3.7 Stars

Tokyo Police Detective Kyoichiro Kaga collected his estranged mother’s remains a decade ago from a lady who had known her for years. Kaga’s mother left him and his father without much explanation. While Kaga got some answers, he is yet to get the rest. 

Now (2012) in Tokyo, the decomposed body of a middle-aged woman has been found in a bare apartment rented by a man. No one knows who the man is. Meanwhile, there has been another death in the vicinity at the same time and looks like the cases may be connected. 

Kaga wonders if both cases are somehow related to his mother’s life after she left the family to live elsewhere. Can he find the answers at last, or will he have to accept things the way they are? 

The story comes in multiple third-person POVs. This is the last book in the series. 

This is the final book in the 4-book series, with Detective Kaga in the lead. He is an ex-school teacher turned police detective with a penchant for solving crimes and enough tenacity to keep going until he succeeds. 

Like book #3, this one also has Kaga’s cousin Matsumiya, a Homicide detective in another district’s team. I like the dynamics between the two. It borders on distant, but the warmth and companionship between the two is easy to feel. It also helps that both use their brains well. The police may grumble but spend hours of their time and resources in solving the crimes. I quite like this part. 

The book is set in 2012 and refers to the then-devastating earthquake and Tsunami and how it changed the lives of the people involved. The translated version is being released over a decade later, so there are bound to be some differences here and there. 

There’s a list of characters at the beginning, which is quite helpful. The names can be confusing, but that’s bound to happen when we read books from other cultures. No big deal. It’s easy to remember the characters even if we forget the names. They are distinct and have definite personalities, no matter how small their roles. 

The mystery is quite layered and has many twists. New information is revealed in stages, allowing the reader to connect the dots and come up with their own conclusions. Quite a lot happens, and though the case takes time, there’s no dull moment. 

The pacing is a bit uneven. The book is 400 pages. While the translation is smooth enough, a few sentences sound odd since I don’t have the necessary cultural background. 

I’m in two minds about the ending. In a way, it suits the series (and Kaga) and ends exactly how it should. However, the HEA-lover in me is not satisfied. Why couldn’t we have a more definite conclusion to the series? Does it mean there’s a possibility of continuing the series someday? Because of how it ends, there won’t be any issues in writing another book or more. 

To summarize, The Final Curtain weaves multiple tracks together and brings them to a satisfying end. A well-crafted mystery that keeps you hooked. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.8 Stars

A mythical Japanese beast, Kirkin, stands guard over the bridge in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo. A night patrolling officer finds a man staggering on the bridge only to realize he is not drunk but seriously injured and stabbed in the chest. 

The Homicide team jumps into action and soon finds a young man, Yashima, injured in an accident. He has the dead man’s wallet and becomes the prime suspect. Since he was in no position to speak, the detectives began hunting for clues. 

 Detective Kyoichiro Kaga is assigned to the district’s team to aid with the investigation. And thus begins the process of looking for clues and connecting the dots, no matter how unlikely they seem. A picture is forming, but can Kaga get enough evidence to find the killer? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters. 

I enjoyed Malice and Devotion of Suspect X by the author. So when this book came up on NetGalley last year, I grabbed it right away. As you can see, it took me more than a year to get to it, and only because the next and last in the series is also on my list. 

The book begins with the list of primary characters and their roles. This makes it easy to mark the characters and follow them throughout the story. 

The narration picks up pace over time and maintains a steady tempo. Detective Kaga is focused on aspects others don’t bother with, and this gives him the results. He is partnered with his cousin, and it’s interesting to see the dynamics between them. 

Though it is a police procedural, it feels more like a puzzle where it is important to know how to fit them correctly to make sense of the final picture. 

The story is set around 2010 (the original version was released in Mar 2011) in Tokyo and deals with social issues as a part of the narrative. Themes like recession, job uncertainties, scapegoating, dysfunctional families, monetary concerns, media-vulturism, etc., are used without much social commentary. 

Being a Japanese book, we also get glimpses into the native culture, religious practices, customs, etc. These make the plot more engaging. 

The reveal reads more like a report, which makes the whole thing sound almost distanced and unemotional. However, the ending is quite emotional and well done. I like where the focus is. It leaves the reader with something to think about. 

To summarize, A Death in Tokyo is a taut mystery despite a few tried and tested tropes found in the genre. I wouldn’t say I liked it as much as Malice, but Kaga’s brain works well, so no complaints! 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 

 4.5 Stars

Narasimhavarman I, the young Pallava king, promises his dying father to avenge the humiliation by the Chalukyas during the Battle of Pullalur in 618. He also promises to complete the construction of the temples along the shore and in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). 

With the king busy with the construction, the army commander-in-chief and general take the responsibility to set things in motion for revenge. Three trusted and efficient soldiers embark on three journeys, facing a multitude of challenges, finding allies, and making enemies. They have the same aim – to weaken the Chalukya allies before the epic Battle of Vatapi. 

This is easier said than done. What happens as the three soldiers travel across the lands, through enemy territories, and tackle the Pandyas, Gangas, and Lankan forces? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters. 

I added the book to my TBR when a couple of Indic friends rated it 5 stars. Now, I got the opportunity to read the second edition, and I'm happy to say that the wait was worth it. 

Nandi’s Charge is the first installment that sets the stage for the Battle of Vatapi. However, the book doesn’t take much time to launch into action. It is packed with action, suspense, intrigue, treachery, politics, and valor. 

I appreciate the list of characters and the detailed maps in the introduction. They make it easy to go back and confirm the details. The prologue leads to the current scenario and gets the ball rolling. 

Multiple tracks and many subplots are running in parallel. This can be overwhelming, but stay patient and go with the flow (high fantasy readers will find it easy to follow the narrative even though this doesn’t have fantasy elements). 

Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan are the three soldiers with different personalities, making it easy to track who is who. This also allows space to create a detailed character arc without compromising the task at hand. 

Given the context, the book is male-dominated. However, two young ladies, Sangamitra and Indumati, make their presence felt. They start as damsels in distress but become something more. Among other characters, Sadaiyan stands out the best. How can I not like that lad? 

The book balances show and tell, ensuring a steady pace and strong imagery. I love scenes detailing the construction of temples. (Hindu) Temple architecture is mesmerizing and my favorite topic. The kings built amazing temples and developed them as the centers for arts and education. Reading (and writing) about sculptors chiseling a rock to carve a murti brings me immense happiness. 

The book also brings a balance between good and bad, right and wrong. There are good and bad humans, who when they become soldiers, do things that represent their character rather than their leaders or kings. I like how things are presented and left to the reader to decide. No preaching. 

There are Tamil words (with footnotes) that add authenticity to the dialogue. Of course, the writing feels modern at times (the author talks about this), but the writing gives ‘Indian’ vibes, unlike some Indian books that feel like they belong to medieval Europe (you know if you know). 

There is some gore (can’t escape it considering the premise) but it is limited and to the point. Descriptions are not stretched beyond what’s necessary for the plot. 

After reading over 500 pages, this one ends with a cliffhanger, which is expected. I hear book #2 will be published in Feb 2024. Needless to say, I’m excited. 

To summarize, Nandi’s Charge is a fast, detailed, twisty, and entertaining story set in 7th-century India with real and fictional characters. I liked it more than I thought I would, so rounding it up to five stars! 

And oh, do read the author’s note at the beginning. 

Thank you, Blogchatter, author Arun Krishnan, and publisher HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. 

 4 Stars 

Petunia Yoder is the youngest old maid of the Amish community in Blueberry, Pennsylvania. She is 22 and too independent (straightforward, nosy, and opinionated) to find an Amish husband. However, Petunia isn’t worried. She is a seamstress (among other things) and has enough income of her own. Her widowed father runs a tourist agency, and the two have a comfy life. 

One day, Petunia goes to Ike Smoker’s place for ice only to find him dead and murdered. Eden Beiler, her friend and Ike’s girlfriend, is the prime suspect. Petunia knows Eden is not the murderer. When Homicide Detective Asher Nate, a newcomer in the region, asks for her help to interpret the Amish nuances, Petunia agrees to help. After all, she needs to clear her friend’s name. 

Soon, she discovers there’s a lot she didn’t know, and her life could be in danger even if sleuthing is fun. Can Petunia and Asher solve the murder before there’s another death? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Petunia Yoder. 

My Thoughts: 

My first introduction to the Amish community was through the Criminal Case game on Facebook. So when I saw this book, I wanted to re-live the experience in another format (and I’m always looking for a new cozy mysteries). Let’s say this was a fun ride. 

I don’t know anything about the Amish, so I can’t say how authentic the portrayal is. A few words from Pennsylvanian Dutch are used but are easy enough to understand. 

Petunia sounds and acts older than 22. She has some girly traits but is balanced enough when required. Even Asher, the English detective, though 27, seems stable and reliable. Quite surprising, but nice, too. 

There are bits of humor scattered throughout the book. Be it Petunia’s cooking (no guarantees there) or her father’s confidence that she will enjoy sleuthing way too much. He is a great character. He is protective but also someone who knows his daughter well and gives her the freedom she craves (something the Amish girls don’t always seem to have). 

There are a variety of characters, each doing their part and bringing something to the plot. Some make a stronger impact, and I hope to see them in future books. 

The mystery is well done. Ike Smoker is disliked by just about everyone in the Blueberry Amish community. In fact, he hardly seems to have any Amish traits. This increases the list of suspects, but the plot progression is well done. The reveal comes out with a bit of a surprise yet ties up everything with satisfaction. 

Though the cover looks ordinary at first glance, it is cleverly done. I wish the colors popped out a bit more (or are they deliberately muted to suit the simple Amish lifestyle?). 

At just 272 pages, the pacing is a bit uneven, but that’s expected in the first book of a series. However, there’s no dull moment. The book ends on a hopeful note with a clear indication that Petunia will continue to solve crimes in Blueberry. 

To summarize, Murder of an Amish Bridegroom is a good entertainer and a great start to a new series. It sets the right tone and expectations for the coming books. There’ will be romance too, and I’m curious to see how it will be handled. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderofanAmish Bridegroom 

 3.7 Stars 

Miss Agnes Humphries, the landlady of No. 23 Burlington Square, has to decide among three prospective tenants for the second floor. It has been empty since the unfortunate death of Mr. Blandford. Agnes has three options – 

Each choice will lead to different endings – bittersweet resolution, wrong choice for everyone, and a HEA. How will Agnes choose? As each gets a chance to rent the place in alternative timelines, Agnes may realize things she hadn’t considered before.

The story comes in the third-person POV of the main characters – Agnes, Clara, Stephen, and Mercy.

My Thoughts:

When the book title and cover highlight the house, it should have a prominent part in the plot. I’m happy to report the house indeed has a presence. While some of it may be due to Agnes, the house has a presence you cannot ignore. 

The house has other tenants- an old Polish musician on the first floor, a mysterious photographer in the attic, and a young and impoverished family with kids in the basement. Each time, the lives of these people are affected differently, though one of them gets a major share. This ensures they don’t remain passive but have an active role in the story. 

I like the choice of beginning with Clara since most readers will inevitably root for Mercy. It’s not easy to like Clara, but she will grow on you to an extent. Stephen’s part falls in the middle. Though it has its merits, it weighs down the pacing and makes the book slow. Mercy comes in the last section, finally promising to reveal the secrets hidden until now. 

Given the structuring, we have to accept repetition in the timelines. However, a few other details are also repeated, slowing the narration even more. The book could have been less than 400 pages with some tightening (mainly in Clara’s section). Moreover, the setting is 1927, but doesn’t feel like it always. 

Despite having specific sections allotted to the three characters, they don’t get in-depth development. This is where you have to go with the flow and not question the convenient changes and coincidences.  

We get a few chapters from Agnes’ POV at random, which gives us a glimpse into her life, past, etc. NGL, if I could kick Daphne on her dainty backside, I would. 

The book also shows us what really happened and concludes it with an epilogue (yay!) set some years later. The epilogue is bittersweet but beautiful and provides a good ending to the book. (Don’t be too particular about things, though). 

To summarize, No. 23 Burlington Square is a heartwarming three-in-one book about how a decision can potentially impact the lives of people belonging to the house. It’s a story of kindness, second chances, and finding one’s tribe. 

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

#NetGalley #No23BurlingtonSquare
 

 4.2 Stars 

None of the witches are happy about the gloomy magic-free November, except Clemmie (Clem) and her cousin Mirabelle. October was a mess. Everyone is still struggling with what had happened. However, their troubles are far from over when knights from the past come knocking on the door. 

It has been the Merlyns vs. Morgans for decades. However, the knights have only one target – to burn the witches. The two covens have to come together to find a way out and stay alive. Soon, Clem and her cousins realize it’s up to the young hags to save the day. Can they do it? 

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

This is the sequel to The October Witches , released last year (2022). It cannot be read as a standalone, as it starts where the previous book ends. 

I confess to not remembering much (almost zero retention), though I could recollect the basic details once I started this book. It didn’t take long to get into the grove and go with the flow. 

This book has a faster pace, which I appreciate. The story keeps moving, which keeps things interesting and entertaining. However, it can also be a disadvantage if the reader doesn’t remember what happened in the previous book, as there are minimum references. 

The aunts are grumpy, and Clem is feeling guilty. However, there’s no time to dwell on this. In fact, even the Morgans have to swallow their pride and be humble. Of course, it’s not easy on the old hags on either side. A clash between the two could erupt at any time, and the young hags have a helluva time trying to soothe things. 

There’s also a glorious magical forest (I love it) where the action occurs in the second half. The setting is beautiful and comes alive on the pages without getting overly descriptive. 

The book truly belongs to the kids- Clem, Mirabella, Kerra, and Senara. There’s another kid, ‘Potboy’, a young wannabe squire longing to prove himself by capturing the witches. We see how they have to be adults (since the adults act childish most of the time, except for one person) while knowing their limitations as children. 

Topics like bullying, family bonding (or the lack of it in one case), parental pressure/ approval, listening to the other person, finding one’s voice, desire to prove one’s worth, etc., are woven into the plot. Since we get the story from Clem’s POV, it has a realistic touch to it with a dash of humor and some lovely observations. Clem finding her voice and pushing beyond the fear of speaking is a recurring theme in the book. I love how it is contrasted (yet aligned) with Kerra’s issues. 

Mirabelle’s puns are well… hit or a miss, something even she knows. That’s what makes them funnier than actual, I suppose. Serena is a stable and balanced young hag exploring her strengths and helping her cousins. 

Clem’s mom, Patty, has some great advice. She is the only sane old hag in both the covens. Imagine that! 

The climax isn’t as powerful as in book one, but does the job. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for book #3 (this is to be a trilogy). I am already excited about The December Witch (that can be the only possible title). 

To summarize, The November Witches is a great continuation of book one and takes the story to the next level. It is entertaining, steady-paced, and delightful. 

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

#NetGalley #TheNovemberWitches 

*** 

The quotes are from an uncorrected proof copy and are subject to change. 

 3 Stars (outliner opinion) 

Norma Gallagher is the only woman in the Search and Rescue Team in Sloot, a small town in Utah and Arizona. She prefers to keep to herself and loves her two dogs and the horse the best. 

When Norma finds the nineteen-year-old Jill Moss after she is reported missing, she is forced to do something she would never otherwise do. When Jill is terrified about her boyfriend Jake, Norma helps her go back to her parents in California. 

Five years later, the disappearance of Jill Moss hasn’t died yet and becomes a hot topic when Jake is arrested for another crime and Jill’s murder. The public and media are busy with what they do. Norma has to yet again make a decision that could affect many lives, including her own. 

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

I like how the author deals with different issues in her books and was excited to read this one. The blurb reveals quite a lot (around 40%), though it does manage to keep certain things a secret. 

The pacing is decent, but dips in the middle. The book has some bits of ‘mystery’ but is not a mystery read. It’s a social drama about domestic abuse, repeating toxic cycles, guilt, shame, public judgment, issues in the legal system, trial by media, general bias, et al. 

Norma, Jill, and Wanda are the main characters, while Betty has a great supporting role (she is my favorite). Jill and Wanda are young and act their age. Their portrayal is quite realistic and believable. 

The characters change as the story progresses, though Norma takes the longest time. Despite her annoying me, I am glad she lowers the walls and finds people to call her own. 

Norma is an interesting character. As a woman in her late 50s (and early 60s after the time jump), she is snarky, blunt, and a touch-me-not. Her backstory provides the reason for her attitude and approach to life. However, she is not heartless. In fact, it’s the opposite.  Still, I couldn’t always stand her opinions. I’m a minority here, but I don’t particularly like the comparison between bank robbery and domestic abuse. A robber and an abuser are different people. The reasons and goals are different. 

The book deals with important themes, but with Norma coming on too strong about her opinions, the vital messages lose their impact. 
 

There’s a list of book club discussion questions at the end, which I appreciate. As you can see, the book offers a lot to talk about. 

To summarize, A Different Kind of Gone has much to offer about moral issues, justice, and relationships. Like it or not, the content will make you think, and I cannot rate it longer than 3 stars. 

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

#NetGalley #ADifferentKindofGone 

 3 Stars

Logan Theakar, the Bear, is now a retired monster hunter living with Pie (Magie), his beautiful bard husband, in the Stowatt village. The year had been great, making him enjoy domesticity for the first time in 42 years. Never mind that he still itched to use his axe and hunt some monsters.  

One night, Pie disappears, and Logan soon finds he has been kidnapped and blackmailed into helping the evil king retrieve a precious object that could lead to devastation. With help from an old Countess, a necromancer, and some unlikely support, Logan sets out to find Pie and save the day. But what does it mean for him and his marriage with his darling husband? 

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

With a title, cover, and premise (mentioning unicorns, necromancers, and magic), how can I resist the book? The results, as you can see, are mixed. 

I like that we have a 40+ lead M/M couple, even though they act as if they are in their early 20s. It’s an opposite attract plus grumpy vs. sunshine trope. Logan is the grumpy guy (no points for guessing). 

Well, Pie-Magpie (Bond, James Bond, ugh) is beautiful and wonderful, according to Logan. He is a decent character who could have been better if given a chance. 

Logan is like the grumpiest of the grumps. I know I should sympathize considering his backstory and fears, et al, but for the majority of the book, he is annoying. His ‘I’m the only one who is capable and can save you all while you go around partying’ attitude and actions grated on my nerves. Glad that he redeems himself in the last section to a good extent. 

Ophelia, Gary, and a couple of others do what’s expected of them. However, the Countess, oh well! She starts out as someone quirky and funny without a filter. Since such women are now a thing, I could see her make some of those comments. That said, things got a bit too much, especially with her touching the men and making them uncomfortable (it borders on sexual harassment). I don’t see why this has to be her character trait when she is a powerful necromancer. 

While the story blends mystery, fantasy, romance, drama, and magic, none of the elements actually shine. Everything is there but not in enough quantity to take the book to the next level. The world-building could have been better. The romance is sweet but with a lot of (unnecessary) angst, thanks to Logan. It doesn’t have much steam and is mostly fade-to-black, which helps. 

Providing the past between Logan and Pie in installments (interludes) works great and prevents info dumping. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two reads toxic in some places. Of course, they do realize their mistakes, especially Logan. Having at least a few chapters from Pie’s POV might have helped me see things from another perspective. 

The ending is good, all sorted and nice, with a good dose of hope. However, the last section (65-95%) is slow-paced and feels as if the story won’t end. I speed-read at one point to get to the crucial part. 

To summarize, Til Death Do Us Bard has its moments but remains an average read throughout. The premise and setting have great potential, though the execution could have been better. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodderscape (Hodder & Stoughton), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TilDeathDoUsBard 

 4 Stars

Beatrice Bird has had a gift since she was a child. She can see ghosts or rather physical manifestations that get stronger as she grows. Unable to handle the pressure, she leaves her home and partner to live on a remote island in a secluded cottage. 

Soon, Anne Iredale arrives at the island, bringing her share of ghosts. She has lost everything that matters to her and doesn’t know what to do. Despite her hesitation, Beatrice begins to talk to Anne and thinks she might help her. Maybe both women can heal themselves if they can take the much-needed steps. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Beatrice and Anne, with a few chapters from Benjamin. 

The story, though majorly set in 1977, has a few chapters from different years to show Beatrice and Anne’s pasts. The progression is non-linear but is easy to track and follow. This is done to provide the necessary information at the right time. 

Even though the setting is atmospheric, the story is mostly ‘told’. It suits the content as things are dark and could have gotten unnecessarily graphic. Right now, there is enough information to understand the characters and empathize with them. 

The book deals with themes like DV, past trauma, controlling behavior, manipulation, family, relationships, etc. There are very few lighthearted scenes, and even those have a layer of darkness, much like the fog on the cover. (Check the TW list at the end of the review) 

There’s quite a lot about God and faith as well. This comes as a surprise since the blurb didn’t hint at it. Thankfully, it’s not preachy, but I still had to get used to repeated references to God and some discussions around the theme (and also get a friend’s help to clarify a couple of doubts. Thanks, Rosh). 

However, the concept of ghosts is quite intriguing in this one. It has literal ghosts but also metaphorical ones with literal manifestations (trying hard to not reveal spoilers). I like how these two blend as the plot progresses. 

The pacing is moderate and dips in the middle. However, the action picks up in the last quarter. It is intense and ups the paranormal element without being spooky (at least to me). Though a few developments are convenient, I don’t mind. The plot needs to come together somehow. 

I like the characterization of the leading women, Beatrice and Anne. One of them has what the other would have considered unconventional. They are flawed but have their share of vulnerabilities and can inspire empathy in the readers. And oh, there are two cute cows, too! 

Benjamin, the five-year-old kid, gets the most love. His POV, though in the third person, is written to suit his age. These chapters are almost heartbreaking in some places. 

The ending is hopeful and ties up the loose ends. Some things are glossed over, but do the job. We knew enough to not have any lingering doubts, though the book does leave us thinking about a lot of things. 

To summarize, The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird is a poignant and atmospheric read about friendship, healing, love, loss, moving on, and starting afresh. Pick it up when you are in the mood for a slightly heavy read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit (Little Brown Group), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.7 Stars

Mimi, aka Mira Mackson, is an eleven-year-old with an immense love for baking. With three talented older siblings and parents with flourishing careers, Mimi considers herself someone in the shadows with no real talents except baking. She dreams of becoming a world-famous chef like her idol Puffy Fay from the same small town, Comity. 

When she comes across a baking contest for kids hosted by a new café in the town, Mimi knows this is her chance to prove her worth. However, she soon realizes things aren’t easy. Somehow, her baked goods are making her family act strange every day. Can her mysterious new friend from the woods help make everything right? What does Mimi learn from the entire fiasco?  

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

What’s not to like when a book has an Indian rep, delicious food, humor, smart kids, and a good dose of magic? 

This book is a treat for foodies, especially if you like baked goods and Indian food (not the standard naan-and-curry template). It is sure to make your mouth water and go hungry again. 

The author uses her Indianness to bring the right touch of desi flavor to the story but keeps it relevant for Western readers. This works well for the plot. The same extends to some of Mimi’s creations. She uses the flavors from Indian sweets like Kulfi and Kesari Baath (halwa). This reminded me of Twist of Taste by Chef Vikas Khanna (which I didn’t enjoy much as his twists were too complex for my liking). 

It helps that the author is a baker. We get a mini version of the recipes in the story along with three recipes at the end of the book (always a bonus, even if I don’t try them). 

I read the summary before I began the book. That was enough to understand the context and how deftly the author used the plot devices and tropes in this retelling. Of course, the book works as a standalone. 

Music and dance are also a part of the plot, though music has a greater role. The idea of using a family song is a wonderful touch. We have one, too, which my dad sang when I was a kid. 

The ending goes the Shakespeare way, as in quite OTT and dramatic. However, it should work well for the target audience. 

Oh, there are a few illustrations as well similar to the cover design. A good touch! 

To summarize, Midsummer's Mayhem is an entertaining read with important lessons/ themes about family, self-worth, and being a good person. And not to forget… food.