The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths

Paperback, 400 pages

Published October 22nd 2015 by Quercus (first published March 15th 2015)

Series: Ruth Galloway #7

Mystery

Library

I am hooked! But now I have read them all,ok, I have not, but someone is sitting on book 8! Omg, just return it already! I have all the rest reserved, and want them now.

Dead pilot, creepy weird estate, and almost 6 years have gone by from book 1. Her daughter turns 5 in this one. Cathbad and Judy is getting another kid. The years sure have gone by.

And again, it makes me wonder if Ruth ever gets a second chance with Nelson.

Great mystery again, did not see it all coming. I am on such a mystery high. Totally recommend these

Norfolk is suffering from record summer heat when a construction crew unearths a macabre discovery—a downed World War II plane with the pilot still inside. Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway quickly realizes that the skeleton couldn’t possibly be the pilot, and DNA tests identify the man as Fred Blackstock, a local aristocrat who had been reported dead at sea. When the remaining members of the Blackstock family learn about the discovery, they seem strangely frightened by the news.

Events are further complicated by a TV company that wants to make a film about Norfolk’s deserted air force bases, the so-called Ghost Fields, which have been partially converted into a pig farm run by one of the younger Blackstocks. As production begins, Ruth notices a mysterious man lurking on the outskirts of Fred Blackstock’s memorial service. Then human bones are found on the family’s pig farm. Can the team outrace a looming flood to find a killer?

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

September 29th: Book cover love: Share some book covers that you love.

To think of some now...ehhh, omg my brain is fried. On Friday we moved, on Saturday we moved, on Sunday we cleaned our old place. And today, well this new house is a mess, stuff everywhere. I just want to go to sleep.

So no cover from me, just an update that we finally moved into our house that we built.

Carole's Monday: Always and forever Lara Jean

Author: Jenny Han 
Title: Always and Forever, Lara Jean

(To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3)

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Format: paper

Pages: 325 
Published: May 2nd 2017
Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

Summary: Lara Jean is having the best senior year.

And there’s still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad’s wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she’ll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.

Life couldn’t be more perfect!

At least, that’s what Lara Jean thinks . . . until she gets some unexpected news.

Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans—but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

Review:

Been delaying this because I do not want to say goodbye to Lara Jean and her world. This was a bittersweet goodbye because I have really enjoyed her journey. 

The story continues with Lara Jean. This is her final year of High School before she goes to college and joins the adult world. She has a lot to look forward to...prom, Senior trip to New York City, Beach Week, and her dad's wedding. She has high hopes she will get into the college close to home so she can stay home and still go to school with her bf Peter. However....things may not be so perfect when she gets unexpected news....

Is it wrong that I like John more still than Peter? Peter is not bad overall. He is a good guy and he really has gotten better since book 1. I still like John better though. I hope he gets his own story someday!!! I want to see him happy. 

But speaking of Peter...I wanted to shake him a few times. There were a few times he was SOOOO dumb!! Yes, Lara Jean was dumb sometimes too. Thus is the teen life and young love. They are immature in different ways. BUT PETER! Dumb jock. Cute and sweet, but thick-headed. 

This was nerve-wracking the entire time because life is starting for these young kids and love can complicate matters. I just want everyone to be happy!!! We saw what happened to Margot in book 1 and I was so scared for Lara Jean and Peter. 

I was not happy with the ending. ALL this build-up. ALL this tense....and it just sort of ended. It is left open-ended. I wanted some sort of epilogue. Maybe someday? Someday we'll see what happens to everyone?  I need more!!!!!!!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this series overall. I am sad to say goodbye especially with how it ended. It is open-ended. Until the author writes more I will pretend that everything is rainbows and kittens for everyone...especially for John haha. This wasn't as good as book 1 or 2, but it was still good. I'll give this 3 stars. 

The outcast dead by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 374 pages

Published March 11th 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 

Series: Ruth Galloway #6

Mystery

Library

Book 6! Yes I have gone through these fast. Quite addicted, I did not know I had it in me.

In this one Ruth is looking at the bones of a woman convicted for killing children. While Nelson is investigating actual child killings and kidnappings.

I have given up the though of these two together, wont happen, should not happen.

Another thrilling book where she does her archaeology thing, and the police solves cases. I just really like these and want more.

On to book 7!!

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of a Victorian murderess while a baby snatcher threatens modern-day Norfolk in this exciting new entry in a beloved series.

Every year a ceremony is held in Norwich for the bodies in the paupers' graves: the Service for the Outcast Dead. Ruth has a particular interest in this year's proceedings. Her recent dig at Norwich Castle turned up the body of the notorious Mother Hook, who was hanged in 1867 for the murder of five children. Now Ruth is the reluctant star of the TV series Women Who Kill, working alongside the program's alluring history expert, Professor Frank Barker.

DCI Harry Nelson is immersed in the case of three children found dead in their home. He is sure that the mother is responsible. Then another child is abducted and a kidnapper dubbed the Childminder claims responsibility. Are there two murderers afoot, or is the Childminder behind all the deaths? The team must race to find out-and the stakes couldn't be any higher when another child goes missing.

A dying fall by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 391 pages

Published March 5th 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (first published December 20th 2012)

Series: Ruth Galloway #5

Mystery

Library

I am really reading through these :D I already started book 6!

In this one Ruth, her daughter Katie and Cathbad goes to Blackpool to see if the bones found are those of King Arthur.

Nelson is also there on vacay and looking into a murder of the man who found the bones. The whole Nelson Ruth thing is still so tense. Dang!

I really like Cathbad btw, the weird, really weird druid from book 1 is not a really good friend to Ruth.

As for the murder, I did feel she was more involved before, but now she also has her own things going on. Like omg is that really the bones of King Arthur. Wont spoil that.

I never knew I was such a mystery person

Ruth’s old friend Dan Golding dies in a house fire. But before he died Dan wrote to Ruth telling her that he had made a ground-breaking archaeological discovery. Could this find be linked to his death and who are the sinister neo-Nazi group who were threatening Dan? Ruth makes the trip to Blackpool to investigate, wary of encroaching on DCI Harry Nelson’s home ground. Soon Ruth is embroiled in a mystery that involves the Pendle Witches, King Arthur and – scariest of all – Nelson’s mother.

There are forces at work in the town that that threaten all that Ruth holds dear. But, in the final showdown on Blackpool Pleasure Beach, it is Cathbad who faces the greatest danger of all.

Audio: A killing Frost by Seanan McGuire

Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Series: October Daye, Book 14

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 09-15-20

 

Publisher: Audible Studios

UF

I do love my Toby books, and 3 books ago I went over to the audio side. So yes I am a bit stuck in my own head still, and I am still not sure about Tybalt (kind of how I felt about Curran when I went over to audio there). But Kowal is doing such an excellent job. I am so glad I went over to audio.

Toby and Tybalt are still not married, and he wants it done now! But, faerie law is stupid, and she is told that Simon has to be there. Simon, that complete asshat. So she has to go find him.

Adventure time with friends. Danger a plenty. Faerie being faerie. And blood being spilled.

I do love this series and it is still going strong, though I truly hope that Tybalt and Toby will get married soon, oh and that they will be happy! That poor woman needs a happy ending.

Oh and something happens here that made me go all whaaaat!

Awesome series, what are you waiting for?

And yes the narrator is great, audio is a great way of experiencing this series. Her Toby is the only Toby I can hear now

When October is informed that Simon Torquill—legally her father, due to Faerie's archaic marriage traditions—must be invited to her wedding or risk the ceremony throwing the Kingdom in the Mists into political turmoil, she finds herself setting out on a quest she was not yet prepared to undertake for the sake of her future.... and the man who represents her family's past.

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

September 22nd: What are some bad reading habits you kicked or want to get rid of?

This is the same answer as last week. My bad habit was finishing everything, and then I got rid of it (well almost,it is an evil habit to have).I do feel so much better when I donot finish every sucky book.

Carole's Monday: Seduce me in dreams by Jacquelyn Frank

 

Author: Jacquelyn Frank

Narrator: Coleen Marlo

Title: Seduce Me in Dreams

(Three Worlds #1)

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1st 2011

Where I got It: My shelf (audible)

Summary: Dark. Mysterious. Sensual. When Bronse Chapel, the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia, begins to dream about a beautiful and exotic brunette, he wants to dismiss it as being induced by lack of sleep ... or perhaps lack of sex. But his instincts tell him it's something different, something far more dangerous.

Ravenna is the leader of the Chosen Ones, a small group of people from her village born with extraordinary powers. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she senses that he and his team are in jeopardy. Ravenna can help him, but first Bronse must save the Chosen Ones from those who plan to use their powers for evil. Together, Bronse and Ravenna will be unstoppable. But Ravenna is hiding something that could endanger them all

Review:

Honestly...I do not remember the last SciFi romance I've read/listened to? Mmmm *wrecks my brain*. Have I EVER read SciFi romance??????????? I do not remember. Yesss I have read plenty of SciFi normal (some may have a small element) but yea....I cannot think of one.  

The story follows Bronse Chapel who is the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia. He starts dreaming of a beautiful and exotic woman who is haunting him during his waking day. Little does he know this woman is real. It is Ravenna who is the leader of a small group of people from her village that are born with powers. They are called the Chosen Ones. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she knows something will happen to his team so she tries to help him and warn him of the dangers ahead. 

The first 75% of the book I simply could NOT stop listening too. I had to know what was going to happen next. I liked Bronse and I liked Ravenna. It took an eon for him to finally save her and get to her, but it was worth it when they found each other. Not under GREAT conditions, but they really earned each other and helped each other out. 

Now...the last 25% dragged a bit. I zonked out twice. We had fast-paced and then it slowed down quite a bit comparatively. But I was happy they found their HEA and whatnot. 

The narrator was new to me and she did well. I like her guy voices. She did try to make them all different and I appreciate that. Some were similar, but overall I applaud her performance. 

In the end, I am unsure if I will continue to book 2. We shall see. I enjoyed this for what it was and I liked their journey and I huzzahed when he finally found her! The last 25% was not as good though. It slowed down too much for compared to fast-pace and action of the beginning. Overall, I'll give this a 3. 

Challenge(s):
- #43 for Audiobook Challenge

- #19 SciFi

Bingooooo for "SCI-FI"

Author: Jacquelyn Frank

Narrator: Coleen Marlo

Title: Seduce Me in Dreams

(Three Worlds #1)

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1st 2011

Where I got It: My shelf (audible)

Summary: Dark. Mysterious. Sensual. When Bronse Chapel, the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia, begins to dream about a beautiful and exotic brunette, he wants to dismiss it as being induced by lack of sleep ... or perhaps lack of sex. But his instincts tell him it's something different, something far more dangerous.

Ravenna is the leader of the Chosen Ones, a small group of people from her village born with extraordinary powers. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she senses that he and his team are in jeopardy. Ravenna can help him, but first Bronse must save the Chosen Ones from those who plan to use their powers for evil. Together, Bronse and Ravenna will be unstoppable. But Ravenna is hiding something that could endanger them all

Review:

Honestly...I do not remember the last SciFi romance I've read/listened to? Mmmm *wrecks my brain*. Have I EVER read SciFi romance??????????? I do not remember. Yesss I have read plenty of SciFi normal (some may have a small element) but yea....I cannot think of one.  

The story follows Bronse Chapel who is the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia. He starts dreaming of a beautiful and exotic woman who is haunting him during his waking day. Little does he know this woman is real. It is Ravenna who is the leader of a small group of people from her village that are born with powers. They are called the Chosen Ones. She doesn't know what draws her to Bronse's dreams night after night, but she knows something will happen to his team so she tries to help him and warn him of the dangers ahead. 

The first 75% of the book I simply could NOT stop listening too. I had to know what was going to happen next. I liked Bronse and I liked Ravenna. It took an eon for him to finally save her and get to her, but it was worth it when they found each other. Not under GREAT conditions, but they really earned each other and helped each other out. 

Now...the last 25% dragged a bit. I zonked out twice. We had fast-paced and then it slowed down quite a bit comparatively. But I was happy they found their HEA and whatnot. 

The narrator was new to me and she did well. I like her guy voices. She did try to make them all different and I appreciate that. Some were similar, but overall I applaud her performance. 

In the end, I am unsure if I will continue to book 2. We shall see. I enjoyed this for what it was and I liked their journey and I huzzahed when he finally found her! The last 25% was not as good though. It slowed down too much for compared to fast-pace and action of the beginning. Overall, I'll give this a 3. 

Challenge(s):
- #43 for Audiobook Challenge

- #19 SciFi

Bingooooo for "SCI-FI"

Visa citerad text

A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths

Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 21st 2012 by McClelland & Stewart 

Series: Ruth Galloway #4

Mystery

Library

I could not put it down. As you might have seen, I really like these. Maybe I have been mystery starved.

Ruth's daughter is turning 1, Nelson can no longer be in contact, oh yes book 3 was quite the thriller there. And Ruth is Ruth

More bodies, and I liked the theme in this one how bones should be returned to where they belong.

Ruth is taking a back seat in this one, a lot more than just a dead body and a 600 year old bishop is going on. And she is rather clueless, which I liked too, she can't always be everywhere, there are more mysteries going on here.

Great as always. Must start book 5 now!

On Halloween night, the Smith Museum in King's Lynn is preparing for an unusual event -- the opening of a coffin containing the bones of a medieval bishop. But when forensic archaelogist Ruth Galloway arrives to supervise, she finds the curator, Neil Topham, dead beside the coffin. Topham's death seems to be related to other uncanny incidents, including the arcane and suspect methods of a group called the Elginists, which aims to repatriate the museum's extensive collection of Aborigine skulls; the untimely demise of the museum's owner, Lord Smith; and the sudden illness of DCI Harry Nelson, who Ruth's friend Cathbad believes is lost in The Dreaming -- a hallucinogenic state central to some Indigenous Australian beliefs. Tensions build as Nelson's life hangs in the balance. Something must be done to set matters right and lift Nelson out of the clutches of death, but will Ruth be able to muster herself out of a state of guilt and foreboding in order to do what she does best?

Audio: One good dragon deserves another by Rachel Aaron

Read by Vikas Adam

Published May 17th 2016 by Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio (first published August 1st 2015)

Series: Heartstrikers #2

Urban fantasy

Own

Re-Listen:

Still loving it! It took me longer this time cos I had review books but I could always jump right in and just be there cos omg love this series.

Love Julius.

Love Ghost

Hey, love Bob.

Yay Chelsea

Omg they all rock.

This is a must LISTEN series. If you have not yet started then what are you waiting for?

After barely escaping the machinations of his terrifying mother, two all-knowing seers, and countless bloodthirsty siblings, the last thing Julius wants to see is another dragon. Unfortunately for him, the only thing more dangerous than being a useless Heartstriker is being a useful one. Now that he's got an in with the Three Sisters, Julius has become a key pawn in Bethesda the Heartstriker's gamble to put her clan on top. Refusal to play along with his mother's plans means death, but there's more going on than even Bethesda knows. Heartstriker futures are disappearing, and Algonquin's dragon hunter is closing in. Now, with his most powerful family members dropping like flies, it's up to Julius to save the family that never respected him and prove once and for all that the world's worst dragon is the very best one to have on your side.

The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published January 6th 2011 by Quercus Publishing

Series: Ruth Galloway #3

Mystery

Library

I might have a new addiction, Ruth Galloway!!! Seriously if you know any books like this then please tell me cos I am on a fast track of finishing these. And maybe I am a mystery reader after all.

Ruth has baby, she is trying to juggle things, and I just like her so much cos she is real.

Nelson, well he comes around with another case. More dead bodies.

Right, so I have 1 more review to write about Ruth today. My mind is not really functioning. I binge read these. I could not put it down. Everything is just right!

Ruth Galloway has just returned from maternity leave and is struggling to juggle work and motherhood. When a team from the University of North Norfolk, investigating coastal erosion, finds six bodies at the foot of the cliff, she is immediately put on the case.

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

September 15th: What are some good reading habits that you have adopted?

Have I any at all? Lol, but really, do I have any good reading habits? And what is a good reading habit? I would consider being able to let go of a book a good reading habit. Even though it is hard, but only reading what you like should be the best habit of all

Carole's Monday: The first Mrs Rothschild

Author: Sara Aharoni
Title: The First Mrs. Rothschild
Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance
Format: ebook

Pages: 484
Published: January 1st 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: It is the turn of the eighteenth century in Frankfurt, Germany, and young Gutle and Meir Amschel Rothschild struggle to establish themselves in the cramped and restricted Judengasse. But when Meir’s talents as a novice banker catch the attention of a German prince, Meir is suddenly afforded entrée into the European world of finance and nobility, and the Rothschilds’ lives are changed forever. As proud as Gutle is of her husband’s success, she is also cautious—very much aware of the fact that her husband’s rise is tied to his patrons’ willingness to “see past” his Jewishness. As their family grows, and a dream of fortune comes true, so does their belief that money will ultimately bring the power needed to establish Jewish civil rights.

Told through Gutle’s intimate journals, revealed across decades—from the French Revolution through personal tragedies and triumphs

Review:

Finally reading this one. It has been on my virtual Kindle shelf for a million years. 

We follow Gutle who is a young Jewish woman in Frankfurt, Germany during the turn of the eighteenth century. She marries Meir Amschel Rothschild who wants more than life in Judengasee. After catching the eye of a German prince, Meir and Gutle find themselves in a whole new world and new dangers.

The story is told all in journal formatting which usually excites me. I love that intimate connection with characters! However....I didn't connect with Gutle like I wanted to. Maybe it was her? Maybe it was me? But...she....was boring. Gah. That is so harsh of me I know! However, I was more curious about her hubby and her children. I felt like she was a school teacher lecturing (especially as we got further along in the story). It didn't feel natural or like she was writing her true thoughts all the time. We had glimpses here and there, but I felt like she didn't want to let her emotions run freely. 

The story itself was okay and it was fun seeing them rise. They are good people and he worked really hard to get everything! I cheered. But....that connection was lost for me. Maybe if it was his journal or if it was just told like a normal story - ie 1st person or something. 

I will admit...I skimmed a lot especially in the middle and near the end. There were so many times I just wanted to walk away and be done...but I pushed forward because I was curious to see what this family had in store for them. Plus there are so few stories set in the Jewish POV. I wanted to learn and see so I kept reading and finished this. Again...maybe I would've felt more with a different POV or story format.

Overall, I wish I had liked this more. It felt more like a lecture sometimes rather than intimate thoughts of a young girl who becomes a wife, mother, grandmother, and so on. I'll give this 2 stars. 

The Janus stone by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 328 pages

Published January 21st 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (first published March 1st 2010)

Series: Ruth Galloway #2

Mystery

Library

Look at me, reading mysteries, that are not historical ones! I am hooked on this series.

Ruth is pregnant, yikes, I did not expect that! I do like Ruth, she is 40, Single, living out in the middle of nowhere, loves her cat, and is perfectly happy with everything. So yes the whole baby thing was very unexpected. And the guy getting her pregnant. Will that ever turn happy?

Anyway, new remains are found, she is checking out how old they are. Detective Nelson is on the case and things get difficult and dangerous.

I liked it! I already have book 3 to read. More dead bodies to be found

It’s been only a few months since archaeologist Ruth Galloway found herself entangled in a missing persons case, barely escaping with her life. But when construction workers demolishing a large old house in Norwich uncover the bones of a child beneath a doorway—minus its skull—Ruth is once again called upon to investigate. Is it a Roman-era ritual sacrifice, or is the killer closer at hand?

Ruth and Detective Harry Nelson would like to find out—and fast. When they realize the house was once a children’s home, they track down the Catholic priest who served as its operator. Father Hennessey reports that two children did go missing from the home forty years before—a boy and a girl. They were never found. When carbon dating proves that the child’s bones predate the home and relate to a time when the house was privately owned, Ruth is drawn ever more deeply into the case. But as spring turns into summer it becomes clear that someone is trying very hard to put her off the trail by frightening her, and her unborn child, half to death.

The twelve tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

 

Paperback, 330 pages

Published August 29th 2013 by Windmill Books (first published December 6th 2012)

Fiction

Library

This book started with sadness and such sadness it was. And then it became the story of her kids.

Hattie fled the South, cos yeah, the south! She married young, she had lots of kids. They survived by her mere willpower.

But then this was not Hattie's book, I thought it would be but instead we got her children's POVS. Not all. They all get a few chapters about something in their life. I did wonder what happened afterwards? Like how did Six turn out? What happened to Floyd? What happened to baby Ruth? Instead we get that insight about something in their life, which was interesting, but yeah I would like to see how they all turned out in the end.

I can't say I understood why Hattie thought herself better than her husband. Cos they had owned a house and living? But then her husband cheated and lied, and she stayed and had kid after kid.

Good book. I liked most chapters, but maybe not Lawrence for some reason.

Having fled the horror of the American South for a new life in Philadelphia, Hattie Shepherd finds that her American dream is shattered time and again: a husband who lies and cheats, and nine children raised in a cramped little house that was only ever supposed to be temporary.

Hattie keeps the children alive with sheer will and not an ounce of the affection they crave. She knows they don't think of her as kind. But how could they understand that all the love she had was used up in feeding them and clothing them?

The Crossing places by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published January 5th 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (first published February 5th 2009)

Series: Ruth Galloway #1

Mystery

Library

I do not read many mysteries, or thrillers (not counting historical), so when I was recommended this one I just did not know. But then I picked it up, and then I binged it.

Ruth is 40, an archaeologist. Lives with 2 cats. And likes her life just as it is. Then a cop shows up asking for her help with the remains found in an henge. Two girls are missing.

And Ruth was perfect, I liked how she helped solve the murder, I'd love this as a tvshow btw. She doesn't always make the best decisions, but that makes her human.

Good mystery too. I had my suspects, and I was pretty good this time around.

Final thoughts: Yes, I would totally recommend it

Blurb:

Forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is in her late thirties and lives happily alone with her two cats in a bleak, remote area near Norfolk, land that was sacred to its Iron Age inhabitants—not quite earth, not quite sea. But her routine days of digging up bones and other ancient objects are harshly upended when a child’s bones are found on a desolate beach. Detective Chief Inspector Nelson calls Galloway for help, believing they are the remains of Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing a decade ago and whose abductor continues to taunt him with bizarre letters containing references to ritual sacrifice, Shakespeare, and the Bible. Then a second girl goes missing and Nelson receives a new letter—exactly like the ones about Lucy. Is it the same killer or a copycat murderer, linked in some way to the site near Ruth’s remote home?

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

September 8th: Name some book sidekicks you would love to have by your side?

Oh, I am bad with these, I am sure there are SO many, but now when I have to think about it my mind is blank as always...

Ghost, the ghostly not cat from Heartstrikers, that is one good sidekick.

Arghhh, I can't think of anything!!

Carole's Monday : The worst dogs

Author: Matthew De Lacey Davidson 
Title: The Worst Dogs - A Progressive Murder Mystery
Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery
Format: ebook

Pages: 194
Published: July 11th 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: In the Maritimes of Canada, a series of murders have baffled the police force in the small town of Feckless Bay. Enter Detective Sergeant Natalya Stone, an African American detective – originally from Chicago – currently working for the Provincial Police. She quickly discovers that these violent murders are most likely by the same perpetrator – and are, most likely, hate crimes.

“Murder is not an entertainment,” she quips to Zev Arendt, a young local Detective Constable, whom she has taken under her wing to assist her in solving the hate crimes. They encounter dead end after dead end, and weeks go by with no leads. Finally, based on her experience and intuition, and with the skills that Zev has acquired from his mentor, they find exactly what they are looking for: hiding – in plain sight

Review:

I've enjoyed this author's previous works so I was excited to check this one out.

In the Maritimes of Canada there has been a series of murders that have baffled the small town police force so they call in Detective Sergeant Natalya Stone. She is an African American detective who is originally from Chicago. She teams up with Zev Arendt who is the local Detective Constable. The discover that these terrible murders are done by the same perpetrator and seem  to be fueled by hate.

This was good. I did not expect that reveal at the end. It was good. At first it didn't make sense to me, but as killers go...they reveal all and why and then it made sense. That was a good ending for sure! I had my suspects...but I was wrong with all of them. 

I do like the fact that this had a huge focus on the issues our society has to deal with still....hatred. We have so much hate still especially when it comes to race and even gender. It's so sad, but that is the reality even in small Canadian towns. But having this really made the story feel real. 

I adored Natalya and Zev. They made a great team and I hope they continue on and solve more crimes together. They worked well and they seemed like they could be great friends. Zev for sure has a talent and I think with Natalya's experience and if he stays under her wing Zev could be an amazing detective. The small town is too small for Zev for sure. 

Again...this was good. I finished this in a single sitting. I could not put it down! The writing style is wonderful like with the author's previous works. The author really does have a way with words! 

All-in-all, this was a really good mystery. This kept me locked in placed and I had to read it all in one shot. The big reveal shocked me! So good! If you need a good murder mystery I suggest this one. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Best of August

 

Happy September!! Summer is ending? WHAAA???

Best Book of the Month:

My pick..........Nice dragons finish last by Rachel Aaron

"I re-listened. So obvi it was the best book of the month."

Carole's pick......As The Stars Fall by Steve N. Lee

"A beautiful story!!!!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole's pick............A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)

"Funny and makes you happy you live in the 21st century."

No pick for Blodeuedd this month

 

"I can not remember what I watched!"

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd's pick...........The Umbrella Academy


   

"Yay new season. Intense!"

Carole's pick........Supernatural

"Been binge-watching before the last season comes out!! Started from the beginning!"



Best Cover of the Month:

My pick - 

"Very sweet!"

Carole's pick - 

"Fun and beautiful!"

Sing, unburied, sing by Jesmyn Ward

Hardcover, 289 pages

Published November 2nd 2017 by Scribner (first published September 5th 2017)

Series: Bois Sauvage #2

Fiction

Library

I am not good with writing thoughtful reviews, and this book deserve better than what I can do.

The book is told by Jojo, who was raised my his grandparents. His gran is dying. He spends much of his time looking after his baby sister. His white father is in jail, his white grandparents are racists.

The other POV is Leonie, Jojos mother. She does drugs, she likes her man more than her kids. She sees her dead brother. Yeah, that was a thing, this book is also infused by tiny bit of the paranormal that feels so right. I totally believe she can see her dead brother, killed by the systematic racism in the deep south.

It is a road trip book, bring the dad back from prison. Driving through bad country, driving through memories of how things used to be since JoJos grandfather had spent time at the same jail. And of course for nothing, just sent away cos he was black. And it is dark, and it makes me think. Because I know I do not know, and I can never know. But fuck! I just can not understand people, what is wrong with people?!  All I am saying, I can never believe in a future where everyone gets along because humans are scum.

I liked the tone too, it was truly like someone was telling me a story. A dark sad story . Easy to read, and not long.

Jojo and his toddler sister, Kayla, live with their grandparents, Mam and Pop, and the occasional presence of their drug-addicted mother, Leonie, on a farm on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Leonie is simultaneously tormented and comforted by visions of her dead brother, which only come to her when she’s high; Mam is dying of cancer; and quiet, steady Pop tries to run the household and teach Jojo how to be a man. When the white father of Leonie’s children is released from prison, she packs her kids and a friend into her car and sets out across the state for Parchman farm, the Mississippi State Penitentiary, on a journey rife with danger and promise.