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The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose

Some marriages are hell, and some divorces are murder. In this mystery thriller, Sarah Morgan and Bob Miller are embroiled in a contentious divorce.  They both have secrets as well as schemes to come out on top. These two are some of the most twisted characters I’ve come across. Their constant plotting kept me guessing just how far they would go. So, who ends up the winner? I’ll never tell! You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I listened to this book on Audible, which I highly recommend. Science fiction is not generally a genre I choose. This is a pick for a book club I’m in. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a mission to save Earth’s sun and has to travel to a faraway sun to find the solution. This book is FUNNY. I was laughing out loud at every turn. The characters are great, and the constant perilous situations had me listening longer to see how Grace would get out of the predicament he was in. The story has abundant math and science, but you don’t need to understand it to enjoy this book. The narrator explains it like a middle school science teacher might (Ryland Grace is a middle school science teacher). I loved this book. It’s probably the best novel I’ve read this year.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Lowen Ashleigh needs the money, so she accepts the job to finish the last three books in the bestselling series of injured author, Verity Crawford. Jeremy, Verity’s husband, is reeling with the grief surrounding the deaths of two of their children while trying to give his five-year-old son a normal life. While researching the books she’s meant to write, Lo discovers  Verity’s autobiography, and the twists begin. I traveled through the story trying to anticipate what would happen next, and found I was usually wrong. By the end of the book, I still questioned what was true and what was fiction. I consider that a great component for an unforgettable suspense novel.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

When fifteen-year-old Ellie disappears, the Mack family falls apart. Laurel, Ellie’s mother, loses herself in her grief. Then she meets Floyd Dunn, a single man with a precious child named Poppy. There are uncanny similarities between Ellie and Poppy. The plot is somewhat predictable, but it kept me reading to unravel the particulars of the causal events. It is an interesting jigsaw puzzle, and Lisa Jewell gives the reader all the pieces in the end. It’s not my favorite novel of hers, but it’s worth a read.

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

In this twisted psychological thriller, recently widowed Nina Swann meets a man from her husband’s past. Nick Radcliffe seems too perfect, too good to be true. Nina’s daughter, Ash, doesn’t trust her mother’s new love interest, but because of her own questionable life choices, she isn’t taken seriously when she points out Nick’s red flags. The plot is complicated and kept me guessing. The writing is excellent. The world-building is vivid. If thrillers are your jam, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

This work of literary fiction takes the unique approach of being written in the form of letters and emails. The protagonist, Sybil Van Antwerp, who is in her seventies has been writing letters since she was a child. She has lived a full life, with a career as well as raising a family. Her correspondence is sometimes amusing and at other times it is heartbreaking. I was captivated by the story and the beautiful writing. The many characters were interesting and the reader gets a good sense of their lives. If you are looking for a book that is different, enjoyable and keeps you engaged, pick this one up.

Battle Mountain by C.J. Box

This is #25 in the Joe Pickett series and Joe plays a minor role in this story. Nate Romanowski is out to revenge the death of his wife. But the murderer, Axel Soledad, has escaped his grasp. Geronimo Jones comes looking for Nate and together they uncover Soledad’s plan to take out America’s military industrial complex. Meanwhile Joe Pickett is on the search for a missing hunting guide and his new righthand man which ultimately pulls him into the conspiracy and puts his wife and daughter in danger. As you can expect from a C.J. Box novel, there is action, a lot of danger, gruesome violence as well as beautiful descriptions of the wilderness.

Rage by Linda Castillo

This contemporary crime novel is #17 in the Kate Burkholder series. I look forward to the new ones that come out every July and they are my favorite summer reads. In this one, several Amish young adults naïvely get involved with some unscrupulous men who take advantage of their lack understanding of how ruthless the world outside their religious order can be. It’s all fun and games until two of them are brutally murdered. Police Chief Kate Burkholder has to put the clues together and catch the killers before the next innocent dies. As always, the story is fast-paced, full of action and suspense. Personally, I feel like I’m catching up with old friends everytime a new book comes out.

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware

In this psychological thriller, the sequel to the Woman in Cabin 10, the protagonist, Lo Blacklock excepts an invitation to a fancy resort with the opportunity to restart her journalism career. Little does she know that her traumatic past and her secure present are about to collide. In Ruth Ware fashion, this story contains plenty of intrigue and suspects. The writing is wonderful, as one expects from Ware and the plot keeps the reader guessing until the very end. To my surprise, in some of the instances, I guessed wrong. If you are a fan of a good thriller, this one does not disappoint.

Blind Spot by Maggie Smith

From the very first page I was rooting for the character Rachel Matthews. She’s a no-nonsense district attorney, who finds herself being stalked by someone who holds a grudge against her. Complicating this problem is the possibility of a promotion and a need to protect her somewhat difficult teenage daughter from a threatening violence stalker, as well as the life-altering secrets she’s desperately trying to keep locked away. Smith weaves an intricate web of intrigue as the suspense builds throughout the story. This is a great who done it and why’d they do it psychological thriller!

Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin

As a younger man Eddie Winston lost his heart to a woman he couldn’t have. Now at 90- years-old he has never had a love relationship. When he meets Bella, a 24-year-old who’s boyfriend has just died, they strike up a sweet friendship. Eddie helps Bella navigate her grief, while she encourages him that it’s not too late to find the love of his life. The characters are endearing and their interactions are often humorous. It is a lighthearted look at ageing, loss, love and friendship and gives the reader a feel-good vibe. Those looking for a heartwarming read will enjoy this one.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

This beautifully written historical fiction novel was inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, a real midwife and healer who lived in Maine in the late 1700’s. Many of the events in the story were taken from Martha’s own diary, the rest were imagined by the author. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. There is mystery surrounding the murder of a man accused of sexual assault. Many babies are born and some do not survive. The story does contain some humor, love, loss and a mother’s natural concerns about the decisions her coming of age offspring are making. I came away with a real picture of what life was like for this woman, as well as a clear understanding of the legal obstacles she faced because of her gender. I love a good historical fiction and this one did not disappoint.

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman

After her grandfather’s death, Zoe Rosenweig tries to unravel the mystery of her aunt Chana’s past. In 1946, the Rosensweig family survivors of the concentration camps during the Holocaust find themselves in dangerous post war Vienna. They are faced with the challenge of locating relatives in America to sponsor their immigration, black-marketers, violence and antisemitism. Chana, a brave and resourceful young woman, struggles with her obligations to her mother and younger brother and her own vision of what she wants for her future. This expertly written dual timeline Historical fiction is filled with danger and intrigue, as well as characters who steal your heart. Zoe’s quest leads her to modern day Vienna and a mysterious man who claims to hold the answers regarding Chana’s untimely death in a fire, all those years ago. Be sure to read the author’s note and learn about her real-life connection to the characters she’s created.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
When podcaster Alix Summers dedicates upcoming episodes to a woman who was born on her birthday, at the same hospital, she has no idea that Josie Fair will cause havoc in her life. Lisa Jewell has taken the unreliable narrator to the next level. Josie’s tale of her past and how it has impacted her two daughters comes into question early in the book. All the characters have family secrets that once revealed have devastating effects. As a reader, I found myself trying to decipher what was true and what was lies, which wasn’t clear cut. The story kept me engaged while second guessing what was coming next. If you enjoy a good “What just happened?” book, pick this one up.

A Death in Belmont by Sebastian Junger

On March 11, 1963, a housewife named Bessie Goldberg was murdered in her suburban Boston home. The killing had all the earmarks of a Boston Strangler crime and yet Roy Smith, a black day worker was arrested and later convicted of her murder. Albert Desalvo, the man who two years later confessed to being the Boston Strangler was working unsupervised at the Junger residence just blocks away from the Goldberg home at the time of the murder. This story speaks to racial injustice and law enforcements desperate need to blame someone for such a heinous act. This is a compelling true crime story that is definitely worth a read.

The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood

This is a cozy murder mystery set in the small English hamlet of Marlow. Judith Potts, 77, sets crosswords for the newspaper; she is a loveable excentric character with her own secrets. She teams up with Suzie, a dog-walker, and  Becks, the underfulfilled  wife of the local Vicar, to solve the murders of two men in town. Following the clues and using deductive reasoning they soon have more leads than DS Malik. As the police are overworked, underfunded and Malik lacks the experience with murder cases she asks these amiture sluths for their assistance. The novel has a well designed plot, interesting characters and dry humor. If you love a cozy mystery, you’ll find this one delightful.

Between Good and Evil by Roger L. Depue

I read this book for research for my next novel I’m writing. It is the nonfiction telling of the life and career of one of the first FBI profilers. I found it interesting, especially the psychology methods they used to identify who the criminals were. The BSU (Behavioral Science Unit) formed in 1972 and developed educational programs for FBI agents as well as law enforcement agencies throughout the world. It was no surprise to me that the work of these FBI agents took a heavy tole on their personal lives as well as their own mental health. The work of Roger L. Depue and his counter parts has made a significant impact on how the agency functions today.

Saving Vincent by Joan Fernandez

I remember the sense of awe I felt when I saw Van Gogh’s paintings hanging in the museums I visited when I was in Paris. Without Jo Van Gogh’s tireless efforts, those priceless works would not have been there! Without Joan Fernandez’s dedication to telling the story of Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, I wouldn’t know anything about Jo Van Gogh or her son. This novel portrays the life of a strong, fearless woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer. It shows the evolution of a scared young woman who grows into a force to be reckoned with. The writing is exceptional. The world building is visual. Ultimately, this book has given me a new appreciation for Vincent’s art and a story I will never forget.

D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds, Intentionally and contributing author in Feisty Deeds and Grief Like Yours anthologies

I See You’ve Called In Dead by John Kenny

In our culture, we approach the subject of death in a serious, reverent manner. This book puts a new spin on that; It had me laughing out loud! Bud Stanley, an obituary writer is going through a rough patch in his life. On a particularly crappy night, he drunkenly writes his own obituary. Instead of hitting delete, he hits publish. As you can guess, this causes all kinds of problems. The sarcasm and one-liners between the characters is brilliant. The novel deals with death in a respectful yet humorous way. After all, none of us get out of here alive. I listened to this book on Audible.  Sean Patrick Hopkins, the narrator, had perfect timing for delivering the text. If you are in need of a story that will truly make you laugh, read this one.

A Killer’s Code by Isabella Maldonado

This is the last book in the Dani Vega series and Maldonado’s writing really shines. In this novel Dani and the team need to solve a puzzle left by a dead hit man to find a woman who holds the answers to the murders of a group of scientists. The plot, as always, is complex. The evolution of the characters and their personal lives is satisfying. I know this is a series I will remember for a long time. If you love good crime/mysteries with strong and smart female characters this one will not disappoint.

 

A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado

This is the second book in the Dani Vega series. Just like in the first book, Dani and the team have to decipher codes to stop a serial killer from striking again. Behind the scenes Dani is investigating new clues to find the truth about the murder of her father and clear her mother’s name. The writing is smart and keeps the reader engaged in following the puzzles. Dani is a great character with brains and strength as well as having a fierce love for her family. I’m enjoying this series; the plot is thought provoking and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

 

A Killer’s Game by Isabella Maldonado

Isabella Maldonado has a background in law enforcement and FBI training so her books have accurate information on chain of command and procedures. In her Dani Vega series that experience shines through. This is the first book in the series and special agent Daniela “Dani” Vega is pulled into a deep cover assignment with a band of assassins in a kill or be killed game of complex puzzles. The writing is excellent. The plot is extraordinary. The world building is visual. Dani is a complicated character with trauma from her childhood and military service that has shaped who she has become. I was captivated from the beginning. Fans of crime stories will want to read this one.

The God of The Woods by Liz Moore

This story is set in a summer camp in the Adirondacks in 1975. Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the camps owner has gone missing. But this family has lost a child before. Bear Van Laar, Barbara’s brother disappeared over a decade earlier and was never found. The mystery of what happened to the children kept me reading. The characters are interesting and the setting itself is a character in the novel. The plot reveals that being wealthy doesn’t guarantee happiness. For the mystery lovers out there, I recommend this one.

Tangles by Kay Smith-Blum

This historical fiction novel is set in the Pacific Northwest and involves the mishandling of nuclear waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Mary Boone, a secretary at the Hanford, along with her boss, Dr. Harry Griffin, risk everything to expose the damage caused by the negligence of the operation, as well as the human cost. When Mary goes missing, there are more questions than answers. Luke Hinson, Mary’s former neighbor, and now a scientist, picks up where Mary and Griffin left off. This is a well-crafted mystery with a tender love story and actual facts of what happened to the area during the Manhattan Project and cold war. If you love a good book with plenty of intrigue and real-life consequences, this should be on you to-be-read list.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

I read this book years ago, and reread it now after reading James by Percival Everett, as I wanted to do a comparison. I had to remind myself about the time in which Twain wrote this novel because the language is harsh. At times, Huck is sympathetic to Jim being enslaved yet still goes along with the statis quo in regards to slavery in general. I’d forgotten the ridiculousness of Huck and Tom Sawyer’s outrageous plan to free Jim when he was captured as a runaway and the absurdity that Jim would play along. I have to say that between the two books I like Everett’s book much more than Twain’s. It doesn’t hurt, though to go back and read the original to put things in context.

Face Of Greed by James L’etoile

This contemporary murder mystery is set in Sacramento California. Detective Emily Hunter and her partner Javier Medina are assigned to solve the homicide of a prominent businessman. The interaction between the detectives is entertaining, often humorous, and endearing. The crime initially looks like a home invasion gone wrong, but is there more to the killing than meets the eye? L’etoile adds some strategic twists to keep the reader guessing. The plot builds nicely. Hunter’s personal life adds a deeper dynamic to the story. I was invested in the characters from the very beginning. It has a satisfying ending. If you love a good who-done-it, put this one on your to be read list.

James by Percival Everett

This novel is the reimagined version of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the point of view of the runaway slave, Jim. The numerous awards this book has received are well deserved. Everett got down to the heart and soul of Jim. It was revealing to hear the man’s inner thoughts as well as see him as a leader among the other enslaved in his community. There is still the humor that Twain was famous for, but there is also the horror of the dehumanization and violence of slavery during this shameful time in American history. I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on an old classic.

Song of the Chimney Sweep by Tamatha Cain

I listened to this book on Audible, read by the author. It was great. Tamatha Cain weaves a bittersweet love story in this duel timeline historical fiction about a podcast that seeks to find the answers regarding the disappearance of a woman decades earlier. In doing so, they reignite the legend of a lost treasure supposedly hidden in the chimney of an unknown historical home. The intrigue keeps the reader invested in the answers. I enjoyed the background of the music industry that is also a central theme in the story. As the author connected all the dots in the mystery there were things I didn’t see coming; I admire that kind of skilled storytelling. Cain’s lovely singing voice adds so much to the telling. I encourage you to give it a listen.

The Irish Girl by Ashley E. Sweeney

This is the story of Mary Agnes Coyne, a thirteen-year-old Irish girl who, because of a tumultuous family dynamic, immigrates to the United States, all alone, in the late 1800’s. Her journey leads her to Chicago, which is my hometown. I really enjoyed reading the vivid description of the city during that time period. Mary’s development takes her from being a dreamer of what she wants her life to be, to fulfilling dreams she didn’t know she had in the beginning. Throughout the tale Mary is a strong female character, a hard worker and determined to survive all the adversity that comes her way. The story has friendship, love, violence, class struggles, courage and setbacks. It grabbed me in the beginning and kept me engaged to the last page.

Friends With Secrets by Christine Gunderson

I loved the two women characters in this story. They are both mothers whose children attend the same private school and there is trouble brewing around the coach of the girls basketball team. Together they must find evidence to expose the man’s sketchy past without endangering their families, their futures and possibly their own lives. It is a fast paced read with plenty of humor, intrigue and smarts. In the end it’s about friendship and doing the right thing even if it is unpopular with one’s peers. This is an enjoyable novel.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Set in Briarwood house, a women’s boardinghouse, during the 1950’s in turbulent Washington D.C., this historical fiction story delves into the lives’ and secrets of the tenants. As you would expect from a Kate Quinn novel, the research is impeccable. Each character had their own interesting backstory as well as their unique dilemmas they confronted in post-World War II America. The house itself is a character in the book. There is mystery, murder, romance and friendship. All the things I love in a good novel. I also like it when I learn something new about history. The Briar Club checks all the boxes!

Everything We Thought Was True by Lisa Montanaro

This is a thought-provoking family saga about a husband and a father who strives for a normal heterosexual life, while living a double life with male lovers. The character development feels natural as all involved experience a wide range of emotions and growth throughout the story. The dialog is as real as if this were nonfiction. So many questions are raised: How should a wife deal with such a situation? What are the lifelong implications for the kids? Should there be loyalty to one parent over the other? This is a timely story that stirs raw emotions and makes the reader hope that we do not return to a time when the LGBTQ+ community feels forced into living unauthentic lives. It is a story that will stay with you.

Weyward by Emilia Hart

This is a triple timeline, historical fiction, about the generations of the Weyward women. The writing is visual. The characters are well developed and the story is excellent. I find it impossible to pick my favorite Weyward, as they are each interesting and their stories equally compelling. They all have things in common; their connection to nature with a hint of magic and their troubled relationships with the men who fear them and try to control them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who love historical fiction.

This Isn’t Everything You Are by J. Marie Rundquist

The story centers on a pair of siblings who, as young children, experience a trauma that defines much of their lives going forward. This was the first book I’ve read where one of the main characters is Autistic. I found that point of view very informative and interesting. The other character is struggling to find her identity as she grapples with past mistakes and the consequences. The book is beautifully written and held my attention from the very beginning. For those who enjoy a contemporary family saga, this is a must read.

The Missing by Ben Tanzer                                                                                                                     Seventeen-year-old Christa runs away from home with her boyfriend after an argument with her mother. The narrative of the novel is what goes through the minds’ of her parents Hannah and Gabriel. Could they, should they have handled things differently with the girl? Was their toxic marriage a contributing factor in the girl’s decision to leave? They struggle with guilt and blame and are forced to look at their behaviors, reactions, mistakes and the times they were happy as a family. This is a deep dive into the thoughts and emotions of a couple who are facing the scariest scenario of their marriage. It’s thought provoking. Will Christa be found safe? You’ll have to read the book to find out. I recommend that you do.

Up to this point, I’ve nabbed these reviews off my Facebook page. Sorry the picture quality isn’t that great. Going forward, I’ll try to figure out a better way to post them here.