“It was just a matter of following the logic of the situation through.”
Judith, Suzie and Becks are back on the case in this 4th installment of the Mar“It was just a matter of following the logic of the situation through.”
Judith, Suzie and Becks are back on the case in this 4th installment of the Marlow Murder Club mystery series. Was their involvement mere coincidence—or were they drawn into the mystery by design?
It starts off ‘innocently’ enough when Verity knocks on Judith’s door seeking her help. According to Verity, her husband Oliver hadn’t returned with her from their river cruise the night before. When Oliver’s body is discovered, it becomes clear that there is more to his original disappearance than meets the eye. And, it certainly appears to be no accidental death.
So, what really happened on the Marlow Belle boat cruise? When the three women embark on a bit of friendly sleuthing, what secrets and curious clues will they stumble upon that just might support and shift the course of Detective Inspector Tanika Malik’s investigation?
The author known for creating, writing and executive producing television series like, “Death in Paradise,” “Beyond Paradise,” and the television adaptation of this series, has also written a cozy mystery BBC TV series called “Return to Paradise – Australia” that is now in its second season. Known for its quirky characters, Thorogood always has a way of inventing characters that you want to like, follow, and wonder what their investigative skills will bring to the story. And, then of course, how the case will eventually be resolved. Is it as we expect it, or does something surprise us as readers/viewers that brings everything to a satisfying end?
Such is the case with this series. The women are likable, and fearless. We are intrigued by their curiosity and strong interest in finding resolution. Which makes this story so readable. And, when we think we know everything, there is always something more to pull readers in. It becomes that amazing twist, that keeps readers fascinated and quickly turning pages to that final compelling conclusion.
But is the story over?
Maybe this one.
But the author has more in mind for his faithful readers. And it happens at the end. A cliffhanger. A long arc first introduced in book 1 that needs resolution. Will readers finally get the truth?
Anyone who’s been with me for a while knows I’m not exactly a cliffhanger enthusiast. But this one surprised me—it fit Judith’s character perfectly and even had me eager to see what happens next. Still, that lingering ‘wait, that’s it?’ feeling isn’t my favorite, so I did bump the rating down for this book, a tad. Sorry. ...more
Let’s make one thing clear upfront. As other reviewers have said before me, Bosch does not make an entrance anywhere within this novel.
This book was Let’s make one thing clear upfront. As other reviewers have said before me, Bosch does not make an entrance anywhere within this novel.
This book was first published on December 7, 1999 as a stand-alone. And, it features a character named Cassie Black, who also made a small appearance in “The Narrows” (2004).
For the most part, Cassie is our main protagonist, thus making this mostly her story. And, our opportunity as readers to experience Connelly, in his early years, when he created other random characters that could take center stage in his books.
The question is…did it work for this one?
Let’s begin with understanding the title of this book, ‘void moon.’ According to the story, a void moon ‘describes the time after the moon makes its last major aspect in its current sign (astrological), before entering the next one.’
Considering our main character Cassie’s state of transition in life, this becomes a fitting description for how things flow for her. Readers can sense a bit of mystery about Cassie’s character, someone who is trying to start over, but at the same time protect ‘something’ that is very important to her.
What happens when both are threatened?
It soon becomes clear to readers as to what Cassie’s motivations become and why, which puts her directly in the line of fire for trouble. Readers also sense that Cassie shares her role as protagonist with Las Vegas – the landscape, the reputation, and all that happens there.
How will this affect the reading experience?
The story starts off hot, readable, and exciting – making it in the beginning, a quick page turner. It is easy to find Cassie as a sympathetic character with a big heart. But as the story flew into a new gear, it lost a bit of its momentum. The question being, will readers enjoy the chase, or be annoyed by its predictability or unexpected plot twists that seem somewhat cliché?
For those who are interested in trying one of Connelly’s ‘unknown’ characters, this might be a nice break from Bosch. Or, a desire to get back to Bosch even more.
Who ever thought one of my favorite series would get a prequel?
For those familiar with Andy Carpenter, we now know him as a wealthy defense attorney Who ever thought one of my favorite series would get a prequel?
For those familiar with Andy Carpenter, we now know him as a wealthy defense attorney who only takes cases he wants. Because he would rather be enjoying his time with his wife and dogs; and, supporting the Tara Foundation, a shelter he established, for dogs needing a forever home.
In this prequel, Rosenfelt takes us to when Carpenter began as a defense attorney, and first met and adopted, Tara, his long-time golden retriever, from a local shelter.
“Today is a big day for me…I’m going to get a dog.”
“I have never met this dog but I’ve known her my entire life. That’s how instant and powerful the connection is.”
For anyone who loves having a pet, that moment of meeting makes all the difference, doesn’t it? ...more
This author is not your typical contemporary author. She writes outside of the box. She challenges readers to look at the world differently and maybe This author is not your typical contemporary author. She writes outside of the box. She challenges readers to look at the world differently and maybe just imagine that anything can happen because magic makes it possible. If you haven’t read her yet, consider her previous book, “Oona Out of Order.” Review below, if interested.
This story is told through varying formats. Flashbacks. Podcast transcripts. Emails. Letters. Interviews. Newspaper articles. And, a narration by Sasha, the sister of Violet.
And, for all those characters who write, speak or reflect within this story, there is an underlying question throughout – what happened to Violet? The next question being, will readers ever know what happened to Violet by the end of the book? (No spoilers from me.)
Quick read with a bit of mystery, and family drama and an unfortunate abrupt and ambiguous ending.
In my haste to give up on reading too many different mystery series, I forgot that I like this one, too. This book series, features DCI Karen Pirie whIn my haste to give up on reading too many different mystery series, I forgot that I like this one, too. This book series, features DCI Karen Pirie who works in the Scottish Highlands. Who could resist reading a story based in an area with such scenic beauty?
Also, I love how real the characters feel. Especially when they say certain things that are relatable. Like when Detective Chief Inspector Niven is reflecting on how things have changed with him since Covid.
Setting…
He is at the scene of the crime, and he is reflecting how much it reminds him of the last film he saw in a movie theater since the pandemic. His thoughts reveal…
“These days, he’d lost the desire to sit in a confined space with a lot of strangers at close quarters.”
I can totally appreciate that feeling. Thank goodness for television streaming which brings the movie directly to us in our own comfy, cozy homes. Which leads readers eventually to…
“A TV series, that’s a different kind of justice.”
Speaking of which, what happens to the concept and reality of achieving justice with cold cases?
DCI Karen Pirie and her team are handed a couple of cold cases. One came at them via a highway mudslide and bones discovered. Who was this person and how did they end up there?
Another cold case to be investigated occurred because a character wasn’t convinced his brother accidentally died. He felt there was something more sinister that occurred. Perhaps murder? Why? What new evidence surfaced that could lead to this conclusion?
In this fast-paced, page-turning police procedural, readers will be thrust into a steady momentum of action as the team tries to reconcile the limited evidence, to get to the truth.
Pirie is a sharp, strong woman character who despite whatever personal stresses may be going on, will stand up for her team and what she believes in to get at the truth. With a strong well-developed supporting cast of characters, readers get the sense of camaraderie and effective detection skills that will lead them towards answers.
So, what happens when Pirie’s team discover the truth? Will justice prevail? Will families get the closure they deserve for their loved ones? And, will the powerful be held accountable?
In this scenic atmospheric series, with realistic characters and complicated cold cases, readers will appreciate the work it took to confront the wrongs, even if the outcome is not expected.
Short chapters also helped, for what may have been considered an otherwise intimidating sizeable book of 432 pages. Could it have been shorter with less of the character’s personal life details? Probably. But it still delivered good action and sleuthing to keep readers engaged.
And, for those who are new to the series, the author does an appreciable job of catch-up, so that this could be read as a stand-alone, or at least remind regular series followers of what occurred last. Especially when it may have been a while since reading the last book in the series. Of course, if one is looking for a series to start, best to start from the beginning to get a full understanding of the characters history....more
This author first entered my life with his book, “Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore.” I offered up a very simple 5-star review of my experience wThis author first entered my life with his book, “Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore.” I offered up a very simple 5-star review of my experience which can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
I didn’t share anything about that story, because some stories are best when readers can just walk in to it blindly and experience it on their own.
In many ways, the author is taking us here again with this midnight story setting at a lake. What mystery will unravel itself?
Especially when Soap Lake is REAL and located in Washington state. Tripadvisor shares…
“The lake gets its name from the water’s soapy feel and foamy appearance, boasting the highest diversity of minerals of any lake in the world.”
Leading readers to wonder if perhaps this description was inspiration for the author’s story.
Readers may also ponder, what really happened here, and do I ever want to actually visit this place?
The story is somewhat compelling, disturbing and intriguing with a colorful cast of characters. The short chapters lend itself to an atmospheric mystery that builds tension and suspense. But was it enough to capture readers?...more
Would you believe that I hadn’t picked up a book to read or re-visit in several days? Instead, I spent my time walking, reflecting, enjoying my dogs aWould you believe that I hadn’t picked up a book to read or re-visit in several days? Instead, I spent my time walking, reflecting, enjoying my dogs and my sister’s visit. My sister will be here for a few weeks, but it has been really nice to spend this quality time with her. Since she lives in Idaho, this is a rare opportunity for us. Also, it has been wonderful appreciating the rain that finally came to our part of California these past few days.
And then, after those book-less days, I picked up this one.
How would I describe this story in one word?
Intense.
This is a complex and absorbing story of madness, love, and desperate acts with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a scenic backdrop. In Sullivan’s debut novel, she created a sense of Appalachian life, with its superstitions and beautifully described landscapes, along with some well-developed, life-like characters.
Especially with her lead protagonist, Annie, whose resilience shone through as she worked diligently to solve a supposedly unsolvable case.
Even if the book title doesn’t truly reflect the storyline, it still was edgy, dark, haunting, twisted, and a slow-burn with a skillful plot. And, in reference to the book title, if readers were looking for witches, they won’t find them here. Still, it is a character-driven mystery that will most likely appeal to those readers attracted to psychological thrillers....more
There are some mystery series that are fun to follow, just because. Either we grow to love the continuing characters, or value the storytelling of theThere are some mystery series that are fun to follow, just because. Either we grow to love the continuing characters, or value the storytelling of the author, or the creative premise. Which would leave readers with one specific question…
Where will the adventure take us in this book?
With the Thursday Murder Club (TMC) mystery series, readers follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. Elizabeth, an ex-spy and TMC club leader; Joyce, a former nurse; Ibrahim, a retired psychiatrist; and, Ron a former union activist all happen to live at the Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Which leads readers to the next question…
Who will ask for their help and what rabbit hole will they end up traversing to provide it?
For anyone who hasn’t read the series, it is always best to start at the beginning. But even after saying that, this can still be read as a stand-alone with its own mystery to solve. Still, when you start at the beginning of a series, you have a better sense of the characters and their journey from book to book.
Another way to ‘meet’ and enjoy these characters is through the recent Netflix movie just released this summer. “The Thursday Murder Club” Official Trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50DYg...
So, why am I reading this one, after recently making the decision to only follow a few mystery series? And, the fact that this particular series was eliminated from my ‘continued reading’ list that would have me choose to pursue it?
Well…what do you think happened to this Little Free Library (LFL) Steward? The book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. A sign I should reconsider? Or just an opportunity to read this particular book?
This is the 5th book in the series. It still carries the same wily wittiness we have come to expect of our characters, especially as they navigate their daily lives. Along with their commitment to amateur sleuthing when a ‘situation’ is before them.
Yet, it also includes a few more ‘family’ characters brought in to the story who play a stronger role in what happens throughout and with the TMC members. Which makes the heart of this story seemingly less about solving the crime, and more about the characters – where readers can revel in their quirkiness and relationships and reflections. Especially as it relates to aging.
And, with aging, this is where the author also does a good job of being realistic, by showcasing the common issues that befall one that is aging – including challenges of family dynamics, issues of grief or loss and friendship.
Still, we can’t ignore that this is also a twisted, cozy, engaging, fast-paced, intergenerational mystery that makes us readers question who to trust. Which leads me to…
That ending. Hmmm…what shall we make of that? ...more
Her older sister Natalie disappeared at age 18. It didn’t take long for Claire to escape her smothering “To make sure lost girls are never forgotten.”
Her older sister Natalie disappeared at age 18. It didn’t take long for Claire to escape her smothering feelings in her hometown and those memories and to find her way to being an investigative journalist elsewhere.
But when something happens that causes her to return to her town, she doesn’t realize she is heading back into the storm that took her sister.
What will Claire discover about her sisters’ disappearance? Was a just outcome ever reached in her sister’s case? Will her sister ever be found? Who can Claire trust as she asks questions and seeks answers? What secrets will be revealed? And, how close to home do some of these secrets lie?
“Forget-me-nots.” Planted in her memory. “…and then they spread, invasive under the right conditions. Irrepressible and wild, just as… ‘she’ had been.”
This is a scenic, yet twisty, slow-paced mystery which might appeal to most psychological thriller fans. It has adequate suspense and well-developed characters (especially the ‘creep’ factor) that will most likely keep readers turning pages as they too, seek answers.
I have mixed feelings about Emily Henry books. My reviews of her previous books should give readers all the reasons why. So, when this book came out, I have mixed feelings about Emily Henry books. My reviews of her previous books should give readers all the reasons why. So, when this book came out, I wasn’t racing to my local library to be on the waitlist. (As of today, even with 22 copies in the library system, 83 people are on the wait list.)
And, I told myself, that with 416 pages, this seemed like another good reason to avoid it. (I’m not a fan of large books, for the most part. Although, I have read my fair share of them.)
But when it was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, how could I ignore it? I didn’t, of course!
“She flashes a smile. It’s both dazzling and sad. Sazzling.”
Alice Scott is an enthusiastic journalist looking for an opportunity to be seen on a larger stage – with a published book. So, when the elusive Margaret Ives is considering writing her memoir, Alice ‘auditions’ to write her biography.
But there are two slight roadblocks to that possibility becoming a reality for Alice.
The first one is Hayden. A Pulitzer Prize winning author for another biography he wrote, who also happens to want this job, too.
And, the second one is Margaret who isn’t sure which writer she wants to pen her story.
Readers soon learn that Margaret wants to keep both writers around for a month, at her expense, and see what they both come up with in that month.
What will Margaret share with Alice and Hayden separately – and how will it translate into who she selects to write the final manuscript? And, what happens when Alice and Hayden question what she is sharing with each of them? Is there a bit of a mystery to unravel here?
Of course, that is just part of the story. Readers must also consider the characters themselves.
What could possibly happen in that month between bubbly, hopeful, buoyant Alice; and, brooding, cynical, overly confident, but quietly introspective, Hayden? Especially, when readers see them as two amazingly good-looking, albeit complicated adults?
This is also a scenic tale. Readers will no doubt feel and experience this small island in Georgia, as the characters do.
So, whose ‘great big beautiful life’ is it anyway? Is it really all about Margaret? Or the writers, Alice and Hayden who have come to learn more about her? And, unexpectedly find something else along the way? Or, could it possibly be something more?
This book maneuver’s away from Henry’s typical rom-com plotline.
Yes, we have that sense of we’ve been-here-before. Yes, there is a feeling of enemies-to-lovers trope. Yes, it is cozy with a sweet, small-town setting, and sometimes thoughtful, laughable moments within the dialogue.
And, of course, it includes the romance, we come to expect from Henry’s writing. But Henry also gives us some heart-warming familial subplots that traverse past trauma, parental death, and uneasy mother-daughter relationships.
And, if the romantic part may have readers feeling a bit of the ‘steamy’ tension between the past and present, as the writers collect background on Margaret’s storied romance, and consider their own attraction, that was probably meant to be part of our reading experience, too.
I am glad that this book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, so that I could take my time with it. In this way, I chose to experience the evolution of the characters, the multiple plot lines, and the unhurried storytelling at my own pace.
I recognize that not all reviewers are going to feel the same about this book. But for me, I loved that ‘Great Big Beautiful Life’ became, my first 5-star Emily Henry read. ...more
What happens when single-parent Karen learns she has Stage IV breast cancer? It is no surprise that she wonders who will love and take care of the mosWhat happens when single-parent Karen learns she has Stage IV breast cancer? It is no surprise that she wonders who will love and take care of the most precious part of her when she is gone. Jacob, her 6-year-old son.
Especially when Jacob now wants to meet and know his father, who when Karen first announced she was pregnant, and instead of sticking around, left her.
How will Karen handle this with her son, as she faces the cancer, too?
This book is Karen’s love letter to her son.
Other than the abrupt ending, this story was…Engaging. Honest. Raw. Emotional. Thought-provoking.
Did you ever have that moment where you walk into a book and your emotions immediately flare up? Now, granted this one is historical fiction. It’s notDid you ever have that moment where you walk into a book and your emotions immediately flare up? Now, granted this one is historical fiction. It’s not like we don’t already know the history it is based on. And, that we are here in 2025. But I think that was the point for me. We are here in 2025. Shouldn’t we have changed by now? Grown and learned from the experiences of the past?
I barely got through one sentence and I was already feeling heartbroken. ...more
Another Good Morning America Book Club pick found its way to my Little Free Library Shed by way of donation. This one was just released last month (OcAnother Good Morning America Book Club pick found its way to my Little Free Library Shed by way of donation. This one was just released last month (October, 2025).
“What is it about love that makes us think we can tame it, when all the while it is taming us?”
There is no denying that Mitch Albom is a master storyteller.
In this novel, we find Alfie, our main protagonist, in the hotseat being grilled by a detective who is convinced he did not win two million dollars legitimately from the local casino in the Bahamas which Alfie then wired to an unknown benefactor.
As Alfie sits calmly on the other side of the table, he attempts to explain to Detective LaPorta that he has not stolen the money, and that if he read his manuscript, better known as ‘the composition book’ addressed to his Boss, it would explain everything to him. And, as the story unfolds, the more skeptical the detective becomes. And, the more curious we become as readers.
Of course, as readers, we are given the opportunity to suspend disbelief. And, as we do, we are led into a tale of magical realism, a bit of time travel, a love story, sprinkled with incredible second chances.
“A gift. …to do things twice in …life. …go back in time, and, redo events.”
And, it is the second chances that keep readers truly engaged in attempting to discover what the mystery of Alfie is all about, just as the detective is hoping to get him behind bars for the perceived “stealing” of the casino’s money.
But will the detective succeed? Or, will something convince him that Alfie is truly innocent?
And, who is the Boss, that Alfie is writing to in the composition book?
Readers will be pulled in a variety of directions as they attempt to unravel the mystery of Alfie, along with Detective LaPorta, as he searches for answers, too. What will we all discover by the end?
This story is...Compelling. Lovely. Thought-full. Spell-binding. Unputdownable. As well as Magical. Hearts will undoubtedly be tugged by this easy-to-read, quick, page-turning tale. Have your Kleenex handy....more
Ellie is neurodiverse. She is our main protagonist who owns a community theater. What makes her also unique in this role is that she handles her respoEllie is neurodiverse. She is our main protagonist who owns a community theater. What makes her also unique in this role is that she handles her responsibility even as she battles Tourette’s Syndrome (TS).
According to the Tourette Association of America, Tourette Syndrome “is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild/inconsequential to moderate and severe, and are disabling in some cases.”
Ellie: “I would take stress-eating over stress-ticcing any day.”
The author even shares in his acknowledgments…
“…Ellie, …has Tourette Syndrome, as I do. And while it was important to me for my lead character to have TS, it was equally important that it be one aspect of who she is, not the all-consuming trait that drives the story. We see a lot of ridiculous portrayals of Tourette syndrome in the media. I wanted to show you a different side of it. I hope I did.”
Yes, he did.
As readers, we come to see that for Ellie, it is people like ‘thespian’ Reginald Thorton IV who can easily set off her tics. He is unlikable, bombastic and conceited. As star of this latest community theatre production, even as much as Ellie may find herself frustrated by Reginald, she also needs his ‘star-power’ to bring in the much-needed funds to keep her community theater in business.
So, what happens when Reginald dies in the closing scene of the latest production? Was it natural causes or unnatural intervention?
And, considering that Reginald “thrived on being mean-spirited and vindictive” it is no surprise that everyone in the cast, and perhaps even others, would wish for his demise.
Ellie has been long-time friends with Bill Starlin, the local chief of police. Will she be helpful in solving this suspicious death in her secondary role as an amateur sleuth, or will she be considered one of the many suspects?
The chapters take us in and out of scenes with different characters, thus overlapping the same scene with a different point of view per character. What will readers like or dislike about this form of storytelling? And, what will readers learn along the way? Who will we suspect? And, what will be the final revelation?
Readers will most likely be enchanted by and empathetic to Ellie and her challenges. Which makes this a nice beginning to a potential new twisty, cozy mystery series by debut author Lyerly. And, even if it ends here, it was a fairly satisfying stand-a-lone.
The story features the beautiful scenic backdrop of Massachusetts. And, a cast of quirky, engaging characters that are spotlighted at the beginning of the book as a list, ‘in order of appearance.’...more
“One decision; it hits me how one decision has the power to change everything.”
How could I resist this advanced reading copy that was donated to my Li“One decision; it hits me how one decision has the power to change everything.”
How could I resist this advanced reading copy that was donated to my Little Free Library Shed? The book cover was enticing with its bright colors of green, purple and blue with a scene of a lone woman staring across at a bridge. And then, the title of the book left me curious. So, I began to read.
This is the beginning of a new series for the author. This first book is set in Cape Cod. Over a one-week period. And for readers, how can you not helThis is the beginning of a new series for the author. This first book is set in Cape Cod. Over a one-week period. And for readers, how can you not help but be mesmerized by the scenic beauty and mouth-watering food described by the author?
Is this the ‘sandwich’ of the story, or just a metaphor?
Actually, there is more to the meaning of ‘sandwich’ here. Which makes this a perfect title for this book.
What does it mean when one is considered the “sandwich generation?” In simple terms, it refers typically to working adults who are concurrently caring for both their children and their aging parents.
And in this case, it is Rocky’s story, from her point of view. Rocky is a woman in her 50’s who is going through menopause and managing her aging parents and soon-to-leave-the-nest children. The story realistically highlights that feeling of being in the middle, and not quite knowing how successful one will be in managing it all. As well as, the struggles of being both a mother and a daughter and coming to terms with decisions from the past, as well as making decisions in present time.
And, as serious as this sounds, it still has a way of being a humorous and readable story that is also relatable.
Have our kids already grown up so fast? And, when did our parents get this old?
I remember a few years ago, when my husband and I were the ‘chosen’ ones to take care of our aging parents, suffering from onset forms of dementia (my husband’s parents) and Parkinsons dis-ease with Lewy Body dementia (my mother). Our siblings helped as best they could, but from a distance. So, the full responsibility of their care, fell on us. And, even if our kids were grown and raising their own families and living their independent lives, they still had a way of needing us, too. And, when all those responsibilities hit us, at once, it sometimes felt challenging, taxing, worrying, hard and emotional. Lots of big decisions to make, while sometimes flying from the seat of our pants, to do so.
With this story, in many ways, it almost reads like a series of contemplative thoughts on being a mother and going through menopause. Appreciating the memories of when the kids were young, to recognizing where things are now in this ‘sandwich’ circumstance.
As much as this stage of life is behind me, who couldn’t relate to the challenges of how all these physical and emotional changes can affect someone’s well-being? Especially when we are talking about menopause.
And yet, the author has a way of making us giggle through a lot of those hormonal moments. As unfunny as it may all feel at the time. But Rocky’s behavior didn’t always make her the most likable character.
Still, the moments felt real, and believable. Making this story rather engaging and heart-felt.
How excited am I? I won 2 copies of this novel, from Good Morning America’s Book Club for my Little Free Library Shed. Yes, “Wreck” was selected as GMHow excited am I? I won 2 copies of this novel, from Good Morning America’s Book Club for my Little Free Library Shed. Yes, “Wreck” was selected as GMA’s Book Club pick for November, 2025!
Having enjoyed her debut novel for adults, “We all want impossible things,” I couldn’t wait to dig in. If interested, my review of her first book is below.
Also, once I knew I was going to be receiving this book, I realized immediately that this was the second book in the series. So, I scrambled to get “Sandwich” to read first. If interested, my review of that book is below.
As the second in the series, it fast forwards the family a couple years ahead. It is best to read “Sandwich” first, but there is enough here that this one can be read as a stand-alone. But I still recommend reading “Sandwich” before this one.
Did you ever have a sense of déjà vu as you read a story?
This happened to me as I read this one. In this story, Rocky, our main character doesn’t know what is wrong with her health-wise and goes through a variety of bloodwork and scans to discover the outcome. Well, that was my déjà vu. I had that very experience last year (2024). Even to the point of “we brought your imaging to our monthly special cases meeting.”
“Yikes! I like to be special, but not in this exact way.”
In my case, it was the County Tumor Board which comprised all the doctor specialists county-wide. They were fascinated with the two cancers that inhabited my body and every doctor in the county wanted to discuss me. How lucky was I?!...more
This book is considered the first in the Wildstone series.
The author shared in an interview, that Wildstone was a “fictional town that was a compositThis book is considered the first in the Wildstone series.
The author shared in an interview, that Wildstone was a “fictional town that was a composite inspired by the northern California coastline, which includes beaches, ranches and wineries.”
And, when one of her characters mentioned she took classes “at the community college in San Luis Obispo,” I knew Wildstone was more than familiar in description, it was near my home.
How did I come to this obvious conclusion? Well, I use to teach and direct a program at the very community college the character referenced. Thus, it is only fair to presume, that this book is centered near my home which is the central coast of California. Just a few hours north of Los Angeles.
The story starts with Quinn.
What would you do if everything you thought you knew about your family was a lie? Would you be upset, shocked, or angry? Quinn, who is still in grief over the tragic loss of her sister, Beth, two years ago, doesn’t know what to think. But she does have feelings. But with these feelings, who should Quinn be most angry with – her parents, or Carolyn?
And, wasn’t Carolyn the nice woman she would see and occasionally speak to when she was in line for her daily morning coffee? What did Carolyn do to deserve Quinn’s confusion and anger?
Carolyn: “You only live once, right?” Quinn: “Not true. You live every day. You only die once.”
At 30 years of age, it is almost as if Quinn is part of the walking dead. She lives in a nice home, has a great job, with parents who adore her; and, a guy named Brock who appears to love her. And yet, nothing is making her happy. And, now an attorney who looks like Harry Potter, from a town in California she has never heard of, comes to tell her this news.
So, why does this news seem so difficult for her to process?
“Don’t you get it? It’s like I’ve been living my life from chapter two of my own story! I missed chapter one entirely! And the prologue!”
And then, there is Mick.
Mick escaped this same small town after high school, and is now coming back and forth from San Francisco to take care of his mother after his father’s death. He brings with him his lovable 12-year-old golden retriever, Coop with his own set of issues. Coop also happens to grace the cover of this paperback book copy.
“Coop lay down, set his head on his front paws, and stared forlornly out at the ball that his brain wanted to chase but his sore joints and tired body wouldn’t allow. It was a daily reminder for the dog, who in his own mind clearly wasn’t elderly, forgetful or more than half deaf. Nope, in Coop’s opinion, he was still a rambunctious, energetic puppy.”
How will Quinn’s life intersect with Mick? And, Coop?
Readers will be entertained with quotes at the beginning of each chapter from “The Mixed-Up Files of Tilly Adam’s Journal,” such as this one (and some I have included below)…
“Sometimes my life feels like a test I didn’t study for.”
So, who is Tilly? Hint: could the title of the book be a clue?
And, what will Quinn, and Mick and Coop and Tilly’s destiny be in this small town called, Wildstone?
And, shall we add Tink, the lost and found cat?
Grief. Friendship. Family. Love. Responsibility. Animal love. Sisterhood, both lost and found.
This is a fast-paced, sometimes emotional and sometimes humorous, easy-to-read page-turner with short chapters, that should readily engage readers. The story is character-centered, at times steamy, and compelling. The characters are likable and easy to hope for a happily-ever-after ending....more
This is the story of two broken women who hold secrets from each other. It is told through dual points of view going back and forth in time.
It exposeThis is the story of two broken women who hold secrets from each other. It is told through dual points of view going back and forth in time.
It exposes the complications of friendship, through heartbreak and joy. There is a sense of resilience that is felt by readers as we watch both characters navigate their worlds, and hopefully find a way to come together and forgive their past.
Will they?
Emotional. Engaging. Thought-full. With a bit of a mystery as readers wait for the secrets to be exposed....more
There are many times when donations are provided to my Little Free Library Shed that I will pass on reading them. It might be because I haven’t heard There are many times when donations are provided to my Little Free Library Shed that I will pass on reading them. It might be because I haven’t heard of the author, or that the premise doesn’t appear compelling. But in this case, even if I didn’t know of the author, it advertised itself as being a courtroom thriller, and that is one of my favorite genres. So, I decided to read it.
This story was published in 1993. Amiel is marketed as an American attorney and screenwriter of the cult horror-film classic ‘Daughters of Darkness’ which premiered in 1971. Which to be honest, because I am not a horror fan, I have not seen.
With this story, we have a defense attorney named Dan who seems to get himself in a lot of trouble, because of the clients he chooses to defend. Now, granted everyone deserves a defense, but could Dan’s defense strategies be so good that criminals are set free to do more harm? Is there a moral dilemma here?
This becomes a continuing saga within the story, as police track a serial rapist. Which leads characters to the question of proof. Which when translated leads to…the burden of proof. The job of the defense or prosecution to present sufficient evidence to convince a jury of the person’s guilt or innocence.
So, what happens when they do?
This becomes even more of a question when Dan finds himself in the midst of defending someone he loves when she is accused of murdering her soon to be ex-husband. Is he the best objective attorney for her? Is she guilty or innocent as she proclaims? What price will Dan pay for his defense of her? And, what happens when he learns the truth? (Please don’t presume anything by this last question.)
Readers will be taken inside the courtroom, as well as inside the minds of those characters who work the cases. As pages turn, readers have the opportunity to make their own decision about the big reveal. Does Dan make the right decision in the end? (No spoilers from me.)
Still, it truly is the end that stymied me. As much as I appreciated the tension and build-up to the final reveal, it was hard for me to accept the ending. Was it believable, convoluted, or possible? I leave it to readers to decide....more
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