Book Review: 'Veronica's Room: A Melodrama' by Ira Levin

✰✰✰✰✰ It’s 1973, and a young couple is enticed to visit a mansion. The young woman, Susan, is asked to play a simple role to ease the mind of a dying woman. All she has to do is pretend to be someone else for a few minutes, and there’s only one line to say. Susan is intrigued, but hesitant. Who is this Veronica that she would be pretending to be? Wanting to be helpful, Susan ignores the red flags and dresses up as Veronica. The resemblance is uncanny, and Susan is sure she can pull this off. However, the tables are turned when she finds herself locked inside Veronica’s bedroom. With everyone now insisting that it’s 1935 and that Susan is actually Veronica, Susan starts to question reality. Is she Susan, a student at BU? Or is she the insane Veronica, who needs to be kept locked up? The ending will shock you.

The Bottom Line: I was actually searching for a copy of The Stepford Wives, when I stumbled upon this gem. This slim volume is a real attention getter, and it will keep you guessing right up to the very end. With just a few characters, this play blurs the line between fantasy and madness. It actually gave me chills, and I would love to see this performed at the theatre. Highly recommended for fans of dramas, thrillers, horror, and mystery.

Details: Veronica’s Room: A Melodrama by Ira Levin Hardcover published by Random House in 1974. 87 p. ISBN: 0394491459 

Book Review: 'The Lost City of Z' by David Grann

✰✰✰½ When legendary explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett set out to find the mythical City of Z, it seemed the whole world was following his progress. When he didn’t check in as planned, the mystery behind the man and his trek became an obsession for many. To this day, people wonder exactly what happened to the man and his son, who were never heard from again. Read along as the author explores the man behind the mystery and takes his own trek into the deadly wilderness to get a first-hand look at what may have happened a century ago.

The Bottom Line: This book reads like a double adventure. First there is the mystery behind what happened to legendary explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett. Then there is the author’s own trek into the Amazon. Since this is probably the closest I’ll ever get to the Amazon, I was fascinated to learn about the local landscape as the author made his way into the jungle. Intriguing black and white photos are included, but I would have appreciated more. Chock full of interesting details, this book is a dense read, so set aside ample time to enjoy it. If reading books about adventures, thrills, and travel into uncharted territories appeals to you, then this is just the book for you.

Book Club Notes: Oh, the discussion for this one was fascinating and lively. Our group enjoyed the tenacious spirit of the explorer as well as the scope of the book and the story itself. It read like a journey, but we agreed the title was a bit deceptive. Perhaps a better title might have been something like “Fawcett’s Obsession.” We learned a lot about the Amazon and enjoyed the in-depth description of the characters. We also discussed how the author mirrored Fawcett’s obsession.

On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, ratings for the book ranged from 3 - 4.25 and garnered an average rating of 3.4. What brought the ratings down? Mostly it was the ending, or shall I say, the lack of one. Quite honestly, the book fizzled out, and several of us felt let down. It was so anticlimactic. Another problem was the writing style, which did a lot of time jumping and could be confusing to some readers.

Overall, the movie was enjoyable and entertaining, but could also be misleading. While the author was a main character of the book, there is not mention of him in the movie. The movie is based solely on the subject of Fawcett and his explorations. The movie also includes several scenes which are purely fiction. The omission of Jack Fawcett's friend, Raleigh Rimmell, from the final trek was an interesting choice, and the ending of the movie is open to interpretation.

Ratings for the movie ranged from 2 - 3, with an average of 2.8. I think this is one of the lowest ratings we’ve had for a movie.

If you enjoy books about obsession and exotic landscapes, check this out. It’s perfect for armchair travelers (like our group), who don’t like hot weather or bugs or fish with teeth.

Book discussion questions are available at LitLovers, Penguin Random House, and BookRags.

Details: The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann. Paperback published by Vintage Departures in 2010. 352 P. ISBN: 978-1-4000-7845-5 

Book Review: 'Absolution By Murder' by Peter Tremayne

✰✰✰✰ Sister Fidelma of Kildare has trained as an advocate of the courts. Her special skills are requested by the King of Northumbria to help decide the religious future of the people. However, before important decisions can be made, a leading Celtic speaker is found dead. Amid the chaos that ensues, Sister Fidelma must seek the truth and ferret out a killer before it happens again. With the help Brother Eadulf, Sister Fidelma deftly navigates the twists and turns of this skillfully written mystery. 

The Bottom Line: Over the years, I have read and enjoyed several of the short stories featuring Sister Fidelma. At a patron's insistence, I tracked down a copy of the first installment in the series, and I'm glad I did. Starting from the beginning has added a lot of information and enjoyment to my reading. Mystery fans interested in ancient Ireland and religious settings will find this enjoyable reading. There are currently 34 books in the series, and I am looking forward to reading book two. 

Details: Absolution by Murder (A Mystery of Ancient Ireland) (A Sister Fidelma Mystery) by Peter Tremayne. Paperback published by A Signet Book in 1997. 272 p. ISBN: 978-0-451-19299-8 

Book Review: 'The Kamogawa Food Detectives' by Hisashi Kashiwai

✰✰✰✰ There's a little diner in Kyoto that's well-known, but a little hard to find. Through word of mouth, customers come to the diner in search of a rare treat. Run by a father-daughter duo, the Kamogawa Diner features delicious food. Yet, sometimes a customer is longing for something not on the menu. That's where Koishi Kamogawa and her father come in. If you are feeling nostalgic for a taste of the past, these detectives are in the business of tracking down the ingredients and (hopefully) recreating the dish. Sounds easy enough. Or is it? Sometimes the search for lost recipes is trickier than it sounds.

The Bottom Line: This book is divided up into the search for six lost recipes. From Nabeyaki-Udon to Tonkatsu to Nikujaga, my mouth was watering. Each search is like a short mystery strung together in the overall story of a father and daughter and their daily lives. This is an easy, relaxing read. Although I do wish recipes had been included, this book is enthusiastically recommended for mystery buffs and foodies. This is the first in a series, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the second installment.

Details: The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai & translated by Jesse Kirkwood. Hardcover published by  G. P. Putnam's Sons in 2023. 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-71771-4  

Book Review: 'Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery' by Alan S. Kessler

✰✰✰✰ A pastor's wife, known for her contributions as a Red Cross Volunteer, has hidden a secret life for years. When she's found dead under scandalous circumstances, her secret comes to light. Her marriage has been a sham, and she has enjoyed the "sporting" life. There's no shortage of suspects, but with city corruption manipulating the investigation, it's questionable whether justice will ever be served. This fast-paced story of sex, lies, and corruption will keep your attention as you try to keep track of the clues. 1919 was definitely a year to be remembered.

The Bottom Line: Based on a true story, this novella keeps you guessing with twists and turns and layers of corruption. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s a surprise at the end. This is a page-turner that left me wishing it had been longer. Enthusiastically recommended for adult fans of mystery based on true events.

Details: Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery by Alan S. Kessler. Paperback published by Leviathan Books in 2024. 110 p. 978-1938394850 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Old Haunts' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰✰½ Alison Kerby, the proprietor of a haunted Jersey Shore guesthouse, has her hands full with renovations while hosting guests at the same time, not to mention raising her daughter. She just barely has it all under control. What she doesn't anticipate is that things are about to get a lot more interesting when ‘The Swine’ (that's Alison’s ex-husband) suddenly shows up and books a room.

While her daughter is thrilled, Alison has reservations. However, it seems that Alison is not the only one dealing with memories from the past. Both resident ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are haunted by memories of their own exes. Maxie longs to know what happened to her murdered biker, and Paul just wants to know that his ex is doing okay.

Alison agrees find some answers to keep her ghosts happy; after all they have a daily haunting to put on for guests. In doing so, Alison finds herself in a heap of trouble. Between renovating, sleuthing, and raising her daughter, Alison must somehow tactfully keep The Swine at bay.

The Bottom Line: The third installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries filled me with laughter as I can easily relate to having problems with an ex-spouse. Copperman’s writing style is engaging and fun to read; I look forward to reading more installments in this series. This is the perfect beach read in the summer or cozy up to the fireplace on a cold winter evening with this entertaining mystery. Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and anyone who has ever had to deal with a narcissistic ex. 

Details: Old Haunts (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-24620-7

Book Review: 'An Uninvited Ghost' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰ Allison has her hands full renovating her guesthouse on the South New Jersey Shore and raising her daughter. With a new group of Senior Plus guests arriving and a reality TV show filming on the property as well, Allison doesn’t have time for an investigation. Nevertheless, when a blind ghost hires one of her resident ghosts to solve a possible crime, Allison is compelled to help. After all, the resident ghosts are the main attraction at her guesthouse, and if they are not happy, they might not cooperate. As Allison investigates, the paranormal world and reality collide into a mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. With so many characters and subplots, the story gets a little jumbled at times. Also, since a cat is prominently featured on the cover, I expected one in the book; no such luck. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun weekend or beach read. An enjoyable read recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal mysteries.

Details: An Uninvited Ghost by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2011. 304 p. ISBN: 978-425-24058-8

Book Review: 'The Cat Who Saved Books' by Sosuke Natsukawa

✰✰✰✰✰ Nerdy Rintaro Natsuki is a high school hikikomori (a person who has decided to shut themselves away from society). All Rintaro wants is to be left alone, so he can read books. However, when is grandfather dies shortly before Christmas, Rintaro suddenly finds himself more alone than he ever thought possible. Soon he'll be expected to pack up his home and his grandfather's bookshop to go live with a distant aunt he barely knows. As Rintaro finds solace in stepping into his grandfather's shoes and managing Natsuki Books, he is startled by an ordinary looking tabby with an extraordinary skill. The cat can talk, and it needs Rintaro's help. Rintaro is intrigued, and because he has nothing to lose, he agrees to help. He follows the cat into a labyrinth and is confronted by a challenge in a seemingly different dimension. Although Rintaro is plagued by self-doubt, the cat is there to bolster his confidence. 

As Rintaro completes each labyrinth, he learns to believe in himself more and more. And although not everyone can hear the cat talk, it turns out there is someone else who can, his classmate, Sayo. As they pair up with the cat to solve more challenges and rescue more books, Rintaro comes out of his shell. Just when he thinks the adventure is over, it turns out the most challenging labyrinth awaits, and the stakes are higher this time. Rintaro must solve the challenge alone if he wants to save his new friend. With time running out, Rintaro must use every bit of knowledge, courage, and feeling he has or risk losing it all. 

The Bottom Line: I don't often read fantasy fiction; however, this book reignited my interest in the genre. This quick read whisks one away to a completely differently world filled with riddles, young love, angst, self-doubt, and learning to find your calling. The main character is an unwitting hero as he helps save books from an awful end. Along the way he learns to trust his gut and also learns to trust others. This book was enjoyable and the translation kept some Japanese words, which I appreciated. This story is a bit reminiscent of Greek mythology with the use of the labyrinths as well. Highly recommended reading for those who enjoy Fantasy, Japanese literature, and mysteries. I would love to see this made into a movie. 

[Note: Added notes from both the translator, Louise Heal Kawai, and the illustrator, Yuko Shimizu, were interesting, and I wish more books included this kind of additional information.] 

Details: The Cat Who Saved Books: A Novel by Sosuke Natsukawa. Translated by Louise Heal Kawai. Hardcover English translation edition published by HarperVia in 2021. [Original published as Hon wo mamorou to suru neko no hanashi by Shogakukan in 2017.] 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-309572-4 

Book Review: 'Murder in the Paperback Parlor' by Ellery Adams

✰✰✰✰ Jane Steward is a single mom of twins and the proprietor of Storyton Hall, a fantastical book-themed resort. With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Jane and her team have organized a cozy, getaway event called Romancing the Reader. Fans of Regency romance novels have gathered from all over the country to talk books, participate in Regency inspired workshops, and meet their favorite authors.

With diva author Rosamund York around, it isn't long before some of the literary discussions get heated. However, when fans react poorly to Rosamund's new novel, things take a turn for the worse resulting in a death. It's up to Jane, her team, and her book club to solve the murder lest someone else ends up dead too. With a full-line up of events to pull off and a resort full of guests who can't leave, Jane has her hands full. She must be quick to saves lives and the reputation of her beloved resort.

The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of the Book Retreat Mystery series. With engaging new characters and the Regency era theme, it is chock full of suspense and mayhem. It's interesting to watch Jane and her boys grow in their skills, and it's equally fun to see Jane have snippets of time for a possible romance...or not. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading Book 3 soon. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a bit of romance. This is definitely an action-packed weekend or beach read.

Details: Murder in the Paperback Parlor (A Book Retreat Mystery) by Ellery Adams. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26560-4 

Book Review: 'Murder in the Mystery Suite' by Ellery Adams

✰✰✰✰½ Jane Steward is a single mom of twins trying to save her family's literary themed resort, Storyton Hall, from financial disaster. As she learns the ropes of running the fabled resort from her Aunt and Uncle, she's inspired to host a Murder and Mayhem Week for fans of mysteries. Chock full of role-playing and crime solving events, the event is sure to attract mystery lovers from afar. All is fun and games until the lines between fiction and reality become blurred. With a real crime or two to solve in addition to keeping guests happy, Jane quickly realizes there's more to the hospitality business than just booking guest rooms.

The Bottom Line: This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. It was recommended to me by a fellow mystery buff, and I'm glad she did. With a quick pace, likable characters, and a literary theme, this cozy mystery is an action-packed weekend read with a surprise twist ending that I didn't see coming. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of cozies and literary themed books. I'm looking forward to book #2. 

Details: Murder in the Mystery Suite (A Book Retreat Mystery) by Ellery Adams. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2014. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26559-8 

Book Review: 'To the Land of Long Lost Friends' by Alexander McCall Smith

✰✰✰½ Things are slow at The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. So when Mma Ramotswe attends a wedding, she is looking for a project to keep her occupied. As it happens, a long lost friend, whom Mma Ramotswe believed to be late (the Botswanan term for dead) is also in attendance at the wedding. When this old friend confides that she is concerned about her daughter, Mma Ramotswe takes it upon herself to solve this “mystery” without being asked to do so. Similarly, Mma Makutsi takes it upon herself to follow-up on a previous case that isn’t sitting well with her, and Charlie is wondering how to propose to his girlfriend. As each solve their own “mystery,” along the way the trio learn about family, friendship, love, and gratitude.

The Bottom Line: This gentle read is pleasant reading for a cozy winter weekend or take it along to the beach. This installment of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency can easily be read out of order from the others in the series as it includes plenty of background information; the focus is more on human nature rather than a real mystery though. Recommended for fans of the series and fans of cozies.

Details: To the Land of Long Lost Friends (The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency) by Alexander McCall Smith. Large Print edition published by Gale in 2019. 343 p. ISBN: 978-1-4328-7127-7 

Book Review: 'Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden' by Marthe Jocelyn

✰✰✰✰½ The third book in the series takes the young detective, Aggie Morton, and her pal, Hector, to a Yorkshire spa, where Aggie's recently widowed mother can take the waters and recuperate. Along with Grannie Jane, they all could use a break. As Aggie's mother settles in to her schedule of treatment, Aggie and Hector stumble onto not one crime, but two! The two young sleuths are delighted at the challenge, but with two mysteries to solve the stakes are higher. Together with the help of a young disabled patient and Grannie Jane, Aggie & Hector must get help before they meet their demise.

The Bottom Line: This installment was a quick, pleasant read that takes one back to a different era. The two sleuths have grown in their abilities to solve crimes and work well together as a team. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Details: Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn. Published by Tundra Books in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0735270817 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Fatality by Firelight' by Lynn Cahoon

✰✰✰✰ Colorado bed-and-breakfast owner, Cat Latimer, is settling in to her new life in her old hometown. With a winter writing retreat just starting and repairs still being made, Cat has her hands full. So when the new group of writers quickly get into trouble, Cat's town sheriff uncle shows up. It seems that instead of experiencing the snowy slopes of Colorado, the writers checked out the ski lodge bar instead, while romance novelist, Christina, quickly became entangled with a hunky (and engaged) local ski bum. When he meets his demise, Christina naturally becomes the prime suspect. 

Keeping tabs on Christina and the other guests is just the beginning of the challenges Cat and her friends meet as a rare book gets stolen and a mysterious stranger shows up. And if that is not enough, Cat still has unanswered questions about her ex-husband's untimely death. With lots of twists and turns, this mystery is sure to keep you turning the pages.

The Bottom Line: This delightful cozy mystery is perfect prescription for a dreary weekend. This is the second book in a new series by the author of The Tourist Trap Mysteries. True to form, I somehow managed to not read the books in order (I just received Book 1, which I'll be reading soon.) Highly recommended for fans of cozies.

Details: Fatality by Firelight (A Cat Latimer Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon. Paperback published by Kensington Books in 2017. 304 p. ISBN: 978-1-4967-0437-5

Book Review: 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store' by Keigo Higashino

✰✰✰✰½  When three petty thieves take refuge in an old abandoned general store, they think they are in for a quiet night. However, when a letter falls through the door’s mail slot, the trio is concerned and intrigued. The letter asks for advice from the former shopkeeper who offered thoughtful guidance to those seeking help. In his absence, the trio steps into his role. As the night slowly moves on, the correspondence they provide through their unique perspective of modern time proves life changing for everyone involved. By morning, the trio emerge to a different world than what they knew before.

The Bottom Line: With shifting time, this book is magical. The interwoven layers of plot in this novel submerses you into a rich world full of unexpected twists and turns. It makes you realize that people may be connected somehow even if they don’t realize it. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of Japanese literature with a bit of magic sprinkled in.

Details: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino. Paperback published by Yen On in 2019. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-9753-3386-7

Book Review: 'Bells, Spells, & Murders' by Carole J. Perry

✰✰✰ As a field reporter for WICH-TV, Lee Barrett is living the dream. Unfortunately, when the topic of her next interview turns up dead, Lee has some questions. Luckily, Lee’s detective boyfriend catches the case as Lee experiences some disturbing psychic visions that leave her reeling. Nevertheless, Lee is determined to follow the biggest scoop of her life, even if it means her own downfall.

The Bottom Line: While this was a pleasant, quick read, this book just seemed average to me. Maybe it was because I have not read the first six installments of the series, but I just didn’t connect with the characters or setting. Still fans of cozies with witches as the main character may want to check it out.

Details: Bells, Spells, & Murders (A Witch City Mystery): 7 by Carole J. Perry. Paperback published by Dafina Books in 2018. 384 p. ISBN: 978-1-4967-1458-9

Book Review: 'The Goodbye Witch' by Heather Blake

✰✰✰ Darcy Merriweather is exactly the kind of witch you want as a best friend; she’s kind, loyal, and determined. So when Darcy’s best friend Starla Sullivan is stalked by her abusive ex-husband, Kyle, Darcy is immediately concerned. It seems Kyle escaped from jail and is invisible to all except Starla. As the incidents escalate, the stakes get higher, and Starla’s safety is in question. With help from her family, friends, and Police Chief boyfriend, Darcy navigates several twists and turns to protect her best friend and uncover the horrible secrets hidden within the Enchanted Village.

The Bottom Line: Book #4 in this series features all the characters I’ve come to adore, but very little of the family business, As You Wish. With a heavy emphasis on romance, a depressing subplot, and just a bit of magic, this book just didn’t shine for me as much as the previous ones. Still, recommended for fans of cozies featuring a touch of magic.

Details: The Goodbye Witch: A Wishcraft Mystery by Heather Blake. Paperback published by Obsidian in 2014. 314 P. ISBN: 978-0-451-46587-0

Book Review: 'The Ghost Belonged to Me' by Richard Peck

 

✰✰✰✰ Young Alexander Armsworth is seeing things, strange things. There are signs of a haunting in the barn on his family's property. He's determined to get to the bottom of this, but his spunky neighbor, a girl named Blossom Culp, keeps nosing around. Then one night, the ghost of a young girl named Inez confronts Alexander with a spooky message. With the help of Blossom, Alexander will have to think fast to avoid a tragedy. Will he and Blossom be able to set things right and help a ghostly girl finally rest in peace? Check out this classic ghost story for a hauntingly good read. 

The Bottom Line: This book was the basis for the 1978 made-for-television movie, Child of Glass. I remember the movie as a creepy ghost story. While the book takes place in the early 1910s, the plot of the movie was updated to the present (late 1970s) era. Still a fun read over 40 years later, enthusiastically recommended for middle grade and young adult readers. And if you enjoy Blossom's character, there are several more books featuring her.

Details: The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck. Paperback edition published by Puffin Books in 1997. 176 p. ISBN: 978-0-14-038671-4 

Book Review: 'The Good, the Bad, and the Witchy' by Heather Blake

✰✰✰✰ Darcy Merriweather is still learning her craft. Up until a year ago, she didn’t even know she was a Wishcrafter. Now she’s learning the ropes from her Aunt Ve and adjusting to life in the Enchanted Village. Life here is simply magical.

Working at As You Wish, a personal concierge service, keeps the family busy. When Floracrafter Harriette Harkette decides to hire them to plan her 80th birthday celebration, the whole town is buzzing. It seems that Harriette is the envy of the town with her new creation, the midnight black Witching Hour rose.

Darcy is hard at work. Unfortunately, when a delivery boy is found dead, his ghost quickly attaches to Darcy. She’s stuck with him until she can solve the mystery of his untimely death. In an odd twist Harriette's stunning new roses have perished as well. How is that possible?

With help from her new friends, her misbehaving dog, and the handsome Police Chief, Darcy is on the case. She’ll need to crack both mysteries or else she’s stuck with a ghost forever. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you root for Darcy to solve the mysteries in time.

The Bottom Line: The Enchanted Village is always entertaining, and the third installment of this series is simply a magical treat. With just the right combination of magic, gardening, and romance, this cozy is the perfect weekend read. Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a splash of the supernatural.

Details: The Good, the Bad, and the Witchy: A Wishcraft Mystery by Heather Blake. Paperback published by An Obsidian Mystery in 2013. 320 p. ISBN: 978-0-451-23969-3

Book Review: 'Bad Axe County: A Novel' by John Galligan

✰✰✰✰ Interim sheriff Heidi Kick has a lot on her plate. She's married to a local baseball legend, is the mother of three young kids, and half of the county would prefer a man to be sheriff. Nevertheless, Heidi doesn't let anything stand in her way, and she has a job to do. 

When the local librarian is beaten, Heidi discovers that there's more going on in her county than she knew. With a teenaged girl is missing and in danger, Heidi follows the clues and discovers just how deep local, illegal activities have been buried. 

Just when you think you have this one figured out, there's another twist in the path to lead you down the wrong way. Suspenseful and entertaining, this Midwest mystery will keep you guessing.

The Bottom Line: This is the first book in the series, and I'm hooked. I don't usually read thrillers, but I received this one in a goody bag at a conference a few years back. Gritty, dark, and fast-paced, Galligan has a knack for making the reader turn pages; I couldn't put it down. And being as it was set in Wisconsin, I could easily picture the setting. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers, mysteries, and police procedurals. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.

Details: Bad Axe County: A Novel (Book 1) by John Galligan. ARC edition published by Atria Books in 2019. 336 p. ISBN: 978-1-9821-1070-3 

Book Review: 'Return of ZomBert' by Kara LaReau

✰✰✰✰ ZomBert is back along with Mellie and Danny in the spooky second installment of this series. Bert is settling into a cozy life with Mellie and her family. He knows he needs to rest and recuperate, and with Mellie's care, Bert is growing smarter and healthier every day. He's even beginning to understand words. However, he hasn't forgotten about the ones he left behind in the lab when he escaped. As he tries to figure out a way to return to the lab and keep his promise to the other animals, Mellie decides to enter him in the YummCo Best Pet Contest. 

While going to school and working odd jobs to pay for Bert's care, Mellie befriends an elderly neighbor who's husband used to work at YummCo. Mrs. Witt confides in Mellie that some things at YummCo aren't what they seem. As Mellie works with Bert to learn tricks for the upcoming contest, Danny continues his filming project. When Bert's big day comes, Mellie hopes he has what it takes to win the contest, but the competition is steep. In the blink of an eye, Bert is whisked away and finds himself exactly where he wants to be...in the lab. It's just not how he planned it. Now Bert must figure out how to save himself as well as the others, while Mellie and Danny are left to wonder what happened to Bert.

The Bottom Line: This quick read leads the reader through several twists and turns and ends in a nail-biting cliffhanger. The story is told via multiple points of view, including the cat's, which makes for really interesting reading. The characters face challenges together and grow in friendship. Middle grade fans of mystery and horror will enjoy this next tale of The ZomBert Chronicles.

Details: Return of ZomBert written by Kara LaReau & illustrated by Ryan Andrews. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 161 p. ISBN: 978-1536201079 [NOTE: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]