Maggie

A poignant and touching tale of trauma, unconditional love between a mother and daughter, and a poignant touching love story as we follow the journey of Sara, raped years ago and raising the daughter Alana that came from that incident, only to encounter her rapist's twin brother Jacob when she relocates back to her hometown to care for her aging father. Lyrical writing from this debut author and powerful reflections on the nature of grace, I look forward to reading more from this author. If you're someone who craves more than plot from your reading, this is one that provides lots to think about as it explores the fragility of human emotions and the idea that people can move beyond trauma to a reintegration and wholeness through understanding and forgiveness.

This is a quietly immersive book that snuck up on me and captivated my heart. I found the framing device very effective- we are in the present with a mother, father, and their three daughters isolating themselves due to the pandemic and hearing the story (which forms the majority of the narrative) of the summer their mother spent at Tom Lake, a summer stock theatre group in Michigan putting on plays. She was the lover of Peter Drake, the confidante of best friend and fellow actress Pallace, and friend of Drake's brother and Pallace's lover Sebastian. I read this in two days and every time I picked up the book it was like slipping into a warm bath - the characters were familiar and fascinating, the setting bucolic and summer sunshine, the family in the present day interesting and unique. It felt like a visit with old friends and I never wanted the time to end. The pandemic was there in the background as the reason the family was living together but it never felt intrusive and the peek-behind-the-scenes of a theatre troupe was engaging. And I liked the Our Town motif tying it together - it's such an iconic play from my growing up years and provided the perfect backdrop for a novel that's in essence offering up the same message - we never know and appreciate what's happening in our life while it's happening - it's only when we look back that we realize that those days we lived, that time was what life is all about.

While there were definitely times I was rolling my eyes, if you sit back and accept the premise (broken engagement, offer of a spare room, threesome, pandemic setting), you'll have a good time with this one. I like Andrea Bartz as a writer and enjoyed a previous book more, but this one was tense, sexy, and got me thinking. Its risque plot won't be for everyone but I like a writer that takes chances and goes to places others might not, so it's a four star for me.

A strong start to a new series, I found myself channeling Jessica Fletcher during this book as the main sleuth is a middle-aged research librarian with all the necessary smarts to sift through clues and sort out suspects with the best of them. And her employer, who doubles as both sleuth and suspect, promises to provide a contrast with his flirtations, his quirks, and his somewhat eccentric household. If you're looking for a cozy caper to wile away a fall evening in front of a roaring fire, this one will do nicely. And as advertised, there'll be more to come.

My thanks for the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

In many ways, a standard psychological suspense. It ticked the boxes for me - sister conflict, the older sibling an apparent suicide, the younger naive girl refusing to accept the police finding and deciding to investigate whether her sister's death related to a cold case she was investigating of a long-lost child. I didn't feel the twist was that unique and Sawyer oftentimes seemed to ignore obvious clues or avoid conversations with relevant “suspects” but the writing was good, the plot kept me engaged, and for a debut novel, it stayed true to the genre. A solid four stars. Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

For me, this was a totally engaging thriller/mystery. Loved the premise going on and then as layers were revealed, no one in this suspense novel was totally innocent. It got a bit confusing at times how people inter-related to each other, but I kinda liked the secrets and Chavez left enough breadcrumbs to have it make sense. Most suspense I read nowadays is a bit over the top with its characterizations and implausible plots but I didn't think this one was - all the pieces fit together though I'd imagined a couple of other twists that didn't happen which were missed opportunities. As my second book carries a strong mother-daughter theme as well, this one grabbed me from the beginning and I loved that it was carried by two strong female protagonists. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

A raw, unflinching, and thought-provoking debut novel that examines the shifting roles of aid workers in a fictional African orphanage - not only the personal dynamics of the staff but the reactions and inter-relationships of the surrounding villagers. When her protege and the daughter of the village's chief accuses a male staff of assault and rape, the former administrator is called back from America to once again resume leadership as well as investigate the charge. The conflicting stories, agendas, and loyalties provide a rich backdrop for a in-depth look at the complexities of human behavior. My thanks for the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this stunning first novel.

I had a bit of trouble switching the POV so much but other than that, this was an outstanding read. I thought the plot was intriguing and different than most, enjoyed the deep dive in character (so many of them were different than I first assumed) and especially liked the intricracies of the parent/child interactions - not only Genevieve and Julia (but what an outstanding moral dilemma to have Julia live through) but also Sadie/Lewis and Emma/Anthony. Extra star for going deep.

An engrossing mystery wrapped around a fascinating central character in Vivvy Boucher, a 28-year-old astrophysicist but also a possible psychic who works together with a childhood friend, now policeman, on the case of 3-year-old who went missing and her incarcerated mother. The writer did a great job of featuring several likely suspects and keeping secrets under wraps so I was ever quite sure where the plot was going. An added subplot involving a conspiracy theorist was not my cup of tea but it did add to the tension as Vivvy was suddenly thrust into a media spotlight she did not want or anticipate. All around, a great addition to Heaberlin's continuing output of outstanding work.

For what this is, which is a solid rom-com, it's great. Sexy scenes, realistic portrayal of young adults navigating their way into adulthood, the witty banter Henry is known for. It's the first of hers I've read and I've realized this genre isn't for me, but for anyone whose jam this is, I'd say five thumbs up. Good characters, appealing setting, uplifting message. Just not my cup of tea.

A lovely family drama that spans decades, this story of 4 sisters in a closely-knit Italian family living in Chicago caught me up with its wise observations, its interwoven plot, and the characters - well, what is there to say but each one was unique and true to themselves and as different and as alike as sisters can be. They each picked a different path in life while still clinging to whatever intimacy they could find in a challenging world. The “once in a lifetime” romance between two of the characters pierced my heart - so wonderfully nuanced and unexpected. And Napolitano managed to make a story unfolding across 20+ years seem like an afternoon.

A light froth of a murder mystery set in Paris and launching what will obviously be a series with Tabitha, a fictional young American woman living with her great-uncle and her grandfather and neighbors (and fellow sleuth) with Julia Child. A fun conceit, giving the author time to explore the City of Lights, culinary treats, and oh, the occasional murder. Fine set of secondary characters although the plot itself was long on coincidence and short on clues that would actually lead to detecting who was behind the murders. If you're in the mood for a 1950's cozy with an interesting concept that doesn't tax your brain cells but offers an intriguing romp, this book's for you.

Devils' Way by Robert Bryndza is the fourth book in the Kate Marshall series and it's a captivating mystery that explores the long-buried disappearance of a young boy. In the multi-layered plot, suspicion attaches to the boy's grandmother and mother, who aren't who they seem at first blush. There's depth to the narrative that draws the reader in early on, taking us to the secluded moors and dangerous waters near Dartmoor.

Judiciously sprinkled with twists and red herrings, this is a welcome addition to the series. As always, Bryndza's writing is top-notch, making this a must-read for fans of mysteries set in the UK. And if you like this one, be sure to go back and read the first three.

My thanks to Net Galley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy for my review.

The Kind to Kill by Tessa Wegert is the fourth in a series of mysteries featuring Senior Investigator Shana Merchant. While each is written as a stand-alone, they are best read in order to get the full flavor of the continuing narrative and to understand the rich history between Shana and the serial killer Blake Bram. As tourist season hits the small community of Thousand Islands, a visitor goes missing and Shana's reputation is once again on the line.

The mystery at the heart of this novel is complex and twisty, making it a truly riveting read. The fast pace and atmospheric setting both add to the tension, as the novel races to a edge-of-your-seat conclusion. With complex characters and a well-thought-out plot, this is a must-read for fans of crime fiction who love the blend of psychological suspense and police procedural.

My thanks to NetGallery with providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy.

In “A Likely Story”, Leigh Abramson weaves a tale of stolen frame and a woman's quest to reclaim it against a backdrop of ‘90's New York City and framed around a young woman, Isabelle, an aspiring writer, and her novelist father Ward. Abramson plays with our notions of good and bad, deftly illustrating that no one is either one or the other, but a spot on a continuum depending on the circumstances, the point in time, and the people who surround us. Isabelle's journey in particular is layered and relatable and in fact, the strength of the novel lies in its authentic voice. This is Abramson's debut and her flawed characters and multiple POV's seem channeled through her real life experienced. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read and she's definitely an author to watch.

My thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC for early review.

This would have been a five-star for me but I felt like the ending/reveal was too far-fetched and inconclusive for me. Until then, I felt this was well-written and a solid debut, although Dan seemed to not be very supportive so I wondered about that.

Against the backdrop of a small liberal arts campus where stepping out of line could carry serious consequences, three women—a newbie college student and her two professor moms—navigate the tricky shoals of loyalty, lust, and illness as they struggle to come to terms with what it means to be a family. You'll want to lecture them about their poor decision-making at the same time you give them a great big hug. Fans of women's fiction writers like Barbara Davis and Diane Chamberlain will enjoy this multi-layered, fast-paced debut novel.

3 stars. It's been a while since I've read a Grisham book and I don't think this was the one to jump into because it took way too long to get started, filling pages with background on the coastal town of Biloxi, the Croatian immigrants who settled there, the history through generations until we finally come to the current showdown between two childhood friends whose paths in life diverged – one followed his lawyer father and became a district attorney, the other also followed his father who runs the criminal underworld in the community nicknamed the Dixie Mafia. The setup leads to a final courtroom drama, which Grisham handles like the maestro he is, but it was too little, too late for me. I found myself longing for an editor who would have helped the author trim the fat from this book and fashion it into the faster-paced legal thriller Grisham fans wait for. If you like epic sagas of good vs. evil, personified by two men from opposite sides of the law, this book will delight you. If you're looking for nuanced story telling with characters who grow and change during the narrative, this might not be the right fit.

My thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy.

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff is a female-centric novel set in rural India. It revolves around women bonding together to fight against the inequities they face in their daily lives in a small village. The feel-good revenge story posits a group of women who seek to get rid of their no-good husbands while building a better life for themselves and their children. The main character, Geeta, inadvertently becomes a “murder consultant”, inspiring the women to take control of their lives, much like the historical Bandit Queen of folklore did.

While the pacing is slow, that gives the reader time to invest in the characters and keep them engaged. You'll find yourself cheering as the women take on their oppressors and build a community of sisterhood.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel.

A thoroughly immersive Dark Academia read, Stacy Willingham's “Only If You're Lucky” is told in two timelines with a single POV character. Margot is a shy college sophomore, trying to fit in but still reeling from the death of Eliza, her best friend in high school. When Lucy, a charismatic force of nature, “adopts” her and invites her to move into an off-campus house next door to a fraternity, Margot eagerly joins Lucy's tight-knit circle and we're off to the races in this blend of psychological insight with a twisty plot. Not all the characters are likeable or reliable, (they party endlessly) but the escapades ring true for twenty-somethings who are feeling their way toward adulthood.

There's an underlying feeling of tension throughout, particularly when Levi, the boy Margot suspects of killing Eliza, joins the fraternity and wedges himself into Margot's orbit. Willingham paints a picture of a world in which it's not only your enemies but your friends you need to watch out for.

This was a compelling mix of suspense and character exploration. Not your typical twist-a-minute thriller so if a slower pace bothers you, this might not be for you. But I for one appreciated the deeper exploration of what each girl was going through as well as the intriguing mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

The Deluge by Stephen Markley tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time—that of the climate crisis. This ambitious novel, spanning multiple timelines and featuring a diverse cast of complex characters, deserves a place on any thinking person's bookshelf who is concerned about what human beings are doing to this planet in the name of progress.

The novel weaves together complex plotlines and explores the far-reaching consequences of our collective inaction when it comes to issues such as greenhouse gases, melting icebergs, and the destruction of the rainforest. Each character in the narrative has a significant and nuanced arc of change spurring the reader to examine their own part in the imminent crisis. It's not often you find literary style blended seamlessly with a fast-paced story and for me, this makes The Deluge a must-read. The prose is both challenging and accessible. The author has obviously done his homework, both in terms of the hard science as well as the vivid descriptions and nuanced characters.

My thanks to Net Galley and Simon & Shuster for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy for early review.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, there are also moments of wit and humor that offer a ray of hope. This brilliant, prophetic, and timely novel would be perfect for book clubs and is sure to spur lively discussions.

Another in the all-too-common dual timeline stories being published these days. In the present, we have Emily, the author of a series of cozy mysteries, in a writing slump partially brought on by a mysterious illness and exacerbated by a contentious divorce with a greedy soon-to-be ex and her bestie Chess, a social media influencer and author/speaker of self-help non-fiction books that have propelled her to the top tier of authors. Chess proposes Emily join her for the summer in Italy at a luxurious Villa in Orvieto and Emily accepts.

While exploring the house (which is much less creepy than you'd expect in a book marketed as a gothic thriller), Emily discovers clues about the second timeline – 1974- and the summer when Mari, her step-sister Lara and her married lover/musician Pierce spent time at the same villa at the invitation of famous rock-and-roller Noel and his hanger-on drug dealer Johnnie. By the end of their stay, someone is killed and someone is jailed but the two women have let loose their creative juices: Mari has penned an infamous horror feminist novel and Lara has written an album of sad songs to stand alongside Carole King's Tapestry.

I must admit that many of the actions of the two women in present day seemed implausible and downright selfish. I couldn't imagine how this friendship had lasted, much less been such an important relationship for each of them. Emily was somewhat more relatable but even so, I found myself frustrated with her lack of agency and willingness to put up with so much from both her husband and her best friend. And as for the group of rock-and-rollers, this whole story-within-a-story brought home how subservient women often are to the men in their lives, stifling their own creativity and needs for the sake of love.

This narrative was all right but didn't move me in any strong way. It may appeal to Hawkins' fans but for me, it struck me as pedestrian.

My thanks for Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with the ARC of this novel.

excellent book; many unique turns of phrase; complex relationships; intriguing plot; kept me engaged.

Meet Maddie Wright, a 25-year-old Londoner whose childhood nickname “Maame” means woman. She's been the responsible one in her family for as long as she can remember, and now is the caretaker for her dad, who suffers from Parkinson's. You'd think her job in theatre might be glamorous but it's nothing but a slog, and her love life is nothing to write home about either. And don't get her started on the racism she's subject to at work, where she's often the only Black person in the room. So when her mother returns from Ghana, Maddie sees her chance to break free and moves into a flat with two roommates. Life's looking up until tragedy forces Maddie to reimagine her path going forward and think long and hard about what truly matters in life.

This is a stunning debut by Jessica George. Her lovable and very relatable protagonist Maddie is a young girl who embodies not only the naivete of youth but the often serious responsibility placed on children to care for their family members. Its by turns heartwarming and humorous, sad and yet strikingly realistic and emotive. Highly recommended must-read for anyone who enjoys a poignant and moving portrayal of a young girl's coming-of-age.

My thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC for early review

The last in the Aaron Falk trilogy that began with Jane Harper's explosively successful debut The Dry, Exiles will please her fans and hopefully win her new ones. As before, she deftly paints an evocative Australian landscape, this time setting the story in the southern Australian wine country and brings back some secondary characters from previous books to populate the narrative. There are actual two mysteries going on, a hit-and-run accident five years before that remains unsolved and the year-old disappearance of a young mother attending the local fair who seemingly took her own life by jumping into a nearby reservoir. Falk is there not in his official police officer capacity but as a friend of the family attended a baby's christening and he gets caught up in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths. As with Harper's earlier books, this one is a slow burn. Facts are revealed in a subtle way rather than with hairpin twists and outlandish turns. Instead, it's family dynamics, quiet observations, and long-buried secrets that hold the key to the reveals.
And for fans of Aaron Falk, he not only has a mystery to investigate but a burgeoning romance which causes him to think long and hard about the direction he wants his life to go. If you're a fan of multi-layered mysteries with subtle plots, psychologically-sound character development, and moral dilemmas, Jane Harper is an author that belongs on your shelves and Exiles is a perfect place to start.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.