep social’ interpretations, if present, flew over my head. 

***

TW: Parental death, death, madness, possible self-harm. 

Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction - Book Review

Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction by Margrét Helgadóttir (Editor)

Publication Date: 10th October 2023

Genre: Speculative Fiction, Short Stories, Multi-Author Anthology 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Intriguing, creative, and entertaining 

Nordic Visions is a collection of speculative fiction written by famous authors from the region. The editor’s note emphasizes that the stories aren’t necessarily set in the region but only belong to the Nordic authors. Also, the focus is on ‘speculative fiction’ and not ‘Nordic fiction’. This helps in having the right expectations from the book. 

I could enjoy the stories as they are without wondering why many of them have nothing to do with their native land. The collection is categorized based on countries. This doesn’t add anything except to bring a better structure to the anthology. 

As always, I rate each story, accompanied by a short review. Only 4 out of 16 stories fall below the 4-star mark. Each story is distinctive, but they have common themes like technological domination, a blend of science and mythology, nature, etc. 

I read one or two stories per day and wrote the reviews soon after reading. These haven’t been edited (except for grammar) to retain the initial impressions. 

Sweden

She by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Translated by Marlaine Delargy) – 4 Stars 

The narrator and his wife Alice spend their earnings rebuilding an old home. They are excited for a new beginning. However, someone else also seems to have moved in with them. But who is she? What does she want? The story is divided into three nights for the present track, with the past woven in between. The narration is slow-paced but atmospheric and suits the plot. The clues are artfully scattered and provide enough detail to connect the dots. The ending is open, though. 

Lost and Found by Maria Haskins – 4 Stars 

So this is set in the future on an unnamed planet with loads of sand. The story comes in the limited third-person of two characters. While the plot, as such, is vague, the writing has a haunting beauty to it. The recurring use of wind creates a kind of melancholic melody (something I didn’t know was possible in sci-fi). However, a couple of lines in the second person broke my focus. 

Sing by Karin Tidbeck – 4 Stars 

This is set in a possible colony in a dystopian future with artificial satellites as moons. Aino is a tailor who meets Petr, a biologist studying lichen’s growth in the region. He is fascinated with the locals (and Aino) while she longs for something else. The story comes from Aino’s first-person POV and weaves between the present and past. I’m still not sure about the setting, but whatever is provided works to imagine it to an extent. It’s a story of longing for acceptance. 

Denmark

The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars 

Written in the third person, we get the story of a 40+ man who decides to become a fisherman. It has less to do with fishing but everything to do with being a fisherman. How this changes his life is the story. The writing is distant and almost without emotion, which suits the MC’s arc. This feels more like a metaphorical tale with deeper meanings. 

Heather Country by Jakob Drud – 3.5 Stars 

Set in a dystopian world, we have people using pig shit as fertilizer for fuel. The NeuroClan, with not-so-human accountants, rules the region with a super tight fist. The narrator and a biologist are sent to investigate the case, which becomes two cases. What’s the connection? What will happen? The premise is definitely creative, but the use of well-known tropes dim the enjoyment. Some readers will love this one. 

The Traveller Girl by Lene Kaaberbøl – 4 Stars 

Jovin knows he’ll become the owner of Hasalin when he marries Siri next year. His life seems sorted until he meets a traveler girl, Zara. The villagers hate Travelers, and things escalate. However, Jovin might learn a few lessons in the process. The story comes from Jovin’s third-person POV. The narration and execution are simple, elevating the content and unsaid to take over. The ending is the icing on the cake.  

The Faroe Islands

The Abyss by Rakel Helmsdal (Translated by Marita Thomsen) – 2 Stars 

Umm… this is a first-person narration of a person hanging upside down on an endless iron bar. What happens when they decide to let go? How are they? What is their destination? I’m not sure what this story is about. My first impression was that on the Hanged Man from Tarot Cards. Let’s say the ending also seems to align with it. Otherwise, this went over my head. Thankfully, it was a short piece. 

Iceland

The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is good! A real short story narrated in the first-person by a dad who wants to protect his son from nightmares. The setting is eerie. The writing has a weariness that matches the character’s situation. The core storyline is very simple, but the execution enhances it. 

Hamraborg Babylon by Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson (Translated by Quentin Bates) – 4 Stars 

A woman walks into the mysterious Hamraborg city on a mission. The place is creepy, strange, and almost impossible to escape. But what does she want? Does she succeed? Written in a detached third-person POV, this one gave me strong Neverwhere (by Neil Gaiman) vibes. The ending is almost anti-climatic, but looks like that’s the intention. 

Norway

As You Wish by Tor Åge Bringsværd (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 4 Stars

Written in the second-person POV, this story is set in dystopian mines underground. The story feels disjointed in the beginning, but things fall into place soon. The execution and narration make this a worthy read. It’s almost like a mind game. 

The Cormorant by Tone Almhjell – 4.5 Stars 

Set on an island and narrated by a girl raised by a single mother, this is the story of loneliness, despair, and the struggle for belongingness. The setting is atmospheric, with the icy sea wind adding tinges of darkness to the plot. It does seem like a metaphorical tale, but it does work as a regular tale (with an open ending). The writing is beautiful. 

The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad by Thore Hansen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars 

This is MG fiction! Needless to say, I was surprised to find a light and cute story in the book. Written in Jonas’ third-person POV, it’s the story of what happens when the kid follows his dad to know where he works. The content is vibrant and full of light, but the story as such feels a little too simple. There’s a lot of detail and description, but the plot is thin. The ending is good, though.

A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margrét Helgadóttir – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is beautiful! Set in a distant future, it’s the story of a missing celebrity lion, Levi. Told from the third-person POV of multiple characters, the story reveals itself in layers and ends on a bittersweet note. It’s heartfelt and beautiful. 

Finland

A Bird Does Not Sing Because It Has an Answer by Johanna Sinisalo – 5 Stars 

Set in the future (2042), the story deals with a person using an advanced virtual avatar to gather data from an AI Box in a forest. He details his experience of the process and what happens when he finds a bird’s nest on the Box. The second half of the story is wonderful. The message is delivered without any preaching or drama. One of the best stories in the book. 

Elegy for a Young Elk by Hannu Rajaniemi – 4 Stars 

Well! What do I say? It’s a strange story with a strange setting. But Kosonen is as human as he can get. Otso, the talking bear is another highlight. But what makes the story tick is the last quarter, especially the ending. Heartwarming! A highly imaginative premise with the right touch of humanity. 

The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta – 4.5 Stars 

This is a retelling of the Finnish National Epic, Kalevala, told from Louhi’s first-person POV. It’s a proper mythological fantasy with drama, emotions, betrayal, greed, revenge, sorcery, etc. The writing is strong and makes the story come alive on the pages. I read a quick summary of a version of the original from Wiki and would like to read a fuller version someday. Can’t say whether the story does justice to the epic, though it does use the core elements (from what I’ve found). 

To summarize, Nordic Visions is an intriguing, entertaining, and thought-provoking collection of speculative fiction by writers from the Nordic region. Check out the book to see which stories you’ll enjoy. 

The author bios are at the end of the book, and naturally, I added a few books to my TBR after going through the list! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing (Solaris), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #NordicVisions

The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne - Book Review

Publication Date: 20th Oct 2023

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Fiction 

3.25 Stars 

One Liner: An okayish read 

Blythe doesn’t like it when a fellow agent records more sales than her. She is determined to be the Real Estate Agent of the Month and, in a desperate attempt, manages to sell a house to Sam Ashton (by hiding certain truths). While Sam loves the house, he doesn’t like Christmas. 

With the house being the center of the village’s Christmas activity (which they take very, very seriously), things get difficult for Sam and Blythe. Holly Cross Village has a chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village if not for Sam. The responsibility falls on Blythe to fix things. Maybe a Christmas Miracle can help her.  

Vicky is a single mother to a five-year-old Eden and Blythe’s best friend. She is trying to manage her boring part-time job and the new business venture. But her happiness is threatened with the news of an ex. Can Christmas bring hope for her? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Blythe and Vicky. 

My Thoughts: 

Though the official blurb doesn’t mention Vicky anywhere, her story takes up over 30% of the book. She also gets her own POV, which Sam doesn’t. 

The story occurs over seven months, starting at the end of May and ending on Boxing Day (December 26th). While this gives enough time for the lead couple to get to know each other and fall in love, the results are mixed. 

I do love the setting and the enthusiasm they have for Christmas. There’s quite a lot of competitiveness and almost military-style planning to set up the annual event. The stakes are higher this time due to the contest.

The village has an array of characters to bring enough variety to the setting. They add to the warmth and humor. 

Turpin is the highlight of the book. He is a semi-feral who wipes to take a swipe at anyone or anything he doesn’t like. All scenes with Turpin are my favorite (and he did save the book). 

The premise of Grumpy vs. Sunshine and Grinch vs. Christmas (or something like that) is fun. However, I’m not that convinced by the execution. While Blythe and Sam have a fine banter, I couldn’t feel any chemistry between them for most of the book. 

While I understand Blythe’s character (and how her relationship with her father shaped her life), I didn’t like how she kept pushing Sam despite repeatedly telling her he didn’t like Christmas. TBH, if someone sells me a house without revealing certain info and expects me to jump into the local madness, I will kick them out and lock the door. There’s a thin line between being persuasive and forcing a relative stranger to do something they don’t want (if the roles were reversed, it’d be called harassment). 

In a way, I liked Vicky’s character a little better. She is a single parent with some not-so-good business ideas to make more money for her child. She’s a flawed character but someone who gives good ideas to Blythe. However, her track with Owen is not well-structured. Though it makes some good points, characters cannot move on without acknowledging their past. Important discussions should occur on the page. 

Everything ends well, of course. The mystery around Murray is solved, and we get HEA. The ending is stronger, but the path to it is rocky and not as enjoyable as I expected. Furthermore, the pacing is slow and seems to have substantial filler content. 

To summarize, The Perfect Christmas Village might have a perfect Christmas at the end but doesn’t manage to inspire the same level of feelings. It’s a decent read but not something I would add to my top seasonal reads. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #ThePerfectChristmasVillage

The Secrets of the Deadwoods Series - Blog Tour

The Secrets of the Deadwoods Series

Author: Ashley Brandt

Genre: Cozy Mystery Short Story 

Book #1: The Secrets of the Deadwoods

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179895757-the-secrets-of-the-deadwoods 

Buy - https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Deadwoods-Ashley-Brandt-ebook/dp/B0C8V2KZ5N 

Blurb

Every town has its secrets, and Corinth is no exception.

When a local realtor turns up dead, Denali falls under suspicion as she was the last person to see the victim alive. Together with her telepathic cat, Da Vinci, these two amateur sleuths uncover the killer’s trail, leading them back to the haunted wood, known by the locals as the Deadwoods.

But when the murder suspect turns victim, the residents of Corinth are left with more questions than answers, not to mention more ghosts inhabiting the Deadwoods!

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

3 Stars 

My Thoughts: 

This is a super short story that introduces the main characters and their setting, Cornith, a small Southern town on the edge of a forest (the Deadwoods). 

The case, as such, takes no time to solve and is straightforward. In fact, it ends before it fully begins. However, I like the orange tabby, Da Vinci, and his special talents, so I’m okay with it. 

There isn’t much to say without giving away the spoilers. The characters do stand out despite the lack of information or depth (both are impossible given the length). I’m not sure about Denali’s stay in the town (the details don’t match up), either. 

It would work better if expanded a little more to add some clues or intrigue. Or, it could be merged with book #2 and used as the first two chapters in that one. (I’d pick option 2). 

To summarize, The Secret of the Deadwoods is a quick intro to the series. You can finish it in 10 mins. 

***

Book #2: Something Like Murder

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198656438-something-like-murder 

Buy Links - https://mybook.to/somelikemurder-zbt 

Blurb

When two of Corinth’s oldest residents turn up murdered, Da Vinci and his sidekick team up to uncover the truth behind the murders.

Denali crosses paths with the newest resident in town, the gorgeous Alex Plummer and Da Vinci fears his housemate has fallen for a killer. However, as always, nothing in Corinth is as it seems, and the killer may be much closer to home than they ever suspected!

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

3 Stars 

My Thoughts: 

This book continues a year after the first. Denali is leading a normal life, though I didn’t find information about her career or income sources. She is young (late 20s), but whether she lived in the town all her life or was away for a while, is something I’m yet to figure out. That’s for the future books, I guess. 

The case in this one is a tad longer. We have new characters, each with a varying amount of importance in the book. Yet again, the mystery is solved easily. Everything is revealed without much effort. A stage-wise resolution might have been helpful. 

Cozy Mystery is my favorite genre, so I like it better when an effort is made to structure the storyline. The plot has potential but needs to be fleshed out. It requires another 3-5k words to read like a decent mystery. 

My copy also has a teaser from book #3. I admit I liked it more than one and two combined. I hope the author takes time to develop it into a longer version. 

Da Vinci continues to shine and is impossible to ignore. He makes the story interesting and adds a few chuckles, too. 

To summarize, Something Like Murder has the potential to become a solid mystery story or even a novelette. However, it’s a one-time read.  

***

About the Author - Ashley Brandt

Ashley Brandt is a Paramedic and an author living in North Texas. When she isn't reading or writing, Ashley enjoys hiking, swimming and photography. Ashley is a coffee addict and spends as much time at the bookstore as possible.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.brandt.9461/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087089264856

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandtB95480105

Website: https://www.ashleybrandtbooks.com/

***

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour conducted by ZooLoo’s Book Tours. Thank you for stopping by! 

The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles - Book Review

Series: Heaven’s Cove #6 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 19th Oct 2023

Genre: Small Town Women’s Fiction 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A bit heavier than previous books, yet heartwarming 

***

Grandma Jessie finds a way to bring together the estranged sisters, her granddaughters, Caitlin and Isla. She leaves them a puzzle to solve after her death. 

Caitlin and her stepdaughter Maisie come to Heaven’s Cove to settle the property issues (aka Rose Cottage) and go back to London. 

Isla lives in the house, caring for her grandma when Caitlin left around fifteen years ago. Over the years, the gap between the sisters widens to a point where neither knows what to do. 

Can the two find a way to sort out their personal issues and rekindle their relationship? Did Grandma Jessie succeed in her plan of uniting the sisters? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Isla, Caitlin, and Maisie. 

My Thoughts: 

We are back in Heaven’s Cove for another installment. Since the books are standalone, you can read them without reading the others. Though previous characters make brief appearances, only Rose has a slightly longer role (that is, she gets to speak in 3 short scenes). The setting, as always, makes its presence felt. 

The book focuses on estranged sisters Caitlin and Isla and their lives. As expected, both are dealing with different kinds of mess. Caitlin is aware of how things stand, while Isla is happy in her denial state. 

The three-POV narration works well for the plot. We get a deeper insight into the characters, which helps us understand them better. Maisie begins as a surly and annoying teen (15yo), but soon, I can see her vulnerability. Her POV turned out to be a favorite by the end. 

Caitlin and Isla are different, which highlights their roles and their past. Halfway through, we can see what shaped their current personalities, though Isla turned out to be a least favorite (unexpected since I thought I’d empathize the most with her). 

The riddle and ancestry tracing part is interesting and the highlight of the book. I like how all three find clues (even if Maisie is uninterested) and piece everything together. 

While the blurb mentions Ben and his potential romance with Isla, it is not as much as I expected. In fact, for the majority of the story, Isla is in a relationship with her arse of a boyfriend. Everyone could see he was a jerk except our darling girl. And by the time she did, I just wanted to be done with it. I was more invested in Caitlin and Maisie’s story. 

I did like the exploration of different relationships and their impact on people. Be it Caitlin’s suffocation of becoming a caretaker at a young age or Isla’s dependence on her sister and transition into a caretaker for their gran, which leaves her open to emotional manipulation.

I’d have loved it more if things got better a little sooner instead of everything happening in the last quarter of the book. This would have given readers more time to see Isla stand up for herself and mend her relationship with Caitlin, which is the core premise. 

We have an epilogue with HFN and projected HEA. This works for the plot, though I wish Isla’s track was better handled (as you can see, my major complaint is only with that part). Despite being on an emotional and heavy side, the book manages to be a heartwarming read. 

To summarize, The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea is a tale of family, relationships, second chances, sacrifice, and love. It’s not the best in the series but a good addition, nevertheless. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheSistersattheLastHouseBeforetheSea

The Puppet Maker by Jenny O'Brien - Book Review

Series: Detective Alana Mack #1

Publication Date: 17th Oct 2023

Genre: Small Town Mystery, Police Procedural 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A good start to a new series 

A two-year-old Casey is abandoned in the supermarket with a slip of note in her pocket to not find her family. A retired newspaper journalist has disappeared from his home without a trace. Someone found human organs in a trash bin. 

Detective Alana Mack is already overworking overtime. Her recent transfer to the Clonabee police station seemed like a good move to restart her life in a wheelchair. However, she’s dealing with fewer resources, excess pressure, and a misogynistic chief. Finding little Casey howling her lungs out adds to her list of concerns, but Alana cannot help but want to safeguard the child at all costs. 

Are the crimes independent, or is there a connecting factor the police are yet to see? With Alana still struggling to come to terms with her current situation, is she strong enough to control her emotions and do what needs to be done? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is a slow-burn mystery and a police procedural (not a thriller) set in a fictional seaside Irish town. The setting stays true to the dark theme of the genre and deals more with social issues like poverty, etc., rather than focusing on the beauty of the location (of course, there a couple of references to sunrises and sunsets). 

Alana Mack is a disabled police officer bound to her wheelchair after an accident/ incident in her recent past. So, we get the narrative of someone who had to get used to this new way of life. This works well to present the internal conflict. 

While Alana is confident, capable, and efficient, it does take time to warm up to her. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has to be tough and relentless. However, this sometimes doesn’t show her in good light. She is also dealing with past trauma (we get a lot of references but not enough details in this book). 

The side characters, Paddy, Rusty, Tatty, etc., are well-etched and manage to make an impression within the set limitations. As the series progresses, we are likely to see better character development for the recurring characters. 

Despite the specific mention of Alana’s ex-husband in the blurb, he has only a minor role in the plot. I like this as it retains the focus on the case (Alana has enough internal thoughts to mention this guy multiple times. I don’t need more at this stage). 

The cases have enough twists to keep the reader engaged. There isn’t a lot to guess, though. With multiple narratives in parallel, we get enough snippets to connect the dots to a good extent. There are some triggers and graphic content, so proceed with caution. 

However, this is a slow burn. I expected the book to have a steady pace after the initial setup, but it continued to be slow throughout. Also, there isn’t enough tension in the investigation. They seem to be doing their thing while the usual useless chief tries to boss around. The police station doesn’t have the personality it should (maybe it’ll get better in the next books). 

Also, we could do without so many POV jumps at random. Reading a chapter or half from a side character’s POV is confusing. This should be better structured to prevent confusion. 

Alana goes by Alan, which seems odd throughout. Why would you need a man’s name if you want to exert yourself as a capable policewoman? The author’s note provides the reason, but I prefer a logical explanation rooted in the MC’s backstory. Let’s see. 

Today, I got to know that this has been corrected in the final version. Alana continues to be Alana. I appreciate the author and publishers taking reader feedback seriously and implementing it. I know it’s unfair to compare characters, but I do love Eve Dallas (from In Death Series). Alana doesn’t have to be Eve but should have a distinct personality. We’ll see how it goes. I like this enough to read book two.  

To summarize, The Puppet Maker is a decent police procedural dealing with dark themes and a dangerous killer. It does the job of creating an interest in the series. 

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

#NetGalley #ThePuppetMaker

***

TW: Physical abuse by family, mentions of pedophilia, mutilation, and death of parents. 

Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova - Book Review

Publication Date: 1st Oct 2023

Genre: Fantasy Short Story Anthology 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Some of you already know I can’t resist a good cover. This book is no exception. When two friends added the book, I knew I had to read it, at least for that black and gold cover. With wolves, mermaids, and dragons, this one promised to be an exciting ride. 

The book begins with a quick note by the author and potential triggers listed with the story titles. The underlying theme is supernatural/ paranormal for all stories. That makes this a highly diverse collection set in various worlds. The writing style is easy to follow and blends descriptions, emotions, and storytelling.  

However, as with every anthology, some stories were wonderful, some good, and some meh. Here’s a short review of each story (written after reading it). I read 2-3 stories a day.  

Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind – 4 Stars 

Amika, a dragon scale gatherer, has a hard time finding enough freshly-shed scales to make money for a living (and feed her family). What does a chance encounter with a dragon do to her? Can she survive to tell the tale? What a start to the anthology. Beautiful! I wish this was a novella with good world-building. 

A Taste of Grace – 4.5 Stars 

A retelling of Rapunzel that starts a few years after the HEA in the original. It tackles the theme of addiction, the reason for Rapunzel being taken by the witch. A fresh and unique perspective and in the right length.  

A Spoonful of Spice – 3.5 Stars 

This was fun, alright! Except that it reads more like a rounded excerpt from a novel than a complete short story. I wouldn’t mind reading the full version if it’s available. 

Deep Dive – 3 Stars 

Iris goes on a sky-diving trip for her birthday. However, cannot help but think about something that happened earlier. While thoughts are fine, someone listening to them through the telepathy chip is not. This one has the right tension and pace but is predictable to an extent. 

The Grave Dangers – 4.5 Stars 

Tristan regrets abandoning his sweetheart when she catches the Dancing Plague. Desperate to make amends, he visits the graveyard in the woods with a gift. The Flickers (ghosts) come to life at night and tend to kill anyone who trespasses. Can Tristan make it alive? This one managed to spring surprises and has a lovely ending. 

Mer-Child – 5 Stars 

This should be a novella or even a novel. It made me teary-eyed (which doesn’t happen often). Half-breeds have no place after a treaty for ‘peace’ between humans and merfolk. But Tula is determined to survive and find her only family, her father- the man who doesn’t even know of her existence.  

Tough Crowd – 4 Stars 

Jessmina works as a jester at an inn as the war continues to ravage outside. However, the latest visitors at the inn may bring some more for her. This is a short and emotional story about war, family, understanding, and forgiveness. 

Topsy Turvy Tiger – 2 Stars 

Well, I had high hopes, given the title (I love alliterations), but this was mostly meh. Magical circus and all. It needs some fleshing out to read better. 

Just a Hench – 3.5 Stars

Set in the far future, it’s the story of Liz, the abandoned daughter of a supervillain. Life is not easy with either side suspecting her, but a girl’s got to find a way to live! This one is quite heartwarming, though I couldn’t connect with it much. 

Change of Heart – 4 Stars 

Written in the second-person POV, it’s the story of a young werewolf fearing the change (transition from human to wolf). But then, some things cannot be controlled. It’s a short piece with a sort of haunting-like tone with a lovely message. Something is missing, though. 

Down in Flames – 2.5 Stars 

A magical (of-sorts) raid on smugglers where the narrator has an over-enthusiastic young partner to train on the job. Anything could go wrong, and her guilt could mess things up further. This should have been more detailed and longer. It reads like an excerpt. 

Prince of Bees – 4 Stars 

Where is my epilogue? This is the story of Prince Ivan, a gentle young man on a rescue mission to save a princess from an evil sorcerer. Of course, has to handle his own brothers first, but there’s someone to help, too. This is a sweet story that reads much like a fairytale. 

Of Masks and Macarenas – 4.5 Stars 

This is one of my favorites in the book. What happens when a wannabe ghost haunts an opera singer’s shows? Tina sure isn’t the kind to bow down without a fight. An entertainer. 

Retrieval – 4.5 Stars 

A Tulitian woman has to save her friend’s half-Tulitian boys before they are hurt. With the official agencies being useless in this aspect, she has to do it her way. Is it possible? This is a heartwarming story with a good dose of emotion and action. 

Tiger Bright – 4 Stars 

A man-eater is hunting the village, and the narrator, a young girl is the one sent to save the people. After all, she has some gifts to do so. But at what cost? The narration is vivid and gripping. Creative, for sure. The plot itself is such that it can go in a loop until something changes. 

Sea Claim – 4.5 Stars 

Terrific! Galia and Odessi are half-human, half-mer. At fifteen, the sea would claim them as her own. They stand on the shore, ready for the Change. But Galia has second thoughts. What will this do to her life? You can guess what will happen, but that won’t stop you from reading. No other ending would suit the story. 

The Perfumers of Qukamar – 4 Stars 

Adi Shebalik has been cursed by an ambitious aromancer for not submitting to her. Since then, he’s searching for someone to save him from doom. After all, how can a perfumer smell only two scents? This is a fun story with drama, intrigue, emotion, and HEA. A complete package, though I wouldn’t say no to a bit more world-building. 

Sir Gawain and The Green Thumb – 4 Stars 

This is a funny little retelling set in King Arthur’s kingdom. The kind you sit back and enjoy. Sir Gawain, a new knight, buys an (electronic) lawnmower. However, his enthusiasm gets him in trouble. Can he save his skin this time? 

The Screwtech Letters – 4.5 Stars 

Lol… this is such a one-sided epistolary short story where Sir Frederick, the Crasher of Computers, teaches his cousin George to mess up the computer for an upgrade. Too good! Pure entertainment. 

No Man’s Jungle – 4 Stars 

Oh, my kind of story! Dawson Malone is on yet another quest and enters a forest despite warnings from an old seller. But then he is too sure of himself to do otherwise. So what happens next? This is a fun read with a nice twist at the end. 

The Wolf at the Door – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is such a beautiful and heartfelt retelling of the original. It takes the core elements and places them in a totally different setting. Won’t reveal anything else. Beautiful! 

The Mermaid’s Soul – 3.5 Stars 

Do Mermaids have a soul? What about someone like Ianthe, who is neither a mermaid nor a human? How does her interaction with a man change her life? I loved the previous two mermaid stories and had high hopes for this one. While I like the theme tackled, the story somehow felt underwhelming. Maybe because it was too short, or my mind connected a scene from the story to one from a movie I saw as a child, never mind that these two have nothing in common except a mermaid. 

In case you’re wondering, here it is: Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya (Adventurous Hero and the Sea Maiden), a 1996 Telugu movie. 

To summarize, Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories is an intriguing and entertaining collection of 22 short stories with something for everyone. Only two stories fall below the 3-star mark, with 4 stories between 3 and 4 stars. 

However, anthologies are highly subjective, so give it a read to find your favorites. I’ll be sure to other works by the author. 

Thank you, Prolific Works and SnowRidge Press, for the eARC. 

A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th Oct 2023

Genre: Multi Timeline, Dark Fiction, Paranormal 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric but ruined by the ending (outliner opinion) 

1901, Dundee, Scotland 

Nicky is missing her husband Allan, who is at war. One day, she is attacked by a stranger and wakes up aboard the Ormen, her father’s whaling ship. Soon, Nicky realizes she is in big trouble, and things aren’t what they seem. 

2023, Skúmaskot, Iceland 

Dominique is an urban explorer. She finally managed to reach Skúmaskot, an old shark fishing village on the northern tip of Iceland, to stay aboard Ormen, which was to be dismantled in the next few weeks. She meets a trio of explorers who may or may not have hidden intentions. 

What is the connection between the two timelines? Where will the stories intersect, and what happens next? 

The past timeline comes in the third-person POV of Nicky, and the present timeline is in the first-person POV of Dominique. 

What I Like: 

After enjoying the previous two books by the author, I was excited to read this one. As always, the setting is atmospheric and has touches of magic realism. The book starts slowly but picks up pace, which turns out to be a blessing. 

The book tries to deal with issues like past trauma, grief, closure, etc. It does get a few things right, especially Nicky’s life with Allan, her father’s business, her dysfunctional family, etc. 

The third-person narration for Nicky’s timeline is a relief, given the content. While some readers may find it too distant, I prefer it that way. Makes it easier to continue reading at a stretch. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

First, this one is a dark read. I was expecting it, so that wasn’t an issue (please check the triggers at the end of the review) for me. However, as the book progressed, it felt more like misery porn (most of Nicky’s track is a torture) rather than having the characters do something to change the situation. When it does happen, it feels a little too late. 

Second, I confess to having little to no idea about ships and the whaling industry. However, it does seem that the Ormen spent a long time on the sea, that too, with the men more interested in r*ping the MC rather than catching whales (there is just one instance of capturing a whale). 

Third, the present timeline seemed quite well until the end. Then, it made almost no sense. The author’s note explains the intentions behind the concept, but TBH, it’s badly done. I wish I could say otherwise. I don’t want to reveal spoilers, but the ‘truth’ nullifies a majority of the timeline, which is not how one handles a plot. I have too many questions with no answers. I knew there would be weak points (the previous books had them), but this one gets too much. 

Fourth, if the book has magic realism, it should be more than a decorative piece. The Selkie stuff was interesting until it wasn’t. It takes way too much time to see it in action. Even then, it’s just a glimpse. For a book based on revenge, this one doesn’t even show the actual bits. That’s the most disappointing part. If you make me read so much tragedy and tell me multiple times that someone got their revenge on the actual bad guys, have the courtesy to show me at least a scene or two. 

Fifth, I don’t like the representation of the Inuit tribe. It may or may not have been based on truth, and I will not take a non-native’s version as ultimate. 

Sixth, there are third and fourth timelines, which are vague and try to add to the atmosphere but don’t really work. They only cause more confusion and add to the questions. Just because a book has supernatural elements doesn’t mean it cannot make sense. It still needs to stand on its own and provide satisfactory answers. 

To summarize, A Haunting in the Arctic starts great but spirals into a neverending tragedy and an unappealing reveal/ twist. I wish I loved this, but I don’t. 

I’m an outliner (until now), so please read other reviews before you decide. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AHauntingintheArctic

***

T.W.: Kidnap, rape (multiple), hostage, injuries, assault, miscarriage, self-harm, death of a child, animal death, mentioned suicide (off-page) 

A Midwinter's Tail by Lili Hayward - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th Oct 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Magic Realism 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Beautiful! 

It is Christmas time, and Mina Kestle gets one step closer to signing the biggest deal for her agency. This is everything she wanted, or so it seems until Mina finds a cryptic letter with an iron key in her handbag. 

Why did her godfather contact her after twenty years? Mina doesn’t want to bother. After all, he didn’t respond when she needed the most. However, she rushes to his cottage on the tiny Cornish island of Morgelyn to take care of his cat, Murr. Mina is sure she can sort the matters in a day and rush back to London and her life.

However, many truths come out in the open, forcing Mina to reconsider what she knew about her life and her godfather. With more concerns added to the list, Mina might be the only one to set things right, with Murr’s help, of course! The grey cat with green eyes has its own stories to tell! 

The book comes in Mina’s first-person POV and snippets of folklore/ stories in the third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a whimsical, cozy, cutesy story with Cornish folklore and contemporary drama set in December. The book is less than 250 pages and has a steady pace. While this sacrifices some character development, it’s easy enough to empathize with the main characters. 

The book has touches of magic realism, though it is very light. The otherworldly elements get stronger as the story progresses. This works for the plot as Mina takes time to feel a part of the tiny island with a history. 

The stories woven into the main plot are my favorite. They are short and evocative and stay connected to the overall storyline, even if it is not immediately apparent. 

Murr, the mysterious cat, is one of the main characters. She does have a prominent role, though I think it could have been even better. I was hoping for Murr to be more active in the present. That said, the story relies on the cat and justifies the title and the cover (don’t you love that cover design). 

The book has a bit of romance, too, though it doesn’t dominate the main plot. The same goes for a touch of inclusivity with a non-binary character (very minor role) and a lesbian ex-couple. 

The villain or the grey character does what they are supposed to do. No depth again, though we do get a reason for their actions. 

The writing, however, is beautiful. The descriptions have a touch of poetic charm without feeling verbose or overwhelming and also without slowing down the narration. I love how the words flow. The setting doesn’t just come alive. It sucks the reader in and transports them to the cold, mystical island with secrets from the past. 

The book was an almost 5-star read until certain twists or revelations came to light. Though it sounds heartbreaking, I have too many questions and not enough information (also, I'm not a fan of that trope). I wish this aspect was handled differently. Not saying more to avoid spoilers. 

There’s an epilogue with happy moments, so that’s a bonus. 

To summarize, A Midwinter's Tail is a heartwarming novel about life, priorities, and being true to oneself, community, and family. You can finish it in a couple of hours on a cozy afternoon.  

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

#NetGalley #AMidwintersTail

***

TW: Parental death 

A Lady to Treasure by Marianne Ratcliffe - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th Oct 2023

Genre: Historical Sapphic Drama 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A nice read but more drama than romance 

1812-1813 

Louisa Silverton is the daughter of an American businessman whose idea of happiness is through profit and money. Her business expertise and love for numbers keep her going. When Louisa’s father takes too many risks with his ventures, he ships her to England to find a wealthy husband. 

Sarah Davenport is single-handedly running her family estate in Kenilborough. Her father is weak. Her stepmother and her son love money, and they are in debt. Sarah is shocked to see that talented Louisa is more than willing to settle for money. Louisa is intrigued by Sarah’s complexity, grit, and strength of character. 

The duo realizes their feelings for each other are more intense than expected. But with neither of them in a position to do what their hearts want, can Sarah and Louisa find their HEA, or will they sacrifice themselves for their families? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Louisa and Sarah. 

My Thoughts: 

I quite enjoyed The Secret of Matterdale Hall by the author and was looking forward to this latest book. As an #ownvoices author, she effortlessly presents Sapphic romance and interesting main leads. 

Louisa and Sarah are different yet similar. They both bear the burden of their family responsibilities and finances, even if they choose different methods to handle these. I like how the characters feel real and vulnerable and make some annoying decisions. 

The interactions between Louisa and Sarah kind of give P&P vibes (but without the delightful banter). Even the writing style is formal and suits the period. In fact, it fits so well that the already slow-burn romance feels even slower and distant than I prefer. There’s some progress in the last quarter, which I do appreciate. I had to wait too long already! 

While the book is supposed to be a historical Sapphic romance, it reads more like a family drama. This makes sense as the core plot revolves around families. However, there’s a lot of drama. I was reminded of daily soaps on the telly more than once. Combined with almost no humor or lighthearted scenes, the content becomes quite heavy. The saving grace is the moderate-to-fast pacing. 

Of course, the social customs, attitudes, and general conditions of the period come across clearly. These have a dominant role in the plot, making the book seem more believable. Be it the ‘responsibility of a daughter to find a rich husband to save the family business or a weak (and rather spineless) father ignoring realities and being unconcerned for his daughters, every aspect aligns with the setting. 

However, this eats into the time required by the main couple to establish a stronger relationship. I wanted them to spend more time together when they aren’t snapping or pushing each other away, et al. 

The side characters, Ann and Eleanor, are nice and sweet. I like that the book also has a disability rep. Furthermore, the second half of the book is stronger and more interesting. We have HEA and an epilogue, too.  

To summarize, A Lady to Treasure is an engaging historical drama with a super slow-burn Sapphic romance. The writing is classy and nice to read. 

My thanks to the author for the electronic ARC. 

***

TW: Attempted sexual assault (not graphic), implied physical assault, mention of suicide (off-page) 

One Last Kill by Robert Dugoni - Book Review

Series: Tracy Crosswhite #10

Publication Date: 03rd Oct 2023

Genre: Contemporary Police Procedural, Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A solid read 

Chief Webber asks Tracy Crosswhite to reopen the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer case. Tracy is expected to bring closure to the thirteen victims’ families almost twenty-five years later. When she has to work with Johnny Nolasco, Tracy knows it will be an uphill battle. 

Nolasco was the lead detective working on the case back then, and somehow, he and Tracy manage to work together in the present time. However, Tracy follows her intuition, which yet again leads her to high-level corruption, cover-ups, and people in power who will do anything to prevent the news from coming out. Still, Tracy will not give up without a fight, especially when the killer strikes again. 

The story comes in Tracy’s third-person POV, with a few chapters in the past timeline from Nolasco’s POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I haven’t read books 1 to 8 in the series but enjoyed the ninth installment. I even read #8.5, The Last Line (short story), which ties up with #9. This helped get a better picture of the context, as there are quite a few references to both in this one.

Tracy solves cold cases (by reopening the investigation and through DNA comparison). After being successful in three such cases, Chief Webber assigns her to another serial killer case. Tracy is a smart, capable, and efficient detective. She is thorough and knows when to follow her hunches. 

Though this one doesn’t have much of Del and Faz, they do appear from time to time. Nolasco has a major role, given he was the chief of the investigation back then. I don’t know much about his animosity with Tracy, though there are enough hints to get an idea. Providing his POV from the past helped me consider things from his perspective. This made it easier to understand his actions and motivations. 

The pacing is steady, neither slow nor fast. It may seem like not much happens in the first 50-60%, but that’s the thing with reopening cold cases. There is already enough information to go through before finding more. I like how Tracy uses different bits of information and various perspectives to bring everything together. Be it DNA advancement and profiling, she doesn’t ignore things that don’t align with her ideas. Instead, she thinks about how these perspectives can help her solve the case. 

I’m waiting for Webber to get her due. Looks like I need to wait longer, and more names are being added to this list. Realistic endings are good, but I don’t mind if a touch of it is compromised to make the readers happy (we know it is not likely to happen in the real world; why not give us the satisfaction on-page). Still, I’m hopeful that justice will be served, one way or another. There will be more books in the series, so we’ll get to it (hopefully). 

This should read well as a standalone. However, it will work better if you read at least the previous installment. Even the author calls books 8.5, 9, and 10 a sort of trilogy within the series. 

To summarize, One Last Kill is a solid police procedural with relatively less action but a lot of problem-solving. There are enough twists to engage the reader. Looking forward to the next case! 

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

#NetGalley #OneLastKill