The occasion is the wedding of Julia (Jules) Keegan & Will Slater. She heads and runs a magazine and he’s a reality television star. They’ve invited fThe occasion is the wedding of Julia (Jules) Keegan & Will Slater. She heads and runs a magazine and he’s a reality television star. They’ve invited friends and family to their celebration, a remote island off the coast of Ireland that’s barely inhabited. The cell service is spotty and there’s intermittent electrical outages but everything else about the festivities is lavish. But not everything is harmonious among the guests, the bride and the groom. Told from the perspectives of five of the participants, tension grows over the weekend until someone turns up dead.
I’m a fan of stories told from multiple points of view, especially on audio where multiple narrators are used. This one is ideal to listen to as it heightens the pleasure, especially since all performances were done so well. It’s a deliberately slow burn as each character reveals just a little bit more about her or himself throughout. My opinions of them shifted back and forth with every new morsel of information until even I felt I knew the players intimately. While I deduced the probable scenario, I was never certain of who would meet their demise at the end.
This was a cleverly designed plot with superb character development in an über creepy setting. There were times I didn’t like any of them and formed rash conclusions because I thought I knew the direction. It’s the one time where the journey is the thing because the storytelling enthralls you. There are startling twists and revelations but not the kind that throw you out of the story, more like the missing pieces you didn’t know were misplaced. I enjoyed everything about this book and think it’s best served up in the audio format. One of my friends described it as a mashup of Agatha Christie and Big Little Lies and I couldn’t agree more! 4.5 stars
Even though Qhuinn and Blay are a mated couple living within the Brotherhood mansion, they’ve never gone through the official mating ceremony, nor havEven though Qhuinn and Blay are a mated couple living within the Brotherhood mansion, they’ve never gone through the official mating ceremony, nor have they felt the urge to do so given how beautiful their unofficial one was. But Qhuinn is a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and it’s something they all have done. When he faces a life threatening situation and suffers a tragedy, Qhuinn must confront his painful past and family history in order to embrace an unshackled future.
I’d forgotten how ugly Qhuinn’s family was to him before he found the Brotherhood and just how important Blay was to his mental salvation. The fact that he could forgive his blood brother Luchas for his role in running him away from his family speaks volumes about the man. Their relationship is precious and it was heartwarming to see them together, though heavily laden with guilt and forgiveness. But the real heart of the story belongs to Blay and Qhuinn’s relationship, how they express themselves with each other and are co-parenting Qhuinn’s twins. It doesn’t hurt that they are one of my favorites in the series.
The story begins with an unusual interaction that puzzled me until the end of the story where it all makes sense and ties together. I loved the focus on family and those relationships, even beyond Qhuinn & Blay, though theirs is the most compelling. There are some powerful moments involving Zsadist (Z) and Lassiter, the Fallen Angel and successor to the Scribe Virgin, too. It’s a moving story made even more impactful by the exceptional narration of Jim Frangione whose storytelling skills can’t be overemphasized. He just hits the right tones at the right moments so you capture absolutely everything. I will always listen to this series and enjoyed everything about this story!
Seven years ago, Nancy Harmon fled the west coast and landed in a small Cape Cod town. She wanted to live a solitary life anonymously after having beeSeven years ago, Nancy Harmon fled the west coast and landed in a small Cape Cod town. She wanted to live a solitary life anonymously after having been convicted of killing her two children and later having that conviction overturned on a technicality. She’s now remarried with two children and it’s her birthday, which she doesn’t normally celebrate. Her son and daughter are outside playing when she discovers something that threatens to shatter her world. But, when Nancy goes to bring her children inside, there nowhere to be found.
I knew immediately that suspicion was going to be pointed directly at Nancy. What I loved about the story is that we’re given the answer to this mystery right away, even though we don’t know the why or whom. It’s what made it compelling as there are little clues given to people in the town that on their own don’t seem meaningful but to us? We know it’s relevant and are on the sidelines just praying that someone assembles them and figures this thing out.
My book club selected this as a tribute to the author, who died in January. I recall reading Mary Higgins Clark when I was a young teen and loved her stories but somehow missed this one. This was her debut fiction novel and it doesn’t feel like a first-time effort. I’m also glad I chose to listen to it, and though it was the first audio version (found an old used copy), the narrator delivered an excellent performance. She had my nerves on edge from the very beginning and her pacing was perfect. Lastly, while this was written in 1975, there’s not a thing about it that feels dated. This story is timeless.
Grant McAllister is a retired mathematician living on a remote island in the Mediterranean. Over twenty years ago he wrote a collection of mystery stoGrant McAllister is a retired mathematician living on a remote island in the Mediterranean. Over twenty years ago he wrote a collection of mystery stories and had a meager publishing of them. Julia Hart is an editor representing a small publisher who found a copy of the book and wants to republish the collection. She arranges a meeting and they read and discuss each story methodically, fitting them into his carefully designed mathematical theory of mystery construction.
I don’t want to say much more about the details of the story because it is as cleverly constructed as Grant’s theorem. It took a bit for this slow burn to consume me but when it did, I couldn’t let go. Each story in the collection is presented as if it’s the main one in the book, which initially felt confusing but quickly became something I avidly anticipated. Along the way, I started questioning a lot more than the stories and that was an extremely gradual development.
This is one of the most clever stories I’ve read in a long time and I love clever. It’s also a debut novel by the author and I’ll sign up for the next book he chooses to write and release. I wish I could share more but it would be much too spoilerish. It’s capped with a stunning ending that had me rewinding the audiobook to make certain I’d heard what I heard. And speaking of the audio format, the narrator was outstanding. She was not only responsible for distinctively giving voice to the two main characters but a host of others from the individual stories in the collection, which she handled excellently. This turned out to be a gem in the rough for me.
When Eve Black was 12-years old, her family was murdered by a serial rapist and killer called The Nothing Man. She was the only survivor. It’s been ovWhen Eve Black was 12-years old, her family was murdered by a serial rapist and killer called The Nothing Man. She was the only survivor. It’s been over fifteen years and she’s gathered the courage to write a book about her experience and the other families that were attacked by this man. Jim Doyle is a supermarket security guard who sees the book on the store shelf. He’s keenly interested in it because he was The Nothing Man. He becomes enraged as he reads the book and realizes that Eve is getting closer to figuring out his identity.
I was really worried I’d be underwhelmed by this book because so many of my friends and others raved about it. Well, now I know what all the fuss is about because this was one heck of a listening experience! Every time I started listening to the story it was tough finding a good stopping point. It was a clever decision to have Eve’s point of view delivered through the book as Jim was reading it but in her voice! Even though I suspected the direction it would take towards the end, there was still enough twisty-ness left to keep it fresh.
I loved the narrators who did a fine bit of storytelling. I believed they were Eve and Jim, who was a nasty piece of work. Both are new to me and they’ll tip the scales if I’m ever pondering a book where they are performing. I listen to a lot of thrillers so it was great to experience something this good on every level. The hype was well deserved.
Kate Bishop is an analyst for a Boston investment banking firm. It’s the 1980s so she’s that rare female in a field dominated by ill-behaving men. ButKate Bishop is an analyst for a Boston investment banking firm. It’s the 1980s so she’s that rare female in a field dominated by ill-behaving men. But Kate’s really smart, socially awkward and needing more practice relating to the people she’s analyzing. One evening following work, she joins her colleagues for drinks and gets some much needed advice from the enterprising bartender, Will Talbot. Will is a struggling theater actor and is working part time to support himself. He’s quite taken with the unusual Kate and they slowly drift into a relationship of sorts.
Both Kate and Will are unconventional and I was immediately drawn to these two. Neither believed they were interested in a committed relationship so they failed to even define what they had. Despite her awkwardness in social situations, Kate’s honesty was refreshing and set her apart from most in her business. Will is skilled at all things Shakespearean and uses that as a fallback to express his feelings, which Kate often needs him to translate. As much as they enjoy each other, especially the steam, neither can either acknowledge they’re even dating because of their own personal baggage.
I enjoyed this story, primarily because I liked these two well developed characters. The throwback to the eighties was nostalgic as I recall that era pretty vividly. Fans of Shakespeare will be in their element as references abound. I’m more like Kate, needing translation which thankfully Will provides so I got the opportunity to learn more about some of the plays. I loved the ups and downs of their developing romance and how it seemed to sneak up on both of them. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to listen to the story as both narrators made them seem real and had excellent timing. It’s a delightful story with lots of comedic moments threaded through the serious. This is a lovely start to a new series.
FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is requested to replace a sick ATF agent for an undercover assignment at an isolated militia compound. The request is last FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is requested to replace a sick ATF agent for an undercover assignment at an isolated militia compound. The request is last minute, giving her only 24 hours to prepare and she can’t tell anyone in her personal life any details about what she’s doing. Mercy’s instincts had her turning it down but the ATF made it clear that the group was amassing illegal arms for a secret event and the agency needed to infiltrate quickly. Against her better judgment, Mercy accepts the assignment and joins another undercover ATF agent who is already embedded and waiting for his “girlfriend.” What could go wrong?
For the life of me, I’ll never understand why government agencies and law enforcement give these groups such latitude as they cherry-pick aspects of the constitution and laws they will comply with... or not. Most are dangerous and follow extreme doctrines of a sort, preferring lifestyles that subordinate women at best. This compound was as bad as it could get for women and children so Mercy’s adjustment was problematic from the onset. The tension arose in the story from the moment she entered the group and didn’t ease until Mercy came home. There’s so much that happens in between and connects to Eagle’s Nest but it’s best to get the details on your own. Just know that this was as exciting as any other book in that preceded it and was often terrifying.
I thought this was going to be the final book in the series until I recently learned the author is working on another for release in 2021. It makes a difference as you’re reading, knowing whether or not this ends here or will go forward. Even though there are many elements that feel like the series is concluding, there are also parts that had me wanting to see more and follow what might happen. As usual, Teri Schnaubelt delivered another exceptional narration performance, infusing the right emotions, pacing and character distinctions. I’ll be signing up for the next audio version, too. This was a great story that kept me on edge and breathless. 4.5 stars...more
I’ve been reluctant to read books about Donald Trump because I didn’t think I’d learn anything beyond what I already know. But, I don’t know a lot aboI’ve been reluctant to read books about Donald Trump because I didn’t think I’d learn anything beyond what I already know. But, I don’t know a lot about the Trump family, where he came from. I remember watching The Apprentice years ago, trying to figure out who this guy was because when I lived in Manhattan, he wasn’t a force in the true business community (my professional backyard). It didn’t take long for me to figure out from the show that something was missing from the business acumen. For me, Mary Trump fills in the missing pieces.
Ms. Trump tells the story with precision to complete a psychological profile that finally makes sense. She fills in the blanks where I finally understand his behaviors. A close friend of mine researched Fred Trump, Sr. and has pleaded with me to read his history. I didn’t dismiss his request, just filed it with all of the other stuff I thought I already knew enough about. Well, my friend should feel validated right now because to understand Donald, you have to know his father. He was completely shaped by this man, his creation on every level. That’s not a compliment as it would be if the same was said about me and my own father.
I’m really glad I opted for the audio version as Ms. Trump narrates her own story exceptionally well. In addition to the family dynamics, she provides an astonishing chronicle of exactly how they structured the family business and distribution of Fred’s estate to swindle the state and federal governments. This is more than sour grapes about what Ms. Trump did or didn’t receive. It’s a comprehensive forensic analysis of the financial transactions and structuring. My background in accounting didn’t hurt but it wasn’t necessary to understand what they did.
In summary, I believe this is necessary reading, no matter your political persuasion or thoughts about Ms. Trump. It is telling that, to date, no one from the Trump family has disputed the facts of the book and I now understand why they took extreme measures to block its printing and distribution. It will give you background to decide for yourself the measure of Donald Trump from someone who was there on the inside.
Jack Matheson is a children’s book illustrator with a small menagerie of rescue animals. He’s reached a mental drawing block following a bad break offJack Matheson is a children’s book illustrator with a small menagerie of rescue animals. He’s reached a mental drawing block following a bad break off with his former friend and writing partner, causing him to withdraw and become isolated from friends and family. One morning while walking his pets he suffers a serious fall, breaking his leg in the accident. Not able to do the walking for at least the next six weeks, he signs up with PetShare, an app that pairs pet owners with pet lovers. Simon Burke is a graphic artist who wants a dog but can’t adopt one of his own at the moment. He’s a good person but has difficulty connecting with people, experiencing severe anxiety in social settings and interactions. When he’s matched with Jack, it’s like these two were ideally paired for more than pet sharing.
Jack and Simon are two people broken for much different reasons but share a love for all things animal. Though it takes some time for the two of them to find a way to communicate, when Simon lets Jack in, their relationship begins to soar. I loved how Jack persevered with Simon, showing up differently than most people when confronted with Simon’s paralyzing anxiety. It was lovely how their romance eventually developed and all along the way the dogs and cats were at the center. By the way, one endearing aspect was Jack’s unique approach to naming his fur babies. You’ll laugh everytime they’re mentioned.
I was hoping the pets would be more than just a device in the story and I got my wish! They were an important part of both of these men and instrumental in their spiritual healing. Jack and Simon didn’t have an easy journey, especially when Jack was physically healed and the relationship was forced to transition. I loved their honesty and commitment, even when things got really tough. I opted to listen to the book and loved the narrator from the first sentence! I’ll definitely be drawn to titles where he’s featured. This was a special story with more substance than I had anticipated. I only wish I’d get to see more of these two and their lovable family.
It’s been 23 years since Private Investigator Lance Kruger’s father, Victor, inexplicably disappeared. Rumors swirled over the years about what may haIt’s been 23 years since Private Investigator Lance Kruger’s father, Victor, inexplicably disappeared. Rumors swirled over the years about what may have happened, from running away to escape his issues at home to things more ominous. It’s been a mystery that’s troubled Lance throughout his life as he was only a boy when his father left. Now, his car was located at the bottom of nearby Grey Lake with remains in the trunk. Lance’s worst fear seems to have come to fruition as he and fellow Private Investigator Lincoln Sharp, who was the police detective assigned to Victor’s case at the time, search for answers.
We finally get the resolution to Victor Kruger’s disappearance, which has hovered in the background since Lance was introduced to the Scarlet Falls series and featured here in this one. It didn’t disappoint and lived up to my expectations, actually surpassing them. There are a host of suspects served up, all viable and not gratuitous red herrings. But nothing prepared me for the outcome, which was a delicious twist.
This was an exciting story worthy of the gradual lead up over the last several books. I opted to listen to this series, one of my better decisions as Cris Dukeheart has developed into a great storyteller and keeps the tension high. I got hooked at the prologue and never let go. It’s an excellent story with the most thrilling climax. Be prepared to be surprised.
Attorney Morgan Dane is now working with Sharp Investigations, led by retired policed detective Lincoln Sharp with Lance Kruger, the former policeman,Attorney Morgan Dane is now working with Sharp Investigations, led by retired policed detective Lincoln Sharp with Lance Kruger, the former policeman, as his private investigator. They’re hired by the husband of Chelsea Clark, a woman who went missing a week ago after leaving to meet a girlfriend for a well deserved night out. She’s the mother of a four month old colicky son and a three-year old daughter and those who know her well are adamant that she’d never leave her children willingly. As Morgan and Lance pursue the leads, they unwittingly get in the crosshairs of a dangerous predator who becomes a threat to Morgan and her family.
As with the previous books in this and the related series, the story begins with the crime and the point of view of the abductor and Chelsea so there never is any doubt (for us) that she was forcibly taken. The identity of the abductor isn’t revealed so that’s still a mystery. Morgan continues to distinguish herself as not only a skillful attorney but formidable in being able to handle herself in dangerous and threatening situations. The case went down several chilling tracks that put her and Lance at risk and into some dicey moments. In the meantime, they’re both coming to terms with their deepening feelings for one another as they consider exploring a more serious relationship.
I loved this story as it developed quickly and the pace never let up. There were an array of probable suspects, some more obvious than others but I was still unsure until the reveal. The narrator continues to deliver a solid performance and excels at storytelling. The tension comes early and never seems to let up until the very end. I like that Morgan and Lance’s romance continues to slow burn but now has some sizzle. And, it’s seamlessly integrated into the story without detracting from the mystery or suspense. I’m very much enjoying this series and the audio version.
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett is working in the jungles of Brazil when he gets the call to return to Scarlet Falls as his father’s health has deterioWildlife biologist Mac Barrett is working in the jungles of Brazil when he gets the call to return to Scarlet Falls as his father’s health has deteriorated. He’s attacked before he makes it home but manages to get there despite his serious injuries. However, they take a toll after visiting his father and he has an accident on the way to his cabin, caused by him attempting to avoid the body of a woman in the middle of the road. Rookie Detective Stella Dane comes upon the accident and an unconscious Mac but the body of the woman is gone. Based on his description, she appears to be the missing woman Stella is searching for but she’s unsure whether to trust Mac’s recollection.
Of all the Barrett siblings, Mac is the one who seemed the most opaque and I finally learned why. There’s a lot more to him than I’d imagined, which made this one of the many reasons why I enjoyed this story. One other is the return of Stella Dane who is dealing with the mental repercussions from her involvement in a shootout detailed in the last story. She was a patrol officer and is newly promoted to the detectives rank but suffers from personal doubts and anguish from that debacle. Mac and Stella team up on her current investigation involving the abduction of two women but their personal attraction began when he was last home. I loved how they didn’t pretend it wasn’t there and faced their feelings head on. They were incredibly well matched even though I didn’t see that in the last story. Both are two vulnerable people who don’t shy away way from any of their issues and rely on each other to work through them.
I don’t want to minimize the importance of Stella’s case as it was grim and evil. It was always in the background when it wasn’t the main focus of the moment and what was done to the victims was cruel and insensitive. One more unexpected surprise was the adjustments made by the narrator who abandoned those ridiculous male voices she created in the two earlier books. No distractions at all this time and I actually enjoyed her performance! I’m glad I stuck with the audiobook version because she helped keep the story exciting with great pacing. This was a wonderful end to the series and I’m glad to begin its spinoff, Morgan Dane, set up nicely here.
Hannah Barrett is on a business trip in Las Vegas, having dinner and drinks with her boss and clients at a club on the Strip. As she’s leaving, a younHannah Barrett is on a business trip in Las Vegas, having dinner and drinks with her boss and clients at a club on the Strip. As she’s leaving, a young girl pleads for her help in the parking lot while being chased by a man. She intervenes and things get violent with him escaping, taking the girl but not before crashing Hannah’s car. She’s slightly injured and is sidelined from work for the moment, recuperating in Scarlet Falls. In the meantime, the man she confronted has her purse with all of her data and vows to exact revenge because she did a lot of damage to him, especially his ego.
This was a brutal story involving human trafficking and a lot of violence against women so be forewarned. It’s harrowing but probably is very close to the reality of the crimes. Additionally, the Neanderthal that comes after Hannah brings his psychopathic brother with him to Scarlet Falls and they both leave a stain on the town. In the meantime, Hannah is being helped by Brody McNamara, the detective who helped the family when brother Lee and his wife were murdered. Fearful that the traffickers are coming after her, he keeps a close watch and the attraction that had been brewing develops in full force.
While I enjoyed the story, it’s more mystery & suspense with a romantic element, which I prefer. Hannah and Brody make a great couple but it’s all about the underlying threat of the traffickers from start to finish. She was a formidable character, too, who took care of herself and sometimes Brody! I found it hard to stop listening, despite the narrator’s challenges with the male voices. She tells the story really well but the secondary male voice interpretations were awful. I just powered through those moments because I enjoyed everything else about her performance. I’m really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy....more
Every year, three families gather for the Christmas holidays at a cabin in Utah owned by the Hollis family. They all met in college and their childrenEvery year, three families gather for the Christmas holidays at a cabin in Utah owned by the Hollis family. They all met in college and their children have celebrated together since birth. Maelyn (Mae) Jones, however, isn’t enjoying this year’s festivities. She’s moved back home, hates her job and learned that the Hollis’s plan to sell the cabin. Even worse, in a drunken holidaze moment, she made out with Theo Hollis late the previous night in the mud room. They’re more like siblings and if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s had a hopeless crush on his older brother, Andrew, for years and he witnessed the make out session. On the way to the airport with her family to return home, Mae sees them about to crash. She closes her eyes and when she opens them, she’s on the airplane going back to Utah...back to the beginning of the trip!
If this sounds like Groundhog Day you’d be right but this has a neat twist. There’s a finite number of times this reoccurs but I’ll leave that to your discovery. It’s rather whimsical in approach and the hilarity ensues upon each repeat when Mae knows what’s going to happen leading up to her departure date as she tries to figure out what she needs to do to make it stop. What I loved in addition to the humor is the dynamics of the group. If you could imagine the ideal holiday experience it might look like what these three families have created. It’s not all perfection but the affection they have for each other is undeniable.
I really enjoyed this story and thought the narrator captured the pleasing nature of Mae Jones with all of her wry humor, neuroses and adoration of all things Andrew. Every character was well developed and I felt I knew them intimately by the end of the story. I’m glad I chose the audio version as the storytelling was fun and put me in the spirit of the season. I can always count on these writers to just get everything right.
Kidnapping cases are always awful but this time, it’s much, much worse. DI Kim Stone and her team are handed the case where two nine-year old girls, bKidnapping cases are always awful but this time, it’s much, much worse. DI Kim Stone and her team are handed the case where two nine-year old girls, best friends, were abducted in broad daylight. What makes it even more insidious are the demands of their captors. The parents are pitted against each other to bid for their child. The winning bidders will get their child back; the losing couple will not. It’s a tough case where the clues are spare and tensions are in the stratosphere.
What made this story even more of a nail biter is having the points of view of the abductors. It’s made clear very early on how dangerous and sadistic at least one was and he scared me silly. His tormenting of those children was close to unbearable so of course I couldn’t stop listening until the end. The dynamics between the parents and the team were just as anxiety ridden and Kim is almost at a breaking point.
It’s an outstanding story if you can take the nerve wracking suspense and fear for those children. There are other related issues going on, as if the abduction wasn’t enough and there was a need for more excitement. The narrator, Jan Cramer, continues to deliver great performances and I’ll always listen to this series because of her. At times it seemed to be too much but there’s a wonderful payoff at the end that sneaked up on me, along with some really special and sensitive moments. This is great storytelling.
Detective Inspector (DI) Kim Stone is transferred yet again to another West Midlands police station. This time is Halesowen under the leadership of DeDetective Inspector (DI) Kim Stone is transferred yet again to another West Midlands police station. This time is Halesowen under the leadership of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Woodward. Her style and lack of social norms are responsible for her being dispatched from one station to another. She’s also got a new team who, on the surface, don’t look promising, especially since their first case is not only gruesome but has all the makings of being the work of a serial murderer.
I started this series a couple of years ago and meant to continue but, as usual, got waylaid by others. This prequel was written after more than ten books into the series and now I’m pretty happy I waited as it’s not only an interesting investigation but a remarkable story of the team and its origins. Instead of proceeding into stories involving a well-functioning detective squad, I got the opportunity to meet them at their most vulnerable and infancy as a group. It was equally as, if not more, interesting as the troublesome case they were handed. Each member’s strengths and weaknesses were on display, including DI Stone who is the enigmatic team leader you’re either going to embrace or be annoyed by.
I’m so glad the author decided to tell their early story as I’m now even more excited to continue. The backstories provide an intimate look into each and how they eventually came to trust and work well with each other, among other revelations. The mystery was a puzzler even though it didn’t seem so at first. It kept me engaged and I had a handful of suspects without correctly solving the identity of the killer. Sometimes a prequel written late in the series is best read in published order. In my opinion, this works well as the intro and should be read first before starting as I have a fresh new perspective about the continuing characters and their working dynamics. I chose to listen to it and the narrator was great. She gave each of the characters a voice that felt well suited to the author’s design and was a good storyteller. Highly recommend the book and the audio version. 4.5 stars
Ten years ago, Charlie Savoy took Hollywood by storm and was touted as the great new star destined for greatness along with her talented director, NicTen years ago, Charlie Savoy took Hollywood by storm and was touted as the great new star destined for greatness along with her talented director, Nick Blunt. They made it even spicier by beginning a torrid love affair that flamed out after a year in spectacular fashion, along with their careers. She retreated to Boston where she now owns and operates an art house movie theater. Then she drives her car into the river, getting a court ordered community service assignment to work with Nick during the summer at his Chamberlain Summer Theater in the Berkshires where he’s combining three Shakespeare productions with an apprentice program. What could go wrong?
When we first meet Charlie, it’s directly after her mishap in the river and on her way to court. So, we learn about her mostly from others’ accounts of her history and the discussions she has with Nick as they recall their past experiences. I found both of them intriguing and wanted to know much more about them. What really worked about the story, however, was the window into the theater world. I found the inner workings of the backstage production, training and rehearsal elements fascinating. It’s a unique art and environment where it was obvious the author had either experience or done extensive research.
I liked the story, especially how Shakespearean aspects were woven into the plot. That was cleverly executed and made this a much more layered tale. But, Charlie often came across more like a twenty-something instead of the almost 40-years old she was. She was immature and I found her tedious at times. Her “voice” in the dialogue was too young, this feeling more like a story between two young adults. I listened to the book and enjoyed the narration but it was the dialogue that created the disconnect, not the performer. Despite that issue, I enjoyed seeing Charlie and Nick rediscover their love of theater and each other. The secondary characters are really strong and I was equally invested in their outcomes. There’s a lot to like here. 3.5 stars
Management consultant Leena Cotton has reached a breaking point. It’s been almost a year since her sister Carla died and she’s lost her focus. It tookManagement consultant Leena Cotton has reached a breaking point. It’s been almost a year since her sister Carla died and she’s lost her focus. It took a meltdown during an important presentation for her to take a two-month sabbatical, forced upon her by her company. Her beloved grandmother Eileen invites her to leave London and return to her hometown for a respite and repair her broken relationship with her mother. Once there, Leena helps the recently divorced Eileen set up a dating site profile but realizes pickings are slim in their small Yorkshire town. Eileen comes up with the idea that they switch locations for the next two months. She’ll live with Leena’s flatmates and Leena can stay and assume her responsibilities. They decide to do it and the results are surprising and not without consequence.
One of my very picky international friends (that’s you Inge) raved about this book so I added it to my shelf early while I waited for the US editions to arrive. I also knew I wanted the audio version and I’m so very glad I waited. Two narrators were used for the voices of Leena and Eileen and both were wonderful. Surprisingly, the 79-year old Eileen was the one that captured my heart. She was willing to completely put herself out there after having been dumped by her husband and ended up winning over everyone within her orbit in London. Leena’s journey was rockier as she needed to heal, make peace with her mother and come to terms with her sister’s death. Both women were interesting in their own rights with lots of heart and skills.
There were many laugh out loud moments but the foundation of this story was bolstered by the strength of these two women and a host of well defined secondary characters. Leena may have been a bit damaged but was not down and out. She eventually made her mark in her hometown and regained her equilibrium. Eileen never let her age be an excuse for anything and used the occasion of her husband’s abandonment to embrace a more vibrant life. Both narrators did these characters justice and made a wonderful story even more delightful. I’d expected to be entertained but was unprepared for one of such substance. Another book where I was sad to reach the end.
(P.S. - It’s being developed into a feature film starring The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan!)
Cate Fours and her family are temporarily living in Hampstead, north of London, while their home in Kilburn is being repaired for subsidence. She pickCate Fours and her family are temporarily living in Hampstead, north of London, while their home in Kilburn is being repaired for subsidence. She picked the neighborhood because it was a more grand address and she wanted the experience as insurance was covering the expense. However, one night her daughter Georgia believes she was followed home by a sinister man and there are reports of other assaults having happened in the area. When a young girl named Saffyre Maddox goes missing Valentine’s Day night, Cate goes on high alert because the teen is one of her husband Roan’s former patients. He’s a child psychologist and she was the source behind their recent marital issues. But there were other suspicious characters, including Owen Pick, the odd neighbor across the street who becomes the center focus.
The story begins with part of what happened Valentine’s Day and quickly shifts to events happening before that night. It’s told from Saffyre’s first person point of view as well as Cate’s and Owen’s. It’s a slow build as each comes at this from different perspectives and motivations. Without knowing anything about what would eventually happen, I just followed the flow of the story, immersing myself into each of these characters. By the time Saffyre goes missing, I felt I knew more than the police handling the case.
I found this to be a fascinating story on several levels. While the later focus was on finding Saffyre, most of the story was more character driven so I became more intent on figuring them out. It was also a great illustration as to how most people wear a mask to face the public and what we get to see is that which they wish to show. The real challenge is seeing what lies beneath. I liked the dual presentation of truly knowing the three narrators and seeing how they were perceived. Figuring out the other characters through their lenses was also intriguing. I’m glad I chose to listen to the story as all three narrators delivered great performances and strongly defined Cate, Saffyre and Owen, creating vivid images. I even liked the ending which left me both settled and bothered. It’s typical fare from this author who continues to deliver stories that explore the human condition in the midst of a murky mystery.
Emery Bliss is a Los Angeles television news anchor with a promising career ahead of her. It all changed in an instant when a disgruntled ex-boyfriendEmery Bliss is a Los Angeles television news anchor with a promising career ahead of her. It all changed in an instant when a disgruntled ex-boyfriend uploads a sex video he secretly taped and ruins her professionally and personally. She returns to Silver Springs where she grew up, in retreat and hiding out at Aiyana Turner’s home who graciously offered her help. Christmas is fast approaching and all of Aiyana’s sons will be home for the holidays, the first time she’ll have them in the same town in years. That includes Dallas, a professional mountain climber, who had a crush on Emery back in high school but is a confirmed bachelor because of the demands of his career. However, his decision to help Emery regain her confidence and footing is threatening that choice.
What happened to Emery is called revenge porn (or nonconsensual pornography) and there are laws against that in many states, including California. I appreciated the educational aspect included in this story as so many women are victims of this kind of assault and may be unaware that there is recourse. Dallas focused on Emery standing up for herself, going above and beyond in doing so. He didn’t try to have all the answers, just being that rock when she needed one and getting her to reach out for legal assistance. That aspect of the story was fascinating and was the foundation for their developing relationship. It was a slow burn and needed to be, which suited my sensibilities.
I don’t know what it is about this series but I’m forever hooked and drawn into the stories. Watching Emery stand up for herself and recognizing Dallas’s merits was empowering. There were other issues going on involving Dallas’s biological father, Emery’s parents and her former job. I liked how it all connected with both characters’ growth and enlightenment. There’s also a nice surprise related to Aiyana that was an added bonus. This was a wonderful story for the beginning of my holiday season. Even though there are many uneasy moments, the strength and resilience of this family seems to always override the conflicts. I switched to the audio format after the first book and am still enjoying the narrator. She’s a good storyteller and delivers a strong performance.
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