Heat of Hydration by Dwight Morgan Jr.

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

I must have a slow mental clock. Yeah, you can hold the comments, I'm gonna get lots of phone calls from my sisters saying my mental clock is so old it is a Timex.  ("It takes a licking and keeps on ticking."  No, don't make something dirty out of that, it was their real slogan.  It must have been a good one as I still remember it.)  Anyway, before y'all were insulting me, I was going to say it feels like we should be approaching the 4th of July.  I just don't understand how it got to be Christmas time already, despite that we have had SNOW in coastal NC twice already.  Most years we have none.  I have a point, I promise.  The holidays are coming, and I want to tell you about a book I have not read.  I should have, morally, not to mention it is a thriller, which are my favorites.  To be honest, I was so fortunate to receive an autographed copy in the mail from the author, months ago.  I had already agreed with various publishers to read (within a specific time) several books to be released early next year. Hubby saw today's book, sitting, waiting, deserving to be read.  He jumped in with both feet, as the storyline fascinated him.  I still will be reading this book myself.  However, since the holidays are coming, I wanted to make sure you knew about this book for gifting to your reader pals.  So, to avoid additional delay, the review below is what hubby had to say.

I recently read Heat of Hydration by Dwight Morgan Jr.  This intricate story involves a terrorist attack at the United Nations.  The world is in the capable hands of ex-special forces Colton Gray.  After discovering a disturbing plot to raise funds and a construction design in the new United Nations building set to blow up on its inaugural day, the race is on.

Hubby loved the book.  He won't tell me what happens so as not to spoil it for me, but I can report that he was highly entertained.  He said the chapters change with each character's narration, which he enjoyed.  Well written, the pacing was true thriller.  The military tie was especially intriguing for him as we live in a huge military area, in fact, the home of Seal Team Six.  He said this would make a great gift, especially for men who want lots of action.  However, as a thriller lover, he insists I will really like it too.  

Again, I will be reading this and will report back.  I didn't want you to miss out on a great gift idea because I am so pokey.

Huge thanks to Dwight Morgan Jr., not only for the story hubby insists is right up my alley, but for successfully keeping him out of my hair!  

 

The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan

Hello everyone. I hope you are having a great day.

Do you get books from your local library?  I usually buy mine.  We have a new library with a beautiful open second floor.  I don't like it.  I'm scared.  Despite being a new building with steel floor joists, etc., the second floor feels.... bouncy.  Anybody out there have an old house?  Sometimes you will encounter a bit of a bouncy floor in an old house, not usually dangerous, usually due to settling and wood shrinking and expanding.  It can be easily braced to make it feel sturdier.  But our library isn't an old house, it is brand new commercial construction.  I'm scared to be on the second floor and terrified to be under it, on the first.  I know, it is inspected and surely safe.  All I can think of is my parents watching all the disaster movies when I was little.  Poseidon Adventure is one of the most frightening movies ever, you can "the call is coming from inside the house" all you want but stuck in an overturned ship.... nope...not me.  Then there was Earthquake and Towering Inferno (which made my dad always request a low floor at every hotel).  Then there were the Airport movies.  Don't get me wrong, you should see all these movies, they have great casts with people like Steve McQueen, Charlton Heston, Helen Hayes and even Gloria Swanson...even Linda Blair without the head spinning. The music is great too, perfect for trying to avoid a plane crash.  Terrifying, all of these.  So, the new movie "Book Apocalypse" is something I don't want to be part of, and I'll continue to be freaked out by the bouncy floor.

I recently read The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan. This is the story of a young woman, Anya. She is in love with her boyfriend, Sid, and academically is at the top of her game. Dr. Anya Brown is an expert in ancient texts. In fact, she recently was able to translate the baffling Folio 9. Now she is in high demand, being offered positions at various Universities. Sadly, Anya's mom is ill, and she hates to leave her, but fortunately she has a trusted caregiver. After much deliberation Anya accepts a role at the Institute of Manuscript Studies at St. Andrew in picturesque Scotland. The offer is just too good to turn down. They are offering her renovated cottage housing, lots of time for research, even a job for Sid. Soon, things start to unravel. The manuscripts involve an ancient feud by controlling women's groups. The women's reach is wide, silent, and deadly. You never know who is a member of one of these groups or which side they are on. Anya, now put in the middle, must discover the truth about these secrets and ancient rivalry before it destroys everything she holds dear.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the fabulous, William Morrow publishing, for the advanced copy.

Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Watching the news is painful, isn't it?  There is a lot of madness going on all over the world, with plenty in the good ole' US of A.  Some days I have to turn off the news and watch streaming.  I have seen every thriller on every streaming service out there.  I have watched a few spooky movies for the upcoming Halloween. Naturally many of the best are based on books.  There are a gracious plenty of books that would make great movies, spooky or not.  I cannot be the only person to read seasonally otherwise publishers wouldn't put out books for Halloween, Christmas, etc.  I remember doing a review several years ago for the book The Death of Mrs. Westaway.  While not seasonal, that book begged to be read during a thunderstorm with a bone chilling rain.  A romantic comedy seems to be the perfect choice for a vacation, especially at the beach.  Luckily for me, turning off the often-depressing news has led me to read more books for fall and I am faintly hearing Jingle Bells in the distance.

I recently read Play Nice by Rachel Harrison. This is about a family in turmoil.  After the death of their mother, sisters inherit her home; a house they detest and want nothing to do with.  Clio takes on the burden for them all, confronting the demons of the past and preparing the house for sale.  While there she finds that those demons are literal. The house is haunted by an evil entity that made their childhoods a nightmare. 

This book is fun.  Spooky but it won't scare you too much and definitely isn't gory.  Fast paced we follow the whole family and learn of lies in the past and face hidden memories in this constantly changing family dynamic.  A fast read, the author ends many chapters on a cliff hanger, which I enjoyed.  While this was my first book from this author I will be investigating her others.  

Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Have you ever seen the ghost shows where they run tape recorders, or video cameras then review what was captured?  What about when a photo is taken with a digital camera, they get floating orbs which are supposed to be spirits?  We have a huge attic in this house, but it doesn't seem spooky.  It is finished and has a full bathroom.  The attic in the Victorian house we restored, well that was a different story.  Also very large, we did a lot of work to it.  We took down the walls and ceiling to install heating ducts behind.  The amount of mess, plaster and general debris was up to my husband's armpits, and he is about six feet tall.  How we ever managed to get it all down three flights of stairs and out of the house...well, frankly I think I blocked it out.  I have told you before that we found all kinds of things behind the wall, photos, drawings by a National Gallery Artist, button up shoes, love letters, and more.  After seeing one of those ghost shows I contemplated taking a few quick pictures up there.  We took film photos but not digital.  I didn't have the nerve to do it. What if there were a bunch of orbs and all those ghost people are right and they are dead people? Every little creak in the wind and I am going to think about all those people in the attic and are they coming to scare me...or worse.  

I recently read Someone in the Attic by Adrea Mara.  This is the story about a group of friends.  The book begins with Anya. Her husband is out of town, so she is enjoying a little pampering.  She is taking a relaxing bath and having a glass of wine.  She hears movement coming from the attic.  Could she be imagining it or maybe had a bit too much wine? Those points are answered when the attic scuttle opens and a dark figure emerges.  A few seconds later, Anya is dead.  Drowned in her bath.  Anya's friends are shocked by what happened but know nothing about the person in the attic, but of course the reader does.  Now Anya's friend Julia is hearing scratching in their family attic.  It is nothing, right?  Things become much more intense when someone starts posting videos of the inside of Julia's home.  There are no signs of entry, except for maybe...the attic.

This book is lots of fun.  The story unfolds slowly as we wrestle to figure out who is responsible and why this is happening.  The suspense is palpable as the author points to multiple people as the possible culprit. As fall approaches and wood in your house cools it contracts, sometimes making a popping sound.  This is the perfect book to read when you are wondering what that noise is in your own house.

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

Well, my laptop screen still isn't fixed. If I don't make sense or you can't understand something, maybe tilt your head or do a handstand to read...because that is how I'm having to write this.  You know, I don't understand how my laptop hinge got damaged.  I don't understand a lot of things, like why I am cold when it is 68 degrees in the house with the air conditioning on or when it is off, but when the heat is on and it is 68, I am toasty.  It makes no sense. I think I broke my internal thermostat.  I don't understand why humans can have been on this planet for so long and still not have figured out how to get along, why I can cook anything except chocolate mousse, and all of 11th grade chemistry.  Thankfully, I understood the following book.

I recently read The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North.  If he sounds familiar, I've reviewed several of his books.  In fact, I will never forget the package I received from the publisher when they sent me an early copy of The Whisper Man.  When opening the package, it immediately started singing a spooky song. Yes, singing.  I actually posted the song when I did the review.  Needless to say, I am excited when I get to read one of his books, The Man Made of Smoke was no different.  

In this book we are following Dan Garvie, he is a doctor helping people in the prison system through trauma and learning why the behaved the way they did.  Dan is driven by a childhood experience where he sees a young boy with an odd man in a rest stop restroom.  Now Dan finds out that his father has disappeared and is presumed dead, likely due to suicide.  Dan travels home to attend to his father's estate and try to discover what happened.  John, Dan's father and retired policeman, leaves clues about something he was investigating, something dangerous.  As Dan traces his father's footsteps, he discovers his father's disappearance may be related to the disturbing scene he saw when he was a child and a prolific serial killer.

This book was intriguing.  It imparts a nervous feeling in your stomach.  The reader is filled with dread for the facts that are feared coming yet can't stop reading.  That anxious feeling imparted through words on a page is amazing and storytelling at its best.  A true thriller, don't miss this one.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Well, I might not be posting for a bit.  Seems I have broken my laptop hinge.  My laptop won't close or open all the way, and when I try, it pulls the frame off my screen.  In fact, I am typing this trying to see in a partially closed, stuck lid. So, I hope you really appreciate this as my neck looks like a twisted giraffe playing Twister upside down, while watching a dirty movie wondering how the heck the actors got in that position.  Now there is an image for you!  Oh well, at least it leaves more time for reading.

I recently read The Mirror by Nora Roberts.  This is the follow-up to the book Inheritance.  These are part of the Lost Bride Trilogy, the last installment, The Seven Rings, is being released in November.  In this volume we continue to follow Sonya and her best friend, Cleo. Sonya finds a mirror with strange properties. As she steps through the mirror Sonya is transported to the manor's past. She becomes a witness to the horrific deeds of the evil Hobbs. This gives the reader not only some new characters, but also insight as to why the curse on the Poole family was ever placed.

Despite Hobbs, this was a very pleasant story, with the revelations slowly unfolding. Rich in details, developing our caring for the characters, this is typical Nora Roberts. The series would make a great summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the always generous St. Martin's Press, for the review copy.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

Well, here it is, fall is starting again.  It is clearly recognizable not because of any cooler temperatures but because we are dodging hurricanes on the east coast.  Of course, fall here is also plagued by getting ready to go back to school.  It was easier when we were kids, you went to Sears and got your clothes and then to Kmart to get your school supplies. Ah the days of getting colored notebook paper, pink or especially purple was a big thing.  If you got Bic Flair markers, you were the coolest.  Forget laptops or even calculators, this was the time of learning to write in cursive and number 2 pencils. Our elementary school playground, which we played on during lunch break, had monkey bars, slides, and swings.  All have since been removed having been deemed too dangerous for children.  I don't know, aside from a few scorched bottoms from the slides heating in the sun, we all seemed to survive.  I think maybe a lot of things have changed.  Does anyone play the classics anymore?  And by classics I am talking about the world-renowned games of Red Rover and Red Light Green Light.  At least books are still around.

I recently read The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark.  This is the story of Olivia, who is a ghostwriter.  After being sued by another author, Olivia finds herself owing a huge judgement along with enormous legal fees.  Due to this lawsuit, clients have refused to hire her, leaving her in dire financial straits. Finally, a job comes her way.  A famous horror writer has requested Olivia specifically to ghost write a book for him. Despite the help the money could provide Olivia is reluctant to take the job.  The horror author is Vincent Taylor, who nobody knows is actually Olivia's estranged father.  Despite his successful career, Mr. Taylor still lives in the town he grew up in.  A town which believes he is guilty of the murder of both his brother and sister.  This issue has long been aggravated by the fact that no one was ever charged with the crime, and the truth of that horrible night has never been discovered.

This book does not disappoint.  A suspenseful, quick read, this still has lots of character development. Despite figuring a tiny part of it out about halfway through, I was still wrong and surprised by the satisfying ending.  Full of plenty of twists, this will relentlessly hold your interest.  Very fun.

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Have you ever seen Everybody Loves Raymond? If you haven't it is a TV show where a younger couple lives across the street from his overbearing parents.  The parents, Frank and Marie, bicker all the time.  They are full of insults for each other and snarky comments.  At one point the younger couple realizes that it is the way they communicate and show affection for each other.  This makes me wonder whether it is better to keep any complaints to yourself in a relationship or let them be known? For us, I think we do a combo.  We usually have a blowout fight once or twice a year to clear the air.  Frankly, I find it exhausting. Sometimes it is just easier to let things go, pick your battles as they say.  In books, those festering feelings make for a great plot.

I recently read Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney.  This author is responsible for many great books, including the very popular Rock, Paper, Scissors.  In this story we are following a couple, Grady and Abby.  Grady is a bestselling author.  One night, he is waiting for his wife to come home.  She is late and he is on the phone with her as she drives.  Suddenly she brakes sharply as there is a body in the road.  He implores her not to get out of the car, but she feels she must offer assistance.  Grady never hears from his wife again.  Her car is found near a cliff with her belongings, but no Abby.  A year later, Grady is a broken man.  He misses his wife.  He drinks too much, has spent his book money and is up against a deadline to produce another great novel.  The problem, he hasn't been able to write since his wife disappeared.  In desperation, his agent, Kitty, who is also Abby's godmother, offers him a deal.  She has inherited a remote cabin on a secluded Scottish island.  There is nothing to do there but be inspired by the beauty, rest, and write.  In need of both a hit book and a place to live, Grady accepts Kitty's gracious offer and heads to the island.  Of course, being a Alice Feeney novel, all is not what it appears.  Grady is most certainly an unreliable narrator, especially as he starts seeing his wife everywhere. The people on the island bring their own charm, mystery and creepiness.

This book will grab your attention and not let it go.  Seriously, don't start it if you have things to do.  As I've said repeatedly, I am a pokey reader, and I read 280 pages yesterday.  I just couldn't resist.  I figured out part of what was going on about halfway through but was shocked at the ending.  This book is a total escape and very fun.  Makes me wonder what Alice Feeney will think of next.

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams

Hello everyone. I hope you are having a great day.

I want to make an observation that none of you care about and has nothing to do with books, but it has to be said.  Why do people tasting stuff on YouTube raise their shoulder high that is holding the fork, pull it grandly out of their mouth, then close their eyes to taste the food? It isn't just cooking videos but even with people that are doing reviews at places like Disney World.  Do your taste buds only work if your eyes are closed? I am sorry but this relates to their saying they make "the best" whatever. I doubt it.  I guess I still have my nose out of joint.  I'll be quiet.  Wait, one more complaint...it is not good manners to hold a giant piece of broccoli or sausage to your mouth on a fork and take a bite off.  Does nobody know how to use a dinner knife anymore? Okay, now I think I'm done. Over and out.

I recently read Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams. I've read many books by this author and have always enjoyed them. Williams writes what may be considered historic fiction, but I actually find that true with some of her books more than others. What you can always count on is a good story, with great character development and an interesting plot. Her most recent offering is no different.

In Under the Stars, we are treated to a story about a mother and daughter. The mother, Meredith, is a famous actress, working toward a comeback. Daughter, Audrey is a chef who discovers a mysterious chest having belonged to her estranged father. Despite not wanting to return to their family home on Winthrop Island in New England, both women find they must, in order to address their issues. What ensues is a family mystery, begging to be discovered. This is done with the aid of part of the story being told in a flashback to 1846 where Providence, who has a secret, is fleeing on a steamship which starts to sink near Winthrop Island. Of course, Beatriz Williams brings the whole story together with her normal mastery, holding the readers interest until the very end. As usual, a great read from a consistently good author. I can't wait for more.

Many thanks to Random House/Ballentine and Net Galley for the early look. It was a pleasure.

**review by hubby, he is a huge Beatriz Williams fan.

Inheritance by Nora Roberts

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Did I ever tell you that I am an heiress?  I inherited a fair amount of money, far more than small countries are worth.  Five large homes all over the world, which I hardly ever visit.  I hear the butler I employee at my Paris home is very good, although I've never met him.  Then there are the yachts.  Two to be exact, complete with crew.  It seemed like overkill, so I rent one out for that TV show Below Deck.  Yep, life is grand.  Believe me?  I'm usually telling you to stop laughing, but now I am the one giggling.  The only thing I ever inherited is a rocking chair and some pretty pronounced arthritis in my thumbs.  Can you guess what the book I just read is about and that I had nothing to relate to?  Pretty obvious huh?  Oh well, my pretend wealth was fun for the 10 seconds I had it.

I recently read Inheritance by Nora Roberts. This is the story of a young woman, Sonya, who has lost her dad.  She finds out her dad had a twin that he never knew about.  Her newfound Uncle has also passed away and despite not knowing her, has made Sonya his benefactor.  Not only does she get a boatload of money, but a stunning cliff top manor house.  One problem, it is haunted.  For her to get to keep her inheritance she must live the next three years in the house.  Since the manor is a long-time family home, it seems reasonable that most of the ghosts are her relatives.  Naturally she starts researching her extensive family tree.  It becomes obvious that the house carries a secret.  There is a curse in the form of an evil woman that after death, has become an evil long-term resident.  As Sonya meets the town population and becomes more settled, she realizes she must resolve this issue from the past to have a pleasant future.

This is exactly what you expect from Nora Roberts, a solid, well written story. I admit that it seemed a bit too long for me, but perhaps not.  This is the first of a trilogy, so she does a great job on introducing you to the town and people in it.  Hopefully, this setup will pay off in the next two volumes.  The haunting is well done, and is interesting without the cheap trick of gore, or becoming campy.  While it took me a bit to get into this story, for reasons unknown, I look forward to the next installment.

Many thanks to NetGalley and, the always generous, St. Martin's Press.

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

Have you ladies been to a bridal shower?  If you are male and never had to attend one of these societal necessities, count yourself as lucky.  For those of you in a country that doesn't have this traditional gathering, let me explain.  A bridal shower is a party, usually of all women, to shower the bride to be with gifts and good wishes.  Usually, this celebration is accompanied with food, something dainty like tea sandwiches and punch.  Nope, not hot wings and beer, that is what the men have while they are waiting for the women to complete their gathering. The first shower I ever attended was for my cousin.  I was shocked, here were twenty women so enthralled with a gift of a frying pan she just opened. You would have thought that pan could bring world peace.  After a few years, it was my turn.  I had four bridal showers.  I didn't live in my hometown, so had friends in both places and had 2 sets of ex-coworkers and current coworkers, then my fabulous Aunts were so kind to throw a beautiful party too.  Keep in mind this was the place I was shocked over the cookware euphoria.  Now I got it, I was oohing and aahhhing. I had housekeeping to set up and all these gifts were helping greatly.  I still have many of them and can tell you who gave me what.  Seriously, people were so very generous.  By the time my sister got married, things had changed.  She still got gifts, but instead of tea sandwiches, she was showered with attention from a male stripper.  I missed that one.  Probably for the best.

I recently read The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten. This is my second book by this author. I read and enjoyed The Lost Village as well. In this novel, we are following a group of women as they go to a new, not yet opened, hotel on a private island for a bachelorette getaway/party. The island is beautiful and the hotel stunning. There is a dark secret, however. The island was the site of the disappearance of four young women several years earlier. As odd things start happening at the current gathering, similarities to the happenings of the past become apparent.

This story starts quickly, leaving the reader anxious for the wild ride yet to come. It slows slightly as the background is told and the getaway trip progresses, showing the relationship between the members of the bridal party. Once the characters are known and the basis for the story set, it takes off like a world class roller coaster. Told in traditional thriller style, it has the reader flipping pages while almost hiding their eyes as their breath quickens. It was a blast to experience a peek around the corner, nail biting story. So much fun.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. 

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Can we talk?  That sounds like the opening of a Saturday Night Live skit, maybe something by Gilda Radner as Rosanne Rosanna Danna...a classic.  Serious, let us discuss sisters. Sisters share a bond like no other.  They keep each other's secrets, understand each other's problems, and always root for the other. Well, usually.  Occasionally you get a bad egg, literally.  Instead of those endearing qualities you get nothing but brats and betrayal.  Such is my sistuation (yes, I spelled it like that on purpose). The trips as we call them, my three sisters who are actual triplets, are on the brattier side. What do you call people that always cheat at Monopoly?  How about someone who always goes to festivals, while you are stuck at home, then send you pictures...almost every weekend?  What about sisters that go on vacation together each year, without you, to one of the last remaining "balls" in the US?  See I told you; these are critical issues!  Brats, I tell you, brats.

I recently read Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh. This is my second book from this author.  I also read Thirteen and loved it.  In this story we follow two sisters. Both in the house at the same time as their brutally murdered father, they each call 911 blaming each other. The reader basically witnesses the investigation and trial of the siblings, reading from the point of view of each sister. Keeping us guessing we also get the point of view from the unnamed killer.

If you like legal thrillers, this book is for you.  If you are just a thriller addict, you will still love this, while it is rich in legal happenings it doesn't get bogged down in them.  Fast paced, atmospheric and well-constructed, this book had me switching back and forth as to the guilty sister. Lots of fun. My only word of warning, read at your peril, once you start it is very difficult to put down.  

Okay, I feel a smidge of guilt.  I confess, I am the chronic Monopoly cheater.  Hey, as banker it is expected!

FDR Drive by James Comey

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a good day.

Good Gaggama, have you turned on the news lately?  You remember those old-fashioned pinball machines?  They had a metal ball that you released with a giant spring then it is hit with little flappers trying to keep it in play to earn points.  Snicker not, it was kind of fun.  So what if you had a more interesting childhood, I'm not jealous...okay, maybe a little.  These pinball machines were everywhere, they were even in my dad's favorite footlong hotdog place in Myrtle Beach, right next to the Pac Man machines.  I think I am making Atari sound new, so I'll shut up.  Anyway, my point is that I feel like that every time I turn on the news.  It is all politics or plane trouble or terrible weather.  Somehow no matter what the story is, it gets turned into politics.  You know I don't comment on it, but this turning everything into something political and constant he said, she said, he threatened, name-calling....it baffles me.  All this time on this planet and we haven't learned that hate is sad, and love is fun.  The whole thing makes me dizzy.  Needless to say, I have binge watched so many streaming series and old movies.  It is pretty bad when you can make a double feature out of Burnt Offerings followed by Audrey Rose, both kind of dark.  Still it was better than the news.  Enough said.  You'd think I'd be reading like crazy, but I've been in a bit of a slump.  Hubby is reading up a storm.  Speaking of political, he read the new book by James Comey, who was the head of the FBI.  It seemed as if he liked the book but it wasn't a favorite.  His thoughts follow.

I recently read FDR Drive by James Comey. This is a complicated story involving terrorism in New York. Told as a legal thriller, it is a slow burn. There are plenty of characters to meet and legal terms to learn, with revelations along the way. Taking much from recent past and current politics, shades of Comey's real-life shine through. A bit slower in the beginning as the reader learns the situation and those effected but the pacing increasing as the bulk of the story starts to unfold. If you like the legal world and thrillers, as I do, this is for you. An interesting read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Mysterious Press for an advanced copy.

ps.  Next book will have no political connection. I don't want the author to even have been on the committee for the garden club or PTA, heaven forbid the Home Owners Association!

Whistle by Linwood Barclay

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

I have to be honest, the book today I received a couple of months ago from the very generous publisher.  I have been anxiously waiting to discuss this book with you.  It is about model trains and is blurbed by Stephen King. Enough said?  No?  Okay, we have been together for a long time, reading all kinds of books.  I care about you.  So, I tell you with love and respect to stay away from trains of all sizes.  Please, I beg you!

I recently read Whistle by Linwood Barclay. This is the story of Annie and her son Charlie. To get a break from their lives in Manhattan, Annie and her son take a vacation renting a house in upstate New York. While there, Charlie finds an old train set of which he becomes unusually fond. The vacation seems to be a going well, until odd things begin happening. Unconventional neighbors behaving strangely, real train sounds coming from a train line not used in years, just for starters. There are lots more events I won't spoil for you. The reader also follows an earlier timeline in a different town. In this time period, we meet lots of characters, some briefly, as odd things are happening here too, all seemingly connected to model trains.

Whistle, while most definitely a horror book, is also quite the thriller. It is very fast paced, with most chapters ending on a cliff hanger or major revelation. Despite being fairly long this pacing makes it fly by, with pages turning quickly. Although there are plenty of characters in this story, by necessity, it is not overwhelming. Several characters are stand outs and will have you cheering for them. Entertaining from beginning to end, a very fun read.

For the record, my husband who has had model trains his whole life is now in trouble. Trains are expensive and cause us to have to purchase larger houses than necessary to accommodate his layout. Now I know they are evil (as suspected). Rest assured, I will be purchasing many copies of Whistle to hand out to hubby's train friends, as a cautionary tale. Also, I will be taking my husband's trains to the dump, have them shredded, then compacted, then put in a deep ocean trench. Do you think anyone would mind if we filled the Atlantic Ocean in with concrete?

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the advanced copy and warning!

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

Did y'all have parents weekend in college?  I didn't.  I had parents day in high school at band camp.  I've bored you about marching band before, yes, yes, I can hear your nerd and geek chants from here.  Be quiet you cool people.  Anyway, once again, it was a big band, a show band with over 600 kids. We actually got paid to do halftime for the Bills and Patriots. Every fall, all these kids and teachers trudge off to the Pocono Mountains to go to camp.  Bet you thought the Poconos were just for honeymooners, nope, but thanks now I have the old song from the commercials to Mount Airy Lodge going through my head. (It is on YouTube for those of you who like punishment.) At band camp, we would learn how to march, play songs from pre-game and the first half time, and move in unison. Towards the end of the week, when we were exhausted and riddled with mosquito bites, the parents would come and sit on top of a big hill and watch the first show.  Yes, on a hill, how else are you going to see the formations.  You can't see a moving train with Penelope Pittstop tied to the tracks from ground level!  (Seriously, that was a show, the wheels turned, the train engine moved, smoke came from the stack.  It got a standing ovation at the Patriots game when they played the Dolphins. We had to kneel at the sidelines before going on and, frankly, I had a famous Dolphin's quarterbacks butt in my face.  I won't say who, then you'll know how ancient I am.) Having parents at camp was a good thing, the bad was when they left.  It was then officially skit night.  I don't want to talk about it.  I'll just say, the nightmares continue to this day.

I recently read Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay. I have read several of his other books, Every Last Fear and If Something Happens to Me. I've enjoyed them all. In this story, we are treated to Parents Weekend at a small college in Northern California. Parents arrive anxious to see their children and hear about their experiences. Excitement becomes disappointment when all five of the students are AWOL. When one doesn't show it is not that significant but when all five don't arrive for a planned dinner, something is amiss. Perhaps they all ditched their parents for a great party. Despite trying, none of the scholars will answer their phones, compounding the worry. Adding to the nervousness is a student recently found drowned on the local beach. As the feeling of something being very wrong grows, FBI Special Agent Sarah Keller is called in to assist. Fans will recognize her as a reoccurring character.

Alex Finlay's books are different for me, not your average thriller. Don't get me wrong, I love average and non-average thrillers equally. It is like choosing your favorite child. But this book is part family drama, part secrets unraveling, part kind of police procedural (yes, I know Keller is FBI, but that feel), and part thriller. Because of this kind of story, it moves slower and has more story development that a shoot straight through thriller but not dry like police books can get. If you don't want the investment in actually reading an actual story, if you just want quick, cheap and lots of twists, then this isn't the book for you. However, if you want something with memorable characters, a more involved plot, and twists, then this is your baby. Sometimes a book reads so quickly that I almost feel like I'm not getting my "entertainment dollars" from it. This is different. Despite being a pleasantly paced read, it is deeply satisfying. Once I get rid of my book hangover, I'll be ready for Finlay's next!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy. St. Martin's Press, not only always has great books, but has been so kind to me for which I will always be tremendously grateful.

PS. When writing this I kept typing Bank Camp.  Now THAT sounds like something fun.  I'll take my camp in 50's and 100's, thank you!

The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White

Hello everyone. I hope you're having a great day.

As you likely know, I repeat myself incessantly.  Naturally, you probably already know this, but despite having grown up with an inground pool, I am afraid of dark water.  I didn't like the pool when the sun wasn't shining in it.  Hey, it is a rational fear.  Who knows where the bottom is? Yes, the pool is clean and the water clear but maybe there is a clear monster at the bottom. Maybe someone has moved the bottom and instead of being nine feet down it is ninety.  The ocean is even worse. Now despite all your snickering, I will fight you to the end that the ocean fear is well founded.  Have you seen those fishing shows where they pull tunas out of the water that are eight feet long and six-hundred pounds? Those things are swimming around your legs.  Oh no, my friends, it is not all lost cute little clown fish and his forgetful pal that speaks English with the voice of Ellen Degeneris.  You'll never convince me those huge tunas don't dream of freaking someone out by swimming next to their legs.  Also, I'm certain they also speak English and sound exactly like Tony Soprano.

Despite my fully founded fear of dark water, I have a thing for all kinds of ships. I was lucky enough to date someone who worked in the engine room on an aircraft carrier. He had some wild stories.  I was able to go on a merchant ship, also amazing.  I've toured an aircraft carrier from WWII, a submarine, a battleship, and an LST (landing ship tank).  Most of all I adore the old-time ocean liners.  Not cruise ships, ocean liners.  You know the kind that are black on the bottom with a thick white band at the top.  I've been fortunate to see the SS United States several times and have many things from the ship while in operation.  The SS United States holds the record for fastest transatlantic crossing.  It could go faster than modern cruise ships can go, and even faster in reverse than the Titanic could go moving forward.  Sadly, the SS United States has been sold to a town in Florida.  They are having the red, white and blue smokestacks removed, doors cut off and are sinking it.  I guess it will attract tourist to dive it. Since they only make the taxes from any additional hotel room rentals, restaurant or sales tax from any new tourists, I am not sure how they plan to recoup their money.  Anyway, it is sad, end of an era.

I recently read The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. I actually read this book out loud to my husband as we did household tasks. This is the story surrounding a mystery on the RMS Lusitania.  In 2013 we follow Sarah, a writer looking for a book idea.  She is researching her great-grandfather, who died on the Lusitania. Sarah goes to England to try to get to view the records of a Member of Parliament, John Langford. His family's archives might hold answers to what happened aboard the ship before it was hit by a German torpedo and sunk. We also follow people on board the ship in 1915.  Caroline and her husband, Gilbert, are traveling with a valuable piece of unpublished music.  Locked in their suite's safe, it is highly prized and sought after.  In addition to her husband, Caroline's long time single male friend, Robert is on board.  The sexual tension between them is palpable.  In addition, there are two con artists.  Tess and her sister, Ginny, are pulling one last job while on the ship then headed for a new crime-free life in England. As I'm sure you can imagine, all is not what it seems.  The characters aren't as simple as they appear, each holding secrets. 

As the reader, we are privy to history, knowing the torpedo is coming.  This adds to the tension as the story races to its unchangeable end. Beautifully written, this trio works together with such an ease that the pages flip without being feeling jolted from author to author.  The pace and writing is uniform in feeling. Each character is well developed leaving us to wonder who will make it through the U-boat attack. This is my third book written by this trio and I hope there are lots more to come.  While I read each author independently, seeing their sections come together so consistently makes me not only cheer for the characters but the authors. A wonderful book, you won't regret reading.

By the way, I have a postcard sent from the RMS Lusitania.  I don't think I'll ever look at it the same way.

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

You know what offends me?  Well, a lot of things and I guess you really have no way of knowing the answer. If you've followed my tales of housewifery for long enough, you'd know broken dishwashers offend me, because they plague me. Cleaning also offends me, it is boring. People that litter bug me.  I once saw someone empty their car ashtray into the visitor parking lot at Colonial Williamsburg.  Not only is it ugly and trashy but at a historic site? Come on!  Okay, I'm rambling.  Focus. Breathe.  Movies offend me when they come out with sequel after sequel, and it starts to feel like a money grab.  Now I'm sure a case could be made for things like the Star Wars journey which by now must encompass a billion years.  I still don't understand the movies from the 70's, are the white plastic guys good or bad?  Then the wrinkled guy with the hood, is he part of the government and good or bad? Why is he in the hood/cape thing and why does he glow? What really gets my goat is when a movie does well, then there is a sequel which most of the original cast stars in but the story is weak.  Then there is another sequel that holds little similarity to the original and the first cast wouldn't be caught dead in it.  No story and lousy cast equals money grab.  I've been trying to think if there are any book examples of the same.  I can think of a series that could have been shorter but no real offenders.  Thankfully.

I recently read The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose. This is the third book in the Molly the Maid series. I have read and loved the previous two books: The Maid and The Mystery Guest. This most recent volume can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone. However, coming back to characters you already have an established history with creates an ease, comfort and curiosity that is very pleasant.

In this story we are following Molly and Juan as they are preparing for their wedding. They both still work at the Regency Grand Hotel, him in the kitchen and her as the Head Maid and Event Coordinator. The hotel is hosting TV show that evaluates antiques people bring in. Before reviewing the publics wares, they invite the hotel employees to have their treasures analyzed. When it is Molly's turn, she is surprised to find that her "item" that was her grandmother's is worth millions. Naturally, Molly faints on tv, endearing her to fans everywhere. With Molly persuaded to sell, the tv show sets up an auction at the Regency. As the gavel comes down to close the sale, the item suddenly goes missing. Molly and friends must solve both the mystery of the missing multimillion dollar item, in addition to how and why her grandmother had it.

This story is wonderfully written. Reading is so easy. The story told from the perspective of present day, and entries in Molly's grandma's diary, moves smoothly to solving past and present mysteries at the same time. While certainly delightful for first time series readers, those invested in the series will revel in learning about Molly's beloved Gran, explaining so much from the past. I was left smiling and crying at the same time. A joy from beginning to end, definitely the best in the beloved series. Written and shined to perfection, just as Molly would want.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballentine books for the advanced copy.

The Sublet by Greer Hendricks

    

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

How do you feel about ghostwriters? I understand the need for them, some people have a story to tell yet aren't great writers.  What drives me bonkers is when celebrities go on TV talking about their book, praising themselves about what they wrote when in fact they didn't write it at all.  Then the person that did go through the blood, sweat and tears of actually birthing the book goes unrecognized.  I suppose it is less impactful if it isn't a blockbuster book and about a topic like "how to use a left-handed wrench under your right knee when chewing Double Bubble gum while wearing a cowboy hat." Before you start yelling, yes, I know it is a good living for lots of writers. Writing a whole book is hard and selling it even more difficult I guess I just feel protective of authors, especially the unfamous. 

I recently read The Sublet by Greer Hendricks.  I have read several books from this author and loved them.  This time we are treated to something different, a short story approximately 61 pages long.  This is the story of Annie, a writer.  Annie is acting as a ghostwriter for Melody, a Wellness guru. In a crowded Manhattan, Melody helps Annie, and her family, find a bigger apartment.  A sublet.  After moving in, odd things start happening.  Information comes to light but are the sources credible?  

This story is a quick, fun, very enjoyable read. Easy to get into from the very beginning, moving at a nice pace, and shorter length, it would be great to read on an airplane or for a day at the beach.  

Many thanks to NetGalley and Greer Hendricks for the copy of this book.  Please keep them coming!

Silent as the Grave by Rhys Bowen and Clara Broyles

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

I've told you repeatedly how my family members are huge movie buffs. Today I was thinking about the large number of books that have been turned into a movie.  Gone With the Wind comes to mind as one of the most famous and Rebecca (the moody Hitchcock). I've reviewed The Legend of Hell House, Burnt Offerings, You, Stepford Wives, etc. Maybe that is a credit to the authors, not only do they have an interesting plot, but they can paint a cinematic picture for you even before it is on film.  Lately there have been a couple of books about the movie business, a very famous novel about a legendary actress in the old Hollywood "system", a story of an actress hunted by an unknown fan, and now today we have a new book.  Hubby has read several from Rhys Bowen and was anxious to add this to his collection.

I recently read Silent as the Grave by the team of Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles.  This book, by the popular mystery writers, places us in downtown 1909 Manhattan.  Busy young mother, Molly, finds herself entwined in the latest sensation, moving picture production.  The cameras roll as her teenage daughter aspires to be an actress.  It is not long before the filming seems to be dangerously sabotaged, and murder ensues.  Secretly asked to help track down the culprit, Molly weaves her way through the colorful cast of characters we've come to expect from the authors.  But will she zoom in on the villain in time?

An interesting and enjoyable read.  Fun for the mystery lover and movie buff, alike.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the early look.  It was a pleasure.

PS. Don't forget to stay close to the candles, the staircase can be treacherous (Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, going up dark castle stairs with an unlit candelabra).

The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

Did you ever see the Broadway show Hamilton?  If you haven't, you can watch it on Disney+.  It is an amazing show.  Not only is the story fascinating, but the coordination and talent is unbelievable.  There is a donut-like circle in the floor.  It has a stable center, but the donut part turns continuously.  The actors sing and dance on and off this pastry turntable.  All the while dancing, turning back and forth, stepping on and off the rotating part.  It makes me dizzy just to write about it.  I cannot begin to fathom the practice this took.  Those actors are the most coordinated people, with the best balance anywhere!  That isn't even the best part.  The whole thing is teaching you history, making it human...real.  Exactly how history should be taught.  With respect to all history teachers, names and dates are meaningless without the who and why. Places like Colonial Williamsburg do this well, you see and hear Thomas Jefferson roaming the streets, hear the whispering of the revolutionary war.  It is so much easier to understand when history is whole, whether it is a destination, or musical theater or is a smart intriguing book.  There are several wonderful writers of history and historical fiction, lucky for us readers.  Hubby loves this kind of book, and he wants to tell you about a good one.

I recently read The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig. Despite the modern day standing of the neighborhood, this novel takes us back over two hundred and twenty years, to the bustling times of a quite young United States. We are following Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.  They work together in their roles as lawyers to save a man from a murder conviction.

The research is incredible throughout, and we learn a surprising amount about the characters and the political background of the times. Still, this is a whodunit on a grand scale, with numerous potential suspects and the fate of a possibly innocent young man in the balance. The author gives us just the right amount of detail to set the scene and the personalities of the characters are well done. Very enjoyable right through the final pages, written no doubt with a quill by lamplight.

Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the early copy of this book.