Petrina Binney's Blog, page 17
May 1, 2021
Book Review – Morbidly Obese: Learning to Love the Overweight Vampire by Rick R. Reed (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – Morbidly Obese: Learning to Love the Overweight Vampire by Rick R. Reed
First published, 2021
In Morbidly Obese: Learning to Love the Overweight Vampire, we meet Milton, a vampire with a terrible bloodlust and equally out of control weight problem. During his post-heartbeat life, Milton hasn’t actively sought out a partner and, with his hunger taking up his every thought, he doesn’t think he’ll find one.
It seems almost fateful that Milton finds a flyer for a Morbidly Obese Vampire support group, which is run an awful lot like AA. But what are the chances of a vampire with low self-esteem achieving some form of self-acceptance and meeting a like-minded soul?
A cracking short read. I really enjoyed the writing style and, although a vampire, I felt I knew Milton. If you’re looking for a quirky, thoughtful, quick read, this is for you.
April 30, 2021
Book Review – Nightmare by Hans M. Hirschi (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – Nightmare by Hans M Hirschi
First published, 2015
When our protagonist begins his story, he, his husband, and their young son are fleeing Sweden for their lives. The Russians have begun what amounts to a world war, invading countries all over the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, and it’s simply not safe for a gay couple to exist, much less raise a family, in the face of the oppression coming across the horizon.
As the family gathers their valuables and makes their way into the war zone, debris is flying and, thanks to an unscrupulous but arguably savvy taxi driver, they make it to Germany. But can they get to Jonathan’s homeland of Switzerland or will they be torn apart on the road to freedom?
An amazing story. I went without sleep to finish it, which will teach me an important lesson about starting books at bedtime. The writing was emotionally charged and geopolitically canny, and I really loved the characters.
The ending, which I won’t spoil for you, left me shocked enough to read it back three times. It packs a punch throughout, but Nightmare also has a surprising finish.
April 28, 2021
Book Review – The Tudor Queens: VI, Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife by Alison Weir
Book Review – Six Tudor Queens : VI, Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife by Alison Weir
Expected publication date, 13th May 2021
In this epic and beautifully written book, we learn the life story of the sixth wife of Henry VIII, Katharine Parr. I don’t know about you, but all I knew about her before opening this book was – she survived. Which, given the times she lived in and the man she married, was pretty good going, but I had no idea how much more there was to know.
Katharine Parr was born in 1512, four years before the birth of King Henry’s eldest daughter, Mary. In her thirty-six years of life, she married four times, and survived the machinations of a court, and indeed a nation, that was not quite ready for a woman to make any decisions over her own destiny. At a time of deep religious unrest, Katharine Parr coped with various poignant losses, awkward marriages, a nigh-on endless parade of stepchildren and the heartbreaking difficulties of bearing a child of her own.
The detail in the writing is just astonishing. I was completely enveloped in Katharine’s world. I was delighted by her highs, devastated by her lows, and lived every moment of the narrative.
My heart almost stopped when I realised how young high-born children were when promised to each other in marriage.
“The girls Elizabeth and congratulated her, but Aunt Mary forestalled them, raising her hand. ‘It is to be a double wedding,’ she said. ‘Magdalen, your father has found you a husband too.’
“As her sisters gasped, Magdalen went white. She loved her life at Rye House and Katharine knew that she regarded marriage as something that would happen far off in the future.
“‘Are you struck speechless, child?’ Aunt Mary asked.
“‘I am am-amazed,’ Magdalen stuttered.
“‘Don’t you want to know who the lucky bridegroom is?’ Mother smiled at her.
“‘He is Ralph Lane of Orlingbury in Northamptonshire,’ Aunt Mary said, without waiting for Magdalen to reply. ‘He is fourteen, just a year older than you, and he is set to inherit a fair Manor House with twenty rooms.’
P 16, Chapter Two, Six Tudor Queens: VI, Katharine Parr, The Sixth Queen by Alison Weir
I really should have studied history, but I think I’ve made a good start in finding this series. I’ll be sure to read the rest of them (in order) and return to Katharine as soon as possible.
Wonderful stuff.
April 23, 2021
Book Review – Spine: A Collection of Twisted Tales by Stephen Jenkins
Spine: A Collection of Twisted Tales by Stephen Jenkins
First published, 2015
This spine-chilling collection contains eight stories: each of them, absolutely cracking. I loved this book. The writing is delicate but powerful, the characters three-dimensional and sound, the stories are truly scary and in no way contrived – I expect the echoes to stay with me for some time. The pacing, which is so desperately important in horror stories, was exceptional. I found myself charging ahead, desperate to get to the gore, just to put myself out of my misery, but the writer had such restraint and talent for holding me in place, that every ounce of ghostly gooeyness was played out for all it was worth.
For example:
“Only the twisted, sadist, tormented spirits get left behind. There is no light for them. No Hell. No judgement. There is only the earth, to wallow in their mistakes, their misery, their self-pity.
“But we see them. Every last one of them. And every day we watch them gain strength, power. Hatred. You can run, but they’ll catch you. You can hide, but they will find you. The dead are always near, always watching.”
6%, The Our-Side, Spine: A Collection of Twisted Tales by Stephen Jenkins
My heart near stopped. Excellent stuff. I’ll be sure to look out for more from this author in future.
April 17, 2021
Book Review – Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Trilogy by JL Bryan
Book Review – Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Trilogy by JL Bryan
This collection first published, 2017
Book 1: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
First published, 2014
When Ellie Jordan is called to the Treadwell house, what might have been an ordinary haunting (new family, old house) takes a bone-chilling turn. Mercy Cutledge, murderess and lifelong lunatic has been walking the halls in the night, scaring the Treadwell’s little girl and making a nuisance of herself. So, when Ellie, and paranormal newbie, Stacey, appear with gadgetry aplenty, ready to trap the ghost of Mercy, only Dale Treadwell thinks it’s a waste of time, that children see things and old houses make noises. He certainly doesn’t want to deal with the bill at the end of it all. But no sooner have Ellie and Stacey got a handle on the ghost they’re looking for, they discover that there are more things in heaven and earth, and most of them are in the Treadwell household.
Absolutely compulsive reading. I’m not much for paranormal stories, but I couldn’t leave this one alone. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the honeyed dialect slipped off the page and into my heart. Lots of wry observations and humour in the writing. I especially liked this part:
“‘Are you going to be able to take care of this or not?’ Dale stomped down the stairs, buttoning his shirt over his pale, hairy stomach. He could have started buttoning a little earlier, if you ask me.”
16% in, Chapter Thirteen, Book One, Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Trilogy by JL Bryan
I loved this story, and am so pleased I plumped for the trilogy right from the off. Onwards!
Book 2: Cold Shadows – Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, Book Two
First published, 2014
The adventure continues. Ellie and sidekick Stacey have been called upon to exorcise the ghosts from an old house, packed with heirlooms and old furniture, and a secret history. When Toolie, Gord and their children, Juniper and Crane, moved into the old house, kept in the family for a few years but not much lived in, they had no idea that it came with a full and troubled family of ghosts and a long dormant poltergeist. However, due to teenage thoughtlessness, the poltergeist has been unleashed, and the mad, bad and dangerous to know ghost of abusive husband and father, Isaiah Ridley, is filling the sewing room with dark energy, and scaring the ghostly daylights out of his formerly mischievous, now deathly dangerous sons, Luke and Noah. With wife and mother, Catherine, haunting the backyard and little Eliza probably hiding in a cupboard somewhere, it’s up to Ellie and the team to destroy the poltergeist, release Isaiah’s grip on the house, and save the families, both living and dead.
What a whirlwind. There was a little bit of a reminder of the previous story, nothing repetitive though, more of a ‘Previously, on Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper…’ – which I really liked. The story felt full but not overdone, and the writing remains strong. There were a couple of very difficult scenes involving Crane, the eight year old son, and young ghosts who encourage him to die so he won’t be a chicken, and they can play together forever, but the story was chilling and really well-told.
There was a brilliant scene where Ellie tried to get Noah and Luke, the boy ghosts, to listen to reason, with Stacey in back-up and Jacob, the psychic, interpreting for her:
“’Noah! Luke!’ I snapped, trying to sound as tough and firm as I could manage. I widened the iris of my flashlight and swept it back and forth, chasing away flickering shadows. ’Stay away from us!’
‘Wow, they hate you,’ Jacob told me. ’They look angry now. You can really see their dark and tormented side now.’
‘I’d rather not see that if we can avoid it,’ I said.
‘What about me?’ Stacey asked. ‘Do they hate me?’
‘They’ve barely noticed you’re here,’ Jacob assured her. ‘They aren’t paying any attention to you, don’t worry.’
‘Oh.’ She frowned a little, as if slightly disappointed.’”
55% in, Chapter Fifteen, Book Two, Cold Shadows by JL Bryan
Love it.
Book 3: The Crawling Darkness – Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, Book Three
First published, 2015
“‘Even if you really feel afraid on the inside… act like you’re not afraid. That’s what courage really is, anyway.’ “
78% in, Chapter Ten, The Crawling Darkness by JL Bryan
In The Crawling Darkness, Ellie, Stacey and boss Calvin face the most powerful monster yet: their only real failure and the entity that put Calvin in a wheelchair some years ago. Whatever it is, surely more than ghost and less than demon, a fearfeeder, and it seems to have moved from its original location to a house close by.
The fear feeder takes the form of whatever frightens the observer and it uses that fear for sustenance. Over the course of the story, we meet widowed Alicia and her two young children, Michael, the handsome firefighter and his younger sister, Melissa, the unlikeable Fielding family and the elusive Mr Gray.
Another dramatic instalment in the saga, the writing remains tip-top, often humorous, and the story was complex and intricately plotted. I really enjoyed it.
The complete trilogy can be found here, and it’s free, for goodness’ sake: https://amzn.to/3ggYMiy
There are fourteen books in the series, with the fifteenth planned for publication in 2022. My TBR list is enormous (really, it’s bigger than me) but I think I might have to work my way through the rest of the series before the new one comes out.
April 13, 2021
Book Review – Cherry Kisses: A Lesbian Contemporary Romance Novella by Diana Vale
Book Review – Cherry Kisses: A Lesbian Contemporary Romance Novella (Kirk University, #3) by Diana Vale
First published, 13th April 2021
In Cherry Kisses, we meet chalk-and-cheese pair of students, Nina and Vanessa. Studying in the north, Nina is a philosophy student, finding herself thrown into doubt over her educational direction in her second year; Nessa is a politically active, politics and international relations student.
The two couldn’t be more different but as they get to know each other, an attraction develops which they find hard to ignore. But can the sociologically ambivalent anti-feminist really form a life with the placard-carrying member of every society going? And will Nessa’s almost-criminal ex-girlfriend throw a spanner in the works?
I liked this story from Diana Vale. Having not read the rest of the series, I was struck by how easily I was able to slip into the story. I did struggle with some aspects of their relationship. Being so different, I liked that the women doubted their suitability for each other but, when it came to the furtherance of their intimacy, there was no such doubt. Nor was there much in terms of anticipation, which left the bed-breaking scenes a little lacking. But the story was well-structured and there were some lines that made me giggle.
For example:
“‘What part of London you from?’ she asked.
’South. Croydon.’
‘Okay.’ She nodded slowly. Croydon isn’t known for being a tourist spot.”
Page 7, Chapter One, Nina, Cherry Kisses: A Lesbian Contemporary Romance Novella by Diana Vale
As a Croydon girl, I can attest to this.
I enjoyed the friendship between Nina and Ben, and really liked their scenes together. All in all, a good afternoon read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2021
Book Review – Rules For Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Book Review – Rules For Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
First published, 2020
The story follows Malcolm, proprietor and co-owner of a bookshop specialising in crime and mystery novels, both new and second hand. Right from the get-go, we discover that although he purports to be a great reader of crime and mystery stories, the books that have most appealed to Malcolm over the last few years have been poetry. He has had his fill of mysteries. But of course, he can’t let his customers know that (there’s no need to spoil the illusion) and as such, he skims enough to keep abreast of what’s going on in the mystery world.
The reason for his apathy to his former favourite becomes apparent over the course of the novel, but the main action comes thanks to a blog post Malcolm wrote a few years before the story begins. The post, standard fare in the book-blogging world, is his personal selection of the best murders in fiction. That being, the eight ‘perfect’ murders in literature. But when FBI Agent Gwen Mulvey appears at his bookshop, Malcolm has every reason to feel nervous. Someone has been copying the so-called perfect murders, and the only thing that seems to link the disparate cases is the blog post in which they originated. So, is Malcolm a murderer? Or is the perpetrator trying to frame him?
“I stayed behind the counter and checked the phone for messages – there were none – then logged on to the Old Devils blog, something I rarely did these days, but the visit from Gwen Mulvey made me interested in taking a look. There were 211 total blog entries, the last one entered two months ago. It was called ’Staff Picks’ and it was something I periodically forced Emily and Brandon to do: write two sentences on the last book they’d read and loved. Brandon had picked Lee Child’s last Jack Reacher novel, and Emily had written a quick blurb on Dorothy B. Hughes’s In a Lonely Place. My pick had been Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson. I hadn’t read it, of course, but I’d read enough reviews and summaries to feel as though I had; also, I was fond of the title.”
Page 67, Chapter 7, Rules For Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Wow. I loved this book. A present from my near-as-dammit sisters-in-law, I read it in two days because I couldn’t put it down. The characters were beautifully rendered, the dialogue practically crackled from the page, and I was left second-guessing all the way through. I will not post spoilers because that would do the piece a disservice, but I’ll say this: I may have to read it again before the week is out.
Brilliant.
April 4, 2021
Book Review – Rude Bitches Make Me Tired: Slightly Profane and Entirely Logical Answers To Modern Etiquette Dilemmas by Celia Rivenbark
Rude Bitches Make Me Tired: Slightly Profane and Entirely Logical Answers to Modern Etiquette Dilemmas by Celia Rivenbark
First published, 2013
The title alone called to something in my soul. The book is a no-holds-barred, rip-roaring guide to modern etiquette written by endlessly witty Southern author, Celia Rivenbark.
I loved her use of strong language, which is peppered throughout the text. She doesn’t mince words, which goes a long way with me, and she has genuinely good advice for all kinds of modern problems, from bathroom etiquette to the dangers of talking politics at family events.
The narrative takes the form of anecdotes, whip-smart examples and questions from the uncertain. For example, this response to a teetotal couple who go out to dinner with a pair of other couples (who drink expensive wines) and always get stuck with a third of the bill, despite only ordering chicken cutlets and drinking water only.
“First of all, let the record show that your couple-friends are assholes. Just because you share a driveway with someone doesn’t mean that they should be your dinner companions. And, not to put too fine a point on this, but you and your husband sound like you’d be happier with your own kind. I mean, who the hell goes out to eat and orders a chicken cutlet and water on a Sadday (sic) night? I mean besides Garrison Keillor. For Christ’s sake, it’s Saturday night. Live a little – get the osso bucco. Look it up.
“I’m sorry. I don’t for an instant mean to imply that just because you don’t drink, you’re no fun. I just want to come right out and say it: You’re No Fun.
“Assuming that you really do want to continue this pitiful dinner charade for your own weird reasons (swapping, perhaps?) I will answer your question.
“You’re going to have to speak up. Yes! Crazy and radical, I know! You’re going to actually have to form the sentence in your empty noggin, feel the words in your mouth, and then hear them hang on the air.
“Here’s what you say:
“‘Roscoe and I didn’t have wine, so y’all can split that and leave us out of it.’
“Man, oh man, how I’d love to be a fly on the wall when that happens. Sorry. I was assuming this was a Denny’s, but then I remembered the ‘fine wine’ thing.
“Their jaws will drop and they’ll be shocked that, after many months of sticking you with a third of the fancy wine you didn’t drink, the metaphorical scales have dropped from your eyes. Crappidy-doo-dah. Game over.”
pages 3-4, Chapter One – Check-Splitting: Who Had The Gorgonzola Crumbles and Should We Really Care?, Rude Bitches Make Me Tired by Celia Rivenbark
Read, devoured, loved.
April 2, 2021
Book Review – It’s Only A Movie by Mark Kermode
Book Review – It’s Only A Movie by Mark Kermode
First published, 2010
It is hard to rate a book where the author is candidly so-so about whether he truly remembers what happened in his own life, or if he’s making it up. And yet, as I turned the pages, I found Mark Kermode’s stories and delivery both charming and self-effacing.
I started reading It’s Only A Movie because it was a Christmas present from my godmother who recognises me as (also) a film obsessive. I think most of us read a critique, or watch it on the telly, and that’s that. We’ll make a decision about what we’re going to watch/read/listen to and, whether the critic has helped or not, we’ll make our own decisions, sometimes in defiance of the review. Sometimes, it just so happens that you find a critic who has the same sensibilities as you, and then you know you’ve got an accomplice. You know not to waste your time with… or that ____________ is exactly what you’re looking for.
But that’s where it ends. I don’t think many of us give an awful lot of thought for what happens when a critic slates a film and then runs into one of its stars. I loved the story of how Mr Kermode shrivelled, almost into unbeing, when he was met by the sight of Dame Helen Mirren, wanting an explanation of why he had proclaimed 2006 Stephen Frears movie, The Queen, “not a film”.
I really liked the beginning. The early Kermode, blundering into jobs, exaggerating his experience and making it up as he went along, with varying levels of success, was a hoot.
I loved the stories from Russia. There was something Fawlty-esque about Mr Kermode’s exploits across the former USSR, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once.
Of course, Mr Kermode remembers (as I vaguely do) the time of the video nasties. I now realise that these were likely splatter movies. In my young-enough brain, I’d assumed they were porn. A different sort of splatter. But sensibilities being what they were, are and might well be, I think Mr Kermode delivered a very well thought-through, very profound explanation of censorship and his personal feelings around it.
But the real highlight for me was when Mark first met Linda Blair, star of his favourite film, The Exorcist. There’s something entirely endearing about a grown man, choosing a table that’s far too big for his needs, at a restaurant, and then methodically emptying out the contents of his bag, jacket pockets, whatever, to fill the space while he waits.
March 29, 2021
Book Review – When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister
Book Review – When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister
First published, 2021
The story follows Gigi, a paralegal from Staten Island who suffered a terrible loss as the world watched the cataclysmic events of September 11th. Gigi’s story is told as she drinks wine, smokes, ignores her pizza and watches television in a hotel room, while she thinks about the events that led her to this point in her life.
Having stumbled into a vague acquaintance from the coffee line, Gigi makes her way home to her parents, and new English friend, Harry, proves himself great in a crisis and an all-round good guy.
Years pass, Gigi is a single mother and who should she run into, but the ever-lovely Harry. Thus, they begin their life together which involves relocating, culture shock, the confusion of accents and the difficulty of being a new mother in a strange place. Although their love has lasted, will Gigi be able to forgive Harry for his day-to-day ineptitude, and the lost love he never thought to mention?
I really enjoyed the character of Gigi, and her American friends, the fact that she had to lean so hard on watching The Real Housewives of… series felt like a massive hint that her husband should have picked up on. I got a bit frustrated with Harry but, arguably, he had enough to contend with, balancing his work and family lives.
The writing is astonishing. I was almost in tears by the end of chapter three. There were some lovely observations and a surprising dollop of humour, but all in all, this is a story about love, grief, babies, and loss of self. I think it’s going to stay with me for a very long time.
An amazing debut novel.
