Listen for the Lie
by Amy Tintera
Summary:
Years ago, Lucy lost her best friend. More accurately – her best friend was brutally murdered, while Lucy was found lost, alone, and covered in blood. She has no memory of that night. So, she can't really defend herself against all the people who believe she did it.
So Lucy just tried to move on and get away from her past. Naturally, her past wasn't content to let it all lie. Especially when a new podcast, Listen for the Lie, is doing to delve into this murder with the hopes of finally solving it.
Review:
Okay, it's official. I love the podcast/murder mystery trope, which is admittedly a bit funny since I don't listen to true crime podcasts. Apparently, I don't mind the concept as long as it's fully rooted in fiction. Anyway, Listen for the Lie was a blast to read.
Right off the bat, it's made clear that Lucy doesn't know whether or not she killed her best friend. So we don't know what the truth will reveal. Will it be her innocence? Or her condemnation? It's a different twist on the unreliable narrator.
Likewise, Listen for the Lie is split into two points of time: the present (obviously) and the past as Lucy remembers it. We can't entirely trust these memories since they resurface thanks to external stimuli, but that makes them all the more interesting.
Listen for the Lie is a solid read. I wouldn't mind seeing this turn into a series. Perhaps following Ben Owens on different seasons of his podcast?
Highlights:
Murder/Mystery
Podcast Elements
Hunting for the Truth
Loss of Memory
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Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead
by Jenny Hollander
Book Summary:
Nine years ago, Charlie Colbert experienced the biggest trauma of her life. The thing is, she doesn't remember any of it. However, the press has always been eager to hear her side of the story because she was a witness.
Despite this, Charlie worked hard to overcome and escape this tragic moment in her life. But as the ten-year mark approaches, history keeps creeping on her. Worse, it looks like a movie will be made about the horrible event, which will stir the press up all over again.
My Review:
I'll admit it – I picked up Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead because the title sounded SO compelling. I also loved the cover, so that was a nice bonus. That said, I must admit that I felt the title was a bit misleading.
For one thing, Charlie doesn't ever seem to actually be seeking forgiveness. Sure, she's torn up about not remembering and then torn up again when she remembers what happened, but does she seek forgiveness? Eh, no. Instead, she fears what the rest of the world will think.
So that was disappointing. The mystery was interesting, though I didn't like most of the surviving characters (Charlie included). I can't say more on that subject without spoiling a bit of the ending, so I'll move on.
Overall, I would have to say that Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead is a unique read. I don't regret reading it at all, but I do kind of wish that it had lived up to the premise the title promised.
Highlights:
Mystery/Thriller
Unreliable Narrator
Hidden Past
Dark Tragedy
Trigger Warnings:
Trauma
Press/Stalking
Major Tragedy
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Whisper Of The Woods
by Ennun Ana Iurov
Summary:
Local legends have a way of lingering. Yet sometimes, those legends, which feel blown out of proportion, have a nugget of truth in them. Sometimes, when the elders tell you to stay away from the haunted forest – you should listen.
Adam's friend has gone missing. So, in a desperate move, Adam follows the trail all the way to a supernatural forest in Romania. Maybe he should have listened to the locals, but then we wouldn't have this story, now would we?
Review:
If you're a fan of folklore, retellings, and graphic novel formatting for horror stories, you'll love Whisper of the Woods. It's chilling and compelling in equal measure, which is a unique art style. By the end, you'll wish there was more.
I feel a bit conflicted about Whisper of the Woods. On the one hand, I loved so much of it. On the other, I do wish there was a bit more. A little more length would have helped to flesh out the story and the world.
Likewise, I feel like I should note something – there are Romanian lines that haven't been translated. Now, this might be due to the fact that I read a review copy, so take that comment with a grain of sand.
The dark and atmospheric art style makes it the perfect match for the story. Speaking of – be prepared to get scared. No, really, this book is chilling in all the right ways.
Highlights:
Horror Graphic Novel
Missing Friend
Supernatural Forest
Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Cull Volume 1
by Kelly Thompson
Summary:
How far will one girl go to find her missing brother? As it turns out, to the end of the world – and straight into the next. It all starts with a simple lie. She wants to film a movie on the beach with her friends. But quickly, everything changes.
Review:
Wow. I wish I could leave my review at "wow" because that accurately sums up how I felt upon finishing The Cull Vol. 1. This book is A LOT, but in the best ways possible. It's dark, emotional, tense, and fascinating, all in one.
There are five characters in total, and right away, we get a glimpse into their lives. In a few short panels, we learn the broad strokes of each teen. Then, the adventure begins. I'll admit that I wish we had a bit more time to learn their history, but that did develop along the way.
As for the adventure, well, that was something else. Picture Paper Girls but with a Saga-esque surreal vibe. That'sThat's how this story goes. And yes, that should tell you something about the level of danger and action that occurs.
I am so relieved that The Cull Vol. 1 is only the first volume in this adventure. Could it have ended here? Well...technically? But I would much (MUCH) rather see how the rest of this story will play out.
Highlights:
Written by Kelly Thompson
Sci-Fi Horror
Body Horror
Strange Lands
Trigger Warnings
Self Harm
Abuse
Missing Child
Violence/Death
Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Fermented Vegetables
by Kristen Shockey and Christopher Shockey
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Fermented Vegetables, 10th Anniversary Edition is an updated and reformatted 2nd edition of the classic volume by Kirsten & Christopher Shockey. Released 16th April 2024 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's an encyclopedic 440 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a truly encyclopedic volume. Everything from arugula to zucchini is covered. The authors have included a deep dive into microbes and fermentation which can be pored over -or- skipped straight to the recipes (and they are legion). The layout is logical and easy to use. Information is arranged with page numbers by type of vegetable in the frontspiece, as well as by thematic chapter: introduction (brines, tools, etc), basics (kraut, condiments, tsukemono, pickles, and kimchi), an A to Z listing of vegetables to pickle and ferment, and sample meal ideas to use the ferments (including breakfast to dessert (!! yes, really)).
The volume is beautifully photographed throughout and the photos are clear and easy to understand. Recipe ingredients are mostly relatively easy to source at any well stocked grocery store in North America. The recipes are written with an introduction and description, ingredients in a bullet list, and followed by step-by-step preparation instructions. Measurements are given in imperial (American) units, with metric units in parentheses (yay!).
This is an encyclopedia and reference and belongs on every kitchen shelf. It's also a very *useful* volume full of delicious healthy recipes.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library, homesteader/smallholder, home cook, as well as for gift giving. It's a definitive reference classic.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Feline Fatale
by Rita Mae Brown
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Feline Fatale is the 32nd book in the Mrs. Murphy mystery series by Rita Mae Brown (& Sneaky Pie Brown). Released 16th April 2024 by Random House on the Bantam imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is another one of those anthropomorphic animal cozy mystery series which is like a visit with an old friend. It's a perennial, long running series (since 1990), and always like a beloved sweater; comfortable and warm. Happily the series quality has always been good, and unlike most decades long series, it's never felt "phoned in" or stale. There certainly is a soothing quality to the plotting and the returning characters; it's safe and escapist reading, something that is therapeutic and necessary given the current state of the world. This one sees the animal and human crew delving into politics to solve the death of a page/assistant to the state delegates.
The language is clean, the murders are bloodless, the denouement and resolution are satisfying and well done. Everything that readers could want from a cozy mystery. Yes, it's a known quantity, and that is a positive benefit.
The monochrome illustrations by Michael Gellatly give a sweetly nostalgic feel to the book. This is the same artist who illustrated earlier books in the series.
Four stars, I love Ms. Brown's work, and her ability to combine deep social commentary with humor and wit is always a joy to read. For readers who are new to the series, nearly all of them work very well as standalone reads, with the codicil that the characters develop over the series and their relationships change, so there may be spoilers if read out of order.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Learn to Draw Morgana and Oz
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Art of Morgana and Oz is a tutorial technique guide for drawing the characters from the very popular webcomic in their familiar style. Released 9th April 2024 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 96 pages and is available in paperback format.
The layout has a fresh and unusual (for Walter Foster) format. It's set up very much like a webcomic, with breakaway panels and a comics layout and flow. An beginning chapter introducing the characters in colored panels is followed by a surprisingly thorough step-by-step tutorial section. There's also a QR code which links to online content/the latest episode of the webtoon.
The author/publisher have included colored full page panels with the hexadecimal values for the shades used in the pictures to help with color selection. The tutorials are moderately advanced, but do-able for a determined beginner, and will give artists enough accomplishment to keep going, which is the most important part.
This is a beginner to advanced booklet but full of good technique for anime style art/cartooning and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists who are interested in the style. The pages (and there are many) dealing with positioning, emotional expressions, and facial features are especially detailed and useful (not just for drawing these particular characters).
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, activity/makers' groups libraries, home studio, or gift giving, maybe with a sketch pad and markers/pens.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Poison Pen
by Paige Shelton
When I read the blurb for The Poison Pen and saw that a) it was a mystery and b) it was set in Scotland, I knew I needed to read it. I have a love of all things Scottish. That figured into my acceptance of St. Martin’s Press’s widget, and I am glad I did. I enjoyed reading this book.
The Poison Pen is the ninth book in the A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. Technically, it could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first eight books before this one. Some references to previous storylines and characters confused me, but those references are also explained.
The main storyline in The Poison Pen follows Delaney as she recovers what could be a Crusader sword from the estate of an eccentric heiress and attempts to solve the murder of a young man. Several more minor storylines supplement the main storyline. I found all the storylines to be engaging. They didn’t lose my interest and kept me reading the book.
The primary storyline centers around Delaney, the sword, and the young man’s murder. The author has an interesting way of writing this storyline. The suspect and motive were identified right away. However, the author holds back on some details and introduces a secondary suspect and motive towards the end of the book. I liked Delaney’s investigation and was fascinated by her job.
As I mentioned above, there were several secondary storylines. A good portion of them fleshed out the main storyline. But the storyline with Jolie and her claims was very interesting. I liked how the author wove Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson into that storyline. What I enjoyed most was that the author intentionally left it unanswered.
The mystery in The Poison Pen is two-pronged. It separated into the mystery of the Crusader sword and the mystery of the young man’s murder. I couldn’t figure out how or why they were related until Delaney cracked the sword mystery. Then, everything came into place for the young man’s murder. Who was behind everything didn’t surprise me; I felt that person was involved. The reasons also didn’t surprise me- greed makes people do stupid things. But it was the secondary person involved and their reason that surprised me. I should have seen that twist coming, but I didn’t.
Hoarding and the reasons behind it are showcased in this book. Jolie’s situation was not as extreme as cases that I have heard about (she didn’t hoard food/urine/trash); it was still pretty bad. I did feel that Jolie’s recovery was a little fast, but then again, if I had people in and out of my house (and it looked like hers), I would have started cleaning too. Thankfully, Jolie seems to have a sound support system with her staff (who genuinely care for her). I am interested in seeing if she will appear in upcoming books.
The end of The Poison Pen was interesting. The author wrapped up the main storyline in a way that I liked. She also left me wondering if there will be a book 10.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, NetGalley, and Paige Shelton for allowing me to read and review this ARC of The Poison Pen. All opinions stated in this book are mine.
Death Pact
by Matt Hilton
Gruesome Crime Horror/ Thriller Starts With A Bang. Seriously, the start of this book feels like Hilton read Jeff Guinn's Waco, because it truly feels like Hilton took Guinn's hyper realistic descriptions of what actually went down there to scaffold his own fictional version.
Which is actually a *phenomenal* way to begin this particular tale.
The rest of the tale then flashes forward a bit and crosses the "pond", becoming a UK based police/ crime tale featuring some particularly horrific murders that fans of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter trilogy or Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Pendergast series will absolutely enjoy. The pacing of the investigation is solid, and the way the various characters meld together is done quite well.
Surprises late are well executed, and by the end you're going to be questioning if this is meant to be a series starter afterall...
Overall truly a great crime story excellently told, and a solid change of pace from Hilton's Grey and Villere thrillers in particular in that while the action is equally intense, the criminals here feel so much more decidedly dark and truly evil. Very much recommended.
Making Fairy Garden Accessories
by Anna-Marie Fahmy and Andrew Fahmy
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Making Fairy Garden Accessories is a well written and appealing tutorial guide to creating whimsical fairy garden pieces written by Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy. Released 19th March 2024 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
Well written tutorials with step by step instructions and lots of clear color photos. The general vibe is very whimsical, fun, and full of nature-themed small pieces which will have all the local fairies clamoring to move in.
The introduction covers tools, materials, and techniques as well as some style advice. The tutorial chapters are further divided thematically into: doors, houses, furniture, and accessories. Each of the tutorials tools and materials in a bullet list (measurements are given in imperial (American) units with metric in parentheses) followed by step by step clear instructions. Every tutorial contains multiple clear color photos of the finished projects along with some process shots.
The authors have included tips and tricks for customization and construction in highlighted text boxes throughout the book.There's also a color photo gallery for inspiration included as well (the projects in the gallery are not in the book, they're just for ideas and inspiration).
The project tutorials are written in a manner which doesn't require template use, so templates are not included in the volume.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' groups, activity/scouting groups, home use, and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Curse For True Love
by Stephanie Garber
Normally if it takes me a month to read a book, it's because I don't like it very much. In this case, life happened and also I wasn't quite ready for the story to end.
Like The Ballad of Never After, there isn't much plot to this book. There's a decent about of tension and wandering and just enough repetitive internal monologue to be mildly annoying. But, like Garber's other books, what plot there is twists and almost surprises. It's the twists I think I like the most. The unexpected way the ending isn't really the ending; how the goal they were aiming for isn't what the really want after all.
There is one glaring unanswered question. The story hints that she survived Jack's kiss because they love each other. But it never really explains she survives. ALSO what happened with that last kiss on her wrist. Like so much happens you sort of forget about it by the end. But once I finished the book and started thinking about it, she reminds the reader of that lingering kiss several times then…stops. Then Evangeline kisses him with kind of no explanation when it would have been SO EASY to tie that last kiss to surviving his kiss. If feels like a huge missed opportunity. Though I guess in an almost fairy tale, true love should be enough.
My only other criticism would be that she could have done more with the secondary characters. Chaos and Lala were so richly drawn with their own stories that it felt like their story was unfinished because we only see the parts that serve Jacks and Evangeline.
Garber's world is wonderfully imaginative. Her writing is eloquent. And best of all her characters are fantastic and interesting and wholly make the books worth reading and rereading.
His Unburned Heart
by David Sandner
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
I love David Sandners writing style in this and I enjoyed this story. That being said, I feel like the second part with the snippets was unnecessary and I think we could have touched upon what happened with Byron and Allegra a bit more. Had that happened this book would have been 5 stars, and had those snippets not been added this would be 4 stars.
Strong 3.75
Once Upon a Murder
by Samantha Larsen
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Once Upon a Murder is the second book in the Lady Librarian historical cozy mystery series by Samantha Larsen. Released 20th Feb 2024 by Crooked Lane, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a charming historical cozy with an appealing protagonist who employs creative and intelligent solutions to counteract some of the harsher realities of Regency history (women often lived lives of tenuous and terrifying insecurity). She's smart and generally honest and clever as well, and easy to relate to. Although she's sworn off murder and investigation after the last time, she's now stumbled over the frozen body of a former footman of the estate of her patroness and employer, The Duchess of Beaufort, and must use her abilities and intelligence to clear her name and her love interest Samir.
The book is well written and the author has a firm grasp on the nuts and bolts of plot, setting, and characterization. It's a light cozy with a strong romance subplot and a surprising amount of effective humor. It's a bookish book, and there are book titles and period book/library trivia and title-dropping throughout.
Happily, the author mostly ignores the more rigid realities of race, parentage, and class which would have precluded many of the interactions and relationships in the book.
Four stars. This would make an appealing short binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Lola Meets the Bees
by Anna McQuinn
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Lola Meets the Bees is an adorable and information packed picture book for the youngest readers by Anna McQuinn. Released 9th April 2024 by Charlesbridge, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover format.
Little Lola goes with her mom to visit a family friend who has beehives. Lola is fascinated to learn about bees and how they gather nectar and pollen. The whole adventure is illustrated very well by Rosalind Beardshaw. The pictures are colorful and detailed and show the life-cycle of the bees and a simplified explanation of what beekeepers do and how they help the bees.
The text is written in simple and understandable free verse and will be understood by even very young kids. Lexile measure is AD560L (2-5 years).
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, reading circles, or bedtime reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The First Bright Thing
by J R Dawson
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The First Bright Thing is an alt-time fantasy full of found family and good vs. evil, imagined and written by J.R. Dawson. Released 13th June 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out June 11th 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Based around a traveling circus setting, the performers are all magical savants with different talents. The circus is a haven for a collection of special folks; they're a steely resolute band of psychics, mutants, and savants, who collect people like them, and help change the lives of people at crossroads who need guidance.
Their forces for good are hampered at every turn by darker forces who want to (literally) own them and control them for their own malign purposes. There is a sense of creeping dread throughout with foreshadowing of an ultimate good vs. evil Armageddon type war coming in the future.
It's very well written and engaging with three dimensional characters. It's not at all derivative in plot or characters, but readers who enjoyed The Night Circus and Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore will likely enjoy this one as well.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for fans of alt-history fantasy, timeslip, and queer-friendly found family books.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reborn
by Abraham Rodriguez
The photographs included are quite nice and go with the poems. While I think the author has been through a terrible experience, as poetry this doesn’t entirely work for me, and he, once again, sounds like every other modern poet.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
Otis and Peanut Forever and Ever
by Naseem Hrab
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever is the second outing for the best friends (a guinea pig and a naked mole rat) by Naseem Hrab. Due out 16th April 2024 from Owlkids Books, it's 80 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a sweetly appealing, poignant, and sensitively written early chapter book (three stories) about friendship with themes of loss, remembering, holding on to memories, and making new ones. The stories are gentle and can be read without particular emphasis on the loss of Peanut's sister Pearl (it's never explicitly stated in this book). The friends remember Pearl by making (and eventually eating) Pearl's favorite cake recipe, learning to make the jam she always made, and when Peanut plants a garden with seeds she left for him.
They also go on some adventures and make new memories together. The art by Kelly Collier is simple and fun with lots of small details which invite readers to take a closer look. The illustrations are in color throughout the book.
Four and a half stars. Surprisingly deep, but never maudlin. Although one of the themes is the loss of Peanut's sibling, it's never directly stated in this book and could be glossed over if reading in a group. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for home library, or gift purposes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Kids' Sewing Workshop
by Karine Thiboult-Demessence
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Kids' Sewing Workshop is a tutorial and technique guide by Karine Thiboult-Demessence. Released 5th March 2024 by Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint, it's 96 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is an accessible and fun book aimed at tweens/beginning sewists filled with cool tutorial projects. There are 26 projects in the book, including personal clothing items, crafts pieces like a change purse, and soft furnishings.
The projects are attractive and fun, but some will either need an advanced beginner who has some experience with the techniques or access to a teacher/guide/facilitator.
The photography throughout is clear and high quality.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, makers/activity groups, scouting, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.