Lies by T. M. Logan

Now, I realize I just posted yesterday and you're likely already at your April limit, (who isn't) but I forgot to tell you about a great book, and it releases on September 11th! While I find it annoying to be bombarded with posts, I also don't want you to miss a great book and if you are a thriller lover, this is a great one!

This book starts with a man Joe, in his car with his son, Ben, who sees his mom's car with mommy driving down the road. Since it is not at a time or place Joe would expect to see his wife out and about, he follows her. What unfolds is a wild ride. Joe discovers a vat of simmering doubt and disappointment. 

The cover asks the question about what if your life was based on lies. Now, frankly, I'm certain many of our lives are based on little lies. Nobody wants to look boring to their Facebook friends from high school. Everyone absolutely MUST outdo each other with the frequency of lavish vacations. That's not what the book is talking about. How would you feel if everything you based your life on fell apart. If you suddenly discover piece after piece of information showing you were one giant Jenga tower about to fall because that solid base you stand on was never really there at all. Those are the questions this book asks. It is terrifying. It could happen to any of us. I guess we all rest our faith on the integrity of those around us, but some people are really good liars. 

Lies was so good. A fast paced, keep you up all night page turner with an excellent twist at the end. If this story doesn't have you awake reading, it will have you examining everyone in your life...just to make sure.

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Are you ever just so tired that you feel like a slug? Probably no. You are likely one of those annoying, eternally perky people. I detest you. I really do. Okay, maybe I'm jealous. So what? I'm just in a mood, noticing all those signs of aging and resenting the young. My friend said she pulled a muscle the other day just putting on her bra. Hell, I pulled my back just sneezing "the wrong way".  People told me the day I hit 40 it would start, the very day...like on my birthday. Sadly, those wack-a-doodles were completely right. Now this is where I'll write nothing else, since I just mentioned turning 40 and act like I just had that milestone. In actuality, I've lied about my age so much recently when the doctor asked me how old I was, I had to get out my fingers to count. (Get them out, like they were "put away".) I'd say I got out an abacus, but you are all probably too young to even know what that is, which will really tick me off, which will make me sigh and feel even more tired. You see this aging thing is a vicious circle.

Anyway, after reading the amazing 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I needed a break. I picked a thriller called The Other Woman by Sandie Jones. Honestly, I chose it because it is recent and shorter, just under 300 pages. This book was a great break for my character-laden brain. It follows a girl, Emily, who falls in love with Adam. Unfortunately Adam has a wicked Mother, who doesn't like Emily.  Seemed like a plot that has been done quite a bit. Just turn on the TV any Saturday afternoon, bypass the 9,000th showing of Shawshank Redemption (still love ya Stephen King) and Dirty Dancing, to see Jane Fonda in action in Monster-in-Law. The common plot didn't bother me, obviously, since I bought the book and it called to me from my stack to read. I'm glad it did. Sandie Jones is the kind of writer I like. She skips the BS. Not that background story is BS, but...how do I explain it? If she says something is going to happen on Wednesday, the story immediately skips to that event on Wednesday. I love it. No waiting while the characters do their laundry on Tuesday night, making me wonder why I'm spending so much time reading this book instead of doing my own laundry. Nope, Sandie Jones skips to the good stuff. THANK YOU! This made the book so much faster paced and so much more pleasant to read. The story moves quickly to a conclusion which I am certain I had figured out, but alas was happily wrong again.

A very pleasant read, would make a great plane or beach read.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a complex, lengthy, weird, and an odd book. It's also: mesmerizing, brilliant, character rich, has a perfect setting in a creepy old mansion alone in the woods. The atmosphere is moody and rich, making the pages come to life. This book is filled with twists and turns. It is amazing and despite being over 400 pages I would still read more!
No spoilers, but the story follows a character that must solve a murder and moves within the bodies of the different characters to see things from their perspective. Now while I'm not a fan of fantasy, I still loved this book. I really am at a loss to describe this story. It is like Groundhog Day, meets Sherlock Holmes, meets The Death of Mrs. Westaway. The story is so involved with many characters and people moving within those bodies, it seems a bit confusing in the beginning. The reader soon learns about each character, loving some, disliking others. In addition, it has a satisfying ending (which I always appreciate). I am amazed at the work that went into this book, I think it might have been easier to solve a real murder than write this novel. If you are a mystery lover, what are you waiting for...get it now! 

This review was originally written for BookishFirst, a very fun web site. Many thanks to BookishFirst and the publisher Source Books for an advanced reader copy of this book. In addition, huge thanks to the author, Stuart Turton, for writing such a great story. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle will be released September 18th and is available for preorder.

Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall

Hello out there. It's Labor Day, hope you've been enjoying your holiday. Many thanks to all those manning the stores to offer great sales and keep the economy spinning. An extra wink and nod to those working at book stores, of course. We were grilling the traditional burgers and dogs when hubby decided to try his hand at salmon. Now salmon is one of my favorites, so the thought of it grilled over charcoal sounded delicious. He has a new grill this year with heavy duty cast iron grates so is experimenting and gaining confidence quickly. To wrap this up, it was unbelievably good. To hell with hamburgers and hot dogs, bring on the fish (said very few people ever but I did today). Okay, enough household tasks chat, let's get down to business.

Ever read Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall? It was offered on Book of the Month several months ago and I passed. People said it was very dirty with lots of bondage-ish type parts. To be honest, I'm 50 Shades of Greyed out! Then I kept hearing it was quite the thriller. So then, naturally, I had to buy it for more money because I just have absolutely no shopping strength .... honestly my tbr (to be read) pile tops 90 books...no self-control.  Now that I have MORE money invested in this book than I had to, I am determined to read it immediately.

As usual, I am not restating the jacket but I love how this book starts one way then plants seeds of doubt.  First you think the main character, Mike, is a bit nutty, thinking his married ex-girlfriend got married to someone else as part of their "game". Now who would think someone would go that far? It's silly. Nobody would.  Did you read this book? Did you think V, short for Verity, was still playing? Nah. To be my normal practical housewifey self, it's too darn expensive...weddings, divorces, not to mention all that work. Who has the time or energy? I'm shaking my head at the computer screen, nope, no way. V was out. She was fed up with Mike. I am completely convinced from everyday experience and the book. Then the author introduces mean old Mr. Doubt. Loved it. I'm confused. Could I be wrong? Could V actually be bonkers and have gotten married while still playing? I don't know.

Ever see the 1960's Star Trek episode with Harcourt Fenton Mudd, where Spock tells the robot chicks everything he says is a lie. They then wonder if everything you say is a lie how can you be telling the truth, they get caught in a loop then their heads practically blow off. That is this book as doubt slowly creeps it's way in. You think you have a firm grip on what is what but then......maybe...well.....??? There really isn't much dirty about this book, but there is an interesting read here. It is well written, fast paced, stays on point and moves you quickly to the end. Speaking of the end, it is fantastic, I still think about it and I read this book about a month ago.  Mmmmm…..I want to add more about the ending but I'm going to try that self control thing for YOUR reading enjoyment. You're welcome. You'll thank me at the end!

Murder Mile by Lynda LaPlante

I am very glad I read Murder Mile. It is only the second book I've read that focused so intensely on the police and their efforts to solve a murder. In this case, several murders! Still, focused on just the police, I was afraid the story might be slow or even boring. I am so glad to say it was neither! By sticking to a limited amount of characters (there are still plenty), it feels like the story stays on point. I adore it when authors respect my time and stick to the plot...yet I still want a great story. Murder Mile delivers! It is detail oriented, fast paced, always interesting, and kept me guessing. Even right at the end I was convinced I knew who the murderer was, happily I was wrong. If you like police centered books, good murder mysteries, or just a great read, then this book is for you! 

This review was written for BookishFirst, a great site if you haven't visited. BookishFirst and the publisher Zaffre provided an advanced copy, this book is to be released September 4, 2018.

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

A couple of months ago I read a great book by three authors, one of which is a favorite of mine, Karen White. I loved it, but more about that title in another review. When July's months Book of the Month choice list came out, I zeroed in on a familiar name....one of the other two authors of that story I enjoyed so much. The novel is The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams. Believe it or not, I consulted hubby about which title to get. The thriller, as always, had me drooling. What if reading a whole book by Beatriz Williams activated by raging case of "whole set-itis", requiring me to have a complete set of something, or in the case of books, read everything by an author? Let's face it, I need another author to follow like I need another hole in the head. (Side note, what an ugly saying. )Since you're reading a book blog, I'm sure you understand.  In any case, hubby urged me to get out of my thriller rut and venture on to The Summer Wives. For the record, I consider my love of thrillers to be loyal passion, not a rut, but I'm not arguing with someone who brought me a gift of a book last week.

The Summer Wives is about the differences between rich and poor, specifically on an island on the northeast United States. It kinda reminds me of the old mansions in Newport. Got it? While not the author's point, it also raised themes for me like 'us versus them', and 'locals versus visitors'. I live near a famous resort area. Tourists invade by the thousands in the spring, summer and fall. Traveling costs go up, traffic is tied in knots, restaurants are inaccessible. In short, it's a pain. However, thought must be given to the privilege of living in an area that people spend huge amounts of money to visit. In addition, the local economy would crumble without these tourists, willing to shell out up to $20,000 for a week in a "cottage", then more for food, souvenirs and let's not forget booze.

I know you think I have lost it and have no point, but I do. This book actually translated into issues in my own life, not intended, but really interesting. I've been reminded to be more grateful. In any case, Beatriz Williams weaves a story, not a page turner, but just a good old fashioned story about people. It has the ocean, a great big old house, a great lighthouse, lots of New England-ness, and a murder mystery. It is very interesting the way the story unfolds and despite appearing fairly straightforward there are several surprising twists. The writing and pace are perfect for the plot and kept me coming back for just one more quick chapter, then another and another. Yes, this was a very enjoyable read. Hubby gets an A+ for insisting that I make this my BOTM choice. Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to start looking at all the other books written by my new pal, Beatriz Williams. I can't help it, it's a sickness that I'm not interested in curing.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

A few days ago, it was National Book Day! Who knew there was such a thing? There is a day for everything now. Not that I'm complaining. Heck NO! AND as luck would have it, dear darling hubby came home from work with a gift. Seems his last meeting was shorter than expected so he ventured out to Barnes and Noble to pick up Shari Lapena's new book An Unwanted Guest for me. Alright, this is where you all chime in together..."awwwww."  I know, he's a keeper...usually. I'm surprised he actually listened to me the ninety-five plus times I mentioned the book, pouting like a 2-year-old that I had too much to read already and would wait until it came out in paperback. Okay, now you and I, as book junkies, know that was never going to happen, but it made it look like a valiant, self-sacrificing effort to show some control. I know, funny, huh?!

So, hubby arrives home not only with a new novel but a salad for lunch. After literally snatching the book from his arms, a gasp of glee and quick peck on the cheek (generous aren't I?), I'm reading. This book is supposed to be a modern retelling of Agatha Christie's and Then There Were None, set in the Catskills of New York. I admittedly have a soft spot for the Catskills, so am already intrigued. The plot dives right in, introducing characters as they travel to the inn where they are to be weekend guests. The story moves quickly, we learn of the imperfection of each person and motives they have for crime. When someone ends up murdered, they all suspect each other, rightfully so. The author is masterful, shining the light of suspicion on one person, then as soon as I'm sure they are guilty, she moves the spotlight to someone else who seems just as plausibly the murderer. The book races to a classic "whodunnit" finish with a little extra twist on the very last page, just for good measure. Loved it. Despite my self-confessed pokey reading I was done in less than twenty-four hours, admittedly it kept me up much of the night. God Bless my booklight!

A couple of side notes, that have nothing to do with An Unwanted Guest.

I've read both of Shari Lapena's other books, A Stranger in the House and The Couple Next Door. I really liked both of those stories as well, so if you enjoy this perhaps you'll find them worth a look. Next, there are so many funny takes on this Agatha Christie story in TV and movies that you might like. Family Guy does a great episode, also a couple of older movies come to mind. Clue, with Leslie Ann Warren and Tim Currey. Also, the famous Murder by Death by the genius Neil Simon loaded with talent like Maggie Smith, Peter Sellers, Peter Falk, David Niven, Alec Guinness, Eileen Brennan, Elsa Lancaster, James Cromwell, Nancy Walker, Truman Capote, James Coco, and more. This satire pokes fun at how some authors cheat at the end of mysteries. The characters in the house for the weekend are take offs from books, with names like Dick and Dora Charles, Sam Diamond, etc. It is very funny.