A Walk in Ola's Shoes - Victoria Deodato

 A Walk in Ola’s Shoes  - Victoria Deodato

In this beautifully illustrated, rhymed children’s book, Ola, who has always wanted to help animals and owns a rescue dog, takes a stand when she sees a balloon ascent and knows how harmful it can be for wildlife and the environment.  

This book teaches some important lessons….caring for animals, being environmentally sensitive, standing up for what is right.  It would make a great family read and a perfect addition to any classroom, school or public library.  Based on real characters, I loved the photographs of those people (and the dog!) at the end of the book.  

Thanks to @victoria_deodato_author for a copy of the book to review.

*****

Fear the Silence - Robert Bryndza

 Fear the Silence - Robert Bryndza

Publication Date:  July 6, 2023

Maggie, a physician, is in shock when the gunshot victim brought into the A&E is her beloved husband, Will, and she is told he committed suicide.  Six years ago, he gave up his career as a forensic pathologist to become a land developer.  When Maggie travels to their vacation home on an island in Croatia and receives a mysterious letter from Will, she is determined to find out the circumstances of his death, thus putting herself and others in grave danger.  

I would call this  more of an action thriller than just a mystery; at times it seemed like a horror story.  Although it is not my favorite by this author, whom I like, it was so compelling I couldn’t put it down and read it in a day.  Much of the action was a bit over the top; I don’t typically like to have to suspend my belief when reading a book.  The ending was very satisfying.

Fans of Bryndza’s Kate Marshall or Erika Foster series (which are on my “don’t miss” list) will find this standalone thriller  different from those detective novels.  Just like another book by a prolific author I recently read, I could see this serving as a treatment for a Netflix series!  

Thanks to #netgalley and #ravenstreetpublishing for the ARC.

****

Flop Dead Gorgeous - David Rosenfelt

 Flop Dead Gorgeous - David Rosenfelt

Publication Date:  July 4, 2023

She read

This is the 27th in the Andy Carpenter series and I have only now discovered it thanks to the recommendation of a fellow bookstagrammer.  It worked well as a standalone, although it would have been nice to have met the repeating characters earlier.

Andy Carpenter, an independently wealthy attorney, and his wife, Laurie, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Jenny Nichols, whom Andy once dated in high school and is now a well known actress who incidentally got her beloved dog, Mamie from the Foundation, is accused of murder.  After a dinner with the Carpenters and some friends, her ex boyfriend is found dead in the kitchen of the house in which she is staying.  Carpenter takes on the case, his investigation to find the real killer aided by Laurie and a cast of supporting characters.  

The book has a decent, well paced plot. What I really enjoyed was the humor spread throughout the book.  This is one of the few books I have ever read (and I have read many) that had me chuckling out loud. This is a book that is a mystery, legal thriller, and comedic.  What more could you ask?

As an aside, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt…in real life he and his wife do have a Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They have rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not love this author?

I am adding this series to my list of must reads and am looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaur for the ARC.

*****

The Old Lion - Jeff Shaara

The Old Lion  - Jeff Shaara

He read

 Jeff Shaara once again demonstrates why he is a best selling author in this account of the life of Theodore Roosevelt. Although identified as fiction due to the use of dialog and the technique of viewing events from Roosevelt’s POV, it is well researched and based in fact.  The reader is privvy to a comprehensive view of Roosevelt, his many interests and accomplishments, along with his tenacious personality. 

Shaara is a great story teller; there is considerable information to share and it is covered at a good pace. There is so much to Roosevelt’s life besides the political.  The reader sees his interest in wild life, cattle ranching in the Badlands,  leading the Rough Riders in Cuba in the Spanish American War, exploring a tributary of the Amazon in Brazil.   Most notable are the realistic depictions of the west of the late 1800s and the rough and tumble political machinations in the late 1800s-early 1900s. I loved how Shaara captured the rhythm of Roosevelt’s bombastic character, speech and actions.

*****

The Imposters - Tom Rachman

 The Imposters - Tom Rachman

Publication Date:  June 27, 2023

Dora, a less than successful novelist is reaching the end of her days. It is the time of Covid and she is alone, writing her last manuscript, consisting of stories based on both herself people who have been in her life. The tales are loosely linked and presented in The Imposters as stories within a book.  

The structure of this book is a bit different and sometimes it takes a while to find the interlocking relationships in the stories.   There is tragedy but also quite a lot of humor.  I enjoyed the writing best when it focused on Covid times and the political climate.  The poignant musings on aging and end of life were right on target.  

This book won’t be for everybody.  If you enjoy literate, adroit writing, you might find The Imposters of interest. 

 

Thanks to #netgalley and #littlebrownandcompany for the arc.

****

The Rachel Incident - Caroline O'Donoghue

 The Rachel Incident - Caroline O'Donoghue

Release Date:  June 27, 2023

She read

Rachel is a married journalist living in London and expecting a child.  The book goes back in time recounting Rachel’s journey to the more immediate present and the role the “Rachel Incident” had on her life choices.  When she was in her last year of college, it was hard financial times in Ireland and she roomed with James, her fellow sales associate at the bookshop in which she worked.  James, who is gay, came to be her lifelong best friend.  Rachel had a crush on her married college professor, Dr. Byrne, who, to her dismay, developed a liaison with James.  While Rachel participated in the dating scene, her only long term relationship, although on again, off again, was with another James…James Carey.  

Although it took me a while to get into it, I enjoyed the story. It is a tale of  of friendship, loyalty, autonomy, self discovery.  The author created a good sense of time, place and lifestyles of the main and supporting characters.  Some have talked about the humor in this book, but I didn’t really find it particularly funny.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #Knopf for the ARC

****

The Man Who Feels Like Home - Roxana Rotaru

The Man Who Feels Like Home - Roxana Rotaru

She read.

 “Every relationship is like a shelter. But not every relationship is meant to be a home.” 

Allie sees relationships as being like a house.  Some aren’t a good fit.  Some need to be moved out of. One may end up feeling like home.

 

Allie reflects on different types of relationships as she recounts her experiences from her first boyfriend up to finding her forever home and also shares stories of some of her friends. Allie has some very profound thoughts about liaisons as she traverses through her life.  There are disappointments, embarrassments, heartbreak, and, finally, hope.  

A short, well written work, I loved the analogy of a relationship being like a house.  It’s such a clear analogy, yet one I’ve never really thought of.  I think many will relate to different experiences/emotions in this book and I recommend it to anyone looking for a contemporary romance. It also would make a thoughtful gift to a friend who might be going through her own trials and tribulations trying to find her home.  

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book. 

****

Dead Man's Wake - Paul Doiron

 Dead Man's Wake - Paul Doiron

Publication Date: June 27, 2023

This is the 14th in the Mike Bowditch series and I only just discovered it! Although I’m sorry I missed out on the earlier stories, this works well as a standalone.

Mike is a Maine Game Warden Investigator engaged to Stacey, an EMT.   While visiting his step father and his new wife in their lakeside home, along with his future in laws, the couple observe what may be a hit and run boat crash.  When they investigate, they discover a severed arm in the water.  The next day, two bodies are found in the lake.  The dead bodies bring out personnel from various law enforcement departments, with Mike and Stacey caught up in a dangerous quest for the truth. 

I loved the unique take on a police procedural…featuring a game warden investigator.It was a fast paced, engrossing read with a solid plot and lots of action. Doiron created a good sense of place.  I enjoyed learning some new information related to boating, water searches, float planes.  Although there are hints of a rough background, I liked the main character.  He was realistic.  Mike respects warrants and there were minimal superhuman feats.  I also liked Stacy’s character. She is a smart, capable female who plays an important role in the story. 

I am adding this series to my list of must reads. I am looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to #netgalley and #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks for the ARC.

****

The Existence of Amy - Lana Grace Riva

The Existence of Amy - Lana Grace Riva

She read

 To all appearances, Amy should have a good life.  She is competent at her job, has friends, her own apartment. However, appearances can be deceiving and underneath she is often paralyzed by OCD, anxiety, and depression. 

This was an excellent read…quick ( I read it in two sittings) and engrossing with good insight into what it is like living behind the curtain of mental imbalance.  Many readers will relate to some part of Amy’s story…so many of us have what we like to think of as “quirks” that really are anxieties of some kind. Imagine if those thoughts were to multiply, intensify, take over our lives.  Amy, though, is incredibly fortunate to have some very supportive friends. Not everyone is that lucky; often they are met with impatience and rejection.

Don’t let the subject of mental health turn you off to this book.  It is a compelling read and just may help others understand the struggles that some people face and how perhaps we can try to be there for them and assist them in finding help and hope. And, yes, there is hope.

*****

The Wife App - Mackler, Carolyn

 The Wife App - Carolyn Mackler

She read

Publication Date:  June 27, 2023

Close friends and all three divorced,  Lauren, Madeline, and Sophie realize that as wives they carried the entire “mental load” in their marriages.  They were the ones responsible for the house, the children, their social lives, medical care….everything.  Over a dinner out, they jokingly suggest that all these chores should be monetized and maybe there should be a “Wife App” to do just that.  What seemed like a crazed idea became reality as techie Lauren worked with the two of them and other tech professionals to create such an app.   An app where a “spouse” could hire a “wife”(who could be female or male) to carry out all those tasks that often fall on the woman to complete.  As they traverse the pitfalls of their daily lives coping with ex husbands, children, and their needs, the app takes off, becoming hugely successful.

 I loved this book (and I am recommending it to my husband!). It is fresh and contemporary, with snappy writing, humorous, painfully on target observations. I have already praised this to all my friends.  This just might be this year's Lessons in Chemistry for me!

Thanks to #netgalley and #Simon&Schuster for the ARC.

*****

The Quiet Tenant - Clémence Michallon

 The Quiet Tenant - Clémence Michallon

Publication Date:  June 20, 2023

She read

The name he gives her is Rachel.  She has been held  captive and abused by a serial killer for five years in this story that is mostly told from the POV of his victims.  Before “Rachel” and after taking her, he has killed.  Aidan Thomas is a quiet, beloved lineman/handyman; he helps people out all the time.  His wife has recently died and he is left to take care of his daughter, Cecilia. A forced move results in “Rachel” having to meet and spend time with Cecilia even while she is still a captive.   Emily is a local restaurant owner who develops a strong crush on Aidan.  Will she spoil Aidan’s secret? Chapters are also from the POV of Cecilia and Emily.  

I have a policy that I will not DNF a novel, no matter how much I want to.  I will stick with it to the end in the hopes of finding some redeeming quality and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised.  Although the last roughly quarter of the novel picked up for me, I found most of it unpleasant.  The author presents the serial killer and the main victim from a unique perspective and the reader learns more about the inner workings of  Rachel’s mind and her adaptation to the situation than the psyche of a serial killer.  I found humanizing this monster very disturbing.  

While this was an uncomfortable read for me, there are many who will find it compelling. And I do credit it with its unique perspective. 

 

Thanks to #netgalley and #knopf for the ARC.

 

**

Anonymous Mom Posts - Jenifer Goldin

 Anonymous Mom Posts - Jenifer Goldin

She read

When the Hamilton Beach Moms’ Facebook page starts to allow anonymous posts, some throw caution to the wind, posting all manner of deep, potentially embarrassing issues. Those posts begin to invite controversies and snarky replies.  It falls on Laura, local realtor and her friend, Gabriella, local therapist, to try to put the Facebook group back on a positive course.  

I really liked this book.  It was a fast paced, fun read with lessons!  Told from various POVs, the issues touched on various topics such as relationships, sexuality, trauma, even the controversy over the best way to educate a deaf child.  Although one of the characters was a bit over the top, the others were quite genuine in how they felt and negotiated the various connections in their lives.  

A worthwhile read from a debut author.  

*****

Zero Days - Ruth Ware

Zero Days - Ruth Ware

Release Date : June 20, 2023

She read

 Jack (Jacintha) and Gabe are a husband and wife team who are “pen” specialists - people hired to break into companies (penetrate) and test security. While Jack, guided by Gabe’s assistance through her ear, completes a job and is then detained, he is murdered.  Under suspicion and being questioned at the police station, Jack uses her skills to escape and hunt for the killer herself, endangering her own life. 

The falsely accused is one of my least favorite tropes yet I chose this book because of the author. It had a decent plot but the pages and pages of little and sometimes repetitive details found me doing a lot of skimming.  Jack turns into almost a super action hero as she narrowing escapes precarious situations.  The book struck me as being written as a pitch for a movie or Netflix series….one that I probably wouldn’t choose to watch because I am not into action films…especially those that strain credulity.  

Fans of Ruth Ware might find this book surprising; action aficionados will enjoy it. 

***

What the Neighbors Saw - Melissa Adelman

 What the Neighbors Saw - Melissa Adelman

Release Date:  June 20, 2023

Alexis and her husband, Sam, recklessly purchase a very needy fixer upper for over a million dollars because it is in the kind of upscale neighborhood to which they aspire.  Sam is trying to make partner in his law firm while Alexis is on leave to take care of her young son and newborn daughter.  Soon after they move in, Teddy, who lives across the street and is married to Blair, is found murdered and thrown from a nearby trail into a river.  Blair and Alexis become friends as Alexis learns of the many quirks, secrets and dangerous behaviors of the other rich neighbors. 

Told in alternating POVs, this was an engrossing read by a debut author.  It is quite “soapy” and a couple of times I heard myself saying, “aw, come on”.  But, I stayed up late to finish it because I didn’t want to put it down. I can see it being serialized for television.

 

There are some disturbing topics here.  I don’t want to say what they are, because they would be spoilers.   There are also quite a few unpleasant personalities. Some may feel that the beginning of the book is slow, but it takes time to meet and get to know the characters.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the ARC.

****

A Stolen Child - Sarah Stewart Taylor

 A Stolen Child - Sarah Stewart Taylor


Release Date :June 20, 2023

This is the fourth in the Maggie D’arcy series; it is the second one I have read.  Although I was glad to have had an earlier introduction to some of the characters, this would work as a standalone.

Maggie, a former Long Island, NY detective, has relocated to Ireland with her daughter.  They are living with her lover and his son.  She has completed training to become a Garda and is assigned a partner to do community policing in the Portobello area of Dublin.  A woman who lives on Maggie’s beat is murdered and her young daughter is missing.  Because the present detective team has another high profile case as well, Maggie is enlisted to assist them with the investigation.  

This is a solid police procedural with the unique perspective of an American detective adjusting to life with the Dublin police department. It was a fast, engrossing read; I did not want to put it down.  It is a bit dark, with twists and turns.  

I enjoy series with strong, cable female MCs and this one has joined my list of must reads.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the ARC

****

What Remains - Wendy Walker

 What Remains - Wendy Walker

Release Date: June 13, 2023

Cold case detective Elise Sutton is shopping for towels for her daughters at a big box store  when gunfire breaks out. She comes upon the shooter who has a victim in sight.  To save his life, she must kill the shooter and her life is forever changed.  She has to cope with guilt, anxiety, and the mysterious and scary man whose life she saved. She also finds that her online courses where she teaches lessons learned from past crimes comes back to haunt her. An alternate (but perhaps related!) storyline involves the discovery of a burned body in a hunting cabin.  

A psychological thriller with an intriguing plot, I thought some of the mental deliberations tedious and frequently found myself skimming the text. A few of the actions and behaviors strained credulity a bit.  Yet, I found the book to be a satisfying, enjoyable read. 

Trigger warning:  stalking behavior.

Thanks to #netgalley and #blackstonepublishing for the arc

****

Sally Brady's Italian Adventure - Christina Lynch

Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure - Christina Lynch

She read

Release Date: June 13, 2023

In 1931, at 11 years of age, Sally is sent by her family, struggling on a farm in Iowa, to LA to try to find a job in order to send money back to them.  By chance, she ends up being “adopted” by a Hollywood actress which leads her on an adventure in Italy as a socialite/anonymous gossip columnist.  Then the Fascists take over and World War II ensues.  Meanwhile, Lapo, married to an American wife and owner of a dilapidated farm and castle, finds himself the attention of Mussolini while his son, Alessandro, is conscripted into the army.  

The story is told in three POVs, Sally’s, Lapo’s, and Alessandro’s.  As strange as it sounds, to me, Sally was a bit of a comic character and her part of the story was almost a light hearted look at the atrocities of WWII.  Hidden in the text, however, are important lessons for today’s world.  The dangers of a cult of personality and conspiracy theorists who seem ridiculous until they start running for offices and winning…how strange it is to “live in an era when things were going backward”…the hatred and intolerance that lead to Fascism…one person who says he alone can fix things….the role of women and how many men, especially authoritarian, try to subjugate them.  One thought I found especially relevant in our time was when the question is raised as to whether our senses of right and wrong are formed by the stories we hear. 

Although it had a bit of a farfetched plot, I found the book an enjoyable read.  It may not be to everyone’s taste; it has a somewhat different take from typical WWII historical novels.  I appreciated it for the sparks of humor, satire, and profound insight. 

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the ARC.

****