For me a slow start, but a beautiful ending

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and sadly took my time reading this. It took a bit for me to get into it, and I kept picking up other books in my TBR pile.

Then, suddenly I was into it and ended up really enjoying it.

It's not quite the typical storyline, but the various narratives were compelling.

The ending was particularly well done, and beautiful

Beverage Pairing: I would pair this with a nice Merlot

A bit bland for a thriller

What We'll Burn Last by Heather Chavez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Perhaps aspects of this plot were too similar to the book, Things Don't Break on Their Own (Which I rated 4 stars), but this just didn't work for me.

There were few likable or even believable characters. There were plot holes as well in terms of the investigation (or lack of at the time of the disappearances).

The story dragged a bit and even the fire chapters weren't as intense as I felt they would have been.

I did think Leyna was an ok character as was Dom, but I didn't completely love them. The others were just kind of blandly awful.

However, I didn't stop reading since I wanted to find out what exactly happened. The resolution was just ok. It was obvious from the start who Ellie was, and I wanted to see how that all played out.

Beverage pairing: Hmmm, perhaps a nice cold Pinot Grigio in case the mild fire scenes feel sweltering.

Well written fantasy

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this, and read it right after another book set at basically the same time-frame. So, that was a bit of a coinicidence.

I thought the characters were well developed, the magic was intriguing for the most part, and the love story was okay.

Bardugo's writing is what captivated me the most though.

Beverage Pairing: Water or any truly thirst quencing drink is best.

Fascinating premise

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this initially on a Kindle, but ended up finishing with a hardcover version.

It took me a bit to get into it, but I am very happy I read it. I enjoyed both timelines, though was at times frustrated with Melina and various decisions that were made by her.

The author's note and references etc at the end are worthy reading too.

I had not heard of Emilia Bassano prior to reading this. This whole premise is fascinating.

Beverage Pairing: Perhaps a variety of tea blends

Twists were obvious, but a fun read

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was tempted to give this a 4 since it kept me reading. But, really overall it is a 3.

The twist in the first part was rather obvious, and most readers will see the connection between Pennsylvania and Kansas fairly quickly. Another twist later on was also obvious, and really anyone would have avoided this person rather readily.

Other aspects weren't terribly believable, so it was leaning towards a 2.

However, I rooted for Ryan and Poppy and wanted to see how their respective stories turned out, so I kept readking and enjoyed their stories.

Finlay has a way of keeping you reading despite easily guessed twists.

Beverage Pairing: A nice cold Pinot Gris

Another great series by McDermid

1979 by Val McDermid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am definitely moving onto 1989. This was a very interesting story with great characters.

The character development was key, thus many might object to a somewhat slow pace of the plot. I was quite sad about the murder as both the victim and the murderer made for a very dismal story.

This novel highlighted the year 1979 beautifully, and it was interesting looking back on many aspects of that time. In many ways we have come far, but in others we haven't.

Beverage Pairing: The novel is a bit long, thus alternating with coffee for daytime reading, and a nice Malbec for the evenings.

Ugh, last Bones book for me

Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had read this series avidly when she was first writing them. At some point I stopped (too many other books on my TBR list? I don't recall).

This book felt like just the surface of the books I remember. Tempe was pretty flat and at times clueless. Too many times someone would say something or give her a look that had her questioning her reaction, or their reaction to her, in these weird little thought "asides" she has.

It was so often that it became irritating.

And, her chapter endings had loads of foreshadowing but not much actually developed from chapter to chapter. The epilogue/update taking place a year later? Pretty ridiculous and then that was followed by another reveal dated 4 months later.

Most of my reading of this series was pre Goodreads, and certainly pre my utilizing Goodreads, but looking back I see I read the 21st book and gave it 2 stars as well.

I think it is incredible that someone could write even one book and get it published, much less 23 in this series and others that Richs has written, but sadly this will be the last Bones book read by me.

Beverage Pairing: A strong cup of coffee

Compelling

Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this quite a bit. Well written, great characters, and heart-breaking.

Wonderful ending despite some unbelievable coincidences.

Beverage Pairing: A nice Merlot

2nd book by author, looking forward to the 3rd

I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable thriller/mystery. I enjoyed the writing style and the mysteries depicted. One (or more) aspects are easily figured out, but it was still quite enjoyable.

I think the supporting characters, Alex's friends at the diner specifically, really made the novel work for me.

This is the 2nd book by Maxwell, and I look forward to the third.

Beverage Pairing: A nice cup of coffee or perhaps a lemonade. Any drink you'd have at a diner works.

Just an okay plot

Not a Creature Was Purring by Krista Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an okay part of the series. There was one thing that I thought would be important to the overall plot or possibly solve the killing, and that was what happened to the stocking gifts from Dale?

Maybe I just missed them being passed out. Not sure why it is bugging me, but it is.

Dale's whole family didn't make a lot of sense to me, nor did Holmes being engaged to Norma Jean without her ever having visited until now, and her personality just seemed yucky.

I will read the next one, but if there isn't much character development with at least the main people who are in each of the books, then I might stop the series.

Beverage Pairing: Hot chocolate

Informative and interesting

Everest, Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World by Will Cockrell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed listening to this as it is informative and historically interesting.

I have read many books on Everest and this one intrigued me because of its central premise that guiding companies caused many of the issues.

It was explained that the guides truly enjoyed helping their clients, and weren't there "only for the money" While I totally believe that they really did enjoy assisting people who had this dream of summiting, I would have loved a focus on maybe one or two of those guide/client relationships going into a bit more depth. Did they communicate between attempts, or have a friendship outside of the summit attempts, for example.

Overall the narrator was great, the issues raised were interesting, and the politics between the companies and their approaches to summitting were pretty fascinating.

Beverage Pairing: A strong, hot cup of coffee will pair nicely with the images of peaks and snow that the book conjurs up.

Beautiful

Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply a beautiful story, masterfully told. I really can't add anything else.

Beverage Pairing: A nice cup of hot chocolate

Good start to a potential series

One Killer Problem by Justine Pucella Winans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great YA mystery; fun characters that I want to read about again (and ending lends itself to a sequel).

I enjoyed the mystery club, the characters' interactions and the various relationships and crushes.

Will read the sequel.

Much of the school life was realistic, and staff was portrayed realisitically as were the students.

Beverage Pairing: A soda of your choice

A quick "who done it"

What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A very quick read, and overall an okay "who done it"

Since this is my go to genre it was quite obvious who had committed the crime. There were decent enough red herrings that at a couple of points I thought I might be wrong.

A few red herrings because there are plenty of creepy evil men out there that fall into the tropes provided in this plot.

I finished though because it is a very quick read. The multiple perspectives worked well for me, except there really wasn't a need to have Diane share anything as a ghost. I had hoped for a bit more from her, or that her perspective would lead somewhere before it did...or maybe some ghostly activity.



Beverage Pairing: A cold glass of Iced Tea. You will finish this book quickly and the iced tea might even remain cold.

Great character development

A Man Downstairs by Nicole Lundrigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Plot wise this merited a 3 as it wasn't that unusual (person returning to hometown with vague memories of tragedy), however what brings it up to a 4 is the pacing, the reveals, and most importantly the character development.

I felt it was all just extremely well done, and the characters were believable (view spoiler)[ except for the narrative pieces by "Him" as the fantasy life just seemed too intense to be believable (hide spoiler)]

As you get to know the characters, particularly via the Then sections featuring Gil and Edie, the interactions all seem quite well developed and lead to a believable conclusion.

Beverage Pairing: For some reason even though I didn't drink this while reading, a nice hot Chai seems fitting.

Decent start to a series

Color Me Murder by Krista Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoy Davis' Paws and Claws series, and have read a few of the Domestic Diva ones. So, I decided to read the first in this series.

The characters were nicely developed, though I didn't think the suspect was as nicely developed nor did I think the red-herrings were totally believable.

But, I am curious what happens next so will read book #2.

Beverage Pairing: A nice cup of coffee with some pastries in honor of one of the characters, Jim.

Great suspense

The Bitter End by Alexa Donne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel. Great suspense building, believable red-herrings and an exciting ending.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley; I believe it will be published in October 2024. If you enjoy the And Then There Were None trope, this is definetely one of the better ones.

Beverage Pairing: Definetely hot chocolate

The writing style was very nice

You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The writing style grabbed me, but once again I am feeling like it was a bit too long. That's a recent trend and whether it's me and my impatience with middles that drag, or a publishing trend I don't know.

I think the author captured OCD perfectly, and the plot itself was nicely developed. The culprit wasn't too hard to ascertain, but the resolution seemed a tad unlikely.

Nguyen is an author I will read again.

Beverage Pairing: Chamomile tea to suppress the anxiety that you will feel as you read the narrator's OCD symptoms and its affect.

Decent debut

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a decent debut with an interesting premise.

I am not into astrology so loads of the book didn't really resonate or even make sense to me (Mercury rising etc), but I read it for the mystery that seems to connect Rini to her guests.

I do enjoy novels with various points of view, but at times I had to look back to figure out which character's voice I was reading; and I was often confused over which children were Aimie's and which were Farah's.

While the villain wasn't too suprising what the villain had done was surprising and twisted.

The resolution was okay.

Beverage Pairing: A nice Pinot Noir is what came to my mind as I was reading this.

Good addition to the series

Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The history mixed with the mystery made this 3rd book in the series very compelling.

I did know who one person was early on, but wasn't sure how it would all play out. The red herrings were decent, and the eventual criminal was quite believable.

I have given up on a few series, but this one is one of the few that I will continue to read. Nice character development, and unique believable plots thus far.

Beverage Pairing: A nice pint of beer for most of the book, followed perhaps by a shot of whisky for the ending.

Caught up in this great series

Still Life by Val McDermid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cases were both interesting, and I have finally caught up with where I started this series.

We meet Daisy in this book, and I have a great understanding and appreciation of all of the characters now.

Will anxiously await book 8!

The two cases do share an interesting aspect, that you figure out with the one case and easily then understand what could be happening with the second. This book also leads up to the Covid lockdown nicely (the 7th book, which I started reading this series with, takes place in the midst of the lockdown). I for one appreciate books that acknowledge the pandemic, and the impact it had. It is interesting to me to see how detectives might have dealt with issues around the lockdown when solving cases. I do know from reviews (not necessarily of this series) that some people don't want that reality in their fiction books. Each to their own, right?

While waiting for the 8th book, I will soon start 1979

Beverage Pairing: It is pretty much a must to drink coffee while reading this. Karen brings coffee to colleagues and friends, goes to coffee shops and appreciates all of the folks who bring her coffee. And her current boyfriend owns a coffee shop.

A decent story

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This started off quite slowly, and I had to check a few times whose perspective I was reading after I started some of the chapters.

It did get better, and the resolution was decent. I had guessed a few things, but missed one twist. I think it could have been shorter as the time-frame...really just a long weekend, kind of dragged on and on intermersed with the flashback scenes.

Overall though it was a decent enough story.

Beverage Pairing: A decent beer would pair nicely; don't drink cider with this!

The characters kept me reading

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This novel moved very slowly, and wasn't a thriller in the sense that I was expecting.

Despite that, I did enjoy it. I liked the characters, and the red herrings were nicely developed.

I enjoyed the resolution however, I find the reason behind what happened to Billy to not be completely believable. I can understand the initial part of what happened completely, but not the following decisions that were made. There's a spoiler below that explains this a bit more.

If Sager is hit or miss with you, and if you are content with a slower moving novel, this one might just meet your 3 star reading needs. There were aspects that made it a 4 for me: the characters and the setting were compelling. The mistakes various people made were believable, and explained well (except for what I mentioned above, which is of course key to the mystery).

I gave it a 3 because it either could have been paced a bit differently, or perhaps it could have been a bit shorter. And, because the decisions made by one character weren't totally believable.

(view spoiler)[ There are far too many books where someone buries or hides the victim of pedestrian car accidents. Obviously it would be horrendous to accidentally hit someone, but to go through with hiding the body and covering up the accident has never worked for me in any novel that has used that trope. And, it ultimately didn't work here for me. But, that just brought it down to a 3(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Beverage Pairing: Probably a strong cup of coffee for morning reading, but if reading at night it pairs nicely with a merlot.

Kept me intrigued

The Haters by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This truly kept my interest and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the premise and the the plot was developed nicely.

I didn't quite enjoy the book within the book chapters, but they end up being key to a major plot point.

The main character irked me a lot, and not sure anyone would have handled her situation the way she did (at many points) but I suppose her actions could be viewed as realistic.

Overall I did enjoy the book.

Beverage Pairing: A nice cold glass of Pinot Grigio would a good complement to this book.

Very enjoyable 2nd in the series

A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this mostly because of the characters who were introduced in the first book, and continue to grow in this one.

Loved the new characters Dave and Georgina as well.

At times it seemed a bit slow, or perhaps repetitive when we get glimpses of the contestants views from previous days, but it added to the mystery.

Will seek out other books by this author.

Beverage Pairing: This setting brought up many beverage choices, but for whatever reason I would pick a nice Merlot and sit by a fire while reading this.

Not a series I will continue to read

The Bingo Hall Detectives by Jonathan Whitelaw
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This started off nicely, and ended decently, but it was way too long. I skimmed a good chunk of the middle when things were just plodding along.

This could easily have been at least 100 pages fewer and the resolution would have been the same.

Thus it was just okay for me.

Since I am drawn to characters in cozy mysteries, I won't be continuing this series. The characters weren't developed enough for me to want to see what happens to either of them in the future.

There was plenty of pages to do more with the two main characters, but they basically were just kind of stagnant in my opinion.

Beverage Pairing: A "cuppa" tea would be nice with this. Perhaps others will enjoy this cozy mystery more than I did with some good tea.

Implausible motive dropped my rating

Think Twice by Harlan Coben
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had some difficulty rating this book. I truly loved the beginning, the premise, and of course all the characters brought back in this series. Esperanza and more are mentioned and featured to varying levels.

The case is intriguing, how a variety of people in their lives end up helping Myron and Win to figure things out was all nicely done. As a fan of this series (and it was this series that introduced me to Coben) I was fully immersed in the story.

I wasn't a fan of the 2nd person narrative by the killer, but other than that it was going to be a 4 or even a 5 for me.

However the resolution, who was responsible and mostly why, was so utterly implausible and irritating that I just wanted to scream.

I mean I get wanting to have twists and red herrings. Mysteries and thrillers are my favorite genres. But, truly I just don't buy the whole premise of why these killings took place.

Okay, here's a spoiler (view spoiler)[ it is utterly ridiculous that Greg still holds onto the betrayal of Emily and Myron. I mean he already harmed Myron in a huge way. Just stupid. And Grace supposedly getting revenge for this betrayal by framing Jeremy? I get the first murder in a way. But that somehow sets them up to go on a slew of murders? And with all his supposed skills at planning no one really explains how and why they picked their victims to murder or the victims to frame. Meaning which person were they really targeting and why? It is all just so implausible. (hide spoiler)]

It ended up being just an okay read for me as a result.

Beverage Pairing: When you finish you will want some Pepto Bismal to ease suddenly feeling ill as a result of the implausibility of the killers' motive.

Continues to be a great series

Broken Ground by Val McDermid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this one.

There were a few cases taking place, each interested me. The characters continue to be great, and the newer characters were intriguing.

I am going to read other books by this author, in addition to continuing this series.

Beverage Pairing: I enjoyed reading this with my morning coffee, but you can easily enjoy a beer or gin and tonic when reading this series.

A twist that wasn't needed

A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was pleased to see there was a 3rd book in this series. I thought the premise was interesting, and many aspects did indeed work for me.

I liked how Lily was brought into the story, and the background she shared with Martha.

I even liked the premise about the killer, and why some of the killings were taking place.

I didn't care for the ending as I thought it was totally unnecessary; a twist that wasn't needed but was hinted at (view spoiler)[since Ethan didn't discuss killing Josie when he was bragging (hide spoiler)].

I also thought Lily was uncharacteristically stupid, and wanted more of Henry in the story.

I was going to give it a 3 but due to the silly twist, and Lily not being cautious when needed (truly, obviously needed), I gave it a 2.

Beverage pairing: A nice iced Vietnamese coffee. A little something sweet to deal with the bitter

Continuing to enjoy this series

Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Continue to love this series; this one had some great new characters, and many plausible red herrings.

I like getting to know Oma and Holly more, as well as the other main Wagtail community members.

I am going to continue this series, and truly wish I could visit the setting in these books.

Beverage Pairings: This is truly a cozy series, so naturally any tea of your choice will be a great pairing.

Enjoyable MG mystery

The Cookie Crumbles by Tracy Badua
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable MG book. The two main characters were interesting, and they had a supportive friendship.

While I appreciated their notebook entries, I am not sure how they added much to the plot; I think it would have been fine with just their chapter POV's.

If the story took place over a longer time frame, then I think the notebooks would have worked better. They weren't really distracting, but they didn't add much to the plot.

It always amazes me when two authors manage to write a novel together, and they did a very nice job with this story.

I thought the red-herrings, the plot twists, and the resolution were all done well.

Beverage Pairing: I am sure everyone will know which beverage to enjoy while reading this book: A glass of milk, naturally.

Enjoyable series.

Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The premise sounded great, and I loved many things about the story.

The twists I wasn't expecting, and the one twist I was expecting were handeled adeptly.

The setting sounded intriguing, and I personally enjoyed the descriptions of the various fauna and the variety of crabs. (reading the afterword is helpful as well, in this regard).

I enjoyed reading more about Frankie's motivations, and liked many of the other characters.

The resolution for many was also a nice bonus, and I am left to wonder what happens next in Frankie's life. Hopefully this wasn't an ending for her. I expect she and one of the characters will partner up in a 4th book.

Beverage Pairings: A good chunk is set on an Atoll, thus you would expect some drinks with rum, but honestly a light beer for most of it will get you through the intensity of this plot. Afterwards, go to a bar and get yourself that tropical cocktail.

Total Cringe

Eruption by Michael Crichton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I started this knowing full well that it would be over the top; a B movie in book form.

I don't personally care if it was more of Crichton's writing or Patterson's, I wanted a fun but believable disaster story.

The characters were ridiculous. Throughout we as readers are reading a countdown to the big eruuption (which is complicated by a military/environmental secret, which was literally the only thing I found believable..that a horrible waste product wouldn't be disposed of properly or cared for properly), yet while the characters (who also know exactly when the eruption will be) debate what to do, they also take time to go out for drinks and other unnecessary endeavors.

I do not mean they have months to prepare, this is when things are within days and then literally a few hours prior to the eruption. They have very petty squabbles on how to proceed (not learned debates on what makes the most sense). I probably sound petty here, but it is what made much of this unbelievable. Yes, there will be personality issues, and various opinions, and some people won't be respected who do indeed know a lot, in groups when things need to be figured out, but again, I just didn't buy the scenarios.

The main guy in charge, who happens to teach the local youth how to surf on the side, (I mean, seriously? He's from the mainland and he's teaching them to surf???) goes to the beach within hours of the eruption to see his favorite student??? Um, a phone call would have made more sense, but even then dude, time is ticking.....

Anyway, lots of reviews have bashed it because it doesn't read like a Crichton book. I have read a few of his, but as I said I wasn't expecting it to read like he wrote it. It had been a long buried draft, and Patterson took the project on at the behest of Crichton's wife.

I personally give loads of kudos to Patterson for his worthy work with literacy and independent bookstores. I truly love him for his work in those areas, and loved his early Alex Cross novels, his books for middle school students, and look forward to reading The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.

I expected a fast read from him, but didn't quite expect the ludricousness of this plot.

I did put on hold a non-fiction book by Tamsin Mather Adventures in Volcano Land: What Volcanoes Tell Us About the World and Ourselves since volcanoes, and their potential eruptions, do indeed interest me.

Beverage Pairing Initially this was looking like a perfect pairing with any cold beverage of your choice, and a big bag of popcorn. A perfect B movie pairing, right? But, after just a bit the book was clearly turning into a not great book, and the only thing to drink would perhaps be chamomile tea or a tums or two to digest the blather in this book.

I enjoy this author's writing

The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Harbinder Kaur series, but it mostly focuses on characters we met in The Postscript Murders.

I enjoyed those characters, and it was nice to read about them again, but did wish Harbinder was featured more.

I found the mystery interesting, but the pace was a bit slow at times.

I didn't quite guess where it was all going, and that was enjoyable.

I wavered between a 3 and a 4 and went with the 4 because I do find the writing quite nice.



Beverage Pairing: Read with a nice pot of tea, or an occassional shot of espresso.

Slow start but overall a nice read

The Note: A Novel by Alafair Burke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this as an ARC from NetGalley.

Initially it didn't really grab me; it was quite slow, a bit convoluted in terms of their friendship, and the characters weren't terribly engaging.

I stuck with it, reading intermittingly between other more compelling (for me) reads.

Then it got interesting, and the murder mystery made me want to finish it. While it was somewhat easy to figure out the murderer, I did enjoy how it was solved.

The characters did eventually grow on me as well.

Beverage Pairing: A nice summer drink like a mojito would be the perfect pairing for this novel.

Lighthearted series

The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been enjoy Davis' other series (Paws and Claws), so thought I would try this series. I read the first book and enjoyed it; but rather than continuing the series as written (which would mean 15 more books) I jumped to the one just published which is the 17th.

Many of the characters were ones I met in the first book, so it was easy to read this one.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one, but didn't care as much for the little letters to Sophie and Natasha's respective columns that started each chapter. I simply got tired of the charcuterie board questions and responses, and didn't feel they added much to the story line. In the first book those letters were pertinent and set up an interesting relationship aspect between the women.

Relationships are key in this book, and made the main mystery even more intriguing.

Beverage Pairing: Sitting outside on a porch, or in your yard, read this with a nice chilled Pinot Gris. If you don't care for alcohol, or it is too early for wine, chilled peach juice would be perfect.

New setting in the series

A Limited Edition Murder by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had read earlier books in this series, but jumped ahead with this one. There had been numerous changes for the main character, Addie, since I had read the books, but this book easily caught me up.

I enjoyed the set-up, the mysteries, and the characters. Hopefully I will be on top of things and will pick up book 11 when it comes out.

Beverage Pairing: Even if you aren't in the UK, seek out a pub, order a pint of your favorite beer, and enjoy this book.

Summer read?

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the writing. As I started reading I was reminded of various Greek myths as well as the book, The Giver.

In all honesty keeping that book in mind is what kept me reading. There was a twist that surprised me (in hardcover version it was on page 142).

There were interesting philosophical questions raised at various points, that I appreciated (and continued to make me think of The Giver). Is it a Utopia or a Dystopia? That is probably the real mystery.

Beverage Pairing:

I think a nice sweet iced tea is perfect for this book. I know many might not feel this way, but this was kind of the perfect beach/summer read. Probably a bit more thought inducing than most summer reads, but that was my feeling when I finished the book.

King is the master of depicting characters

You Like It Darker by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this collection. Only one story was just okay for me.

I will do a simple blurb for each story.

1) Two Talented Bastids: Great story that I fell right into. Loved the line, "nothing can give you what already isn't there."

2) The Fifth Step: I knew there'd be a twist, but that was a doozy.

3) Willie the Weirdo: Creepy

4) Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream: Great characters, interesting premise, "belief is hard"

5) Finn: Just okay for me.

6) On Slide Inn Road: Really enjoyed this story. Could see it all.

7) Red Screen: Clever but kind of knew where it was going (not trying to imply I am clever..you will see what I mean when you read it.

8) The Turbulence Expert: Truly loved it. Can totally relate

9) Laurie: Wonderful dog story

10) Rattlesnakes: Three words: Cujo, Grief and ghosts. Great creepy story

11) The Dreamers: Scary. Could induce nightmares.

12) The Answer Man: Just a beautiful story.

It's all in the characters. King is simply a master with his characters. His afterword is worthy too.

Beverage Pairing: A nice french roast for most of the stories. Perhaps lemonade for Rattlesnakes

An okay stranded on an island story

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have read many of Ware's books, the majority of which I have rated a 4. This one was just ok. I didn't care for Lyla mostly because despite being a scientist and very logical and analytical (she refers to herself this way) she often wasn't logical at all. She was totally surprised at various points, whether it was the weather and its impact, the fact that she was looking at a dead body, or her own career (I mean maybe I just don't understand, but the bit about losing her job because her results weren't showing what the original scientist showed...I mean isn't the point to prove or disprove the research when you are given the role she had? Shouldn't the onous have been on the original researcher?)

Anyway, she just didn't come across as logical to me.

While I guess I could see someone reading a brief summary of the premise and then suggesting this was along the lines of "And Then There Were None" I don't think that is a valid comparison. The better comparison would probably be (view spoiler)[Big Little Lies since the woman end up supporting each other via the murder of Conor (hide spoiler)] but even that isn't a great comparison.

This didn't have the thriller vibe to me, nor was it much of a mystery. I still overall love Ware's books, and will read some I have missed of hers, as well as her future books, but this one was just an ok read.

Beverage Pairing: A Mai Tai, for the sunset coloring of the drink, and the island vibe. Perhaps you could also drink a hurricaine due to the storm that takes place.

Scary premise

I love Lucas, Virgil and now Letty. The premise of this book was scary and believable. Especially when you consider what could happen, if this group had been in some of the cities suggested at the start of their plan.

I do tend to skim some action scenes in books, and felt some of those scenes in this book could have been shortened.

Having said that the resolution did seem believable, and I was glad it wasn't totally rosy.

Beverage Pairing: I am not entirely sure why, but I pictured reading this while drinking an iced tea on a front porch. Probably because there were numerous houses and cabins depicted here, many with a front porch.

Started suspensefully and remained suspenseful

That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Suspenseful from the start to the finish. Two narrators, both voiced quite well.

Really liked the friendship aspect between Drew, Autumn and Max

Twist I wasn't expecting at the end

Beverage Pairing

This book can be enjoyed with a nice cup of Chamomile tea. You will need something to calm you through the suspense.

Extinction by Douglas Preston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is pretty much an action story that starts off as a mystery. A young couple is suddenly and violently missing, thus the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and a local sheriff start to investigate.

The resort the couple was visiting features "deextincted" wooly mammoths and other herbivores.

The CBI investigator, Cash, immediatly suspects much is being hidden from her as she attempts to investigate, and while the reader may readily figure things out, the reveal for the characters was exciting and suprising. I do think they were a little slow on the uptake, but it was easy to picture their realization of the horror of what was being done.

Beverage pairing: While you don't truly need caffeine to enjoy this book (the pacing will keep you awake), it is best paired with a nice coffee made from Arabica beans.

A two drink pairing for Out of Bounds and 4 out of 5 stars.

This is the 4th book in a series and there are numerous cases to keep track of. These cases involve a plane bombing, a deadly car accident, a suspected murder, and an older murder that initially brings Karen into all of these cases. I did enjoy reading how some of the various cases tied together.

I really enjoy the character development in this series. The friendships Karen has with colleagues and others. The disdain she has for inept investigators, and how she proves some of them wrong.

She also is dealing with grief which I thought was realistically portrayed. As a result of her grief she has insomnia and walks at night. This leads to a friendship with refugees that results in an unique collaboration. This had shown up in the first Karen Pirie novel I read, which was actually the 7th one written, and prompted me to start the series. so it was really wonderful to see the genesis of that.

Beverage Pairing:

The obvious choice is a gin and tonic, as that is Karen's drink of choice. She routinely tries various gins with a friend who also misses and grieves the loss of Phil. I personally am not a huge gin and tonic fan, but for some reason associate that drink with summer. So I propose you enjoy this novel with my summer drink of choice: A nice, cold Portuguese Vino Verde. Both drinks are refreshing, and in my mind, with all that happens in this novel, hope for the future. The hope that summer sometimes brings us all.

First in Series and First with new blog format

The Defense by Steve Cavanagh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I came across this series as a result of reading "Kill for me Kill for you"

This is an adrenaline pumping book, and is not the type of book I would normally pick up. I didn't particularly believe a couple of the situations and how they were resolved, but I went with it because I so wanted Eddie to prevail.

It is propulsive and could easily be made into a movie. I am putting the 2nd book on hold at the library.

Best Pairing: Enjoy this book while drinking a Guiness Stout I had imagined I would pair most books with one of my 3 favorite drink choices: coffee, wine or tea. Planned on specifying which of those fit the mood best, and getting specific with vintage (examples: Merlot, Arabica, Jasmine) I rarely drink beer, but this book made me think of reading this in a dimly lit and quiet bar (probably on a Kindle due to the lighting) while drinking a Guiness. I pictured the narrator, Eddie, if he had time to (he definetly doesn't in this story) contemplating the best way to get out of the horrible situation he finds himself in, in this setting.

Reconfiguring this blog

I am going to reformat this blog, or create a new one with a different set-up and focus. I have recently simply been copy and pasting my Goodreads reviews, but I want to change things up here a bit. I have attended a few events where winerys and bookstores are partnering up. Each one I have attended has had great aspects. Some are better with their wine tasting portion, others with their books. I am going to try to include in my reviews what each book would be best paired with i.e which wine, tea or coffee would fit the mood of the book. This might mean I create a whole new blog, rather than reformatting this one, and it is just an idea at this point.

Solid start to a series

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very nice start to a new cozy series. The setting in MD was believable, and the reason she might stay in that area after helping solve this initial case are plausible. I loved the idea of the cover of the "Book of Kells" somehow ending up in MD, sparking the curiosity of the main character, who deals with rare books at the Library of Congress.

Her name, Juniper, along with the sister's name Azalea were coincidentally very similar to names in another cozy mystery I am reading now, so it did make me question my tendency to read mulptiple books at the same time. Fortunately it didn't cause me too much confusion keeping track of the respective storylines.

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Enjoyable series

Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. The character development is progressing nicely and this mystery was interesting, and nicely plotted.

This is a series I will continue reading.

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Decent story

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Decent mystery, and I enjoyed the main character, especially the friendship history with her friend Adora.

While I did suspect who was at fault, I felt the resolution could have been developed a bit better. Not sure if it is a set-up for a sequel?

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Needed an easy read

French Pressed by Cleo Coyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I needed a somewhat easy read after a tough issue non-fiction book, and the 6th in this series was in my TBR pile.

The mystery was good, the red-herrings plausible, and the character development was decent with the supporting characters.

Book 7 is already on hold at the library.

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Depressing but necessary reading

In the Shadow of Liberty: The Invisible History of Immigrant Detention in the United States by Ana Raquel Minian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An historical look at immigration and various policies that are truly awful, like entry fiction (meaning asylum seekers "had never actually entered the country" and "could be held at detention centers indefinetly without basic constitutional rights").

The history of Guantonomo Bay, first used with Haitian refugees in the first Bush administration, and other issues like for profit prisons being used for asylum seekers are addressed as well.

The crux of the book follows 4 asylum seekers from different eras. This reminded me of Alan Gratz's excellent book, "Refugee" A young adult book that highlights 3 fictional refugees from different eras.

This non-fiction work is intense and depressing. The inability of humans to see other humans as fully human is our worst trait. The use of laws and profits to debase other humans is utterly unfathomable, but is factual.

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