On McPig's Radar - Butcherbird

 

Butcherbird

by Cassie Hart

Something is drawing Jena Benedict’s family to darkness. Her mother, father, brother and baby sister are killed in a barn fire, and Grandmother Rose banishes Jena from the farm. Now, twenty years on, Rose is dying, and Jena returns home wanting answers about what really happened on the night of the fire and why she was sent away.

Will, Rose’s live-in caregiver, has similar questions. He hunts for the supernatural, and he knows something sinister lurks in the Benedict homestead. Together, Jena and Will unearth the mysteries around a skull, a pocket-watch, a tale of the Dark Man and a tiding of magpies. And in doing so, they set loose an evil entity determined to destroy Rose and her whole clan.

Full of tension and psychological thrills, Butcherbird is a novel about uncovering truths and unshackling guilt. 

Expected publication 31 Aug 2021

Dial A for Aunties - Book Review

 

Dial A for Aunties (Aunties #1)

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

What is it about:

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is accidentally shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working, at an island resort on the California coastline. It’s the biggest job yet for their family wedding business—“Don’t leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!”—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie’s perfect buttercream cake flowers.

But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy’s great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend?

What did I think of it:

This is an awesome read!

I was hooked from the start and had to keep reading to see what trouble Meddy and her mother and aunts would land in next. This is a hilarious and fun story and I snorted several times while reading.

Meddy's mother and aunts totally steal the show, but Meddy herself is a fun character as well. At the start of the book there are a few chapters with flashbacks into Meddy's past interspersed with the present, so you learn about her history with her college love.

There was one plot twist I saw coming, but with a book like this that doesn't matter as it is the weird situations and the bickering aunties that are most important to enjoy this very entertaining read.

This is apparently going to be a Netflix movie and you bet I'll be watching it. I'll also keep an eye out for the next book, because I need more.

Why should you read it:

Meddling aunties to the rescue! It's fun and very enjoyable.

buy from amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - Six Crimson Cranes

I'm not so sure if this book is going to be for me. There's one character I fear will play a big role that I really don't care about. But we will see...

"Demons of Tambu," I cursed. "My brothers are going to be so angry with me. And Father..."

(page 42, Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim)

buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

House of Salt and Sorrows - Book Review

 

House of Salt and Sorrows

by Erin A. Craig

What is it about:

In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.

What did I think of it:

This is a retelling of the fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses. 

I very much enjoyed this read, it was intriguing with a slight creep factor. In my opinion the author could have dialed up the creep a bit more. I saw a lot of potential as the house is by the sea, and the family crest is an octopus. This is used a bit, but I wanted more.

I also think the author should have included fantastical and supernatural elements more consistently. Now it felt a bit off, with the story being semi realistic in large parts of the book, and then suddenly fantastical at times the story needed it.

Those points aside I had a good time with this book. I liked the heroine and rooted for her. There was a bit of love triangly stuff going on and some instalove, but overall this was an engaging read that kept me reading.

I will keep an eye out for other books by this author.

Why should you read it:

It's an intriguing and entertaining YA Fairytale retelling.  

buy from amazon

Dead Before Dying - Book Review (repost)

 

Dead Before Dying (Shadow Valley Manor #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
In this supernatural thriller, shot through with biting wit, Maureen Keslyn checks herself in to Shadow Valley Manor to recuperate and rehabilitate from her last job. There, she runs afoul of the stern director and makes friends with some of the other residents, mostly older, all harboring either a secret or a grudge. With secrets of her own, like why she has her own Federal Agent checking up on her, and how she injured herself in the first place, Maureen fits right in, even as she sticks out like a thorn.

But Shadow Valley isn't just for rest. Maureen is working undercover, seeking to find and eradicate whatever forces are picking off the residents (and staff) at a grisly clip. With her resources dwindling one death at a time, and unnatural forces seething to rise up once more, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil and her only chance at surviving it.

She'll need people as paranoid as she is from the sheriff, to the undertaker's daughter, to a cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it if she is going to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...

What did I think of it:
I love Kerry Schafer's The Between books, so when I heard about this new series I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is an amazing read!

I loved Maureen from the start and once I read the first few pages I almost couldn't put it down. If not for the fact I had appointments to keep, I would have finished this book in one sitting, it's that engaging.

Maureen meets some really cool people, and some rather nasty people as well, but all were interesting. As one death after another happens I was totally invested in Maureen and her unlikely allies getting to the truth of things.

The writing and story are fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. There's also lots of humor to keep you entertained as well. I reached the ending of this book much too soon in my opinion. I want to read much, much more about Maureen.

Why should you read it:
It's a witty and awesome Supernatural Thriller.


Buy from Amazon

On McPig's Wishlist - The Witch Collector

 

The Witch Collector (The Witch Walker Trilogy #1)

by Charissa Weaks

The Witch Collector comes every Harvest Moon. He's never late. Until now.

Raina Bloodgood...

Eight years ago, the Witch Collector stole her sister. Ever since, Raina has wanted one thing: her family, together and free. Now she longs for something more: the Frost King and his Witch Collector. Dead. And today, she’ll make her wish come true.

The Wirth Collector...

Every autumn, Alexus Thibault travels from Winterhold to select a witch from each village for the Frost King’s service. This time he rides to collect Raina Bloodgood, a young woman whose face he cannot forget, and whose secrets could save them all.

The Battle of Temptation...

Thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and buried gods, Raina must abandon vengeance and join Alexus in a quest to save the Frost King, or let their world be destroyed. But when the lines between good and evil blur, how can she fulfill her vow—to kill the Witch Collector—when he’s no longer the man who stole her sister, but the hero who’s stealing her heart?

Expected publication: November 2nd 2021

Seven Kinds of Hell - Book Review (repost)

Seven Kinds of Hell (Fangborn #1)
by Dana Cameron

What is it about:
When archaeologist Zoe Miller's cousin is abducted by a vicious Russian kidnapper, she must come to grips with a haunting secret. Unknown to even her closest friends, Zoe is not entirely human. She's a werewolf and a daughter of the "Fangborn," a hidden race of werewolves, vampires, and oracles.

Zoe's attempt to rescue her cousin leads her on a quest for artifacts—including Pandora's Box, an object of world-ending power. With the fate of humanity in the balance, Zoe will be forced to renew family ties and pit her own supernatural abilities against a dark and nefarious foe.

At once captivation, deftly worded, and character-rich Seven Kinds of Hell expands vampire legend and werewolf noir in both intensity and charismatic bite.

What did I think of it:
I will confess I totally bought this book for the gorgeous cover, but luckily it turned out to be a pretty cool read as well.

From the first chapter I was intrigued by Zoe and her life. She grew up outside of the Fangborn community and has lots to learn about herself and others like her. Even though this trope has been used lots of times before, Cameron manages to make it work and she had me hooked from the start.

The story is action-packed and leads from America to London, Berlin and even further. I really liked the mythology that was used and loved how Cameron weaved this mythology into the story in a natural way.

I didn't really get into the romance storyline, I will admit. I think it's because the love interest is introduced after I already started to like another male character and I was disappointed I once again rooted for the wrong guy. But that's very personal, so I think other readers won't have the same problem.

Romance aside I loved this story and I am more than curious to see what happens next for Zoe. I will certainly keep an eye out for the next book.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy read. 

buy from Amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - House of Salt and Sorrows

 

Camille bristled, clearly not backing down. "Imagine how we feel. We're the ones in danger of dying off, long before that baby is born."

(page 102, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig)

buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

A Song for a New Day - Book Review

 

A Song for a New Day

by Sarah Pinsker 

What is it about:

In the Before, when the government didn't prohibit large public gatherings, Luce Cannon was on top of the world. One of her songs had just taken off and she was on her way to becoming a star. Now, in the After, terror attacks and deadly viruses have led the government to ban concerts, and Luce's connection to the world—her music, her purpose—is closed off forever. She does what she has to do: she performs in illegal concerts to a small but passionate community, always evading the law.

Rosemary Laws barely remembers the Before times. She spends her days in Hoodspace, helping customers order all of their goods online for drone delivery—no physical contact with humans needed. By lucky chance, she finds a new job and a new calling: discover amazing musicians and bring their concerts to everyone via virtual reality. The only catch is that she'll have to do something she's never done before and go out in public. Find the illegal concerts and bring musicians into the limelight they deserve. But when she sees how the world could actually be, that won’t be enough.

What did I think of it:

This is a book that is hard to give a totally fair review. I read this while in my city the numbers of Covid cases were drastically rising (making it the hot spot of our country) because people were flaunting the rules. So reading about people who are painted as heroic rebels because they flaunt rules put in place for the health of everyone was... problematic.

(To be fair: this would probably have bothered me even in my Before, as I have always been one of the few people who would advocate for sick people to stay home! instead of going into work sick and infecting everyone around them.)

Anyway: this book was written before Covid times, and Pinsker (although still showing a lack of concern for the health of everyone) probably couldn't imagine something as serious as Covid actually happening. So I did my best to not let this part of the story influence my verdict on this book too much. 

All that aside this was a really cool story. The story switches between Luce and Rosemary. The first couple of chapters for Luce start in the Before and lead into the situation the world finally ends up in, while Rosemary's chapters are in the Now of this book. After a while their timelines fall together as well as their lives.

I liked both of them, but could understand Rosemary just a little bit more than Luce. Luce seemed to be selfish at times. Rosemary was more thoughtful and when she makes mistakes she tries hard to make up for them.

Health concerns aside I loved the worldbuilding and the overall atmosphere of this story. There are some really serious issues tackled in this story that make you think even after finishing the book. If the world state in the After had come to be by any other event than a super virus I would have been totally on board with Luce and her friends. Overall this is an amazing read though, and it will end up on my keeper shelves. And I'll keep an eye out for more by Pinsker for sure!

Why should you read it:

 It's a really cool near future read

buy from amazon

We Are Satellites - Book Review

 

We Are Satellites

by Sarah Pinsker 

What is it about:

Everybody's getting one.

Val and Julie just want what's best for their kids, David and Sophie. So when teenage son David comes home one day asking for a Pilot, a new brain implant to help with school, they reluctantly agree. This is the future, after all.

Soon, Julie feels mounting pressure at work to get a Pilot to keep pace with her colleagues, leaving Val and Sophie part of the shrinking minority of people without the device.

Before long, the implications are clear, for the family and society: get a Pilot or get left behind. With government subsidies and no downside, why would anyone refuse? And how do you stop a technology once it's everywhere? Those are the questions Sophie and her anti-Pilot movement rise up to answer, even if it puts them up against the Pilot's powerful manufacturer and pits Sophie against the people she loves most.

What did I think of it:

After reading several short stories by Sarah Pinsker I decided to give one of her novels a try.

And this is a seriously good read!

The build-up of the story is slow paced, but in a good way. You slowly learn about the family that is at the heart of this story and about how the Pilot, a new brain implant, is affecting their lives. Through them you learn the benefits and the dangers of this this new gadget, and how each of them handles this new technology.

The story switches between the four of them and it was interesting to see how each of them thinks and what is important for each of them. And even the viewpoint of the character I disliked was interesting to read. I was hooked from the start and loved seeing the events unfold. There are several time jumps, but these are done well, so you don't feel pulled out of the narrative.

This story might be futuristic, but it is very critical of our society today. Not in a finger pointing, in your face way, but it's there and it challenges you to think. The use of societal problems that are present today and attaching them to this new technology also made the story feel scarily real.

All in all this is a thought provoking and engaging read. Sarah Pinsker definitely made it onto my favorites shelves with this book.

Why should you read it:

It's a though provoking futuristic read.

buy from amazon

On McPig's Wishlist - A Season of Sinister Dreams

 

A Season of Sinister Dreams

by Tracy Banghart

Annalise may be cousin to the prince, but her past isn’t what she claims, and she possesses a magic so powerful it takes all her strength to control it. Evra is a country girl, and has watched as each friend and family member came into their own magic, while hers remains dormant. But everything changes after Annalise loses control of herself and Evra begins experiencing the debilitating visions of a once-in-a-generation clairvoyant meant to serve the crown.

Thrown together at court, Evra and Annalise find that they have the same goal: to protect their kingdom from the powerful men who are slowly destroying it. But neither is quick to trust the other — Evra’s visions suggest a threat to royal rule, and Annalise worries that her darkest secrets will be revealed. Their magic at odds, the young women circle each other, until the truth must come out.

Full of intrigue, romance, and shocking twists, this gorgeously immersive fantasy will keep readers spellbound until the very last page.

buy from amazon

Teasing on a Wednesday - A Song for a New Day

 

If nobody was coming to save me, I'd have to figure out a way to save myself. If I was lucky, I could do the same for some other people along the way.

(page 96, A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker)

buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Pandora's Orphans - Release Day Book Review

 

Pandora's Orphans: A Fangborn Collection

by Dana Cameron

What is it about:

The Fangborn are werewolves, vampires, and oracles dedicated to protecting humanity. Known as “Pandora’s Orphans,” the Fangborn Family is the hope that was left behind when evil was released into the world. Through the millennia, they’ve tracked and fought that evil in secret.

Since 2008, and the publication of “The Night Things Changed,” ten award-winning tales of the Fangborn have been published in best-selling anthologies and magazines. They are collected here for the first time, with an all-new adventure, never before published.

What did I think of it:

I've been a fan of Dana Cameron's work ever since reading Seven Kinds of Hell, the first novel in the Fangborn series. But it has been difficult to get hold of all the shorter stories and novellas, as buying all the different anthologies and magazines isn't always an option. So you bet I jumped on the chance to read an early copy of this collection of Fangborn stories.

And this is such a great collection.

There are stories featuring Gerry and Claudia, the brother and sister who are also characters in the novels, but other stories as well. There were a few historical stories, a Sherlockian story among them, and even one about Zoe's parents ( the lead character of the Fangborn novels)

I totally enjoyed each and every last story. Some gave new insights, some were just really intense, and others brought some laughs as well. I loved rereading the ones I knew, and gobbled up the new-to-me ones. 

When I finished this book I wanted to reread the novels to stay in this exciting and intriguing world just a little longer. And I'll definitely get the print book for my collection. I can advice this book to everyone who loves the series, and to everyone who's unfamiliar with the series, but is looking for a new world and new characters to fall in love with.

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read.

buy from amazon

Dead Before Dinner - Book Review

 

Dead Before Dinner (Shadow Valley Manor #3)

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

Veteran paranormal investigator Maureen Keslyn never asked for life to be easy-for her, nothing is more invigorating than hunting down and ending a dangerous paranormal adversary. Fortunately, life at Shadow Valley Manor tends to be a little more...interesting...than the experience at your average retirement community.

Right now, though, even she has to admit that things are getting out of hand. The bizarre murder of one of her elderly residents is only the beginning. How is she supposed to focus on tracking down the killer when there's a spider loving middle-schooler underfoot? Worse, she's acquired an unwelcome roommate-an elderly woman with dementia and a penchant for walking through walls.

Maureen is ever resourceful, but the death count keeps rising despite her best efforts and the help of her team. With the life of a child hanging in the balance, Maureen is forced to take extraordinary measures-but will they be enough? 

What did I think of it:

I've been a big fan of Maureen ever since reading Dead Before Dying, so I was very excited when I heard there would be a book 3. And then I got an ARC from Kerry Schafer!

And what a ride!

Maureen is barely out of prison where she landed after events in the previous book when she has to deal with murder and other serious business. But Maureen might not be the youngest and have a tricky hip, she isn't easily defeated. 

I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to find out what was going on and if Maureen would save the day without too much damage. And anyone taking a good look at the cover of this book, might understand when I tell them this story gave me serious heebee jeebies at times. 

The story changes view between Maureen and one other character, giving you some insides in things happening that Maureen isn't aware of. I loved both viewpoints, although Maureen is totally the hero of the book in my opinion. 

All in all this is an amazing read and you bet I'll get my trotters on the print when I can.

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read with a really cool lead character.

buy from amazon

Bright Familiar - Release Day Book Review

 

Bright Familiar (Bonds of Magic #2)

by Jeffe Kennedy 

What is it about:

He wanted her with consuming passion... and so did the monster within.

Lady Veronica Elal has been freed from her tower—and entered a life of servitude. It doesn’t matter that her wizard master has odd ideas about circumventing Convocation tradition and making their relationship equal. Nic prides herself on her practicality and that means not pretending her marriage is full of hearts and flowers. Besides she understands that, despite her new husband’s idealism, they face obstacles so great the pair of them could be crushed to nothing, even without dashing themselves brainless trying to fight the Convocation.

Lord Gabriel Phel has come this far against impossible odds. He was born with powerful wizard magic, the first in his family in generations. He’s managed to begin the process of reinstating his fallen house. And—having staked his family’s meager fortune to win a familiar to amplify his magic, a highborn daughter to be mother to his children, his lady, and lover—he rescued Nic in a distant land, successfully bringing her home to House Phel. Though she’s cynical about their chances of success, he’s certain they can defy their enemies and flourish. Together.

But, the more Gabriel discovers about working with the fiery Nic, attempting to learn the finer points of wizardry and marriage, the more illicit fantasies plague him. His need for Nic—and the dark cravings she stirs in his black wizard’s heart—grow daily. Though Nic has reconciled herself to being possessed by Gabriel—and indeed yearns for even more from her brooding and reluctant master—creating a new life for herself isn’t easy. Especially when Gabriel seems determined to subvert the foundation of her world. Starting with her father.

What did I think of it:

This is yet another totally awesome read.

Gabriel and Nic have to learn to work together and to trust the other, but it's hard going. Gabriel is not just ready to fight the world, he is fighting himself and his nature as well. Nic on the other hand is so used to keeping to herself she keeps Gabriel at a distance when it would be saver to trust him.

I loved seeing their relationship grow and mature in this book. I was totally invested in them learning to trust each other and themselves, and to learn to work together. 

I also loved seeing Nic taking control of rebuilding House Phel and helping Gabriel take his place as the head of his House. At the same time Gabriel shows Nic where the rules she has lived with for her whole life are wrong and why they should be changed.

The romance is steamy, hot, and delicious! After all the trouble in Dark Wizard they flourish in this book and that was so good to see.

The problems they landed themselves in are far from over though, and even as they start to work together and House Phel grows, you know it's only a matter of time before trouble finds them.

The book ends once again at a satisfying point, but I'm more than eager for the next book to see what's next for them.

Why should you read it:

It's an amazing Dark Fantasy Romance  

Buy Links

Stay or Go - Atlas Fallen

 

So I got the ebook of Atlas Fallen in a Fairyloot box. It sounds like it might be a cool read, but I'm not sure. Anyone read it and can tell me if it's any good? Seems to have gotten a cover change since I got it as well.

Atlas Fallen (Cyber Crown #1)

by Jessica Pierce 

Atlas Fallen features royalty, crime syndicates, robot cage matches, and a fierce-yet-flawed heroine. Fans of YA science fiction will love this stunning debut series that asks: Which is more dangerous—protecting the crown or falling in love?

One space station.

One throne. 

And the girl who holds the key.

Tesla Petrov, daughter of an infamous traitor, no longer lives a life of promise in the Atlas space station's elite flight training program. Stripped of her military rank and banished to the slums, she now scrapes out a brutal existence competing in illegal robot fights for Minko, ruthless leader of the Red Ashes crime syndicate. But when a wrong move costs her a fight—and a fortune—for the crime lord, Tesla knows her days aboard the Atlas are numbered.

Daxton Larose isn't just visiting the station to celebrate the Centennial of the Crown—he's hunting a terrorist threatening to end a century of peace on Earth. To do so, he’ll need someone who knows the station. Someone willing to strike a deal at any cost.

Someone like Tesla. 

But as the hunt for the terrorist threatens to expose secrets from both their pasts—and as their dangerous attraction pulls them together—Tesla and Daxton must fight to protect what they love... or watch it burn.

The Court Magician - Quick Short Story Review

 

The Court Magician

by Sarah Pinsker

What is it about:

A boy gets the chance to become the court magician, but what is he willing to sacrifice for that position and the knowledge it brings?

What did I think of it:

I read this story in 2019 when I was reading for the Hugo's of that year. Back then it was just a blip on my radar among the other short stories, novelettes, and novellas I read. After reading Two Truths and a Lie, and And Then There Were (N-One) I decided to give it another try.

And this story definitely grows on you. 

 I was invested in the boy and the choices he makes, as well as in the unnamed person who is telling the story. I was lured into this dark story and wanted to tell the boy to make different choices, to think!

All in all a dark and clever story. I totally picked up one of Sarah Pinsker's novels after finishing this.

Why should you read it:

It's a clever if dark short story 

buy from Amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - Alias Space

 

When we rejoined the throng, we shot the chef a pair of big, bright public valentines on slow decay, visible to everyone passing by. The chef ran after us with two tulip-shaped bulbs of amaro.

(page 87, Intervention (part of the Alias Space anthology)  by Kelly Robson)

buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Wyoming Trucks, True Love, and the Weather Channel - Book Review

 

Wyoming Trucks, True Love, and the Weather Channel: A Woman's Adventure 

by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:

These essays explore the challenges Jeffe Kennedy has faced as a woman, a Westerner, a father-less daughter, a stepmother, a biologist, and a girl with hair of no specific color. From the book's opening in a cornfield, where Kennedy is searching for the twenty-five-year-old site of the plane crash that killed her father, she seems to be in constant motion. She is the feminist adolescent, ashamed to win a prize in home economics who learns to take joy in her pastry skills. She is the scientist struggling with mortality, the liberal learning to shoot a gun.

What did I think of it:

You probably know by now I'm a total fanpiggy when it comes to Jeffe Kennedy. So it is actually surprising I did not read her first published book sooner. 

This book is a collection of essays in which Jeffe explores several events in her life and her thoughts about it. There's visiting the site of the plane crash that killed her father, remembrances of friendships, the aftermath of a relative being placed into elderly care, and more.

I will confess I love listening to Jeffe's podcast First Cup of Coffee, because of the informal way of how she tells a  story. She does the same in these essays, making them intimate and personal. I felt like she was taking me into her confidence, telling me about these life-changing event and her thoughts about them. I gobbled these essays up and I totally cried about at least one of them.

I can totally recommend this book to anyone who loves great storytelling, and beautiful, touching anecdotes. And if you're a fan of Jeffe Kennedy's other works, this book is a must!

Why should you read it:

It's a wonderful collection of thoughtful essays.

buy from amazon

And Then There Were (N-One) - Book Review

  

And Then There Were (N-One)

by Sarah Pinsker

What is it about:

When physicist Sarah Pinsker is murdered at SarahCon — an interdimensional convention where everyone is Sarah Pinsker from a different alternate timeline — only insurance investigator Sarah Pinsker can solve the case.

What did I think of it:

After reading Two Truths and a Lie I wanted to try more of Pinsker's work. Jeffe pointed me towards this story that was published in Uncanny Magazine.

And what a cool story!

I loved the strange idea of a convention where the same person, but from different timelines/dimensions get together. It was weird, wonderful, and intriguing. Then there's a murder and one of the many Sarah's is asked to solve the murder.

I had to keep reading to see what was going on and if Sarah could solve the murder. There were small clues I picked up on, and I was trying to guess where the story would lead to. It also raised questions: Who would I be if I did things different at that certain point in my life? How different would my life be if I wouldn't have met that certain person? Would I get along with a Sullivan from a different timeline? 

All in all a great read. I'm definitely going to read more by Pinsker.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool and strange story

read it here

.