Book Review - The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

 

In The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths, forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is drawn into a chilling investigation when a child's bones are discovered near ancient sacred grounds, uncovering dark secrets buried in both the past and present. 

Ruth loves living in Saltmarsh, a remote area near Norfolk that was once sacred to the people of the Iron Age. The region is swampy and treacherous, with the sea capable of swallowing anyone who isn’t careful or who loses their way.

When Ruth isn’t teaching at a local college, she participates in archaeological digs in the area. So, when a child’s bones are discovered on a desolate beach near her home, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson requests her help with the investigation.

Nelson believes the bones may belong to Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing ten years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. He has been receiving taunting, cryptic letters about Lucy’s disappearance, filled with references to rituals, sacrifice, and religion. However, the bones turn out to be over two thousand years old and unrelated to Lucy’s case. Despite this, Ruth finds herself increasingly drawn to the mystery of Lucy’s disappearance and the unsettling letters. When another child goes missing, Ruth and Nelson are determined to find her before it’s too late.

I thought the book was an okay read. It had a few unexpected twists and turns—some of which I was able to guess, but not all. One aspect I didn’t like was how often the narrative commented on Ruth’s weight and appearance. When I converted her weight to pounds, it came out to about 170–175, which didn’t seem especially large. We aren’t told her height, but based on the way characters react to her and how she describes herself, I expected her to weigh significantly more—around 300 pounds or more. It was off-putting to constantly read about her and other characters putting her down about her weight.

Another issue I had was with the pacing and scene transitions. It was sometimes hard to tell when a scene ended, and how much time had passed between events. I was also surprised that some characters who committed crimes didn’t seem to face any real consequences. As far as I know, creating fake evidence and misleading the police is illegal.

Overall, I’d be open to reading more books by the author, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to do so. The book had a few standout moments, but there were also several confusing or frustrating parts that left me scratching my head.

Book Review - The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel) by Thomas Wheeler

 

The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel) by Thomas Wheeler is about three young kids who get accepted into a highly acclaimed time travel school. In 1878, Bertie Wells did something unexpected. He accidentally created a black hole in his bedroom. The last thing he expected was for someone to step out of the black hole and know who he was.

Darla Marconi doesn’t speak or dress like anyone he knows. However, she has an offer for him that he cannot refuse. She invites Bertie to attend the College of Space Machines, Multiverses, and Other Odd Sciences (or COSMOS).

Bertie is excited but wary about attending, even though his father is against the idea of Bertie attending the school. Bertie decides to follow his heart and join the school, where he is transported to 2022 for his first day. At the new school, he meets new friends, Zoe Fuentes and Amelia da Vinci.

As the trio befriends each other and tries to make the most of their time together, they will need to stick together when something or someone threatens the timeline, just as the dean of the school has disappeared. Will they be able to save the timeline before it is too late?

I have been reading a lot more young adult or children’s novels focusing on fictional schools. I find the genre can be overdone, but sometimes it can be clever. I was a bit wary about reading a book about time travel because I find the whole idea confusing.

I thought the book was an okay read. I felt it took a bit of time before the book became interesting. I also felt that the book could have used more worldbuilding. I am curious what happens to the students when they graduate. Do they take the knowledge back to their time zone, or do they stay at the school? I felt like I had more questions than answers. The book did have some quirky humor that some readers might enjoy.

I also don’t like that the ending had a huge build-up and then faded to black for a happy ending. I feel like we were strung along without any real closure. The ending does leave the book open for a second book or series, but I am not sure I am invested enough to read more.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

March 2026 Empties!

 

 

Wow, I can't believe it is already March! Although I am excited for the warm weather. It can't come fast enough. I have been keeping up with my goal of logging and posting my empties every month. Hopefully, I can keep it up until the end of the year. 

I love taking baths and have used Kneipp's products before. I have tried two new oils, and they both work very well. I tried the soft and silky, which had a pleasant almond rose scent. It left the skin feeling soft and silky. The joint and muscle one is great for achy muscles and tired joints.  It was relaxing to soak in it after a long day.

 I got this bath kit called "Mama Detox," but really, anyone can use it. I wish the name were a bit more inclusive, as it was a great set. It included salts, oils, a tab to purify the water, an electrolyte drink, a bath bomb, a loofah, and a few other things. It was a great way to unwind and relax. The only downside was that the kit cost $44 and was one-time use. It is nice for a once-in-a-while thing, but otherwise it is completely out of my price range for my weekly baths. 

I tried a lip mask by Florence by Mills, and it was interesting. It was a jelly-like consistency. It had a pleasant Jolly Rancher scent. It was hydrating, but unfortunately, it didn't have much staying power. It was more like a regular lip balm than an overnight mask.  

Hopefully, will see ya next month with more finished goodies. 

Book Review - Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet

 

 Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet is about three sisters, Meg, Jo, and Amy, uncovering the truth about their sister’s murder. When their sister, Beth March, was found dead in the woods near their home on New Year’s Day, they promised to find her murderer. However, there is no shortage of suspects. There is their neighbor, who has a crush on two of the sisters; Meg’s conniving best friend; Amy’s creepy and flirty mentor; and Beth’s first love.

As the sisters try to grieve and cope with their beloved sister’s death, they realize that each has a secret that could have led to Beth’s death. Jo has a huge following on social media and is an aspiring author. She has been facing writer’s block, and her publisher has been threatening to pull her book deal if she doesn’t come up with a viable story.

Amy dreams of studying art in Europe but can’t afford it. The only way she can is if she asks their Aunt March for money. Unfortunately, their aunt has already promised to give money to Beth and isn’t able to help Amy. Meg wouldn’t hurt her younger sister, but she does have a boyfriend who doesn’t always see eye to eye with Beth. He feels that Beth has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is wasting it.

As everyone becomes a suspect, it’s hard to pin down a killer, especially since the family was thrown into the limelight by their father. He penned a controversial bestseller about his own daughters that caused a frenzy. Anyone could have killed Beth, and will the sisters be able to find the truth?

I was torn between really liking the novel and loving it. The novel started off strong with a whole heap of suspects. It was fun trying to figure out who the murderer was before it was revealed. The book is narrated by all four sisters and is told in both past and present tenses, except for Beth, who is told only in the past tense.

I like that the characters were interesting and well-written. However, I am not sure why the young women were so quick to believe the men in their lives, even with evidence that might prove they were lying. Even when they admitted they were lying, the sisters were quick to forgive them. It was annoying to me because they didn’t give each other that grace or other women in their lives the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t like that the sisters claimed they loved each other and were close, but believed strangers over their own sisters.

I have not read Little Women, nor am I familiar with the characters. I know that some fans of the original book might not like the retelling or how the characters are portrayed. As I am not familiar with the book, I read it as a completely different and new story. I think if you like murder mysteries, you might enjoy this book. It’s an engaging debut, and I would read more by the author.

Book Review - Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo

 

In Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo, sixteen-year-old Afia leaves her beloved twin and family to travel to a mysterious land in search of adventure. Afia has always felt out of place, as if she were only half a person because she has a twin sister, Aya. Unlike Afia, who is a daydreamer eager to explore life beyond their small village of Dafra, Aya is content to follow their family’s expectations.

Afia’s longing for adventure comes true when she crosses paths with a shape-shifter named Bakame. Bakame tells her about a magical place called Ijábù. Intrigued by the wonders he describes, Afia resolves not to let her parents dictate her destiny. Although afraid, she decides the risk is worth leaving everything she knows behind including her beloved sister.

She follows Bakame into the forbidden forest, a place rumored to swallow travelers whole, never to return. Along the way to Ijábù, Afia witnesses many mystical sights and senses something shadowy pursuing her. When she finally arrives, she meets the enchanting Queen, who is both beautiful and mysterious. At first, Ijábù seems to be everything Afia ever dreamed of but she soon discovers that not everything is as it seems, and her dreams may come at a terrible cost.

I found the book to be an interesting retelling of Alice in Wonderland. It includes many playful references to the original while adding its own unique spin. I especially enjoyed the illustrations, which were filled with gorgeous artwork, and I liked seeing how Afia grew and learned to follow her own voice. However, I didn’t enjoy the ending; it felt abrupt, and I was unclear about how much time had passed or whether Afia truly achieved what she wanted. While the book is geared toward middle-grade readers, I found some parts rather gruesome and possibly unsuitable for younger audiences. Overall, I would be open to reading more books by this author.