Although this was scary (and really bloody) once we meet all the characters and the witches, there‘s really much “there-here;” the plot is weak and fairly repetitive. All that said, I finished it, although it‘s not for the faint of heart. The Chistabel, a partially sunken 19th century freighter, consumed by a mangrove forest, is an interesting locus for the action. The baby, at perpetual danger of ritual sacrifice, is a horrifying plot device.

Not surprisingly given the title, we are given a retelling of Dicken‘s A Tale of Two Cities. More surprising, however, is that there are vengeful fairies, changlings, goblins, and a plot involving power within the Fairy Realm. All set first in London, and then largely during the madness of the bloody Paris guillotine era.The Defarges are there. Our doomed hero, the changing Sydney Carton, risks all for those he loves. It sounds mad, but it works.

The first in what promises to be an interesting new fantasy series. Saffron Killoran holds a unique talent: she‘s immune to the effects of magic. Although she is a skilled illusionist, she has faked other credentials in order to enter the Silvercloak Academy. She is persuaded her to infiltrate the Bloodmoon‘s — her arch enemies who were responsible for her parents murder. There she meets Levan, and it all gets complicated. Beautiful world map!

James Lee Burke‘s voice has been singing in my ears for a lot of years and he creates characters that are extraordinary. Hackberry‘s daughter, Bessie Holland, is unforgettable. Coming of age early in the twentieth century, Bessie could have been destroyed by the violent world she occupies, but she perseveres, rescuing those she loves and finding her way forward. I‘ll never forget you, Bessie! Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Climbing into a John Connolly novel, is completely immersive, and I love them. Here we are presented with a very dense story that involves drug runners, stolen artifacts, and other assorted bad guys. The artifacts in question are mummified children, sought by their owner and an angry god. Parker‘s dead daughter, who waits for him, is under threat from an as yet unknown presence. All the usual supporting characters appear. In short, a great read!

Vampires lasting through the centuries allow Schwab to take us time traveling. Not her best work, but a great beach read. The lore is deep, the betrayals are epic, but it becomes a bit repetitive. The novel could have used a strong editor.

A somewhat flawed historical novel that presents us with the story of John Collins, who is manipulated into standing at the front of a failed Yorkist rebellion against Henry VII. The story is intriguing, and the characters well drawn, but the language put into their mouths is strange. In the first 1/3 of the book, it is too modern. In the remaining pages, it‘s like someone gave Harkin a glossary, and she uses it very heavily.

Set in the early seventeenth century, Sir David Moray, who served as Prince Henry‘s Gentleman of the Robes since his infancy, has been accused with poisoning him. King‘s Messenger, Andrew Logan has been tasked with returning him to stand trial. Along the way he finds a moral man and must choose what path to me take; he also finds love. Unlike many, I didn‘t find it all that well researched, but it is entertaining.

Celeste, the landlady of Marchfield Square has created a haven for a carefully curated group of. residents. She and her manservant, Dixon, look after their welfare. Richard Gleason, a brute who abuses his wife, slipped under her radar, and now he‘s dead. Two residents are tasked to investigate. The big reveal at the end was not a surprise, but this debut is intriguing. I look forward to her sophomore novel.

A beautifully written, short novel; one of the best I‘ve read in the past few months. As the evils of Highland Clearances draw to a close, and set on a remote island, the lives of Reverend John Ferguson and islander Ivar intertwine. Attempting to raise money for his yet unfounded church, John accepts a commission from a wealthy landowner to remove Ivan from the only home he‘s known. Davies gives us love and hope in equal measure. It will heal you

A great story, and well drawn, but deeply flawed characters make this a fascinating read. An aging Babs Dionne and her female cabal have been controlling the flow of drugs into the Canadian town of Waterville, ME for years, trying to make sure that the poison doesn‘t get to the truly vulnerable. Yet both her daughters are addicts, and her empire is now threatened by outside forces. A stunning portrait of how family loyalty and pain can ensnare.

The writing style is muddy, the plot drags, and I‘m getting tired of the dual timeline bit. However, the historical details about San Francisco were great and kept me going. I also enjoyed getting to know Al Sullivan, and hope that in subsequent books, he‘ll embrace his birth identity.

Two murders in the Claremont Hotel spanning two decades. Is Madam Chiang Kai-Shek involved, or is the ghost of Iris Stafford seeking vengeance?

There aren‘t many surprises in this ghost story. Pretty early on, we know what happened in the past, and how it has affected a family‘s lives whose ancestors committed unspeakable crimes. In Ms Sandeen‘s capable hands, I didn‘t care; she writes so well, and creates such deep characters!

With her Chicago life in ruins, Jermaine Barker accepts job offer from the Duchovny family that seems too good to be true and of course it is — breaking a curse.

A view of the Bosnian-Serbian conflict told through the eyes of Muslim woman who suffered unspeakable horrors, became a freedom fighter, and ultimately escaped to Minnesota. Told in alternate timeline chapters, the “quiet librarian” sets out to solve the murder of a dear Bosnian friend.

If you‘ve enjoyed Sepetys‘s books, you‘ll really enjoy this, but it‘s definitely written for grownups.

“Envy is human, and a degree of competition healthy, but togetherness is a precondition for survival.” (p. 368)

This is a great story about deeply flawed characters. The Opgard brothers are bound not only by blood, but also by crimes. The younger brother, Carl, a victim of sexual abuse, tries to fill that hole by the acquisition of power. Carl‘s younger brother, Roy, has killed to protect the brother he failed in childhood, but seeks redemption.

Quirk of fate that this became available in my library hold list late last week. I, of course, read it right away. It‘s not a great novel, but it kept my interest. I do wish that the big plot twist had been more of a surprise; Harris is a bit heavy handed with the clues. I did enjoy the details about both the titular event, and the descriptions of the setting. I can see how it was attractive as a movie plot, although I haven‘t seen it yet.

I needed something that was immersive and escapist. The first book in Maas‘s Crescent City Series certainly fit the bill (although my wrists hurt from holding it!) we meet Bryce Quinn, part Fae, and the enslaved Angel, Hunt Athalar, both of whom are hiding secrets as they investigate the murder of Bryce‘s friend (shape shifting) Danika.

“To live, to live, knowing that it might vanish tomorrow.”

I have the next in the series on hold. 💜

Ms Pitts has written a great mystery and I highly recommend it to you-all. Set in Queenstown, N.J, a lovingly described community. Evander (Vandy) Myrick, is a fascinating, flawed and sometimes annoying main character; in short, she‘s real. As a Private Detective, she‘s investigating the murder of the mayor‘s daughter-in-law and uncovering corruption along the way. The ending is a thrill ride. I hope this is the first in a series.

Unfortunately, this is not one of Hoag‘s best efforts. The first third was slow and kind of fractured. The novel picks up speed, becoming more interesting as it goes along. Set in Louisiana, with a good sense of place and intriguing dialogue. Detective Annie Broussard, and her husband Nick Fourcade work interconnected cases linked to past actions of long term residents of their town.

An immersive, and very entertaining read. Set in Paris during the years just before and during WWI, magic is threatened by the darkness at the heart of a man, Terreur. Fantastic characters and a brilliantly drawn Paris. We are also transported to Russia, meeting Anastasia, and her doomed brother. Rasputin is another embodiment of evil. Not surprisingly, love is a powerful antidote to the world‘s ills. I loved this novel!

A rambling story that could maybe have been a short story, but Todd writes beautifully. The author gives us a story of damaged people who are trying to find their way while the St. John Comet tracks across the skies over Jericho, a town in Australia. We meet Sylvia, whose “1st death” was in a horrific auto accident. We meet Theo, who discovered the comet and is weirdly interested in Sylvia and Joseph who seeks dangerous meaning in the comet.

Mackay‘s novel gives us a completely relatable profile of marriage struggling to find its footing as the couple gives up the pursuits that first brought them together. That what Hazel (Haze) and Fox are giving up is murder, is kind of beside the point. Fox is trying to create a safe world for their child. Hazel agrees, but struggles to define herself in a world without the violence that fueled her art. A great read, and the ending is pure fun!

First entry in the Chicago Mystery, and it promises to be a great series. The primary character, Cass Raines used to be a cop. She left after being involved in a shooting caused by an incompetent cop who escalated what should have been the arrest of a teenager. Now she‘s a PI, and in this story she‘s seeking the killer of a priest who cared for her when she lost her mother. Good story, great characters. Well worth reading.

When I started this novel, I kept looking for the Thursday Mystery Club characters but that didn‘t last long. In this new series, Osman has given us new characters who are very different, yet every bit as interesting. Amy Wheeler is a bodyguard. Steven Wheeler is her father-in-law and a retired cop. Rosie D‘Antonio is an author who needs protection. Together, they‘re trying to find a serial killer. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I broke my cardinal rule about bailing on books where there are almost no characters that are likable. I‘m also not a fan of reality shows, the central plot in this somewhat flawed novel. There aren‘t any surprises here. The author telegraphs what‘s happening throughout. But, Ware is playing around with Dame Christie‘s “And Then There were None” and that‘s fun. Anyway, Eight people are taken to a seemingly tropical paradise, only three survive.

Dragons, a reluctant exterminator with a hidden power, a king & queen who love their princess, dragons, a king who wants his prince made in his image, dragons, an evil wizard, dragons, a quest, and more dragons. What‘s not to like?

Beagle has given us another charming story. I recommend it to everyone, but particularly those, who like me, are consumed by Resistance! It will gladden your heart, calm your mind, and encourage your spirit.

I‘m a Grossman fan, so I looked forward to this “Novel of King Arthur” (the subtitle.) The novel is strongest when the author sticks to the storytelling. Bright Sword is weakest when Grossman descends into the snarky asides that worked in the Magicians series, but don‘t work here.

Set when Camelot is in decline after the disastrous grail quest, Lancelot‘s betrayal and Arthur‘s death the remaining knights drive to define the new Britain.

More dragons, less romance, fantastic action; I enjoyed it much more than Fourth Wing. I liked the device she used in the last part of the book allowing us to see the battle through different eyes, each in a separate short chapter. The cliffhanger ending clearly means there‘s another book coming.

I didn‘t love this novel, but I did finish. It‘s an interesting premise: telling the stories of several intertwined lives revolving around the Westbury Park mental hospital. The story of William Tapping, a mysterious man who lived, seemingly imprisoned by his aunts, is the strongest thread. The love affair between Helen and Gil is the weakest. Generally, the book could have used a talented editor and an understanding that less is often more.

An interesting historical mystery that presents a fairly superficial view of the challenges faced by LGBTQ people in late 19th Century Chicago. Harriet Morrow has been hired as the first female detective of the Prescott Agency and tasked with locating, Agnes, a missing maid. She meets the fascinating Pearl Bartlett, encounters the Polish community, and is attracted to Barbara Wozniak. First in a series. I hope later books are stronger.

This quick read was a hoot; first in a series. Our primary character, Kathy Valence, works for Secure Collection, Yielding and Transportation of Human Essences (SCYTHE) in the Department of Natural Causes. SCYTHE has privatized bringing the souls of the dead for “processing.” A murdered teen whose soul may be lost, a shady research organization, Kathy‘s pregnancy and her charming ex combine into a madcap adventure. You‘ll laugh a lot.

Beautifully written, and thoroughly researched this novel, set in 1914 , is an engaging, and often horrifying read. Ms Winn tells the story of boys from an English boarding school as they encounter the horrors of WWI. Henry Gaunt, one of the primary characters welcomes enlistment to flee his growing feelings for Sydney Elwood, one his classmates who later also enlists. Their love story is fraught, but ultimately beautiful. Don‘t miss this book.

The Pentecost & Parker stories just keep getting better and better. In Spotswood‘s latest, Lillian and Will are investigating the death of Vera Bodine. Along the way they flush out Nazi‘s, a real estate scheme, and conniving lawyers. Along the way we get to know more about the women‘s backstories, particularly Lillian. Ending on a cliff-hanger, we hope for vengeance against the dastardly Quincannon. Can‘t wait for the next in the series!

This is the first Sparks & Bainbridge mystery that I‘ve read, so I was playing catch-up with the characters. That aside, it was a very enjoyable read. Set in postwar London, the titular characters are trying tie a new crime to an old series of robberies. The plot is pleasingly complicated, the history well drawn and the characters are interesting. The only bad news is that I now have a new back list to read, but I‘m looking forward to them.

I‘m a Murakami fan, but I just could not get into this story. Bailing, but I may try it again when I‘m feeling smarter.

In the third book in Barker‘s Women of Troy series, we are given the story of Agamemnon‘s return to Mycenae. We know what will happen, but Barker provides us with an excellent retelling, setting up a story of revenge that picks up speed as we read. Baker writes beautifully, but I did take exception to her decision to use modern idioms and phrases. What she might gain in attracting younger readers, costs her a feeling of power in an ancient tale.

I don‘t know whether the story telling has changed, or whether my tastes have changed, but the latest Jack Reacher novel fell flat. Written by the senior Child and his younger brother, the novel follows the usual formula: Jack challenged by and besting bad guys, accompanied by, in this case, a comely female cop. The crimes are muddy, and although I finished the book, I wondered why.

I‘ve been a Reacher fan, so I‘ll try again, but reluctantly.

Martha Ballard is an 18th Century midwife living in Hallowell, Maine. Lawhon has written a fictional account of a harrowing winter in the life of Mrs. Ballard, a real woman known to us through her diary and a Pulitzer winning biography. The novel is driven on its‘ arc through the account of a horrific rape and Martha‘s quest for justice for the female victim.

Exceptionally researched, and well written. The characters will be hard to forget.

There are flaws in this debut novel, notably the wackiness of the fast paced “all is revealed” ending. Its power lies in the forceful condemnation of colonialism that Britain cannot free itself from, even in a time traveling future. A clever premise, worth reading.

“In this sense, the predicament of the expats was unique. But the rhythms of loss and asylum, exodus and loss and loneliness, toll like floods across human history.” p. 271

It is so satisfying to revisit characters crafted by an author that you‘ve read for years. They‘re so familiar; like spending time with old friends. In Cornwell‘s latest, Kay Scarpetta is investigating the death of an old flame who was apparently dropped from a UPA into an abandoned theme park. All the usual folk are helping: Marino, Lucy and Benton. The archenemy, back from the grave, Carrie Gretchen threatens. An enjoyable read.

The second entry in the “Monster Hunter” series finds cryptozoologist Morgan Hunter in Wisconsin‘s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest following reports of Bigfoot sightings. As a trained scientist she‘s skeptical, but something‘s out there, and there are mysterious deaths. I missed the humor of her first, but this is infinitely readable.

BTW, the National Forrest, that serves as the setting, is real, gorgeous, and well worth a visit!

Our protagonist, Cassie Andrews, is given a book by a dear friend, that opens doors to any place, and time she can imagine. Unfortunately, super baddies are stealing other magic books, including her‘s.

A book about identity, love, and life‘s challenges. The writing is a bit kludgy, with flashes of brilliance.

“Someone once told me that you can‘t change the past, you can only create the present you live in.” (p. 248)

Another great gothic from Harrow. Starling House is a living entity, sheltering monsters initially created by Eleanor Starling, and born out of her fear. The house has lured and killed successive guardians. Arthur is determined to break the curse and die killing the monsters. Opal, who lost her mother to the curse, is inescapably drawn to the House and wants to save Arthur. Explores, very well, concepts of addiction to fear and ideals. Great read.

Judge Dee and Lao She team to investigate the murders of Chinese members of a tontine. Set in London, 1924. An interesting premise; comic book like. A quick read, at times charming, but the writing is, hampered by the collaboration between the idea person, John Shen Yen Nee, and the wordsmith, Rosen. The fight scenes choreographed by yet another person.

First in what they say will be a series. There‘s promise here, so I‘ll read the next.

Usually I‘m not a big reader of romances, but throw in vampires, a tournament held by the goddess of death that grants to it‘s winner their heart‘s desire, a human protagonist competing at the behest of her adoptive vampiric father, and a vampire partner from the opposing clan and you can sign me up. The human is a bit too clueless, albeit fierce. Her partner, whose physique is endlessly described, is a good guy, until he‘s not. 1st in series.

After an accident when he was a young man, Mike Brink develops a savant syndrome that allows him to see interlocking patterns, making it possible for him to solve impossible puzzles. Every twelve years, since the Meiji Restoration, puzzle masters have attempted to open the Dragon Box, providing access to the treasure within.; all have died in the attempt. Now it‘s Mike‘s turn. Reminiscent of works of Dan Brown, although not as tautly written. Fun!

From the first pages of this incredible novel, the place is primary; the wonderful characters, chronicled across the ages, are defined by their relationship to this tract. For some it is an Eden, for some an escape, for others an opportunity, or a land to be exploited. Some find it a prison that allows no escape. The catamount hunts, ghosts attack interlopers or find solace within its confines. The story is magnificent, the writing sings. Wow!

I am a big fan of Paul Doiron‘s mysteries featuring Mike Bowditch. Bowditch is a Maine game warden whose deep commitment to justice, and penchant for trouble are combined to yield great stories. Here, he pursues a murderous man and his daughter into Canada. In fine twists, we come to understand that nothing is as it seems. His father-in-law, Charley and pilot Jo Johnson accompany Mike on the first leg of this great chase. Don‘t miss this thriller!

Ragnar Jónasson has given us a well crafted mystery that pays homage to Dame Agatha Christie. Told in two time frames. Helgi Reykdal is working on a criminology masters thesis, taking as his subject two 1983 murders of medical professionals working in a decommissioned TB sanitarium. He‘s not interested in solving the mystery, but eventually does. His home life is filled with violence at the hands of his wife. A fascinating character and story.

Marginalized by society and family, Lady Augusta and Lady Julia Colebrook, judged spinsters, seek meaning and purpose. Augusta (Gus) is bolder than her sister, but Julia can hold her own. In separate chapters, they embark on quests to protect or rescue woman who have been preyed upon by men. Along the way they become powerful, and may find love. Set in Regency England and well researched, it was a great read to counter the election results.