This novella continues the dark story of The Lady of the Lake in The Haunting of Bridge Manor series. Rachel and Ben survived That Night and are livinThis novella continues the dark story of The Lady of the Lake in The Haunting of Bridge Manor series. Rachel and Ben survived That Night and are living in Chicago with their Aunt Christine. They should be safe.... right?
The Lady of the Lake isn't done with them yet! Rachel is having vivid nightmares and Ben is talking to invisible children. To everyone around them it seems they are having emotional trauma due to the events at the Manor....but it's way, way more than that!
Another creepy story from Marc Layton! I can't wait to read the final installment in the story: The Lady of the Lake! Got my ARC copy queued up on my Kindle so I can find out what happens to Rachel and Ben!
I love the cover art for this novella! The story is an entertaining, quick read. Definitely has me eagerly waiting to find out what happens next!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
After reading and loving The Three Body Problem, I definitely wanted to enjoy more stories by Cixin Liu. I love sci-fi, and these translated stories bAfter reading and loving The Three Body Problem, I definitely wanted to enjoy more stories by Cixin Liu. I love sci-fi, and these translated stories bring something different to the table than most of the modern Sci-Fi I read.
The Wandering Earth is a collection of 11 stories. I first wanted to read this collection for the title story - The Wandering Earth - since a movie was made from this novella. I have a rule of always reading the book/story that a film is based on before watching the movie, and wanted to experience the story the way the author wrote it first before going to Netflix to watch the movie version. I heard the movie version was terrible so wanted to have an informed opinion. The reviews are correct -- the movie is terrible IMHO. Story is awesome....a bit absurd in spots but a great story nonetheless. The movie.....well.....watch it for yourself and see what you think.
I'm glad I listened to this audio book in its entirety instead of just listening to the main story I wanted to hear. All 11 of these stories are an ode to the Earth. Some are related to each other, but all can be read as stand alone stories. The author's stories encompass some hard-hitting topics - the environment, culture, society, human nature, and science.
Cixan Liu's writing is very thought provoking. It isn't the sort of sci-fi that involves robots and laser gun fights -- although I love that sort too. It's the sort of Sci-fi that makes one think about the place of human kind in the universe. The stories are varied...some are awesome, others a bit absurd....but all make the reader think deeper thoughts. At least I did.
**I voluntarily listened to an review copy of this audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
Bear a Wee Grudge is the 5th book in the Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series. This time around it's spring in Silver Hollow, MI and time foBear a Wee Grudge is the 5th book in the Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series. This time around it's spring in Silver Hollow, MI and time for the Highland Fling Festival. Sasha Silverman runs the Silver Bear Shop & Factory, and as usual there will be a Silver Scottish themed bear for the festival. Things are awesome at the festival until some evil doer comes with an axe to grind (or throw, actually) and makes Sasha's father a murder suspect.
I enjoy this series for the setting, characters and cute teddy bear side theme. There's a nice mix of mystery and humor as well. Just what I like in a cozy mystery!
The mystery moves along at a nice pace in this newest installment. There were plenty of suspects and some great sleuthing moments. All in all, an entertaining reading experience!
The cover art for this book is great as usual! So cute!
I'm definitely hanging around for book 6...and the rest!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**...more
As a big fan of D&D, this middle grade story made me happy to my soul. The academy trains monsters and magical creatures. Zelli is a human. Her parentAs a big fan of D&D, this middle grade story made me happy to my soul. The academy trains monsters and magical creatures. Zelli is a human. Her parents disguise her as a minotaur so that she can blend in with the other monstrous students. She does her best to not get noticed, but it's a bit difficult to hide what you really are, especially when attending classes like "The History of Horrible Humans.''
This book is just so much fun! The illustrations are wonderful, and the humorous adventure is entertaining. Perfect middle grade book! As an adult and RPG player, I enjoyed it too!
The fun story also has some important lessons on embracing differences and the importance of true friendships.
Loved this book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Harper Collins. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**...more
The story of The Cornish Girls continues in this second book in the series. Christmas 1941. Eva, Lily and Rose work in a convalescent home for woundedThe story of The Cornish Girls continues in this second book in the series. Christmas 1941. Eva, Lily and Rose work in a convalescent home for wounded soldiers. The war has had an effect on all aspects of life. But, the holidays are a season of light and hope even during wartime.
These books would make an excellent PBS series. The stories remind me of The Land Girls or Home Fires. Enjoyable characters, dramatic events and heartwarming emotions. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! I found myself sneaking moments of reading in whenever I could just to find out what happens next. I can only imagine what it was like for the people who actually experienced this era in world history. So much change, uncertainty, loss, violence and upheaval. It would have been so difficult to adapt and survive. But little bright spots like the holidays back then must have meant so much.
Another great book by Betty Walker. Can't wait to read the next one!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Avon Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
There's just something about a suspense story set on a remote island that sucks me in every time. When I read the blurb for this book, I had to read iThere's just something about a suspense story set on a remote island that sucks me in every time. When I read the blurb for this book, I had to read it. A couple in Hawaii are hired to sail two young women out to an island in the South Pacific. When they reach the island, there's another boat already there. Two other people are already on the island. The group of six quickly become friends and set about enjoying their stay on Meroe Island. When a stranger shows up, the vibe changes.....and things take a sinister direction. Turns out, everything is not what it seems.
Although this sort of story has been done over and over and over again, I still love this plot line! Exotic vacation.....a group thrown together for fun in the sun....but then things go south. I always completely hate the characters in these novels, and find myself talking to them as I read -- idiots! What a stupid thing to do! Pull your head out! etc etc. But, the joy of hating an entire troupe of characters and watching their world implode just grabs my attention every time.
I enjoyed this book. Nothing new here....in fact, just read another book about six people going to an island and having it devolve into death and terror. Keep 'em coming writers -- I can't get enough of vacations gone wrong suspense! Formulaic, but fun!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**
Watching Darkness Fall tells the story of the rise of the Third Reich from the perspectives of Joseph Kennedy, William Dodd, Breckinridge Long and WilWatching Darkness Fall tells the story of the rise of the Third Reich from the perspectives of Joseph Kennedy, William Dodd, Breckinridge Long and William Bullitt, US foreign ambassadors under FDR. David McKean, a former ambassador himself, lays out the history in an interesting, very detailed, informative way.
I read this book slowly, stopping frequently to look things up so I understood the who, what and whys behind the early days of the Reich. I've read a lot about this era over the years, but still managed to learn many new facts from this book. This isn't a quick read -- there is a lot of detailed information. But it's well worth reading for those interested in what occurred.
This is the first book I've read by David McKean. I'm definitely going to check out his other books. I like his writing style and he definitely knows his subject well! Detailed historical accounts can get a bit dry, but McKean kept it interesting throughout. Very informative!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
Three sisters are sent to Auschwitz. They promised their father earlier in life that they would always stay together. At the notorious death camp, theThree sisters are sent to Auschwitz. They promised their father earlier in life that they would always stay together. At the notorious death camp, they make another promise.....to stay alive.
This book was hard to read at times, but beautiful, too. The sisters stay strong in the face of extreme hardship, buoyed up by their love for each other. So although this story was rough on me emotionally (I kept thinking of the stories passed down to me of relatives that died in the concentration camps), I'm so glad I read it!
Three Sisters is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series. Every book has been outstanding!
I read part of this book in ebook ARC format....then listened to the audio book. Narrated by Finty Williams, the audio is just over 13 hours long. Williams does a great job of voice acting. Very moving audio performance!
Very thought provoking....emotional.....and beautiful! Glad I read/listened to this book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press (and Macmillan Audio). All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
Beyond the Veil gathers 20 horror short stories. I had the best time reading this varied collection of creepiness! I love short story anthologies, espBeyond the Veil gathers 20 horror short stories. I had the best time reading this varied collection of creepiness! I love short story anthologies, especially scary ones. So, I took my time....savoring each story and just enjoying the horror.
Most of these writers are unfamiliar to me, which put a bit more fun in the mix. I love trying out new-to-me authors and adding their books/stories to my TBR. New styles. New ideas. Different shades of horror. Loved it!
My favorite story? So hard to choose one -- I enjoyed reading every single one. But if I have to pick one....I'd choose: Arnie's Ashes by John Everson. I've read several of Everson's books....and this short story was short and creepy. Loved it! But, like I said, all of the stories in this book are good!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this story anthology from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
I'm a history junkie and a big Tom Clavin fan. I loved his previous books on Wild Bill, Tombstone and Dodge City. So when I saw this WW II book pop upI'm a history junkie and a big Tom Clavin fan. I loved his previous books on Wild Bill, Tombstone and Dodge City. So when I saw this WW II book pop up for review, I knew I needed to read this as well. What a story! I couldn't stop reading!
Lightning Down tells the story of Joe Moser. Moser was 22-years old when he bailed out of his airplane over France in WW II. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a concentration camp. Buchenwald....a notorious death camp. He was one of 170 airman imprisoned there. It was a fight for survival as conditions were incredibly horrific.
OMG -- this book is so good! Once I got sucked into the story of everything this man went through, I couldn't stop reading! I can't even imagine what he and the others at Buchenwald went through. And how so many did not make it out again.
I listened to the audiobook (as well as reading my digital review copy). Narrated by George Newbern, the audio is just short of 8.5 hours. Newbern does a great job of reading. His voice is pleasant and he reads at a nice pace. Very enjoyable listen!
Another awesome book from Tom Clavin! I can tell his books are just going to be must-reads for me from here on out! I read early ARCs for review and then buy the audio book afterwards for every single one. Keep 'em comin, Tom!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
Right off the bat I'm going to say that this story is nothing new. A tale of friends who go on a trip to somewhere remote as a fun excursion, a reunioRight off the bat I'm going to say that this story is nothing new. A tale of friends who go on a trip to somewhere remote as a fun excursion, a reunion, to have fun...but secrets/lies/jealousies/evil intentions change the trip from fun into pure terror. It's been done before....many, many times before....
But....I love that story line! So yep -- read this book, got sucked right into the drama and enjoyed every word! Because an island....a violent storm....six self-absorbed people with mucho past drama = perfect setting!
It didn't take long for these six "friends" to start turning on each other. Once that started, I couldn't put the book down! I didn't really like any of the characters...but that's not really the point in a suspense novel like this one...right? I'm supposed to dislike them and get totally immersed in the drama, trying to discover which one is out to get the others. And I did. I kept finding myself imaging what I would do in such a situation....besides totally freak out. I think at the first injury/death/disappearance, I would just gather up food/water/a good book and lock myself in my room with the door barricaded and wait for the others to kill each other, hoping they would all just forget about me. Ha!
Very entertaining and suspenseful story! I think the lesson I take away from it is to never go to an isolated island with people I haven't seen in 10 years. Nope. In all the books I've read with this plot, it never turned out well. Ever.
This is the first book by Rakie Bennett that I've read. It appears The Weekend Escape is her first book unless she writes under another pen name. I'm definitely going to read her next book -- can't wait to find out what she comes up with next!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from HarperCollins. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
What a fun creepy story! Perfect for Halloween season, or anytime!
The Basics: Ginny Anderson wants to spend her summer relaxing, maybe writing a book What a fun creepy story! Perfect for Halloween season, or anytime!
The Basics: Ginny Anderson wants to spend her summer relaxing, maybe writing a book and just being a kid. But her dad has other ideas. Her father restores houses....so he drags them all to Michigan for a month. Sight seeing? Nice hotels? A woodsy campground by a lake maybe?
Nope.
They get to stay in a run-down old mansion in the middle of nowhere. Woodmoor Manor. The house is 30 rooms of creepy shadows. Local lore tells tales of weird creatures in the woods around the house. It isn't the summer vacation she wanted, but Ginny decides to do some sleuthing into the creepy goings-on in and around Woodmoor!
What a spooky-fun middle grade story! Very entertaining! The story is scary, but age appropriate scary. Nothing too bad.
I wish I had gotten to spend a month in a creepy old house in the woods when I was young! Ginny is my kind of main character! She's an Agatha Christie fan so she goes at the mystery like Christie herself! :)
Great book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Kids. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
The Basics: It's 1953. Elizabeth Grady's mom inherited a resort in the Catskills two years before anGreat start to a new cozy series by Vicki Delany!
The Basics: It's 1953. Elizabeth Grady's mom inherited a resort in the Catskills two years before and Elizabeth is doing her best to run the place. It's not always easy -- especially when a guest is found dead and a copy of The Communist Manifesto is found in his cabin. Was a Russian spy lurking in the Catskills....is a nearby competing resort owner trying to close them down....or is another guest a murderer?
I enjoyed this story, although the constant 50's slang got a bit annoying at times. It just seemed a bit over-done. I loved the characters and it did invoke memories of some fun vacations when I was a kid. That was in the 80s and in the Ozarks....but the woodsy resort feel was at least similar in my mind. :) I was definitely reminded of the feel of the Trixie Belden books with a bit more adult vibe thrown in.
Very enjoyable story! I'm definitely sticking around to read more of this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Wow! This book is weird....but creepy-cool weird! I loved it!
What would happen if monsters were suddenly and completely real? Myths, legends, strangeWow! This book is weird....but creepy-cool weird! I loved it!
What would happen if monsters were suddenly and completely real? Myths, legends, strange gods....all those things your parents told you weren't in your closet, under your bed or outside at night.....
It took me awhile to get into this audio book. The story switches from character to character and jumps perspectives without any warning. But that weird vibe of constantly switching directions fits with this story. Once I got into the rhythm of the tale, I was hooked!
There's more to this story than just a monster tale though. It's not hard to see through the supernatural trappings and understand what the author is really getting at.
So creative! So many facets to this book. It's definitely a story that warrants a second listen....and a third! This is the start to a series -- can't wait to find out happens next!
The audio is almost 10 hours long and narrated by Dion Graham. Excellent voice acting -- Graham did a wonderful job! Very entertaining -- and thought provoking -- listening experience!
**I voluntarily listened to a review audiobook from Blackstone Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
I enjoy Carol Perry's Witch City Mystery books. So, when I saw book 1 of her new Haunted Haven series I jumped right on it. A must-read!
The Basics: WI enjoy Carol Perry's Witch City Mystery books. So, when I saw book 1 of her new Haunted Haven series I jumped right on it. A must-read!
The Basics: When Maureen loses her job as in fashion marketing, she needs a new direction for her life. An unexpected inheritance gives her just what she needs....a new start in Florida for her and her Golden Retriever, Finn. As soon as she walks into her new inn, the adventure starts. The inn needs updating, the manager is snarky....plus her office is haunted. And....a guest drops dead. All on the first day..... New beginnings mean new challenges, right?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story kept my attention from start to finish, even though I pretty much figured out the mystery very early on. And, I got some unexpected laughter out of the audio book. Every time the narrator put in a "Woof!'' (Finn making commentary to his owner in the story), my Pom Chi would woof back. :)
I started reading a review copy of the ebook.....and finished with the audio book version. I really try hard to get books reviewed before release day when I have an ARC, but the continuing Covid mess and mucho overtime at work because of it has truly messed up my ability to meet deadlines. But in this case, the situation did give me the joy of sharing the audio experience with my enthusiastic dog, Princess.
CSE Cooney narrates the audio book (Tantor Audio). The audio is about 8 hours long and Cooney does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining listening experience.
Full stars from me. Full barks from Princess. It's a success, Carol!
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy from Kensington, and listened to audio from Tantor Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
I kick off my Halloween reading season each year in September so I can get in as many macabre, horrifying, scary reads as possible before my favorite I kick off my Halloween reading season each year in September so I can get in as many macabre, horrifying, scary reads as possible before my favorite holiday. :) After reading the blurb for this story and seeing the creepy cover art, I knew I needed read it!
The basics: Rachel is a teenager recovering from a lengthy, serious illness. Her parents decide to buy a summer home on a lake and fix it up, so they pack up Rachel and her little brother Ben and head to the house. Bridge Manor is run-down and more than a little creepy. When Rachel starts seeing and hearing things in the house, her parents don't believe her. So Rachel begins to investigate the story behind the creepy house on her own. Can she get her parents to listen before it's too late?
Very creepy tale! It definitely kept my interest from start to finish. Although there were some plot points I wish had been elaborated on a bit more, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This house is definitely not a place I would like to spend a summer vacation! Nope, double nope....even triple nope!
The Lake Has Eyes is a short, easy read - 8 chapters. But there is a lot of story crammed into those 8 chapters! I like the fact it was a short read -- I started reading at the nail salon while I got a mani-pedi, and was finished before it was time for the technician to start on my nails. Perfect! I did not see the end coming. A gruesome surprise! Nicely done!
All in all a very entertaining, spooky read! I'm definitely reading more by this author!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this novella by Marc Layton. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**...more
Never enter into a deal with a raccoon. Even if he's a friend....well sort of a friend. Well, maybe an acquaintance? A very sneaky acquaintance.
Annie Never enter into a deal with a raccoon. Even if he's a friend....well sort of a friend. Well, maybe an acquaintance? A very sneaky acquaintance.
Annie Russo and her feline sidekick Octo-Cat find out just how slick and sneaky Pringle the Raccoon can be in the 7th book of the Pet Whisperer P.I. series by Molly Fitz. I love this series! It's a perfect feel-good, cozy mystery series! The books are short length (about 20 chapters) and easy, entertaining reads. Always cute animals & an engaging mystery!
In Raccoon Racketeer, Annie gets mixed up in missing mail, missing documents and a family secret. To solve the case & discover clues about the secret, she has to hire Pringle to help her with a little detective work. Lots of entertaining action and cute animal antics in this one! It kept my attention from start to finish!
I hope Pringle comes back to help Annie and Octo-Cat again! He's entertaining and has snark equal to Octo himself!
Another great book in this series! These books never fail to put a smile on my face!...more
I knew that this story was going to be creepy.....but holy crap! This story is just downright horrific! Awesomely horrific!
A group of "friends'' -- reI knew that this story was going to be creepy.....but holy crap! This story is just downright horrific! Awesomely horrific!
A group of "friends'' -- really people who used to be friends but have basically destroyed their relationships through growing up, poor decisions, and thoughtlessness. The cohesiveness of young bonds broken by adulthood and change. But, they are together again. To celebrate a wedding. In the weirdest venue ever -- a dilapidated, remote Japanese mansion with a haunting, creepy history. Nadia & Faiz celebrating their love. Peter performing the ceremony. Lin and Cat rounding out the party. Nadia has always dreamed of a wedding in a haunted house....and Nadia gets what she wants. But, the house also wants...and what it wants is dark and gruesome.
Wow. Just wow. This story is short, but it packs quite a supernatural punch in 100 pages. I could see this being a Japanese style horror movie. Wicked camera tricks. Black eyed spirits. Weird lighting and jerky movement. Perfect!
Great story! This is the first story by Cassandra Khaw that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! Loved it! The cover art is perfect!
10/2/2021 - As I read my early review copy of this book earlier this year, I kept thinking how awesome this spooky bit of folklore based horror would be in audio format. So....I snagged an early copy of the audio book. OMG -- so awesome!
The audio book is just over 2.5 hours -- easy listening length. Narrated by Suehyla El-Attar, this is a great spooky story set in an abandoned mansion. Great job of voice acting. So glad I listened to this story after reading it. For whatever reason, horror stories hit harder with me when I'm listening to them.....sort of like listening to ghost stories around a campfire!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Macmillan/Tor-Forge. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**...more
When a well-presevered body is found on a glacier, a retired detective gets pulled into the case. The deaThe Darkness Knows Author: Arnaldur Indriðason
When a well-presevered body is found on a glacier, a retired detective gets pulled into the case. The dead man disappeared 30 years before and the investigation stalled for lack of evidence. Konrad comes back to re-open the case. New information, the body, and sheer determination might finally solve this death.
I got sucked right into this book! I can see why this author is known as the "king'' of Icelandic suspense thrillers. The setting, the cold case, the main character -- totally hooked from the start!
I read about 2/3 of my review copy, paused, and snagged the audio book from Audible, as my local libraries (I have cards from 3) have no books by this author. I wanted to HEAR the story -- hits harder for me if I listen on audio. Just personal preference. There are several books in this series, and the author has another series, Detective Erlendur, as well. ST MARTIN'S PRESS/MACMILLAN AUDIO: Please please please please make more of this author's work available in English!!!! PLEASE! I am begging with this face:
(I had a picture of the wide-eyed Puss in Boots in my review....but I can't figure out how to attach the photo here. Gave up. Just imagine it.....beg beg beg beg beg)
You cannot resist The Face. And I can't wait for more books!
The audiobook is fantastic! Narrated by Sean Barrett, the audio is just shy of 9 hours long. Easy listening length. Barrett does a superb job of voice acting. Very entertaining listening experience!
For thriller/suspense fans & those who love icelandic detective procedurals -- I highly recommend this book! And, I have to say this would make a great movie or television show! Someone make it happen!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press (and purchased the audio book as well so this disclaimer really isn't necessary but I'm including it for more begging -- PLEASE more in English!). All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ...more
A teenage girl goes to a party in the woods with a friend....and never comes home. The friend is not only afraid and frantic to find the missing girl,A teenage girl goes to a party in the woods with a friend....and never comes home. The friend is not only afraid and frantic to find the missing girl, but feels guilty as she was convinced to leave her at the party. It doesn't matter that the missing girl was the one who wanted to stay....it only matters that she's gone. As Emma starts looking for Abi.....the dark underbelly of Whistling Ridge, CO starts to be revealed. Secrets never stay secret..... The Town, the residents, family members, even Abi herself....secrets are coming out. And it isn't pretty.
Wow...what a book! A seemingly perfect Colorado town is just a mask over a cesspit of secrets, lies, and plots. Very suspenseful story....very twisty....what a ride! I started reading this book and it quickly became a binge read. I couldn't put it down. Got sucked right into the crap that is Whistling Ridge. Yikes!
I grew up in a small town in the midwest. And I returned there as an adult to be a news reporter. This book hit home and hit home hard -- small towns hide so much secret, horrible shit. And my hometown was no different. Murderers let go by a jury because the victim was considered a whore. Affairs, unethical behavior, thefts covered up because the people involved were important. Racism. Classism. Crimes committed by important people's kids covered up. No arrest orders for people. Little town -- little people trying so hard to be big. All worthless. I left. And moved to another small town 1200 miles away. Still lies and agendas here....still small town money trying to be relevant.....but it doesn't hurt as bad to see it. These aren't the people I grew up with, people I went to school with......these are just people. They are the same....but it doesn't gut me like learning my hometown was nothing like Mayberry. This book reminded me of all that -- those emotions, the dawning realization that the world could be a very, very bad place, and locking your front door doesn't mean a damn thing. Some things can't be kept out.
Great book! I enjoyed it! If a story can be truly disturbing -- then it's well written!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Atria Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ...more
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