The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker - Book Review

Publication Date: 25th Feb 2025

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Sci-Fi (?) 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: That’s interesting! Not for everyone 

Jane O. suffers a few strange episodes in the year after her son’s birth. She has blackouts, hallucinations, amnesia, and a sense of dread that doesn’t leave her alone. She visits a psychiatrist, Dr. Henry, who tries to understand her case in vain. 

As Jane’s situation seems to be getting worse, they need to find out the reason. Is it due to the overwhelming life as a single mother or the result of a long-buried and unresolved trauma from her past? Why did the dead man’s vision warn Jane of a disaster? Is her mind playing tricks, or is it something beyond science and human knowledge? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Dr. Henry and the journals of Jane O. 

My Thoughts: 

TW: Pandemic 

The writing style can be a deal breaker. Despite getting two POVs, both have a detached sense of style. The psychiatrist’s POV is clinical despite his borderline obsession with the case. Even Jane’s journals carry a dry and matter-of-fact tone which aligns with her character arc.

The tone couldn’t have been better, if you asked me. It prevented the story from getting overly emotional or falling into pieces all over the place. I enjoyed the book as much because I liked the narrative style. 

Since there’s no garnish or seasoning (descriptions), the story is focused on the plot. The pacing is great too even if it feels like nothing much has happened. In fact, that’s the point. Something is happening even when it appears as if everything is good. The sense of unease lingers in the background without distracting the reader from the events. 

However, I feel the suspense (for the lack of a better word) went a bit too long. I’d liked the reveal and the explanation to come a bit earlier so that we’d have more time for the story to move ahead. 

While some questions have been answered, a few are left untouched. Also, I’m not sure about a particular development on a personal level. It may or may not work for everyone. I don’t mind it but I won’t say I liked it. 

The concept is actually cool. It’s exactly the kind of stuff that appeals to me. That’s why, I wanted it to be explored a bit more. 

However, the book has a massive trigger for the pandemic. This occupies around 30% of the content in the second half, so please be careful. 

Also, at one point, I was confused enough to go and check the news reports. Of course, the reveal explained the situation, but as an Indian I can’t say I particularly like the developments, especially considering what happened a year later, through a neighbor. 

To summarize, The Strange Case of Jane O is an interesting read with what some might call unreliable narrators (I don’t think so). Not sure who I can recommend it to. I did enjoy it though! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Random House), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheStrangeCaseOfJaneO

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st March 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Nice but too much drama  

1899, York 

Evelyn Seaton needs to find a way out of their financial situation. She finds an advertisement for an assistant in a little bookshop. She just wants a job and to keep people away from her personal life. 

William Morton is an aspiring writer with secrets of his own. Turns out, Evelyn and William’s paths are destined to keep converging. However, the way to the future is filled with secrets and lies they need to sort out. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Evelyn and William. 

My Thoughts: 

This is yet another case of falling for the cover and ending up with a mixed read. Sigh! 

The first 2-3 chapters were terrific. They establish the FMC’s current situation, her family, and her character attributes. It’s easy to empathize with her and root for her to handle the situation. 

The said bookshop doesn’t appear for a while, so when it was first mentioned, I was truly excited. However, it is just one of the places where the story takes place. Yes, it has more importance but would it have been different if books were replaced by something else? Only a little! 

The side characters come in all types. My favorites have to the aunt and Naomi. Both are quite different but the kind we need around us. 

Despite being a romance, the book is more of a family drama. That’s still okay. We can’t really separate family from individuals, right? 

However, my major issue is with the MMC. It’s good to have a guy with flaws. But I couldn’t find anything worthy of him to be a hero. Getting support from others and having someone else literally step in and save the guy from trouble are different. Also, there isn’t anything enterprising about him. 

Of course, the FMC is a bit better but all those lies, omissions, secrets, and whatnot made me dizzy. Angst is nice but not when it is unnecessary for the plot. All they needed was a proper conversation which eventually happened (after I got bored). 

While I enjoyed the writing initially, it got a bit too excessive at times. This affected the pace along with all that miscommunication. The book would have been better with some experienced developmental editing to get rid of (some of) the fluff. 

Also, there’s a mention of possibly something magical about the bookshop but we never know what it is. Was that element removed at some point? If yes, then I have to say it’s a bad decision. Removing the unwanted drama and keeping the bookshop parts would been a better choice. 

The ending is nice but by then I was glad to reach that point. I do like how it presented the attitude and snobbery of the ton as well as the importance of having a title. 

To summarize, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop has a worthy premise that got lost in too much drama. It reads like a debut book and would have benefited from strict editing. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLamplightersBookshop 

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre by Irina Shapiro - Book Review

Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #4

Publication Date: 25th Feb 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: This was good! 

1859, London 

Inspector Sebastian and Nurse Gemma didn’t expect their trip to a theatre would end up with a case on their hands. The lead couple playing Romeo & Juliet dies on stage. Sebastian is sure it was murder but solving the crime isn’t easy. 

Gemma wants to be involved in the case (as always), and Sebastian is worried for her. With no one being trustworthy, he knows the risk of trusting the wrong person. Can they find the killer before it’s too late? 

The story comes in Gemma and Sebastian’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

As the fourth story in the series, this still works as a standalone. However, I’d suggest reading at least the previous book to get an idea about the relationship dynamics and main character arcs. 

The mystery is actually interesting since it involves death by poison (not me making notes). Moreover, the killer is a cool cucumber given the murder happened, so the MCs know they’ll have to work extra hard. I admit it took me a long time to guess the killer. I could get it only a few pages before the reveal happened. 

We need an array of characters and see the social conditions of the times. It is dark and has triggers (domestic abuse) but the details are not overly graphic. We see only what is necessary for the plot development and the injustice of the times stays true to the era. 

Since the theatre is the primary setting, we also get insights into the lives of the actors, running the showbiz, etc. Since I’ve read other mysteries with similar settings, I didn’t actually learn anything new. Still, I enjoyed the descriptions of the theatre. There’s something about the stage and the backend work that makes theatres feel larger than life. 

The MMC’s professional life also sees a shift. While I’m not sure yet, I feel hopeful about the situation (much like the guy himself). 

There are teeny developments in the personal track. At this point, I can’t wait for the FMC’s mourning period to be over. I also appreciate how a certain aspect has been considered but not directly addressed by the FMC. No unwanted drama. That said, the lead couple had very few scenes together. 

Maybe we can have a time jump for the next case? There’s a new entry too, and I hope she’ll become a permanent addition to the group. Everyone needs HEA if you ask me! 

To summarize, Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is an intriguing mystery with enough suspects and red herrings. The pacing is decent, though I wouldn’t call it fast. 

I’m glad I didn’t give up on the series. Have liked it better with each new release. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderAtTheOrpheusTheatre

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego - Book Review - Book Tour

Publication Date: 11th Feb 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/fatallyinvited-zbt

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213597331-you-are-fatally-invited

Genre: Mystery

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Needs suspended belief but fun

Book Blurb:

Six thriller authors. One writing retreat.

You’d die to be on the guest list . . .

The Host

Legendary mystery author J. R. Alastor’s books are sold all over the world, but no one knows his real name. After years of hiding in the shadows, he has sent out six invitations to an exclusive murder mystery retreat on his private island.

The Assistant

Mila del Angél has been hired to ensure the week runs smoothly. She has yearned for revenge on a ghost from her past for years – and this could be her chance to get it.

The Players

The six bestselling thriller writers accept their invitations without question – it’s an opportunity any author would kill for.

The Game

What should have been a week of trope-filled games takes a sinister turn when one guest is found dead, and the others find themselves in the midst of a nightmare drawn from Alastor’s dark imagination. They may have written thrillers – but now they and Mila must survive one...

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Rodrigo, Mila, Cassandra, Olivia, Violet, Fletcher, and a few others.

So, this is like a locked-room mystery on an island. Yeah, a lot of Christie’s vibes but I won’t compare it with And Then There Were None (I do love that book).

The execution is ambitious for a debut work but manages to pull it off to an extent. Of course, the book is best enjoyed with suspended belief. Don’t ask too many questions or think too much about the hows and whys.

The setting is atmospheric. The mansion and the island have dark vibes and enhance the narration. I couldn’t zoom in on the blueprint at the beginning but I understood the layout and could picturize the rooms.

Though we get the story from many first-person POVs, not all of them have the same number of chapters. Many come from Mila’s POV while the rest are scattered across the other writers. While this is helpful, the voices blend at times.

Not all characters are well developed but that’s okay. I got a rough idea of who they are. That’s enough for the plot. Given that the pacing is already slow, detailed backstories wouldn’t have helped.

Since many details at withheld until later, we have to make a few guesses and connections. Half of my guesses ended up correct. The author surprised me with a few twists. These make sense, so no complaints.

The reveal is a bit weak compared to the hype until then. It could have been a bit more dramatic. The conclusion is good though. It may not appeal to some readers (especially if they want hardcore thriller stuff). I like it.

To summarize, You Are Fatally Invited is an enjoyable debut. Though it has a few issues and is slow-paced, I cannot deny that I was entertained by the book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers (Bantam), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Ande Pliego

ANDE PLIEGO began writing stories when she discovered she could actually wield her overactive imagination for good.

A lover of stories with teeth, she writes books involving mind games, dark humor, general murder and mayhem, characters pushed to the edge of themselves, and most importantly, finding hope in the dark.

When not reading or writing, she can usually be found dabbling in art, scheming up her next trip, or making constant expeditions to the library.

Born in Florida, raised in France, and having left footprints all over the globe, Ande is settled in the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her craftsman husband and a little son.

Follow the Author:

X/ Twitter: https://x.com/andepliegowrite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andepliegowrites/

***

This is a pitstop on the blog tour for #YouAreFatallyInvited by ZooLoo’s Book Tours. Thank you for stopping by! 

Remember, I Love You by Claudia Carroll - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 12th Feb 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/rememberiloveyou

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205065081-remember-i-love-you

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

4 Stars

One Liner: Sweet and hopeful

Book Blurb:

Recently-widowed father of one Luke is desperate for a sign.

Since his beloved wife Helen passed, Luke and six-year-old Amy are just about keeping the show on the road, but he’d do anything to have Helen near him again.

Connie’s much-missed mum was everything to her daughter. A friend, a cheerleader, a comfort, and the best housemate Connie ever had. What she wouldn’t give to speak to her one more time…

Teenage twins Alex and Lucy both miss their dad desperately but neither have the words to put it right.

In the heart of Dublin, a quiet community is forming, drawn together by the loved ones they have lost, but kept together by friendship and laughter. As Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy, and the other patrons of the Leesom Street Café learn to smile again, none of them are quite ready to meet the person who may be able to make all their dreams come true.

Because if you love and listen hard enough goodbye might not be the end.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, uplifting, and utterly unforgettable, Claudia Carroll’s latest novel is perfect for all fans of Ruth Jones, Jojo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern, and Shari Low.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of Connie, Luke, and Lucasta.

Though the book deals with the grief of losing a loved one, it has many lighthearted moments that balance out the heaviness.

The pacing is steady almost throughout. Moreover, the narrative shifts between the three tracks with ease. The limited third-person POV helps as it is easier to go with the change (compared to first-person POV). 

The impact of losing a loved one comes across clearly in Luke and Connie’s tracks. Little Amy made me sad and happy. Luke’s work-life balance and Connie’s frustration about her job are realistic and thought-provoking.

Of course, I happily disliked the characters I was supposed to hate. The other characters like Stella, Phoebe, and Will were good and did their bit to support the plotline.

Since the official blurb mentions Lucy and Alex, I thought their track would be just as detailed as the others. Turns out, that’s not the case. They get some attention but not enough to be mentioned in the blurb.

Lucasta is a key character – eccentric, straightforward successful, and kindhearted. While I could see her side, I could also feel for her assistant. The resolution of their track is well done.

Though there are hints of love, there is no romance. The focus firmly stays on the central theme. I appreciate it a lot. Even the epilogue is just right – hopeful for a happy future but at their own pace. After all, we cannot rush through the grieving process.  

To summarize, Remember, I Love You is a story that’ll make you a wee bit sad but also feel happy and hopeful for the characters. The concept of Bereavement Café is beautiful (there are quite a few branches in and around the UK).

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Claudia Carroll

Claudia Carroll is a Dublin-based bestselling author, actor and broadcaster. Her contemporary romances were most recently published by Zaffre, but she is now turning her hand to multi-generational women’s fiction for Boldwood.

Follow The Author:

Twitter: @carrollclaudia

Instagram: @claudiacarrollbooks

Bookbub Profile: @carrollclaudia

***

This has been a stop on the #RememberILoveYou blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

Bossman by Vi Keeland - Book Review

Publication Date: 18th Feb 2025 (first published in 2016) 

Genre: Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Reese escapes to the washroom to send her friend an SOS voice message, a request to get her away from her boring date. Chase Parker offers free advice, which Reese doesn’t want. However, Chase brings over his date to join her table, pretending to be a childhood friend. Reese's boring date got better, and they parted ways. 

Then, Reese finds out after a month that Chase is her new boss. The spark is still strong, and workplace romance may or may not be a good idea! 

The story comes from Reese (more) and Chase’s POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

Last year, I saw many Goodreads friends read the author’s romantic suspense thriller. The general consensus was that it had a bit too much romance since the author excelled in the genre. I decided to read her book from that genre. Luckily, this one was available as a rerelease. 

I can see why she has so many fans. The banter is funny and hot. Despite the slowish pacing, the book doesn’t feel boring at any point. Yeah, it has a few weak points too. 

We get the FMC’s POV more while the MMC’s is mostly limited to the past track. I like how this works in the plot. It keeps things in their track while also showing us the character backstories. We can see that the MMC is the same yet different from the past to the present. This shift is subtle but noticeable after we read half the book. That said, I’d have liked a Chase chapter from between times to create a proper bridge between the past and present. 

The MMC is pretty much in from the beginning and makes no excuses for it. While I could see the FMC’s hesitation (all valid reasons), I don’t like that she thought it was okay to string along another (actually a decent) guy for that long. Maybe I should consider it a character flaw. 

Despite instant attraction, the push-pull dynamics go on for a good time. This works in favor of the relationship as readers have time to root for the characters. The steam is 3.5+ and quite a bit of dirty talk thrown in. However, it feels seamless due to the MMC’s arc. 

I like side characters too, especially Sam. The sister is great too and adds to the laughs. 

The book has many lighthearted scenes in the first 70%. After this, it gets a bit heavy (with reason). There are still a few light moments, though the mood shift is clear. 

While I like that the third-act breakup is handled in stages, I did want a bit more of a couple time with the lead pair before the epilogue. Moreover, the epilogue was over too soon. 

This rerelease has a bonus scene (I won’t tell you what it is) I enjoyed much. 

To summarize, Bossman is an entertaining read despite a few flaws. I’ll be sure to check out other books by the author. 

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #Bossman 

Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering - Book Review

Publication Date: 17th Feb 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Okay... nice! 

Andi (Andromeda) Glover has spent her life breathing books. With unconventional parents who live on a bus and travel for a living (successful though), she wants nothing more than a stable home. With no proper education, Andi has trouble finding jobs. 

However, when she gets a chance to catalog books in Templewood Hall’s library, she is determined to turn her life into a bookish story. A gothic house with an eccentric lady owner and her enigmatic son Hugo is sure to give Andi her HEA, isn’t it? 

However, Andi soon realizes that life doesn’t follow bookish tropes. And the odd sounds in the house might turn her life from classic romance to horror. Amidst the confusion, can she trust the gardener who appears and disappears at will? 

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

My Thoughts: 

Like the author’s previous book, this too is set in Yorkshire. However, most of it takes place in Templewood Hall. 

The descriptions are cool and some metaphors (food-related) were amusing. The overall tone had dry humor which made the book rather a funny read. At no point did I feel scared (I don’t think I was supposed to anyway). 

Andi is a quirky protag and not always easy to like. However, her characterization is true to her arc. She lives bookish dreams and wants to align her life to follow some romantic novel but doesn’t succeed. She can be whiny and repetitive (especially about her sister) but we can see her frustration. She just wants a stable and loving home. 

There is some romance, though the book is mainly about Andi growing up and realizing life cannot be fiction. There’s a bit of ‘searching for a lost object’ which doesn’t go anywhere in the first half. 

The side characters are okay. My favorite is the cat addressed as The Master (no one dares call him by his name which is not revealed). The cat had more personality than most of the characters, followed by Lady Tanith (whose development comes a little too late). However, I appreciate that one of them is partially deaf and it is woven into the narrative. 

The middle feels repetitive and boring. In the last quarter has decent progress. There are two major twists (reveals). Both are handled well and don’t seem odd or unrealistic. The second one was easy to guess due to a random dialogue by a character. 

The ending is HFN with no epilogue. I would have liked a short epilogue set a year later or so. It might have enhanced the storyline. 

To summarize, Happily Ever After is a timepass read with some useful themes but is pretty much a surface-level story. I like it okay, though I did like the author’s previous book better. 

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

#NetGalley #HappilyEverAfter

Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson - Book Review

Series: Starshine Cove #4

Publication Date: 19th Feb 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Sweet and cute 

Connie Llewelyn was a successful and ambitious but unhappy Michelin-star chef in London. A random restless drive took her to Starshine Cove and changed her life forever. 

Twenty-five years later, Connie is warm, loving, and the go-to person in the magical town. However, she is trying hard to stay positive after her husband’s death five years ago and her children leaving home for studies. 

A face from the past enters her life unexpectedly and soon steps into her world in the town. Connie is torn about meeting Zack again but can’t deny the attraction. Will she get a second chance at love? 

The story comes in Connie’s first-person POV in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

The FMC has played a moderate to crucial role in all the previous books. Now, it’s her turn to find some love. 

As the fourth book in the series, this can work as a standalone but will have spoilers for the couples from previous books. Reading at least one of those will give you a better idea of Connie’s character. 

The book starts in the past, providing us with a quick rundown of Connie’s past and how she arrived at Starshine Cove. This gives a comparison between her past and present and shows how she has changed (but retained some of her core traits). 

Set in spring, we get some lovely descriptions of the town’s beauty in the season. As always, the community vibe is strong with people supporting and helping each other. 

The teens and new adults are quirky, silly, fun, and loveable. They add much lightness to the plot and are adorable even when annoying their elders. 

Being a small book (250+ pages), the story moves fast. This is still okay as the couple has a teeny history and spends some time together as friends in the present.

I like the discussions about mourning spouses, moving on, putting children first, and the changes that happen over time. Also, things are kept a bit realistic about age-related aspects (menopause, weak bladder, body pains, etc.). 

There’s some angst and lack of communication but I like how it’s dealt with. The FMC’s arc pulls it off, and the reveal presents another dilemma. It’s age-appropriate for them (or so I felt). There’s a happy ending, of course. 

To summarize, Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a heartwarming story about finding love again and being hopeful about the uncertain future. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #StartingOverInStarshineCove

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th Feb 2025

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance  

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: It's not you, it's me! 

Every time, Maddy thinks she found the one and takes things with them into the bedroom, she blanks out and goes into the future. There, she sees herself with the guy ten years down the lane. Let’s just say, these little glimpses are enough to make her run and not look back. 

However, Maddy meets Oliver and sees a happy and beautiful future with him… but only if she breaks his heart now. Should Maddy destroy her present for a future she sees? 

The story comes in Maddy’s first-person POV in different timelines (neatly marked). 

My Thoughts: 

Well, no way I can resist a premise like this! I’ve read one book by the author and liked it. However, it also made me expect a certain writing style and not finding it here took a while to get used to. 

Since the FMC is twenty-six, she is clearly not mature enough for a heavier writing style. In that sense, the overall vibe fits the characters perfectly. The narration is also fast-paced in the first half. 

The concept of blanking out into the future is well done. There’s no confusion at any point. Moreover, it doesn’t feel awkward or give us too many details. Even the intimate scenes fade out. 

Priya surely added some charm to the book (Priya and Anushka seem be to the most popular Indian names used by Western authors, lol). She is a good friend despite the theatrics (Maddy is an actor but Priya excels in drama). I think her track is much better than the central plot though we don’t get a lot of information. 

The subplot involving the stepbrother’s condition is touching and adds much-needed depth to the plot. I also like that it is kept realistic. I like the kid too. His emotions feel real, making me want to give him a hug. 

The uncertainties and difficulties of being a struggling actor are very well presented. Since both main characters are in the same field, their discussions are meaningful and helpful. Rooting for their career success is easy (even if I couldn’t root for their love life). 

The MMC is pretty decent. However, my major issue is that I couldn’t feel/ connect with their relationship at any point. It’s hard to feel their emotions or the love they have for each other. 

Some of Maddy’s decisions aren’t good/ respectful, considering how much she seems to like the guy. In fact, I don’t like quite a few of her decisions. And to think the guy feels he is lucky to have her. If only he knew the truth! 

My issue is the FMC. While it makes sense for her to act immature, her decisions tend to be stupid as well. There’s no other word for it. Though the premise makes it clear a breakup is necessary, the reasons and the whole thought process around it are… annoying. As much as I understand the need to control whatever we can of our future, the FMC spends almost all her time letting the future dictate her actions rather than trying to change the future by taking control of her present. The concept of free will is important in astrology, tarot reading, etc. There are no guarantees even if some people insist otherwise. 

Even if I let this go, the ending is so dissatisfying! I mean, why would you give it such a strange development and end it like that? It feels like a rushed attempt to conclude the story somehow somehow or a sudden switch to lit-fic style ending when the rest is women’s fic. I wish it was better handled.  

To summarize, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart has an irresistible premise and a few worthy themes but it didn’t work for me. This is more of a me problem, so please check other reviews before you decide. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheManyFuturesOfMaddyHart

The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Feb 2025

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Slow-burn suspense 

DI Georgina ‘George’ Lennox is back in action after an accident. Partnering with Richard ‘Richie’ Stewart, she arrives at Eilean Eadar, a tiny remote Scottish island in the Atlantic Ocean, to investigate the death of one of the residents. 

 It’s supposed to be a simple case but George’s instincts tell her there’s more to it than what meets the eye. The islanders are hostile, the priest is too nosy, and strange events seem to occur, straight out of the local legend. Richie just wants to close the case and go home but George is adamant. With dark secrets enveloping them from all sides, can the duo solve the case? 

The story comes in George’s third-person POV in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

With a lighthouse on the cover and an atmospheric premise that may or may not have a paranormal touch, I knew I had to read this one. 

Though the book is centered on a police investigation it is not a police procedural. It’s more of a slow-burn suspense where things go in circles in the first half and the action takes place in the last quarter. 

I like that the detective duo doesn’t have a romantic track. In fact, the age gap makes it an almost student-teacher or guardian-ward relationship. NGL, I like Riche a lot more than George. George has a large chip on her shoulder, and with a hazy backstory, it’s hard to see why she is that way. For a standalone, this doesn’t do her any favors. Now, if the book is supposedly the first in a series, it might work. I can’t find any information on this, though. 

The mystery is supposed to be simple. Was the death a suicide or murder? However, the investigation takes place on an island with a close-knit community, so the progress is almost zero until the last quarter when a lot happens. This further affects the pacing. 

The setting is atmospheric – darkish, dangerous, and heavy with rains and storms that add to the pressure. There’s a sort of paranormal thing but it is not either. Such stuff doesn’t work for me. Decide whether or not you want it! 

We also see pagan vs. Christian or pagan plus Christian thingy but that’s not fully there either. I mean, the island has a Catholic church (which is the largest building). As with converted cultures, they continue to follow a few pagan practices and create a strange blend of both religions. This aspect has great potential but it has not been explored fully. 

In a way, the dark side of a small community has been captured well. It may also feel a bit too stereotypical but that’s the plotline. 

The ending is decent and feels a lot like there’s more to come. I wish we knew if there would be another book. The mystery is resolved but the central track with George has unanswered questions. 

To summarize, The Wolf Tree has an intriguing premise and an atmospheric setting. How you like the book depends on how much you like the main character and the slow-burn narration. 

Thank you, NetGalley, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam (G.P. Putnam's Sons), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheWolfTree

Murder in the Tuscan Hills by T A Williams - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cosy Mystery #10

Publication Date: 02nd Feb 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/MurderTuscanHills

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220181974-murder-in-the-tuscan-hills

Genre: Cozy Mystery

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Fun as always

Book Blurb:

It's murder in paradise!

A picturesque scene…

As grape harvest season rolls around, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his beloved canine companion, Oscar, are looking forward to a nice quiet September. But when Dan is contacted about a mysterious death out in the Tuscan Hills, it seems that work must come before pleasure.

A suspicious find…

At first, it appears that the body found lying outside a prestigious winery has been the result of a tragic hit and run. But then the police discover that this is a cover-up for murder…but who would kill in such an idyllic spot and why?

A face from the past?

As Dan investigates, he meets famous ex-rock star, Digger, owner of the winery and prestigious Podere Dei Santi hotel. Digger’s guests include wealthy businessmen, tourists, and, among them, suspected mafia hitmen. But more significant for Dan is a face he knows only too well from his own past and he soon finds that wine isn't the only thing fermenting around him.

Could this murder be the start of a gangland war, or do the killer’s motives lie much closer to home? Will complications from Dan's past return to trouble his future? Either way, Dan and Oscar must work around the clock to solve another mystery.

***

My Thoughts:

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

Well, we are back in Tuscany. The September here is brutal with no rain. Naturally, the farmers are worried about the yield (fewer grapes = less wine). The criminals don’t care, of course. They commit crimes no matter how annoying the heat is!

The tenth book can be a standalone, though it’ll help if you read at least one book (any) in the series. Someone from Dan’s past makes a reentry, and this does create some tension. Poor Dan has to think and overthink everything. He is a good man, so this also complicates things, lol.

The mystery is very well done. If you are a fan of the genre, you’ll guess the reason much before the MC and the police. The details are provided. How we bring them together depends on us.

It’s no longer a surprise that Oscar is a terrific judge of character and a competent assistant. He finds clues, identifies unsavory people, and ensures his human is safe. He is the hero!

We have a new sergeant Dini since Innocenti got a promotion. I like this new addition. She is smart, composed, and brave. Hoping to see her in more books.

The pace is steady. Since the book is less than 250 pages, you can easily finish it in a couple of hours or so.

To summarize, Murder in the Tuscan Hills is an entertaining addition to the series and discusses a few important issues that affect the global consumer market. As always, I enjoyed the descriptions of the region.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

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About the Author – T A Williams

T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cozy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar and the first book, titled Murder in Tuscany, was published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @TrevorWilliamsBooks

Twitter: @TAWilliamsBooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/TAWilliamsNews

Bookbub profile: @trevorwilliams3

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This has been a stop on the #MurderInTheTuscanHills blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by! 

The Leap Year Proposal by Susan Buchanan - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 12th Jan 2025

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/3kj7AG

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223443645-the-leap-year-proposal

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

4 Stars

One Liner: Pretty entertaining and thoughtful

Book Blurb:

Three women. One crazy hen weekend. A life-changing decision.

When three women meet on a mutual friend’s hen weekend on the Scottish island of Arran, they get more than they bargained for when one of them has the genius idea of proposing on 29 February, like the age-old Irish tradition.

High-flying businesswoman Anouska and her boyfriend Zach are deliriously happy and madly in love. If only they had more time together. But now she’s pregnant and doesn’t know how to tell him since having kids hadn’t featured in their plans.

Dog walker Jess lives with her childhood sweetheart, but they’re already like an old married couple, without the romance, or the wedding, or the ring. When Mark doesn’t propose on New Year’s Eve, Jess is gutted and decides to take matters into her own hands.

Ellie and Scott still live apart after six years, and his lack of commitment is a sore point. She’s up for a huge promotion which involves moving country. It’s make-or-break time. She needs to know he’s worth turning down the job for.

The women meet weekly, helping each other with decisions big and small, becoming each other’s support system in the run-up to ‘the big ask’.

Will love conquer all or will their hopes and dreams come crashing down around them?

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Anouska, Ellie, and Jess.

Based on the premise, you might have guessed correctly that this is more of women’s fiction and less of romance. Though we have three couples, the focus is on the various aspects of a relationship, the intricacies, the missing red flags, the passivity, doubts, fears, etc. There are some lovey-dovey scenes but the steam is 0.5 at the most. Nothing explicit or detailed.

The three main characters are different in many ways. The age ranges from 24-35, their careers are different, the family dynamics are different, and the relationship troubles are also different despite the common factor.

Though it may seem like marriage is the ultimate goal, it’s the intention behind this that is emphasized. The characters want worthy, reliable, and loving partners who are not afraid to commit to them (especially after being together for many years).  

The main characters are not friends at first but bond quickly. Their scenes together gradually shift from surface-level friendship to becoming each other’s found families. I really loved this progress.

Naturally, there is drama in each track but nowhere does it get confusing. The conflicts are different enough to prevent overlap but too dramatic.

The story takes place in a couple of months, so some aspects are put on a fast track. This may or may not fully work for everyone. I didn’t particularly mind since I guessed that’s how they would proceed.

We get an epilogue to tie up the loose ends and close the story on a happy and hopeful note. The pacing is a bit slow in the first quarter but gets better in the second half.

To summarize, The Leap Year Proposal is an entertaining read with some thoughtful themes and ideas about relationships. Though it is about love, the book celebrates female friendships.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and the author, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

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About the Author – Susan Buchanan

Susan Buchanan writes romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!

Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit, and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing, or writing, she’s thinking about it. 

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children, and a crazy Labrador.

When she’s not editing, writing, reading, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows, and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.

Follow the Author:

Website: www.susanbuchananauthor.com

Instagram: authorSusanBuchanan

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susancbuchanauthor

X/ Twitter: susan_buchanan

Threads: authorSusanBuchanan

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Giveaway to Win a Signed Paperback of The Leap Year Proposal (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for the despatch or delivery of the prize.

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This has been a stop on the #TheLeapYearProposal blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver - Book Review

Series: A Detection Club Mystery 

Publication Date: 16th Feb 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery  

3.2 Stars 

One Liner: A decent start to a new series 

1926

Eliza Baker has previously worked with the police. However, now she is forced to get a job as an assistant to Dorothy Sayers, the secretary of the Detection Club. Christie is a popular and regular attendee of the Detection Club, a place where mystery writers share ideas, swap notes, and enjoy their drinks. However, a writer falls dead during a meeting, and Christie disappears the next day. With too many clues and suspects, Eliza decides to solve the case and find the killer. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo. 

My Thoughts: 

Well, Christie’s eleven-day disappearance has been a thing of fascination for writers, readers, and the general public. There have been quite a few books based on this, and quite many conspiracy theories. 

This book too uses the same event but tries to make it a part of the central plot. While using Christie’s name in the title and blurb is a good marketing strategy, the book, as such belongs to the main character, Eliza Baker. 

There are various real-life persons in this one to the point where I decided not to bother cross-checking the details. Use them the way you want. I won’t complain for now. 

I like and dislike the FMC. The positives are that she is not a silly fan wanting attention from her favorite author(s). In fact, she dislikes mystery novels and thinks the writers are annoying. The not-so-positive part is the so-called lack of social cues. It’s a wonder people actually answer her questions considering how she interrogates them as if they are hardcore criminals. It is supposed to be a part of her arc, which means it is a deliberate choice. I can only hope, she finds a balance at some point soon. 

The mystery is pretty decent or as much as it can be with OTT suspects. However, I don’t think people would be so eager to answer the questions. Eliza only has to ask, and they tell her. Maybe make her work a little more. 

Chess is another major element in the book. Eliza and Theo are both great chess players. It’s not necessary to know the game to enjoy the book. While there’s some talk about pawns and strategic moves, it is limited to what’s necessary for the plot. 

The social conditions are also touched upon. We get a brief peek into the backstories of both main characters. There will be a love track too as it often happens in a cozy mystery series. The foundation has been laid with a good dose of suspicion, so the next book should be interesting. 

While it hasn’t been promoted as a series yet, the way it ends makes the intentions clear. The cover does say A Detection Club Mystery at the bottom (in red), something I saw after writing this point. 

The author’s note is informative and talks about the real-life events and people used in the book. 

To summarize, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a decent new cozy mystery set between the World Wars. It’s a fast read and works as a palate cleanser. Nothing great but not boring either. 

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

#NetGalley #TheCaseOfTheChristieConspiracy

Memorial Park by Louisa Scarr - Book Review

Series: PC Lucy Halliday #2 

Publication Date: 06th Feb 2025

Genre: Police Procedural

4 Stars 

One Liner: Dark and gripping 

It took just one second for a three-year-old Rosie Logan to vanish when her mother, Maria, turned the other side. 

PC Lucy Halliday (with police dogs Moss and Iggy) and DCI Jack Ellis are on the case. Jack is determined to save Rose as this reminds him of his childhood best friend who disappeared one day without a trace. 

However, the Logan family is unwilling to share its secrets, hampering the investigation at every point. Can Lucy and Jack little Rose before it’s too late? 

The story comes in Maria, Lucy, and Jack’s third-person POVs in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the second book in the series that has a standalone mystery but it will be much better if you read the previous book (if I say this, then you know you can’t ignore it). 

The story is dark like the first book and has more than one case in parallel. Despite the fear and heavy atmosphere, the content is not graphic. It seems like the author took great care to mention only what is necessary for the plot. I appreciate this since the plotline is around a missing child. 

The mystery is layered with many reveals and twists. These happen periodically to keep the reader hooked and the plot moving. It makes the narration steady if not fast-paced. Also, there’s enough internal dialogue to continue with character development for Lucy and Jack. 

Given that the FMC is a dog handler, the police dogs play a vital role in the book. Moss and Iggy take turns doing their jobs and are such adorable cuties. Iggy takes the spotlight this time though Moss is not far behind. 

So far, I like the development between the main characters. They are friends now but still annoy each other often. I am curious to see how things will change as the series continues but no complaints for now. 

Most questions are answered well. The themes are as dark as the plot but handled with care. Revealing them could be spoilers but know that there might be a few triggers. 

There’s a short author’s note about the places mentioned in the book. I understand what she means when she says it is easier to make up new places than to use real ones. That’s how I prefer to write too. 

To summarize, Memorial Park is a fairly intense read but doesn’t get overwhelming. It tackles important themes and makes the reader think. The writing style is really good. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Canelo Crime, for eARC.

#NetGalley #MemorialPark