A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Dec 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Social Drama 

 3 Stars (outliner opinion) 

One Liner: Deals with important themes but gets too preachy

Norma Gallagher is the only woman in the Search and Rescue Team in Sloot, a small town in Utah and Arizona. She prefers to keep to herself and loves her two dogs and the horse the best. 

When Norma finds the nineteen-year-old Jill Moss after she is reported missing, she is forced to do something she would never otherwise do. When Jill is terrified about her boyfriend Jake, Norma helps her go back to her parents in California. 

Five years later, the disappearance of Jill Moss hasn’t died yet and becomes a hot topic when Jake is arrested for another crime and Jill’s murder. The public and media are busy with what they do. Norma has to yet again make a decision that could affect many lives, including her own. 

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

My Thoughts:

I like how the author deals with different issues in her books and was excited to read this one. The blurb reveals quite a lot (around 40%), though it does manage to keep certain things a secret. 

The pacing is decent, but dips in the middle. The book has some bits of ‘mystery’ but is not a mystery read. It’s a social drama about domestic abuse, repeating toxic cycles, guilt, shame, public judgment, issues in the legal system, trial by media, general bias, et al. 

Norma, Jill, and Wanda are the main characters, while Betty has a great supporting role (she is my favorite). Jill and Wanda are young and act their age. Their portrayal is quite realistic and believable. 

The characters change as the story progresses, though Norma takes the longest time. Despite her annoying me, I am glad she lowers the walls and finds people to call her own. 

Norma is an interesting character. As a woman in her late 50s (and early 60s after the time jump), she is snarky, blunt, and a touch-me-not. Her backstory provides the reason for her attitude and approach to life. However, she is not heartless. In fact, it’s the opposite. Still, I couldn’t always stand her opinions. I’m a minority here, but I don’t particularly like the comparison between bank robbery and domestic abuse. A robber and an abuser are different people. The reasons and goals are different. 

The book deals with important themes, but with Norma coming on too strong about her opinions, the vital messages lose their impact. 

 

There’s a list of book club discussion questions at the end, which I appreciate. As you can see, the book offers a lot to talk about. 

To summarize, A Different Kind of Gone has much to offer about moral issues, justice, and relationships. Like it or not, the content will make you think, and I cannot rate it longer than 3 stars. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ADifferentKindofGone 

The November Witches by Jennifer Claessen - Book Review

Series: A Month of Magic #2 

Publication Date: 05th Oct 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: An entertaining adventure 

None of the witches are happy about the gloomy magic-free November, except Clemmie (Clem) and her cousin Mirabelle. October was a mess. Everyone is still struggling with what had happened. However, their troubles are far from over when knights from the past come knocking on the door. 

It has been the Merlyns vs. Morgans for decades. However, the knights have only one target – to burn the witches. The two covens have to come together to find a way out and stay alive. Soon, Clem and her cousins realize it’s up to the young hags to save the day. Can they do it? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is the sequel to The October Witches, released last year (2022). It cannot be read as a standalone, as it starts where the previous book ends. 

I confess to not remembering much (almost zero retention), though I could recollect the basic details once I started this book. It didn’t take long to get into the grove and go with the flow. 

This book has a faster pace, which I appreciate. The story keeps moving, which keeps things interesting and entertaining. However, it can also be a disadvantage if the reader doesn’t remember what happened in the previous book, as there are minimum references. 

The aunts are grumpy, and Clem is feeling guilty. However, there’s no time to dwell on this. In fact, even the Morgans have to swallow their pride and be humble. Of course, it’s not easy on the old hags on either side. A clash between the two could erupt at any time, and the young hags have a helluva time trying to soothe things. 

There’s also a glorious magical forest (I love it) where the action occurs in the second half. The setting is beautiful and comes alive on the pages without getting overly descriptive. 

The book truly belongs to the kids- Clem, Mirabella, Kerra, and Senara. There’s another kid, ‘Potboy’, a young wannabe squire longing to prove himself by capturing the witches. We see how they have to be adults (since the adults act childish most of the time, except for one person) while knowing their limitations as children. 

“The deep-down true things are hard to say, but they mean the most.” 

Topics like bullying, family bonding (or the lack of it in one case), parental pressure/ approval, listening to the other person, finding one’s voice, desire to prove one’s worth, etc., are woven into the plot. Since we get the story from Clem’s POV, it has a realistic touch to it with a dash of humor and some lovely observations. Clem finding her voice and pushing beyond the fear of speaking is a recurring theme in the book. I love how it is contrasted (yet aligned) with Kerra’s issues. 

“I thought fixing was the opposite of breaking, but whenever I try, they’re kind of mixed up together. Maybe fixing can’t come without a bit of breaking.” 

Mirabelle’s puns are well… hit or a miss, something even she knows. That’s what makes them funnier than actual, I suppose. Serena is a stable and balanced young hag exploring her strengths and helping her cousins. 

Clem’s mom, Patty, has some great advice. She is the only sane old hag in both the covens. Imagine that! 

The climax isn’t as powerful as in book one, but does the job. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for book #3 (this is to be a trilogy). I am already excited about The December Witch (that can be the only possible title). 

To summarize, The November Witches is a great continuation of book one and takes the story to the next level. It is entertaining, steady-paced, and delightful. 

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

#NetGalley #TheNovemberWitches

***

The quotes are from an uncorrected proof copy and are subject to change. 

Til Death Do Us Bard by Rose Black - Book Review

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Queer Medieval Fantasy 

3 Stars 

One Liner: A mixed bag 

Logan Theakar, the Bear, is now a retired monster hunter living with Pie (Magie), his beautiful bard husband, in the Stowatt village. The year had been great, making him enjoy domesticity for the first time in 42 years. Never mind that he still itched to use his axe and hunt some monsters.  

One night, Pie disappears, and Logan soon finds he has been kidnapped and blackmailed into helping the evil king retrieve a precious object that could lead to devastation. With help from an old Countess, a necromancer, and some unlikely support, Logan sets out to find Pie and save the day. But what does it mean for him and his marriage with his darling husband? 

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

My Thoughts: 

With a title, cover, and premise (mentioning unicorns, necromancers, and magic), how can I resist the book? The results, as you can see, are mixed. 

I like that we have a 40+ lead M/M couple, even though they act as if they are in their early 20s. It’s an opposite attract plus grumpy vs. sunshine trope. Logan is the grumpy guy (no points for guessing). 

Well, Pie-Magpie (Bond, James Bond, ugh) is beautiful and wonderful, according to Logan. He is a decent character who could have been better if given a chance. 

Logan is like the grumpiest of the grumps. I know I should sympathize considering his backstory and fears, et al, but for the majority of the book, he is annoying. His ‘I’m the only one who is capable and can save you all while you go around partying’ attitude and actions grated on my nerves. Glad that he redeems himself in the last section to a good extent. 

Ophelia, Gary, and a couple of others do what’s expected of them. However, the Countess, oh well! She starts out as someone quirky and funny without a filter. Since such women are now a thing, I could see her make some of those comments. That said, things got a bit too much, especially with her touching the men and making them uncomfortable (it borders on sexual harassment). I don’t see why this has to be her character trait when she is a powerful necromancer. 

While the story blends mystery, fantasy, romance, drama, and magic, none of the elements actually shine. Everything is there but not in enough quantity to take the book to the next level. The world-building could have been better. The romance is sweet but with a lot of (unnecessary) angst, thanks to Logan. It doesn’t have much steam and is mostly fade-to-black, which helps. 

Providing the past between Logan and Pie in installments (interludes) works great and prevents info dumping. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two reads toxic in some places. Of course, they do realize their mistakes, especially Logan. Having at least a few chapters from Pie’s POV might have helped me see things from another perspective. 

The ending is good, all sorted and nice, with a good dose of hope. However, the last section (65-95%) is slow-paced and feels as if the story won’t end. I speed-read at one point to get to the crucial part. 

To summarize, Til Death Do Us Bard has its moments but remains an average read throughout. The premise and setting have great potential, though the execution could have been better. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodderscape (Hodder & Stoughton), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TilDeathDoUsBard

The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan - Book Review

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Paranormal Drama 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A poignant and atmospheric read 

Beatrice Bird has had a gift since she was a child. She can see ghosts or rather physical manifestations that get stronger as she grows. Unable to handle the pressure, she leaves her home and partner to live on a remote island in a secluded cottage. 

Soon, Anne Iredale arrives at the island, bringing her share of ghosts. She has lost everything that matters to her and doesn’t know what to do. Despite her hesitation, Beatrice begins to talk to Anne and thinks she might help her. Maybe both women can heal themselves if they can take the much-needed steps. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Beatrice and Anne, with a few chapters from Benjamin. 

My Thoughts: 

The story, though majorly set in 1977, has a few chapters from different years to show Beatrice and Anne’s pasts. The progression is non-linear but is easy to track and follow. This is done to provide the necessary information at the right time. 

Even though the setting is atmospheric, the story is mostly ‘told’. It suits the content as things are dark and could have gotten unnecessarily graphic. Right now, there is enough information to understand the characters and empathize with them. 

The book deals with themes like DV, past trauma, controlling behavior, manipulation, family, relationships, etc. There are very few lighthearted scenes, and even those have a layer of darkness, much like the fog on the cover. (Check the TW list at the end of the review)

There’s quite a lot about God and faith as well. This comes as a surprise since the blurb didn’t hint at it. Thankfully, it’s not preachy, but I still had to get used to repeated references to God and some discussions around the theme (and also get a friend’s help to clarify a couple of doubts. Thanks, Rosh). 

However, the concept of ghosts is quite intriguing in this one. It has literal ghosts but also metaphorical ones with literal manifestations (trying hard to not reveal spoilers). I like how these two blend as the plot progresses. 

The pacing is moderate and dips in the middle. However, the action picks up in the last quarter. It is intense and ups the paranormal element without being spooky (at least to me). Though a few developments are convenient, I don’t mind. The plot needs to come together somehow. 

I like the characterization of the leading women, Beatrice and Anne. One of them has what the other would have considered unconventional. They are flawed but have their share of vulnerabilities and can inspire empathy in the readers. And oh, there are two cute cows, too! 

Benjamin, the five-year-old kid, gets the most love. His POV, though in the third person, is written to suit his age. These chapters are almost heartbreaking in some places. 

The ending is hopeful and ties up the loose ends. Some things are glossed over, but do the job. We knew enough to not have any lingering doubts, though the book does leave us thinking about a lot of things. 

To summarize, The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird is a poignant and atmospheric read about friendship, healing, love, loss, moving on, and starting afresh. Pick it up when you are in the mood for a slightly heavy read. 

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

#NetGalley #TheGhostsofBeatriceBird

***

TW: Domestic abuse, child abuse (non-sexual), animal abuse (mention), drug abuse (mentions) parental control, toxic cycles. 

Secrets of Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson - Book Review

Series: Starshine Cove #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and sweet 

Cally is stretched thin between caring for her mother and handling her teenage son. She is so used to being needed and having an overflowing schedule that Cally doesn’t know what to do when she has too much time on her hands. 

In the spur of a moment, she decides to take a trip to Starshine Cove, a remote place with no signboard. Cally and Sam arrive at their destination right before Christmas and are pulled into the warmth and beauty of the small town. As Cally meets new people and makes friends, she wonders if this is the change she needs in her life. 

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

My Thoughts: 

I didn’t read book one, but this works more than well as a standalone. Of course, you’ll have ‘spoilers’ for book one, but don’t we all know how a love story ends? ;) 

Cally is a forty-two-year-old single mother to an eighteen-year-old Sam. Her first-person POV, though limiting in perspective, is quite easy and refreshing to read. The writing style is informal and casual, with a good dose of dry humor. This works well and maintains a good balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth. 

I absolutely love Lilly (the fairy-obsessed eight-year-old) and Meg (a dinosaur-obsessed four-year-old). They are such a delight to read. Archie is a wonderful character (even if his Viking hair and beard aren’t my thing). 

Sam sure acts his age, but he is also a sweet young man who really loves his mother and grandmother. His character is just right (apparently, the author has teens of her own, so no surprise it’s spot on). There’s enough talk of social media and TikTok, which is to be expected. 

Starshine Cove is a picturesque location and magical in winter. The locals are just as heartwarming. Since this is a feel-good book, we won’t find villains or nasty people plotting behind the scenes. 

With themes like moving on, finding love again, learning to live for one’s self, taking risks, etc., the book has some worthy discussions deftly handled. 

There’s a third-act breakup, which is very well done and feels necessary for the characters. No misunderstanding, though. They sit, talk, and decide, even if that may not be what they want. 

To summarize, Secrets of Starshine Cove is an absolute comfort read with a cozy setting and some beautiful characters. It’s Christmas-themed, too, so that’s a plus. It is predictable but sweet. 

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

#NetGalley #SecretsofStarshineCove

***

P.S.: Not a critique per se, but I ended up with two back-to-back books that talk about Bangladesh. The previous one is quite understandable since the Liberation War (1971) was going on. Here, it rather seems odd that a remote small town that doesn’t even have a signboard on the highway and works with donors to support the community is collecting funds to send to Bangladesh. Savior much? Maybe focus closer home and fund the poor nearby. England isn’t exactly a thriving economy, is it? 

Murder at the Matterhorn by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: An Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #5 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 24th Nov 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Italy

4 Stars 

One Liner: A compact cozy mystery 

Dan Armstrong gets a call from his former colleague asking for help. It seems a team of ufologists (UFO enthusiasts) are camping on an isolated mountain cap. There’s been a death, which looks much like murder. Dan agrees to help and joins the group as a fellow enthusiast. 

Even though they think aliens are involved, Dan is sure the murder is the handiwork of a human and someone from the group or in the region. With Oscar by his side, Dan now has to play the interpreter and solve the crime with the local police. Can they find the killer before more deaths occur? 

The story comes in Dan Armstrong’s first-person POV and works as a standalone. 

My Thoughts: 

As a reader of the series, I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. I’m also a believer in UFOs, though not like the characters here. 

Being a cozy mystery, the focus is more on the crime and suspects rather than the technicalities of UFOs and science. Most of the content tends to be of a nonbeliever since it comes from Dan’s POV. However, he does his best to keep an open mind, which proves to be helpful. 

Of course, a book set in Italy has to have a lovely setting and good food. This time, we tour the snow-capped mountains, the surrounding forest, and the autonomous village in the foothills. There is enough tea to satisfy a British reader and enough wine and food for the Italian reader. 

The mystery is just right- neither simple nor complicated. One part is easy to solve, the other needs a bit of work but has a logical conclusion. We can guess who the killer is despite not knowing the reason. 

Anna (Dan’s girlfriend), Virgilio and his wife, etc., have very minor roles. Dan and Oscar work with a different police team. And as Dan says, this one is indeed teamwork. Many people contribute, creating a more balanced approach. Inspector Costey is impressive. I hope we get to meet again. 

Oscar does what he always does – makes puppy eyes at everyone, becomes popular with ladies, eats as much as he can get, and helps solve the case in his own way. No one can resist a cute lab, right? 

The pacing is on the slower side, as it is with the series. However, the chapters are of moderate length and provide some sort of progress to keep the plot moving. 

To summarize, Murder at the Matterhorn is an entertaining mystery and a good continuation of the series. Does it have aliens? Well, read the book to find out. ;)

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

#NetGalley #MurderattheMatterhorn