As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this was a nice reminder to re-visit this debut novel and offer a review.
Although this is a Catching up…
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this was a nice reminder to re-visit this debut novel and offer a review.
Although this is a fiction story, it is based on a true story when in 1966, a landslide of coal had buried a school full of children and teachers in the Welsh village of Aberfan. The author chose to create the story around a young, recently graduated embalmer who attends to help after the disaster. The problem is now he struggles to overcome this trauma and his family’s expectations of being a part of his family’s business.
The story follows William Lavery, and his mental scars after Aberfan, the death of his father, and how all of this affects his actions about his life overall. Which makes him a difficult character to like, understandably, considering the heaviness of the topics. The author’s writing also makes him almost emotionally inaccessible. William’s story is a haunting one, and certainly one in which we, as readers want to feel a sense of empathy and understanding, tenderness and hope for him…but it was hard to feel close to him.
Still, there is much to feel about the realness of the story, because of the historical significance that it is based on.
I was in my local library when I first saw this book. His books are donated to and “checked-out” from my LittMy first 5-star review for the new year!
I was in my local library when I first saw this book. His books are donated to and “checked-out” from my Little Free Library Shed quite a lot.
After the 3rd time passing this book on the same shelf at my local library, I decided to read the insert about it. I said to myself, “this one is going to require Kleenex. Are you up for it?” My response…I put the book back on the shelf.
The next week I visited my local library the book sat on the shelf staring at me again. Why was this book being so persistent with me? Was I supposed to walk past this book again, or was it compelling me to read it? Well, obviously I am here with you talking about it, so you know what happened. Yes, I picked up the book. But, to be perfectly fair and honest with you, this was not an easy decision. Or an easy read. And, as I ventured into reading, it didn’t take long for that box of Kleenex to find its purpose.
For anyone who has ever loved a dog – or any pet – this story will definitely get to you. Your heart will be challenged in every way possible. Because there will be humans you will deplore, but other humans you will love. And, want more of. Oh Liam, what happened? Will you ever come home?
But mostly, it will be the dogs. I am not going to share the story premise with you. The cover gives you a sense of it. And, look at those pictures on that cover! Those eyes. Riggs. Luna. Archie. You will be with them on their journey. You will feel their souls. Their heart-aches and heart-breaks. What they go through will affect you in every possible way.
And, as a reader, what you will want more than anything is a happy ending. Keep your Kleenex close....more
Full disclosure…this is the second in the series. But my local library did not have the first book. Still, I was able to read this as a stand-alone. HFull disclosure…this is the second in the series. But my local library did not have the first book. Still, I was able to read this as a stand-alone. However, I encourage readers to try and read all books in series order, if possible.
On to my review…
Nothing like a “hot” strong woman protagonist named Eve, with an unorthodox team of former convicts who use their skills and contacts to accomplish tasks that typically bypass chain of command to get readers turning pages.
And, in this particular case, Allie, a Police Commissioner’s daughter, is kidnapped before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Also, the city is under threat of attack. Eve and her team’s skills are definitely needed to come to the rescue.
The question is, will they be in time? And, why target the Police Commissioner?
In this page-turning, gripping story, readers will feel the ticking clock. It definitely is a scenic read with the New York Thanksgiving Day parade as the backdrop. Eve and her team race to find Allie and wonder if she and her team will make it in time to identify and bring down the kidnapper before the city is engulfed in terror. Most importantly, will readers keep up the pace?...more
Another book I forgot to mention I was reading. But now I am finished and ready to review it.
I have mixed feelings here. First and foremost, I love lAnother book I forgot to mention I was reading. But now I am finished and ready to review it.
I have mixed feelings here. First and foremost, I love librarians and libraries and anyone who is going to fight for and protect libraries and making all books accessible for reading for everyone. So, in this respect I love that message in this story. And, I appreciated the back stories of the lives of librarians and their care of libraries that was central to the overall story. But…and, I am sorry to insert the but…
This is historical fiction that attempts to give a realistic portrait of what it felt like to suffer in France after Germany’s invasion during WWII. The author did not shy away from the horrors of war and the occupation. So, for some readers that might be a trigger to consider. Still, having said all this, the story felt somewhat contrived, where the plot points felt a bit forced, and characters seemed to be conveniently in the right place at the right time with no logical explanation, helping to push the narrative forward at times. I don’t like it when it feels like the story feels manipulated to reach a certain outcome.
On another note, as we in America move into another administration, I am hopeful that we can continue to honor our librarians, and libraries and make ALL books accessible for reading. We should never go back to this kind of thinking or behaving about books or people, for that matter.
Readers know quickly that Dr. Richmond Dougherty is dead. That he hasn’t been married to his new wife that long; and, that it Am I a possible outlier?
Readers know quickly that Dr. Richmond Dougherty is dead. That he hasn’t been married to his new wife that long; and, that it seems obvious that she is the one who killed him. Or, that maybe he fell down the stairs naturally. But most likely that she pushed him. But even though it seems clear to readers that she wanted him dead, she did not do it, because that is what she is telling us readers.
So, who did kill him? And, why?
And, that becomes the suspense. The twists and turns. The quick, supposedly binge-worthy page-turning thriller read of what really happened here. My head aches from all the twists and turns. And, the simply unlikable characters. Is this really a movie script in the making? Maybe you will like this one more?
With red-tipped pages and some illustrations throughout, how can we not be mesmerized by this story? What, I am an adult saying this? I am not a typicWith red-tipped pages and some illustrations throughout, how can we not be mesmerized by this story? What, I am an adult saying this? I am not a typical fantasy novel lover, but I do like to venture in to children’s books every now and then, so why not try this one? Besides, I need a little bit of escapism that can be magical, too. Will this deliver?
In this particular world, there is environmental decline. And, as we read on, we can’t help but feel that there is something too real about this, too. We are in present day, and we have characters that are doing what they can to save lives. On a quest. To say more would be spoilers.
There will be much to appreciate between these pages, with the illustration of creatures, along with the writing that brings them all to life. Along with the humans that are on this quest.
Also, there is always something to appreciate about child heroes in stories like this one. Especially when we find them in and out of mortal danger. Which may seem more like a been-here-before trope. But if we allow our imaginations to let go and be free, this story may just be appealing, to most readers. Even to the kid that lives inside of us, too. ...more
A while ago, I read the first in this series, “Special Circumstances.” I am a fan of courtroom drama and legal thrillers. And this one with character,A while ago, I read the first in this series, “Special Circumstances.” I am a fan of courtroom drama and legal thrillers. And this one with character, Mike Daley, who has quite the resume is one for readers to consider, even if the books came out in the early 2000’s. As an ex-priest, ex-public defender, and ex-partner of one of San Francisco’s most prominent law firms, he is an interesting character to follow. Currently, he is a partner with his ex-wife, Rosie Fernandez. Although, don’t let the ex-wife fool you. Their partnership runs deep. Which makes this character driven series work so well. And, it still can be read as a stand-alone.
Now, Daley has landed a case that he isn’t exactly thrilled to take. But Rosie feels he should take it. Another ex-partner, from his former law firm, who happens to be the current District Attorney running for re-election, happens to get arrested for murder. What? How could this possibly have happened? Just the scenario alone will keep readers intrigued as it is explored through the defense team and police investigation.
This story will have readers who enjoy courtroom drama, fleshed out characters, and plenty of dramatic twists turning pages rapidly. And, just when you think you have everything figured out, another twist has readers going in another direction. Stay with it, because readers will want to know, who really is guilty and who is innocent? What really happened in that hotel room with the District Attorney? And, what is the incriminating evidence?
It is 1964. Helen is an art therapist at the Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. In her 30’s she is having an affair with psychiatrist Gil, when an unIt is 1964. Helen is an art therapist at the Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. In her 30’s she is having an affair with psychiatrist Gil, when an unusual pair of patients are brought to the hospital. A woman with dementia and a mute man named William who as it turns out has a gift for drawing.
The woman who has appeared to be his aunt, dies of pneumonia, and Helen finds herself working closely with William. The book goes back and forth through time to give more insights into the history of these characters and their forward growth. As Helen plays detective to find out more about William, as readers, we are also hopeful that she will reflect on her own life, as well.
There is something surreal and soft and sensitive that is sometimes wrapped in darkness about what we learn about what has happened to these characters. But there is also something about who these characters are and what we as readers hope for them. This is a touching, heart-felt novel that is beautifully written by this author. Readers will most likely be moved by the subtle ending.
This is a story of friendship, betrayal and endearing love set in the South Pacific, beginning in the year, 1942. But the book actually stCatching up…
This is a story of friendship, betrayal and endearing love set in the South Pacific, beginning in the year, 1942. But the book actually starts with a letter 70 years later alluding to a mystery of a tragic murder that occurred in Bora-Bora during the war. In which the character that receives the letter feels deeply about the memories that this letter stirs up.
What happened during that time period? What murder is referred to in this letter? And, how did it change the lives that were affected by what happened? Who was protecting who and why?
And, thus begins a story to find justice after 70 years. Who was the person that did this? With plot twists, and realistic characters, the author provides a thoughtful mystery that takes characters across time. Could the author also provide a HEA, not in rom-com fashion, as readers typically know it? ...more
Sometimes a beloved series needs a time out, and this one, may feel that way, even if the character is loved. This story follows Detective V.I. WarshaSometimes a beloved series needs a time out, and this one, may feel that way, even if the character is loved. This story follows Detective V.I. Warshawski into a missing persons case with roots to going back to the Civil War.
If you aren’t following her from her previous books, you will feel most likely out of place in her current stories, so stick with the series. Because this one sees her still recovering from a previous case in a previous book, and not quite herself. As she is attempting to address this new case, and looking into old mysteries, we also see Warshawski trying to find herself.
This one was a slow-burn. As much as I love the character, I wonder if it is it time to end this series. ...more
As edgy and as quick and entertaining as this plot appeared to be, there was an aspect of it that was off for me. And, that was the part of the initiaAs edgy and as quick and entertaining as this plot appeared to be, there was an aspect of it that was off for me. And, that was the part of the initial estrangement between the father and daughter – Frank and Maggie. Let me explain my hesitation about this book.
Let us consider how Frank the father hasn’t seen or heard from Maggie for 3 years. And, then Maggie invites her father to be a part of her wedding event. Including walking her down the aisle. No sooner does Frank happily attend, he is immediately suspicious of Maggie’s fiancé. And, he shares that suspicion with his daughter.
Now, had they been close, that would make sense. But they have been estranged, and have just reconciled. Is this an action he would want to immediately take with her? He has been estranged from her for sooooo long! It didn’t fit, for me. Especially after we as readers hear of why they have been estranged for the last 3 years. (No spoilers from me.)
This was a dark, imperfect read with an exploration of family, and secret agendas, that include twists and turns, with mostly unlikable characters, a slow burn middle and a rushed ending. Maybe you may like this one better. ...more
In this fast paced, page-turning continuing series thriller, readers find themselves in the midst of a dual mystery. Travis Devine who works for the gIn this fast paced, page-turning continuing series thriller, readers find themselves in the midst of a dual mystery. Travis Devine who works for the government and has highly specialized skills, is our protagonist being pursued by someone who is bent on killing him. Why?
And, he is also in the midst of a case to protect Betsy, a young 12-year-old girl whose parents were said to have died of an overdose and now wants to be adopted by her only living relative, her Uncle Danny. Who just happens to not be a very good person, and is also being investigated by the FBI for RICO charges. And, who Travis once served with in the Army. Not to mention the many witnesses against Danny who are being murdered around him. Are these just a coincidence?
Travis also has doubts about the true reason and circumstance for Betsy’s parent’s death. Needless to say, Travis has quite a lot on his hands to keep himself and Betsy safe.
As Devine gets more involved in caring about Betsy’s welfare, the more complicated things become.
“Apparently, in the world in which he operated now, few could be trusted…”
Are there domestic terrorists looming between these pages?
“It’s a different world, and the only thing you can be sure of is nothing and that includes people.”
The more and more I got into this story, the more I began to wonder if this was actually a foretelling of the Trump administration’s plan for what was going to happen to our own government. For me to say more would be a spoiler.
I guess you are wondering if I am just keeping spoilers from you about this story, or have some insights into this supposed foretelling? Well, perhaps…both. But again, let’s be clear, I don’t divulge spoilers. So, it is best to just get this book, and read it. Then you can come to your own conclusions. ...more
I am a little late to the block party. (Hence: the title of the book!) But I finally am having a chance to attend. And, once I did, I couldn’t stop turning pages.
What a dysfunctional cast of characters that readers just can’t help but find themselves wondering, what the heck is going on at this block party, year after year!
Still, who doesn’t want to spend time having a party with their neighbors who are deliciously nasty and deceptive and messy and up to no good?! Well, maybe not me, but for reading experiences, why not? Just be prepared to keep a list handy, so you can keep track of who is who!
With this story, readers are going to want to know what happened in the past to make these characters want to do whatever they are doing in the present. Because we know something weird is going on in this neighborhood. The author has made it clear with the sirens blaring in the beginning chapter ending scene.
So, what gives?
Well, he (the author) isn’t going to tell us right away because he takes us back a year in time, first.
And, once readers get into the story, we find ourselves knee deep into some cheating, blackmail, stalking and murder. And, so many secrets! Who could ask for anything more in this neighborhood?!
It was a quick read with alternating points of view that gave readers SO MANY character perspectives. Oy!
In many ways, the story was engrossing, absorbing, captivating and engaging, even though it took this reader a while to grasp how all those plot twists were all supposed to fit together. Until it actually came together at the end. (And, that may have just been a “me” problem trying to tie up all those loose ends.) And, speaking of the end, did that ending seem a bit too accommodating? This may or may not please readers. I will be interested to hear what other readers think. ...more
This is a powerful debut novel that puts the spotlight on the complexities of what could happen when a fan has an opportunity to interact with a famouThis is a powerful debut novel that puts the spotlight on the complexities of what could happen when a fan has an opportunity to interact with a famous author. How does fame distort our view of someone? What power do we unknowingly give an individual when they are “famous?”
This is the story of Tatum, our narrator, in present-day, 2015, deciding whether to talk with a NYT journalist who is investigating Tatum’s friendship with Mateo, a famous author who has been accused of assault. A relationship Tatum will have difficulty coming to terms with, that readers will recognize as they travel through these pages with her.
As readers we will come to recognize how imbalanced, difficult and sometimes harmful Mateo’s friendship was, as well as crucial to Tatum’s growth as a person throughout her life. Even in its unequalness and expectations. We can see how trapped she felt and how much she deserved so much more.
There is so much to appreciate about the victim and victimizer, celebrity and fan position, and the power dynamic between a popular contemporary male writer and how he so easily took advantage of his younger female fan.
So many words come to mind when I think of how best to describe this book…Subtle. Engaging. Well-developed characters. Compelling. Evocative. Heartbreaking. Deft. Touching. Unsettling. Complex. Well-written. Imperfect. Yet, so readable. ...more
This is a story with 3 distinct timelines. It is a sinister, gripping, riveting, page-turning tale that isn’t my typical read. Yes, I love a good mystThis is a story with 3 distinct timelines. It is a sinister, gripping, riveting, page-turning tale that isn’t my typical read. Yes, I love a good mystery, but I am the girl that if the music starts to have that dark foreboding sound coming on, I am going to place that pillow over my eyes, and ask my husband to just tell me when the creepy parts are over.
Of course, as readers, we can’t do that, right? So, I have to pay attention and allow myself to be ready to read through this intricately plotted tale. And, hope I don’t allow myself to be spooked too much.
What is interesting about this story, is that the character, isn’t so much about the people that inhabit the tale, it is the history that inhabits the house on Rye Lane. (Hence: the name of the book!) Thus, making the key character of this book, the “House” on Rye Lane.
Once, readers feel the suspense, follow the different timelines, and flow with the characters who live within the house during those timelines, the plot begins to come together making it hard for readers to put the book down.
The questions then become…
What secrets lie within this house? And, what happened to the previous tenants, and why?
The final question will be…what will it take, for the House on Rye Lane to finally settle down?
Oh, one last thing…please, don’t read this book in the dark....more
Twelve years ago, a dead body is found chained to a seawall with the words “goodbye girl” written across his chest. (Hence: the title the book!) And eTwelve years ago, a dead body is found chained to a seawall with the words “goodbye girl” written across his chest. (Hence: the title the book!) And even though this is a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Also, does this dead body have anything to do with a current music piracy case between a famous singer and her ex-husband, the owner of her master recordings?
How will criminal defense lawyer, Jack Swyteck manage this piracy case, and how long will it take readers to connect the dots between this case and the dead body – if the cases are related? And, what did Jack get himself in to by taking on his current client? Will he regret his decision?
Of course, as mystery readers, why wouldn’t we ask ourselves these questions, as we read along? After all, the author is throwing out hints and clues at us along the way, right? Well, sort of. At least enough to get us feeling somewhat suspicious to be paying attention.
And, as we continue to read, things get very complicated. A friend of Jack’s client is hiding out in London. Don’t ask, just keep paying attention readers.
So, as I was saying, this friend, runs into a teenage “woman” who says that a boyfriend who kicked her out, referred to her as the “goodbye girl.” What? Is this a coincidence? 12 years later? While the cold case is heating up?
And, what does the FBI want with a Russian oligarch?
Back in the states, a murder trial is underway. Jack’s client. And, Jack’s client’s ex-husband. What? From piracy charges to murder? What really happened? You mean this trial is about the dead body from 12 years ago? You mean we are finally going to find out who killed THAT victim and why? Are the right people on trial for THAT victim’s murder?
And then, another murder, that looks and appears the same as the murder that occurred 12 years ago.
What really is going on here? Why am I so confused?
Did I say to pay attention readers? Yes, I did.
Because…this was an intense, domestic and international bound, suspense filled mystery, with courtroom scenes, that had fleshed out characters that were truly believable. Allow yourself to be taken on this roller coaster ride read.
Because, even if I was confused, I was also intrigued, and had a feeling this author was going to find a way to make it come together for me. So, I kept turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. And, that is what all mystery readers should want to happen with their reading experience. Don’t you think? ...more
Roman Grady is the town’s sole newspaper reporter. When his partner, Ashley is murdered, he wants answers, but all he gets is more questions.
He livesRoman Grady is the town’s sole newspaper reporter. When his partner, Ashley is murdered, he wants answers, but all he gets is more questions.
He lives with his son and his mother Tara. It is a tense relationship. The more he tries to find answers, the more people seem to pull away and hide. What is going on? And, why did someone kill Ashley?
Dahl showcases how a small community of friends and family explore grief, love and deceit, while figuring out why one of their own was murdered. With too many characters to keep track of initially, this immersive story finally comes together as a portrait of a family struggling through tragedy. ...more
This family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileThis family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileged upbringing.
There is a lot of name-dropping in this book, because this family is rather well-known in their own way. Griffin’s aunt by marriage is author, Joan Didion. Joan’s husband, was the writer, John Gregory Dunne, who was Dominick’s brother. Dominick, being Griffin’s father. Dominick was in the movie business, which allowed Griffin to be “raised in the land of make-believe” before he became a part of it himself. Mostly, we also learn about the secrets of Dominick that also influence Griffin, too. His mother, Ellen was an heiress who was friends with the actress Natalie Wood.
Griffin would later be rocked by the strangling death at age 22, by her ex-boyfriend, of his sister Dominque, an actress.
The Friday Afternoon Club is titled after a carefree regular gathering that his father hosted that included a young, George Clooney. Of course, throughout the book, we find many more named characters we will recognize, like Carrie Fisher, or Tennessee Williams, or Martin Scorsese, or eventual Bewitched star, Elizabeth Montgomery, who was Griffin’s babysitter.
There is a fragility to Griffin’s true character that is felt throughout the pages, even as we are immersed in the privilege and scandal of the times.
His writing is honest, funny and smart, even sad, at times. And, he doesn’t mind laughing at himself, which makes this an easy-to-read memoir. Of course, it helps if you know all the names that are dropped throughout the book. It almost makes you feel like you are an insider, for a moment....more
He’s serving time for the murder of his 3-year-old child. But he didn’t kill him. Or did he? He knows he didn’t, but everyone believes he did, and he He’s serving time for the murder of his 3-year-old child. But he didn’t kill him. Or did he? He knows he didn’t, but everyone believes he did, and he didn’t fight the conviction. What are we to believe, as readers?
Five years later, his former sister-in-law shows him a picture of an 8-year-old boy that looks exactly like his son. Now, he is on a mission to escape prison and find him. (Hence: the title of the book!)
In typical Coben fashion, this is a page-turning, fast-paced, engaging story that will keep readers wondering what really happened, up until the very last page....more
The story begins in 1980s France with a young librarian named Sabine Dupris who inherits a restaurant from her biological grandmother, whom Sabine didThe story begins in 1980s France with a young librarian named Sabine Dupris who inherits a restaurant from her biological grandmother, whom Sabine did not know she had. And, to add to the story is that this restaurant holds a dark family secret history that takes readers to Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII.
Sabine learns of the tragic history behind the restaurant which included murder. Her interest leads Sabine to seek answers from locals who have intimate knowledge of this past.
In many ways this was a gripping read focusing on unraveling the wartime mystery of this restaurant and Marianne Blanchet, the biological grandmother.
As readers, will we find ourselves feeling empathy or sympathy for Marianne and the situation she was in? How will we, as readers, respond to the evil that surrounded her? Or what Marianne did to survive?
This historical fiction story felt like an emotional exploration of morality and justice, and was certainly, thought-provoking and engaging.
For those who enjoy historical fiction, and exploring the complexities of that time in history – collaboration and resistance – this may be considered a good read. ...more
