Month: March 2023

REVIEW: The Raven Thief by Gig Pandian

REVIEW: The Raven Thief by Gig Pandian

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Tempest’s friend, Sanjay, has agreed to do a fake, “symbolic” séance for a client who is using Secret Staircase Construction to renovate her basement. The space used to be used by her ex as an office, but the client has had Tempest’s family  business renovate it into something all hers. For her housewarming celebration she wants to “banish” her ex-husband’s spirit from the property. Even though he’s not dead.

But someone takes that banishment seriously. And Tempest, Sanjay, and the others at the séance become suspects for the man’s murder. Now Tempest has a locked room mystery to solve involving at least 4 impossible elements. Tempest will have to put all of her magical knowledge to use to find the real killer.

Review

The set up of this Secret Staircase Mystery series is so clever! Between Tempest’s history with magic and illusions, and her family business of building secret rooms and trick bookcases, there’s a lot about the setting and cast that sets this series apart. And I love all of it!

Along with that unique set up, the mystery here is terrifically plotted. There were multiple “impossible” scenarios that Tempest had to peel apart to find the killer – and it was super satisfying to watch it unfold.

There’s a lot here to love! I was a bit disappointed and distracted in the reading, though. I am hoping it’s a matter of the review copy needing another round of edits, but I have never run into this with another ARC from this publisher. There were sections here that were repetitive, and there were odd word choices that jarred me out of the story as I read. And while I like that there is a series-centered mystery in addition to each book-centered mystery, this time some of the pieces about the family curse and what happened to Tempest’s mom were more of a distraction than an enhancement.

I adored book one, Under Lock and Skeleton Key, and the mystery in this sequel is top notch. I have my fingers crossed that the other issues are either a fluke or were resolved in final edits before publication.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

REVIEW: A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

There’s never a good time for a purse snatching. But Poppy’s sister has been arrested for murder. And just as Poppy’s about to purchase a train ticket to her sister’s side, a villain snatches her purse holding almost her entire meager savings. Poppy takes off after the thief. But a literal run in with her least favorite Lord means the thief – and her purse – are out of her reach.

Joshua Fielding, Duke of Langham, happens to be heading in the same direction for a house party and cajoles Poppy to accept his help to her destination. And his help for her sister. Poppy feels so guilty over her sister’s plight, she will agree to almost anything.

Even the duke’s asinine plan to say she’s his fiancée.

Having Poppy play fiancée puts her – and her sister by extension – under the protection of his title. In turn, Poppy becomes a shield between Langham and the single women his grandmother has invited to the house party. It’s a win-win!

Review

This was fantastic!

I am always up for a fake relationship story, so of course I requested the ARC for this. But I had forgotten how much I loved the first book in this Ladies Most Scandalous series, A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem (♥♥♥♥). (Somehow I missed book 2, but I corrected that oversight immediately after I finished this book.)

Not only is this a great romance. The mystery here is also excellent. I could not put this down. I finished it in two sittings – my lunch hour and then the minute I got home from work.

This is now a must-read series for me. I have my fingers crossed that a certain character from the Foreign Office might star in book 4. If you enjoy historical fiction and romance with a solid, fascinating mystery, be sure to pick up this book and the whole series! I think these books can stand alone easily – I had no issues reading this after missing book 2. (Sex, Language, an occultish ceremony which was a bit much)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great!  Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: March 28, 2023

BOOK NEWS: March 28, 2023

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final release week of March 2023 – let’s see some of the new books out this week!

Books for Kids

We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish – Book 3 in the delightful Penelope Rex series. Penelope must face her fear of Walter the class goldfish when she is tasked with caring for him at home for the weekend.
Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy – Book 3 in the darling Doggo and Pupper early chapter book series. Doggo and Pupper decide to help Cat when their family gets her a new bed and she doesn’t feel cozy in it and misses her old one.

 

Books for Teens/Young Adults

Chaos & Flame – First in a new duology. She lost her entire family because of House Dragon, and now the man who helped raise her has been captured. She’s determined to repay his kindness by saving him. He loyally serves his brother, the High Prince Regent for House Dragon, but the more erratic his brother becomes, the more he wonders what secrets are being kept from him. They are unlikely allies, but also exactly what each other needs. I am intrigued by this one!
Control – First in the Lockwood Trilogy. A new student with the ability to see the future ignores the rules and saves a girl from murder, but he had no idea what the consequences are when you alter the future. I pre-ordered this the first time I heard about it!
Stars and Smoke – First in a new series by Marie Lu. A young spy has to team up with a pop star – and new spy recruit – to infiltrate a crime syndicate. This is a must read for me!

 

Books for Adults

Murder in Postscript (Trade Paperback) – First in the Lady of Letters Mystery series. A countess with a secret – her job writing an advice column for the local penny paper – stumbles across a possible murder and decides to investigate.
Once Upon a Buggy (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Amish of Apple Creek series. May feels guilty and responsible for Carl’s accident, so when he returns home, she’s hoping to ask for his forgiveness. But he seems so cold and angry. Carl was hoping to rekindle things with May, but she seems put off by his scars.
Right Girl, Wrong Side (Trade Paperback) – Once upon a time Evita and Ryan had crushed on one another, but their moms, business rivals, refused to let them date. Now, the rival families find their vacation beach house double booked, and reluctantly agreed to share the space.
A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Ladies Most Scandalous series. A duke offers Poppy a fake betrothal to protect her and her sister (who is suspected of murder) and protect him from the matchmakers hounding him.
Yours Truly the Duke (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the Say I Do series. She needs a husband so she has a chance to keep her late sister’s three young children. He needs a wife to keep an inheritance.

 

REVIEW: The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

REVIEW: The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Madeline has grown up on the Ren Faire circuit, and she’s at her favorite Faire, Stormsworth. But all the ways it feels different, starting with (1) Mom isn’t here because she died last year, are too many to count. There are new owners, a full castle on the grounds, and there’s even a moat. And then there’s the bard – a boy her age who is entirely too perky and insists on following her and calling her Gwen.

The bard is Arthur, and his dads are the new owners of the Faire – the ones who have changed so much of what was her mother’s last and favorite Faire.

Arthur’s sunny disposition and relentless chatter, initially so off-putting, start to wear her down as she opens herself up to the Faire and a friend. But the pain of Maddie’s loss is still so sharp and ever-present, it’s left her to put up walls to keep anyone from getting too close. Because if she cares about anyone, she exposes herself to future pain and loss.

Review

Two years ago I read a stunningly good book called Amelia Unabridged. And it set a high bar for all other books. It was my favorite of 2021. Last year I read the author’s follow up. And while the characters and writing for Full Flight were excellent once again, the plot did not work for me. I wasn’t sure what that might mean for future books – was Amelia a fluke of a perfect book for me? Or was Flight just not a story made for me? And then I read this. And it was another perfect story for me.

I happened to be reading this on the anniversary of my own mother’s death. And the author’s depiction of Maddie’s wrestling through her grief and loss – and the approaching 1st anniversary of her own loss – was spot on. I love how Maddie’s thinking and coping are portrayed here. Her whole journey was perfect.

I’d have been happy with just Maddie’s story. But Arthur is my FAVORITE sort of sidekick/romantic interest in books like this. Confident, but not perfect. Fond of grand gestures. Funny! But also insightful and observant.

There was a thread of the story that the author pulled forward at the end that was the exclamation point on the perfection of this book for me. If it hadn’t happened, I would have still loved this book. But this extra little pay off was the cherry on the sundae that was this reading experience. Exactly the finishing touch I wanted to make the reading payoff just a bit sweeter.

Schumacher has done it again for me. Her writing is consistently top notch – I highlighted multiple passages as I was reading (I will definitely be tabbing this book the next time I read it once my personal print copy gets here!). Her characters are favorites I would be friends with. There’s a great balance of humor (one scene at the end had me cackling!) and heart. Combine that with a plot that grabs my attention (grief, books, authors in Amelia; Renaissance Faire, grief, self-esteem/confidence, body positivity in this one), and it’s going to be a winner!

Do not miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

Review: Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt

Review: Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The K-Team – Corey Douglas, Marcus Clark, and Laurie Collins, plus retired K-9 Simon Garfunkel –  have been helping the Patterson Police Department by working cold cases for the city. But this time, Corey is calling an audible and choosing their next case himself rather than picking from ones the chief has pulled for them.

Danny Avery was a detective killed, execution style, in his car. His friend, Jimmy Dietrich, another detective, didn’t work the case, but it never sat right with him. He knew Danny, and his wife Susan. When Jimmy’s body is discovered, along with Susan Avery’s, the quick explanation is murder-suicide. But that never sat right with Corey, especially since the coroner said she couldn’t be certain it wasn’t a double murder instead.

So Corey and the K-Team decide to dig into what really happened to Danny, Susan, and Jimmy. They are determined to finally get the truth for these two Patterson cops.

Review

This was fantastic! The case was super twisty with an ending I didn’t see coming. Other than pauses for interruptions – like my job – I read this from start to finish in one day, and it was so satisfying.

I have read all of Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter books as well as the first three books in this K-Team series. I love them – the cases, the characters, the sass. But reading this book I really noticed – and enjoyed – how different the “voices” are between the two series. I think it would be tricky to create two distinct characters and approaches to mysteries where the setting and many of the core characters are the same. But the K-Team is its own fully fleshed-out series. This is perfectly plotted. Rosenfelt and series fans should not miss this!

I actually think newcomers could start here without too much trouble. The case stands on its own without needing a lot of explanation. The character relationships and history don’t play a huge role in the story, so this should be easy to follow for someone who has not yet tried the earlier books. But once you try one, I think you will want to go back and read the rest of both of these fantastic series!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

BOOK NEWS: March 21, 2023

BOOK NEWS: March 21, 2023

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Teens/Young Adults

The Future King – Book 2 in the Emry Merlin series after The Other Merlin (which is still on my TBR shelves). Emry and Arthur are as close as ever, but the king has warned Emry away and Arthur has discovered his fiancée has a secret. It doesn’t take much to persuade the friends to make a trip to France so Emry can seek help for her erratic magic. (The cover design has changed dramatically since book 1. The paperback of The Other Merlin is now out and matches this – which will be hardcover – if that matters to you.)

 

Books for Adults

Ellie Is Cool Now (Trade Paperback) – While she works on a TV show about cool high school kids, Ellie was anything but. So when she goes home to her reunion in order to secure a promotion, it’s not exactly something she’s looking forward to. I *love* reunion stories, so this is definitely on my list for this week!
How I’ll Kill You (Hardcover) – A set of triplet serial killers is in new territory when the youngest actually falls for her mark and decides she wants to keep him rather than kill him. I am super picky when it comes to thrillers – they aren’t always a good fit for me. But the premise of this one is FASCINATING. I might have to give it a try!
The Only Game in Town (Trade Paperback) – When a town’s eccentric benefactor dies, he leaves behind a game of sorts. The winners inherit his fortune. And he’s already set up the teams of competitors, including his grandson and a local who has settled for life in her hometown. This sounds right up my alley!
The Raven Thief (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Secret Staircase Mystery series after the fantastic Under Lock and Skeleton Key. A mock séance designed to playfully expel any trace of the homeowner’s ex is disrupted by the man’s dead body. The only suspects are the folks around the table – including Tempest and her grandfather. I can’t wait to read this sequel!!
Silver Sable Payback (Trade Paperback) – From the Marvel Heroines series. In order to get Dr. von Doom to stop terrorizing Symkaria, Silver Sable agrees to track down a device that will allow him to see the future.
Star Trek: Aliens (Graphic Novel) – Includes three stories: one about Kahless, one about Trill, and one where Quark goes home to Ferenginar.
The Enneagram and Your Marriage (Nonfiction) – A workbook for a 7-week study to strengthen your marriage based on the Enneagram.

REVIEW: My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon

REVIEW: My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Hana Yang Lerner used to be an insider. She used to be a fixer. And she used to be best friends with Luce Herrera.

Now, an anonymous texter has offered Hana $5,000 to follow Luce and help her fix something. But Hana is not in the habit of being cajoled – or bribed – into doing anything. Still, she’s an outcast just trying to get though high school after a national scandal involving her family. That kind of money and the chance to see what her old friend is into is hard to ignore.

Against her instincts, Hana teams up with another old friend who seems to be working the same mystery from a different angle. But the things they discover continue to catch them by surprise.

Review

Wow, this was great! The mystery is top notch, and the reader is treated to some jaw-dropping moments. I was captivated right from the start. The voice for this is engaging and the mystery kept me zipping through, page after page.

There are some time jumps that are used to explain Hana’s history as a fixer as well as the history with Luce and other ex-friends. Hana’s family story balances out the school-related mystery as Hana tries to figure out who she is in light of the family scandal.

YA readers who love a great mystery should give this a try. I loved it, and will be thinking about it, and about some of the twists, for years to come! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta

REVIEW: Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and IVP Academic in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

Dr. Gupta explores the women named in the New Testament as leaders of the early Church, but first he goes back to the Old Testament to review the Biblical record of Deborah and the creation story. As he moves forward in time to examine roles of women in the Roman world, he explores evidence of a full range of responsibilities from wife and mother to business owner to cult priestess. Then he looks at the women in Jesus’ life before moving on to the women who help launch the Church.

I had a teaser of some of this material a couple years ago when I heard the author speak. I was fascinated by what he shared and eager to hear more. The writing here is super engaging. There are plenty of reference notes for those approaching this topic and material as scholars. But there’s tons here to enjoy if you just picked this up to augment your own Bible study. I did a lot of underlining as I read, and came across references to other resources I might want to look at on my own.

Reading this made me want to pull a group of women together with this book and an unmarked Bible to dig into the passages with fresh eyes. I think it would be a moving, memorable study experience. I highly recommend this whether you are looking for a text book or reference for academic work or if you are looking for something for personal study.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BOOK NEWS: March 14, 2023

BOOK NEWS: March 14, 2023

Posted on by Jaymie

Let’s see what new books are releasing this week!

Books for Kids

 

Fish and Crab (Picture Book) – At bedtime, Crab is ready to go to sleep, but his best friend Fish has a lot of questions.
The Recess Genius: Open for Business (Picture Book) – A girl who feels most at home with her books becomes the playground fixer, but that doesn’t leave her much time to read.
Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem (Nonfiction Picture Book) – Whale fall is when a whale dies in the ocean and sinks to the ocean floor, becoming home and food for other ocean life. I have heard rave reviews of this book – great for budding oceanographers and marine biologists.
The Cryptid Club: A Nessie Situation (Chapter Book) – Book 2 in the Cryptid Club series. When a mysterious monster starts popping out of toilets, the principal shuts down the school bathrooms. It’s the Cryptid Club to the rescue, so their peers don’t have to hold it any longer!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bruce Wayne Not Super (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series. Bruce is attending a school for the super-powered, which leaves him feeling pretty un-super. But when he discovers some students are using their powers to bully others, he’s determined to make a difference. I can’t wait to read this one!
Hoops (Graphic Novel) – Inspired by a true story. A girls basketball team in Indiana in 1975 might have no resources, making their own uniforms and practicing in another school’s gym, but they keep winning! I have heard rave reviews about this one too!
Midnight Strikes – A commoner finds herself trapped in a time loop when the royal palace explodes during a royal ball. Yes please!
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway – The latest from the author of the outstanding Amelia Unabridged. When her late mother’s beloved Ren Faire comes under new management, Gwen is initially resistant to any change. The loss of her mom was more change than she can bear. But as she gets to know the son of the new owner, and she cautiously steps into some of the changes, she finds she might actually enjoy them. I cannot wait to read this!!
Whistleblower – A college journalist risks everything to write a story no one wants to come to light.

Books for Adults

The Fun Widow’s Book Tour (Trade Paperback) – A widow struggling to motivate herself for a book tour is rescued by her best friends who plan a tour for her in their home cities. In return, the widow plans to help fix some of their struggles while she’s in town as a way to thank them for their support. Fascinating!
Good Dog, Bad Cop (Hardcover) – Book 4 in the K-Team series by David Rosenfelt. The K-Team digs into a cold case featuring Corey’s former mentor. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Love and Other Flight Delays (Trade Paperback) – A collection of novellas set at the airport, including fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, and friends to lovers. These sound cute!
The Love Wager (Trade Paperback) – A new story from Lynn Painter. After a hookup gone wrong, a couple decide to be friends – and wing-persons – instead, and they even make a bet over who can find love first.  Sounds like a winner!
Not that Kind of Ever After (Trade Paperback) – A want-to-be writer finds her angle when she posts a fairytale retelling of a disastrous one night stand. This sounds awesome!
Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church (Trade Paperback) – Explore the many ways women were active parts of the early Christian church. I  heard Dr. Nijay Gupta speak a couple years ago on this very topic. I can’t wait to dig into this one! I’ll be reviewing it soon.

 

 

REVIEW: Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick

REVIEW: Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Hilo has been captured by the magical rulers of an alternate Earth. They want to prevent a prophecy that says two magical humans will take the Earth from them. And they believe those humans are Hilo’s friends.

Gina has connected with her ancestor, Regina, who has been serving as a magical guardian for ages. She has kept countless magical creatures from invading Earth. But with the arrival of Gina and her friends, Regina realizes things aren’t what they seem in her magical world.

Review

I wasn’t supposed to be reviewing this book today. I’m having a hard time catching up on my reading from the first of the year. But when the library notice came through that this was in my hold list, I dropped everything to read through it. This is one of my “ride or die” graphic novel series. And this entry did not disappoint.

I continue to be awed by how this funny, action-packed series can also deal with grief and loss so well. There’s just the right amount of heart-tugging  that comes from how much readers care about these characters. But that is well-balanced with the action and humor. Graphic novel fans should definitely start this series at the beginning – there’s just too much to catch up on if you were to jump in here. But it’s worth the time because this series is amazing. I already have book 10, Rise of the Cat, on my wish list for 2024.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.