I think it is short stories that really separate the greats from the not-so-greats, and Joe Hill is definitely one of the greats. He packs a lot of puI think it is short stories that really separate the greats from the not-so-greats, and Joe Hill is definitely one of the greats. He packs a lot of punch into 29 pages, crafting a story that is sad, amusing, and bittersweet and matched with the perfect punch of an ending that delivers on multiple levels. His fully realized characters burst with life and his pace is perfect. Couldn’t ask for anything more than this....more
When Neena and her husband Matt move into a gated community, Neena immediately begins working to gain what she covets: namely neighbour Cat’s husband,When Neena and her husband Matt move into a gated community, Neena immediately begins working to gain what she covets: namely neighbour Cat’s husband, William.
At first this was a hard read, simply because I find it hard to sustain interest when every character is horrible. Cat is a snob, Neena an ambitious gold-digger, and William an arrogant, controlling ass. Only Matt elicits sympathy, and even that is difficult because he’s such a pushover.
Then things start to get twisty, and the novel takes on a whole other dimension. At that point it became un-put-downable as I eagerly turned the pages to see how it was all going to unfold.
I expected this to be prose with amusing anecdotes interspersed with the story of Ms. Campbell’s time working in a bookstore. Instead, it’s more snippI expected this to be prose with amusing anecdotes interspersed with the story of Ms. Campbell’s time working in a bookstore. Instead, it’s more snippets of conversation similar to text format, such that you can scroll through this book in probably less than an hour. The things customers say are sometimes surreal, sometimes silly, and mostly just plain stupid. This mostly reminded me how glad I was that I don’t work in retail. ...more
150 years after plague and war had devastated the world, a group of survivors in a despotic community escape, hoping for a better future in what was o150 years after plague and war had devastated the world, a group of survivors in a despotic community escape, hoping for a better future in what was once Oregon.
This was fantastic. The author did a brilliant job of describing the post-apocalyptic landscape, both in the barren world of Sanctuary and the world outside its gates. I really felt I was living and breathing in that world. The characters are also complex and interesting. Each one feels as though he or she is the ‘star’ of their own story. I also like the author’s play on mutations in this world and what it means going forward.
If I had one complaint, it would be that a few times the action jumps ahead in time and the author just fills in what happened with a few sentences, and sometimes they are quite pivotal moments. I wonder if he or his publishers felt the book was getting too long? I wish there’d been a way to supply those scenes because I really felt like I was missing out.
The book itself has a satisfying conclusion but the ending definitely lends itself to a sequel. Unfortunately I don’t see one published, but a girl can hope. ...more
A traumatized woman takes refuge in her home, having panic attacks whenever she tries to leave.
This was certainly a page-turner. Meredith works from hA traumatized woman takes refuge in her home, having panic attacks whenever she tries to leave.
This was certainly a page-turner. Meredith works from home and fills her days with baking, a self-help group, and jigsaws. She’s coping as best she can, and making the most of her days. But with the help of some new friends she slowly begins to test her boundaries in an attempt to get her full life back.
I thought the pace really worked here and helped the reader grow to like and understand Meredith. There was nothing surprising about her past trauma when it’s revealed, but the use of flashbacks throughout was effective. My only criticism would be that her friends group was simply TOO good. Everyone said and did the right thing, and in reality people are messy and awkward and put their foot in their mouth more often than not. Some variety would have been nice. ...more
The series ends with D’Arc infiltrating wolf territory in search of something stolen from her, and Mort(e) dealing with the psychological and physicalThe series ends with D’Arc infiltrating wolf territory in search of something stolen from her, and Mort(e) dealing with the psychological and physical effects of his communication with the Colony.
There are moments in the book that are so well written. The pacing when D’Arc is in the midst of a calamity and the wolves steal from her is teeth-clenchingly tense. All of the character beats are, IMO, pitch perfect. I think sometimes the plot points can just get a touch convoluted. It’s good world-building but overall I know that I at least am here for D’Arc and Mort(e)’s story, not the wolves or the bats or the beavers.
I’m just not sure what to think of the ending. To be honest, I’m confused. It feels awkward and a little bittersweet.
Merged review:
The series ends with D’Arc infiltrating wolf territory in search of something stolen from her, and Mort(e) dealing with the psychological and physical effects of his communication with the Colony.
There are moments in the book that are so well written. The pacing when D’Arc is in the midst of a calamity and the wolves steal from her is teeth-clenchingly tense. All of the character beats are, IMO, pitch perfect. I think sometimes the plot points can just get a touch convoluted. It’s good world-building but overall I know that I at least am here for D’Arc and Mort(e)’s story, not the wolves or the bats or the beavers.
I’m just not sure what to think of the ending. To be honest, I’m confused. It feels awkward and a little bittersweet....more
The star of a popular cable show falls for an overweight fan who writes fanfiction for his show.
Well. What to say? Again, this is one of those books tThe star of a popular cable show falls for an overweight fan who writes fanfiction for his show.
Well. What to say? Again, this is one of those books that I wanted to love. I hoped for a star-meets-fan version of Rainbow Rowell's "Fangirl". Instead, I had to keep reminding myself that the main characters were supposed to be in their mid to late 30s and not the 21-year-olds they sounded like. And honestly, I felt like I was hit over the head with a sledgehammer. Dialogue, themes, issues, characters – there is just no subtlety. Everything just felt so heavy. I have no idea why these two even liked each other, never mind fell madly in love. This was just such a slog to get through.
Ms. Dade got a lot of the technical fanfic stuff right – complete with the really annoying tags on A03 that some people use (you know the ones, they make me want to pull my hair out, just like this) – but so much is wrong. No new writer gets 100 comments and 400 kudos in a day or two. I could go on. Ugh....more
In the first book of a series, a ragtag group of criminals who have formed a family (yes, my favourite “found family” trope) try to overthrow their tyIn the first book of a series, a ragtag group of criminals who have formed a family (yes, my favourite “found family” trope) try to overthrow their tyrannical ruler.
Great well-drawn characters, with a strong and capable young heroine. It’s obvious that the author had a very clear vision for his world. There’s a detailed history and the magical system has clear rules, but I must admit I found that sometimes he dwelled on the way things worked a little too much. I think there could have been some editing there.
The plot was fun and action-packed, and there were a couple of big surprises. The book also has a strong ending, so if a reader chose not to continue it’s still a satisfying conclusion, while still leaving some open questions and mysteries yet to explore. I’ll definitely be continuing on. ...more
Flashing back to the past with this horror thriller published in 1988. It reminded me of how much writing has changed in the last 30+ years. This one Flashing back to the past with this horror thriller published in 1988. It reminded me of how much writing has changed in the last 30+ years. This one has the slow build of its time, setting up the large cast of characters and the locale, a small town simmering with racism and tension. Into it drops an alien, quickly chased by another alien who encases the town in a forcefield and sets about killing and mutating anyone in its path.
There’s some gruesome deaths, multiple POVs of our cast trying to escape or outmaneuver the monster, retribution for some and redemption for others, all leading to a showdown on board the alien ship. Loads of pulpy fun. ...more
The zombie uprising was more of a whimper than a bang, which is a pretty common theme in the new generation of zombie fiction. I much prefer my zombieThe zombie uprising was more of a whimper than a bang, which is a pretty common theme in the new generation of zombie fiction. I much prefer my zombies tearing up the countryside, so I found this novella very slow-moving (heh). The author tries to inject some humour that mostly falls flat. It doesn’t help that probably 80% of the novel is the MC musing to himself, and his thoughts just aren’t that interesting. ...more
I was so excited for the latest installment of the Chet & Bernie Mysteries – CHET, HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU – but unfortunately this one was, as much as I was so excited for the latest installment of the Chet & Bernie Mysteries – CHET, HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU – but unfortunately this one was, as much as I hate to say it, a disappointment.
Chet is his adorable self, of course. His observations made me laugh out loud on a couple of occasions, and his love and adoration of All Things Bernie makes my heart melt.
Unfortunately, I felt like Chet was the only thing that really worked. Bernie was a bit too philosophical, briefly reverted back to Suzie-era Bernie, and wasn’t very relatable. Something happens with Weatherley and her job that Bernie gets involved in that felt very out of character, and I hated the way the author dealt with the aftermath.
Granted, having every event filtered through Chet’s perspective is a special challenge for these books. Sometimes it’s successful, but this time it just was not. Not only did the relationship drama feel unresolved, but so did some outside factors like the issue with the new DA – I have no idea what Mr. Quinn was going for there. And the mystery itself didn’t come together for me either. I admit I’m not entirely sure how everything fit together in the end.
Wisecracking defense attorney Andy Carpenter is supposed to be retired, but he takes on a new case when a childhood friend of his accountant is accuseWisecracking defense attorney Andy Carpenter is supposed to be retired, but he takes on a new case when a childhood friend of his accountant is accused of murdering her millionaire husband.
Andy reminds me a lot of John McClane mixed with ‘40s gumshoe – a sort of everyman with a dry sense of humour and a dose of sarcasm. It was also refreshing to just see a cast of mature, sensible characters who are all competent in their own right. AND Andy also runs a dog rescue so there’s a little bit of that too, which made me very happy.
The mystery is great, bouncing back and forth between Andy and the team's investigations and the bad guys’ movements across multiple states. It all comes together in the end for a satisfying conclusion.
I picked this up for a prompt to read a #11 in a series, and wanted something that I could ease into at that point without being confused. This ended up being a great choice, and now I want to go back to the beginning and read all of the books in the series… ALL 30 OF THEM! Ay-yi-yi. ...more
When seamstress Josie runs into successful podcaster Alix at a pub and realizes they have the same birthday, she becomes obsessed and conceives of a wWhen seamstress Josie runs into successful podcaster Alix at a pub and realizes they have the same birthday, she becomes obsessed and conceives of a way for the two to work together. As Josie begins to tell the story of her life, the truth and the lies twist around Alix and her family.
I loved this! Jewell may be a bit of an overwrought storyteller, but her tales are sooooo addictive and compelling. An unreliable narrator is always a thin line to walk as a writer, I think, because the story has to be believable from the outside perspective of the reader and to the inside-the-story point of view of the teller of the tale. Ms. Jewell really knocks this out of the park. There are many twisty turns to keep the reader guessing and even at the end there are hints that maybe the whole truth hasn’t been revealed.
I also enjoyed that it wasn’t just Josie who is unreliable here. We all have our little secrets, and Alix is not as put-together as she appears, nor is her seemingly perfect life as magazine-ready as it appears.
The carnivorous spiders have suddenly died off, leaving millions dead and many (many) egg sacs behind. It’s not over yet, folks.
Once again, I really eThe carnivorous spiders have suddenly died off, leaving millions dead and many (many) egg sacs behind. It’s not over yet, folks.
Once again, I really enjoyed this one. We follow the same groups from the first book as well as some new additions – I particularly liked one gentleman, stuck behind the lines, so to speak, of the spider invasion, and the beginning of his plan to hold them off. Everyone’s story is beginning to connect in some way, from groups trying to come up with plans to kill the spiders to those just trying to survive. I’m eager to see how the whole thing ends. ...more
Swarms of carnivorous spiders are on the move in this old-style thriller.
I really loved this. It’s old-school in the sense that the POV bounces arounSwarms of carnivorous spiders are on the move in this old-style thriller.
I really loved this. It’s old-school in the sense that the POV bounces around to how the initial swarms are affecting people all around the world. This might mean that a POV character dies in that chapter, but they all have fleshed out lives in the small amount of time we know them. The core characters include members of the White House, a spider expert, some survivalists, some Marines, and a couple on a remote Scottish island. All the characters have something interesting to add to the plot.
This is the first book of a trilogy so hold on to your hats. ...more
January, a perpetual romantic, finds it hard to churn out her next novel when she sours on romance. When her new neighbour turns out to be an old schoJanuary, a perpetual romantic, finds it hard to churn out her next novel when she sours on romance. When her new neighbour turns out to be an old school rival who writes literary fiction, they decide to switch genres as a way to challenge themselves.
I expected a non-mystery version of a cozy mystery, a light fluffy read with essentially one-dimensional characters. What I got was a surprisingly funny and much ‘deeper’ story than I expected, about the masks that we wear both in public and to ourselves, and the need to be true to who we are. The humour especially felt very natural and relaxed, as did the character progression. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely seek out more from this author. ...more
Phoebe is in the middle of working on her dissertation on true crime books when she returns to Florida to clean out her childhood home after the deathPhoebe is in the middle of working on her dissertation on true crime books when she returns to Florida to clean out her childhood home after the death of her father. She’s startled by a neighbour, whom she immediately threatens with mace (as one does), and thus begins her relationship with Sam and the start of Phoebe coming to terms with her troubled childhood.
Phoebe starts out as prickly and aggressive, but the more I came to know her the more I loved her. I think this was partially because she was never completely over the top: she’s awkward and semi-aggressive with those she doesn’t know, but none of this comes through with her brother, who’s her exact opposite, even-tempered and positive. I could relate to Phoebe, and I was cheering her on in her two steps forward, one step backward progression. And her fascination with the relationship of true crime writers to their subjects was equally interesting. I’m glad I found this little gem. ...more
The sequel to Contagion is a big disappointment. The first book featured a tense atmosphere and a race against the clock as the crew tried to survive The sequel to Contagion is a big disappointment. The first book featured a tense atmosphere and a race against the clock as the crew tried to survive the infecteds and flee the planet, with the added bonus of some undead to boot. This one tries to imitate that claustrophobic tone by trapping the survivors in a research facility where they are poked and prodded, but the actions are rote and the villains ridiculous. Adding in another teen who also just happens to be an intern who’s placed in charge of one of the survivors also stretched the limits of credulity. I was bored.
Merged review:
The sequel to Contagion is a big disappointment. The first book featured a tense atmosphere and a race against the clock as the crew tried to survive the infecteds and flee the planet, with the added bonus of some undead to boot. This one tries to imitate that claustrophobic tone by trapping the survivors in a research facility where they are poked and prodded, but the actions are rote and the villains ridiculous. Adding in another teen who also just happens to be an intern who’s placed in charge of one of the survivors also stretched the limits of credulity. I was bored....more
Another adorable entry in the “Shady Hollow” series. I’m simply enamored of squirrels who run charming little inns and chipmunk high school students aAnother adorable entry in the “Shady Hollow” series. I’m simply enamored of squirrels who run charming little inns and chipmunk high school students and of course, intrepid newshound… er, newsfox Vera Vixen, rooting out yet another murderer.
The action this time switches to nearby Summerhill, where Vera is one of the chaperones for kids on a summer trip to an archaeological dig… which is soon ruined (get it) by murder. This one has probably the best mystery yet, as there’s a plethora of new characters to suspect. But as always, the joy is in picturing Vera putting on her straw hat before heading out; or imagining a raven dipping into the cafe and somehow returning with 3 cups of coffee and a plate of muffins; and just watching all the creatures of the forest interact as a big family. I love this series! *happy sigh*
I only picked this up for a prompt in a challenge – do you have any idea how hard it is to find a readily available book with a flowerpot on the coverI only picked this up for a prompt in a challenge – do you have any idea how hard it is to find a readily available book with a flowerpot on the cover?
Anyway, the idea behind this is good: pet accessories store owner Darwin gets psychic flashes from animals, which she uses to solve the murder of a homeless man she befriended. But everything is so clunky, from the hints of her family magical background, the instalove with the local cop, and especially the interactions with the homeless community, which actively made me cringe. I mean, I know it’s a cozy mystery, but maybe make *some* effort at realism here.
It did gain an extra star by at least offering a pretty wide array of suspects for the murder, and while I figured quite a few things out, the actual murderer was a surprise to me. ...more
Loading...
