Two Culinary Cozy Mysteries (Weekend Cooking)

Today I'm writing about two culinary cozy mysteries I've recently read. One strays a bit from the genre's usual formula, and the other one is as cozy and familiar as it gets. I enjoyed them both.

Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews (2023, St. Martins Press) is a fun first installment in a new cozy mystery series set in the Little Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Lyndsay Murray worked hard to realize her lifelong dream of opening a West Indian bakery-cafe in partnership with her Grenadian family--Mom, Dad, brother Devon, and Granny. On opening day, friends, neighbors, and relatives line up to buy Spice Island Bakery's sweet and savory treats. All is going smoothly until a rival bakery owner shows up and begins to publicly bully Lyndsay into shuttering her shop. When the baker is later found murdered, Lyndsay becomes the prime suspect.

There is much to love about this cozy. First, it's unique in avoiding many of the usual cozy tropes. Lyndsay is smart, knows how to defend herself (she's a kickboxer), and always puts her family and business first. She, of course, does conduct her own investigation of the murder, but the story always comes back to her business, for example, we see the family baking and Lyndsay doing the book work and closing up the cafe at the end of the day. We don't see Lyndsay going down into a dark basement all by herself, and when she senses danger, she exits or calls for help.

The secondary characters are always important in a cozy, and this one is no different. Here, we get to know Lyndsay's close-knit family, learning their backstories and current life situations. We also meet Lyndsay's cousin and some neighbors and friends.

Lyndsay's character is well done: she's determined and smart but is also insecure. She worries about letting down her family and wants to protect them from harm. The bakery and the Little Caribbean streets and locals also play big roles in the story. I can't wait to revisit the clan and neighborhood in future books.

Note too, that this culinary cozy ends with two recipes from Spice Island Bakery: Currant Rolls and Coconut Bread. I like that I can bring some West Indian sweets into my kitchen.

The audiobook was beautifully read by Janina Edwards, who particularly excelled at the many needed accents. See my review of the audiobook at AudioFile Magazine.

Curds of Prey by Korina Moss (2003, St. Martin's Press), the third installment of the Cheese Shop Mystery series, has all the elements fans are looking for in a good culinary cozy.

Set in the Sonoma Valley, the series centers around Willa and her cheese shop. As background to the series and to the murder, we learn about Willa, her friends and co-workers, and the townsfolk. In this outing, Willa and other local caterers are setting up for an outdoor bridal shower on the grounds of a wealthy estate. Trouble brews before the party gets started and by day's end, there's been a murder.

Because Willa found the body, she's curious about the case. And when the town's mayor asks her to unofficially investigate, Willa can't resist. Of course, she's not in this alone and can rely on help from her closest friends. The plot has a good mix of town happenings and various red herrings. Willa and her friends cooperate with the police, who seem to know what they're doing. Throughout, we see Willa cooking up a number of yummy-sounding cheesy dishes for herself and others.

I enjoyed the escape to California and getting to know Willa. I didn't guess the killer, but once the villain was revealed, I could see that it made sense. As with all good culinary mysteries, the book ends with a couple of recipes for dishes mentioned in the story.

Note that although I haven't read the first two books in the series, I never felt lost or that I was missing out. I'm looking forward to reading more adventures with Willa and the gang.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

Shared with Weekend Cooking, hosted by Marg at The Intrepid Reader (and Baker)

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Weekend Cooking: Good Reading, Good Food--4 Books

I doubt I’m the only one among us who enjoys reading cookbooks almost as much as I like cooking from them. Today’s post is about two cookbooks that fit this description and two novels that I picked up because they have a food element in the plot. Some worked better for me than others, and I hope at least one will be a good match for you.

First up is Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras (Workman). Like our Weekend Cooking host, Marg, I was gifted a copy of this for Christmas. I haven’t had time to really get into it, but I thought I’d share my initial thoughts. I know Marg will be talking about this book too.

The best way to describe Gastro Obscura is to quote the introduction:

This book is more than a menu of food worth tasting—it’s a collection of forgotten histories and endangered traditions, obscure experiences, culinary ingenuity, and edible wonders.

The entries cover the entire globe, allowing us to virtually visit more than 120 countries and to learn about all kinds of obscure, traditional, trendy, and famous food traditions and dishes. For example, one entry takes us into the ancient Persian ice houses in Yakhchals, Iran. Another is all about how to try an Australian Tim Tam Slam (a subject Marg wrote about a while back).

The book is well illustrated with drawings, maps, and photos and includes quite a number of recipes. Gastro Obscura is a book to dip into when the mood hits or as you’re planning your next travel adventure.

I received Field Notes for Food Adventure by Brad Leone from Voracious Books as part of their Ambassador Program. The subtitle is “Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean.” Leone takes us along on a year of outdoor and food adventures set mostly in the U.S. Northeast woods and along the waterways and coast.

The thirteen chapters are arranged by principal ingredient and largely follow the seasons, starting in late winter and spring with maple and wild ramps; moving into the summer with a pool party, shellfish, and trout; and heading back into the cooler months with mushrooms, venison, and hearty meat-forward dinners. Vegetarians should note that most of the recipes and chapters are centered on seafood or meat.

The book is illustrated with family photos, and each section includes a personal story and each recipe is accompanied by Leone’s notes and tips. Many of the fish and seafood recipes aren’t quite doable for me, because of where I live, but the meat and vegetable dishes look really good, like maple pork tenderloin and tomato and bean salad.

I haven’t cooked out of Field Notes for Food Adventure yet, but I have a handful of recipes marked to try. Leone also has me dreaming of our next shore vacation.

I picked up Kathleen Fuller’s Much Ado About a Latte, which I received from the publisher (Thomas Nelson), based on the title. I’m not much of a romance reader but a good foodie story makes for great escape reading. This is a clean, fun story about Anita and Tanner who have been attracted to each other since high school, although they each think their feelings are not returned.

Tanner is the cook at the local diner, and Anita is a waitress. They are on friendly terms, but besides not sharing their deeper feelings, neither has revealed their long-term ambitions. So Tanner is surprised and shocked to find out Anita is planning to open a coffee shop next door to the diner he just secretly bought! Will being business rivals put an end to any romantic dreams?

Of course the plot is completely predictable, but the food references and the deeper themes of loyalty, friendship, family, and overcoming adversity make for an enjoyable read. Although this is the second entry in the Maple Falls series, Much Ado About a Latte reads like a standalone. No recipes are included in the book.

I’ve often written about culinary cozy mysteries, and my latest read is Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly, which I received from the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press). I’m not quite finished (a couple of chapters to go as of this writing), but I’ve really enjoyed this first in a new series.

Carly uses her late-husband’s life insurance money to open her dream restaurant in her small, quaint Vermont hometown. Open from lunch through dinner, the Grilled Cheese Eatery serves down-home and fancy variations of the iconic grilled cheese sandwich. The day after Carly learns her lease won’t be renewed, a dead body is discovered in the alley behind the restaurant.

Though Carly herself is not really considered to be a suspect, several people she knows, including one of her employees, are tagged by the local police. Of course, Carly gets involved in the investigation and doesn’t give up, even when she may be putting herself in danger.

This book has all the good elements of fun cozy series: quirky town characters, a well-plotted mystery, a likeable main character, a cute dog, and a budding romance. The book ends with several grilled cheese recipes and tips. By the time this post goes live, I will have learned if I was able to ID the killer before Carly did. If you’re into cozy culinary mysteries, give Up to No Gouda a try.

Shared with Weekend Cooking, hosted by Marg at The Intrepid Reader (and Baker)

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AudioFile Magazine's Best Audiobooks 2021: Mystery & Suspense

When people ask me if I listen to audiobooks, I like to reply, “I’ve been a fan of books on tape since they really were recorded on tape.” Yes, I’ve been a listener all the way from cassettes to CDs to today’s digital downloads. As an avid listener, I’m always happy to spread the word about the joys of listening to stories and am always ready to suggest a good audiobook to suit almost everyone.

For several years now, I’ve partnered with AudioFile Magazine to announce the winners of one of their “best-of” categories. Today, I’m presenting the winners of AudioFile’s 2021 Best in Mystery & Suspense. I love a good mystery or thriller, and I know many of you do too. I’m sure you’ll be adding an audiobook or two to your listening queue.

To see all the winners in all the categories for AudioFile’s 2021 Best Audiobooks, be sure to click through to their website to find all their best audiobook lists.

What follows is a quick overview of the what each of the winning mysteries and thrillers is all about plus a quote from the magazine’s review about the narrator. When choosing the best audiobooks in each category, AudioFile’s editors considered not only the quality of the author’s storytelling but also the excellence of the narrator’s performance. To see the full audiobook review, click through the link, which will lead you to AudioFile’s website.

Blood Grove by Walter Mosley, read by Michael Boatman: It’s 1969 and L.A. detective Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins is faced with an unusual case after a Vietnam War veteran suffering from PTSD comes to him for help. The ex-soldier can’t remember what happened after he got into a fight: he may or may not have stabbed a man to death and wants to know the truth. Easy’s investigation takes him to the dark side of the city. According to our reviewer, “Boatman’s performance of beautifully written moments of observation is captivating.”

Ocean Prey by John Sandford, read by Richard Ferrone: In the latest installment in the this long and popular series, police detective Lucas Davenport answers the FBI’s call to investigate a busted drug deal in which three Coast Guard officials are killed. Davenport and his fellow officer Virgil Flowers are tasked to find the bad guys and the lost drugs--and try to not get killed themselves. According to our reviewer, Ferrone “keeps listeners on edge while providing insights into the characters.”

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, read by Louise Brealey and Kobna Holdbrick-Smith: This thriller, set in Cambridge, has Gothic elements. Mariana, a London therapist travels to the university town after her college student niece tells her about a female student’s murder. Mariana thinks she can ID the killer, but at what cost? Our reviewer noted that “narrators Louise Brealey and Kobna Holdbrick-Smith cast a spell that will have listeners glued to this suspenseful novel every chance they get.”

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie, adapted by Kate McAll, read by a full cast: This L.A. Theatre Works production gives the second Hercule Pirot mystery the feel of an old-time radio show, complete with sound effects. For this case, Pirot and Hastings are summoned to France to solve the murder of a wealthy South American. Our reviewer wrote, “Evocative music and portentous sound effects greatly enhance the fun, and the cast is superb.”

The Night Gate by Peter May, read by Peter Forbes: In the final novel in the Enzo Macleod series, the forensic biologist is tasked with solving two murders in a French village, which occurred decades apart. The first man was shot during the Nazi Occupation of World War II; second in contemporary times, just as France is about to undergo its second COVID lockdown. Our reviewer noted that Forbes guides listeners smoothly as the story moves between time periods.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, read by Cisela Chípe: This noir thriller is set in Mexico City during the 1970s. When her neighbor Leonora goes missing, Maite can’t help but search for the young activist art student. Unfortunately, bad men are also looking for Leonora, forcing Maite to question whom to trust and how far she’ll go to find out what happened. Our reviewer noted that Chípe “successfully juggles the many characters and subplots.”

To learn even more about the don’t-miss audiobooks of the year, be sure to follow AudioFile Magazine on Twitter and like them on Facebook. To listen to exclusive interviews with the narrators from this year’s best audiobook winners, subscribe to the podcast Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine.

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What I Read in November

November turned out to be an okay reading month for me. Most of the nine books I read were winners or at least fun or entertaining.

Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and/or audiobook review copies.

As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall (William Morrow; Oct.): This mystery is set in Chicago, where a bright teenager is reported missing. Police dismiss the case, saying the Black girl likely just ran away, and there's nothing they can do. Meanwhile, up-and-coming Black TV journalist Jordan Manning takes an interest in the case and begins to investigate. She has training in crime scene analysis and other investigative techniques, which helps her finally figure out what happened to the teen and who was responsible. The novel examines many complex themes such as the difference in press coverage between missing Black and White teens; issues faced by professional women who try to advance their careers; and how race, socioeconomic class, politics, and more affect criminal justice. Jordan is portrayed with all her flaws and insecurities.

Not a bad debut from Hall, though there is quite a lot going on not related to the case. On the other hand, if this is the start of a series, then perhaps the information was needed to set the stage for future adventures.

Cokie: A Life Well Lived by Steven V. Roberts (Harper; Nov.): A very well done tribute / biography written by Steven Roberts, the husband of NPR star, journalist, and historian Cokie Roberts. The book is set up not in chronological order but by topic, and thus we see many sides of Cokie--as a mentor, a friend, a mother, a reporter, a wife. We learn about her spiritual and ethical/moral beliefs and about her great sense of humor and kindness. Rather than a series of facts and figures, Steven talks about Cokie through stories. The book is (as I wrote for my AudioFile magazine review) the perfect balance between well-written biography and loving tribute.

Cokie led an honorable life, demonstrating that personal success is enhanced not only by working hard and standing up for oneself but also by maintaining a sense of humor and always helping others.

A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing (Berkley; Feb.): This fun cozy mystery is first in a series with a lot of potential. I listened to this because book 2 in the series just came out and I wanted to start from the beginning. Samantha Barnes left her hometown on Cape Cod to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. She was on her way to a promising career in New York, when some personal issues sent her back the Cape to regroup. Her parents owned the local newspaper, but they recently sold their business to one of Sam's old friends and retired to Florida. So instead of moving back into her childhood home, she decided to clean out her late-aunt's house and prepare it for sale. Looking for work, she takes a job as the newspaper's new restaurant critic. On her first night on the job, she almost literally stumbles across a dead body in the alley behind the restaurant she wanted to review. From there, the book has all the fun cozy mystery action one expects--plus a lot of good foodie scenes.

My only complaints are (1) that Pershing does quite a lot of telling instead of showing and (2) that she apparently thinks anyone over about age 55 has no clue how to use a smartphone, take a photo, send email, or send a text. I found the ageisms to be kind of annoying. Still, this promises to be a fun series for escape reading. Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook was read by Patti Murin who did a fine job with characterizations; her expressive reading kept me engaged.

The Month of Borrowed Dreams by Felicity Hayes-McCoy (Harper Perennial; Nov.): I stopped listening to this audiobook at about the 25 percent mark. My issues with the novel were twofold. I started the book not realizing that it was fourth in a series. The plot assumed you knew what happened in the other books, so I felt somewhat lost and had trouble getting in to the story. In addition, narrator Marcella Riordan didn't draw me in. I had trouble telling the characters apart (even men from women), and her delivery style wasn't engaging enough to make me hang in there to see if things improved.

O Beautiful by Jung Yun (St. Martin's Press; Nov.): The novel is set in contemporary North Dakota, where a budding journalist takes an assignment from a major magazine to write about how the Bakken oil boom has affected local people and communities. Elinor grew up close to the Bakken, so her college mentor and the magazine's editor think she'll be able to provide an insider's look. The truth, though, is that Elinor is half Korean and has never felt like a insider, and not just because she's biracial. She left home as soon as possible and had a successful modeling career before studying journalism. Now, she's tired of being objectified and of dealing with #MeToo moments.

Yun's evocative, sparse style matches the beauty of the land and the bleak outlook for many of the local women and families. So many dilemmas, including weighing self-worth with the chance to make money; weighing the environment and the family farm against the pressures from big business. Well worth your time. Audiobook: Narrator Catherine Ho shines here. She captures the moods, the personalities, the feelings.

Everything We Didn't Say by Nicole Baart (Atria; Nov.): This mystery is set in two time periods. Juniper and her half-brother, Jonathan, grew up in small-town Iowa. While Jonathan stayed in the area, June left town for bigger dreams, especially because her last months at home were complicated by two events: she found herself pregnant and the couple living on neighboring farm was murdered. June left her baby in the care of her parents, and saw her only on annual visits. The murder case was never solved, but June never stopped trying to ID the killer.

Returning home 13 years later to help her childhood friend deal with cancer and to attempt to reconnect with her daughter, June has some trouble fitting back in. Meanwhile, as a result of her continued investigation into the murder, she and her family come under danger. The plot was slightly convoluted, though the story kept my interest. Audiobook: Narrator Emily Tremaine's performance of the audiobook is expressive and clear, though her delivery is somewhat deliberate.

A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson (William Morrow; Nov.): This is the second in the series starring field wildlife biologist Alex Carter. In this outing, Alex travels to the shores of Hudson Bay to study the health of the local polar bear population, especially in light of climate change and the melting ice cap. Besides the thriller aspect of the novel, involving several crimes, which I won't spoil, there is good information about Arctic wildlife and other sorts of field research that takes place in the area. The thriller itself was well done and action packed. I figured out one bit of the mystery part, but not all of it. I really hope Henderson continues this series.

Audiobook: The audiobook was read by Eva Kaminsky, who read the first book as well. She adds drama without going overboard and keeps the characters distinct. Note that the audiobook comes with a PDF of the map that's included in the book as well as the list of resources for learning more about polar bears and Arctic conservation.

Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas (Berkley; Nov.): This re-imagining of the Sherlock Holmes character as an independent woman was only okay for me. I think the main issues I had were (1) I haven't read the first five books in the series so I didn't fully understand the overarching premise or the characters' relationship to each other and (2) I'm not a Sherlock Holmes aficionado. In this outing, Charlotte Holmes and her partner the widow Mrs. Watson are pitted against the evil Mr. Moriarty, who is attempting to control the life and money of his adult single daughter. The story started very slowly, and honestly, I would have given up except I was listening to the audiobook for a freelance review (see AudioFile magazine for my thoughts). I found much of the drama surrounding the ending of the book to be unbelievable. Your mileage may vary.

The Unseen Body: A Doctor's Journey through the Hidden Wonders of Human Anatomy by Jonathan Reisman (Flatiron; Nov.): I alternated reading and listening to this terrific book. Reisman introduces readers to, as the subtitle says, the hidden mysteries of what goes on in our bodies beneath the skin. He is both a doctor and an avid traveler and outdoorsman, and I loved the way he drew on his other interests to enliven his descriptions of human anatomy and physiology.

Whether you hardly remember your high school biology class or you (like me) have studied or practiced in a medically related field, you will find this book to be fascinating. I did. Audiobook: The audiobook was brilliantly read by Robert Petkoff. He perfectly captured the author's enthusiasm and deep interest. Note that the print book does not include illustrations, so you won't miss any visuals if you decide to listen instead of read.

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What I Read in July: Brief Thoughts

July was a super reading month for me. I read or listened to 13 books and almost all of them were winners. Here are my brief (sometimes very brief) thoughts (also posted on GoodReads).

All titles are currently available unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the publishers and/or Libro.fm for review copies (digital, print, and/or audio).

Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings by Earl Swift (Custom House): Interesting history of the development of the lunar rovers. Swift introduces us to the people and technology and explains the importance of the rovers for furthering our understanding of the moon. Memorable moments include the various proposed designs, the testing of the rovers, and the accounts of the rovers in use on the moon. The audiobook was nicely performed by Adam Verner, who kept my attention throughout. Note that the audiobook does not come with a PDF of the photos, which is too bad--the visuals in the book really help bring the text to life.

Exit Strategy, Network Effect, & Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells (Tor.Com): I continue to love this series about a (mostly) IA security unit who has essentially become his own boss. His thoughts on other types of units and on humans makes me smile. Good action, too.

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn (Norton -- out in September): Dara Horn speaks the truth. I swear I underlined or highlighted most of this book. For many people, what she writes about the history of antisemitism, current violence against Jews in America, historical violence against Jews around the world, memorial museums around the world, and the general arc of the vast majority of World War II novels will be eye-opening. This is an important book that deserves great attention and discussion.

The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All by Josh Ritter (Hanover Square Press -- out in September): Set in Idaho at the very end of the true lumberjacking era and during Prohibition, this is a coming-of-age story, a snapshot of the past, and the story of a family. I loved Ritter's writing with its vivid descriptions, fully developed characters, great balance between action and reflection. This is going on my top ten of the year list. Loved this so much, I preordered a finished copy for my permanent collection. Also, if you're into audiobooks, note that Ritter is the narrator and he does a fabulous job with expression and pacing. And the audiobook contains a bonus song (which has ties to the plot).

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy (Flatiron -- out tomorrow): On the surface, it's the story of a woman who moves to northern Scotland to head a team of scientists attempting to reintroduce wolves to the area. There are conflicts with the local farmers. On the deeper levels, it's a story of sisters (twins) and domestic violence against women. I love McConaghy's style and her ability to create a mood and take me inside the heads of her characters. This is a powerful book that will stick with me for a long time. Audiobook fans: Saskia Maarleveld does a fine job with the narration, though her accents could have been stronger and more distinct.

The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam (Scribner): This was only meh for me, but I wanted to like it because I liked the premise. A brilliant coder (female) and an alternative spiritual consultant (male) marry in haste and together with their best friend (male) start a social media app that helps users create rituals to celebrate or honor the important moments of their lives and connect to like-minded others. How does success affect their relationship and what issues does Asha (the main character) face? Unfortunately, the outcome was heavily signaled and, in the long run, I couldn't quite tell if Asha ended up being a feminist or if her ultimate rise in business was actually the result of her husband “giving” it to her. My reaction to the book may also be influenced by the narrator, Tanha Dil, whose delivery was choppy and somewhat flat. My full audiobook thoughts will be available through AudioFile Magazine.

Appleseed by Matt Bell (Custom House): I really enjoyed this book which takes place in three time periods: late 1700s North America/United States, the not-so-distant future, and the far future. The three stories are told in rotating chapters and seem to have a uniting theme of humans' interaction with the environment. But as you read, further connections are revealed -- not in big twists or information dumps, but subtly and in a way that allows each reader to draw conclusions in their own time. Very nicely done. Lots of things to think about here in terms of climate change and technology. I suspect this will be one of those polarizing books -- you'll either love it or not at all. Audiobook: Mark Bramhall is the narrator. He's one of my favs, and he didn't let me down here.

Made in Korea by Sarah Suk (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers): Note that I didn't finish this. I liked the premise of this rom-com and the teenage characters, most of whom are Korean Americans, but I got distracted and never came back. I hope to pick this up again soon, as this is a light, fun read. I listened to the audiobook read by Raymond J. Lee and Joy Osmanski, both of whom are engaging and pick up on their character's personality.

Midnight, Water City by Chris McKinney (Soho Crime): Set in the future when Earth is pretty much destroyed by climate change, but technology has managed to keep people alive. A veteran police detective is invited to visit one of his best friends and erst-while boss--when he arrives at her underwater "penthouse," he discovers she's been murdered. This woman is famous, often considered the savior of the planet because she was the only person who figured out how to divert the path of an asteroid headed straight to Earth. The main character has a couple of unique traits (which I'll leave for you to discover) that make his investigation especially interesting. Lots of side themes of friendship, power, technology, politics, climate change, and families. I'm so glad this is the start of a trilogy -- I want more! Audiobook fans: Richard Ferrone is the narrator, and he really nails the noir, first-person style of the book.

Maiden Voyages: Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them by Siân Evans (St. Martins Press -- out next week): In this book, Evans explores the ways transatlantic sea voyages changed women's lives --from Victorian times through to the age of air travel. The book introduces us to a variety of women (some we meet in more detail than others) and explains how their lives were affected by their time onboard. Some women went to sea for work, others sailed to help with various war efforts, some were immigrants, others were traveling for pleasure or business. Some were rich; others were poor. Some were seeking independence; others were looking for blackmail targets, husbands, or adventure. All the stories are tied into feminist or women's issues and concerns, and while most are about everyday life, some are connected to major moments in history. I listened to the audiobook read by Jilly Bond, who did an okay job. She was slightly over the top when reading quoted material, but otherwise I liked her performance. I wish the audiobook came with a PDF, because the print book contains photos, which I think would have really enhanced the listening experience.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Tor.Com): I'm not sure how I missed this series, but if the other books are as good as this first one, I'm in for the ride. This is a unique portal fantasy, in which the characters have each found a doorway into an alternative world. Each child enters his or her own world (for the most part, tho there can be some overlap) and stays for what feels like years, but in Earth terms they've been gone only a short time (days, weeks). The children's parents think their kids were kidnapped or that they ran away and have been traumatized. The lucky kids catch the attention of the head mistress of a special boarding school, which is supposed to help these "wayward" children. In reality it's a place where the kids can finish high school while living with others who have also walked through a magical door. This first book involves a mystery (not sure if the others do too), introduces us to the school, and to a group of characters that we may or may not see again. The characters seem to be diverse and are very relatable. Now to get a hold of book 2!

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A Dozen Books; Or What I Read in Late January

Happy February! As I mentioned on Saturday, I know I've been little seen on social media as of late, but that suits my current needs. Still, I wanted to share what I've read and listened to since my last summary. If you follow me on Goodreads, then you've already seen my thoughts on these books. Thanks to the publishers, audiobook publishers, and/or Libro.fm for the review copies.

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T. A. Willberg (Park Lane; Dec. 29): Fun mystery/fantasy set in a secret, underground investigation agency in 1950s London. Unsolved crimes, mysterious letters, leftover and unused technology from World War II, and a closed-room-type murder. Can Marion Lane solve the crime, keep her job, and save her innocent colleagues before it's too late? This was good escape reading, with a clever concept and unique gadgets, though the plotting could have been tighter. The audiobook was adequately read by Karen Cass. Her pace was little quick, but she was nicely expressive.

Nick by Michael Farris Smith (Little, Brown; Jan 5): I enjoy books that reimagine classics or are set in the same universe as a well-known novel. In this case, Smith creates the backstory for Nick Carraway (of The Great Gatsby fame) from his Midwest childhood, through World War I, and back to the States, where he eventually ends up in Long Island in the cottage next to Jay Gatsby. The story itself, especially of the war in France and in the trenches, is well done. The section that takes place in New Orleans is perhaps less successful. What's more, I'm not quite sure the book informs or expands on Fitzgerald's original. The good news is that Robert Petkoff did an amazing job as narrator (see my thoughts at AudioFile Magazine).

Grounds for Murder by Tara Lush (Crooked Lane, Dec. 8). This first in a new series is set on a small island off the coast of Florida. When Lana Lewis, an award winning newspaper reporter, needs a fresh start, she returns to her home town to take over the coffee shop opened by her late mother. When her best barista quits and then is found murdered near the cafe's back door, Lana finds herself on the short list of suspects. Lush sets up a fun a cozy mystery, complete with a cute dog, an even cuter police chief, a rival coffee shop, and variety of local characters. Lana, of course, can't help but get involved with hunting down clues and with getting to know Chief Noah. Recommended for coffee lovers and light mystery fans.

People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd (Harper; Jan. 12). A contemporary thriller that focuses on a mommy blogger/Instagrammer who has hit it big. Emmy is a master at creating the illusion of being perfectly imperfect, so her millions of followers can believe she is just like them. Between sponsored content and photos that show her "messy" house or "unkempt" hair, Emmy gives off-the-cuff advice online and at live events. She and her husband, Dan (a one-trick novelist), live off her income and pride themselves on maintaining their privacy. What happens when that privacy is breached and personal photos begin to appear online and they acquire a stalker out to teach Emmy a lesson for perceived offenses? Though the plot was a bit draggy in places, the book does make you wonder about the safety of real-life mega influencers. The thriller part was creepy and there was at least one twist I didn't see coming. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

Shiver by Allie Reynolds (Putnam; Jan. 19). For her debut novel, Allie Reynolds draws on what she knows--competitive snowboarding--to set the scene for this closed-room-type thriller set in the French Alps. Ten years after a tragic competitive snowboarding season left one woman dead and other paralyzed, Milla receives an invitation to meet at the remote ski resort during the preseason to reunite with her ex-teammates. Right from the start, Reynolds paints the scene of cold, isolation, and danger, though the five friends are focused on each other more than their surroundings. Within hours, however, the group begins to suspect that there is more to this reunion than just finding closure, especially after their cell phones are stolen. Mysterious sights, sounds, and smells put them on edge, until they begin to fear for their lives. Who really invited them to the chalet and will any of them survive the weekend? The mystery is nicely set up, with a few good red herrings and revealed secrets. The story is told by Milla and alternates between then and now. I particularly liked the sections dealing with snowboarding. Good escape reading. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert (Flatiron; Jan. 12). These dark tales are perfect for winter reading. Although the stories in this collection are set in the same universe as The Hazel Wood, you don't have to have read the novel to enjoy these creepy fairy-tale-like stories. I don't often read collections straight through, but I was totally caught up in these stories -- they have just right about of darkness. The stories with a moral (for example, be careful of what you wish for) don't hit you over the head with their lessons, and the illustrations (mostly black and red) are gorgeous.

Icebound by Andrea Pitzer (Scribner; Jan. 12). I love these kinds of books! In this well-researched book we learn all about the expeditions led by William Barents, a Dutch explorer who attempted find a northern route to Asia in the late 1500s. He sailed farther north than any other Westerner at the time, fending off the fabled (for the crew) white bears, getting trapped in ice, and facing bitter cold. On the last trip, Barents and his team were forced to spend a winter with dwindling supplies in a hut, they built from wood "borrowed" from their ship. Staying warm, finding food, staving off scurvy, and keeping sane over the long sunless months was amazing in itself. In the spring, however, the men realized they had to abandon their iced-in ship and try to make it home in a couple of small boats. Fascinating details about mutiny, early thoughts on polar ecology, issues with nutrition, confrontations with polar bears, and more. As I often do with nonfiction, I both read and listened to this gripping real-life story. Fred Sanders did an excellent job with the narration, keeping my total attention. Note that my listening experience was much enhanced by being able to follow the voyages on the maps included with the print/digital book.

The Fortunate Ones by Ed Tarkington (Algonquin; Jan. 5). I really liked this coming-of-age story set mostly in Nashville about Charlie, a poor, fatherless boy living on the wrong side of town with his pretty mother and wannabe singer aunt. Charlie's prospects change when his mother gets a job being the "helper" of a rich woman. The job comes with definite perks: Charlie and his mother now live in the pool house of the wealthy family and Charlie attends a prestigious private school on scholarship. Charlie also befriends Vanessa and Jamie, the twins who live in the big house. Charlie's most significant new relationship, though, is with Archer, a fellow student who is tapped to guide Charlie through the intricacies of school life. Archer ends up teaching Charlie much more than the school fight song, helping him learn to live among the rich and privileged. This is an engrossing read that examines boyhood friendship, first love, the choice between following what's expected and following one's own dreams, truths and secrets, rich and poor, white and black. Excellent story and highly recommended. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

The Age of Wood by Roland Ennos (Scribner; Dec. 1). I really enjoyed this fascinating retelling of human evolution that puts trees and wood at the hub of our physical and cultural and technological changes over the last 3 million years or so. As a student of human evolution (I have a PhD), I was interested in Ennos's tweaking of the focus from fire, stone, iron, and bronze through to silicone to our dependence on wood throughout our history, even unto today. His well-though-out arguments include everything from politics (the role of trees in starting the US Revolutionary War) to biology (the development of typical primate traits, such as nails instead of claws) to migration and travel (boats, wheels) and to shelter (even today's houses are still framed in wood or wood products). If you're a student of human evolution, this book will give you much to think about. But in any case, it will make you appreciate the trees and wood products that are part of your everyday life. As is often the case with nonfiction, I both read and listened to this book. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

The Heiress by Molly Greeley (William Morrow; Jan. 5). I generally like books that retell classics or reimagine a fuller life for minor characters. In this book, Molly Greeley turns the spotlight on Anne de Bourgh, the daughter of Lady de Bourgh and the "promised from birth" bride to Mr. Darcy, introduced in Austen's Pride & Prejudice. While the general concept of the novel was good and it was fun to get glimpses of Anne's male cousins and Elizabeth Bennett through her eyes, the novel didn't work for me on a number of levels. Note that the next few sentences hint at some minor spoilers. Here are my negative thoughts in short form: There was not a strong enough driving force to keep me invested in Anne's ultimate fate, which was foreshadowed fairly early on. I would have liked to have seen more direct confrontations between Anne and her mother. Anne's "cure" from her lifelong affliction was in and of itself believable, but the fact that she was so easily able to move on from it did not seem so believable. I questioned some of Anne's choices, especially since she made a major one without consulting her solicitor. Though she reconnected with the Darcys, I think there was a missed opportunity for Anne to have a relationship with Lizzy, especially given Anne's newfound thoughts about feminism. Finally, the ending was a little hokey for me, though it did serve as a means to let us know what happened to various characters. The audiobook was very well read by Ell Potter, whose expressive performance highlighted Anne's transformation and picked up on the various characters' personalities.

The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson (Flatiron; Jan. 26). What a charming and fun story. When Eve and Sally cross paths along the canal and, though strangers, decide to rescue a howling dog who's locked in a narrowboat, they had no idea their lives were about to change forever. After meeting the boat's (and the dog's) owner, the two women, for a number of reasons, agree to take the boat through the canals of England to get it serviced. Meanwhile the owner must undergo some medical treatment. The slow trip through England, the people the women meet, their growing confidence with controlling the boat and going through the locks, and their own personal growth won me over. It made me wish for just such a summer.

The Divines by Ellie Eaton (William Morrow; Jan. 19) This dual-time period coming-of-age story worked on some levels and didn't on others. In the 1990s Jo was a student at an elite private girl's school in England, where she was sometimes one of the cool girls and sometimes not. Even among friends, all the girls experienced at least some level of bullying, but for those who were at all different, bullying was the norm and done out in the open. On her honeymoon decades later, Jo impulsively visits the now-defunct school's campus, and from there, unresolved issues, relationships, regrets, and memories bubble up, haunting her and her marriage for years. Much of this story had a feeling of truth. Girls can be so mean to each other. But do school authorities, even those who work in a private school for the very rich, really allow this much blatant meanness and disregard for their teachers and the rules? What do I know as an American who went to (albeit a small one) public school in more innocent time? Jo's relationship with her husband was also equally believable and not. He seemed a little too perfect, and she seemed to have hidden way more than she needed to. I get why she didn't want to confess all her childhood sins, but she seemed to share very little with him of what happened that final year at the school and the tragedy that occurred. I'm not sorry I listened to this, especially because Imogen Church did such a great job with the narration -- getting the accents, the voices, the attitudes just right.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts; Or What I Read in November

Can it be? This year is almost over, and most of us can't wait to say good-bye to 2020 and hello to new possibilities and a happier new year. November turned out to be a kind of bust of a reading month. The first week was taken up with election news and the last week with Thanksgiving. In between I read and listened to small batch of meh books. Well, some months are like that, I guess.

I'm still in the middle of three books: one is a book of essays, one is nonficiton, and the other is a thriller. I'll write about those at the end of December. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on November in books.

Note that I've also posted these thoughts in GoodReads. Thanks to the publishers for the review copies -- whether audio, digital, or print. If you see "AFM" at the end, visit AudioFile Magazine to see my review of the audiobook production.

First I want to mention a book I didn't finish. Early in November I started Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski (trans. David A. French, Orbit, Oct. 27). This book has all kinds of elements I usually really love: history, religious politics, Renaissance, and fantasy. It's also a book in translation, which is normally a draw for me. Unfortunately, it just didn't click, maybe owing to my pre-election mood. I might try this again.

We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper (Grand Central, Nov. 10). This is true crime about the 1969 murder of a Harvard anthropology grad student. I was interested in the book for two reasons: (1) I'm fan of true crime and (2) I have a doctorate in physical (biological) anthropology and knew about this case and was familiar with some of the people in the Harvard anthropology department.

It's clear Cooper dug deep into this case, conducted as many interviews as possible, and honored the life and work of the victim, Jane Britton. I know published reviews praised this book to the ends of the earth, and I can see why because of the quality of Cooper's investigation and because the book reveals many less-pleasant aspects of academia and graduate departments: gender inequality, socioeconomic privilege, department politics, and Harvard culture. On the other hand, Cooper's account could have used a tighter edit to eliminate filler, tangents, some of the dead-end paths, and some rambling. Still, if you like true crime, you'll like We Keep the Dead Close.

I listened to the unabridged audiobook, which was read by the author. Cooper did only an okay job as a narrator. She's clearly not a professional or a dynamic voice actor, and a few mispronunciations were annoying. My advice is to listen to a sample before trying the audiobook.

Sweet Harmony by Claire North (Orbit, Sept. 22). Set in the future, this short book explores addiction, relationships, FOMO, self-image, and an acquisitive society. In Harmony's world, people can buy biological upgrades through a phone app: no more broken-out skin and no more weight gain; it's possible to have perfect teeth, perfect hair, level moods, perfect health, and so on. The problem is, each upgrade comes with a monthly fee, quickly plunging Harmony into insurmountable debt. When she can't pay, her enhancements stop working, one by one, which not only affects her self-image but also leads to the destruction of her relationships and her being downsized at work.

North offers an interesting perspective on many contemporary issues, which might make this a good book club pick. I, however, simply just didn't like Harmony and couldn't get behind her choices. If the book had been any longer, I'm sure I would have DNF'd it. For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AFM.

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde (Viking; Spet. 29). I love Fforde and went into this book with high hopes. Warning: It took me a while to warm up to the story, and it is certainly not my favorite of his books. What I did like was the satire on all things sociopolitical in contemporary America and the UK.

The book opens about 50 years after there was a cosmic event in which several species of mammals (including rabbits, weasels, and foxes) and a few insects became anthropomorphized. While these creatures retained much of their animal characteristics, they also became kind of human: they were able to speak and read and drive cars and own homes and have jobs right along side humans. Fforde uses the interactions between people and the human-like animals to explore prejudice, integrated neighborhoods, power, equal rights, citizenship, and so on.

There were some laugh-out-loud moments and lots to think about. On the other hand, the whole thing became a bit wearying once the general gist and message were clear. My very positive review of the audiobook can be found at AFM.

The Arrest by Jonathan Lethem (Ecco; Nov. 10). Set in the future, this book explores what happens to society and the world when we suddenly lose the power to run our TVs, computers, phones, and cars. Different groups of people react differently to the new normal, some making political power grabs and others trying communal living, hiding in isolated paranoia, forming bands of militia, and so on. Without mass communication, no one knows what's happening in the world outside their own small community.

When the Arrest happened, Hollywood script doctor Sandy was visiting his sister, who runs an organic farm in Maine. When transportation and communication go down, Maine is where he had to remain, and he now does odd jobs for the town's butcher and for the farm. Where Sandy lives, all is peaceful. The residents have almost no contact with outsiders until a mega movie producer friend from Sandy's past shows up in a mysteriously powered vehicle and begins to woo the town and disrupt the delicate balance of peace.

The book was only okay for me. The drama and tension among Sandy, his sister, and his friend didn't fully resonate, and I found much of the story just kind of weird. I liked the dynamics of the town and its relationship to the more militant group that lived nearby, but I was less intrigued when the plot spun into a different orbit. On the other hand, Robert Fass did a super-duper job with the narration of the audiobook, especially in the way he created a mood and connected us to the characters' mental state.

The Orchard by David Hopen (Ecco; Nov. 17). I really wanted to love this book because I was taken by the premise: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish family from Brooklyn moves to south Florida to another Orthodox Jewish community, but one that is more connected to contemporary America.

Ari Eden is just about to start his senior year of high school. In Brooklyn, his yeshiva concentrated mostly on Jewish studies, preparing young men to be good members of their closed, religious community. The Florida yeshiva, however, covers all subjects and while religious, also prepares its students (male and female) for college and life in the world at large.

The story promises to show how Ari adjusts to his new life, mingling with Orthodox Jews who bend the law--for example, not always wearing a yarmulke and allowing casual touching between unrelated men and women. While the book is a lot about that, the events and relationships don't seem at all realistic. Ari quickly falls in with the cool kids; has a girlfriend; and discovers smoking, drinking, and drugs. Despite being well behind in some academic subjects, he seems, with minimal tutoring, to keep up with the rest of his class and is on a path to graduation and possibly college. His friends are privileged and wild, suffering few consequences for their actions. At the same time, they come off as religious and philosophical scholars.

The boys' explorations into the mysteries of God and the spiritual world don't ring true. It's hard to imagine seniors in high school behaving and thinking the way they did. The cast includes at least three high school girls and a couple of adult women, all of whom are uni-dimensional and seem to appear only for a love interest or for motherly concern. It's a shame, because the the setup offered much to be explored about the interface between strict religious traditions and contemporary society.

The Survivors by Jane Harper (Flatiron, Feb. 2). I'm a big fan of Jane Harper, and her newest didn't disappoint. When Kieran returns to small coastal town in Tasmania to help his mother settle his father in a nursing home and close up his childhood home, he knew things would be uncomfortable. After all, a dozen years ago during a tremendous storm, he got trapped on a rocky beach; when his brother and a friend tried to rescue him, their boat capsized and the pair drowned. Most people in the small town (and maybe even Kieran's parents) blame Kieran for those deaths, though the storm also took others, including a teenage girl whose body was never found.

On Kieran's first night home, a young woman is murdered on the beach. The investigation opens up old wounds and hurts within the community, affecting Kieran's relationship with his parents, his friends, and even his girlfriend and their infant daughter.

This is a multilayered, atmospheric mystery that masterfully interlaces the past with the present. Harper has a way of making the landscape come alive, acting almost as another character. The story is character driven, and Kieran's personal journey is as important as solving the murder. This is a don't-miss read.

Narrator Stephen Shanahan is a perfect match to Harper's prose, and he once again captures the heart the soul of her work. Recommended in either print or audio.

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16 Books I Read in October

Happy November, my friends. If you haven't yet voted, please make a plan to do so tomorrow! (And wear your mask.)

I read 16 books in October, and most of them were audiobooks and almost all were for pure escapism. Maybe one of these days I'll return to books that make me think, but last month I wasn't in the mood. That said, I was surprised to find several 5-star reads/listens on my list. October was an awesome reading month.

Here are my brief thoughts. I wrote longer reviews for some of these over on GoodReads, where you'll also find my thoughts on the audiobook productions. Thanks to the publishers for print, digital, and/or audio review copies of the following books. Also many thanks to Libro.fm. My opinions are my own. Note too that I reviewed several of these for AudioFile magazine (indicated by "AFM"); my thoughts on the audiobook production can be found on their website.

• Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes (Harper Voyager; Sept. 8; AFM). This is book two of a series, which I listened to for a freelance assignment. An action-packed science fiction story starring a space smuggler trying to walk on the right side of the law; some romance, some LGBTQ+ themes. It was only okay for me.
• Road Out of Winter by Alison Stine (Mira; Sept. 1) I'm still reading dystopian; maybe because I'm looking for survival tips? Anyway, this one is scarily realistic. Wylodine has a green thumb, but after climate change creates never-ending winter and the infrastructure begins to fail, she decides to risk a road trip from Ohio to the presumably warmer and better California. The world is a dangerous place, even for a smart young woman. I really liked this; see deeper thoughts on Goodreads.
• And Now She's Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall (Forge; Sept. 22; AFM) This combination missing person investigation and domestic thriller was only okay for me. I liked the main character, Grayson Skyes, who is trying to solve her first case as a professional private investigator and liked that she made rookie mistakes though had solid instincts. A few side plots were a little confusing, but everything was clear by the end.
• Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith (Mulholland; Sept. 15) I thought I could rise above the controversy surrounding this title and the author because I really loved the first four Cormoran Strike books. Alas, I stopped reading about a quarter of the way in. I couldn't get over the issues and the book itself was not very good.

• The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow (Redhook; Oct. 13) I liked this novel but not as much as I like Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January. Still, this story of three sisters and women's power, love, independence, and knowledge was good and gave me lots to think about.
• A Solitude of Wolverines by Alice Henderson (William Morrow; Oct. 27) I really liked this start of a mystery series starring wildlife biologist Alex Carter. When she gets the opportunity to take over a field research project in northern Montana to study wolverines, she doesn't hesitate, even though she'll be working alone. Someone, however, does not want her in the wilderness preserve. What are they hiding? Good in print or audio.
• Silence of the White City by Eva Garcia Saenz (Vintage Crime; July 28; AFM) Unlike many published reviews of this start of a trilogy set in the Basque country, I have some reservations with the book. First, what I liked about this police procedural mystery: the plotting, the characters, and the details of the city and Basque culture and history. What I didn't like: the translation was not smooth, often using a clumsy literal translation when an idiom would have been better. Still, now that I'm on guard about the translation issues, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam (Ecco; Oct. 6) Another dystopian, this one set in contemporary times in the Hamptons after an unexplained blackout leaves people without a clue of what happened or what may happen next. Two couples, one wealthy and Black and the other white and middle class, end up sheltering together as the new reality begins to settle on them.

• The Killing of the Tinkers by Ken Bruen (Minotaur; 2005; personal collection) This was a reread via audio for me. I love the darkness of the Jack Taylor series, set in Ireland. After Jack returns to Galway after a stay in London he juggles his personal problems with trying to solve targeted murders.
• Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth (William Morrow; Oct. 20) I encourage you to read my thoughts on Goodreads, but I loved this book about a book about a movie about a book with creepy happenings and female friendship and love. If you listen to the very well done audio, don't forget to download the accompanying PDF.
• The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart (Orbit; Sept. 8) This is the first in an non-Western epic fantasy with several plot lines, a few surprises, strong women and no love triangle. It's set in an island nation with hints of the Pacific; perhaps Japan. Maybe not the best fantasy I've read, but I'm still looking forward to book 2.
• Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (Gallery; Oct. 13) This was a strong opening to another non-Western epic fantasy; this one set in pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America. Several plot lines, good characters, and great world building.

• They Never Learn by Layne Fargo (Gallery; Oct. 13) An engrossing and well-plotted revenge thriller / female Dexter mashup set on a small college campus with #metoo and LGBTQ+ themes. Worth the read.
• The Cold Millions by Jess Walter (Harper; Oct. 27; AFM) Set in Spokane, Washington, about 100 years ago, this is a story of two brothers who get caught up in larger sociopolitical issues. Read my review on Goodreads or in AudioFile magazine, but the short take is read this. A shoo-in for my top 10 list this year.
• Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy (Harper; Oct. 13) If you read too much about this thriller before you start, it will be spoiled. Avoid reviews! Fun escape reading with a nod to a well-known thriller / light horror book.
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (Tor; Oct. 6) This book about what happens if you make a deal with the Dark God deserves every single starred review and every second of buzz. Loved, loved, loved it. Trust me, you want to read this.
  

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Sound Recommendations: 8 Audiobook Reviews

I been a little busy with work this month, but I still managed to listen to 8 books since I last checked in with you. BTW: I have been reading in print & digital too--I'll get to those books next time.

Before I get to my mini reviews, I'd like to remind you that I list the books I've read on both Library Thing) and Goodreads, so if you're curious, you can always follow me there. I also post book content on Instagram.

Coming up later this week, I have a fun post involving a collaboration, and I'm planning a Weekend Cooking post as well. Hope you're all staying healthy and safe.

• The Heatwave by Kate Riordan (Grand Central; Aug. 18): This domestic thriller is set in the south of France and involves a deteriorating estate, family secrets, and a closed community. Although I didn't guess all the secrets and the atmosphere was tense, I was ultimately left with a meh feeling. I don't think everything has to be explained in detail, but some plot lines weren't fleshed out enough, and the ending was unsatisfying. The audiobook was nicely read by Miranda Raison (Hachette Audio; 8 hr, 46 min). Her accents and expressive delivery kept me invested in the story.
• The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi (Holt; Aug. 4): This mystery is set up as a book within a book. The frame involves a young book editor who is working with an author to bring his collection of short mystery stories back to print. Within the frame, we have the stories themselves, which were written (by the fictitious author) to teach lessons of a good mystery. The stories are retellings of Agatha Christie classics, so it was fun to figure out which story went with which Christie. Other than that, I wasn't all that drawn into the frame mystery: what are the editor and author hiding? Note, however, that this book has won tons of praise. As I wrote in my AudioFile magazine review, this is recommended for Agatha Christie aficionados (read by Emilia Fox; Macmillan Audio; 11 hr, 16 min).
• The Less Dead by Denise Mina (Mulholland; Aug. 18): This thriller involves a pregnant doctor (Margo) who, in the aftermath of her mother's death and a breakup with her boyfriend, decides to try to get in contact with her birth mother's family to learn more about her heritage. What she discovers is that her biological mother was murdered just days after giving up her baby. Now that Margo's met her aunt, she finds herself getting increasingly tangled up in their personal dramas as well as in the unsolved serial murder cases that include her own mother. There were definitely some scary moments and it was difficult to tease out the motives and secrets of the people Margo meets, but in the long run, the book was only okay for me. I didn't really connect or care enough. Katie Leung did a fine job with her narration (Hachette Audio; 8 hr, 4 min)--good accents, building tension, believable emotions--so the miss is totally on me.
• Death of a Liar by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2015). This is the 30th in the series. I don't have more to say, except that I am still enjoying this very light, fun cozy series. Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 20 min) is always a pleasure to listen to.
  

• Death of a Nurse by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2016): The 31st in the series. Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 28 min) did it again!
• 10 Things I Hate about Pinky by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse; July 21): This is the third book Menon has written about Indian-American California teens; the books have some overlapping characters but can all be read as stand-alones. Pinky's story is successfully based on The Taming of the Shrew (think of the movie Ten Things I Hate about You) and is generally interesting with relatable characters. Though I liked it, it was my least favorite of the three novels. Some of the story lines seemed unnecessary and others were a little drawn out; still worth the listen. Narrators Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani (Simon & Schuster; 7 hr, 11 min) team up to read this young adult rom-com. Adam's delivery isn't as smooth as Nankani's, but I got used to it.
• Brave Enough by Jessie Diggins and Todd Smith (U of Minnesota Press; March 10): In this memoir, cross-country ski champion Diggins talks about her journey from her childhood in rural Minnesota to standing on the Olympic podium to accept a gold medal. She speaks frankly about her eating disorder and the less glamorous aspects of being an elite athlete along with the wonderful opportunities, friendships, and rewards of training with a team. Maybe not the best-written memoir of all time, but I liked getting to know Diggins. More on the audiobook read by Allyson Ryan (Tantor; 10 hr, 532 min) in AudioFile magazine.
• Death of a Ghost by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2017). This is the penultimate book in the series. Sadly it wasn't my favorite of the bunch, but I still liked spending time with copper Hamish Macbeth. Only one more book to go! As always, Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 37 min) put in an terrific performance.

Thanks to the publishers (audiobook & print) for the review copies. And thanks to Libro.fm.

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