The Witchy Storyteller: December 2023

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Round up of 2023 Reads and Introduction to the 2024 Challenge

Hello!

It’s time for a wrap-up post of my 2023 reading year. This one is not as elaborate as the previous one, but it does have twenty worthy books from different genres. I did spend a lot of time on Goodreads, which gave results and put me consistently among the top ten reviewers from India. The platform also said I belong to its top 25% readers. What makes me the happiest is the increase in the number of Indian books in my top reads. I hope to continue the trend and read more Indian authors.

Without boring you further with needless rambling, here’s the list, divided into two sections (in no particular order).

10 Best Reads of 2023

Orphaned by S.L Bhyrappa, translated by Sandeep Balakrishna

Genre: Indian Drama
Publication: 2019 (first published in 1968)
One-Liner: A must-read
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4810056408

Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni

Genre: Legal Thriller
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: Entertaining, intriguing, and fun to read
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/03/her-deadly-game-by-robert-dugoni-book.html

Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta

Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: A fever dream that makes sense
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/10/mad-sisters-of-esi-by-tashan-mehta-book.html

Nandi’s Charge: Battle of Vatapi (Book One)

Genre: Indian Historical Thriller
Publication: 2023 (first published in 2021)
One-Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and actions
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/12/nandis-charge-by-arun-krishnan-book.html

Nightjar by Katya Balan

Genre: Middle-Grade Novella
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: A tender little story
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5544243529

Animal Tales from India by Nikita Gill

Genre: Children’s Fiction, Retelling, Illustrations
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: Grab it for the illustrations
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5794240381

The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy, translated by Aniruddhan Vasudevan

Genre: Indian Drama,
Publication: 2022 (first published in 1966)
One-Liner: Enjoyable but will work only for a specific audience
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-tamarind-tree-by-sundara-ramaswamy.html

Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar

Genre: Indian Drama
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: Character-driven and a slice-of-life novel
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/07/minor-disturbances-at-grand-life.html

A Broken People's Playlist by Chimeka Garricks

Genre: Anthology. African Literature
Publication: 2023
One-Liner: A bitter-sweet and heart-touching collection
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/03/a-broken-peoples-playlist-by-chimeka.html

So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan

Genre: Anthology
Publication: 2023 (reprints)
One-Liner: Poignant (my new favorite short story writer)
Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2023/11/so-late-in-day-by-claire-keegan-book.html

***

Time for 2024 Reading Resolutions

I would like to add that I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter for the third consecutive year. I received two books from the top 10 list through the platform, and one of those is something I wouldn't have picked otherwise. That's why, I want to do their monthly prompts for the challenge this time. Wish me luck!

I do like trying a challenge or two if they are easy enough. ;) Recommendations tend to enter my ‘later TBR’, which I will tackle someday in the distant future.

Have you planned your reads, or are you a mood reader? Do you prefer prompts and challenges or stick to trusted recommendations? And is there any book you cannot wait to read this year?

I confess I have many such books (Sartha and Parva by Byyrappa, Mahabharata Unrevealed I & II and Ramayana Unrevealed by Ami Gantara, Sita by Bhanumathi Narasimhan, etc.). Only time will tell if I can read at least a few of these or if I will get distracted by shiny new books.

Hoping for a fruitful and rewarding 2024 for me and you!

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett - Book Review

Series: Emily Wilde #2 (Not a Standalone)

Publication Date: 18th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining

Emily Wilde is back in action and determined to find a door to the fae realm for Wendell Bambleby. She has been avoiding his marriage proposal, though she knows she feels a tingling sensation when with him.

However, the duo has a major task ahead, with Wendell’s evil stepmother sending assassins to murder him. The fae king’s life in the mortal world is in danger, and so is Emily’s life. They go to explore the Austrian Alps with interesting company, but the path home is filled with dangers. And, of course, can Emily decide what her heart wants?

The story comes in Emily’s first-person POV (in a journal).

My Thoughts:

After enjoying book one, I was excited to read this and meet the adorable Wendell again. I think I like both books equally.

There are quite many interactions with different fae creatures, most of them belonging to the dangerous kind. This time, we visit Austria in winter, so it is super chilly and foggy, adding to the risk levels.

The book has a few new side characters. While it takes time to warm up to Rose, Ariadne impresses almost immediately. She is Emily’s nineteen-year-old niece, a student at Cambridge, where Emily and Wendell are professors. I hope book three has this bubbly young girl.

Wendell is not his usual self (for certain reasons), but that doesn’t dim his charm. His obsession with cleanliness, love for food, and offhanded magic (which sometimes gives hilarious results) are lovely to read.

Emily is cool but can be so dense sometimes that it’s infuriating. She uses her brain cells only for research and studies, so even basic common sense can evade her at times. But that is her character arc and not something I complain about.

The pacing is an issue, though. While the first book was slow throughout, this one is uneven. The beginning went faster as if we were reading only a first-person POV and not Emily’s journal. That was more than fine for me. But the middle is slow and heavy. Many events seem to occur, though the story goes in circles, and the % doesn’t move. Finally, things get better in the last section.

The locals don’t have the same role or charm as the ones in the previous book. Shadow is his best, and we meet Poe again! There’s Snowbell, too, an addition to Emily’s fae friends. Then, we meet a few important characters who will play vital roles in the next book.

And oh, the banter between Emily and Wendell isn’t that great, but there is good progress in their ‘not a relationship’. Maybe a wee bit of romance, too, though this is Emily’s journal, and you will not get any details.

The last quarter of the book is really good. It ends right where it should, setting the stage for the (hopefully) last in the series. I have high expectations for the next one, given the high stakes.

To summarize, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is an entertaining read with magic, faes, and danger. However, its main purpose is to connect the first and last books.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Group (Orbit), for the eARC.

#NetGalley #EmilyWildesMapOfTheOtherlands

***

My last read of 2023.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Murder at Merewood Hospital by Michelle Salter - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A darkish cozy mystery

1916, Merwood Farm, Hampshire

Sister Helen Hopgood is a nurse at the temporary military hospital at the Merwood Farm. It has only a handful of patients left after the rush of the war.

The owner, Joseph Wintringham, wants to sell the farm but can’t find buyers due to the rumors that the place has been cursed. Some time ago, a beautiful young nurse, Isabel Taplin, was murdered. No one knows who the killer is. Rumors say that her ghost is haunting the place. With more deaths occurring, it’s up to Helen to find the killer(s).

The story comes in the third-person POV of Helen, Dr Samuel, and Richard.

My Thoughts:

I wanted to try this since I enjoy the author’s Iris Woodmore Series. Right now, this book is a standalone. I’d prefer it that way since the ending suits the book (though the publishers might turn it into a series).

Set after WWI, the book deals with the aftermath of war and what it did to the soldiers. The make-shift hospital has only a few patients who have almost recovered physically but have psychological scars.

The setting (based on a real place, as mentioned in the author’s note) is bleak, grim, and part sinister. Though we get some lovely descriptions of the moon, lake, and birds, it’s hard to shrug off the dark tone. However, this suits the plot.

The characters are flawed and hard to like in some cases. It took me a while to warm up to Helen despite being impressed by her efficiency. In the end, I was more than happy to support her decision, so she won me over.

The mystery is solid. It has many twists- some predictable, some not. But they make sense in the bigger picture. I didn’t fully figure out the killer(s), so that’s good too. And for a change, the superintendent in charge of the cases is quite sharp and competent. I wouldn’t say Helen is the main sleuth. Others also contribute and make it a team effort.

The book also deals with themes like obsession (different types), PTSD, trauma, anger, secrets, dysfunctional family, financial troubles, rumors, superstition, etc. My favorite is the various types of obsession the characters display and the extent to which they go to achieve what they want.

The pacing is a bit uneven, though. The first quarter is slow, and there isn’t much to like about those we encounter. Also, given the multiple POVs, we don’t really know any of the characters. While it helps maintain the suspense, it’s hard to root for any of them or pick sides.

There’s a minor love track and a touch of what could have been a triangle without all the angst and drama. The focus stays on the mystery most of the time.

To summarize, Murder at Merewood Hospital is a worthy read if you are looking for a post-WWI cozy mystery with some intriguing themes. It is a bit heavy and may not be appropriate if you want a light and humorous read.

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

#NetGalley #MurderAtMerewoodHospital

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

A Body on the Doorstep by Marty Wingate - Book Review

Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club #1

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: An entertaining read

1921, London

Mabel Canning has moved to London from her village in Sussex to live like an independent woman. Thirty-two and unmarried, she applies to freelance at the Useful Women’s Agency run by Lillian Kerr. No job is strange for the women from this agency. Be it writing letters or cleaning attics, they have to do it all to earn their living.

Mabel’s job takes her to the house of wealthy Rosalind Despard. When a dead man rolls into the house at the event, Mabel can’t help but step in and offer support to the widow. Soon, she becomes involved in the mystery, hoping to find more information. Mabel works with Park Winstone, Rosalind’s brother, and his cutie dog, Gladys, to uncover the mystery.

Soon, she realizes it is not an easy task. With her life at risk, can Mabel solve the crime before it’s too late?

The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Well, here’s another historical cozy I couldn’t resist. It helped that book #2 is available for request in case I liked this one.

Mabel is an easy character to like. She loves her father, nanny, and her friends back home. Yet, she has her ambitions and wants to give her best to find a footing in the city. She is open-minded most of the time. It helps that she is naturally inquisitive and can use her brain when necessary.

I like how we meet an array of characters from different backgrounds. They are well-defined without being elaborate. Cora, Skeff, Rosalind, Bridget, and Mr. Chigley make a mark. Though Mrs. Chandrashekar (Mabel’s Indian nanny) doesn’t have an active role, we can see how much she has influenced Mabel.

Park Winstone (former Yard detective) is the grumpy, protective brother (of Rosalind), though we know he can take a joke and be a fun person. His doggie, Gladys, is adorable. A bit of a naughty little thing but brave, too.

Augustus, the eight-year-old, is a mischievous monkey. His mother is a recurring client of Miss Kerr and wants someone to keep her unruly son in check. I wish to see more of him in the series. The poor kid deserves a better mom. He is too smart for his own good.

The mystery starts well. Right away, we have some suspects. The list grows as more information comes out. Of course, the Yard, for all its expertise, seems to miss important clues. The Inspector might not be that bad, though. We’ll know in the coming books. I could guess the criminal and am happy to say I got it right.

To summarize, A Body on the Doorstep is a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series. I’m excited to read the next book and see Mabel solve more crimes.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #ABodyOnTheDoorstep

Saturday, December 23, 2023

A Story to Strangle For by E.V. Hunter - Book Review

Series: A Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery #4

Publication Date: 06th Jan 2024

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: A compact and engaging mystery

Alexi is determined to save Hopgood Hall’s reputation and prevent it from being termed a murder center. She uses her journalistic experience and contacts to conduct a five-day course for wannabe journalists. The course begins well, though there’s a minor annoyance.

However, when a murder happens, Alexi is distraught. Her attempts to divert the attention from the Hall backfired. Worse, she is the last person to see the dead person alive. While Alexi is not a prime suspect, she and Jack know things can change at any instant. The duo has no choice but to solve the case and free her name. Cosmos is more than happy to tag along if he can terrorize a few suspects on the way.

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Alexi and Jack.

My Thoughts:

Alexi and Jack are back in the next installment of the series. The book should work as a standalone since there’s enough background information to update you about their pasts. However, there will be many spoilers about their relationship.

Here, we seem to have two issues running in parallel. The mystery is one, and the insecurities in Alexi and Jack’s relationship are the other. Given that the suspect list may include people from their lives, this blend works well to most extent.

The mystery is really good. There are multiple threads and possibilities. We know everything will come together, but the path to this is not straightforward. I enjoyed reading how they uncovered information at every stage and regrouped to adjust the hypothesis. Quite a few red herrings, too.

Cosmo is being himself, alert to Alexi’s changing moods (it’s not easy being a suspect), and flaunting his royal attitude. Of course, this fluffy black cat has an accurate character-assessment meter, which helps Alexi and Jack vet their suspects.

Drew and Cheryl have relatively minor roles in this book compared to the previous ones. They are worried, though they continue to support Alexi. After all, despite their fears, murders attract more crowds and bring extra income.

The title and the cover suit the book. While you can guess how the murder was committed, you can also guess a crucial element of the mystery if you pay attention.

To summarize, A Story to Strangle For is a steady-paced cozy mystery with twists and turns that come together to make sense. The next murder might happen elsewhere, which could bring some relief to the Hopgood Hall’s owners.

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

#NetGalley #AStoryToStrangeFor

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen - Book Review

Series: Matchmakers #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Mystery, Romance

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable despite a few misses

1887, London

Charlotte Duvall is enjoying her newly achieved doctor status in America and working in a hospital as a surgeon when a letter from her father sends her rushing back to London. Her father’s death saddens her, but Charlotte cannot stop thinking about her late mother and her death. Her father hints it was murder, and Charlotte wonders if it’s true.

John Ellis is the director of the London police force and Charlotte’s friend. He missed her a lot during her absence. When she tells him about the letter, they decide to dig deep and find out what happened. However, someone doesn’t want the truth revealed and will do anything. With the growing attraction between the two and mounting danger, Charlotte and John have much to do.

The story comes in Charlotte and John’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

I didn’t read the previous two books but had no issue following this plot. The story works as a standalone. The lead characters are friends, and their relationship turns into a sort of slow burn in this one.

The plot combines mystery and romance. There’s quite a bit of action as someone is stalking the heroine. The stakes increase as we enter the last section.

I like that the central premise of finding out about Charlotte’s mother’s death remains prominent. The romance doesn’t shadow the mystery or distract the readers. This can be an issue if you go in expecting romance.

The book also deals with other themes relevant to the period (though the vibes feel the setting crosses to the early 1900s) – misogyny, scandalous gossip, the secrets of the ton, etc. Some of it is done well and adds to the story. A few aspects aren’t developed enough.

The pacing is a bit uneven. With the characters stressing so much on career vs. love drama, the resolution is super easy. Why didn’t you think of this before? I expected something more dramatic, TBH.

The mystery is decent and goes well until the reveal, where it is also fast-tracked with easy confessions. Would the details come out so simply when the stakes are sky-high? Not sure.

The ending is also simplified, with everything neatly tied up. I always love happy endings and even demand for them. But I like it better when the problems are solved properly before we get to happy-ever-afters.

Nevertheless, despite the issues, the book is enjoyable and has strong characters. Charlotte knows when to accept help. Her cousins seem great (I’d be happy to read their stories in the previous books someday). No miscommunication trope, either.

To summarize, Protecting Her Heart is an enjoyable read with a few hits and misses. There are a few laughs, too, so grab it if you want a light read with a mystery and romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #ProtectingHerHeart

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

One Year After You by Shari Low - Book Review

Series: Sequel to One Day With You

Publication Date: 05th Jan 2024

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A touching read (should work as standalone)

09th Feb 2024

Odette Devine is a glamorous matriarchal actress on Scotland’s longest-running TV show. However, it’s her last day on the show. She is also broke and clueless about her future. She wonders if it’s a payback for the betrayal forty years ago.

It has been a year since Max Walker died in the car crash on the day she gave birth to their son. Tress is yet to fully recover from the news of his long-term affair and that he was with the woman when the accident happened.

Noah Clark might seem to have everything going well on the surface. However, he is struggling to get over the news of his wife having an affair with his best friend. And when she visits him, asking for another chance, can he do it?

Keli Clark is being ghosted by the man she loves. She is stalking him online and has her suspicions but hesitates to make a decision. However, an expected message forces her to acknowledge things and decide. What should she do?

How will the lives of these people converge on a single day?

The story comes in the third-person POV of Odette, Tress, Noah, and Keli.

My Thoughts:

The book takes place a year after ‘One Day With You’. It’s the anniversary of Max’s death and his son’s birthday. Tress and Noah are doing their best to move on from the betrayal of their spouses and provide the kids with a stable family.

This book can be read as a standalone since there is enough backstory to provide the necessary information. However, it will help if you read the earlier one. That way, you can understand the dynamics between the characters (especially Tress and Noah) and appreciate Nancy and Val even more.

I don’t remember if Keli was in the other book, but she gets her own POV here. Odette is a new addition. All four tracks come together in the last quarter to deliver the finale.

Noah and Keli’s mom, Glinda, has only a couple of scenes. Now she’s the kind of mom one should have. Despite having limited space, she makes a super strong impression.

The book deals with many themes like love, loss, betrayal, adultery, cheating, heartbreak, moving on, grief, anger, hope, etc. There’s enough lighthearted stuff to prevent the contents from getting too emotional.

The backstory is repetitive and slows the pacing. It is necessary since this one doesn’t seem to be marketed as a sequel. Those who remember the previous book can skim through the info dump and finish the book faster (like me).

I don’t agree with the idea of not telling Buddy about Max’s infidelity but sharing everything else about him. The kid needs to know what his mom went through. The last thing she would need is for the son to build a shrine for his ‘flawless’ dead father. Keep it real!

An epilogue (set after a week) ties up everything and concludes individual threads with satisfaction.

To summarize, One Year After You is a worthy read with important themes. The resolution is quite easy, but considering the genre, it is more than fine.

I wasn’t expecting a sequel, TBH. The previous book had a good epilogue with a hopeful ending. Still, this was a good continuation with an HFN ending.

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

#NetGalley #OneYearAfterYou

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Haunted Grave by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #5

Publication Date: 28th Dec 2023

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy, Mystery

4.3 Stars

One Liner: The wait has been worth it!

Elinor and Tristan are back in action, dealing with a deadly criminal working from the shadows. The criminal is responsible for almost everything unpleasant and dangerous in the country, right from riots to murders. Of course, they also want Tristan (and Elinor, by extension) out of the way.

As if this isn’t enough, Elinor learns more information about her father and has to decide what to do with Tristan’s marriage proposal. So many decisions to make if they can stay alive long enough.

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

My Thoughts:

This is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. It won’t make sense if you read it without reading at least the last two books if not all.

Elinor is as headstrong as ever, though she gets too close to danger multiple times and gets help from the other quarters. Tristan has too many things to take care of and not enough time.

Still, the duo has some quality moments together. The big question about their future is left for the next book. But as I said earlier, they have to survive and solve the mysteries before that.

There’s a subplot that eventually ties up with the main thread. Though we have several threads, they are coming together and starting to make sense.

It’s hard to review the book since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for previous works. Let’s say that Twyla makes an appearance, much to my delight. She will have to work hard in the next book. The other recurring characters do their bit. One of them has a change of heart, a positive development for sure.

The scenes in the other world are always my favorite. And oh, looks like I guessed right about how the potential betrayer is, though we’ll know for sure only in the next book.

The book blends mystery, political intrigue, paranormal, and romance. We have secrets, betrayals, blackmails, murders, and whatnot. The ending is such a cliffhanger (I hope I don’t have to wait long).

To summarize, Haunted Grave is a great addition to the series. It is steady-paced, descriptive, and full of intrigue. It’s a short read, too, something you can finish in a sitting or two.

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

P.S.: I love that the author dedicated this book to readers who waited. Life took over (as it always does), and the author had to push the release date by a few months, resulting in an unexpected delay.

Murder by Candlelight by Faith Martin - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Quite good and lighthearted

1924 Cotswold, England

Maybury-in-the-Marsh is a quaint little village with some interesting personalities. Amy Phelps of the Old Forge comes from old money and has a dominant presence. However, she has been uncertain the past few days and contacts Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift for help.

Young Arbie, though the author of the best-selling book The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting, wants nothing to do with hard work. He is happy to be idle and stay away from others’ lives. However, with Amy’s insistent appeal and Val’s (his friend and the vicar’s daughter) determination to help, Arbie has no choice but to do what is expected of him.

Soon, Amy Phelps is dead, and Arbie knows it’s not natural. Someone murdered her. Despite his reluctance, Arbie and Val join heads to solve the case and find the killer.

The story comes in the third-person omnipresent POV.

My Thoughts:

The book is written like it would have been in the 1920s. This works to an extent, and we get a more realistic feel of the setting, language, and people. However, a few phrases (old bean, stiff upper lip, etc.) feel repetitive. Still, I like that the book tries to recreate the Christie and Wodehouse ‘feel’.

Arbie and Val might give vague Tommy and Tuppence vibes, though they are very much different. Arbie is a typical 20-something lad who hates the idea of work. Val is the daughter of an impoverished vicar and a force of nature. Nevertheless, Arbie manages to create a better impression by the end. He is a bit of Bertie Wooster (with no Jeeves to help).

Though the mystery begins early, the murder doesn’t happen in the first quarter. But this adds to the intrigue as I wanted to see when it would happen. That said, waiting that long wasn’t a good feeling.

The suspects are easy enough to track and have varied personalities. However, they don’t get much character development. The setting and main characters have potential, so this could very well become a series. In fact, given the extent of detail we get, this is bound to be followed by more books (I’d be disappointed otherwise).

The (locked room) mystery is interesting, though I wish it was handled better. The middle has filler content, which I skimmed through. The story would read better if the whole thing ended in 300 pages or less.

You see a cat’s silhouette on the cover. That’s Empress Maud, a well-fed, fluffy black feline with tiger stripes. She has a role to play, though not much.

There are quite a few references to Christie and Holmes by the characters. Not that annoying for me, but others may not like it. Also, despite the references to ‘Victorian’ the book is more of a Golden Age mystery.

To summarize, Murder by Candlelight is an entertaining mystery with a good dose of humor. It would read even better if it were not buried under filler content.

This is my first book by the author, though I heard a lot about her mysteries. The book isn’t great, but I will happily read more books in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley and HQ Digital, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #MurderbyCandlelight

Friday, December 15, 2023

The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan - Book Review

The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Middle Grade/ YA

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A fast-paced read

Brigit is half-selkie, half-human. Her mother is a selkie. Everyone in the little village suspects it. Naturally, Brigit has to deal with bullies at school. However, that seems to be the least of her concerns.

Someone in the village is killing young seals, though they know it’s forbidden. The selkie folk are furious and vow revenge. Brigit and her family are stuck in the middle. She had to find a way to save the young seals, expose the criminals, and face the Great Selkie. But can she succeed?

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

My Thoughts:

I knew I had to read this when I saw the title. I recently wrote a short story with a half-selkie girl as the protagonist. I also wrote another story with the Celtic Brigit (goddess) as the main lead. Seeing the book seemed like the universe sending me a message (yet to figure out what it is).

The book is short, just 200+ pages, and a quick read. Set in Nova Scotia (a Canadian province in the Atlantic), the story takes place over a few days, giving us a glimpse into the lives of locals and Brigit’s family.

The starting is solid, even if it could be painful/ scary for young readers. There isn’t much character development, and most of them are surface-level. Yet, Margaret and Peter stand out.

I love how each chapter starts with a verse about traditional Celtic personalities (and sometimes selkies). They help create the mood and the atmosphere. In fact, the atmosphere is spot-on and much better than the characterization. I could visualize every scene and become a part of the landscape.

The book deals with various themes like family, friendship, community, bullying, greed, sacrifice, choices, etc. None of it is in detail, so it doesn’t overwhelm the readers. However, the contents are darkish and may not suit all young readers (check the trigger warnings at the end).

The fantasy elements are woven into the plot and are present just as much as required. It is seamless and uses the selkie mythology well. That said, I wouldn’t have minded if it was more prominent.

The climax is also fast-paced, which adds to the tension. However, it is over too soon. We see only a glimpse of Brigit’s bravery.

This could easily be a bigger book with more detailing and an in-depth character arc. Of course, that might make it suitable for adult readers. The premise calls for some intense darkness and drama.

To summarize, The Selkie's Daughter is a good attempt at introducing mythical creatures to young readers. It’s an engaging read and should keep them hooked.

Thank you, NetGalley and Holiday House, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #TheSelkiesDaughter

***

T.W.: Death of a child due to illness, chopping web skin from hands, and murder of baby seals (these aren’t graphic and written with care, but they are present).

Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Lace Widow by Mollie Ann Cox - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th Dec 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery (Political)

3.5 Stars

One Liner: A decent read inspired by true events (I'm not the target audience)

1804 New York City

America’s beloved Alexander Hamilton dies after a duel with Aaron Burr. His son, Alexander Jr., is a suspect in the murder of a witness of the duel. Eliza is grieving but trying her best to get justice for her dead husband and save her eighteen-year-old son from life in prison (or death). She needs to dig out the truth, save the family from debts, and protect the family.

With eight children to support, Eliza decides to sell homemade lace and is drawn into the mysterious network of widowed lacemakers. She also realizes that the women can help her find the truth about her dead husband. Of course, it’s easier said than done with a killer intent on doing anything to keep secrets safe.

The book comes in the third-person POV of Eliza Hamilton and Alice Rhodes.

Disclaimer: I had no idea this was a retelling of a real-life story with famous people when I requested the book. I did wonder if it was inspired by something when I began reading. The author’s note at the end provided more information and mentioned what was fiction and what was real. Then, I read Eliza’s Wikipedia page. The book makes a little more sense now.

My Thoughts:

A new window managing her family affairs and investigating her influential husband’s death felt like a great premise to read, especially when set in the early 19th century. We see the constant restriction she has to face for being a woman. The book gets the male condensing tone spot on.

The women here are quite competent and have the means to gather information and get things done. We also see the differences in lives between the rich and working class. Of course, privilege doesn’t always help, and Eliza learns how to navigate both worlds.

There are many characters, some mentioned without much information or backstory. The network of widowed women is a great addition. I wouldn’t have minded if they had a bit more focus.

The pacing is quite slow. I expected it in the beginning but soon realized it would be the same throughout. I also started to lose interest. Eliza, despite everything, didn’t make me root for her. It’s more of an issue with the writing rather than the character (or person).

Then, I began to speed read, and that did the job. I enjoyed the book a lot more without missing a single clue or development. Either the pacing has to be improved, or the filler has to be trimmed.

The mystery was okay and kept me interested. The plot development to solving the mystery wasn’t great (not my favorite trope). The resolution happened quite fast and easily, almost like the story needed to end in limited pages afterward.

To summarize, The Lace Widow is a decent read for me, but I am not the target audience. People who know the Hamiltons and the musical will enjoy this more. The author is a fan of the musical, so the book might appeal to like-minded people.

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

#NetGalley #TheLaceWidow

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock - Book Review

Series: The Railway Lane #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 03rd Jan 2024

Genre: Small Town Romance

3.8 Stars

One Liner: A good read

Flora Barton is at her wit's end and desperate to save her family farm. Her granny is old, and they need a successful business idea to stay afloat.

Nico Rossi has always wanted to escape the famous family surname. However, when he has to fulfill his late grandparents' wish by visiting Grams in Cranfield, he cannot help but want to step up and support Flora to find a way to retain Strawberry Hill Farm.

As the duo put their plans into action, Flora and Nico have a lot more to consider. With some help and nudges from friends and friendly neighbors, they might find success and love in the same place if they are willing to do what it takes.

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

My Thoughts:

After reading the previous two books in the series, I was looking forward to Flora’s story. She and her Grams are struggling to keep the farm going, and they need a miracle to save it.

The books in the series deal with combining small-town charm with business ventures to generate more money for their livelihood and the town. Here, Flora and Nico work hard to convert a part of the farmland into a Glamping (glamorous camping) site.

Grams (Helen) is a darling and a delight to read. She is eighty but full of life and ready to take the risk if necessary. She is loving, encouraging, sassy, and thoughtful. Tyson is a sweet little boy. I like how he blooms and grows by the end.

The setting is, of course, beautiful. How can you not want to visit the pristine hills, gentle slopes, natural lakes, and farms with lavender and strawberries? The community vibe is strong as recurring characters step in and help whenever necessary. Paddington the dog doesn’t get much space, but he does make an appearance.

Flora takes an instant dislike to Nico. There’s a bit of chemistry between the two as they get to know each other and work together to save Flora’s home. Nico is a sweet guy, the one who reformed himself well before he met a girl, and someone who loves family as much as Flora does.

The beginning is a bit slow as we get their backstories in the first two chapters (thankfully, these are shorter than the previous books). Once we get into the main plot, the story moves at a steady pace. Though some things happen easily, there are enough hurdles and doubts to keep it (borderline) believable. It’s still a sweet book, so problems are solved without too much stress.

I didn’t much like what Flora did in the last quarter of the book. Not revealing spoilers, but suffice to say, it’s not good to use another person.

The ending is, of course, HEA. Everything is sorted and tied up well. I hope the next book will finally deal with Libby. Can’t wait to read that one!

To summarize, Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is an entertaining read and a good addition to the series. The book is standalone, though there may be minor spoilers for the previous books.

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

#NetGalley #SunriseOverStrawberryHillFarm

Sunday, December 10, 2023

The Final Curtain by Keigo Higashino - Book Review

The Final Curtain by Keigo Higashino, Giles Murray (Translator)

Series: Kyoichiro Kaga #4

Publication Date: 12th Dec 2023

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A good finale

Tokyo Police Detective Kyoichiro Kaga collected his estranged mother’s remains a decade ago from a lady who had known her for years. Kaga’s mother left him and his father without much explanation. While Kaga got some answers, he is yet to get the rest.

Now (2012) in Tokyo, the decomposed body of a middle-aged woman has been found in a bare apartment rented by a man. No one knows who the man is. Meanwhile, there has been another death in the vicinity at the same time and looks like the cases may be connected.

Kaga wonders if both cases are somehow related to his mother’s life after she left the family to live elsewhere. Can he find the answers at last, or will he have to accept things the way they are?

The story comes in multiple third-person POVs. This is the last book in the series.

My Thoughts:

This is the final book in the 4-book series, with Detective Kaga in the lead. He is an ex-school teacher turned police detective with a penchant for solving crimes and enough tenacity to keep going until he succeeds.

Like book #3, this one also has Kaga’s cousin Matsumiya, a Homicide detective in another district’s team. I like the dynamics between the two. It borders on distant, but the warmth and companionship between the two is easy to feel. It also helps that both use their brains well. The police may grumble but spend hours of their time and resources in solving the crimes. I quite like this part.

The book is set in 2012 and refers to the then-devastating earthquake and Tsunami and how it changed the lives of the people involved. The translated version is being released over a decade later, so there are bound to be some differences here and there.

There’s a list of characters at the beginning, which is quite helpful. The names can be confusing, but that’s bound to happen when we read books from other cultures. No big deal. It’s easy to remember the characters even if we forget the names. They are distinct and have definite personalities, no matter how small their roles.

The mystery is quite layered and has many twists. New information is revealed in stages, allowing the reader to connect the dots and come up with their own conclusions. Quite a lot happens, and though the case takes time, there’s no dull moment.

The pacing is a bit uneven. The book is 400 pages. While the translation is smooth enough, a few sentences sound odd since I don’t have the necessary cultural background.

I’m in two minds about the ending. In a way, it suits the series (and Kaga) and ends exactly how it should. However, the HEA-lover in me is not satisfied. Why couldn’t we have a more definite conclusion to the series? Does it mean there’s a possibility of continuing the series someday? Because of how it ends, there won’t be any issues in writing another book or more.

To summarize, The Final Curtain weaves multiple tracks together and brings them to a satisfying end. A well-crafted mystery that keeps you hooked.

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

#NetGalley

TW: Depression, sexual assault, infidelity

Friday, December 8, 2023

A Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino - Book Review

A Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino, Giles Murray (Translator)

Series: Kyoichiro Kaga #3

Publication Date: 13th Dec 2022

Genre: Mystery

3.8 Stars

One Liner: A good mystery

A mythical Japanese beast, Kirkin, stands guard over the bridge in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo. A night patrolling officer finds a man staggering on the bridge only to realize he is not drunk but seriously injured and stabbed in the chest.

The Homicide team jumps into action and soon finds a young man, Yashima, injured in an accident. He has the dead man’s wallet and becomes the prime suspect. Since he was in no position to speak, the detectives began hunting for clues.

Detective Kyoichiro Kaga is assigned to the district’s team to aid with the investigation. And thus begins the process of looking for clues and connecting the dots, no matter how unlikely they seem. A picture is forming, but can Kaga get enough evidence to find the killer?

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

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Malice and Devotion of Suspect X by the author. So when this book came up on NetGalley last year, I grabbed it right away. As you can see, it took me more than a year to get to it, and only because the next and last in the series is also on my list.

The book begins with the list of primary characters and their roles. This makes it easy to mark the characters and follow them throughout the story.

The narration picks up pace over time and maintains a steady tempo. Detective Kaga is focused on aspects others don’t bother with, and this gives him the results. He is partnered with his cousin, and it’s interesting to see the dynamics between them.

Though it is a police procedural, it feels more like a puzzle where it is important to know how to fit them correctly to make sense of the final picture.

The story is set around 2010 (the original version was released in Mar 2011) in Tokyo and deals with social issues as a part of the narrative. Themes like recession, job uncertainties, scapegoating, dysfunctional families, monetary concerns, media-vulturism, etc., are used without much social commentary.

Being a Japanese book, we also get glimpses into the native culture, religious practices, customs, etc. These make the plot more engaging.

The reveal reads more like a report, which makes the whole thing sound almost distanced and unemotional. However, the ending is quite emotional and well done. I like where the focus is. It leaves the reader with something to think about.

To summarize, A Death in Tokyo is a taut mystery despite a few tried and tested tropes found in the genre. I wouldn’t say I liked it as much as Malice, but Kaga’s brain works well, so no complaints!

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

#NetGalley

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nandi’s Charge by Arun Krishnan - Book Review

Series: Battle of Vathapi #1 (Trilogy)

Publication Date: 16th November 2023 (Second Edition)

Genre: Indian Historical Fiction

4.5 Stars

One Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and action

7th Century, Bharat

Narasimhavarman I, the young Pallava king, promises his dying father to avenge the humiliation by the Chalukyas during the Battle of Pullalur in 618. He also promises to complete the construction of the temples along the shore and in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).

With the king busy with the construction, the army commander-in-chief and general take the responsibility to set things in motion for revenge. Three trusted and efficient soldiers embark on three journeys, facing a multitude of challenges, finding allies, and making enemies. They have the same aim – to weaken the Chalukya allies before the epic Battle of Vatapi.

This is easier said than done. What happens as the three soldiers travel across the lands, through enemy territories, and tackle the Pandyas, Gangas, and Lankan forces?

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

My Thoughts:

I added the book to my TBR when a couple of Indic friends rated it 5 stars. Now, I got the opportunity to read the second edition, and I'm happy to say that the wait was worth it.

Nandi’s Charge is the first installment that sets the stage for the Battle of Vatapi. However, the book doesn’t take much time to launch into action. It is packed with action, suspense, intrigue, treachery, politics, and valor.

I appreciate the list of characters and the detailed maps in the introduction. They make it easy to go back and confirm the details. The prologue leads to the current scenario and gets the ball rolling.

Multiple tracks and many subplots are running in parallel. This can be overwhelming, but stay patient and go with the flow (high fantasy readers will find it easy to follow the narrative even though this doesn’t have fantasy elements).

Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan are the three soldiers with different personalities, making it easy to track who is who. This also allows space to create a detailed character arc without compromising the task at hand.

Given the context, the book is male-dominated. However, two young ladies, Sangamitra and Indumati, make their presence felt. They start as damsels in distress but become something more. Among other characters, Sadaiyan stands out the best. How can I not like that lad?

The book balances show and tell, ensuring a steady pace and strong imagery. I love scenes detailing the construction of temples. (Hindu) Temple architecture is mesmerizing and my favorite topic. The kings built amazing temples and developed them as the centers for arts and education. Reading (and writing) about sculptors chiseling a rock to carve a murti brings me immense happiness.

The book also brings a balance between good and bad, right and wrong. There are good and bad humans, who when they become soldiers, do things that represent their character rather than their leaders or kings. I like how things are presented and left to the reader to decide. No preaching.

There are Tamil words (with footnotes) that add authenticity to the dialogue. Of course, the writing feels modern at times (the author talks about this), but the writing gives ‘Indian’ vibes, unlike some Indian books that feel like they belong to medieval Europe (you know if you know).

There is some gore (can’t escape it considering the premise) but it is limited and to the point. Descriptions are not stretched beyond what’s necessary for the plot.

After reading over 500 pages, this one ends with a cliffhanger, which is expected. I hear book #2 will be published in Feb 2024. Needless to say, I’m excited.

To summarize, Nandi’s Charge is a fast, detailed, twisty, and entertaining story set in 7th-century India with real and fictional characters. I liked it more than I thought I would, so rounding it up to five stars!

And oh, do read the author’s note at the beginning.

Thank you, Blogchatter, author Arun Krishnan, 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 Nandi’s Charge: Battle of Vathapi Book 1 on Amazon.

***

P.S: Despite the font size, this book is best read in the physical format.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns - Book Review

Series: An Amish Seamstress Mystery #1

Publication Date: 05th Dec 2023

Genre: Amish Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: A solid start to a series

Petunia Yoder is the youngest old maid of the Amish community in Blueberry, Pennsylvania. She is 22 and too independent (straightforward, nosy, and opinionated) to find an Amish husband. However, Petunia isn’t worried. She is a seamstress (among other things) and has enough income of her own. Her widowed father runs a tourist agency, and the two have a comfy life.

One day, Petunia goes to Ike Smoker’s place for ice only to find him dead and murdered. Eden Beiler, her friend and Ike’s girlfriend, is the prime suspect. Petunia knows Eden is not the murderer. When Homicide Detective Asher Nate, a newcomer in the region, asks for her help to interpret the Amish nuances, Petunia agrees to help. After all, she needs to clear her friend’s name.

Soon, she discovers there’s a lot she didn’t know, and her life could be in danger even if sleuthing is fun. Can Petunia and Asher solve the murder before there’s another death?

The story comes in the third-person POV of Petunia Yoder.

My Thoughts:

My first introduction to the Amish community was through the Criminal Case game on Facebook. So when I saw this book, I wanted to re-live the experience in another format (and I’m always looking for new cozy mysteries). Let’s say this was a fun ride.

I don’t know anything about the Amish, so I can’t say how authentic the portrayal is. A few words from Pennsylvanian Dutch are used but are easy enough to understand.

Petunia sounds and acts older than 22. She has some girly traits but is balanced enough when required. Even Asher, the English detective, though 27, seems stable and reliable. Quite surprising, but nice, too.

There are bits of humor scattered throughout the book. Be it Petunia’s cooking (no guarantees there) or her father’s confidence that she will enjoy sleuthing way too much. He is a great character. He is protective but also someone who knows his daughter well and gives her the freedom she craves (something the Amish girls don’t always seem to have).

There are a variety of characters, each doing their part and bringing something to the plot. Some make a stronger impact, and I hope to see them in future books.

The mystery is well done. Ike Smoker is disliked by just about everyone in the Blueberry Amish community. In fact, he hardly seems to have any Amish traits. This increases the list of suspects, but the plot progression is well done. The reveal comes out with a bit of a surprise yet ties up everything with satisfaction.

Though the cover looks ordinary at first glance, it is cleverly done. I wish the colors popped out a bit more (or are they deliberately muted to suit the simple Amish lifestyle?).

At just 272 pages, the pacing is a bit uneven, but that’s expected in the first book of a series. However, there’s no dull moment. The book ends on a hopeful note with a clear indication that Petunia will continue to solve crimes in Blueberry.

To summarize, Murder of an Amish Bridegroom is a good entertainer and a great start to a new series. It sets the right tone and expectations for the coming books. There will be romance too, and I’m curious to see how it will be handled.

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

#NetGalley #MurderofanAmish Bridegroom

Friday, December 1, 2023

No. 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer - Book Review

Publication Date: 31st Oct 2023

Genre: Historical (Sliding Door) Fiction, Drama

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining but drags in the middle

05th Aug 1927

Miss Agnes Humphries, the landlady of No. 23 Burlington Square, has to decide among three prospective tenants for the second floor. It has been empty since the unfortunate death of Mr. Blandford. Agnes has three options –

• Young Clara, her niece, living the glamorous life of a privileged daughter but with hidden pain deep inside her,

• Stephen, the sensible bank clerk who will surely pay the rent on time and seems a little too good to be true and wants something hidden in the past,

• Mercy, a young war widow down, on her luck and running away from her past and the painful life that made things hell.

Each choice will lead to different endings – bittersweet resolution, wrong choice for everyone, and a HEA. How will Agnes choose? As each gets a chance to rent the place in alternative timelines, Agnes may realize things she hadn’t considered before.

The story comes in the third-person POV of the main characters – Agnes, Clara, Stephen, and Mercy.

My Thoughts:

When the book title and cover highlight the house, it should have a prominent part in the plot. I’m happy to report the house indeed has a presence. While some of it may be due to Agnes, you can feel the house.

The house has other tenants- an old Polish musician on the first floor, a mysterious photographer in the attic, and a young and impoverished family with kids in the basement. Each time, the lives of these people are affected differently, though one of them gets a major share. This ensures they don’t remain passive but have an active role in the story.

I like the choice of beginning with Clara since most readers will inevitably root for Mercy. It’s not easy to like Clara, but she will grow on you to an extent. Stephen’s part falls in the middle. Though it has its merits, it weighs down the pacing and makes the book slow. Mercy comes in the last section, finally promising to reveal the secrets hidden until now.

Given the structuring, we have to accept repetition in the timelines. However, a few other details are also repeated, slowing the narration even more. The book could have been less than 400 pages with some tightening (mainly in Clara’s section). Moreover, the setting is 1927, but doesn’t feel like it always.

Despite having specific sections allotted to the three characters, they don’t get in-depth development. This is where you have to go with the flow and not question the convenient changes and coincidences.

We get a few chapters from Agnes’ POV at random, which gives us a glimpse into her life, past, etc. NGL, if I could kick Daphne on her dainty backside, I would.

The book also shows us what really happened and concludes it with an epilogue (yay!) set some years later. The epilogue is bittersweet but beautiful and provides a good ending to the book. (Don’t be too particular about things, though).

To summarize, No. 23 Burlington Square is a heartwarming three-in-one book about how a decision can potentially impact the lives of people belonging to the house. It’s a story of kindness, second chances, and finding one’s tribe.

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

#NetGalley #No23BurlingtonSquare

***

At one place, Agnes talks about a painting of India and mentions temples with onion-shaped domes. I’m not sure what she means here since our temples don’t have rounded domes. The gopurams are sharper and conical (with pointed or cut-off ends). (This is when Agnes is young, so it would be around 1880-1889.) Akshardham Temple in Delhi has a sort of domes, but it was completed in 2005.