A Lockdown Cozy to Love
‘The Locked Room’ is timely, atmospheric gem 5/5 Stars I’m breaking my somewhat unwritten rule about not reviewing big name books. But I make exceptions occasionally, and the ending of the new Ruth Galloway installment left me wanting more, so much that it had to go on the list. We’ve had some doozies with the...
Myths come alive in gritty, urban fantasy
Everything from family drama to Greek gods 5/5 stars If you like fantasy that makes you question the world around you, Mark Johnathan Runte’s “Ash,” the start of his Mythos series, is just the book for you. His slightly gritty, urban fantasy is a fantastic read. With everything from family drama and romance to shapeshifters...
Fear “The Keeper of Night”
Exciting Tale Explores Japanese Myths, Racism My rating: 3 of 5 stars Sometimes you really want to enjoy something, and you keep trying and trying. The beginning of this tale had me sitting in my car, having to peel myself out to go on with my errands (I listened to the audiobook). However, as it...
An Ode to the Multiverse
“Jailbreak” epic end to Tattler Series One sign of a good book is it leaves you wanting more, even when you know it’s the end. You’ve become so invested in the characters and the world that you’re not quite ready to let go. And that’s exactly what Chad Descoteaux delivered in the last installment of...
Take a journey with “The Crystalline Chronicles”
With Apologies for my Nerdiness 5 of 5 stars If lock down has you jonesing for a good D&D session, then picking up “The Crystalline Chronicles” by Blake R. Wolfe might just be what the doctor ordered. I haven’t been able to sort out playing since my daughter was born almost four years ago, and...
The Meaning of Words
The Tattler: Cancelled, Not Dead 5 out of 5 stars Sometimes, you read a word and think you know what it means, but are sorely mistaken. Read is an excellent example. We spell it the same way in present and past tense, and you have to examine the surrounding words when you’re reading to understand...
Have a laugh on the “The Tattler”
With Apologies to Kanye Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars If you’ve ever caught yourself spiraling down a YouTube conspiracy rabbit hole or wondering if those clouds on the tabloid really look like Jesus, then Chad Descoteaux’s “The Tattler” might be your next read. In “The Tattler,” young photographer Barry has fallen into using his...
Cozy up to the Devil in a Tank Top
A Saxee Contemporary Mystery Romance Rating 4 out of 5 stars ***Slight Spoilers Ahead**** The Devil Drinks Coffee and Wears Tank Tops. The Devil in Branson Falls is most definitely Kate Saxee, even if someone else is running around killing people and she’s the one trying to figure out whodunit. It’s summer in Branson Falls,...
Koraalen: An Ecological Mystery with a Sweet Romance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Some books are fast-paced whirlwinds of action you can’t put down. This is like an ocean current that carries you along at a gentle pace; the surprising climax a storm brewing in the background waiting to pour down on you out of nowhere. Author Heather Murata bills “Koraalen: Planetary...