4 Stars

Sarah Bain Barrett (a crime reporter) and her gang are back in action. Sarah, Hugh, and Mick are at London Bridge when a mutilated torso washes to the shore. It resembles the bodies disposed of by the Thames Torso Murderer and creates a huge stir. Everyone wants to know if the killer is back. 

The gang is up for the challenge to solve the case and boost the sales of the Daily News newspaper. Thomas Barrett, Sarah’s husband and detective sergeant, is also on the case though Inspector Reid wants him on the sidelines. Not to mention that Reid thinks Ripper is the Torso Murderer. 

With little to no information available and random threads dangling around, can Sarah and Thomas find the killer before it’s too late? What happens when they have a difference of opinion? Does Dr. Lewes’ criminal profiling expertise help them? 

The story comes from Sarah’s first-person POV. 

As the seventh book in the series, it does work well as a standalone. However, knowing the characters will make it easier to follow their actions and thoughts. 

Well, this book is better-paced than the previous one. (It dips in the middle but gains momentum in the last part). A lot happens and leads to a definite climax and ending. 

Sally, Sarah’s younger sister, has an active role in the story, though her presence is still limited. She seems to be entering the main line, and I can’t wait to see her role in the next book. 

The main plot is interesting and progresses well. We see an array of characters, each of them contributing something to the story. 

Beloved Lamb as a polygamous religious cult leader, hit the mark. The setting of his ‘House of Love’ church, his multiple wives and their devotion to him, etc., are vivid and impactful. 

Hugh is back in his previous avatar, which is great to read. Mick wavered, but I’m sure he’ll be his original self in the next one. 

Sarah and Thomas have disagreements again. While conflict is necessary to keep the story engaging, it is tiring to see them fight in almost every book after they’ve married (I started reading the series from book 5). 

While Sarah’s voice is authentic to her character, it doesn’t feel as strong as before. Her personality isn’t forceful, even when she takes reckless risks. She feels more like a tired narrator than a determined woman (yeah, she is exhausted, but we can’t have it become a prominent part of her voice). 

I’m not sure I like the shift in Barrett’s character. I hope it is temporary and limited to this book. 

To summarize, River of Fallen Angels is an engaging Victorian mystery with people from the other side of London. 

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

 

The book is about a little boy who needs a haircut. He says he is not scared of getting one but feels stressed when he thinks about it. He can’t play with his cute doggy because he is too stressed about the impending haircut. 

But once he goes to the saloon, he realizes it is not terrifying. Getting a haircut is easy, and he just has to sit straight. He also lives his new hairstyle and is happy about it. 

The illustrations are super adorable. I love the color scheme and the kid’s expressions. The doggy is a sweetheart, doing its best to take a bath, roll around, and listen to the kid. 

The content is written in rhyming verse (AABB) and is a few lines per page. While it is encouraging, I’d have liked it more if the kid’s mom and the hairdresser had an active dialogue. The mother says there’s no need to fear, but we know kids don’t stop being afraid just like that. 

A little word of encouragement from the hairdresser would have the story more endearing (the author is a hairdresser, so I’m sure she’d have assured countless kids and made small talk to ease their fears).  

There is some interaction after the haircut, but a word before would have also been good. 

That said, the book has a certificate and an envelope (this will work better in the physical copy) to save a lock of the kid’s first haircut. That’s rather sweet. 

To summarize, I'm Not Scared No Way is a cute little book for kiddos to understand that getting a haircut is not scary and can be a fun thing. Grab it for the illustrations (I like the kid with shaggy hair more than with the haircut, oh well...) 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

#ImNotScaredNoWay #NetGalley 

 3.8 Stars

Writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits the Whimbrel House from his estranged family. His delight doesn’t last long when the house decides to take control and trap him inside. 

Enter Hulda Larkin from the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms (BIKER). She is a tamer of possessed and enchanted houses and sees it as her duty to preserve the disappearing magic in such ancient houses. 

As the duo tries to find the source of magic, they also battle a sense of attraction between them. However, unseen larger forces are at work, threatening to get revenge and settle scores. Can Hulda and Merritt survive the fight? 

The story comes in the third person POV of three main characters. 

The MCs are 30+ and not your traditional beautiful, handsome, delicate, or whatever! While they act childish a couple of times, they are also dealing with their pasts and vulnerabilities. 

Magic is an inherent part of the plot and a common phenomenon. Those who don’t have it also know about it (and, in fact, study it at school). 

The book starts with a blueprint of the interiors of the Whimbrel House. It also gives a brief definition of different types of magical powers. This was very useful to refer to. 

The setting is descriptive without being boring. I love the house and its antics. It gets endearing once we realize the source. 

There are enough quirky and humorous moments to keep the story lighthearted. It’s a fairly easy read (ignoring words from the period that pop up). 

The characters take time to reveal their depth. It gets a little tiring to read about them in the beginning when they are cardboard cutouts. They seem immature and are not likable until we get to 35-40% of the story. 

While some elements of magic have been handled with care, a few seem to be left without much attention. Also, the villain needs a better arc. There is potential to make him dangerous (not just physically), but that’s what we get. 

The climax started well but didn’t wow me. The ending was rather sweet (and a little lovey-dovey). But you’ll enjoy it if you like happy endings with a touch of romance. 

The pacing is a bit uneven. The story drags in the middle, where things seem to go around in circles. Hulda needs to rely on her instincts and pay attention to her visions (it’s her gift, after all). 

I see there is book two (which I’m grabbing after posting this review), so I hope the character arcs have more attention. 

To summarize, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is a dark, cozy read without being twisted or scary. Owein is adorable, so that’s a plus. 

Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.7 Stars

Lewis Madigan is having the worst time of his life. He lost his job, the market is dull, and has no money to pay the rent. Having a rude, homophobic old man in a wheelchair as a neighbor frustrates him even more. But desperate times call for desperate measures. He agrees to become a temporary caregiver for his neighbor, Chester Wheeler. 

As if that isn’t enough, Lewis feels compelled to take Chester on a drive to Arizona to meet his ex-wife. Driving Chester in a Winnebago and becoming a part of his complicated life wasn’t Lewis’ plan. But he does it anyway. 

Lewis is more than surprised to learn more about the dying old man’s past. Their friendship forms a new beginning in his life… but Chester has only days left on this earth. 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Lewis. 

I read Dreaming of Flight by the author and loved it. Though I wasn’t expecting a similar story, I did want the same kind of feeling. This one delivers only 70% of it. 

The writing is easy to follow. Lewis is 24 years old and sounds almost close to his age (and like a late teen at times). He grows assertive as the story progresses, so that’s good to read. 

The premise is very good, but the execution seemed more on the surface level. Chester’s homophobia is the only thing that seems emphatic and disturbing. The rest of the emotions were sorted a little too quickly. What’s more, it feels like the author doesn’t want readers to see too deep into Chester’s past. We get bits and pieces and have to weave a story on our own. 

Monetary troubles are real in any country. Here Lewis has money issues, but they are sorted out without much effort. The only thing is that he has to take care of Chester for the time being. Ellie seems to be super generous with finances. I sure wouldn’t say no to a fairy godmother like her! 

Sue’s character is well done, though she gets limited space. Her arc is more implied, but it is still a better arc in the book. 

Lewis is a sweet guy. He knows to draw boundaries and still be caring toward others. The book is his coming-of-age story as well. But it’s not seamless for two reasons. 

Two, he is a software engineer. Sure, Ellie and Sue say caregiving is his calling. Brian agrees. But Lewis’ decision to shift careers is just not as impactful as it should have been. Also, as a software engineer, he can continue to work on freelance projects while taking care of semi-valid elders.   

The last chapter/ epilogue is a short story in itself. I was ready to get a rough gist of Lewis as a happy man in his new career and with a thriving love life. What I get is another story half-similar to Chester in a condensed form. Let’s say it did nothing to make me feel warm, say aww… or get teary-eyed. 

To Summarize, So Long, Chester Wheeler is a heartwarming story about dealing with life and learning to grow with grace. I wish it was better edited to up the emotional quotient. 

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

 4.5 Stars

Tabitha is dead, but her family continues to act as if she’s alive and with them. She roams around the house, watching her husband and teen daughter navigate their lives in a haze. She wants to know what to do to move on to whatever happens next but doesn’t know how, when, where, or why.  

Christmas arrives, bringing relatives, past, and new revelations. It appears Tabitha has a decision to make. What will she do? 

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

To summarize, The Ghost Wife is indeed a short story of suspense but of a different kind. It is well-written and executed to keep you hooked. 
Thank you, Book Sirens and C.G. Twiles, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.5 Stars

Rowan and her mother flee into the Dark Forest when war threatens their city, Holderby, Gallren. They meet Grandpa Inigo Webster and Arto, a white wolf, in the forest. Even as Rowan misses her dad, she becomes friends with dragons and powerful witches in the Dark Forest. She also discovers a secret about herself. Rowan is a Wildsmith born to help and protect the forest. 

Life goes on until a sudden threat puts the place in danger. Rowan, her grandpa, and everyone they know has to join forces to fight the danger. Can they succeed in their mission? 

To summarize, Into the Dark Forest is a heartwarming and adorable story of little Rowan and dragons. Looking forward to the next part with another adventure and more magical powers. The cover is perfect for the book. 

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

#WildsmithIntotheDarkForest #NetGalley 

 4 Stars

1957, Sussex: 

Welcome to the Abbeymead village with Flora Steele, the owner of All is Well bookshop, and Jack Carrington, a (not-so) reclusive crime fiction writer, working together to solve yet another murder (or two). 

Lyre Beaumont, the new curate of St. Saviour’s church, is found hanging on the flagstone floor beneath the bell tower. No one seems to know what happened, but the mysterious note beside the dead body points to murder. 

With a bunch of suspects and more adding to the list, Flora and Jack have a tough time searching for information and identifying the killer. It doesn’t help that their sleepy village has been witnessing newcomers waltzing around. Flora thinks it cannot be a coincidence. 

The threat increases as the duo get closer to the truth. Can they solve the case without risking their necks? And, oh, what will they do with the latest developments in their relationship? 

To summarize, Murder at St. Saviour’s is an entertaining and comforting read if you like cozy mysteries with a touch of danger. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderatStSaviours 

P.S: Here’s a little piece of history. Though the timelines don’t match, you’ll understand why I shared it after you read the book. ;) 

 3.5 Stars

Librarian Prunella Pearce and her bestie Bree are all set to start a detective agency after their success in the previous case (book one). The duo and other ladies of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute go to Montgomery Hall Hotel for Halloween to enjoy a murder mystery weekend away from the village. 

The hotel’s current owner Tarragon Montgomery is stuck between matriarch Cecily (who doesn’t want to make changes to the place) and his money-loving wife, Stephanie. As if things aren’t bad enough, there seems to be a thief at their barely surviving hotel. 

Psychic Selma, who was to be a part of the murder mystery weekend, has been replaced by an impostor with an ulterior motive. With a raging storm outside and the Winterbottom women going wild (thanks to free-flowing booze), it’s up to Pru and Bree to solve the cases and determine if there’s a connection between the mysteries. 

Can the duo repeat their success? 

The story comes from multiple POVs. 

The book works great as a standalone despite being the second in the series. The characters can be a bit confusing (continued in the next section), but the plot is independent. 

The pacing is steady and consistent even when nothing seems to be happening. That’s hard to achieve in a book with 350+ pages, but here it keeps going without slowing down. 

The mystery, as such, isn’t much. We can figure it out in the first quarter of the book. It’s more of ‘how will all these threads come together, and will the criminal be nabbed’ that keeps the reader moving. 

The book is more of a chick-lit and family drama with murders thrown into the mix. Though that wasn’t what I expected, I readjusted my expectations and could enjoy the book (to an extent). 

The scenes with the killer are decent and well done. They don’t delve into the darker side but show enough glimpses to create an impact. 

There are three ladies whose names start with C. Two of them stick together and are kinda bosom buddies (in many ways). This doesn’t help in remembering who is who, especially when all of them are loud. 

I have no issues with old ladies lacking a filter or making sexual innuendo jokes. But there’s only so much I can read without rolling my eyes at the constant sex jokes (it doesn’t help that some of those went over my head). There’s a difference between older ladies speaking their minds and blabbering. I like the former kind, while the book has the latter. Also, I don’t particularly like the ladies being used as comic relief. 

Humorous cozies are fun (I recently enjoyed a goofy book). However, here the slapstick comedy and the murders don’t gel completely in this book. The author can write (the book is very visual). It just wasn’t that good for me. I also see how this will make a great script for the screen (after editing). The comedy I found too much in the book can be appealing when enacted by people. 

To summarize, Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel is the book for you if you like mindless comedy and jokes with a bunch of murders thrown into the mix. The cover is super cool, though. 

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

I’m glad I didn’t focus much on the blurb except for the last paragraph. As someone who didn’t watch the Netflix show (or many others), I could get into the book without expectations. 

I have to say I loved reading it. The writing is compact yet detailed. It has a conversational style without being too casual or friendly. 

Some of it is descriptive, but it is needed to provide a backstory about the criminals and the crimes (people from other countries may not know the details about killers in the US, and it doesn’t make sense to Google each of them to understand the book). That’s not needed, of course. The book tells me what I should know about the case, the proceedings, and the role of real-life sleuths who cracked it years afterward. 

While some have a personal connection with the case, others felt compelled due to different reasons. They talk about the trigger moments that made them get into this path. Imagine spending your time, money, and other resources on someone you don’t even know. 

On one side, there are official groups like Websleuths with strict moderators that work genuinely for what they believe in and help the police departments. Yet, there’s no dearth of over-excited armchair sleuths who don’t think twice before speculating or sharing someone’s personal information. 

The last chapter in the book deals with such instances where amateur sleuths caused more harm and resulted in the hounding of an already grieving family. It also highlights the role of careless and fame-hungry journos and influencers using social media to share rumors as facts. The recent case of attacks on Hindus in Leicester, UK, is a great example.

 I love the closing statement made by a retired cop. Becoming a real-life detective shouldn’t be for credit or fame. It is a responsibility and a selfless service to help people find closure. Those who expect recognition should not get into these activities. 

To summarize, The Real-Life Murder Clubs is an impressive and inspiring collection about ordinary citizens who chose to be extraordinary by taking up crime-solving as a true passion. 

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

#TheRealLifeMurderClubs #NetGalley 

 3 Stars

Arabella Fitzroy goes to Cartier House for Christmas. Her marriage was arranged with Lord Nathaniel Cartier when they were wee babies. It’s time to get to know her would-be in-laws and husband before the wedding. 

The initial days at Cartier House leave her gloomy and dejected. Arabella wonders if she can marry Nathaniel. After all, the man appears rude and uncaring and wants nothing to do with her. Only the swans on the estate lake seem to make him smile. 

However, a chance encounter with Nathaniel makes Arabella wonder about the man beneath the mask. Maybe first impressions aren’t the best. Is there a chance for a happy ever after for the duo? 

The story comes from Arabella’s third-person POV. 

This is a steamy romance and a part of Dragonblade's Flame line as mentioned in the blurb. And since it is a novella (less than 140 pages), steamy scenes win over character development. 

Though the book is a part of a 12-book series, it works totally fine as a standalone. There are mentions of other characters, but none have a direct role in the book. This one belongs to the lead characters alone. 

The premise has the potential to be a full-length novel with layered characters and evenly-paced execution. However, everything runs at 4x speed in this one. Since the book’s length was the reason I requested it, I knew this was how it would be. 

Nathaniel’s character was more interesting. It was fun to see him become comfortable with Arabella and trust her enough to share his secrets. Also, I liked his quirky sense of humor. 

Arabella was a determined and feisty heroine. That said, I could have done with a little less of ‘gosh, he is so handsome’ on almost every page. 

The conflict at the end could have been better resolved. It was a little too dramatic. The writing was okayish. Easy to read (ignoring the adverbs). 

To summarize, Seven Swans a Swimming is a light time pass read if you want something hot and fast-paced. It has a 3+ steam level. 

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