Georgia is locked in a psychiatric ward, accused of bludgeoning her sister to death. She’s in a semi-catatonic state but knows enough to request a visGeorgia is locked in a psychiatric ward, accused of bludgeoning her sister to death. She’s in a semi-catatonic state but knows enough to request a visit from her twin sister, Mandy, having recently learned of her existence.
Mandy however knew nothing of her twin sister. She was adopted and her parents have died. Mandy grew up in modest circumstances while Georgia grew up wealthy.
Mandy visits and decides on her own to do a bit of sleuthing, and slowly uncovers some long-buried secrets.
The short chapters moved this story along at a decent clip but for me, it was missing that oomph to elevate it beyond a decent 3 star read. There were times my attention waned, and, as a nurse, the descriptions of the psych ward didn’t ring true. As a Nana to identical twin granddaughters the sudden twin “bond” among grown women who had never met rang hollow as well.
I’ve enjoyed two of the author’s previous books and even though this one was not a complete winner, I will definitely try her next.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own ...more
I appreciate reading a book that highlighted the history of the Bosnian-Serbian War. The atrocities were hMy review is a bit of a mixed bag. 3.5 stars
I appreciate reading a book that highlighted the history of the Bosnian-Serbian War. The atrocities were horrific and difficult to read. This happened in our recent lifetime, and we should never ever forget.
I won't go into the plot, and the details of the Serbian-Bosnian War are easy to find and worth the rabbit hole I went down. We all need to be better informed.
HF is not a genre I prefer, for many reasons, which I won't go into. I've made no secret of the fact that I prefer non-fiction when reading about history. Yet, I still appreciate the author highlighting this period of history, which led me down a path to learn even more of this horrific war.
But, I didn't find this particular telling compelling. Yes, it was brutal and horrific, and yes, the revenge plot was understandable and based in truth. Yet, the revenge plot was predictable and was a slog at times. The ending, while unsurprising, was tense enough to bump my rating up to a 4.
HF readers will likely love this more than I did. My reading buddy, Marialyce, and I had a great discussion. It would make a terrific book club read....more
This was my first Eddie Flynn novel and I was expecting a legal thriller. Or at least a psychological thriller as the synopsis promised.
ThDnf at 35%
This was my first Eddie Flynn novel and I was expecting a legal thriller. Or at least a psychological thriller as the synopsis promised.
This actually is more of an action thriller. With a LOT of characters and side plots.
The book opened strongly and I would have enjoyed it more had the book focused on that case. I don’t enjoy stories where there’s more hit men, the mob, dirty cops, and killing/cracking of heads than investigation. The added theme of the wealthy behaving badly is not one I enjoy either (unless it’s tongue-in-cheek/funny)
This is a case of it’s me, not the book. Perhaps this isn’t the best book to start with in this much-loved series.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist whose mission is to write compelling fiction that brings understanding and empathy for the diseases she writes about, haLisa Genova, a neuroscientist whose mission is to write compelling fiction that brings understanding and empathy for the diseases she writes about, has won many well-deserved awards for her efforts. In this book, she provides a window into the world of bipolar disorder.
Marialyce and I read this and we were both touched by Maddy’s story and impressed, once again, with Lisa Genova’s talent.
One of my very good friends had a son with bipolar, and I can say Lisa Genova did a phenomenal job of highlighting the challenges on both the person who has bipolar and on their family and loved ones.
Maddy suffers the hallmark cyclical symptoms, with extreme mood swings ranging from the depths of depression when she can barely get out of bed, to the reckless behavior during her manic phases. No one chooses this illness, and the illness doesn’t define the person. Maddy desperately wants to go back to who she was before.
In the author’s own words she chooses to “write about people who tend to be ignored, feared, and misunderstood because of what’s going on inside of their brains”. She’s tackled ALS, Huntington’s chores, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, and autism. But this is the first time she’s written about mental illness, which carries the additional burden of shame, stigma, and judgment.
As a neuroscientist, the author knows about what she writes, and it’s clear in the acknowledgments she does extensive research from people who are living it.
It’s not an easy read. It’s heart wrenching to see Maddy experience the lows of depression, and the delusions of grandeur during manic episodes. The disease onset usually strikes young adults, an already uncertain, often tumultuous, time of their lives. Maddy must come to terms with her new normal at a time in life when young adults just want to fit in. It’s typical for sufferers to stop taking their medication during a calm phase, which of course leads to a manic episode. The disease causes behaviors that leads others to label them as “weird” or unlikable.
Being so close to a family whose son suffered with this disorder made this a difficult read. Many of the scenarios were all all too familiar. Unfortunately, our friend’s son, a brilliant, kind young man with a loving family and a promising future, did not survive this devastating illness, despite access to treatment. We have a long way to go.
I hope that readers will gain much understanding and empathy toward those who live with bipolar, a disorder that, according to the author’s note, has 47 million sufferers worldwide, 7 million of those who live in the U.S....more
The set up: Maggie is found to be suffering from the same fatal illness as her mother, who died at the age of 41. SheI’m on outlier island once again!
The set up: Maggie is found to be suffering from the same fatal illness as her mother, who died at the age of 41. She is determined to find a suitable wife for her husband after she’s gone, after her father was the victim of a con artist after her mother died.
But the majority of the book is set in the past with teenage Maggie behaving badly while her friends, parents, and sister speak in pithy, smart-ass comments. They find hilarity and humor even when faced with the death. The problem is the humor wasn’t funny in the least.
Everything that happens in this book requires a massive suspension of disbelief. Everything, and I mean everything, is completely implausible. If it wasn’t so stupid and cheesy I would have been laughing.
The adults at 43 were indistinguishable from their 16 year old selves. They were all insufferable. The dialogue was ridiculous, and bears no resemblance to how people really talk to one another.
The final nail in the coffin is the author portrays women to be predatory, gold-digging, casserole-wielding piranhas out to snare new widowers in their web. Misogyny at its finest. Very offensive.
I was ready to DNF early but the glowing reviews kept me listening to the audiobook, sure that at 50% the book would pick up. It did not.
The synopsis promised a thriller with biting humor. Don’t believe it. The author seems like a good person, working with international charities, but it still doesn’t redeem this book.
A complete disappointment for me and my reading buddy, Marialyce.
The positive: January LaVoy did her usual excellent job narrating the audiobook.
2 VERY generous stars only because I finished it. With regret.
* I received a digital audio and e/book copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own ...more
I understand that london in the past was a cesspool of filth and extreme poverty, which led to crime, but this book read like a textbook. Some inDNF:
I understand that london in the past was a cesspool of filth and extreme poverty, which led to crime, but this book read like a textbook. Some interesting parts but the delivery kept me from wanting to pick it up so onto the dnf pile it goes....more
Rosie has a health crisis that leads to a heart transplant. She is naturally curious about the donor and begins 3.5 stars (which is not a bad rating!)
Rosie has a health crisis that leads to a heart transplant. She is naturally curious about the donor and begins an anonymous communication with the donor’s husband via the DonorConnect program.
She soon becomes obsessed with him, which is nothing new for her. As we get to know her past, it’s clear she’s a bit unhinged with the idea of love and needs some serious therapy. Yet a part of her is sympathetic, which made for interesting character development.
As she “researches” (I.e. stalks) her donor’s husband, she finds he’s a well-known thriller author, and suspicions swirl that he may have had something to do with his wife’s death.
Such a fun, unique premise and protagonist.
Told through multiple POV, text messages, and e-mails, it was a fun format. As the story unfolds it’s clear not all is as it should be, which led to fun speculations with my reading buddy, Marialyce.
At around 50% there was a gasp out loud twisty moment that I didn’t see coming, and turned everything I thought I knew upside down. This story from here is a wild ride with some turns that at the end gave me whiplash. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, it was a bit too OTT. It was too much, just like Rosie herself. Up till then this was a solid 4 star read. The last paragraph though was perfect.
A fun read and for readers who love OTT endings and have no problem suspending disbelief, it’s a winner.
* I received a digital copy via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own...more
Celebrated ghostwriter Olivia returns home after a decades long absence to help write her father’s memoir.
The catch? Her father, Vincent, is a famous Celebrated ghostwriter Olivia returns home after a decades long absence to help write her father’s memoir.
The catch? Her father, Vincent, is a famous author of horror. He & Olivia have been estranged for years and no one, not even her significant other, knows Olivia’s checkered history.
Her father’s siblings, Poppy and Danny, were brutally murdered when they were teens in the 1970s. The crime went unsolved but suspicions have swirled around her father as the suspected perpetrator. When Olivia was in kindergarten her mother abandoned the family.
VIncent is now ready to tell his side of the story. Olivia is in financial trouble and accepts the job, despite reservations.
The second catch? Her father has been diagnosed with Lewey body dementia and Olivia must sift through her father’s memories to determine what is true and what is not. The stories we tell ourselves are complicated and not always rooted in truth. Memory has a way of tricking us. I loved the exploration of this phenomenon.
Long buried secrets and evidence is uncovered which makes Olivia & her father question everything they thought to be true. Olivia’s own assumptions about her past may not be based in reality.
This is not a thrill-a-minute story. It’s a thoughtful mystery told in dual timelines, and left me questioning everything. My reading buddy Marialyce and I had some great discussions as the story unfolded.
It left me feeling a bit melancholy at the revelations and all the pain & misery that could have been avoided. The adage that “hurt people hurt people” is brought home with this story. I cared deeply for the characters, especially knowing how their story turned out. Getting to know Poppy as a teenager in the 70s was bittersweet. I normally dislike this age group in my reading, but not here.
Julie Clark has written a riveting, immersive, multi-layered mystery that would be excellent on film. It’s smart and intelligent and kept me on edge until the last page was turned. I hope it’s optioned for a movie.
I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own...more
Do you need an Up Lit book? A lighter read with substance? Look no further!
This book promises to break your heart and stitch it back together again anDo you need an Up Lit book? A lighter read with substance? Look no further!
This book promises to break your heart and stitch it back together again and it does just that.
Bea’s partner delivers a bombshell that leaves her and their 4-year-old daughter Ellie, homeless. She has a housekeeping job at a hospital, St Helen’s, which becomes their safe haven as Bea is desperate to find a solution to their dilemma.
One day as she’s leaving work, anxious to pick up her daughter from day care before she’s charged a late fee she can’t afford, she sees an older gentleman sitting on a bench in the cold.
But soft-hearted Bea can’t walk by without trying to help. She befriends Malcolm and discovers he’s holding onto some hurts too. As they get to know one another they are able to help each other in surprising ways.
I love a good underdog story and Bea, who is knocked down repeatedly by life, is a great character to root for, even as she makes some frustrating decisions. Ellie is adorable and realistic, neither precocious nor annoying (both of which are pet peeves of mine). Ellie is refreshingly normal.
It’s a lighthearted book but it really brings home how people with no safety net can so easily fall into homelessness.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, a read we both enjoyed. I appreciated that the story wasn’t completely predictable and had some surprises in store. Despite the serious situations depicted, the story is full of optimism and hope which left me with a full heart as I closed the last page.
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
A buddy read with Marialyce, this started out as a compelling read which was particularly excellent on audio with sound effects plus Richard Armitage’A buddy read with Marialyce, this started out as a compelling read which was particularly excellent on audio with sound effects plus Richard Armitage’s 5+ narration.
Grady is on the phone with his wife Abby, preparing to celebrate his first NYT bestseller status. But she never makes it home after she stops to help a woman lying in the road. Abby is never found.
In his grief, he finds himself unable to write. His agent offers him a cabin on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, thinking the change will help him write his next novel.
The island is strange to say the least: the people are quirky, there is no cell or internet service, and he sees a woman who looks like his missing wife. A series of strange events makes Grady wondering if he’s losing it.
What a great set up. I loved the setting and the foreboding atmosphere of the island. But then….
The story jumped the shark and the twists became more and more unbelievable. The island’s backstory was nonsensical. The explanation of what went down the night of Abby’s disappearance was so silly it’s laughable.
Yes, I know it’s fiction, and I expect to suspend some disbelief, but there is a tipping point and this one tipped into absurdity. As tempting as it is to give into a good rant, I don’t want to waste any more time. I’ll let the one star reviews do it for me. They are spot on!
This was a convoluted mess that not even Richard Armitage’s narration or the dog, Columbo, could save. The only reason it gets 2 stars is because it was a great read up until the wheels fell off.
* I received a digital audio via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
Haunted by her sister’s death and the man who killed her, Detective Tracy fails her routine shooting test and is placed on leave.
The man who2.5 stars
Haunted by her sister’s death and the man who killed her, Detective Tracy fails her routine shooting test and is placed on leave.
The man who killed Tracy’s sister is dead, shot by Tracy herself, but someone is out to avenge his death. Someone who has murdered before but is set free on a technicality. He not so subtly threatens Tracy.
Tracy and her husband, decide to take their 3 year old daughter and go to their mountain home in Cedar Grove, where Tracy grew up.
As she settles into life in Cedar Grove, she befriends Lydia, a young woman who is on the autistic spectrum, and with Lydia’s help, she hones her skills. Skills she will soon need when events escalate and Tracy must fight for her life, and the lives of her loved ones.
So why 2.5 stars? The story was slow to take off, with the action not starting until 50-60%. Also, much of the story involves competitive shooting, which I found boring so I skimmed much of those sections. I also had to fight my irritation at some of the poor decisions made by Tracy and her husband.
These things were deal breakers for me, but diehard fans of the series may feel differently.
The author explains in his note that he and his dad were big fans of spaghetti westerns and I believe he was successful in his attempt to recreate some of those scenes.
This was a buddy read, and for Marialyce and I, it was all a bit too much. This was my 3rd book by this author. Although it’s #11 in the series, it works as a standalone.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
“life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to "skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, t“life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to "skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!” Hunter S. Thompson
A buddy read with Marialyce, this is one of the most fun “lighter novels with substance” that I’ve read.
The novel opens when a police officer pulls over a bus full of mostly seniors, all who, without being asked, are quick to confess to a variety of crimes.
From there we go back in time to find out led to the present dilemma.
Eccentric Daphne, having just celebrated her 70th birthday, alludes to a mysterious past, is tiring of her solitary life, and decides to join the senior center. Here she meets a motley crew including: * Lydia, the program director, is a woman in her mid-50s who is married to a complete ass and needs to find her backbone and her voice * Art, an aging actor with a bad habit and an estranged family * William, Art’s best friend * Ziggy, an 18 yr old single father trying to go to school & care for his infant daughter * Anna, who knits, but she’s not knitting potholders. I won’t ruin the fun by disclosing why she’s knitting oversized projects, but they are irreverent, a bit (ok, a lot) naughty, and hilarious. * an adorable aged dog named Margaret Thatcher * The children at a day care center
But the real star of the show here is Daphne who made me laugh out loud more than once. She’s completely delightful! She’s witty, snarky, opinionated, minces no words, and bears no fools. And she gets things done.
It may seem like a lot of characters but they each have a unique voice and story arc , so they are easy to follow. They all come together to save the community center but it’s about is much more than that.
Not only does this book destroy stereotypes of aging, these seniors are vibrant and intelligent, who have much to offer society and show the younger members of their group a thing or two. I loved the bond and intergenerational sense of community they built.
Don’t miss the author’s note at the end where she tells us her inspiration for the story.
I may not be aging as disgracefully as this group but I sure did have fun with them!
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
First book of 2025, and a great start to the year, reading & discussing with my book buddy, Marialyce.
When Paddy dies from a deliberate shove in frontFirst book of 2025, and a great start to the year, reading & discussing with my book buddy, Marialyce.
When Paddy dies from a deliberate shove in front of a train, it leaves his wife, Nina, and their daughter, Ash, devastated. In the midst of their grief, they unexpectedly connect with Nick, an old friend of Paddy’s.
Martha, the owner of a florist shop, is married to Al, who tends to disappear frequently, leaving her confused and on her own to manage her business and their child.
The lives of these three women will intersect in surprising ways.
To say any more about the plot would involve spoilers so I will just say the short chapters and alternating points of view in this domestic thriller makes this a page-tuner as the pieces of the puzzle falls into place. The ending was perfect!
The scary part? One only needs to read the news and watch documentaries to see that this can, and has, happened.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ...more
Imagine being on a flight and a lady goes up the aisle predicting the age and cause of death of everyone.
How would that information affect your actionImagine being on a flight and a lady goes up the aisle predicting the age and cause of death of everyone.
How would that information affect your actions? We follow some of the passengers and as they wrestle with their fate, they make decisions that begs the questions: is their fate predestined regardless of what they do? Did the prediction lead to actions that can alter their fate? Alternatively, do their actions lead to the prediction actually coming true, a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy?
As we delve into these passengers lives, we also learn more about the lady who made the predictions.
Despite the topic, in the author’s hands, it is anything but heavy.
* I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley....more
On the surface this is a book I should have loved, yet I did not.
There were aspects of Lenny’s character that I loved, especially her word games. Yet On the surface this is a book I should have loved, yet I did not.
There were aspects of Lenny’s character that I loved, especially her word games. Yet I still failed to connect with her. I hate to bring up Elinor Oliphant, as each book should stand in its own, but it’s inevitable. I was completely charmed by Elinor, who was endearing …..Lenny, not so much.
It’s not as whimsical as the cover suggests, which is fine, but some humor would have been welcomed. The story is a slow burn with a lot of telling, with little showing.
Lastly, I’m tired of the ‘survivor of abuse’ trope.
This didn’t hit the mark with me, but I’m obviously an outlier so do read all the stellar reviews.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
Honestly, I had no idea what was happening most of the time. What a slog
I won’t go into the plot, however thin it was but….
Too many plot lines, POV, Honestly, I had no idea what was happening most of the time. What a slog
I won’t go into the plot, however thin it was but….
Too many plot lines, POV, and timelines. I checked out. There were too many characters to keep track of, most of whom I could not care less about and none who were particularly memorable .
For the reader to believe characters wouldn’t recognize each other from the not all that distant past is ludicrous Also, I’m tiring of the ‘rich people behaving badly’ trope.
Phoebe. Her life is a mess. I won’t give you the details so you can discover for yourself, but she’s had enough. She can’t take it anymore
* don’t reaPhoebe. Her life is a mess. I won’t give you the details so you can discover for yourself, but she’s had enough. She can’t take it anymore
* don’t read the synopsis and think this is a depressing read. I promise you it is not. It’s joyful and life-affirming.
Phoebe goes to the swanky Inn in Newport RI, the Inn she expected to visit with her husband.
Things don’t quite go as Phoebe intended. Turns out she won’t have a final blow-out splurge before departing this world. Instead she’s the only guest at the Inn who is not part of the wedding party and she can’t even get room service for a final meal.
Lila, the bride, isn’t thrilled that Phoebe may ruin her wedding and has a heart-to-heart with her. She has no boundaries and is disarmingly honest. Which makes her completely endearing.
Phoebe suddenly finds herself caught up in the wedding people, the wedding party that are at the inn for a week long celebration prior to Lila’s OTT nuptials.
I won’t ruin the fun but I’ll say this was completely delightful! It was fabulous and completely entertaining with plenty of humor & heart. The dialogue was snappy & witty. And not to be maudlin, but the overriding message was wise and tender and wonderful.
The characters were all delightful. 100% refreshingly funny and tender.
Don’t miss this one. A 5+ star read!! I loved everything about this story and was sad when it ended. It’s a rare book that completely captivates me the way this book did.
* I received a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
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