Book Review - The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

 

In 1925, Miss Nan O'Dea is apart of a world that she always felt was out of her grasp before. She has become friends with Agatha Christie and the mistress of Archie Christie. Nan devises a way to lure Archie from his devoted wife and she is desperate for Archie to marry her.

Nan has been working on her plans for years. It all started a few decades ago when she was just a young girl. She loved a man and felt they were destined to be together. After a brief tryst, the War torn them apart and their secrets kept them apart.

I was torn on this novel. It had an interesting plot and it was told from a different point of view but, I still couldn't really sympathize with Nan. I also thought the novel was a bit long and boring at times. I felt like the book included a lot of unnecessary detail that just dragged on. At times, a character would be mentioned and little tidbits and then they will tie in later but, by then I forgot about them. However, I did like that there was a murder mystery story line tied in. If you are interested in reading about the Archie Christie affair from the mistress point of view, then you might enjoy this book.

Book Review - Little Disasters by Randall Klein

 

Michael and Paul are on the cusp of being new fathers. They meet at the hospital where their wives, Rebecca and Jenny, give birth. For Paul, tragedy follows when his son prematurely perishes. He hopes to speed up his and Jenny's recovery and ease her dark moods by giving her something to look forward too. He turns to Michael and asks for a favor while unwittingly kindling an affair that would tear the two couples apart.

One year later,  their personal lives come to turning point when a mysterious incident occurs in Midtown Manhattan and shuts down the entire city. Both Michael and Paul are stranded and are desperate to find their way home. Michael is near the Cloisters while, Paul is in a dark subway tunnel under the East River. They both try to make the trek home in record breaking heat while nervously eyeing the thin plume of smoke painting the skyline. As they begin the journey home, we learn of their private and public turmoils that trouble them. 

I thought the novel was going to be an interesting read but, I couldn't quite get into it. Majority of the main characters were despicable people and I didn't really care for them. I found the woman who they had an affair with to be unlikable and downright annoying at times.She was cheating on her spouse multiple times and seemed to be quite proud on inflicting pain on him but, she wasn't sympathetic to his needs or indiscretion. She also kept withholding her feelings and parts of herself but, wanted everyone to be upfront and sharing with her. 

I didn't understand how two of the characters started their affair when one of the characters seemed to hate the other and wanted to avoid them at all cost. I didn't like that the author kept jumping between characters and time periods. At first it was hard to keep track of who was married to who. The story was also filled with a lot of useless details such as the break down of the each celebration meal. I didn't really understand why the author felt the need to tell the readers what the couple eat during each meal course and what they paired it with. At times, I did feel that the book was a bit of a love letter to NYC and it's wonderful perks and flaws. I did enjoy reading the different places they went but, I am a native NYCer and not everyone would love these details. Personally, I didn't like that most of the plot was spoiled early on and that the only mystery was what caused them to be stuck in the city.

Book Review - Monogamy by Sue Miller

 

Graham and Annie seem like a golden couple to their friends and acquaintances. They been married for nearly thirty years and have a seemingly effortless devotion to each other. Graham is a bookseller who loves life. He is a big man who loves to entertain people and is eager to please. Annie is a photographer and is the more reserved one in the relationship.

After a six year lull, Annie is about to have her first gallery show. She was worried that her best years of her career has passed. The pair has two adult children; Lucas, Graham's son from his previous marriage and Sarah, who lives in San Francisco. Frieda was Graham's first wife and remains an integral part of the couple's life. While, Annie loves Frieda, Annie knows that she will be Graham's last and greatest love.

When Graham suddenly passes, Annie is lost because Graham had a strong presence in her life. She tries to figure out how to exist without him. While she is mourning Graham, she discovers a secret that makes her question if she ever truly knew Graham.

Honestly, I picked this book because of the cover. I thought it was quite beautiful and I didn't even bother to read the complete blurb for the book. I am sorely disappointed in myself for not taking the time to read the blurb because this book was an utter waste of time. This book was long winded and boring. I felt like there was absolutely no story and it was just rather pointless. I am genuinely surprised this book so many rewards and mentions as this entire book is a long drawn out conversation from someone you would ignore because they go into pointless details about everything.

Book Review - The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

 

Agatha Christie goes missing on a gloomy day in December 1926. Police finds her abandoned car at the edge of a dark pond that has it's own sinister origins. The only clues the police were able to find was some nearby tire tracks and a fur coat left behind during a frigid night. Her husband, Archie, and her daughter has no idea where Agatha might be. A unprecedented manhunt ensues to find the budding author. Eleven days later, Agatha reappears and claims that she has amnesia and provides no explanation for her absence.

This was my second book reading about Agatha's disappearance.  Compared to the other novel, this one felt lackluster. Majority of the book is spent with Archie under the police's scrutiny. The other half we get to read about Agatha's and Archie's budding romance and then it's slow decline. There were barely any details given about anything. I felt like the entire book was just a fluffy piece and then "mystery" behind her disappearance was very predictable. I wish the author devoted some pages giving additional context to the complicated and beloved Agatha Christie's life.

Book Review - The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood

 

Twelve years ago, three-year-old Coco goes missing during her father's fiftieth birthday celebration. She leaves behind her identical twin, Ruby as the only witness. Their father, Sean, is a wealthy and influential real estate developer and his friends gather at his seaside vacation home for a weekend of fun.Coco going missing causes a media frenzy and it changes the lives of everyone at the party forever.

Sean has passed away and everyone who was present during the night of Coco's disappearance, come to pay their respect. One thing becomes clear that the secrets of the past will be revealed as the night progresses.

I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I didn't really care for any of the adult characters. I felt like most of them were terrible people and did whatever they wanted without caring about anyone else. I felt like the book did move slowly and had a lot of unnecessary details but, left some of the more pressing questions unanswered. The author hinted about Sean's and Linda's death but, were they connected? I also didn't care for the ending, I felt like it was rushed and abrupt. I didn't like that there was a lot of references to pop culture or the government that some readers wouldn't understand if they weren't familiar with it.

Book Review - The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

 

Stephen Aston is getting married again but, he still married to his first wife. His first wife, Pam, is in a care facility for dementia. Stephen can easily get over that roadblock by divorcing Pam, even if his adult children protest his decision.

Tully and Rachel Aston feel that Heather is just using their father. They feel like she is an interloper. Heather is the same age as Rachel, who is the youngest daughter. They believe that she is after their father's money. However, Heather has her own reasons why she is marrying Stephen.

Pam is unable to speak for herself and her memory is shot. Tully and Rachel are determined to get the truth behind their family's secret. Will they be able to get the truth?

I have a lot of books with a similar theme but, this book was quite disappointing. There was almost no twist and the ending was predictable. I didn't like the direction the book took because the ending was a bit open and all the character's story was called into question. All the characters complained about this one person about being abusive but, then called that person "the love of their lives". This book just showed a bunch of dysfunctional people and they all second-guessed themselves even though they had a gut feeling. I can't say that I really cared for any of the characters.

Book Review - Black Girls Must Be Magic by Jayne Allen

 

Tabitha Walker is thrown into a head-spin when she finds out she is pregnant after being told she might not be able to have biological children. She devotes herself to becoming a "single mother by choice". She is exhausted from going to doctor's appointments, her job, and preparing for the baby. And that's before her boss at the new station started receiving complaints from viewers about her natural hair.

After an unexpected turn of events, her on and off again ex-boyfriend, Marc, makes an entry back into her world with surprising demands. When the situation at work escalates and her livelihood and her identity is threaten, Tabitha needs to make some tough decisions for her and her baby’s future. Tabitha knows it takes a village to raise a child and turns to the women who have been there for her.  Will Tabitha be able to harness the energy from her village to help maintain order in her life?

This was the second book in the series but, it can be read as a standalone. I thought it was an entertaining read but, a few times there were some "eye-rolling" moments.I felt the ending was also a bit abrupt and felt rushed. I feel like the author left it open for a third novel but, I wasn't interested in the series to continue reading as some of the characters felt flat. Overall, it was a quick read with interesting topics but, not much story.

Book Review - Fault Lines by Emily Itami

 

Mizuki is a Japanese housewife with two children, a hardworking husband, and a beautiful Tokyo apartment. She has everything that many people wishes they could have but, some days she feels like throwing herself off the balcony than spending another minute talking to her husband.

One rainy night she crosses path with Kiyoshi, a successful restaurateur.  When she spends time with him she rediscovers her lost freedom, friendship, and everything she used to love about the Tokyo. As she continues to spend more time with Kiyoshi, she realizes she is living two lives and she will have to decide which one she wants more.

The novel gives a humorous glimpse into the life of a young woman who is managing the needs and wants of herself and her family. The book is steeped with details about the rich and interesting Japanese culture. I did enjoy reading some parts of the book but, other times it felt that the narrator was so unhappy but, she doesn't really do anything to change her life. The novel is filled with lush  and vibrant details that it almost distracts the reader from realizing there really isn't much of a story going on. It's a fun and funny read with a warm ending.

Book Review - Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

 

The narrator mentions in the beginning of the novel that when she was younger, she knew old men loved her and she loved them back. She is a popular English professor who teaches at the same small liberal arts college as her husband. Her husband, John, is a charismatic professor but, he's also under investigation for having affairs with his former students. The couple have a long standing agreement when it comes to their extra-marital pursuits, but with these allegations, it has made life far more uncomfortable for the both of them. Then our narrator becomes obsessed and falls head over heels in love with Vladimir, a new highly celebrated young married novelist who joins the department. 

I thought this was going to be an interesting spin on "Lolita" but, this novel was an absolute bore. The short novel goes on and on about random and meaningless details. For example, on two separate occasion the author decides to write out a ten plus item grocery list or she gives step by step description of items she is cooking. I also don't like how the author switches her train of thought randomly and constantly. I feel like this distracting and makes the dialogue feel disjointed. For example, the narrator starts analyzing her workload and then she starts thinking about her relationship with her husband and then jumps back to her workload all in the same thought. And then her inner self reflections go on and on and add nothing to the story. I was more than 75% done with the novel before I lost interest in the novel as I am yet to see a story emerge. If you like long self reflections with tons of details, then you will enjoy this book.

Book Review - Call Me Elizabeth Lark by Melissa Colasanti

 

Twenty years ago near the Oregon coast, Myra Barkley's daughter has disappeared from the rocky beach near the family inn. For the past twenty years Myra has stayed at the front desk of the inn waiting for her child to come home. One rainy day, Myra's wish comes true. Someone who looks like her daughter, Charlotte,  walks through the door and with a child of her own.

Elizabeth Lark is on the run with her son, Theo, from an abusive husband. She return to her hometown against her better judgment to hide from him. She decides to stop at the Barkley Inn to figure out the next steps. Myra insists that Elizabeth is her long lost child and offers Elizabeth a safety net she desperately needs for her son. Elizabeth knows that she isn't Myra's daughter and she finds herself intertwines with the family.

Elizabeth's return sparks a renewed interest in her disappearance. The new spreads of her return but, someone knows that Charlotte  didn't disappear on her own. Someone is desperate to keep what happened twenty years ago a secret.

I thought this book was an okay read. I had a hard time liking some of the characters and couldn't understand them. For example, Myra was upset that  Charlotte disappeared and kept hoping she would return. I felt like she was devoted to this daughter but, all her other kids it was like she didn't really "care" for.  There was two separate times when her daughters needed her but, she chose her husband but, then she seems to be fighting with him all the time. I found some of the dialogue to be unrealistic and choppy at times. The book was slow in the beginning and the middle and then towards the end everything just happened so fast that it felt unrealistic. The twist at the end was a bit predictable and expected.

Book Review - Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti

 

Dava Shastri is one of the world's wealthiest woman and she is well known for her sterling reputation. At the age of seventy, she was diagnosis with brain cancer. The news causes Dava's entire world to be turned upside down. Dava decides to take control of her death just like everything else in her life.

She decides to plan a trip with her four adult children to her private island to disclose the truth. She plans to tell them about her medical diagnosis along with arranging for the news of her death to break early so, she can read what people said about her.

Dava has dedicated her life to philanthropy and to helping others especially, to the arts and the empowerment of women. Dava was expecting to be praised on her philanthropic work. Instead, the news of her death reveals two secrets that Dava thought she buried forever. Not only is the truth exposed but, the entire world including her children know the truth.

As Dava tries to connect with her family with the limited time she has, she will also need  to come to terms with the decisions she has made while making peace with her family. Will Dava be able to connect and fix the frays with her family before it's too late?

I thought the novel had an interesting premise and it was as a heart warming read. At times, I felt like the book did drag on. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters and including, Dava. I felt like she was very much focused on what she wanted to do that sometimes. I felt like she took her children for granted and want they needed from her. I also found it weird that she wanted to take care of all her children except for one child who seemed the most like her. I thought that the author had way too many characters in the beginning and at one point, it seems that she herself got two names mixed up. I was also confused why the author picked to write this story in the future as there wasn't many futuristic elements except the time Dava went to space. Overall, the novel was a good attempt at a debut and has some thought-provoking moments.

Book Review - One Night Gone by Tara Laskowski

 

Maureen Haddaway wants to start over and have a new life. She decides to join the traveling circus and feels that her destiny is calling to her at the wealthy town of Opal Beach. She finds herself lured by the prospect of having new friends, falling in love, and an exciting social scene. Her new life sounds just too good to be true because by the end of the summer, she disappears without a trace.

Years later, Allison Simpson is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to house-sit a home during the off-season. Allison feels this is the perfect chance for her to get her life back in order after a messy divorce. However, she feels herself drawn to a mysterious disappearance of a young woman thirty years prior. She realizes that someone is hiding a dark secret and they are willing to stop at nothing to keep it a secret.

I found the book to be an enjoyable read. I was able to predict some of the twists but, not the last one at the very end. I thought the book moved at a good speed and had enough to keep the reader entertained. I also liked that Allison had common sense because when she didn't feel comfortable with something, she avoided that person or scenario.  However, there were times that I didn't like either of the main characters. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey

 

Hazel Greenlee works as a transcriber at the Black Harbor police department. Every night she hears gruesome secrets from detectives as she transcribes their notes. Black Harbor is Wisconsin's prolific crime city and it ensures that Hazel will always have work. Hazel is an aspiring writer and believes its her only ticket out of the city. Her plan becomes derailed when her neighbor confesses to hiding the body of an overdose victim in a dumpster.

The police believe the death is related to a notorious drug dealer called Candy Man. Hazel finds herself entranced by the case, especially, the lead detective, Nikolai Kole. She decides to help Kole as she finds herself captivated by him and she can gain information for her book.Will Kole and Hazel be able to find Candy Man before it's too late?

The novel started off good and started rapidly becoming a dull read.The novel billed itself as a mystery but, I felt like it took a backseat to Kole and Hazel's relationship. The mystery behind Candy Man seemed to solve itself while Kole and Hazel spent more time with each other. I can't say that I actually like any of the characters especially, Hazel. She comes across information that made Kole seem like a killer and she didn't even care. She still continued to pursue a romantic relationship with him. I also felt that the author was very heavy on the description and there wasn't really much of a story. The author spends paragraphs to describe things but, only a few sentences is dedicated to moving the story along.

Book Review - The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

 

Lily Graves comes from a long line of morticians. She knows that everyone keeps buried secrets. When senior class president Erin Donohue turns up dead, Lily believes its her job to uncover the truth. Erin is a pillar of the community and known for her ethnics. However, Lily has a crush on Erin's ex-boyfriend, Matt, which complicates matters and makes them both suspects. As Lily's world comes crushing down, she will have to figure out who she can trust before the killer strikes again.

I had picked up this book on a whim and I should have read reviews before getting it. The book is geared towards young adults and I feel like it's a romance novel with some mystery components to it. The plot was very predictable and I was able to guess the direction of the novel fairly quickly. I felt that story moved along very slowly and some of the character interactions felt forced.  I think the title of the book is very misleading because even after reading the book, I still don't know any of Lily's secrets. The novel might be a good read for young readers who want a book with a light mystery with a heavy high school romance theme.

Book Review - The Rebel and the Rake by Emily Sullivan

 

Rafe Davies is known for being a charismatic rake. However, in reality he is working for the crown as one of their most valuable agents. Rafe is both relentless and reckless and there isn't a mission that he couldn't complete before. But then he meets lady's companion Miss Sylvia Sparrow while on assignment and Rafe finds himself distracted by her beauty.

Most women throw themselves at Rafe's feet but, Sylvia had enough of those type of men. She once trusted a man and she paid dearly for her mistake. Sylvia is determined to ignore Rafe but, during a few chance encounters, she is surprised by Rafe's personality and finds herself attracted to him. She realizes that Rafe might be keeping a few secrets of his own.

I thought the book was an easy and enjoyable read. I did find that the middle of the book was a bit slow and I thought the ending took forever. When they figured out the bad guy behind the blackmailing scheme the novel still had around 75 or so additional pages from the end. If you like steamy romance novels then you will enjoy this book.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Double Life by Flynn Berry

 

Claire is a simple hardworking doctor living a quiet life in London. However, she is a hiding a secret. She is the daughter of a notorious murder suspect and no one knows it.

Thirty years ago, Claire and her brother was sleeping upstairs when a brutal crime was committed in their family's townhouse. The next morning, her father's car was founded abandoned with bloodstains on the front seat. Her mother insists that she saw him in the house but, his powerful and privileged friends insist that he is innocent. Her father was the first lord accused of murder in more than a century.

Claire's life begins to fall apart when the police tells her that they have found him. She doesn't know if her father is guilty or innocent. Claire will have to decide how far she go to find out the truth.

I read reviews that the book would be a page turner but, I felt like this book was a cozy read. I felt like most of the novel plodded along until the last few pages of the book. The ending comes out of nowhere without alerting the reader the possibility of this character or the ending. I felt like the ending was a disjointed and disappointing.

Book Review - The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

 

Mariana Andros is certain that Edward Fosca is a murderer but, he is untouchable. He is a devilishly handsome popular Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge.  He is well adored by staff and students especially by the secret society of female students called The Maidens. 

Mariana works as a group therapist and is fixated on Edward Fosca and the Maidens. She believes that they are responsible for the death of Tara, her niece's friend. Mariana was also once a student at the idyllic school but, she suspects something dark is hiding behind the beautiful facade. 

She remains convinced that Edward is guilty despite his alibi.When another body is found, Mariana's obsession with Fosca spirals out of control. As she falls into the rabbit hole, her reputation and credibility is being questioned. However, Mariana is determined to find and stop the killer even if it might cost her life.

I was very excited to read this book because I loved his previous novel. However, I had a hard time falling in love with this book because I didn't care for Mariana. I felt like she was frustrating and annoying at times. I thought the book moved very slowly in the middle and that the story just plodded along. I felt that ending was unsatisfying as it didn't really give any answers.  I would still be open to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The End of Her by Shari Lapena

 

Stephanie and Patrick are trying adjusting to life with their colicky twin girls. The babies are a handful and Stephanie struggles with sleep deprivation but, she feels that she has everything she ever wanted.

A woman from Patrick's past, Erica, appears and makes a deadly accusation. She claims that Patrick's first wife didn't die by accident but, Patrick murdered her. Patrick insists that he is innocent and that Erica is only after their money.  As Stephanie interacts with Patrick and Erica, Stephanie begins to suspect that her husband might be a murderer. As Stephanie begins to lose her trust in Patrick, she wonders who is telling the truth?

This book was a devious good read that leaves the reader guessing until the end. I was a little disappointed in the ending where many of the characters had their back against the wall but, we never know what became of them. I didn't care of most of the characters but, I still wanted to know their fates. Overall, it was a good book and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

 

The first Mrs. Ford was a beautiful and accomplished socialite that was married to a younger man. She mysteriously died one day and left her wealth to her husband. The second Mrs. Ford is a waitress from a small town who is struggling to ends meet. They met during a summer fling ten years prior and now she is rich beyond her dreams. Connor Ford is a mysterious man who is beloved by two women. Is he a victim or the mastermind behind his first wife's death?

 The book was interesting a few pages in but, towards the middle it felt like it was dragging. The ending came as a one-two punch with a few twists but, those were seen miles away. I can't say that I cared for the main character of the book as she is one of the dumbest person I ever read. There was one scene someone alluded to a murderer being in the house and she got evidence for her case but, she leaves it barely hidden and goes to confront the person. I am not sure about you but, if there is someone wishing to do me harm I don't go directly to them to make myself and easy target. However, I would still be opened to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Reunion by Guillaume Musso

 

Twenty-five years ago while a snowstorm was occurring, Vinca Rockwell, a 19-year-old student ran away with her philosophy teacher. Rumor has it that Vinca was in love with her philosophy teacher and they ran away together. Vinca believes "love is everything or nothing". That was the last time she was ever seen.

Manon, Thomas, and Maxine were best friends but, they stopped talking to each since graduation. Twenty five years earlier, the three of them committed a murder and they buried the body in the gymnasium wall. The wall is now being slated to be demolished to make way for a new building. The three friends have to decide what they will do about their secret before the body is discovered.

I thought the book was an interesting read. I had a hard time following some of the references and I felt like I was missing some nuances. The book did  move a bit slow at times but, I found the ending to be a surprise. I personally didn't care for the main character because he literally wrapped his entire life to a person who didn't really care for him. And several times I was curious how he could trust certain people so blindly. I would be opened to reading more books by the author.