Cooking for Ghosts by Patricia V. Davis

Sometimes it is hard to imagine what people are into, what their interests are. I'm not talking those "internet" type interests, minds out of the gutter people and eyes up here. If you read this blog you know several things about me, I am a housewife that buys way too many books, I like to cook but detest cleaning.  I am an Olympic quality, championship style, procrastinator, often, to enable me to read the ending of some great book. You might think given all the wifey stuff, I might have a thing for collecting recipes or a certain kind of china. You'd be wrong, although, for the record, I will gladly accept any good recipe.

I grew up with an inground, heated pool. My sisters often had their friends over swimming and had pool parties for their birthdays. I was always a strong swimmer, but during high school my mother insisted I become certified as a lifeguard, which I did. She could then relax at those numerous pool parties and even tell parents that there was a lifeguard attending. You might find it odd that I have developed a fear of deep, dark water. It freaks me out. You might find it even odder that I have a thing for ships. Yes, ships. I am fascinated by vessels in the navy and have been on several, from aircraft carrier to submarine. I've even seen the famous concrete ships in two locations (google it if necessary they are totally cool).

What I find the most interesting is the old ocean liners. Not the ones of today that are top heavy, odd looking things. I mean the old elegant ships. The kind of ship you'd make a transatlantic crossing on. You know, black on the bottom with a ring of white around the top. How sharp is that? In fact, I'm more than interested, I'm obsessed with the liner SS United States. It was built in Virginia at famous Newport News Shipbuilding. It set the record for fastest transatlantic crossing (New York to England) and still holds the record to this very day! The ship, designed by William Francis Gibbs, was meant to be fireproof with very little wood on board, even down to aluminum coat hangers. When air travel became more popular the SS United States was removed from service. The furnishings were stripped and sold at auction. I was so fortunate to go to a restaurant on the Outer Banks that had much of the furniture. I saw the stool where Marylyn Monroe sat at the bar and the actual bar. I ran my hand down the smooth railings. I ate dinner on the table and sat in the chairs from the main dining room. One time I stuck my hand under the crisp white tablecloth to find a cork wedged in the underside lip of the table. I often think of that silly cork, wondering what it would testify to if it could.  Sadly, the SS United States doesn't sail anymore and is docked in Philly, hopefully to be turned into a floating hotel and event space, turning a blind eye to those who don't care for history and call for it to be scrapped.  I hope that terrible day never comes. I was given a plaque of the time trial records of the winning speed from the office of an executive at Newport News Shipbuilding. I have stationery and a room key, lots of little things. Not related to the SS United States but another legendary ocean liner, I also have a post card mailed from the Lusitania before it was sunk by a German torpedo. You think I'm kidding, but seriously, I am a regular housewife that is now afraid of water but fascinated by ships. I can see you shaking your head from here.

Imagine my absolute joy when I was given a copy of Cooking for Ghosts by Patricia V. Davis. It is part one of The Secret Spice Café trilogy. It is about THE QUEEN MARY! Yes, I'm yelling. It has cooking (see above, yes cooking, no cleaning) and ghosts, and a famous ocean liner. What could be better? Honestly. I know, I know, it is not a thriller. It is thrilling enough....the setting is aboard the Queen Mary!  Are you getting the feel for my excitement? Now despite my major desire to dive into this book, I have been holding it for a bit, waiting until October. Although it is an advanced reader copy the title was actually published in 2016. Otherwise, I would not have held it as it is completely unfair to the author and publisher who were so generous to send it to me. But this one, I waited a bit. Finally, I couldn't stand it and dove in.

I don't know where to start, I have so much to say. This book is beautifully written, it reads smoothly, you will be shocked to know you've flipped pages and that time has passed. It is completely enveloping. For me, the story has three basic components; the ship itself … the exploration and description, the four women that are the main characters … each with their own back story to be told, and the fact that the Queen Mary is haunted. This book features some of the ghosts. Now, each of these components could have gone so wrong. If it were me, I would have described the ship in so much detail, you would have been fast asleep by page 2. The ghosts could have been so hokey and cliché. The woman's stories could have taken over. BUT none of these things happen. The story is told in absolute perfect balance AND each of these parts are sprinkled evenly thoughout. It is just amazing. The characters are imperfect and yet the reader cares for them because of these imperfections and life trials. The ghosts are so believable, at first the characters think they are living people, I might have too if I didn't know the title. The paranormal could have been so overdone, but wasn't.

This book works, from top to bottom, bow to stern, beginning to end. The story is haunting and moving. The descriptions are just enough to pull you in but not enough to overwhelm. Then there is the ending. I was reading it out loud to my husband, by the last three pages, in tears because it was so wonderful. For me, this book will linger for a long time. I will never look at any ship in the same way as Patricia Davis has literally brought them to life for me and I am very grateful.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Hello, hope you all are well and enjoying your fall. Perhaps you are doing what so many readers are, celebrating the cool weather with some spooky books. To be honest, it never occurred to me to read creepy books near Halloween. I don't know why, I reread A Christmas Carol before Christmas. I've also started getting one of those cute little holiday romances for the last few years. Though I'm not a huge romance novel lover I get sucked in by the very idea of holiday love and the always festive cover. Kind of proves hubby's idea that I am an advertiser's dream.

This year I started thinking about all the scary books on my "to be read" list. Who knew I had so many! I have Stephen King (yes, again, I never give up on him), his son with a book about some possessed box, a writer from Australia that writes gobs of haunted house books, and several books about witches. Now witches are not really my thing and if they were, my preference would be for Glenda the Good. Who wouldn't want that dress, cool wand with the star and to travel by heel clicks. Obviously I haven't read the Wizard of Oz. Anyway, I seem to often pick up witch books because of my sisters. Two of the three are Salem addicts. They go to Salem Massachusetts every year for Halloween. They go to a big ball, drink pumpkin martinis, the works. Not my thing but potato po-taa-to. Maybe I always grab these books so I can pass them on to them for their reading enjoyment. You know, any excuse to buy books.

I just finished reading The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw. Since the story revolves around teenagers I suspect this might be technically a young adult book, although there is cussing and unmarried sex. The story is about a cursed town. The town, Sparrow, is cursed because 200 years ago they drowned 3 witches. Although I am still not clear if they actually were witches. They sold perfume and men liked them. Using that threshold everybody at the makeup counter in every department store, at Ulta and Sephora is conjuring some kind of spell. Thinking of past credit card bills, that could actually be true so that is a bad example. Anyway, every year these witches come back to kill boys as revenge.

I went into this book with an open mind but there was that little voice whispering Hocus Pocus (which I'm also reading). I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked this book. I don't know why I get some stupid idea about a book before reading it. I'm always wrong and the book is usually wonderful. This book was completely original, had an interesting story line, some thriller worthy twists, and a plot that moved quickly. The writing was good and did not meander. A great read with a very satisfying ending.

Go grab that Harry Potter wand that I know you bought in secret and accio yourself a copy of The Wicked Deep.

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

Well, it's not cool here yet, but there is something in the air. Oh yes, that is panic. Holiday panic. I feel the pressure already!  I'll get flack for this but allow me to be very sexist for just a second. I know, I can hear you saying, "have you seen the political news lately, April? Do you think it is wise to even whisper the word sexist right now?" This is a light-hearted book blog, just for fun and so I can stop annoying hubby with endless book chat, nothing more. Anyway, back to my comment. Women seem to have more holiday stress than men. I don't know if it is because more of the holiday prep falls on women or because women are driven to make those absolutely perfect memories. In my case, I can tell you exactly what it is. We put up too many decorations and bake way too many cookies for way too many people. In my defense how do you say no to giving out cookies at the holidays? As for decorations, we have an old house, it is even on the National Register of Historic Places. It begs for holiday decorations and lots of them. We do six trees. Yes, six. Don't judge! Just seeing the endless stream of boxes come out of the attic is enough to give the calmest person an enormous panic attack. Worry not, I'll cope. The dishwasher was a battle but is finally fixed, so I count that as big old check off my list.

Now I usually turn to reading as a distraction. Fortunately, I am bogged down in my reading. So many wonderful and oh so generous publishers have sent me copies of books to review. In addition, some of my favorite authors have had or are about to have new releases. Naturally, as if on que, these new released books must each be 500 pages! I feel like Demi Moore, rolling around money, in Indecent Proposal, only in my case it's books. Yikes, those corners are just not nearly as comfortable as cold hard cash! So, I might have to post a couple of extra reviews, I still promise not to bog you down. In any case, too much good reading? Nope. I'm very grateful to all sources and cannot wait to read and talk about each of your books.

On to todays actual topic, A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell. Actually, I'd never heard of this book but saw a trailer for the upcoming movie. Thinking it looks like a thriller, which are often books first, bingo, Amazon to the rescue...and here it is.  I'm pausing here, typing slowing....not sure what to say. The book is good, it is interesting and a fairly fast read. There are things that bug me. Part of the story is told by blog. Great. But when you live it and I read about it, then write about it in the blog, then later write about it telling the truth of what actually happened...I've now read about the same event 3 times, 1 of which is completely unnecessary. I know I harp on this over and over, but I really dislike when authors do this. I don't want to read the same thing twice. I know Darcey Bell hasn't read about my endless cookies, 6 trees and huge "to be read" list but she should, as repeating unnecessarily wastes my time and yours. I know you're tired of hearing it but why isn't this caught in editing. It HAS to bother more people than just me. The other thing that irritated me a little, is that it seems like this book tried to throw in every twist available. I'm still undecided about that comment, even as I type it. Who loves thrillers and doesn't love a good twist? Not me. I adore a good twist-a-thon. I guess there is no pleasing me, not enough twists I'm unhappy, now it seems I'm unhappy with too many. Maybe these weren't involved enough, not entrenched in the story enough.

I think this is a good book, I would read it again. Is it one of my favorites, no. Could it be your favorite, sure!

ps. now I have the song Let's Twist Again going through my head. If it doesn't stop soon I'll have to resort to singing the theme from Gilligan's Island!

Beautiful Bad Keeps You Guessing

Please don't hate me for telling you about a book that does not launch until March 19,2019. I cannot help myself. I know...I know, the wait is long for this one, but totally worth it. If you are a thriller lover, get right on over to your bookseller's page and preorder.

Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward is one of those thrillers that actually thrill readers by twisting them this way then that. The book opens with a residential attack. We don't know who lives in the house and if any have died or survived. The story slowly introduces you into the small cast of characters, revealing their past. The story shows how these people are linked together for good and sometimes for not so good. Obviously, these people are linked to the beginning of the novel. The reader spends the book trying to figure out who the evil person is. First you lean towards one then the other, back and forth as the story is masterfully woven. It races to a conclusion that isn't a conclusion at all, there is yet one final twist, then again, an encore twist just for good measure. This book holds you tightly until the very last word! 

This review was written for BookishFirst. Many thanks to BookishFirst and Park Row Books for the Advanced Copy of Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward.

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Well, since my last review on the 10th of September the world has fallen apart for many people in the state of NC, and others. I am in coastal NC and somehow, by some miracle, our town threaded the needle between bands of the hurricane. We had less than an inch of rain and light wind by hurricane standards. Frankly, I've been through way more storms than I ever should have, they make me crazy. Terrified crazy. Hey, forget Sharknado, when it starts raining TREES for real, you'd be terrified too! Somehow, we were spared. Now we are experiencing a few of the aftermaths, roads are closed in every direction but north, mail just started again two days ago, and our grocery story has not a stitch of produce, meat, or dairy. A very small price to pay compared to those who lost everything. I was convinced we were about to lose everything, so the grief I feel for those around this area is profound. I will be eternally grateful to have been spared and feel guilty at the same time. In any case, I've seen so many wonderful statements of support, just thought I would say thank you and send healing wishes for everyone concerned.

On to happier topics, BOOKS! To take my mind of the storm, I read Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter. Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, yes, I realize I am the absolutely last person on the planet to read a Karin Slaughter book. I blame you, book addicts, for not shoving her novels in my face. How could you let me miss out?!?!? Especially knowing my fondness for thrillers! Ahhh, now that I've passed the blame for my reading shortcomings I feel much better. I felt great after reading this book!

Pieces of Her really resonated with me in so many ways. How could someone with a design background from the prestigious SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design, end up living in a tiny apartment in NYC taking 911 calls? Of course, the 911 job is very noble and heaven knows, stressful, but not as the main character Andy intended her life to be. What happens when she finds out her parents are not anything like what she thought. They are horrible, terrible people, yet amazing in ways she never knew. What if lives were not what they seem. Andy shares that deep mother daughter bond with her mom, Laura, but then is troubled at that bond existing while her actually knowing nothing about her mother. All of these literally life changing questions are wrapped in a fast paced thriller in this story. It is gripping and shocking, the explanations are complex yet so simple. This novel is amazing. I cannot wait to rocket through another of Karin Slaughter books!

You know, a few years ago I scanned all my parents slides into the computer. There were a couple with some weird mechanical diagrams. My dad did work for a defense contractor. Hmmmmm…...now I'm wondering and I blame it all on Karin Slaughter!

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.