4 stars

Police Inspector Sebastian Bell is back on a new case. Someone had hung a dead body with a meat hook outside the Traitor’s Gate. The victim turns out to be a journalist Bell encountered in the previous case. Moreover, he was a war veteran. Bell realizes Gemma might help him find more information. 

After her brother’s death, Gemma Tate moved into a boarding house and got a new job. She is more than happy to leave the dark past of the war behind. But when Bell asks for help, Gemma knows she cannot refuse. 

Soon, they realize there’s a lot more than what’s known. Can Bell and Tate solve the case before it is too late? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Sebastian and Gemma. 

So, I went into this book with a better understanding and it worked well. Despite the series title, this will be Bell and Tate’s investigation, with Sebastian getting more chapters. Gemma’s contribution is limited. 

The case and the setting are dark like the previous book. It deftly uses the local weather and living conditions to create a sense of discomfort and danger. 

This is a dark mystery but not too gruesome. It has a few graphic details, only to the necessary extent. I appreciate this since it keeps the focus on the plot. Not much humor, though. Don’t expect light-hearted stuff from this one. 

The pacing feels better this time. Though the page count is the same, the narration and action are steady. This keeps the plot moving even when there is little to no progress in the investigation. 

The mystery is solid with enough suspects. There aren’t many red herrings but it does take a while to guess the killer. I got it right based on certain clues, so the reveal aligns with the details provided. 

However, there are quite a few characters to track. Not all of them are major, so it is easy to ignore the ones that simply move the plot forward. 

Yet again, I’m not convinced by the chemistry between the lead couple but it is better than before. Hopefully, I can feel it more in book #3 or #4. There’s already a lead for the third book, so I am curious to see where it’ll go. 

To summarize, Murder at Traitors' Gate is an engaging mystery that’ll keep you wanting to read more. The main characters, especially Bell, make this a worthy read. While the book works as a standalone, starting with the first might be a better idea. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderatTraitorsGate 

 3 Stars

One Liner: Good concept and themes but…
 

Nina has played it safe for years but when she receives the divorce papers on her fortieth birthday, she decides to make the most of her remaining life. Nina plans a trip to France to track down the only man she loved, Pierre. 

A house-swapping chance makes it easier for her to take the next step. It is a good opportunity for a fresh start. But will it be with Pierre or will Nina find something else? 

The story comes in Nina’s third-person POV. 

I enjoy lighthearted reads with some important themes. This book promises fun with a touch of romance and some introspection. While the premise is attractive, the results are sadly mixed. 

The side characters are cool (except for one person). Nina’s best friends are the right mix of support and caution. They know when to let her rant, when to tease her, when to encourage her decisions, and when to remind her to be careful. 

Sabine is proper sunshine. She can be overwhelming but gives exactly what Nina needs. Moreover, the humor in scenes with her feels more realistic and natural. 

Nina’s pros and cons lists are great. As a list maker, I see the rationality of this approach even if her actions and decisions aren’t great. 

Some scenes with Nina’s fears and vulnerabilities are well done. Her confidence has taken a hit, which makes her do some stupid things but she does realize in time. 

The hubby is not the bad guy (this is not a spoiler). Given how most ex-husbands are supposed to be jerks, I like that he is a decent human. 

For a light read, the pacing is a bit on the slower side. While the plot doesn’t drag, it doesn’t sustain the tempo, either. I was easily distracted during the first half. 

This is not a romance. It is women’s fiction with barely a touch of romance. While I enjoy both genres, I wish the ‘love’ track was better handled. I couldn’t feel any chemistry despite liking the character. 

The track with Pierre was easy to smell from a mile away. While predictability is a thing of the genre, I think the whole part could have had a little more depth. It is not fun when the reader thinks the FMC is not using her brain cells even when we are 70% into the book. 

The initial humor feels forced. It doesn’t become seamless until Sabine enters. That makes the FMC a weaker character. In fact, I never laughed or chuckled when she tried to be funny. It was the others who made me smile. 

To summarize, The Riviera House Swap is an easy read with some decent themes. I’d say your enjoyment will depend on how well you connect with the main character. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.7 Stars

Sophie Taylor is a small-town elementary school teacher with popular figures as parents. Not just that, she is the mysterious Este Cox, the author of Butterflies, a book flying off the shelves faster than it can be printed. 

Joe Walsh is arrogant, annoying, overconfident, and way too handsome to be a good man. However, sparks fly between the two and intensify when they meet again. 

Sophie needs help when her bag with her laptop and the latest manuscript is lost. But is Joe the man to help her or will take advantage of her situation? Let’s find out! 

The story comes in Sophie’s first-person POV. 

I was excited when I got a widget for the author’s latest book. While I have a few teeny issues with some aspects, no denying that I enjoy her works. And look at that cover. Isn’t it pretty? 

NGL, I was a bit surprised when the MMC entered the story right in the first chapter. I also forgot the premise and spent a while wondering if he was the one or not, lol. A quick look at the blurb cleared things up. 

As you can guess from the premise, this is an enemies-to-lovers trope with insta-love thrown into the mix. There’s no pretense about it, though. It starts as insta-lust which makes sense given how handsome the guy is. *swoon* 

The book deftly deals with the bias against romance (never mind that it is one of the bestselling genres). The conversations are scattered throughout the book and raise many points I cheered for. I came across this post on Facebook, which aligns with what the book discusses. 

Considering the FMC’s family background, many authors get a mention. It can be a wee excessive for some readers. The names can get too many at times. 

The writing has a lot of humor, something the author does with ease. It is fun reading and chuckling at the banter between different characters. 

The side characters are distinct and do their bit to keep the story flowing. Charlotte is what we call a chota packet bada dhamaka (small in size but a huge impact). She brings a lot of drama and laughter to the plot. 

There’s one scene that is uncomfortable but is presented with a humorous touch. Just saying that if the roles were reversed, it would never be funny. At least, there’s an acknowledgment that it is not supposed to be funny, so that’s something. 

There is a dreaded third-act breakup, which did leave me with mixed feelings. I’m not a fan of this trope and feel it could have been better with an epilogue. This brings me to the next point – why is there no epilogue? 

When the book advocates the importance of romance reads, it makes sense to have an epilogue and provide readers with the full satisfaction of seeing the characters get their HEA. And if the author hates epilogues, why not extend the last scene to another page and let the happiness sink in. Some of us are fast readers. It doesn’t work well if the book ends before we fully feel the lead couple getting back together. Give us a little something to enjoy and then end the book. Ugh! 

The book has some spice but not as much as I expected. Somehow, the main scenes fade out despite it being (or supposed to be) an open door. So, I’d put it around steam level 2. 

To summarize, Love Story is an enjoyable read with many lighthearted moments and some emotional ones. It makes a strong case for the romance genre without shoving the theme into the readers’ faces. Naturally, I’m ready for the next book by the author. 

Thank you, Vicky Joss, NetGalley, and HarperCollins, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #LoveStory 

 4 Stars (5 for the artwork and 3 for the story)

Ever wondered how it looks inside the mind of one of the world’s greatest (fictional) detectives? This graphic novel attempts to show us the inside of Sherlock Holmes’ mind when he is on a case. Do I need any other reason to grab this book? Of course not! 

The book deals with the Case of the Scandalous Ticket which Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate. 

There are two aspects to consider when reviewing the book – the plotline and the illustrations. 

Plot: 

Well, it starts well but somewhere along the way, it gets diluted. It does align with the tropes used back then, which makes the book dated and can be unappealing to readers who want modern views. Personally, I think it works enough to give the book the old British vibes with all the racism, classicism, etc. 

At the same time, there’s a modern touch where these aspects are ‘questioned’ (sort of), which doesn’t really work. It feels more like an attempt at damage control so that readers won’t be annoyed at the book for using stereotypes that are found in the original anyway. 

The whole thing gives mixed vibes. 

Illustrations: 

I requested the book for the illustrations, to see the inside of Holmes’ mind. The results are wonderful. The characters have sharp lines (pointed beak noses for many) and look like well-planned caricatures which bring out their traits. The color scheme is dark, and so is the artwork. It is complex, twisty, intricate, and detailed. Sinister is the word for it. Compelling would be another apt description. The detailing is meticulous and enriches the reading experience. 

We get quite a few insights into the workings of Holmes’ mind – the way he ‘stores the clues’, connects the dots, identifies patterns, and so on. All these re-establish just how fascinating Sherlock Holmes is and why he has billions of fans. 

I totally enjoyed lingering over the illustrations by zooming in and out to see the details and also consider the bigger picture. The use of maps, a red thread of thought, a setting within a setting, etc., seem to have been carefully planned. 

I did have a few issues with reading the digital copy (had to alter between single and two-page views) but the zoom allowed me to adjust the font size as needed. Read the book on a computer or grab a physical copy. 

To summarize, Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes has stunning artwork even if the story is mediocre. I can see why it is an award-winning book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Titan, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #InsideTheMindOfSherlockHolmes 

*Copy-pasting my comments from the story discussion as a review* 

*contains spoilers*

 

There are too many themes for one to make a proper impact. It would be better summed up as the hidden truth in the lives of an old privileged couple and men will be men. 

The author distanced herself a bit too much from the story for it to make the kind of impact I prefer. Or maybe it is her loving indulgence in Grant that makes me care less about the story. 

I'm not sure I'd call it love as such. 

Fiona knows exactly what makes Grant have a crush on her and she keeps up the image for decades. The classic case of 'she is not like other women', so no matter how many he sleeps with, his wife is special coz he is still in awe of her (and doesn't understand her). 

For Fiona, I think her parents' marriage made her that way. The mom and dad are on opposite ends (in a way) even if the mom rules the house. Also, there's this sort of inference where Foina's mother may not have given her child the kind of love she needs. Trail and error (mostly), Fiona found out that being a surreal butterfly with a mean steak would attract men, and it did. Grant was her choice coz he comes from a lower background. Even if he goes around cheating on her, he wouldn't be stupid enough to leave her. And her whimsical attitude is another hook. She is out of her family home and can do what she likes while he does what he likes. Together, they have a marriage that works for both of them. This MAY have turned into some form of love (affection due to familiarity) over the years. 

When Fiona is in the care center, she naturally loses control over him. It is like setting him 100% free. She can't do anything if he doesn't come back for her. So, what can she do to make sure he does? In comes Audrey. That leads Grant to Marian but it also keeps him hooked to Fiona. 

This will sound cynical but I don't subscribe to the notion of a man loving his wife so much that he can sleep with anyone and not let it affect his marriage. It's a convenient way to have the cake and eat it too, while others go 'awww how cute' over it. 

Multiple interpretations, yes, in a way. The characters are uni-dimensional so if someone wants to add depth to them, they can. 

Did I enjoy her style of exploration? Nope. After one point, I didn't give a damn about what happened to them. 

Are there emotions in there? Can't really say. Maybe some. I appreciate the lack of OTT drama but I don't feel any kind of empathy towards Fiona either. 

It actually reminded me of The Half Moon where I thought it was good the characters limited the damage to others by being together. I'd say the same here, I suppose. 

 3.5 Stars

Annie gets a call from a Hollywood director to organize a movie screening for a thriller after her Mystery Festival weekend becomes a grand success. They are all excited, of course, and agree. 

 However, Annie realizes that the Hwood (even a small fragment) entering the small town may not be a good idea. When a narcissistic film critic dies during the movie premiere, it is up to Annie to find out what happened and who the killer is. 

The story comes in Annie’s first-person POV. 

The advantage of reading books 1 & 2 back-to-back is that I could skim through the stuff I already know. That said, new details from Annie’s past are revealed, so it is better to pay attention. 

In a way, this book isn’t different from the previous one. There’s an event, and the most rude and annoying person gets bumped off. Then, we have a list of suspects coz almost everyone hates them. 

Annie is more involved in the investigation this time. While some of it is not realistic, I’ve seen similar stuff in cozies, so I don’t mind it much. 

I forgot to mention Professor Plum, Annie’s cat in my review of book one. The cat doesn’t have any role except to be the MC’s pet. It’s the same in the book but it did feature a few more scenes. 

There’s a slow yet visible shift in the dynamic between our MC and the potential love interest. Irrespective of what happens, I like how it highlights the difference in perspectives and the communication gap between them. 

Priya’s range of coffees is great fun to read (even if ‘turmeric latte’ coming from an Indian like her makes me wince), and the way she names them is too good! 

Yet again, the sleuthing is conversation-based rather than action-based. While conversations reveal details, it gets too much here. I do appreciate the little action in the climax. Give us more and make it a little hard for the MC, please. On the plus side, I can read this even when half-asleep. It is that easy. 

There is a sort of cliffhanger (for the overarching mystery) in this one. We’ll know the details in the next one. The main mystery is complete, though. 

To summarize, A Murder at the Movies continues the series at the same tempo. It is an easy book to read and should work as a standalone (but read the first anyway). The title for the next book is mentioned at the end, so I’ll grab it when a copy is available. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AMurderattheMovies 

*** 

Fun Fact: The potential love interest is Liam Donovan. I’d been wondering why the name sounded familiar. The last book of the Donovan Legacy series (Nora Roberts) has an MMC with the same name (and similar attitude, it seems)! And no, I’m not making any accusations. I just found it funny.  

  4 stars

Jude Gray’s farm is getting better with good bookings for the camping site even as her neighbor is not happy. She is finally relieved that the troubles of the past are behind her. 

However, the hen party that arrived for the weekend seems to bring danger to Jude’s farm again. The group of friends has internal conflicts which spill over resulting in a disappearance and death. 

Can Jude and DI Bennie solve the case before it is too late? 

The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV. 

Book three of the Malvern Farm Mystery is possibly the best until now. The pacing is steady. There are enough twists to keep the reader guessing about the culprit and the reason. 

The ‘murder’ doesn’t happen for a long time. However, one of the characters disappears. This adds to the drama as we see the undercurrents between the women almost from the introduction. 

However, the book is not limited to a mystery. It also deals with the difficulties of farm life, be it the rising expenses or crop damage due to various factors. The work is never-ending on a farm. 

Lucy and Sebbie are, of course, a part of the book. Little Sebbie is four (already!) and adds the much-needed humor to the mystery. We get a few insights into Jude’s thoughts and uncertainties about the future. 

There are five women in the hen party, which can be confusing but doesn’t. Each of them has a distinct personality. They are flawed, some more than others. That means it is easy to take sides (and want certain characters to be bumped off). 

DI Binnie has a lot of work to do in this book, which I really like. Though it is Jude who connects the dots, Binnie has an active role and provides some vital information. I love how assertive and steady she is. 

Jude’s arc is much better in this one though she still jumps to conclusions at times. However, that makes her real instead of perfect, so no complaints. Seems she did learn her lesson after what happened in book two. 

The other side characters like Granny Margot have small but important roles in the plot. 

To summarize, A Body by the Henhouse is an enjoyable mystery with enough twists to keep you hooked. The ending offers two surprises, so I’m excited to see where it goes next. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

* 

P.S:

Some sheep are poisoned but don’t worry. They are all alive and healthy. I appreciate that. 

 

 3.5 stars

Annie Murray has made the Secret Bookcase her home for the last eight years. Located in a small town in Northern California, the independent bookstore is struggling to attract enough customers. A chance comment sparks an idea in Annie’s mind. She plans an elaborate Mystery Festival weekend to bring people to her town. This is supposed to help every small business in the town. 

The event starts on a high but Annie is shocked to find a dead body hidden behind the bookshelves in the Secret Bookcase bookstore. Annie knows the victim too! When her professor in criminology arrives as the detective on the case, Annie becomes a part of the investigation. She is back doing what she does best. But can Annie find the killer before it is too late? 

The story comes in Annie’s first-person POV. 

A new cozy mystery series for me to try! 

The opening is quite a hook. It starts with the overarching mystery and provides us an insight into the main character’s past. Her being a student of criminology certainly helps the arc. 

There is some repetition, but it helps understand how much the past weighs on the MC’s mind and how it changed her life drastically. 

The setting is beautiful. I love how cozy small towns are (at least in books). The descriptions of the bookstore make me want to go there. Such a lovely place! 

The side characters like Priya, Fletcher, and Hal are also well-etched. Though we don’t get a lot of information about them, there’s enough to imagine their roles in the story. Dr. Caldwell is also likely to be a recurring character. She could be interesting. 

The list of suspects is decent, making it an engaging read to guess who the killer could be. I did guess who it was but not the reason. It makes sense, though I wish we had more detail about the relevant events. 

The investigation could have been stronger. It’s mostly done through conversations where people reveal details without persuasion. Though it makes a little sense given how everyone in the town has a good opinion of Annie, it doesn’t really show us her skills as a criminology student. Mentioning spreadsheets is not enough. She needs to do more brain work. Since this is the first book in the series, I have hopes for some improvements. 

There’s a possibility of a love track with a guy. I know it is bound to happen. Just not sure if the transition will be seamless based on how things are now. I hope it works out well. Let’s see. As long as we don’t have any triangles to make it even more messy! 

To summarize, The Body in the Bookstore is a decent start to a new cozy mystery series. While it is not great, it has the potential to become better. I have a copy of book #2, so reading it right away. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley  #TheBodyInTheBookstore 

 4.5 stars 

In the final installment of the trilogy, the Pallavas and Chalukyas are heading for a big war with allies supporting them on both sides. This is a game of cat and mouse where luck plays a role. The three Pallava captains are back in action, putting their lives at risk for the king they love. 

What happens when the clash begins? Who wins? Who losses? How many lives will the war take? 

The story comes in third-person omnipresent POV. 

This is NOT a standalone. The trilogy should be read in the same order for it to make sense. 

As with the previous two books, we get a list of the characters and their roles neatly categorized kingdom-wise. There are a couple of illustrations as well. 

The last book of the trilogy is also the smallest in the series and is packed to the brim with action. We jump right into the main plot with the initial chapters continuing the individual threads from before. 

There are many decisions to make, some harder than others but war demands sacrifices and they have to pay. Given how I’m invested in the lives of my favorite three Pallava captains, I admit to getting teary-eyed more than once. 

The narration does slack or dip at any point. We move on from one scene to another and from one setting to another at a steady pace. This keeps the momentum going (with loads of tension) and puts the reader in the right mood to anticipate the war scenes. 

The women don’t have much role in this one, though they do their bit. The leading ladies have to spend a lot of time waiting but that cannot be changed. That’s how it is. Since the aspect is more in the background, we can continue to focus on the plot development. 

The editing doesn’t seem to be at par with the previous books but it is not bad. A random repetition here and there. Nothing that should annoy the readers. 

I’ll be repeating myself but I have to mention how well the fighting scenes are executed. It is easy to visualize the moves and counter moves. The final sword fight between two kings is so, so good! Loved the whole scene. 

The discussions about war ethics – dos and don’ts yet again make the readers think. I cannot help but wonder if following some of these put us at a disadvantage and made the land more vulnerable to invasions. Sigh! 

Also, without revealing spoilers, I’ll say that the ending is bittersweet (more bitter and less sweet). As a writer, I know I’d do the same, but as a reader, I want something else. *sob* 

Still, the ending lingers in the mind long after the reader closes the book. It leaves us with a semi-heavy heart. 

To summarize, Simha’s Roar is a satisfying and worthy finale for the trilogy. I heartily recommend the series for fans of Indian historical war fiction. Note that the cast is huge and can be confusing but don’t let that stop you! 

Thank you, HarperCollins India, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.8 Stars 

The Schmidts have run the family restaurant for decades. The beachfront setting makes it a prime location for good business. Jake had been running the establishment since his father's demise. Now at 52, he is single, exhausted, and has no life beyond the restaurant. 

With the DelDine group taking over many restaurants in the region, Jake knows he should sell his as well to them and finally live the life he wanted. Maybe find someone to call his own. However, he is tied to the place with many invisible bonds. The restaurant is his everything but leaves him with nothing. Can Jake make a fresh start or will he surrender his life to the restaurant? 

The story comes in Jack’s third-person POV. 

After my friend recently read ‘Men’s Fiction’ I wanted to try one. Imagine my surprise when I realized this would fit the tag, though it is marked General Fiction. 

This is a character-driven story with a loose plot and an open ending. The story is divided into two parts – Jack’s indecision and what happens after he decides. 

The narrative is mellow though it deals with quite a few heavy themes (parental death, PTSD, a wayward son, depression, dementia, loneliness, suicide, etc.). However, since we get the story from Jack’s POV, things are softened to a large extent. He is the kind of person who wants to say and do a lot but ends up saying almost nothing. 

That means the reader has to really work to empathize with the characters. Though we know Jack’s internal thoughts, it doesn’t have the impact it should. While it would work well as a character study, it may not be a gripping story if you want more action. Of course, this is case-sensitive. 

The initial pacing is slow but it picks up as we progress. The setting is also a character and the ‘snippets from the guidebook’ add to this. I like seeing the changes in Jack and his growing appreciation for the beauty around him as he learns to become active in his life. 

The side characters are intriguing but I couldn’t entirely connect with any of them. I like Vivian for her no-nonsense attitude, and Nicole manages to make a mark. And oh, Lara is great too, in whatever little space she has. I wouldn’t have minded a little more detailing for others. 

The restaurant, the responsibilities, the pressure from big chains and their exploiting tactics, etc., are very well presented and seamlessly woven into the plot without any excessiveness. No lectures or preaching. Just a situation and a possible solution that applies here. 

I like the ending is hopeful and positive but open. It’s exactly how slice-of-life stories should conclude. Not everything is tied up neatly even if it can give me my favorite HEA. It would have been a little too neat here, so this works the best. 

To summarize, The Same Bright Stars is a heartwarming read with realistic characters. It shows the various dilemmas they face in their lives and how their decisions can have long-lasting repercussions on them and others. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Scribner, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheSameBrightStars