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I've wanted to read this one for a while but managed to pick it up now. I also haven't got much to add because a lot has been said. Sadly, it is true even today. This is relatable on many levels, if not personally, then through others' experiences.
I'm glad my friends mentioned the dispassionate and documentary-style tone. I was prepared for a dry book and aligned my expectations. My reading experience was a lot better because of it. What I still don't like is Kim Jiyoung taking others' voices/ personalities. The plot device could have been better given the ending.
This book is a must-read but go with the right expectations. I'd have rated it 3 stars if I wasn't prepared for the narration (or the lack of it).
I'm glad my friends mentioned the dispassionate and documentary-style tone. I was prepared for a dry book and aligned my expectations. My reading experience was a lot better because of it. What I still don't like is Kim Jiyoung taking others' voices/ personalities. The plot device could have been better given the ending.
This book is a must-read but go with the right expectations. I'd have rated it 3 stars if I wasn't prepared for the narration (or the lack of it).
4 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting; cliff hanger for series followers
Edinburg is under attack by a lone bomber who sets off explosions at random (or not). DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach have no clues to work with even as bodies pile up. Every tip-off by the mysterious caller pulls them further into his trap. He knows everything. They seem to know nothing. The only way to stop the killer is to find the truth. But what price do they have to pay for it?
The blurb is super small because any more details would mean spoiling the fun. This is my first book by the author (and the first in the series). Since I don’t know the characters from start, my review will focus on the plot instead of interpersonal relationships.
• Despite being 400 pages (the last 5% is for promotional material), the book reads very fast. There’s enough action to keep us glued to the pages.
• A few personal scenes are interspersed to continue the personal subplot and to give some breathing space to the readers.
• There’s a second timeline where the chapters are mentioned ‘before’. It starts as an independent track, but by 45%, we know how the tracks will merge.
• The second half of the book is where readers know more than the main characters and want to see how things unfold. (Needless to say, I started guessing around the same time and got it right).
• The forensic and criminal profiling scenes are my favorite. I love them when done well (I have a special love for forensics).
• There are plenty of characters but no confusion. That’s probably because I assumed that the ones from the force are recurring characters.
• One thing I found odd is the language and dialogues. Except for the places, the book doesn’t say Scottish thriller. It seemed more like something from the UK. Maybe Edinburg is that way (I wouldn’t know).
• The main plot ends with no loose ends (though one point is left for us to assume). The pace slows downs towards the end as the revelation is followed by introspection and some progress in the subplot.
• There is a cliffhanger, yes. Quite a brutal one (for those invested in the series), but I’m okay with it. My involvement is limited to the case. I’ll read the previous and next ones in the series, though.
To sum up, One for Sorrow is a good police procedural dealing with important social themes and manages to keep me hooked almost throughout.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harper 360, and Avon, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#OneforSorrow #NetGalley
*****
One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting; cliff hanger for series followers
Edinburg is under attack by a lone bomber who sets off explosions at random (or not). DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach have no clues to work with even as bodies pile up. Every tip-off by the mysterious caller pulls them further into his trap. He knows everything. They seem to know nothing. The only way to stop the killer is to find the truth. But what price do they have to pay for it?
The blurb is super small because any more details would mean spoiling the fun. This is my first book by the author (and the first in the series). Since I don’t know the characters from start, my review will focus on the plot instead of interpersonal relationships.
• Despite being 400 pages (the last 5% is for promotional material), the book reads very fast. There’s enough action to keep us glued to the pages.
• A few personal scenes are interspersed to continue the personal subplot and to give some breathing space to the readers.
• There’s a second timeline where the chapters are mentioned ‘before’. It starts as an independent track, but by 45%, we know how the tracks will merge.
• The second half of the book is where readers know more than the main characters and want to see how things unfold. (Needless to say, I started guessing around the same time and got it right).
• The forensic and criminal profiling scenes are my favorite. I love them when done well (I have a special love for forensics).
• There are plenty of characters but no confusion. That’s probably because I assumed that the ones from the force are recurring characters.
• One thing I found odd is the language and dialogues. Except for the places, the book doesn’t say Scottish thriller. It seemed more like something from the UK. Maybe Edinburg is that way (I wouldn’t know).
• The main plot ends with no loose ends (though one point is left for us to assume). The pace slows downs towards the end as the revelation is followed by introspection and some progress in the subplot.
• There is a cliffhanger, yes. Quite a brutal one (for those invested in the series), but I’m okay with it. My involvement is limited to the case. I’ll read the previous and next ones in the series, though.
To sum up, One for Sorrow is a good police procedural dealing with important social themes and manages to keep me hooked almost throughout.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harper 360, and Avon, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#OneforSorrow #NetGalley
*****
Spoiler
TW: Stalking, obsession, drugged rape, child death.
Publication Date: 05th May 2022
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming!
Stewie is an adorable and hard-working eleven-year-old living with his older sister, Stacy, and brother, Theo. He sells farm-fresh eggs and prides himself on the quality of freshness of his eggs. During one such selling trip, he meets Marilyn, an elusive, rude old lady. She reminds Stewie of his dead Gam (grandmother), and he forms an instant attachment to her.
Marilyn isn’t looking for friends or family. She has secrets of her own. But how can she resist a young boy with soulful sad eyes and an honest face? Stewie feels everything deeply while Marilyn tries not to feel anything.
Their bond grows over the days, but the secrets are revealed. It can tear them apart or bring them even closer.
What I Like:
• Stewie is a cutie pie. I loved that kid. He is highly sensitive and feels everything a bit too much. But his heart is pure and innocent.
• It’s easy to connect to Stewie’s vulnerability, helplessness, fear, and pain. He may seem like a sort of perfect kid, but he is a work in progress (I’ve been using this term a lot).
• Marilyn does remind me a little of Ove, but she is her own person. The resemblance ends with them being grumpy yet kind.
• The book picks up pace after 45%. It goes even fast after 80%. Some of it seems more like it’s written for middle graders (in fact, I would recommend this book to MG readers) and uses an easy solution. But it doesn’t dilute the emotions.
• Oh, boy, I got teary-eyed and almost cried towards the end. Stewie’s vulnerability was heartbreaking and healing. Strange but true.
• Stewie and Theo have such clarity of thought and approach to their lives. Sometimes they appear older than their age. Yet, I kept thinking of Stewie as a nine-year-old. This is the second book where I picturized a pre-teen as an eight or nine-year-old, so guess my estimation is a little off.
• I relate quite a lot to Stewie’s thought process in certain aspects. Though he is a confused and sad little boy, he has great clarity about other issues. His concepts are specific and detailed (even if he goes a little overboard at times).
• The book has some touching quotes (though I didn’t mark them). It also tends to ramble, but the rambling suits the characters.
What Could Have Been Better:
• The book takes its own time to get going. It’s character-driven and makes sense that the initial focus would be on establishing the characters and the setting. That said, I finished it in 2.5 days (appx. 3 hours).
• There isn’t much detail about how Stewie took care of his hens. We know he loves them, but love doesn’t clean the coop or feed the birds. There are a couple of scenes, but I wanted a little more. (This is mostly because I happened to be researching chicken feed and found it rather funny. Do you know we can feed chicken pasta and scrambled eggs to chicken?)
• The book’s primary focus is on Stewie and Marilyn. That means Stacey and Theo pop in and out of the story. I wished there was more about them. They were just as beautiful, and getting to know them would have been a lovely experience.
To sum up, Dreaming of Flight is a heartwarming and sweet book with an adorable little boy. It’s not perfect but is a great choice if you want to read something that touches the heart. This is my first book by the author, and I intend to read most of her other works.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #DreamingofFlight
*****
PS: The blurb needs trimming and rewriting. A fellow reviewer mentioned it, and I agree.
*****
PPS: I debated rating it 4 or 5 stars but went with 5 because the book did make me teary-eyed. I’m partial to books that move me. It doesn’t happen often.
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming!
Stewie is an adorable and hard-working eleven-year-old living with his older sister, Stacy, and brother, Theo. He sells farm-fresh eggs and prides himself on the quality of freshness of his eggs. During one such selling trip, he meets Marilyn, an elusive, rude old lady. She reminds Stewie of his dead Gam (grandmother), and he forms an instant attachment to her.
Marilyn isn’t looking for friends or family. She has secrets of her own. But how can she resist a young boy with soulful sad eyes and an honest face? Stewie feels everything deeply while Marilyn tries not to feel anything.
Their bond grows over the days, but the secrets are revealed. It can tear them apart or bring them even closer.
What I Like:
• Stewie is a cutie pie. I loved that kid. He is highly sensitive and feels everything a bit too much. But his heart is pure and innocent.
• It’s easy to connect to Stewie’s vulnerability, helplessness, fear, and pain. He may seem like a sort of perfect kid, but he is a work in progress (I’ve been using this term a lot).
• Marilyn does remind me a little of Ove, but she is her own person. The resemblance ends with them being grumpy yet kind.
• The book picks up pace after 45%. It goes even fast after 80%. Some of it seems more like it’s written for middle graders (in fact, I would recommend this book to MG readers) and uses an easy solution. But it doesn’t dilute the emotions.
• Oh, boy, I got teary-eyed and almost cried towards the end. Stewie’s vulnerability was heartbreaking and healing. Strange but true.
• Stewie and Theo have such clarity of thought and approach to their lives. Sometimes they appear older than their age. Yet, I kept thinking of Stewie as a nine-year-old. This is the second book where I picturized a pre-teen as an eight or nine-year-old, so guess my estimation is a little off.
• I relate quite a lot to Stewie’s thought process in certain aspects. Though he is a confused and sad little boy, he has great clarity about other issues. His concepts are specific and detailed (even if he goes a little overboard at times).
• The book has some touching quotes (though I didn’t mark them). It also tends to ramble, but the rambling suits the characters.
What Could Have Been Better:
• The book takes its own time to get going. It’s character-driven and makes sense that the initial focus would be on establishing the characters and the setting. That said, I finished it in 2.5 days (appx. 3 hours).
• There isn’t much detail about how Stewie took care of his hens. We know he loves them, but love doesn’t clean the coop or feed the birds. There are a couple of scenes, but I wanted a little more. (This is mostly because I happened to be researching chicken feed and found it rather funny. Do you know we can feed chicken pasta and scrambled eggs to chicken?)
• The book’s primary focus is on Stewie and Marilyn. That means Stacey and Theo pop in and out of the story. I wished there was more about them. They were just as beautiful, and getting to know them would have been a lovely experience.
To sum up, Dreaming of Flight is a heartwarming and sweet book with an adorable little boy. It’s not perfect but is a great choice if you want to read something that touches the heart. This is my first book by the author, and I intend to read most of her other works.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #DreamingofFlight
*****
PS: The blurb needs trimming and rewriting. A fellow reviewer mentioned it, and I agree.
*****
PPS: I debated rating it 4 or 5 stars but went with 5 because the book did make me teary-eyed. I’m partial to books that move me. It doesn’t happen often.
Publication Date: 05th May 2022
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Great world-building; characters need work
Jani and her younger sister, Zosa, are barely scraping by in Durc. Jani knows that the only way to escape fast and earn enough to back home would be by finding a job at the mysterious and magical Hotel Magnifique. Of course, no one really knows where the hotel comes from or how it travels. But no one denies its magic and allure.
Jani and Zosa do find a job as the staff. Jani is delighted and amazed until she realizes that Hotel Magnifique hides sinister seamlessly behind smiles and whimsical enchantments. It doesn’t help that her every step causes some or the other trouble for her and Bel.
Bel is the handsome doorman at Hotel Magnifique and the only ally Jani has. As things get complicated and dangerous, Jani has no choice but to risk everything to end the danger. That’s the only way to go home! Can Jani do what she needs to do to save her friends from evil?
My Observations:
The setting and world-building are wonderful. The hotel, its rooms, the enchantments, etc., are descriptive, detailed, and a treat to read. The fictitious setting matches the dark mood of the storyline.
Jani is the narrator of the book, and we get to see her do more than a few stupid things. I’m glad I went into the book expecting it. That made it easy to enjoy the flow rather than think too much about her actions. That said, I probably need to visit the hospital if I bite the inside of my cheek as many times to stay silent. (Kuch zyada hi ho gaya!)
Bel was a really cute character. I like how he has layers, though he needs more space to show his potential. In fact, almost every other character has the same issue. There isn’t enough to connect with them. The focus is on Jani stumbling through things she isn’t supposed to.
The pacing is a little uneven too. The story seems to go in circles from 25% to 55%. The major breakthrough happens at 60%, and things rush from there. Moreover, a crucial part of the story is ‘told’, which dampens the impact. The reveal has to be stronger. The scenes that follow it are, which almost make up for this, but not fully.
There’s some cute romance too appropriate for a YA book. I still think I like Bel more than Jani, but he loves her, so what can I say! He’ll survive (maybe).
The climax felt a little rushed. There’s one good decision Jani took at that stage, but still, it kind of left me wanting.
To sum up, Hotel Magnifique is a good debut with beautiful world-building and atmosphere. The characters and pacing need a little more work. It’s pretty much YA in narration, so be prepared for it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Pushkin Children's Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #HotelMagnifique
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Great world-building; characters need work
Jani and her younger sister, Zosa, are barely scraping by in Durc. Jani knows that the only way to escape fast and earn enough to back home would be by finding a job at the mysterious and magical Hotel Magnifique. Of course, no one really knows where the hotel comes from or how it travels. But no one denies its magic and allure.
Jani and Zosa do find a job as the staff. Jani is delighted and amazed until she realizes that Hotel Magnifique hides sinister seamlessly behind smiles and whimsical enchantments. It doesn’t help that her every step causes some or the other trouble for her and Bel.
Bel is the handsome doorman at Hotel Magnifique and the only ally Jani has. As things get complicated and dangerous, Jani has no choice but to risk everything to end the danger. That’s the only way to go home! Can Jani do what she needs to do to save her friends from evil?
My Observations:
The setting and world-building are wonderful. The hotel, its rooms, the enchantments, etc., are descriptive, detailed, and a treat to read. The fictitious setting matches the dark mood of the storyline.
Jani is the narrator of the book, and we get to see her do more than a few stupid things. I’m glad I went into the book expecting it. That made it easy to enjoy the flow rather than think too much about her actions. That said, I probably need to visit the hospital if I bite the inside of my cheek as many times to stay silent. (Kuch zyada hi ho gaya!)
Bel was a really cute character. I like how he has layers, though he needs more space to show his potential. In fact, almost every other character has the same issue. There isn’t enough to connect with them. The focus is on Jani stumbling through things she isn’t supposed to.
The pacing is a little uneven too. The story seems to go in circles from 25% to 55%. The major breakthrough happens at 60%, and things rush from there. Moreover, a crucial part of the story is ‘told’, which dampens the impact. The reveal has to be stronger. The scenes that follow it are, which almost make up for this, but not fully.
There’s some cute romance too appropriate for a YA book. I still think I like Bel more than Jani, but he loves her, so what can I say! He’ll survive (maybe).
The climax felt a little rushed. There’s one good decision Jani took at that stage, but still, it kind of left me wanting.
To sum up, Hotel Magnifique is a good debut with beautiful world-building and atmosphere. The characters and pacing need a little more work. It’s pretty much YA in narration, so be prepared for it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Pushkin Children's Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #HotelMagnifique
Publication Date: 05th May 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!
Julia Bird moves to a Cotswolds cottage in a small English town after her recent divorce and retirement. She feels a bit lost, not knowing what to do with her sudden free time. Julia soon decides on a pet project (raising chickens and taking care of the beautiful garden), only to end up with a dead body on the premises.
She has no choice but to put her plans on hold until the identity of the body and the killer are found. If only it was that easy! In the meantime, Julia tries to befriend the villagers, adopts Jake, the cutest Lab in the size of a small bear, and begins to get used to country life. But when she stumbles upon another body, she decides it’s time to do her own investigation.
Can Julia find the killer and prevent more dead bodies from creating feverish excitement in the little village?
My Observations:
• The book begins on a quirky note tinged with humor and sadness. The lighthearted tone continues through the rest of the book (a trademark of good cozy mystery).
• Jake is super adorable. Though I’m sure I can’t handle a pup like him, I love his antics in the book. Such a sweetheart!
• Being the first book in the series, the characters are revealed over time. This also means I continued to assess the information longer than I liked. Not a complaint, though.
• Julia is an interesting character and likable. She does a good job of keeping me engaged with the story. I like her teaming up with DI Hayley and look forward to reading more mysteries.
• The villagers are just as fun, even if some have been more of caricatures. Since this is the first book, I can’t dismiss character development yet.
• Little Sebastian is another cutie pie. I loved his scenes, even if he was a brat at times. That’s where the fun lies. ;)
• There is some rambling, but it doesn’t go on for more than a couple of lines. I’m almost used to it by now.
• It’s such a surprise to read that the book is authored by a duo, Katie and Gail. They have collaborated before, and it shows. No jerks in narration.
• As with every other cozy mystery set in the English countryside, we get to read about endless cups of tea. Oh, well…
To sum up, An English Garden Murder is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, and I intend to continue reading every subsequent release.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AnEnglishGardenMurder
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!
Julia Bird moves to a Cotswolds cottage in a small English town after her recent divorce and retirement. She feels a bit lost, not knowing what to do with her sudden free time. Julia soon decides on a pet project (raising chickens and taking care of the beautiful garden), only to end up with a dead body on the premises.
She has no choice but to put her plans on hold until the identity of the body and the killer are found. If only it was that easy! In the meantime, Julia tries to befriend the villagers, adopts Jake, the cutest Lab in the size of a small bear, and begins to get used to country life. But when she stumbles upon another body, she decides it’s time to do her own investigation.
Can Julia find the killer and prevent more dead bodies from creating feverish excitement in the little village?
My Observations:
• The book begins on a quirky note tinged with humor and sadness. The lighthearted tone continues through the rest of the book (a trademark of good cozy mystery).
• Jake is super adorable. Though I’m sure I can’t handle a pup like him, I love his antics in the book. Such a sweetheart!
• Being the first book in the series, the characters are revealed over time. This also means I continued to assess the information longer than I liked. Not a complaint, though.
• Julia is an interesting character and likable. She does a good job of keeping me engaged with the story. I like her teaming up with DI Hayley and look forward to reading more mysteries.
• The villagers are just as fun, even if some have been more of caricatures. Since this is the first book, I can’t dismiss character development yet.
• Little Sebastian is another cutie pie. I loved his scenes, even if he was a brat at times. That’s where the fun lies. ;)
• There is some rambling, but it doesn’t go on for more than a couple of lines. I’m almost used to it by now.
• It’s such a surprise to read that the book is authored by a duo, Katie and Gail. They have collaborated before, and it shows. No jerks in narration.
• As with every other cozy mystery set in the English countryside, we get to read about endless cups of tea. Oh, well…
To sum up, An English Garden Murder is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, and I intend to continue reading every subsequent release.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AnEnglishGardenMurder
ETA: The published version of the book appears to have a better and more rounded ending (confirmed by other reviewers who read both copies). I'm yet to read the final version, but please remember that my review (wrt the ending) is based on the ARC I received and is not the same as the published copy.
***
One Liner: What’s with the ending?
Stephen Aston, a successful heart surgeon is marrying his girlfriend Heather, an interior designer. The only issue is that Heather is twenty-nine years younger than Stephen, and he is still married to his first wife.
Tully and Rachel are Stephen’s daughters, and needless to say, they are not happy with the situation. After all, Heather is younger than them, and their mother Pamela is in a nursing home, suffering from dementia.
As if the situation isn’t bad enough, every single person seems to be hiding something. Why did Rachel stop dating when she was sixteen despite being gorgeous? Why is Tully almost always on the verge of a mental breakdown, even though she has a loving husband and two adorable sons? What is Heather hiding about her past? Why do things seem to happen when Stephan is involved?
What I Like:
• The book is 350+ pages long but is fast-paced from the first word.
• The story comes from Rachel, Tully, and Heather’s limited third-person POVs and in the first-person POV of another character. However, the narration is not confusing at any point.
• Towards the second half, we’ll realize that the narrators are unreliable, but it was fun (to a point) trying to figure out what’s true and what’s not (until the end. More about it in the next section).
• Issues like are the core themes in the book. However, it doesn’t get overwhelming or dramatic (at least to me).
• For a change, some leading men are actually good. That was nice to read in a domestic thriller.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• None of the characters seemed fully developed. Only Rachel’s seems to be the best of all, though the resolution felt too easy. Tully gets a lot of space (more than Heather), and I still don’t know the reasons for most of her actions.
• Some issues are not explained and are left to the reader’s imagination. That would’ve been okay if not for the ending.
• Now… I hate that ending. The book was a 4-star despite not-so-good character development. But that ending just killed it. Twists are well and good until they don’t nullify the majority of what happened earlier.
• This one is downright vague and hints at the ‘aha! Tricked you!’ style of ending a book. I’ve never been a fan of ‘pull the rug’ or ‘punch in the face’ twists. No, thank you.
• Even if I ignore my personal bias, the ending has a major impact on the themes used in the book. It negates the gaslighting and experiences of women victimized by domestic abuse. That is something I cannot accept (especially from a women’s fiction author).
I still rate the book 3 stars for the pace and the fact that I did enjoy it, to a point.
To sum up, The Younger Wife is a quick read about messed-up women (who are not surprisingly connected to the same man), though I wish the ending was dealt with more care.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheYoungerWife
***
One Liner: What’s with the ending?
Stephen Aston, a successful heart surgeon is marrying his girlfriend Heather, an interior designer. The only issue is that Heather is twenty-nine years younger than Stephen, and he is still married to his first wife.
Tully and Rachel are Stephen’s daughters, and needless to say, they are not happy with the situation. After all, Heather is younger than them, and their mother Pamela is in a nursing home, suffering from dementia.
As if the situation isn’t bad enough, every single person seems to be hiding something. Why did Rachel stop dating when she was sixteen despite being gorgeous? Why is Tully almost always on the verge of a mental breakdown, even though she has a loving husband and two adorable sons? What is Heather hiding about her past? Why do things seem to happen when Stephan is involved?
What I Like:
• The book is 350+ pages long but is fast-paced from the first word.
• The story comes from Rachel, Tully, and Heather’s limited third-person POVs and in the first-person POV of another character. However, the narration is not confusing at any point.
• Towards the second half, we’ll realize that the narrators are unreliable, but it was fun (to a point) trying to figure out what’s true and what’s not (until the end. More about it in the next section).
• Issues like
Spoiler
domestic violence, rape, gaslighting, kleptomania, anxiety and mental health• For a change, some leading men are actually good. That was nice to read in a domestic thriller.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• None of the characters seemed fully developed. Only Rachel’s seems to be the best of all, though the resolution felt too easy. Tully gets a lot of space (more than Heather), and I still don’t know the reasons for most of her actions.
• Some issues are not explained and are left to the reader’s imagination. That would’ve been okay if not for the ending.
• Now… I hate that ending. The book was a 4-star despite not-so-good character development. But that ending just killed it. Twists are well and good until they don’t nullify the majority of what happened earlier.
• This one is downright vague and hints at the ‘aha! Tricked you!’ style of ending a book. I’ve never been a fan of ‘pull the rug’ or ‘punch in the face’ twists. No, thank you.
• Even if I ignore my personal bias, the ending has a major impact on the themes used in the book. It negates the gaslighting and experiences of women victimized by domestic abuse. That is something I cannot accept (especially from a women’s fiction author).
I still rate the book 3 stars for the pace and the fact that I did enjoy it, to a point.
To sum up, The Younger Wife is a quick read about messed-up women (who are not surprisingly connected to the same man), though I wish the ending was dealt with more care.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheYoungerWife
Publication Date: 17th May 2022
4.2 Stars
One Liner: A slow start but worth it
Present Day:
Selena decides to take a break and move to the countryside and recover from heartbreak. She chooses Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe and is determined to heal and paint to her heart’s content. Her friend and business partner, Claire, encourages her to go ahead with the plan. Their business is doing well, and the duo can make more if Selena can paint during her stay at the cottage.
Sloe Cottage is beautiful, though the original part feels cold no matter what. Selena tentatively makes friends with the locals while finishing a series of paintings. However, she cannot get over the feeling of sadness in the cottage. She starts to research the history of the place and the cottage, only to uncover some shocking incidents.
Somerset, 1682:
Grace Cotter is quite content taking care of her father and learning from Betty, her grandmother. Her herb garden, the blackthorn tree, and the wishing well keep her happy. There’s just one thing she wants to have a happier life.
But hopes, dreams, and longing for a happy ever after are dangerous in times when superstitions rule the land. A single word or whisper could brand someone a witch and get them killed. Grace does her best to remain hopeful and kind. But when things take a turn for worse, she might lose everything…
With more than three hundred years between the times, Grace and Selena are bound by an invisible thread. They need to heal and move on. Can Selena get another chance at love? Can Grace’s restless spirit be free from the bonds that tie her down? How do these women help each other?
My Observations:
• The book starts slow but picks up pace in the second half. The prologue and epilogue fit like a glove. I love how the author used them.
• The writing is descriptive and atmospheric (a reason for the slow beginning) but covers a good amount of time from start to finish.
• I confess I didn’t like Selena at the beginning. She seemed too naïve and passive for a 38-year-old woman with a good career. But her character arc improved and got better as the story progressed.
• The side characters (in the present-day track) are lively and bring much-needed positivity to the storyline. The cottage itself is a character, just like the blackthorn tree.
• As with most dual timelines, I love the past track more than the present. Grace is a beautiful character. Her innocence suits her, given the timeline and age.
• The past track effectively showed how gossip and rumors can take a life, and malice, more often than not, is the root cause.
• The touch of paranormal blends seamlessly with the atmosphere in the book.
• The prejudice against healers and women and the subsequent witch trials are well presented in the book. Except for the climax scene, the rest of it is not graphic or overwhelming. Even the climax manages to keep things from going OTT.
To sum up, The Witch’s Tree is a beautiful and bittersweet story of Grace and Selena, connected through the expanse of time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheWitchsTree
4.2 Stars
One Liner: A slow start but worth it
Present Day:
Selena decides to take a break and move to the countryside and recover from heartbreak. She chooses Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe and is determined to heal and paint to her heart’s content. Her friend and business partner, Claire, encourages her to go ahead with the plan. Their business is doing well, and the duo can make more if Selena can paint during her stay at the cottage.
Sloe Cottage is beautiful, though the original part feels cold no matter what. Selena tentatively makes friends with the locals while finishing a series of paintings. However, she cannot get over the feeling of sadness in the cottage. She starts to research the history of the place and the cottage, only to uncover some shocking incidents.
Somerset, 1682:
Grace Cotter is quite content taking care of her father and learning from Betty, her grandmother. Her herb garden, the blackthorn tree, and the wishing well keep her happy. There’s just one thing she wants to have a happier life.
But hopes, dreams, and longing for a happy ever after are dangerous in times when superstitions rule the land. A single word or whisper could brand someone a witch and get them killed. Grace does her best to remain hopeful and kind. But when things take a turn for worse, she might lose everything…
With more than three hundred years between the times, Grace and Selena are bound by an invisible thread. They need to heal and move on. Can Selena get another chance at love? Can Grace’s restless spirit be free from the bonds that tie her down? How do these women help each other?
My Observations:
• The book starts slow but picks up pace in the second half. The prologue and epilogue fit like a glove. I love how the author used them.
• The writing is descriptive and atmospheric (a reason for the slow beginning) but covers a good amount of time from start to finish.
• I confess I didn’t like Selena at the beginning. She seemed too naïve and passive for a 38-year-old woman with a good career. But her character arc improved and got better as the story progressed.
• The side characters (in the present-day track) are lively and bring much-needed positivity to the storyline. The cottage itself is a character, just like the blackthorn tree.
• As with most dual timelines, I love the past track more than the present. Grace is a beautiful character. Her innocence suits her, given the timeline and age.
• The past track effectively showed how gossip and rumors can take a life, and malice, more often than not, is the root cause.
• The touch of paranormal blends seamlessly with the atmosphere in the book.
• The prejudice against healers and women and the subsequent witch trials are well presented in the book. Except for the climax scene, the rest of it is not graphic or overwhelming. Even the climax manages to keep things from going OTT.
To sum up, The Witch’s Tree is a beautiful and bittersweet story of Grace and Selena, connected through the expanse of time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheWitchsTree
3.5 Stars
Herstory is a collection of 39 poems about gender injustice in various walks of life and society. The blurb calls the collection verse-narratives, and I agree with the term. These are prose poems with more focus on the theme than the rhythm.
The author defines the collection as the life of a woman from womb to tomb. True to her word, the poems cover a range of topics, themes, and narratives. A few of them are accompanied by sketches, making it easy to understand the concept. While many other poems are easy to understand, I wasn’t sure about a couple of them. They seemed a little too vague and small to highlight the essence.
The use of simple terms in the poems is a delight. Having to look up meanings when reading poetry is a sure way to lose interest. That doesn’t happen with this book. However, it has a fair share of Indian words, which can cause confusion for non-Indian or even non-Hindi readers.
My favorites are the ones by Draupadi, Hidimdi, and Yashoda. Thankfully, this Draupadi doesn’t pin for Karna (a big plus). Hidimdi’s and Yashoda’s voices are heartfelt and touching.
I would have loved it if Mandodari’s poem talked about the darker side of Ravana. While the poem deals with Sita’s kidnap, there isn’t a word about the countless women he molested and raped, including Madodari’s sister. That itself is a big injustice when the collection vocalizes the trials and tribulations of women.
A few poems didn't make the kind of impact I wished for. This doesn’t take away from the gravity of the incidents. I would have loved it if the tone felt a little more personal and powerful. Nevertheless, the author deals with some important issues that society needs to deal with.
There’s a tribute to Afghani women, highlighting their plight (and the latest rulers have imposed mandatory head-to-toe covering for all females in the country). One very vital point I have to mention is the accompanying sketch. The description calls the body veil a hijab when the correct word is niqab. Hijab, chador, niqab, and burqa are four different forms of dressings that have varying levels of coverage.
There are a couple of tense issues but nothing major. The overall theme of the collection makes its mark on the readers. To sum up, Herstory does its best to live up to the description of the book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Neha Bansal, for the book.
Herstory is a collection of 39 poems about gender injustice in various walks of life and society. The blurb calls the collection verse-narratives, and I agree with the term. These are prose poems with more focus on the theme than the rhythm.
The author defines the collection as the life of a woman from womb to tomb. True to her word, the poems cover a range of topics, themes, and narratives. A few of them are accompanied by sketches, making it easy to understand the concept. While many other poems are easy to understand, I wasn’t sure about a couple of them. They seemed a little too vague and small to highlight the essence.
The use of simple terms in the poems is a delight. Having to look up meanings when reading poetry is a sure way to lose interest. That doesn’t happen with this book. However, it has a fair share of Indian words, which can cause confusion for non-Indian or even non-Hindi readers.
My favorites are the ones by Draupadi, Hidimdi, and Yashoda. Thankfully, this Draupadi doesn’t pin for Karna (a big plus). Hidimdi’s and Yashoda’s voices are heartfelt and touching.
I would have loved it if Mandodari’s poem talked about the darker side of Ravana. While the poem deals with Sita’s kidnap, there isn’t a word about the countless women he molested and raped, including Madodari’s sister. That itself is a big injustice when the collection vocalizes the trials and tribulations of women.
A few poems didn't make the kind of impact I wished for. This doesn’t take away from the gravity of the incidents. I would have loved it if the tone felt a little more personal and powerful. Nevertheless, the author deals with some important issues that society needs to deal with.
There’s a tribute to Afghani women, highlighting their plight (and the latest rulers have imposed mandatory head-to-toe covering for all females in the country). One very vital point I have to mention is the accompanying sketch. The description calls the body veil a hijab when the correct word is niqab. Hijab, chador, niqab, and burqa are four different forms of dressings that have varying levels of coverage.
There are a couple of tense issues but nothing major. The overall theme of the collection makes its mark on the readers. To sum up, Herstory does its best to live up to the description of the book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Neha Bansal, for the book.
Publication Date: 17th May 2022
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining and fun.
So this is one of those rare instances where I watched the shows before reading the book. Miss Fisher’s Mysteries was one of the two series I watched on Netflix. Needless to say, I loved the show. Essie Davis as Phryne and Nathan Page as ahem... Jack Robinson made my heart go aww with their onscreen chemistry.
Anyway... back to the book.
Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a collection of seventeen short stories or cases solved by Phryne. Most of them are short, cute, interesting, and entertaining. Some are dramatic and elaborate; it’s Phryne, after all!
The writing is easy to read and tinged with the kind of humor I love to read. Phryne being a no-nonsense investigator with loads of sass and smartness makes her a delightful personality. No ramblings or inner monologues.
The following are the cases I enjoyed. Most of them have a dominant human emotion as a theme, which becomes clear as the case is solved.
Hotel Splendide: The first story in the book, it introduces Phryne as she solves the case of a missing husband.
Marrying the Bookie’s Daughter: This one has a couple of layers and almost a parallel track. It shows the vulnerable side of Phyrne (though it doesn’t last long).
Puttin’ on the Ritz: This is a short case where simplicity wins over elaborate scheming. A fun piece too.
Overheard on a Balcony: This has a slightly more emotional quotient and some good drama. Phryne does what she does the best; make decisions based on people and the situation.
Death Shall be Dead: This one is a kind of brainy case with references to works from history and classic English Literature. Imagine my surprise to see Jack happily married and with kids. Gasp!
Carnival:This is an interesting case and full of drama by a rich brat. I wish this was slightly longer and more detailed.
The Camberwall Wonder: Yet another case that requires some brainy work, which Phryne solves with ease. This also shows how cultural appropriation was a thing even in the 1920s (and Australia). Sigh!
The Boxer: Mrs. Ragnell wants Phryne to find her missing granddaughter. But Phryne discovers there’s more to it. A bittersweet tale dealing with the dark side of society.
The Bells of St Paul’s: This story is more of the sweet kind than a criminal case. It’s rather cute, even if there is no big mystery as such. A happy ending to the collection of stories.
I have to mention that I loved reading the author’s note at the beginning of the book. She talks about how she created the character and the research that went into writing the books. My favorite part is when she said she wanted to create an assertive and confident female sleuth (very much unlike the anxious TSTL amateur sleuths we see in cozy mysteries).
To sum up, Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a light cozy mystery collection with Phryne Fisher solving one intriguing case after another. You’ll enjoy this if you are a fan of cozy mysteries and prefer a sensible heroine to handle the job.
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
*****
P.S: I did my best not to compare the book to the TV show (that would be unfair). But I did imagine the stories with the same characters, and that sure enriched my reading experience. Why not when the cast is so talented and good-looking? ;)
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining and fun.
So this is one of those rare instances where I watched the shows before reading the book. Miss Fisher’s Mysteries was one of the two series I watched on Netflix. Needless to say, I loved the show. Essie Davis as Phryne and Nathan Page as ahem... Jack Robinson made my heart go aww with their onscreen chemistry.
Anyway... back to the book.
Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a collection of seventeen short stories or cases solved by Phryne. Most of them are short, cute, interesting, and entertaining. Some are dramatic and elaborate; it’s Phryne, after all!
The writing is easy to read and tinged with the kind of humor I love to read. Phryne being a no-nonsense investigator with loads of sass and smartness makes her a delightful personality. No ramblings or inner monologues.
The following are the cases I enjoyed. Most of them have a dominant human emotion as a theme, which becomes clear as the case is solved.
Hotel Splendide: The first story in the book, it introduces Phryne as she solves the case of a missing husband.
Marrying the Bookie’s Daughter: This one has a couple of layers and almost a parallel track. It shows the vulnerable side of Phyrne (though it doesn’t last long).
Puttin’ on the Ritz: This is a short case where simplicity wins over elaborate scheming. A fun piece too.
Overheard on a Balcony: This has a slightly more emotional quotient and some good drama. Phryne does what she does the best; make decisions based on people and the situation.
Death Shall be Dead: This one is a kind of brainy case with references to works from history and classic English Literature. Imagine my surprise to see Jack happily married and with kids. Gasp!
Carnival:This is an interesting case and full of drama by a rich brat. I wish this was slightly longer and more detailed.
The Camberwall Wonder: Yet another case that requires some brainy work, which Phryne solves with ease. This also shows how cultural appropriation was a thing even in the 1920s (and Australia). Sigh!
The Boxer: Mrs. Ragnell wants Phryne to find her missing granddaughter. But Phryne discovers there’s more to it. A bittersweet tale dealing with the dark side of society.
The Bells of St Paul’s: This story is more of the sweet kind than a criminal case. It’s rather cute, even if there is no big mystery as such. A happy ending to the collection of stories.
I have to mention that I loved reading the author’s note at the beginning of the book. She talks about how she created the character and the research that went into writing the books. My favorite part is when she said she wanted to create an assertive and confident female sleuth (very much unlike the anxious TSTL amateur sleuths we see in cozy mysteries).
To sum up, Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a light cozy mystery collection with Phryne Fisher solving one intriguing case after another. You’ll enjoy this if you are a fan of cozy mysteries and prefer a sensible heroine to handle the job.
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
*****
P.S: I did my best not to compare the book to the TV show (that would be unfair). But I did imagine the stories with the same characters, and that sure enriched my reading experience. Why not when the cast is so talented and good-looking? ;)
Publication Date: 02nd June 2022
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting
Meg Williams has multiple personalities, depending on where she is and what she wants. She’s a con artist of the best kind, utterly convincing and charming her targets to be under her spell. She knows what people need to hear and gives them that to take away their money and disappear until she finds the next target.
Meg is now back in action as a real estate agent in LA. She has old scores to settle, and this is her biggest act ever. The previous cases won’t mean a thing if she can’t pull this off.
Kat Roberts has been waiting for a decade to meet Meg. Their path crossed for a split second all those years ago, and that instant changed Kat’s life forever. She persisted with the sole ambition of exposing Meg.
As the two women meet and get to each other, Kat realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know. Meg is not who she is, but she isn’t a single-minded con artist either. As if things aren’t confusing enough, Kat has to deal with relationship issues that make her question everything she knows.
Can the two women succeed in finding justice when it seems so elusive? What does it cost them to fight the world that’s not in their favor?
My Observations:
• There’s nothing better than a fast-paced thriller to keep the reader hooked. The pace is consistent from start to finish. It doesn’t even feel like a 320-page book.
• The main characters are well-sketched without going into elaborate detail. We can understand their traits by following their thoughts and actions (and no ramblings). Neither of them is perfect. They are flawed but strong enough to deal with life’s twists and turns.
• We know what Meg plans and intends for other characters, and it is fun to see them fall into her trap. This kind of narration is my favorite when done well.
• There are enough twists and turns to keep the story going. I guessed most of them, but that didn’t diminish my interest in the least (I always like it when the plotline goes plausibly without any weird twists).
• The climax felt a tad less impactful. It sure fits the overall plotline, but I expected a little drama or complexity. But this one just flowed by. It was seamless, which is good. However, it also means that the climax doesn’t stand out.
• Yet, the ending makes up for it. It sorts the loose ends and leaves us with a smirk (or a chuckle). It could also lead to a sequel, though I’m not sure a second book would be necessary.
To sum up, The Lies I Tell is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with an antagonist as the main lead. She is someone we’ll root for, and that makes the book a hit.
This is my first by the author, but I’m going to pick her works and keep my eyes open for future ones.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheLiesITell
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting
Meg Williams has multiple personalities, depending on where she is and what she wants. She’s a con artist of the best kind, utterly convincing and charming her targets to be under her spell. She knows what people need to hear and gives them that to take away their money and disappear until she finds the next target.
Meg is now back in action as a real estate agent in LA. She has old scores to settle, and this is her biggest act ever. The previous cases won’t mean a thing if she can’t pull this off.
Kat Roberts has been waiting for a decade to meet Meg. Their path crossed for a split second all those years ago, and that instant changed Kat’s life forever. She persisted with the sole ambition of exposing Meg.
As the two women meet and get to each other, Kat realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know. Meg is not who she is, but she isn’t a single-minded con artist either. As if things aren’t confusing enough, Kat has to deal with relationship issues that make her question everything she knows.
Can the two women succeed in finding justice when it seems so elusive? What does it cost them to fight the world that’s not in their favor?
My Observations:
• There’s nothing better than a fast-paced thriller to keep the reader hooked. The pace is consistent from start to finish. It doesn’t even feel like a 320-page book.
• The main characters are well-sketched without going into elaborate detail. We can understand their traits by following their thoughts and actions (and no ramblings). Neither of them is perfect. They are flawed but strong enough to deal with life’s twists and turns.
• We know what Meg plans and intends for other characters, and it is fun to see them fall into her trap. This kind of narration is my favorite when done well.
• There are enough twists and turns to keep the story going. I guessed most of them, but that didn’t diminish my interest in the least (I always like it when the plotline goes plausibly without any weird twists).
• The climax felt a tad less impactful. It sure fits the overall plotline, but I expected a little drama or complexity. But this one just flowed by. It was seamless, which is good. However, it also means that the climax doesn’t stand out.
• Yet, the ending makes up for it. It sorts the loose ends and leaves us with a smirk (or a chuckle). It could also lead to a sequel, though I’m not sure a second book would be necessary.
To sum up, The Lies I Tell is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with an antagonist as the main lead. She is someone we’ll root for, and that makes the book a hit.
This is my first by the author, but I’m going to pick her works and keep my eyes open for future ones.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheLiesITell