Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog, page 62

Murder in the Library by Katie Gayle - Book Review

Murder in the Library by Katie Gayle

Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 07th Sep 2022

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

*****

Julia Bird is settling down in Berrywick with Jake, her adorable chocolate-colored lab, and half a dozen chickens. Her routine is set until she discovers another dead body. 

Famous author Vincent Andrews charms the townsfolk during his meet of the next book’s release. The meet and greet is a great success, or so it seems until his body is found in the same library where the event occurred. 

Julia tries not to get involved but can’t help it. She decides to do her bit and help DI Hayley catch the real culprit. As Julia digs further, the truth of Vincent’s real life unravels (with a bunch of lies and contradictions). Can she separate facts from fiction and identify the killer before another dead body turns up? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Julia Bird. 

My Observations: 

The second book in the series can be read as a standalone. It has recurring characters that add to the charm and annoy you by creating new hurdles.  

The book is just the right light (250+ pages) and a quick read. It tends to go this way and that once in a while but gets back on track to keep the momentum going. 

Julia Bird’s character is shaping up very well. She’s investigating more openly now. It’ll be fun to see what happens in the future books. Jake is growing up, too but is as naughty as before (his sloppiness makes him even more adorable). 

I like the relationship strengthening between DI Hayley and Julia. Though I’ll admit I want Hayley to do a little more (even if Julia is the leading sleuth of the series and is not as busy as the detective). 

The case of the writer’s murder was decent, with some twists thrown in and revealed in stages in the last quarter of the book. It wasn’t hard to figure out (which I don’t mind anyway). 

There’s a development in the personal track (the Julia- Sean track), which is quite endearing. I hope there won’t be any clichéd tropes in the coming books. 

To summarize, Murder in the Library is a promising continuation of the series. It’s a light cozy mystery with minimum dangers. Pick it up when you want something quick and easy to read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Jess from Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderintheLibraryJuliaBirdMysteriesBook2 

The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant - Book Review

The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant

Publication Date: 01st Sep 2022

Genre: Historical, Contemporary Women’s Fiction (Dual Timeline)

3 Stars

One Liner: Okayish; could have been better 

*****

Present Day-

Robyn lives with her father in his small apartment, helping him with the map shop. Her life has been the same for seven years when a tragic incident changed her life forever. The discovery of an exquisite map sparks an interest in her. Robyn starts to investigate and find more about the map with her father’s encouragement. Where does it lead her? How does it change her life?

1569-1581- 

Frieda had to flee her home and find safety in London. The Spanish intolerance for anything non-Catholic has destroyed all that she held dear and continues to give her nightmares. When her cartography skills put her in the Queen’s (Elizabeth I) sights, Frieda realizes she is under attack once again. This time, she has more to lose (husband and son) and will do anything to keep them safe. Can she succeed against political power and hate? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of the main characters, Frieda and Robyn. 

What I Like: 

The historical part deals with the Spanish Inquisition (the killing of Protestants across Europe) during the 16th century. It’s a change from the WWII stories. 

The historical setting is well-done. The descriptions feel a bit overdone at times, but they paint a clear picture. 

The scenes where Frieda works on the maps are my favorite. It’s one of the reasons I requested the book. The information about cartography, the tools, and the process is a treat to read. 

What Didn't Work for Me: 

I pretty much have no zero expectations from the contemporary track in dual timelines as most books I read have a strong historical track but a weak contemporary one. This book is no different, except that the historical part also didn’t create as much emotional impact as I expected. 

Frieda suffers from PTSD, and her entire story is woven around it. It feels too much after a while, especially with the Spanish Ambassador threatening her multiple times. The relationship between Frieda and others just doesn’t feel authentic. In fact, Frieda’s character appears half-removed from the setting except when she is creating maps. 

The contemporary track is boring. Robyn’s loss should have made me feel more empathetic. Sadly, it doesn’t. That aside, her investigation proceeds with minimum hiccups. Everything happens with ease. Even the roadblocks aren’t frustrating enough. 

There are a couple of random scenes that seem paranormal. I like paranormal stuff, but not when it doesn’t blend with the main narrative or appears out of nowhere and vanishes again. 

The climax is decent, but even that is easy. Despite the plot being set in an intense period, the story feels a bit too light. Intensity is missing almost throughout (except in the Prologue, which is very well done). 

To summarize, The Mapmaker's Daughter could have been a great read but didn’t meet my expectations. It’s an okay read, with cartography being the highlight. I’m a minority (right now), so others might like it more than I did. Read 5-star reviews before deciding. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley 

A Natural History of Mermaids by Emily Hawkins - Book Review

A Natural History of Mermaids by Emily Hawkins, Jessica Roux (Illustrations)

Publication Date: 6th Sep 2022

Genre: Children's Books 

4.5 Stars

I love it! 

In 1880, The British Society of Natural Sciences received a letter from a mysterious lady scientist, Darcy Delamare, about her adventurous trip and the discovery of mermaids. Darcy Delamare sailed aboard the HMS Challenger as Daniel Dawson (in disguise because men didn’t like women in the field of science) in December 1872. This book contains her notes and observations about the scientific voyage and mermaids from around the world. 

A Natural History of Mermaids is what I’d call an encyclopedia of mermaids. Darcy Delamare starts with a brief history of mermaids in different cultures (Mesopotamia - Oannes, Syria - Atargatis, Greek – Triton, etc.). She goes on to provide information about the types of mer (maids and men) in different regions (from the Arctic to Tropical and Deepwater). She mentions fake mermaid sightings and captures as well. 

Do you know: 

• There are mer in the Polar Regions, and some look like walrus.  

• Mer has ten types of tails! 

• Mer lay eggs but feed milk to kiddo mers (these littles are the cutest, I tell you). 

• Mers migrate and can sleep when standing. 

• They are friends with sea horses and use hand signs to communicate (they say Namaste to each other!). 

• Mer communication might sound like a song (and, no, they sure don’t sing songs to lure sailors). 

• Ocean forests, mangroves, reefs, etc., provide great camouflage for mer. They need it, too, considering the risk. 

And guess what? The mermaid from Hindu and Thai epics of Ramayana is also mentioned. We call her Suvarchala, a sea maiden (rather a huge fish). The stories of her and Hanuman ji are varied (quite common), but yes, we know her. :) 

The illustrations are fantastic. If they look so so good in an electronic copy, I can imagine how marvelous they would be in a hard copy. Sigh! Mer come in all shapes, sizes, and colors (literally). I like that the mermaids have covering on their chest, be it seaweed, shells, or just hair. The mer tails sparkle on some pages. I could stare at the illustrations for hours and not feel the least bit inclined to close the book. 

I had to reduce 0.5 stars because of the font size. Seriously, publishers, please spare our eyes. Tiny font means I had to change the layout and enlarge it, which makes it difficult to scroll. I’m not sure how the font will be in the physical copy. The book dimensions need to be fairly big for kids to read without squinting at the page. 

The information can be overwhelming if you read the book in one go. Spread it over a week or more to enjoy the book to its fullest. The bits of dry humor act like perfect seasoning. The book does end on a bittersweet note, a small reminder about the unfairness of society, but, oh, well. 

To sum up, A Natural History of Mermaids is THE book for kids who love mermaids and aquatic life. There’s so much to learn, not just about mer but also about the seas and oceans. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books. 

#ANaturalHistoryofMermaids #NetGalley

***

P.S: There’s no upper age limit for this book. Grab it if you like mermaids. ;) 

Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye - Book Review

Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye

Publication Date: 1st Sep 2022

Genre: YA Romance, Linked Novellas, Low Contemporary Fantasy 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Lighthearted and fun  

*****

Moon Ridge is a delightful small town with 400 years of history. Everyone knows about the Lady of Moon Ridge and her love story. Halloween has a special significance in the town. After all, the Lady of Moon Ridge descends from the stars once every hundred years and walks among the people to help lovers unite at midnight. 

It’s no surprise that the high school students (and many adults) are super excited about Halloween. It’s the hundredth year and time for the mysterious lady ghost to make an appearance. 

The Coven, a trio of mismatched besties- Onny, True, and Ash, have mixed feelings about the special occasion. Onny is excited to find true love using her granny’s love potion. True wants nothing to do with magic. Ash is doubtful if he’ll ever find love (or win it). 

What happens on Halloween party eve? Do the friends get what they want? Can they hope for their deepest wishes to come true? And what’s Halloween without some magic? 

Onny’s Story 

Onny comes from the richest family in the town but is loved by many. She plans her life based on astrology, tarot, and signs from the stars. Ash and True love her enough to indulge in her antics (which are often). She is determined to use the love potion on the guy she sets her eyes on. But things rarely go as planned. 

Her story sets the tone for the rest of the novel. It uses the academia frenemies-to-lovers trope with a third party thrown into the mix. Onny is infuriating but a sweetheart too. 

Ash’s Story 

Asher is an awkward nerdy teen who feels comfortable with art and just two humans, Onny and True. He has a huge crush (turned love) on Cassidy, his neighbor. When a chance incident brings him and Cassidy close enough to talk and spend some time together, can Asher use the chance to win his lady love? 

The story is sweet and predictable (which is the case with this genre). Ash’s love for art comes across very clearly though the ‘love track’ could have been better. Still, it suits the book’s theme and atmosphere. 

True’s Story 

True believes only in science. Magic has no place in her life despite being Onny’s best friend. She’s learned to guard her heart, but meeting Orion at the Halloween party might just change her mind (or her heart). 

This story has insta-love and maximum paranormal activity in the entire book. Makes sense that it would happen to True, right? ;) The story is rather cute, even if I didn’t like the insta-love trope. 

Overall Observations: 

The writing is a bit disjointed in places but a fast read once you stop looking for a seamless transaction between the stories.  

It is a YA book so expect some (a lot) eye-roll moments and dialogues. The Coven is colorful, with each of them having a distinct personality. They act more like early teens, but that’s fine too. They are still teens. 

All stories are pretty light though they do deal with some heavy issues. Don’t look for anything deep. This book is meant to be enjoyed. 

There’s a diverse rep and a cool LBGT couple (who can have a story of their own). 

The magic isn’t really there. The book has very mild bits of paranormal (almost as if ticking off a box). The atmosphere is there but not enough magic except in the last part. It would have been better if the events were more evenly distributed across all three stories. 

I’d have loved it more if the three stories were interwoven into one novel where things happen in parallel. It sure would have helped with character development and pacing. 

To sum up, Three Kisses, One Midnight is a lighthearted read in a cozy setting. It’ll work as a breather between heavy reads as long you don’t think much about the plotlines. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. 

#ThreeKissesOneMidnight #NetGalley

The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan - Book Review

The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan

Publication Date: 18th August 2022

Genre: Family Drama, Literary Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

*****

The Aylward women of Nenagh, Tipperary, will always support each other. Their conversations might seem otherwise, but their house is a safe haven from the brutal outside world. 

Mary Nana, Eileen, and Saoirse lead a happy life despite everything. Who cares for troubles when you can laugh them off after a dose of drama? The story starts with Saoirse’s birth and takes us through her life’s journey as a child, teen, and woman of the Aylward family. 

Set in the rural estate of Tipperary in Ireland, the book comes in a disjointed stream of consciousness from the limited third-person POV of Saoirse. 

My Observations: 

I didn’t know what to expect, but this book sure was different. The writing style is raw, disjointed, and semi-stream of consciousness narrative. There are no quotes for dialogues. Everything is lumped into the same paragraph. I got used to the style soon enough. It suited the characters. 

The character arcs revealed themselves as the story progressed. The main ladies had distinct personalities yet were similar in many ways. 

Being literary fiction, the pacing was slow and determined to stay that way. The writing was evocative without being lyrical or heavy. 

The heaviness came from the storyline and the characters. Still, it didn’t get overwhelming at any point. 

The chapter titles were a treat. They gave clear hints about what would happen in just a word. I began guessing the plot would go based on the chapter titles (and, no, this is not a mystery book). 

What didn’t work for me was the shift in focus in the second half and the lack of focus on the title. Sure, the title was used multiple times in the book, but the impact wasn’t there. 

There was liberal use of the F-word. While I don’t mind it, I did skim through them when it got too much. 

The book belonged to Saoirse mostly, and the title belonged to her mother, Eileen. It seemed as if the book shifted focus at one point, though it came back towards the end. 

The story takes place from 1982 to the late 1990s or early 2000s. Yet, it has a strong historical feel throughout (even when mobile phones were used). Since I like historical fiction, it worked well for me. 

The ending was rather intriguing and cool. I loved it. It’s not until then that I realized what the phrase, ‘their story begins at an end and ends at a beginning,’ in the blurb meant. 

To summarize, The Queen of Dirt Island is the story of three strong women who decided to live their lives on their terms and love each other no matter what. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and Doubleday, for the eARC. 

#TheQueenofDirtIsland #NetGalley

*****

TW: Violence, Suicide, Hints of Sexual Assault, Infidelity  

What She Found by Robert Dugoni - Book Review

What She Found by Robert Dugoni

Series: Tracy Crosswhite #9 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 23rd Aug 2022

Genre: Police Procedural, Mystery/ Thriller 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Tracy Crosswhite is working on cold cases, trying to bring closure to grieving families in whichever way possible. Anita Childress contacts Tracy to find out more about her missing mother, Lisa Childress, who disappeared when Anita was two.

Lisa Childress was a start reporter working on explosive cases twenty-five years ago. She leaves home one night to meet a source and vanishes. Her husband, Larry Childress, becomes the prime suspect, though there is no proof. Anita is tired of the speculations and the cloud hanging over their heads. She was to move on. 

Tracy realizes there’s too much to do when she goes through Lisa’s notes. The reporter was working on four potential exposes involving big names and a serial killer. As Tracy digs deeper, things start to make more sense. However, it also puts her in a difficult position. It’s not just about helping Anita but a tough fight for justice that can bring to the light the biggest scandal ever. 

The story comes in the limited-third person POV of Tracy Crosswhite. 

My Observations: 

I jumped right in by starting with this one. It’s the ninth in the series but works very well as a standalone. A wee bit of it reminded me of In Death series by JD Robb (police procedurals will have common elements). 

This book is a bit dialogue heavy as Tracy talks to many people, and some have a lot to say. It’s not action-intensive, though I can’t say if that’s common in the series or if this book is an exception. 

The book has a decent pace (though it dips in the middle and picks up in the second half). The threads come together well, and we can connect the dots before it is revealed. 

Tracy’s family life (husband and a sixteen-month-old) blends well with her profession. It’s not easy, and Tracy has to make a few compromises. 

The prologue is perfect. The story depends on it. There’s an epilogue, which answers some questions and raises a few more. It is the launch pad for the next in the series (I’ll read it).

The ending is anti-climatic and feels like a deflated balloon. I’m a little disappointed, but I see why it’s done. The case itself is such that quick action wouldn’t be possible. 

I know I missed most of the dynamics between Tracy and others in the previous books. However, it’s easy to go with the flow. The characters are well-etched and do their job. 

To sum up, What She Found is an entertaining police procedural without high voltage action but a well-done plot. Grab it when you want something less intense yet engaging. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #WhatSheFound

The Key to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles - book Review

The Key to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

Series: Heaven’s Cove #4 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 19th Aug 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, Small Towns

4 Stars 

One Liner: A sweet continuation to the series 

*****

Nessa Paulson is down on her luck big time. She has nowhere to go, and the temporary stay at Rosie’s Driftwood is not an ideal solution. Grieving the loss of her grandmother, Nessa has to deal with the lack of a job, home, and just about everything. How on earth can she take care of her five-year-old girl, Lily? An unexpected discovery seems like the only solution, no matter how farfetched or difficult. 

Gabriel Gantwich is in Heaven’s Cover on serious business. He has to complete the formalities for his father’s company to clear the land and start building apartments/ houses on Surreal Cove. It shouldn’t even be a problem, but it turns out to be one when Nessa is standing in his way. Her only chance at having a home collides with Gabriel’s business. 

It doesn’t help that Valerie, Nessa’s ex-MIL is a boon and bane of her life. What does one say to a woman who refuses to acknowledge the truth? 

What happens to Surreal Cove and the cottage? Can Nessa hope for a better future? Can Gabriel understand his weariness with life and decide what he wants the most? 

The story comes from the limited-third person POV of Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie. 

My Observations: 

I’ve been following the series from book one and love the setting. Though this book doesn’t many recurring characters, it is still a part of Heaven’s Cove. In fact, I see the stories getting better as the series progresses. 

The characters are well-etched. Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie have vital roles. Each of them has a steady character arc. I love the idea of giving Valerie her own POV. It makes the story much more impactful. 

Family dynamics and relationships are the major themes of the book. Nessa and Gabriel (in fact, even Valerie) are dealing with family issues in different ways. How they react and respond to the developments affects them and others. 

I miss the friendly and nosy characters from Heaven’s Cove. The previous characters do make an appearance, but somehow, it doesn’t feel enough. 

I love happy endings, so this is a treat to read. The history of Surreal Cove is used well, though the prologue seems wasted in the overall storyline. 

Lily is a sweetheart and a typical five-year-old. I wish she had a wee bit more space in the book. Cute kids are a treat to read about. 

To sum up, The Key to the Last House Before the Sea is a heartwarming story about determination, family, relationships, and doing what makes one happy. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#TheKeytotheLastHouseBeforetheSeaHeavensCoveBook4 #NetGalley

The Girl From Jonestown by Sharon Maas - Book Review

The Girl From Jonestown by Sharon Maas

Genre: Social Drama, Dark Fiction (Inspired by a True Story)

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

****

The Girl from Jonestown is based on Jonestown or The Peoples Temple Agricultural Project, where many innocents followed a maniac and committed mass suicide. Lucy realizes what she’s gotten into by joining the project. She is desperate for help and asks Zoe to help her. 

Zoe Quint is a freelance journalist fighting demons of her own. She’s at her Uncle’s place in Guyana after traveling for three years. Lucy fires up Zoe’s instincts. Zoe starts to find out more despite people asking her not to bother. The more she digs, the murkier it gets. 

Zoe knows she has to help Lucy and plans ways to enter Jonestown. But things aren’t as easy as they seem. Can Zoe save Lucy and many others trapped in Jonestown? Is Zoe going to be too late? Can she save herself, at least? After all, Jim Jones doesn’t like his plans being messed with. 

The story comes from Zoe’s POV, with Lucy’s POV interwoven into the narrative.  

My Observations: 

I knew a little about Jim Jones and the mass suicide (massacre). This book caught my attention because I wanted to read fiction before I read non-fiction about the same. 

I also expected a slow-paced story with loads of triggers and got it right. It is dark without being gory but is not an easy read. 

The story took its own sweet time to unfold, and I did lose my patience with Zoe’s personal track taking up more space than the core theme. Still, it continued to be a compelling read. 

The setting was vivid and easy to picturize. I could see Guyana, its people, and the forest. 

I loved Lucy and Moria’s character arcs. They were on the opposite ends of the spectrum and had distinct personalities. I wished they had more to do in the story. This book has too much of Zoe and not enough of those from Jonestown. 

Zoe was going strong until she did the most stupid thing at around 65% of the book. I immediately checked how many pages were left to understand why this had to happen. Yes, I know that certain elements cannot be changed as it was based on a true story. That doesn’t mean a character should go against her character development. This is also where the rating crashed from 4 to 3.5 stars. 

The climax made up for the slow pace, and the final chapter answered the remaining questions, even if it was chunks of dialogue. Still, I liked how the story ended. It kept things rooted. 

The author's note at the end provided what I wanted. She detailed what was real and what was fiction. The blend was very smooth though I wished the book didn’t focus so much on Zoe (pretty much a minority opinion). 

To sum up, The Girl From Jonestown is a fictionized version of a dark and disturbing real-life incident. Pick this up when you’re in the right frame of mind (a bit of prior research would help). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

*****

P.S: The book was previously titled A Home for the Lost. I think it suits the story more. The Girl from Jonestown wouldn’t be that appropriate given Lucy’s share in the book. Oh, well. 

How We Disappear: Novella & Stories by Tara Lynn Masih - Book Review

How We Disappear: Novella & Stories by Tara Lynn Masih

Publication Date: 13th Sep 2022

Genre: Short Stories, Literary Fiction 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Brooding and darkish; introspective without being too heavy

*****

How We Disappear is an anthology of short stories and a novella on the theme of disappearance. It encompasses stories from different regions, communities, and social structures. The writing is evocative without being dramatic. In fact, it seems matter of fact and yet delivers emotions with full force. 

The tone, POV, and narration change from one story to another. Some are in the first person, while some are in the third person. Each story is distinct, though not all make the same impact. 

While the overall theme of disappearances creates a sense of vagueness and haziness, some stories are a little too vague to understand. This is my first book by the author, and I’m totally impressed by her writing style. 

What You Can't See in the Picture: A story about a facial recognitionist and a missing girl with face blindness. A solid start to the book. Introspective police procedural with human emotions and bonding as an underlying theme.

Salt: Too short a story about a woman who chooses to disappear with a lover. 

Fleeting Gravity: Story of Brandy, a mixed race Cree. A melancholic tale about life, loss, acceptance, loneliness, and society. It is sad and peaceful at the same time. 

How Do You Thank a River: A story about a cowboy’s life and the famous Red river in the region. The ending is left open for interpretation. 

Delight: The story of a confectionary maker and a man who claims to be different from others. The hopeful ending might be a bit cliché to some, but it was perfect for me. We need a small ray of hope to keep living. 

Agatha: A Life in Unauthorized Fragments: My absolute favorite! It is Agatha Christie’s life story told in fragments- just like her mystery books. I love it.

Birdman: The story of an American woman’s journey to Belgium to find her father’s grave. It starts slow and reveals the layers in the plot through the woman’s thoughts and actions. A heartwarming story. 

Billy said this really Happened to Lucy: A little girl grieving the death of her mother and a mysterious snake that talks to her. A message about grief, mourning, and letting go. 

In a Sulfate Mist: Finding new love, mayflies, doubts, acceptance, and taking chances. Short yet impactful. 

Those who have Gone: A story about a New York woman who arrives in Arizona looking for a fresh start yet clinging to the past. A vivid story about life, relationships, and trusting oneself to make the right decisions. 

If You had Stopped: A fragment of a community’s life in the second person POV. The woman says it all without saying much. Deep, sad, and defeated acceptance. 

Notes to the World: A story about two different people who don’t meet but have a common point. Set in Russian winter, it is the story of resilience and determination. 

An Aura Surrounds the Night (novella): A bittersweet story of Mercy and Melody. It comes from Mercy’s POV, revealing her family dynamics and her life over the years. The story was a bit confusing as she refers to her parents as mother and father and by their names. It’s not entirely linear. From what I understood, the story takes a sort of U-turn to have an introspective ending. 

To sum up, How We Disappear: Novella & Stories is a collection of darkish, brooding, and melancholic stories with a few hopeful ones added to the mix. I’d love to revisit some of the stories one day in the future. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Press 53, for the eARC.  

#HowWeDisappearStories #NetGalley

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - Book Review

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Publication Date: 23rd August 2022

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance (Witchy Rom-Com) 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: So cute! Entertaining, enjoyable, and sweet 

*****

Mika Moon is a witch and a part of the secret society that meets once every three months. The rules are simple. Stay low, don’t call attention to your witchy magic, and stay away from other witches. 

Mika is used to the rules but yearns to talk about her witching abilities without exposing herself. A social media account seems like a great way to achieve it until she gets an offer to teach three young witches to control and use their magic. 

Nowhere House seems to be overflowing with magic, and Mika slowly realizes it is a home she never had. But she and the people of Nowhere House have to deal with a few issues before thinking about the future. Will Mika risk everything to protect a family she recently got to know? What about her future? 

The story comes in limited third-person POV of Mika (and Jamie). 

My Observations: 

The book has diverse characters, and some of them work well (read my note at the end for more but finish the review first). 

Some characters are basically tropes, but they still come alive on the page. The kiddos, Rosette (10, black), Terracotta (8, Vietnamese), and Altamira (7, Palestinian), are such little cutie pies! Each of them has a definite personality. 

The pacing is steady, though it slips a little in the last part. A lot happens too, but it works out pretty well overall.

Magic is an integral part of the story and blends really well with the setting and atmosphere. 

Mika is a lovely character and easy to root for. 

The attraction between Jamie and Mika is more of a slow burn and suits the storyline. It is a bit predictable, but that’s what this genre is about. The predictability is comforting. 

The book is all cutesy and sweet yet deals with important topics like family, relationships, loneliness, friendships, etc. 

The writing style is easy to read. It is lighthearted and filled with enough quirks to make you chuckle. 

*****

Note: 

I saw some reviewers tagging the book as Indian rep (and a few more relevant tags). Mika is an Indian raised and bought up in Britain by a Britisher. Now Mika is as Indian as Aavakaya is British, which is a big fat zero. 

I have no issues with this because the story justifies it. But Mika is not an ‘Indian’ Indian. It didn’t even occur to me that she was Indian despite the hints strewn in the first half. I imagined her more as a mixed-race Britisher at the most. 

If the Indian rep is important to you, this book doesn’t deliver in that category. But if you just want a super cute witchy story, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. Forget the rep and imagine Mika any way you want. 

*****

To sum up, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a sweet book with loveable characters. It’s a perfect read for a lazy afternoon. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. 

*****

P.S: Aavakaya is a spicy raw mango pickle made in Andhra Pradesh (South India). 

#NetGalley #IrregularWitches