The Sassy Bookworm

Book Review: Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke 📚

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

I recently finished Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I’m eager to see continue in future installments. The story follows Tallulah “Lou” Thatcher, who has this fascinating ability to see ghosts. Living in New Orleans, a city steeped in history and supernatural lore, Lou turns her gift into a popular ghost tour business in the Garden District. 👻🌿

Things take a dark turn when Adam Brandt, a rival tour guide who’s accused Lou of faking her ghostly encounters, ends up murdered. Here’s the twist: Lou is the only one who can actually see Adam’s ghost after his death. Naturally, with their well-known rivalry and no other suspects in sight, Lou quickly becomes the prime suspect—especially after detective Dylan Finch (who happens to be Lou’s longtime crush) points out that the murder weapon is a ceremonial dagger from Lou’s own shop. This sets Lou off on a determined quest to clear her name by digging into Adam’s personal and professional life to find the real killer. 🕵️‍♀️🔪👀

What really stood out to me was how well the mystery was crafted—plotted smartly and paced perfectly to keep me hooked without feeling rushed. The New Orleans setting was wonderfully atmospheric and added so much charm and depth to the story. Plus, the characters felt authentic and engaging, making it easy to root for Lou throughout her adventure. 🌆📖❤️

And can we just talk about that cover? It’s absolutely delightful and visually sets the tone for the spooky yet cozy vibe of the book. Overall, Haunting and Homicide was a strong start to what I hope becomes a beloved series. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist (think Amanda Flower or Ellen Byron fans), this one’s definitely worth picking up. 🎨👀✨

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: A Serpent in the Garden by Howard Linskey 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished A Serpent in the Garden by Howard Linskey, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Set in London in 1592, the story puts a fresh spin on the life of a young William Shakespeare, who is just beginning to make his mark on the English theatre scene. The city is gripped by the plague, forcing theatres to close and threatening the livelihoods of many, including Will himself. 🏰🎭

The plot kicks off with the suspicious death of Lady Celia Vernon, which her cousin, the Earl of Southampton, believes wasn't caused by the plague. He enlists Shakespeare’s help to uncover the truth, sending Will into a treacherous web of conspiracies and danger. Meanwhile, the Queen's spymaster, Robert Cecil, is keeping a close eye on the Earl for suspected treason and pressures Will to spy on him. Caught between these two powerful figures, Shakespeare is pulled into a high-stakes game where trust is scarce and his own life hangs in the balance. 🔍⚔️

One of the most striking aspects of the book was its rich depiction of Elizabethan London—the environment, noises, and mood were so tangible they seemed to come alive within the story. The author's writing is clever and engaging, blending historical detail with a well-crafted mystery that kept me turning pages. The characters felt authentic and compelling, and the pacing was spot on—never dragging but also never rushed. 📚✨

The cover art caught my eye first; it perfectly sets the tone for a historical mystery steeped in literary intrigue. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of thriller elements, especially one that explores Shakespeare’s world from a fresh perspective, this book is definitely worth your time. 🎨🔖

All in all, A Serpent in the Garden earned a solid four stars from me. It’s a fun, well-written adventure that offers both entertainment and a fascinating glimpse into the life (and secret dangers) surrounding one of history’s greatest playwrights. ⭐🎉

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: Fireweed by Lauren Haddad 📚

I recently finished Fireweed by Lauren Haddad and I have to say, it left a strong impression on me. Set in the industrial north of Prince George, Canada, the story centers around Jenny Hayes, a woman stuck in a life she’s not quite sure about. Jenny lives next door to Rachelle, the only First Nations woman in the neighborhood, who has two young daughters. Jenny longs for a child herself and wrestles with feelings of jealousy and confusion over why Rachelle, despite her less-than-perfect yard and disheveled home, seems to have what she wants most. 🌲📚

Jenny’s life is complicated by the people around her—her mother Fi, who’s more interested in chain smoking than childcare, and her best friend Missy, who’s living the suburban dream but still feels hollow inside. Jenny steps into Rachelle’s world by volunteering to babysit her kids, trying to bridge the gap between their very different lives. 👩‍👧‍👧🤝

The story takes a darker turn when two young women, Beth Tremblay and Rachelle, go missing along Highway 16. The media only focuses on Beth’s disappearance, leaving Rachelle overlooked and her children taken by the state. Feeling that no one else will stand up for her neighbor, Jenny embarks on a clumsy investigation that forces her—and the reader—to confront uncomfortable truths about race, class, and gender in rural communities. 🚨🕵️‍♀️

Lauren Haddad does an incredible job peeling back layers of prejudice and self-interest, showing how good intentions can sometimes be clouded by personal bias. The book is gripping and rebellious, challenging readers to think deeply about how we see others and ourselves. 🔥📖

On a personal note, I was immediately drawn in by the striking cover—definitely one of those designs that makes you want to pick up the book. There’s been some controversy around Fireweed, which honestly only made me more curious. And I’m glad I dove in. The writing is beautiful, the setting vivid and immersive, and the characters feel real and complex. When I read a book, I like to focus purely on the story itself, without distractions from outside noise or opinions—and for me, this book delivered big time. It was genuinely entertaining, well-crafted, and absolutely worth the read. 🎨✨

Overall, I’d give Fireweed four stars. It’s a thoughtful and powerful novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. If you’re looking for a story that challenges perspectives while keeping you hooked, this one’s for you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman, and overall, I really enjoyed it—definitely a solid four stars from me. First off, can we talk about how striking the cover is? It immediately caught my eye. 👀🎨

The story follows Noah, who’s been watching his Southern parents slowly slip away into the grip of far-right cable news and conspiracy theories for years. When his mom leaves a cryptic message about some “Great Reawakening,” Noah thinks it’s just another wild theory—until he finds his childhood home in ruins, with his parents trapped in a terrifying trance in front of the TV. Things spiral out of control fast when his mother suddenly attacks him. But this isn’t just happening to Noah’s family; all across the country, people are turning violent and possessed by some kind of media-induced curse. The only ones seemingly safe are Noah and his young nephew Marcus, and together they have to make a desperate run back to Brooklyn while avoiding the horrifying hordes. 📺😨🏃‍♂️

Chapman’s novel is brutal and unflinching, diving headfirst into extreme body horror that’s as gross as it is gripping. The violence and grotesque imagery aren’t for the faint of heart, but they serve a larger purpose—holding up a mirror to our divided society and the way media can consume us. It felt incredibly relevant to the current social climate, almost like a dark reflection of what we’re living through right now. 🩸🔪🖤

If you’re a fan of horror that’s both thought-provoking and viscerally disturbing, this book will definitely hit the mark. Just be prepared for some seriously intense scenes. All in all, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes is a powerful, unsettling ride that I’d recommend to anyone looking for horror with a sharp social edge. 📖⚡

⚠️ This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary ⚠️