The Seaside Sisters - Pamela Kelley

The Seaside Sisters - Pamela Kelley

Pub. Date:  June 4, 2024

She read

Hannah, a best selling romance author, is having a bit of writer’s block.  Currently living in Brooklyn, she decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham on Cape Cod, with her aunt.  Her sister, husband and four children also live in Chatham.  Both her aunt and sister are having some marital hiccups. While there, Hannah rekindles a friendship with attorney Spencer and also dates a best selling author whose parents live on the Cape. 

If I had to describe this book in three words, it would be cozy little romance.  There is no significant drama or humor in this story of nondescript characters who seem to live an idealized life.  Told from different POVS, there is a lot of wine (often identified by brand) and descriptions of food (especially bagels, lobster, and brownies). Chatham is depicted in all its charm and those who have visited there will enjoy the journey back.  

I am a stickler for authenticity, even in fiction, and a major activity in the book bothered me. Would attorneys really have an author who is doing research sit in on conferences with clients?  Where is the attorney client confidentiality? I also noticed a bit of repetition in the narrative.

All that said, if you are looking for a nice little no effort quick beach read, this may be for you.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #STMartinsPress for the DRC.

***

Just Some Stupid Love Story - Katelyn Doyle

 Just Some Stupid Love Story - Katelyn Doyle

Pub. Date: June 4, 2024

She read

Molly split with her high school sweetheart, Seth, breaking his heart, just before they were to leave for college. Seth, a divorce attorney in Chicago, believes in soulmates. Molly is a rom com screenwriter in LA, ironic since she always seems to sabotage her romantic relationships. They unexpectedly meet up at their 15th HS reunion and a spark is reignited, but just for one night, although Seth makes a bet they will be together for their 20th reunion.  They play on and off again with their relationship over the ensuing months, with Seth even getting engaged to someone else. Yet, they can’t seem to forget each other.  Who will win the bet?

Romance novels are not my typical go tos, but I loved this book.  Witty, entertaining, fast moving, I recommend this read to rom com fans as well as though wanting to dip into this genre. It is told in dual POVs, alternating between Molly and Seth.  As a Floridian, I was impressed by how much Doyle  really “gets” Florida.  Lots of good humor here! My only hesitation with the book is that Seth is almost too good to be true…but, after all, it is fiction!

Thanks to #NetGalley and @flatiron_books for the DRC.

*****

Wolf at the Table - Adam Rapp

 Wolf at the Table  - Adam Rapp

she read

This is a novel that spans sixty years and four generations of a large Catholic family, the Larkins.  As with many large families, the offspring have a wide range of personalities and levels of success.  There is also one child who has an intellectual disability, one who marries into a family with, unbeknownst to her, a history of  schizophrenia, and one who was abused by local priests as a child and develops an antisocial personality disorder (commonly known as a “psychopath”).  This true cross section of America is revealed through snapshots of family members at different points in time, particularly focusing on two of them who quite disparate in their temperaments. 

Well written, the narrative in this character driven novel is rather objective; Rapp didn’t exploit the emotionalism of the antisocial behaviors and family difficulties.  He touches on serial killers, with passages involving Richard Speck, John Wayne Gacy, and, of course, the Larkin sibling who is a serial killer and we see how family can be complicit or ignorant. There is an undercurrent of danger, perhaps even evil throughout the story.

I couldn’t engage with any of the characters  Often I read a family saga such as this and, although it may be dark, am left with some feelings of hope.  After this one, which was mesmerizing, a generalized bleak feeling remained.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrown for the DRC.

Camino Ghosts - John Grisham

 Camino Ghosts - John Grisham

Pub. Date:  May 28, 2024

She read

This third installment of Grisham’s Camino Island series finds author Mercer Mann, friend of bookshop owner Bruce Cable, stumped when trying to come up with an idea for her next book.  Bruce introduces her to a small nonfiction piece written by 80 year old local resident, Lovely Jackson.  Lovely, the descendent of slaves who settled on Dark Island off the coast of Camino Island, has resided on the bigger island since 1955, leaving the smaller one uninhabited.  Yet, as the last inhabitant, she claims Dark Island is hers and when a big, unscrupulous corporation wants to develop Dark Island including putting a Casino on it, Bruce facilitates her fight for the home of her ancestors.

 Grisham is a talented story teller and this book does not disappoint.  A quick, compelling read, Lovely is a captivating character.  Grisham does an excellent job of capturing the development frenzy that is Florida…the greed of the corporations, the questionable practices of the politicians, the disregard for the environment, the highway  sprawl of businesses. He also acknowledges how the electorate can be so easily manipulated. 

The history of the difference between the British and Spanish owned colonies as relates to slavery is fascinating.  When you read Lovely’s account of the realities of the slave trade, you can’t help but wonder, as did Mercer, how our forebears  could have tolerated such cruel treatment of those who were kidnapped and enslaved. 

This does work as a standalone, although reading the first two in the series gives a broader background of the repeating characters and provides context for some of the references made in this book to action that took place in prior ones. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DoubledayBooks for the DRC

*****

The "I Love My Air Fryer" Easy Recipes Book - Robin Fields

 The "I Love My Air Fryer"" Easy Recipes Book - Robin Fields

Pub. Date:  April 23, 2024

She read

Air frying has become very popular.  In this book,  175 “easy” recipes are presented with common ingredients and simple steps.

Well organized, the book begins with the basics of air frying as well as some tips, including accessories you might want to purchase to enhance your air frying experience.  I liked that there were no exotic spices called for.  I hate when a recipe needs something that you have to buy and use maybe once or twice!  The recipes are interesting, diverse, and I appreciated the vegetarian section.  Each recipe includes the hands on preparation time as well as nutritional content. Because this was a DRC, I missed having photos of all the dishes; I believe they are present in the final copy of the book.

As I just received this copy, I haven’t attempted any yet, but I have a list that I can’t wait to try, starting with the panko-crusted mahi mahi and moving on to the strawberry galette.

Thank to #NetGalley and @adams_media for the DRC. 

****

If Something Happens to Me - Alex Finlay

 If Something Happens to Me - Alex Finlay

Pub. Date:  May 28, 2024

She read

High schoolers Ryan and Ali were parked at Lover’s Lane when they were attacked, Ryan knocked unconscious, and Ali and her car went missing.  Suspicion followed Ryan causing him to change colleges and even his name.  Skip ahead five years, he is now visiting Tuscany with a group of students from his law school.  Back in his hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas, soldier Poppy has returned home and it is her first day as deputy sheriff working under a close military buddy of her father when Ali’s car is discovered under a lake with two adult male bodies in it. A cryptic note is found in Ali’s pocketbook which was in the backseat of the car. What happened to Ali?

As Poppy tries to solve the mystery, she is seemingly stymied by her boss and has questions about not only his involvement but also her family’s.   Meanwhile, Ryan races across Europe to try to determine if Ali is really still alive. When he spots the man he thinks was involved with her abduction, his and other lives are in danger. 

Told in alternating timelines and POVs, this is a suspenseful, mysterious story. Fast paced and addictive,  there is action, violence, and interwoven plot lines that take the reader on a thrilling adventure. Although a little over the top, this is another solid addition to Finlay’s growing body of work. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the DRC.

****

Think Twice - Harlan Coben

 Think Twice - Harlan Coben

Pub. Date: May 14, 2024

She read

Myron Bolitar has reopened his sports agency and teams up with friend and attorney Win Lockwood when federal agents tell him that his once rival, long thought dead, former client Greg Downing’s DNA has been found at the scene of a murder. Is Greg still alive?  As the pair dig down into the mystery, they find that there are similar puzzling cases in other locales.  Could there be a serial killer and is Myron in danger?

This is the twelfth in best selling author Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series.  I have read many of Coben’s books, but only one or two from this series and that was a very long time ago. Myron and Win are a bit over the top characters; smart, resourceful, and entertaining. There is suspense, action, humor, colorful characters, a twisted plot line in this fast paced, entertaining read. I enjoyed the technique of interspersing the narrative with chapters from the perpetrator’s POV.  

Although this was successful as basically a stand alone for me, My enjoyment of it might have been enhanced had I followed the career progression of these two characters by having read more books in this series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @grandcentralpub for the DRC

****

The Doctor's Child - Daniel Hurst

 The Doctor's Child - Daniel Hurst

Pub. Date: May 1, 2024

She read

This is the fourth in the continuing “soap opera” series introduced by The Doctor’s Wife; I have read all four.

There is a lot of history between Fern and Alice who lived in a small English village.  Alice had an affair with Fern’s husband, the doctor.  Fern arranged for Alice’s husband, Rory, to kill the doctor and set Alice up to be blamed and imprisoned for it.  Fern killed Rory, escaped to build a new life, met a new man, Greg.   When she found out that Greg was the doctor’s best friend out to catch Fern, she killed him as well.  BUT, Alice was carrying the doctor’s child and Fern was impregnated by Greg.  Skip ahead almost two decades and Alice’s daughter, Evelyn, wants revenge. Fern is now living happily in France with a new husband and her daughter, Cecilia.  When paths cross, revenge and retribution are on the menu. Got it? Whew!

As with the prior three stories, this was an engrossing, fast read that I couldn’t put down. I liked the continued author’s style of alternating chapter POVs from the various main characters, learning their inner thoughts. You may dislike some (or all!) of the characters and think some things a bit over the top,  but you will enjoy this psychological thriller.  It is an entertaining, escapist read. 

While this could work as a stand alone, for those interested, it might be better to go back and read the prior three novels for the history. They are quick, “popcorn thrillers”.  If you read this (perhaps) final in the series, what did you think of the ending?

Thanks to #NetGalley and @bookouture for the DRC.

****

The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna - Erin Palmisano

 The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna - Erin Palmisano

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

There is something very special about the women of Naxos, a small village in the Greek Isles; they all have very unique gifts. 

Jory, raised by her mother and eschewing her father’s wealth, loves to travel and has always found home wherever she goes.  Cressida’s plans to open a guest house and taverna on Naxos with her beloved husband are crushed when he dies unexpectedly.  She has done nothing to make the dream go forward and now faces financial ruin.  When Jory travels to Naxos, her developing friendship with Cress and the other villagers is the catalyst to revive that dream.

What a pleasant surprise reading this book. I chose it solely on the basis of its title; I loved all the alluring little Greek tavernas we ate at when we visited there for a month.  Part travelogue, food journey, magic, female bonding, and romance, this story totally charmed me.  I am not typically a fan of magical realism, but this tale won me over.  All the pleasures of a visit to a Greek Isle are here….the landscape, the history, the wine, the culinary delights, the climate, the beaches. I was enchanted with this very fast read.  Foodies and romantics will love it.  It is a perfect vacation escape read.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

 The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Colleen Clark’s child is missing.  When his bloody blanket is found in her trunk, prosecutors with political ambitions are convinced she has murdered him.  Most neighbors, strangers, and even her husband believe her to be guilty.  Moxie Castin is her attorney and he enlists the help of private investigator Charlie Parker. 

There is a lot to consider in this case.  The husband’s story is a bit suspect to Parker. A psychic who has helped and hindered past missing child cases steps forward.  There is a strange, foreboding house deep in the Maine woods. And, what danger does that Fascist group arming themselves in the adjacent woods bring to the situation?

In addition to the basic mystery, there are aspects of horror and the supernatural, along with some humor.  I  typically do not like otherworldly elements in a story, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of this book.  Although it seemed long, it was an engrossing read and I was anxious to get to the resolution.  

This is the twenty first in the Charlie Parker series.  Incredibly, it is the first one I have read; I felt it worked well as a standalone. I liked the repeating characters (and they are characters!), although I think I might have enjoyed them even more if I had read some of their previous adventures.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @atriabooks for the DRC.

****

The Return of Ellie Black - Emiko Jean

 The Return of Ellie Black - Emiko Jean

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Twenty years ago, Chelsey Calhoun’s sister disappeared.  It was concluded that she had been killed by her boyfriend who then committed suicide.  Now a detective in the same police department where her father was once chief, Chelsey is notified that Ellie Black, another female who disappeared a few years ago, has been found wandering in the woods.  Traumatized, Ellie is reluctant to share any information about her captivity.  As Chelsey seeks information and answers, she begins to wonder about other missing girls/young women in her area of Washington State. 

This is a very disturbing story with lots of twists. It touches on some very important topics; women as targets, the fear that must be instilled in all girls and women of men who may harm or exploit them, missing girls who receive no real notice if they are minorities or poor, and a point that Chelsey makes about society’s acceptance of women dying at the hands of men. 

The main characters are well developed. Chelsey is laser focused and indomitable in her quest to find the truth and perhaps save other lives. Somewhat damaged herself by the loss of her beloved sister and her parents’ reaction to it, she is driven to close this case, even when she is removed from it and her personal happiness is at stake. The physical and psychological toll of Ellie’s abduction and treatment is a comprehensive case study in victimology.  

Thanks to @netgalley and @simonbooks for the DRC.

****

Summers at the Saint

 Summers at the Saint - Mary Kay Andrews

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

The St. Cecilia, known as “the Saint”,  is a sprawling pink themed resort that caters to only the wealthiest on a private island on the coast of Georgia.  Under that lavish, polished exterior, however, all is not what it seems.  

Those who stay here are known as “the Saints”; the townies who can’t afford to and only work there are the “Ain’ts”.  Lifeguard Traci Eddings was an Ain’t until the boss’s son fell in love with and married her.  Widowed when he was killed in a plane crash, Traci now tirelessly runs the resort, trying to continue it’s legacy and save it from financial difficulties. She is often at odds with her unscrupulous brother-in-law who never accepted her into the family. As she strives to staff the resort for the summer, there seems to be something nefarious going on and when someone ends up dead, there is that mystery to solve, along with what is going on with complaints of inferior supplies, as well as what really happened when a young child drown there many years ago. Oh, and, there may be a new man in her life as well!

Mary Kay Andrews is a popular author and this is the first book of hers that I have read.  Despite the length, it was a fast, very engrossing read.  A multi layered story, some of it was predictable, other times there were surprises.  Genre bending and contemporary, there was mystery, family drama, and some romance.  I liked how the first few chapters introduced the main players and their stories before pulling them together and I loved the setting.  This was  a pleasing read, perfect for days at the beach!

****

It Had to Be You - Mary Higgins Clark; Alafair Burke

 It Had to Be You - Mary Higgins Clark;  Alafair Burke

Pub. Date: April 16, 2024

She read

Mary Higgins Clark was one of my mother’s favorite authors.  Even though both my mother and Clark have passed away, I still rush to read anything associated with the author’s name. I guess I do it to keep up the tradition. I have to admit, though, I do enjoy her mysteries, benign though they may be.

This is the eighth in the Under Suspicion series and I have read all of them. The series centers on Laurie Moran, producer of a true crime television show that tries to solve cold cases.  She is surrounded by a cast of supportive characters both at work and at home.  

Laurie is contacted by a young woman who would like the show’s help in solving the murder of her parents years ago.  Her identical twin brothers were under suspicion for the deaths but not charged and the local police really never looked beyond those two suspects.  Now estranged, the brothers agree to participate in the show out of love for their sister and perhaps in hopes of finding out which one of them is guilty.  Of course, all is not as it seems and there are twists to the story that Laurie helps uncover.

This is a typical MHC book; light, quick, easy reading and I couldn’t put it down.  It is perfect for curling up on a rainy day or saving for a beach vacation.  The story is solid; some of the repeating characters are a bit “too perfect”, but what is so wrong with a little bit of saccharin right now? 

 

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure - Lorenzo Carcaterra

 Nonna Maria and the Case of  the Lost Treasure - Lorenzo Carcaterra

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Nonna Maria has lived her entire life on the island of Ischia.  She is familiar to all for her kindness, generosity, local knowledge, and ability to solve problems, particularly if they involve crimes.  To her, though, it is not solving crimes, it is helping friends.  She is quite resourceful.  Everyone loves her; even the head of the Comorra. 

Once again, there are two “cases” in which she becomes involved. Her good friend, the captain of the carabinieri, has become the target of assassins as revenge for his having arrested a crime lord years ago in Florence.  She also teams up with some local characters to help the granddaughter of a deceased friend find treasure that he hid in one of Ischia’s caves years ago.  Both cases place Nonna Maria in danger.  

This is a cozy mystery Italian style with wine and espresso instead of tea.  Nonna Maria is a beguiling older woman known not only for her wiles but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food and pastries.   She is surrounded by unique and equally charming characters.  

This is the third in the series; it would work as a standalone.  Read this book and the series not only for the mysteries, which are interesting, but also to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria. And, oh, those descriptions of Italian food!  Yum!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @randomhouse for the DRC.