4.5 Stars

Titled ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ in Kannada, Orphaned is the English translation by Sandeep Balakrishna, who also translated a couple of other books by Dr. S.L. Bihyrappa. 

Village headman Kalinga Gowda’s grandson, also named Kalinga, studies Agriculture and Cattle Rearing in the US and returns home to his little village with his wife, Hilda. The couple intends to pursue farming in his family’s lands. 

Soon, it’s clear that their ideas are the opposite of what the natives hold dear. The concept that an animal is nothing more than a utility tool for humans is not something the Gowda family and dear ones subscribe to. Hilda’s insistence and Kalinga’s changed attitude alienate them from the rest. What happens when their dear one’s life is at risk? How does one balance science with cultural ethos?  

Bhyrappa’s books have been on my list for a while now. I wanted to read one of his works for the challenge, and I’m happy to have selected this one. Fortunately, the paperback had a decent font size. Though the book was written in the 1960s, it reflects today’s society just as much. In fact, things have only gotten worse by 2023. 

The pacing is slow throughout, though it is necessary. There’s a lot of conflict, internal and external, which will be lost if the narration rushes through. 

The book can be divided into two parts. The first 100 pages establish the foundation for what’s to follow. They also create the necessary contrast that aligns with the changes in the country (progress, in a way). 

None of the characters in the book are bad or villainous. They just have different perspectives and reactions to things. This makes them so real and flawed. Even if the blurb makes Hilda sound like someone to hate, her characterization isn’t limited to that. At times, the reader is forced to consider her viewpoint or acknowledge her pain. 

While the cow is central to the plot, Tayavva is the one who stands out. Her entire arc aligns and runs in parallel to what happens to the cows. Being born mute means she has no dialogue but has all the emotions overwhelming and gushing out of her without coherent means of expression. 

Kalinga Jr. is not the main character. Or maybe he is, as things do happen around him. The layers peel off, and we see a man so unsure, prone to influence, vulnerable, and lacking the steel to follow his decisions. 

The translation is quite good, though it reads a bit off in some places. But what I love is how the narration retains the native rustic touch in the dialogues and thoughts. The grammar and sentence structure are deliberately tweaked to suit the setting. 

There are many references to our Hindu Scriptures. Slokas and phrases are directly quoted (with the translation provided). Venkataramana and his father get these dialogues given their jati (yep, jati and not caste). Another thing I love is the retention of terms native terms for seasons, celebrations, etc. 

There’s much to say, but I don’t know where to start. So, I’ll end it here. This isn’t a book to read and forget. It’s a book that makes you think. The open ending (I almost screamed, so unfair!) leaves you in the same state as Kalinga. Also, I don’t think the book will work for Western audiences. It is an Indian book, through and through.  

 4 Stars

Alexi is determined to save Hopgood Hall’s reputation as a murder center. She uses her journalistic experience and contacts to conduct a five-day course for wannabe journalists. The course begins well, though there’s a minor annoyance. 

However, when a murder happens, Alexi is distraught. Her attempts to divert the attention from the Hall backfired. Worse, she is the last person to see the dead person alive. While Alexi is not a prime suspect, she and Jack know things can change at any instant. The duo has no choice but to solve the case and free her name. Cosmos is more than happy to tag along if he can terrorize a few suspects on the way. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Alexi and Jack. 

Alexi and Jack are back in the next installment of the series. The book should work as a standalone since there’s enough background information to update you about their pasts. However, there will be many spoilers about their relationship. 

Here, we seem to have two issues running in parallel. The mystery is one, and the insecurities in Alexi and Jack’s relationship are the other. Given that the suspect list may include people from their lives, this blend works well to most extent. 

The mystery is really good. There are multiple threads and possibilities. We know everything will come together, but the path to this is not straightforward. I enjoyed reading how they uncovered information at every stage and regrouped to adjust the hypothesis. Quite a few red herrings, too. 

Cosmo is being himself, alert to Alexi’s changing moods (it’s not easy being a suspect), and flaunting his royal attitude. Of course, this fluffy black cat has an accurate character-assessment meter, which helps Alexi and Jack vet their suspects. 

Drew and Cheryl have relatively minor roles in this book compared to the previous ones. They are worried, though they continue to support Alexi. After all, despite their fears, murders attract more crowds and bring extra income. 

The title and the cover suit the book. While you can guess how the murder was committed, you can also guess a crucial element of the mystery if you pay attention. 

To summarize, A Story to Strangle For is a steady-paced cozy mystery with twists and turns that come together to make sense. The next murder might happen elsewhere, which could bring some relief to the Hopgood Hall’s owners. 

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

#NetGalley #AStoryToStrangeFor 

 3.7 Stars

Charlotte Duvall is enjoying her newly achieved doctor status in America and working in a hospital as a surgeon when a letter from her father sends her rushing back to London. Her father’s death saddens her, but Charlotte cannot stop thinking about her late month and her death. Her father hints it was murder, and Charlotte wonders if it’s true. 

John Ellis is the director of the London police force and Charlotte’s friend. He missed her a lot during her absence. When she tells him about the letter, they decide to dig deep and find out what happened. However, someone doesn’t want the truth revealed and will do anything. With the growing attraction between the two and mounting danger, Charlotte and John have much to do. 

The story comes in Charlotte and John’s third-person POV. 

I didn’t read the previous two books but had no issue following this plot. The story works as a standalone. The lead characters are friends, and their relationship turns into a sort of slow burn in this one. 

The plot combines mystery and romance. There’s quite a bit of action as someone is stalking the heroine. The stakes increase as we enter the last section. 

I like that the central premise of finding out about Charlotte’s mother’s death remains prominent. The romance doesn’t shadow the mystery or distract the readers. This can be an issue if you go in expecting romance. 

The book also deals with other themes relevant to the period (though the vibes feel the setting crosses to the early 1900s) – misogyny, scandalous gossip, the secrets of the ton, etc. Some of it is done well and adds to the story. A few aspects aren’t developed enough.  

The pacing is a bit uneven. With the characters stressing so much on career vs. love drama, the resolution is super easy. Why didn’t you think of this before? I expected something more dramatic, TBH. 

The mystery is decent and goes well until the reveal, where it is also fast-tracked with easy confessions. Would the details come out so simply when the stakes are sky-high? Not sure. 

The ending is also simplified, with everything neatly tied-up. I always love happy endings and even demand for them. But I like it better when the problems are solved properly before we get to happy-ever-afters. 

Nevertheless, despite the issues, the book is enjoyable and has strong characters. Charlotte knows when to accept help. Her cousins seem great (I’d be happy to read their stories in the previous books someday). No miscommunication trope, either. 

To summarize, Protecting Her Heart is an enjoyable read with a few hits and misses. There are a few laughs, too, so grab it if you want a light read with a mystery and romance. 

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

#NetGalley #ProtectingHerHeart 

 3.7 Stars

Odette Devine is a glamorous matriarchal actress on Scotland’s longest-running TV show. However, it’s her last day on the show. She is also broke and clueless about her future. She wonders if it’s a payback for the betrayal forty years ago. 

It has been a year since Max Walker died in the car crash on the day she gave birth to their son. Tress is yet to fully recover from the news of his long-term affair and that he was with the woman when the accident happened. 

Noah Clark might seem to have everything going well on the surface. However, he is struggling to get over the news of his wife having an affair with his best friend. And when she visits him, asking for another chance, can he do it? 

Keli Clark is being ghosted by the man she loves. She is stalking him online and has her suspicions but hesitates to make a decision. However, an expected message forces her to acknowledge things and decide. What should she do? 

How will the lives of these people converge on a single day? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Odette, Tress, Noah, and Keli. 

The book takes place a year after ‘One Day With You’. It’s the anniversary of Max’s death and his son’s birthday. Tress and Noah are doing their best to move on from the betrayal of their spouses and provide the kids with a stable family. 

This book can be read as a standalone since there is enough backstory to provide the necessary information. However, it will help if you read the earlier one. That way, you can understand the dynamics between the characters (especially Tress and Noah) and appreciate Nancy and Val even more. 

I don’t remember if Keli was in the other book, but she gets her own POV here. Odette is a new addition. All four tracks come together in the last quarter to deliver the finale. 

Noah and Keli’s mom, Glinda, has only a couple of scenes. Now she’s the kind of mom one should have. Despite having limited space, she makes a super strong impression.   

The book deals with many themes like love, loss, betrayal, adultery, cheating, heartbreak, moving on, grief, anger, hope, etc. There’s enough lighthearted stuff to prevent the contents from getting too emotional. 

The backstory is repetitive and slows the pacing. It is necessary since this one doesn’t seem to be marketed as a sequel. Those who remember the previous book can skim through the info dump and finish the book faster (like me). 

I don’t agree with the idea of not telling Buddy about Max’s infidelity but sharing everything else about him. The kid needs to know what his mom went through. The last thing she would need is for the son to build a shrine for his ‘flawless’ dead father. Keep it real! 

An epilogue (set after a week) ties up everything and concludes individual threads with satisfaction. 

To summarize, One Year After You is a worthy read with important themes. The resolution is quite easy, but considering the genre, it is more than fine. 

I wasn’t expecting a sequel, TBH. The previous book had a good epilogue with a hopeful ending. Still, this was a good continuation with an HFN ending. 

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

#NetGalley #OneYearAfterYou 

 4.3 Stars

Elinor and Tristan are back in action, dealing with a deadly criminal working from the shadows. The criminal is responsible for almost everything unpleasant and dangerous in the country, right from riots to murders. Of course, they also want Tristan (and Elinor, by extension) out of the way. 

As if this isn’t enough, Elinor learns more information about her father and has to decide what to do with Tristan’s marriage proposal. So many decisions to make if they can stay alive long enough. 

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

This is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. It won’t make sense if you read it without reading at least the last two books if not all. 

Elinor is as headstrong as ever, though she gets too close to danger multiple times and gets help from the other quarters. Tristan has too many things to take care of and not enough time. 

Still, the duo has some quality moments together. The big question about their future is left for the next book. But as I said earlier, they have to survive and solve the mysteries before that. 

There’s a subplot that eventually ties up with the main thread. Though we have several threads, they are coming together and starting to make sense. 

It’s hard to review the book since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for previous works. Let’s say that Twyla makes an appearance, much to my delight. She will have to work hard in the next book. The other recurring characters do their bit. One of them has a change of heart, a positive development for sure. 

The scenes in the other world are always my favorite. And oh, looks like I guessed right about how the potential betrayer is, though we’ll know for sure only in the next book. 

The book blends mystery, political intrigue, paranormal, and romance. We have secrets, betrayals, blackmails, murders, and whatnot. The ending is such a cliffhanger (I hope I don’t have to wait long). 

To summarize, Haunted Grave is a great addition to the series. It is steady-paced, descriptive, and full of intrigue. It’s a short read, too, something you can finish in a sitting or two. 

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.5 Stars

1924 Cotswold, England 

Maybury-in-the-Marsh is a quaint little village with some interesting personalities. Amy Phelps of the Old Forge comes from old money and has a dominant presence. However, she has been uncertain the past few days and contacts Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift for help. 

Young Arbie, though the author of the best-selling book The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting, wants nothing to do with hard work. He is happy to be idle and stay away from others’ lives. However, with Amy’s insistent appeal and Val’s (his friend and the vicar’s daughter) determination to help, Arbie has no choice but to do what is expected of him. 

Soon, Amy Phelps is dead, and Arbie knows it’s not natural. Someone murdered her. Despite his reluctance, Arbie and Val join heads to solve the case and find the killer. 

The story comes in the third-person omnipresent POV. 

The book is written like it would have been in the 1920s. This works to an extent, and we get a more realistic feel of the setting, language, and people. However, a few phrases (old bean, stiff upper lip, etc.) feel repetitive. Still, I like that the book tries to recreate the Christie and Wodehouse ‘feel’. 

Arbie and Val might give vague Tommy and Tuppence vibes, though they are very much different. Arbie is a typical 20-something lad who hates the idea of work. Val is the daughter of an impoverished vicar and a force of nature. Nevertheless, Arbie manages to create a better impression by the end. He is a bit of Bertie Wooster (with no Jeeves to help). 

Though the mystery begins early, the murder doesn’t happen in the first quarter. But this adds to the intrigue as I wanted to see when it would happen. That said, waiting that long wasn’t a good feeling. 

The suspects are easy enough to track and have varied personalities. However, they don’t get much character development. The setting and main characters have potential, so this could very well become a series. In fact, given the extent of detail we get, this is bound to be followed by more books (I’d be disappointed otherwise). 

The (locked room) mystery is interesting, though I wish it was handled better. The middle has filler content, which I skimmed through. The story would read better if the whole thing ended in 300 pages or less. 

You see a cat’s silhouette on the cover. That’s Empress Maud, a well-fed, fluffy black feline with tiger stripes. She has a role to play, though not much. 

There are quite a few references to Christie and Holmes by the characters. Not that annoying for me, but others may not like it. Also, despite the references to ‘Victorian’ the book is more of a Golden Age mystery. 

To summarize, Murder by Candlelight is an entertaining mystery with a good dose of humor. It would read even better if it were not buried under filler content. 

This is my first book by the author, though I heard a lot about her mysteries. The book isn’t great, but I will happily read more books in the series.  

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

#NetGalley #MurderbyCandlelight 

 3.7 Stars

Brigit is half-selkie, half-human. Her mother is a selkie. Everyone in the little village suspects it. Naturally, Brigit has to deal with bullies at school. However, that seems to be the least of her concerns. 

Someone in the village is killing young seals, though they know it’s forbidden. The selkie folk are furious and vow revenge. Brigit and her family are stuck in the middle. She had to find a way to save the young seals, expose the criminals, and face the Great Selkie. But can she succeed? 

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

I knew I had to read this when I saw the title. I recently wrote a short story with a half-selkie girl as the protagonist. I also wrote another story with the Celtic Brigit (goddess) as the main lead. Seeing the book seemed like the universe sending me a message (yet to figure out what it is). 

The book is short, just 200+ pages, and a quick read. Set in Nova Scotia (a Canadian province in the Atlantic), the story takes place over a few days, giving us a glimpse into the lives of locals and Brigit’s family. 

The starting is solid, even if it could be painful/ scary for young readers. There isn’t much character development, and most of them are surface level. Yet, Margaret and Peter stand out. 

I love how each chapter starts with a verse about traditional Celtic personalities (and sometimes selkies). They help create the mood and the atmosphere. In fact, the atmosphere is spot-on and much better than the characterization. I could visualize every scene and become a part of the landscape. 

The book deals with various themes like family, friendship, community, bullying, greed, sacrifice, choices, etc. None of it is in detail, so it doesn’t overwhelm the readers. However, the contents are darkish and may not suit all young readers (check the trigger warnings at the end). 

The fantasy elements are woven into the plot and are present just as much as required. It is seamless and uses the selkie mythology well. That said, I wouldn’t have minded if it was more prominent. 

The climax is also fast-paced, which adds to the tension. However, it is over too soon. We see only a glimpse of Brigit’s bravery. 

This could easily be a bigger book with more detailing and an in-depth character arc. Of course, that might make it suitable for adult readers. The premise calls for some intense darkness and drama. 

To summarize, The Selkie's Daughter is a good attempt at introducing mythical creatures to young readers. It’s an engaging read and should keep them hooked. 

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

#NetGalley #TheSelkiesDaughter 

*** 

T.W.:

Death of a child due to illness, chopping web skin from hands, and murder of baby seals (these aren’t graphic and written with care, but they are present). 

 

 3.5 Stars

America’s beloved Alexander Hamilton dies after a duel with Aaron Burr. His son, Alexander Jr., is a suspect in the murder of a witness of the duel. Eliza is grieving but trying her best to get justice for her dead husband and save her eighteen-year-old son from life in prison (or death). She needs to dig out the truth, save the family from debts, and protect the family. 

With eight children to support, Eliza decides to sell homemade lace and is drawn into the mysterious network of widowed lacemakers. She also realizes that the women can help her find the truth about her dead husband. Of course, it’s easier said than done with a killer intent on doing anything to keep secrets safe. 

The book comes in the third-person POV of Eliza Hamilton and Alice Rhodes. 

Disclaimer: I had no idea this was a retelling of a real-life story with famous people when I requested the book. I did wonder if it was inspired by something when I began reading. The author’s note at the end provided more information and mentioned what was fiction and what was real. Then, I read Eliza’s Wikipedia page. The book makes a little more sense now. 

A new window managing her family affairs and investigating her influential husband’s death felt like a great premise to read, especially when set in the early 19th century. We see the constant restriction she has to face for being a woman. The book gets the male condensing tone spot on. 

The women here are quite competent and have the means to gather information and get things done. We also see the differences in lives between the rich and working class. Of course, privilege doesn’t always help, and Eliza learns how to navigate both worlds. 

There are many characters, some mentioned without much information or backstory. The network of widowed women is a great addition. I wouldn’t have minded if they had a bit more focus. 

The pacing is quite slow. I expected it in the beginning but soon realized it would be the same throughout. I also started to lose interest. Eliza, despite everything, didn’t make me root for her. It’s more of an issue with the writing rather than the character (or person). 

Then, I began to speed read, and that did the job. I enjoyed the book a lot more without missing a single clue or development. Either the pacing has to be improved, or the filler has to be trimmed. 

The mystery was okay and kept me interested. The plot development to solving the mystery wasn’t great (not my favorite trope). The resolution happened quite fast and easily, almost like the story needed to end in limited pages afterward. 

To summarize, The Lace Widow is a decent read for me, but I am not the target audience. People who know the Hamiltons and the musical will enjoy this more. The author is a fan of the musical, so the book might appeal to like-minded people. 

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

#NetGalley #TheLaceWidow 

 3.8 Stars 

 Flora Barton is at her wit's end and desperate to save her family farm. Her granny is old, and they need a successful business idea to stay afloat. 

Nico Rossi has always wanted to escape the famous family surname. However, when he has to fulfill his late grandparents' wish by visiting Grams in Cranfield, he cannot help but want to step up and support Flora to find a way to retain Strawberry Hill Farm.  

As the duo put their plans into action, Flora and Nico have a lot more to consider. With some help and nudges from friends and friendly neighbors, they might find success and love in the same place if they are willing to do what it takes. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Nico. 

After reading the previous two books in the series, I was looking forward to Flora’s story. She and her Grams are struggling to keep the farm going, and they need a miracle to save it. 

The books in the series deal with combining small-town charm with business ventures to generate more money for their livelihood and the town. Here, Flora and Nico work hard to convert a part of the farmland into a Glamping (glamorous camping) site. 

Grams (Helen) is a darling and a delight to read. She is eighty but full of life and ready to take the risk if necessary. She is loving, encouraging, sassy, and thoughtful. Tyson is a sweet little boy. I like how he blooms and grows by the end. 

The setting is, of course, beautiful. How can you not want to visit the pristine hills, gentle slopes, natural lakes, and farms with lavender and strawberries? The community vibe is strong as recurring characters step in and help whenever necessary. Paddington the dog doesn’t get much space, but he does make an appearance. 

Flora takes an instant dislike to Nico. There’s a bit of chemistry between the two as they get to know each other and work together to save Flora’s home. Nico is a sweet guy, the one who reformed himself well before he met a girl, and someone who loves family as much as Flora does. 

The beginning is a bit slow as we get their backstories in the first two chapters (thankfully, these are shorter than the previous books). Once we get into the main plot, the story moves at a steady pace. Though some things happen easily, there are enough hurdles and doubts to keep it (borderline) believable. It’s still a sweet book, so problems are solved without too much stress. 

I didn’t much like what Flora did in the last quarter of the book. Not revealing spoilers, but suffice to say, it’s not good to use another person. 

The ending is, of course, HEA. Everything is sorted and tied up well. I hope the next book will finally deal with Libby. Can’t wait to read that one! 

To summarize, Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is an entertaining read and a good addition to the series. The book is standalone, though there may be minor spoilers for the previous books. 

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

#NetGalley #SunriseOverStrawberryHillFarm 

 4.5 Stars

The Boatman is a collection of three stories with a common point- the pub Boatman. The blurb calls it a suspenseful read with ghosts. This sums up the book well, though this isn’t a horror or a thriller. 

The writing is descriptive, atmospheric, and strong. It is also steady-paced and keeps the momentum going. The narration is such that you cannot stop midway. You need to know what happens and read till the end. I could become a part of the setting. 

Since I prefer to rate the stories individually, here it goes. This will be vague as even a loose word can spoil the content. 

Who is the traveler, and why? What does the character do what they do? What happens next? Well, I can’t say anything else except that we get a layered MC with ‘ghosts’ haunting them 24*7. The ending is open but apt for the plot. I could feel the pub and the storm in this one. You may feel like you know the story, but the execution takes it to the next level. 

Ella has a story to tell, and it’s about her life. We see her in various phases- as a girl, teen, new adult, and adult. But one thing is common – the ‘ghosts’ that continue to haunt and make her life miserable. In fact, she knows something for certain. So, does it change her life? This is also a psychological tale like the previous one, but with the intensity increasing as the story reaches the end. 

Rona, the bartender at the Boatman, is special. How? Why? What happens? How does this story connect to the previous two? Read to find out! The narration alters between first-person singular, first-person plural, and third-person. Yet, there’s no jerk or bump. While the story doesn’t provide answers, it does give a closure (sort of). 

To summarize, The Boatman is a heart-touching and poignant collection with dark themes artfully presented in an atmospheric setting. Do note that the overall tone is melacholic and heavy. 

The book is less than 130 pages and totally worth it. Paisa vasool, as we say it here. 

My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

** 

P.S.: An earlier version of the book has been previously published as Our Beautiful Child.