A word to the wise, don’t read this book alone at night. I made the grave mistake of reading it while my husband was out of town and had to call him in the middle of the night so he could talk me off the ledge. Parts of this book really gave me the heebie jeebies – especially the cemetery shootout scene. Come to think of it, this book is a good cautionary tale for staying away from cemeteries after sundown – and to sign up for a self-defense class. It’s a scary world, and I shudder at the thought of real-life Scarabs roaming the city streets.
Overall, this book is one heck of a thrill ride that is sure to impress fans of fast-paced mysteries by the likes of Jeff Abbott, Harlan Coben and John Sandford. Hugo Marston is my kind of hero, one who’s willing to rush into a burning building to take down the bad guy – and risk everything to save his friends. This author has the rare ability to make sitting on my cushy couch feel like a heart-pumping chase through creepy Parisian graveyards. (less)
Since I’m a fan of Alice Kimberly’s works, I knew this would be a quality read. And, of course, I was right. I had a lot of fun solving the “Poe Code” and tearing through the pages until the fearless protagonist found the hidden treasure. With a wealth of eclectic characters and fascinating trivia facts about Edgar Allen Poe, it’s a real winner for fans of jigsaw puzzle mysteries.
In addition to solving the “Poe Code” murder mystery, readers are also taken back in time to the events leading up to Jack Shepard’s death. Of course, we only get a little glimpses here and there, and we probably won’t find out whodunit until the end of the series.
Overall, this is a quality read that is sure to win over fans of cozy mysteries! (less)
This book is so incredible; I don’t even know where to begin! I guess I could sta...moreFind the full review on my blog, Chick Lit Café! http://bit.ly/ZkLuWz
This book is so incredible; I don’t even know where to begin! I guess I could start with Samantha. Despite the whole superhuman thing, I think a lot of readers can relate with her struggle to overcome her past. Anyone who has suffered from an abusive upbringing will emphasize with Samantha’s self-doubt and trust issues. I really fell in love with this character because she desperately wants to be a good person, but ghosts from the past kept dragging her back down the rabbit hole.
In addition to an incredibly endearing main character, the author knows how to weave together a tightly-plotted mystery.
I felt like I was right there with Samantha as she stumbled upon bizarre clues – like a petrified dead body in the middle of a museum – and came up with more questions than answers. The momentum kept building – leaving me with no other option but to tear through the pages until I knew San Francisco was safe from a ginormous earthquake. I’ll stop right here before I give anything away. But I will say that she’s dealing with one helluva evil witch who’s willing to wipe out an entire city to get what she wants.
While I’m at it, I should mention the setting. Like Juliet Blackwell, this author uses the San Francisco backdrop to her advantage. I especially loved her descriptions of the spooky circle of trees amid the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Oh and the nighttime rendezvous scene at the Santa Cruz boardwalk totally evoked images of Lost Boys. What is it about carnival rides after dark? There’s something really unsettling about being all alone in an amusement park with the dead eyes of carousel horses staring back at you. (less)
This is another win for Lauren Clark. What I love about this author is that I know she's going to strum my heartstrings and make me swoon over a sweet...moreThis is another win for Lauren Clark. What I love about this author is that I know she's going to strum my heartstrings and make me swoon over a sweet budding romance. If you're looking for a beach read that will make you wax nostalgic about your childhood summers by the lake, download this book immediately!
I got swept away by the gorgeous upstate New York setting. The descriptions of watercolor sunsets amid the Catskill Mountains, the sweet-smelling woods, the outdoor picnics - it all just makes me want to pack up my Hello Kitty suitcase and head out to the Adirondacks.
As for the characters, I really felt a connection with Grace. Throughout her journey, she's forced to go outside her comfort zone and come to terms with some serious resentment issues. Considering that families like the Waltons and the Bradies are an urban myth, I think a lot of readers will relate with her problems. I certainly did!
There's nothing I'd rather do on a cold wintery night than to curl up with an atmospheric Gothic ghost story. So you can imagine my excitement when a...moreThere's nothing I'd rather do on a cold wintery night than to curl up with an atmospheric Gothic ghost story. So you can imagine my excitement when a rep from Penguin offered me a copy of this dark and tragic ghost tale set in post-WWI England. Although I'm not familiar with this author, I had a hunch that she would earn a spot right next to Barbara Michaels in my dirty dozen of top Gothic mystery writers!
if you're a fan of supernatural historical mysteries, this one's a surefire winner! The scorching romantic tension, the complex characters, the plot twists - everything about it is spot on.
The biggest selling point, however, is the setting. This author has a talent for transporting a reader into England's lush and misty coast - the perfect setting for a chilling ghost tale. As I lost myself in her lyrical descriptions, I could practically smell the sea salt and hear the waves crashing against the jagged cliffs.
This isn't just a tale of ghosts and mystery; it's also a journey of self-discovery. As Jillian delves into the legends and lore of Rothewell, she also stumbles upon some life-altering family secrets. I loved watching her grow from a self-conscious, sheltered bookworm into a fearless crime-solving sleuth. I'm really hoping I'll get to see more of her in the future. There's plenty of opportunity for a sequel, so fingers crossed! (less)
Authors like Joshilyn Jackson are the reason why I love, love, love Southern fiction. Her books (typically involving crazy-ass mothers and emotionally...moreAuthors like Joshilyn Jackson are the reason why I love, love, love Southern fiction. Her books (typically involving crazy-ass mothers and emotionally scarred women) are gritty, powerful and downright gut-wrenching. After reading Backseat Saints, I needed to know more about Rose Mae Lolley’s backstory – and boy did this book deliver! Although Rose Mae is only a side character in this novel, I get to learn more about her psychotic high school sweetheart, and how he met his end. The story revolves around Arlene, a highly complex woman who promised God that she would never lie, have sex or return to her hometown in Alabama. But when her aunt pressures her to attend her uncle’s retirement party, she gives in and reluctantly brings her boyfriend, Burr, along for the ride. As Arlene reneges on her promises, her big, bad secret starts to creep out from under the kudzu. Woo doggie – this is one whirlwind of a ride! I’m so glad I listened to this on audio because the production is fan-freaking-tastic! The narrator fully embraced Arlene’s emotional turmoil – and the subtle music during the suspense scenes really added a nice touch. I’m not from the South, but I’m willing to bet my biscuits that the narrator’s Southern drawl is authentic.(less)
Christine Bacon is a 40-something school teacher who is obsessed with deadly diseases. No sneeze, bump, itch or cough goes undetected – and her doctor...moreChristine Bacon is a 40-something school teacher who is obsessed with deadly diseases. No sneeze, bump, itch or cough goes undetected – and her doctors are making a pretty penny off of her weekly visits. Geez – this poor woman must have to take out a second mortgage just to afford all those co-pays!
Her anxiety goes into overdrive when her husband insists on “shaking things up” by having a threesome with his boobaliscious message therapist. Shortly after the ill-fated tryst, her marriage to Richard (preferably known as Dick) quickly unravels into shreds. Let me tell ya, this guy pissed me off from page one – and I couldn’t wait for him to run off with his new bimbo. He’s the ultimate midlife crisis cliché: divorce the faithful wife, kick her while she’s down, ignore the kids, and sport a boy-band hairstyle. He’s pretty much a douchebag with a capital D, and I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book so I could revel in Christine’s sweet revenge.
As Christine embarks on the stages of grief, she convinces herself that every stress-related ailment is symptomatic of a fatal disease. From MS, to ear cancer to HIV, she’s certain she will inevitably die a slow, painful death.
But it’s not all gloom and doom for our hapless hypochondriac. She’s got a fabulous circle of friends to talk her off the ledge. I absolutely adored her schoolteacher friends who helped her get through her darkest days. They never gave up on helping her through her “I’m going to die!” episodes, which is a real testament of friendship. Christine also has the perfect gay boyfriend, who just so happens to be a doctor. He’s amused by her endearingly neurotic fascination with deadly illnesses, and their conversations are quite hilarious.
Aside from the loveable protagonist, the book’s biggest strong suit is the humor. This author clearly has a quirky personality – and it shows in the whip-smart dialogue and Christine’s zany antics. There were some moments that had me shaking with laughter, especially when Christine flips out on a student for not complimenting her post-divorce haircut. It’s one of the many scenes that only a girl would truly understand and appreciate. Oh and I also really loved the part where she threw herself a pity party by dramatically taking out the trash (a mandatory husband chore) in front of her sympathetic neighbors.
Overall, this little indie book is quite a gem. Although Christine’s neurosis is a tad extreme, many of the emotions she deals with will resonate with women readers. Whether you’re divorced, single or happily married – this book will make you laugh, cry and hug your best friend.
Boo Murphy, the leading lady in "Swam Whisperer," is by far one of the most unique protagonists I've come across in crime fiction. She's cranky, obsti...moreBoo Murphy, the leading lady in "Swam Whisperer," is by far one of the most unique protagonists I've come across in crime fiction. She's cranky, obstinate, and full of piss and vinegar! She's completely insufferable, but when you peel back the layers, it's hard not to find a soft spot in your heart for this overgrown tomboy.
The mystery begins when Boo paddles out into the alligator-infested bayou and finds an Atakapa-Ishak brushwood hut. Considering that the Native American tribe of alleged cannibals disappeared from the Texas and Louisiana coastal regions centuries ago, it's downright impossible for a hut to still remain standing.
To prove she's not going senile, she grabs her prissy cousin Sasha and heads back out into the murky water in search of the hut. After a boating mishap, they seek refuge in a spooky cabin, where they stumble upon a ghostly apparition and find a frightened woman trapped underneath a dead body.
After a thorough interrogation, the woman reveals that she's a part of a covert anthropological project. Under the guise of research, an egotistical professor and a group of scholars are recreating the site of an Atakapa-Ishak village. Is this legitimate scientific research, or a self-serving treasure hunt? Good thing Boo was able to pocket that mysterious map from the dead man's cabin.
Things get complicated when Boo's beloved hound and cousin go missing. Someone knows she has the map - and Boo needs to piece together the clues to rescue her loved ones and save the sacred silver mine from desecration. With some help from an ethereal spirit within the swamp, she finds the strength and courage to track down the killer...and learns a bit about herself in the process.
I'll stop right here before I give too much away. If you're into atmospheric whodunits, I implore you to read this book! What I really love about this author is her knack for character development. Through Boo's grumbling self-dialogue, readers can feel her strong bond with nature and emphasize with her resistance to love and be loved. Oh how I love Boo! We don't get many heroines like this one in crime fiction - or any other genre for that matter - but we should. Though this is a Sidra Smart mystery, this is really Boo's time to shine. But don't fret; the book sporadically touches on Sidra's misadventures as she road trips with her eccentric aunt to Santa Fe for a wedding. I won't give too much away, but I will tell you there's ghosts involved!
If you've never read a Sylvia Dickey Smith book, this one will draw you into the fold. Her love of Southeast Texas comes through in her luscious descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells of the swamp. At times I began to wonder if perhaps she might be a swamp whisperer herself! (less)
This is a fun, fast read that is sure to entertain fans of Sophie Kinsella (Shopaholic series) and Helen Fielding (Bridget Jone’s Diary). Hannah’s hil...moreThis is a fun, fast read that is sure to entertain fans of Sophie Kinsella (Shopaholic series) and Helen Fielding (Bridget Jone’s Diary). Hannah’s hilarious inner dialogue and many awkward moments had me giggling throughout the book. If you’re looking for something light and amusing, check this one out. Hop over to Chick Lit Cafe for the full review!
Overall, this book is a fun little beach read that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotional turmoil. The romance is entertaining, but what r...moreOverall, this book is a fun little beach read that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotional turmoil. The romance is entertaining, but what really makes the book special is Marlo. Considering our society’s obsession with all things digital, it’s refreshing to come across a character who lives in her own whimsical world of retro pop culture.
Nancy Scrofano certainly has some writing chops, and I’m interested to see what she’ll come up with next! Fans of Emily Giffin and Jane Green are sure to enjoy this charming story about a quirky woman reaching a crossroads in life.
Mesmerizing. Heart wrenching. Poetic. These are just a few words that tumble forth when I think of this book. There's a lot of really good women's fic...moreMesmerizing. Heart wrenching. Poetic. These are just a few words that tumble forth when I think of this book. There's a lot of really good women's fiction writers out there, but Joshilyn Jackson is in a league of her own. This is going to sound really dramatic, but it's almost magical how she describe thoughts, feelings and subtle gestures in a seamless lyrical flow. She's the kind of writer who immerses herself completely into her characters, bringing them to life in a very unique way. She did a stellar job creating a narrative for each of the three generations of women. I don't know how she managed to get inside the head of a stroke victim, describing the struggle to find words and memories. This book is nothing short of spectacular. The last chapter is sheer poetry. Well done, Miss Jackson! Want to discover more amazing authors? Check out my book blog, Chick Lit Café! http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/(less)
Once again Hannah Jayne delivers a tightly-plotted mystery jam-packed with humor, hijinks and off-the-wall characters. She does a fine job keeping the...moreOnce again Hannah Jayne delivers a tightly-plotted mystery jam-packed with humor, hijinks and off-the-wall characters. She does a fine job keeping the pace and tying all the plot threads together in the final pages. Fans of Juliet Blackwell, Charlaine Harris and Victoria Laurie can’t go wrong with a Hannah Jayne mystery. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into Sophie’s next big adventure!
Overall Barefoot Girls is a captivating story about forgiveness, new beginnings and the everlasting bond between women. At 400+ pages it’s a little on...moreOverall Barefoot Girls is a captivating story about forgiveness, new beginnings and the everlasting bond between women. At 400+ pages it’s a little on the long side, but once you get into it you won’t want to leave the idyllic little summer getaway. Through the author’s prose, you can practically smell the salty air and feel the sand beneath your toes. If you’re looking for a sweet escape, this book will do the trick!
Why I chose this book: It’s summertime, so what could be better than soaking up the rays on my hot-pink beach towel with a romantic beach read? I real...moreWhy I chose this book: It’s summertime, so what could be better than soaking up the rays on my hot-pink beach towel with a romantic beach read? I really enjoyed living vicariously in the St. Regis presidential suite, drinking the fruity cocktails, digging my toes in the soft sand, and riding along the Pacific Coast Highway in a sweet Bentley!
What I liked most: The ending. I was preparing myself for a predictable conclusion, but the author threw a major curve ball. Amanda’s got another big journey ahead of her – and I’m hoping there’s going to be a sequel!
Why it’s unique: Come to think of it, most of the books I read don’t involve obscenely rich protagonists. Mostly, they’re career girls, struggling journalists and amateur sleuths. So this book was kind of a departure from the norm. Some may say that it’s too vapid and decadent, but I say lighten up people! I enjoyed reading about Amanda’s fairytale life with two glamorous parents in a posh San Francisco mansion. I certainly am not a “lifestyle of the rich and famous” kind of girl, but I do think it’s amusing to read about that world
Dystopian fantasies or other grim variations of doomsday fiction have absolutely no appeal to me whatsoever. So when all my friends and bookish cyber...moreDystopian fantasies or other grim variations of doomsday fiction have absolutely no appeal to me whatsoever. So when all my friends and bookish cyber buddies pleaded with me to read the Hunger Games, I stubbornly held my ground. There’s no way I could enjoy a dystopian action-adventure story set in the ruins of what used to be North America, right? Wrong! My curiosity finally got the best of me – and before I knew it I was sucked into Suzanne Collins’ mesmerizing world of warriors, gamemakers, mutations and tender teenage romance.
Go to my blog Chick Lit Cafe to read my top five reasons for loving The Hunger Ganmes! http://bit.ly/Hz6Wbu(less)
History buffs are sure to be enthralled by the author’s well-researched depictions of the post-Titanic sinking aftermath. Romance fans, however, are l...moreHistory buffs are sure to be enthralled by the author’s well-researched depictions of the post-Titanic sinking aftermath. Romance fans, however, are likely to be rather disappointed by the conventional love story. I do have to hand it to the author for planting some deep thoughts in my head. This book will really make you think about human instincts, and how our actions during a fight-or-flight situation can define who we are and what we stand for. If we make the wrong life-altering decision under duress, can we learn to live with ourselves?
Cathy Lubenski, a veteran reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, is all too familiar with the sad state of journalism. Her main character, Bertie M...moreCathy Lubenski, a veteran reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, is all too familiar with the sad state of journalism. Her main character, Bertie Mallowan also happens to be a journalist for a Southern California daily, and is struggling to stay afloat in a rapidly shrinking industry.
Much like Lacey Smithsonian (the crackerjack fashion reporter in the Crimes of Fashions mysteries), Bertie has a passion for hard news, but she’s stuck writing fluff. But just when she couldn’t bear to write one more piece about overpriced home décor, she stumbles upon a mystery that could put her back on the front page.
This is a fun and engaging character-driven read. This talented new author proves her understanding of women’s relationships with a style that’s both...moreThis is a fun and engaging character-driven read. This talented new author proves her understanding of women’s relationships with a style that’s both snappy and heartfelt. Women will absolutely recognize themselves and their friendships on the pages. Fans of Emily Griffin, Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green will enjoy this introspective, sharply realistic and tenderly humorous novel. Don’t get comfortable because you won’t be able to put it down!
I just love this series. It has everything I love: mystery, ghosties, sassy slueths and romance! I sure would love to join Abbie and Candace's PI team...moreI just love this series. It has everything I love: mystery, ghosties, sassy slueths and romance! I sure would love to join Abbie and Candace's PI team. They're a hoot! Harrison really spiced things up. For some reason I kept picturing him as Eric from True Blood. Meow! Now that Abbie is Austin bound, I HAVE to dive into the next book! (less)
Outrage. Disgust. Shame. These are all words that tumble forth when I think about the cruel treatment of blacks back in the early 1960s. But then I ge...moreOutrage. Disgust. Shame. These are all words that tumble forth when I think about the cruel treatment of blacks back in the early 1960s. But then I get to thinking….what would I have been like back then? Would I have kept company with people like Elizabeth Leefolt, a narcissistic society lady who treated blacks like disease-ridden vermin? I shudder to think that I would have been a member of Hilly Holbrook’s mean girl club (aka the Junior League), which focused on inventing new ways of exploiting and demeaning their black maids.
They say you can never come home again, but for Catherine Grace Cline, that’s perfectly okay. Restless and bored of small-town life, she spends her da...moreThey say you can never come home again, but for Catherine Grace Cline, that’s perfectly okay. Restless and bored of small-town life, she spends her days plotting her great escape out of Ringgold, Georgia. Every Saturday afternoon, she sits with her best friend outside the DQ licking a Dilly Bar and daydreaming about her new life in the big city of Atlanta. When her dream finally becomes a reality, tragedy brings her back home. Shortly after her arrival, she discovers an earth-shattering betrayal and must find it within herself to forgive the ones she holds most dear. Brimming with sentiments of love, redemption and perseverence, this book had me reaching for the Kleenex and made me want to hug my daddy. I know, I’m a total sap. If you’re into books by authors like Billie Letts or Fannie Flagg, you’re bound to enjoy this sweet Southern yarn.
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