WHAT, ARE WE READING AND REVIEWING IN OCTOBER 2025?

WHAT ARE WE READING AND REVIEWING IN OCTOBER?

👻 - ★
CAROL'S OCTOBER READS
47/47
M/M ROMANCE BOOKS
👻The Accidental Necromancer - Liv Rancourt - 1★
👻The Broken H - J.L. Langley - 4.5★ (Texas)
👻The Tin Star - J.L. Langley - 5★ (Texas)
👻Candy Man - Amy Lane - 5★ (California)
👻Safe Place - Jay Northcote - 5★ (England - Cornwall)
👻Love Limits - Reece Morrison - 3.5★ (Pennsylvania)
👻Power of The Mind - Nicky James - 5★ (Canada)
👻Reading Between the Lines - Nicky James - 5★ (Canada)
👻Sweat Connection - Katherine McIntyre - 5★ (Pennsylvania)
👻Half A Cowboy - Andrew Grey - 5★ (Wyoming)
👻Breath of Life - Nicky James - 5★ (Canada, Toronto)
👻Renovating the Model - Nora Phoenix - 5★ (Washington)
👻Healing the Twin - Nora Phoenix - 5★ (Washington)
👻The Saint & the First Time Sinner - Romeo Alexander - 4.5★ (Michigan)
👻Where We Left Off - Romeo Alexander - 5★ (Michigan)
👻My Office, Now - Romeo Alexander - 5★ (Colorado)
👻Strip Teaser - Romeo Alexander - 5★ (Michigan)
👻A Simple Mistake - Alice Winters - 5★
👻Radio Static - Nicky James 5★
👻The Bump - Sidney Karger - 4.5★ (New York California) (20)
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BOOKS - OTHER GENERA
👻Broken Bones - Angela Marson - 5★ (England) - (Group Read Oct)
👻Ocean Grave - Matt Serafini - 4.5★ (Madagascar)
👻House of Many Shadows - Barbara Michaels - 5★ (Pennsylvania)
👻Those Who Came Before - J.H. Moncrieff - 4★ (Canada)
👻Return to Dyatlov Pass - J.H. Moncrieff - 4.5★ (Russia)
👻Ghost Mine - Hunter Shea - 4★ (South Dakota)
👻Slash - Hunter Shea - 4.5★ (New York)
👻A Haunting in the Arctic - C. J. Cooke - 3★ (Iceland)
👻Borrower of the Night - Elizabeth Peters -5★ (Germany)
👻The Spook in the Stacks - Eva Gates - 5★ (North Carolina)
👻Within These Walls - Ania Ahlborn - ★ (Washington)
👻The Demonic - Lee Mountford - 3★ (California)
👻Sam - Iain Robb Wright - 5★ (England)
👻Hell Hollow - Ronald Kelly - 5★ (Tennessee)
👻Fear - Ronald Kelly - 5★ (Tennessee)
👻Burnt Offerings- Robert Marasco - 5★ (New York) (Reread)
👻Touch Not the Cat - Mary Stewart - 3★ (England)
👻The Witches of Bone Hill - Ava Morgyn - (Connecticut)
👻A Stitch in Time - Kelly Armstrong - 5★ (England)
👻Blueprints - Barbara Delansky - 3★ (Massachusetts)
👻Bury Me in Shadows - Greg Herren - 4.5★ (Alabama/Louisianna)
👻Brother - Ania Ahlborn - 5★ for the author 1★ for the content (West Virginia)
👻This Is Where We Die - Cindy R. X. He- 4.5★
👻The Hungry Bones - Sara E. Johnson 5★ (New Zealand /Scotland
👻Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen 4★ (North Carolina)
👻Déjà Dead - Kathy Reichs -5★ (Canada)
👻It Was Her House First - Cherie Priest -5★ (Washington) (27)
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The Accidental Necromancer - Liv Rancourt - (Fantasy)
Part of Subpar Heroes series (14 books)
Genera: M/M Romance/Paranormal
1★
TRIGGER WARNING: I CANNOT SAY THIS STRONGLY ENOUGH: If you are a pet owner or just an animal lover, THIS IS NOT THE STORY FOR YOU. I am both and if I had not already chosen this book for several different challenges, I WOULD NOT HAVE STARTED IT, MUCH LESS FINISHED IT.

Brandon might not want to be a necromancer, but if he doesn't own it and learn to use his power, the guy he more-than-likes might die.
The main character accidentally raises roadkill, and they follow him home. Why would any author or publisher, think that this topic is a good idea especially considering readers who might have recently lost a beloved pet? Just NO!!!. I have read this author before and NEVER encountered anything like this...and there's not even a warning in the front of the book. This is a good author, and the book is well written, but the subject matter is eons beyond horrible, even for me who reads a lot of things that others would consider to be eons beyond horrible.

Dead animals around Brandon just come to life while he is out for a run. What is causing this phenomenon to just magically occur? We get a brief look into his past that has an unexpected connection with his aunt wanting him to assist her and to get three friends to help. But when an uncontrolled evil presence tries to do it's evil, only exceptional circumstances allows any survivors at all. Fortunately, the evil presence does not survive.

But now we have a near repeat following Brandon's kidnapping and him being forced to assist in yet another wraith being released into the world, and intent becomes a major issue to stopping the evil and it becomes a life-or-death issue for Brandon and his friends.

Now for "The Romance": We were told, and I tried to see romance between Brandon and Stefanos, but I didn't see it or feel it. Oh yeah...they were hotter than a firecracker for each other, but not much else, certainly nothing that would, or could, have been viewed as anything even close to being "love".... not even a stable foundation for the hope of anything else to develop.

Stefanos's anger was always "off the wall", and he was angry a lot of the time, about a lot of things. I understood that he had and that he needed flaws, but why unmanaged explosive angry outbursts that even multiple therapists couldn't help him with? As for the ending. It ended with more feelings of dread for Brandon than joy or any hope for him.

Half A Cowboy - Andrew Grey - (Wyoming)
Genera: M/M Romance/Western Ranch
5★
Ever since his discharge from the military, injured veteran Ashton Covert has been running his family ranch—and running himself into the ground to prove he still can. Ben Malton knows about running too. When he takes refuge in Ashton’s barn after an accident in a Wyoming blizzard, he’s thinking only of survival and escaping his abusive criminal ex, Dallas. Ashton has never met a responsibility he wouldn’t try to shoulder. When he finds Ben half-frozen, he takes it upon himself to help. But deadly trouble follows Ben wherever he goes. He needs to continue on, except it may already be too late. Something about Ben makes Ashton feel whole again. But before they can ride into the sunset together, they need to put an end to Dallas’s threats. Ben can make a stand, with Ashton’s help—only it turns out the real danger could be much closer to home.
We have an ex-military man that opened a PI office and was hurt on a case that caused him to nearly lose his leg. He returns to his family's ranch to find his father is about to sell it. He talks his dad out of selling and takes over the ranch with the help of several trusted ranch hands.

Ben is running from an abusive ex when he wrecks his car and takes off hiking in a snowstorm and eventually, half frozen to death, finds a barn. Ashton, the ranch owner finds him half-dead but warms him up and offers him safe haven. Now Ashton has to learn who is behind the things that are happening on the farm.

As always, Andrew Grey's characters are nothing short of amazing. We have not one but two broken men. We meet some hot PI guys. Theres's suspense throughout and a big twist in the story just when you think you have it all figured out. If you are a fan of hurt/comfort, age/gap, cowboys, suspense, and a slow burn romance that gets hot and then even hotter...then you will love this one.

The story was at one point, a little complicated involving some serious threats against the ranch. The ranch is owned by ex-military veteran, Ashton, who is partially incapacitated due to a leg injury suffered in his military career as the head of a private security company. He lives and works on his family's Wyoming ranch that he inherited from his father. It's complicated...and Ben is far more complicated than even we die-hard fans of Andrew Grey's books have come to expect in similar situations like this.

Ashton is no "walk in the park" or anything to "write home to mother about", either. Ben is trying desperately to escape from a vicious and abusive criminal who has kept him as a 'boy toy" for years in Texas.

In spite of all this, Half A Cowboy is overall, a really good story....as if Andrew Grey could write any other type of story. It does have its "moments" and a big surprise at the end. If you read enough M/M romances or romances of any genera...you won't be too surprised.

Ocean Grave - Matt Serafini - (Madagascar)
Genera: Horror
4.5★
Discover the secret the world was never meant to know... On their honeymoon in Madagascar, a young couple are drawn into the hunt for lost treasure. Their search grabs the attention of a bloodthirsty pirate who intends to seize the riches for himself. The seedy government agents on his trail have their own reasons for wanting it too. And they're all in the path of a creature long thought extinct. A creature that has turned the world's third largest ocean into a hunting ground. A creature that is about to turn their dreams of fortune and glory into a nightmare from which there's no escaping.

This one has a little bit of everything in it. Most everyone, well at least we "strange folks", likes a good "creature feature"; especially a prehistoric fish on a hunting and feasting rampage. If you add in a hunt for pirates' treasure, a centuries old riddle that nobody has been able to solve; along with some freakishly mutant siblings that are left on an island, some attacks by various groups of militaristic men.... combine all that and you now have one heck of a good story.

A 4.5 rating is justified here, but there was one thing here that I found a little hard to believe. At first it really bothered me...most things that I can't explain right away do, but as the story moved on, and the action really picked up, I was glad that this was the one that I chose of the 3 offered books to read for the challenge. This was a good one. If you like a good adventure story with a hungry monster...this may be what you're looking for.

Touch Not the Cat - Mary Stewart -(England)
3★
Bryony Ashley knows that Ashley Court, the grand estate, is both hell and paradise -- once elegant and beautiful yet shrouded in shadow. After the tragic death of her father, Bryony returns from abroad to find that his estate is to become the responsibility of her cousin Emory. Her family's estate with its load of debt is no longer her worry. Still, her father's final, dire warning about a terrible family curse haunts her days and her dreams. And there is something odd about her father's sudden death...Bryony has inherited the Ashley 'Sight' and so has one of the Ashleys. Since childhood the two have communicated through thought patterns, though Bryony has no idea of his identity. Devastated, she believes, that the mysterious stranger is her destiny... the lover-to-be who waits for her now at Ashley Court. Now she is determined to find him. But passion is not all that will greet Bryony upon her return -- for the crumbling walls of the old mansion guard dark secrets, tragic memories... and inescapable peril.

We visit the Ashley Estate, a crumbling mansion house belonging to the Ashley family, who like many such families, found themselves in a growing poverty. They can't afford to live in the house or the upkeep on the estate. Bryony Ashley, the daughter to the current owner, is in her early twenties and works in Madeira. She's contacted to be told that her father is gravely ill in Austria from a hit and run and accident, and then he dies while she is travelling to see him. According to the inheritance rules, the estate goes to the next "male" relative, so it can't go to her. She returns to the estate to settle some things and finds out that items have been either removed or stolen and there may be some "funny business" going on there. There's also a bit of a side plot concerning physic abilities and telepathy between some members of the family. She's been communicating with someone ever since she was very young. "He" has never revealed who he is to her, but she is absolutely convinced that she is in love with him and refers to him as her lover. This follows through to become a very predictable love story.

I didn't think that a heck of a lot happens in this book, and where the heck is that "cat" that the title promised. THERE IS NO CAT or any cat related action other than the misleading title. Also, we are told that Bryony is in her early twenties, but there's something about the way she's portrayed that wouldn't at all have surprised you if you found out that she was in her sixties or seventies. The love story is like lukewarm soup...not very appealing. On the other hand, Mary Stewart steers well away from her usual traits of women apologizing for the fact that they even are women and any troubles that come up are BECAUSE they are women.

The story was just "okay", but it did serve my intention for it to fit a challenge category on a book site. I guess that I expected a bit "more"....and what the heck happened with that DARN MISSING CAT???

Power of The Mind - Nicky James - (Canada)
Shadowy Solutions Series Book #2
Genera: M/M Romance/Mystery
5★
It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners. Three lies I told myself for survival. After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games. In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer. Could I say no? Of course, not (this was Tallus).
Diem and Tallus are investigating together again! The story is written in the first-person perspective, alternately from the perspective of Diem and Tallus, so that you get to know them both even better.

Your heart will break for Diem the more you learned about him and his past. Diem is still the one who doesn't communicate very much and seems grumpy. I really liked him and every now and then you get heartbreaking moments in flashbacks. Tallus is exactly the opposite. He is personable, open and talkative and he knows how to get along with Diem....and he likes Rosie, Diem's pet boa. I can like anyone that realizes that snakes are not "evil" creatures. Every now and then I had to smile at the way the two of them interacted with each other....Tallus and Diem that is; not Tallas and Rosie:)

Tallus asks Diem for help because he has discovered something and comes up with a most unusual theory. Since Diem Tallus can't refuse anything, they begin to investigate. However, it takes time for them to make progress with their case. The case is totally unusual but very interesting, with surprising twists that just cannot be predicted. As they work together, the two become closer. The combination of the case and the development of the relationship or non-relationship between the two was captivating from start to finish. The book was written very well, was exciting, and had fantastic characters.

Nicky James is a wonderful author that I have read for a long time. As usual they have done a brilliant job. They nailed Diem with his deep tones, perfectly, as well as Tallus, who always seems to be cheerful and lots of fun, and ready to tackle anything. They got all the emotions just right to being the story to life.

I'm looking forward to more about Diem and Tallus. I recommend this one or anything that Nicky James writes, if you like M/M romances. It's best to start from the series beginning to understand the "how's and why's" of Diem's behavior.

House of Many Shadows - Barbara Michaels - (Pennsylvania)
Genera; Gothic mystery/Paranormal/Ghosts
5★
When a car crash leaves Meg Rittenhouse suffering from strange hallucinations, an invitation to recuperate at her elderly relative's crumbling mansion in the Pennsylvania hills seems like the answer to her prayers. But she couldn't be more wrong. There, in a remote old house miles from anywhere, the terrible sights and sounds become even worse. Suddenly eerie black shapes dance in the shadows-mocking Meg, haunting her . . . threatening her. And the presence of kind, considerate Andy Brenner, the caretaker, both reassures her and terrifies her-because Andy also sees these dark specters.
I have read, at least once, everything that this author has ever written as Barbara Michaels, but it's been a l-o-n-g time, at least since the early 70's since I read this one. A trip down Memory Lane is long overdue.

Meg Rittenhouse is a young woman who was injured in a recent accident and has been experiencing hallucinations. Her doctor said her "mind was playing tricks on her". Sylvia, A wealthy relative offers to let Meg move into one of many houses that she owns to recuperate. What Sylvia calls a "house" is a large mansion in Pennsylvania, that comes with a caretaker, Andy Brenner, whose family had once owned the house. Meg soon discovers that Andy has his own "issues", and she suspects her cousin is allowing him to stay to also recover. A romance begins to blossom, and they discover that the hallucinations that are starting up again, are shared. Meg is more than relieved to learn that they are not just further evidence of her mental health but she unsure how to deal with the fact that she can no longer ignore...that the house might be haunted.

Meg and Andy work together to dig into the history of the house and soon discover who in the "netherworld" is trying to get their attention and why. They also find themselves becoming the target of the previous renter; a dangerous artist who is also an alcoholic that starts to harass them. The house is full of antiques, and the former tenant had made previous attempts to steal them, and he plans to try again. He and his wife are dangerous, and Meg and Andy are never entirely sure if the ghost activity is real or if the former renter is trying to scare them away.

Like I have found all of Barbara Michael's gothic mystery books, this one proved to be an enjoyable read. Anyone who likes cozy mysteries with a little paranormal activity will love her gothics. Andy, for all his gruff, turned out to be a little bit of a coward. Meg was the tough one...a strong woman, even if she was seeing things that weren’t there.... or were they?

There were, what felt like a few loose ends concerning the characters that made the story seem a little like the book wasn’t quite done. Barbara Michaels started me on my "ghost hunting" venture in books, so I was happy to pay an "old friend" a revisit. This was just as good as I had remembered the first time I read it. It's a dark spooky mystery that will produce the "required number of goosebumps" that a ghost story fanatic requires:) I would highly recommend this one or any of Barbara Michaels books for that matter. I'm not crazy about her series that takes place, I believe in Egypt with the archologist, but I sure some of you would like it. It's not "ghosty"...so, no goosebumps required:)

Reading Between the Lines - Nicky James - (Canada)
Shadowy Solutions Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
One case to save my career. One headstrong boyfriend I can’t function without. I’m doomed. Without solving a peculiar out-of-town case, Diem’s career is over. He can’t afford to live, let alone pay bills and run the business. The case involves a mostly dead teen and a small-town police department who are convinced the boy suffered an accident. All hope lies on the hunch of a grieving mother.
I really like Tallus and Diem together. Tallus is now in PI training, and their dynamics have shifted some, but they still complement each other well. Tallus is absolutely charming, and he’s done a lot to help Diem come out of his shell and deal with all his past trauma. Their relationship, while not yet exactly perfect, really works. It was great how much Diem now trusts Tallus.

The mystery, as always, was top-notch. The fact that it’s part of a story that Diem is telling his sick grandma, just made it even more poignant.

All in all, it was a fantastic continuation to the Shadowy Solutions series! Tallus and Diem's interactions together, both on and off the job is guaranteed to make your heart happy seeing them finally together. We also had a Costa cameo...another great addition to the story. The mystery was also intriguing and had me guessing throughout the book who the bad guy was.

I own almost all this author's books, and I have never read a bad one or even a mediocre one...so yes...I would highly recommend this series or any of the others.

Driving Miss Norma – Tim Bauerschmidt & Ramie Liddle
Digital audiobook narrated by Christopher Grove and Nan McNamara
4****

Subtitle: One Family's Journey Saying "Yes" to Living
Alternate subtitle: : An Inspirational Story About What Really Matters at the End of Life

When his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 90, Tim Bauerschmidt and his wife had some decisions to make. They had been living “on the road” for a few years already and had returned to his childhood home when his father passed away. But now he couldn’t leave his mother alone with this devastating illness. Norma decided she did NOT want to live her last months “sick” … and even sicker from the recommended treatment. She also didn’t want to be in a hospital or nursing home setting. So, she decided to go along with Tim and Ramie as they travelled the USA. This is a memoir of that year on the road.

Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision to make, and it took time, effort, resources and planning. But they were lucky, too. After posting about their journey on Facebook, and some friends sharing the posts, they had over 500 followers. Ramie then sent an email to the Good News Network to see if they’d like to do a feature article, and the network agreed, posting their “Driving Miss Norma” episode. In a day, their likes had jumped to 1,800 and they’d been contacted by CBS Evening News asking to do a feature story. Within a week they had 91,000 (!) likes. And offers of unique experiences came rolling in.

The lesson here, though, is all about Norma’s (and Tim’s & Ramie’s) reactions to all these opportunities. They embraced living. They said “yes” to most every offer. They set aside fears and “what ifs,” choosing instead to go with the flow and just enjoy the experience.

It’s a fine memoir and inspired this reader to be more open to life’s journey.

The audiobook is narrated by Christopher Grove and Nan McNamara, voicing Tim and Ramie’s chapters respectively. Having two narrators made it very clear which was writing which sections.

Love Limits - Reese Morrison - (Pennsylvania)
Love Language Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance/Daddy "pup" dynamic
3.5★
Ash is on a mission to find a Daddy. They know it won’t be easy; they’re proudly deaf, intersex, and kinky, so finding the right daddy might take a lot of dates. But what happens when they meet the "Daddiest" "Daddy" ever to call himself "Daddy"…and he doesn’t even know it?

Zhong loves packing Ash’s lunch and buying him presents. He loves playing board games with the playful sub and even cuddling with him at night. For Ash, he even goes to a kink club on "pup" night to be Ash’s "handler". But Zhong knows that his love has its limits. He could never be what Ash is looking for.... could he?

Love Limits has a caring ace Daddy, a genderqueer sub, age play, puppy play, and a HFN (Happy for Now) on-going theme. This is the third book in the Love Language series, which celebrates the deaf culture,

Ash was *intersex", (see note below*), a sub, a pup, and totally deaf. We first find him on a "mission" to find himself a "Daddy". He does meet a "Daddy", but he has no idea that is what the man is.... which made me slightly question his level of actual experience in the BDSM community. That's something that's pretty elementary for most BDSM participants. But it is a story after all, and I was fairly sure that Ash would learn.

The we have Zhong who is asexual (ace) and loves doing everyday tasks like packing Ash a lunch as well as buying him presents. He likes playing board games and cuddling with Ash at night. He is even prepared to go to a "kink" club and be Ash's "Handler" on "pup" night. But Zhong thinks that surely, he can't be enough for Ash. There were many times that I wanted to bonk the man upside his hard, thick head:)

I liked the story, but I struggled with some of the behaviors of Ash and Zhong as well as some of the other folks that surrounded them. I liked the "Ash" character... a lot. He was sweet, curious, and a pure joy. I was glad that he got his happiness, even if it wasn't everything that he wanted or expected, with Zhong. It will help some readers understand more about people that identify as "ace", and what they need. It worked out well that Zhong was a good "handler" for Ash's "pup". It was an easy story to read, to feel, and to understand. This is an M/M romance story with a BDSM-like relationship along with a DDLB, (Daddy Dom /Little Boy), dynamic, and there is some puppy play. Puppy play is not my favorite book theme, but in this case, it added to the story and provided a better understanding of the two character's relationship.

Would I recommend it? Maybe, maybe not. I would be very careful who I recommended it to. Even people that are into M/M romances may find it a bit..."offsetting". I read and own A LOT of M/M Romances...but I read this book because, for a challenge, I needed "a character who could be considered "androgynous", and Ash and Zhong fit that category very well.

NOTES
"Intersex" is a term that many people may not hear very often, or perhaps not at all. It's a term used for people who are born with one or more traits in their chromosomes, genitals, hormones, or internal reproductive organs that don’t fit the "typical" male or female patterns. Some of their traits might not match the sex they are assigned at birth or may combine the traditionally understood male and female traits.

"ace" is a sexual orientation characterized by experiencing little or no sexual attraction. Asexual individuals, often called "aces," may identify with varying degrees of attraction, and the term can also encompass those who experience attraction rarely or only under specific circumstances. Asexuality is recognized as a valid sexual orientation.

"genderqueer" is an identity that some folks use that identify themselves as being neither female or male, or as being both, or even somewhere in between.

The Witches of Bone Hill - Ava Morgyn - (Connecticut)
Genera: Gothic/Haunted House/Witches
5★
The Witches of Bone Hill is a bubbling brew of darkness, magic, and sisterhood. Ava Morgyn fills her story with a haunting sorcery all her own, making this compulsively readable new dynasty of powerful witches impossible to put down.” - Paige Crutcher, author of The Orphan Witch and The Lost Witch
When the sisters, Cordelia and Eustace Bone, learn that an aunt they never knew they has died and left them her entire estate, they are, to say the least, surprised. The inheritance gives them some hope into fixing their troubled lives. The sisters expect that their inheritance is maybe a cottage or small farmhouse in Connecticut with a small financial bequest. Instead, they find a huge three-story mansion filled to the rafters with museum-quality antiques, a solarium full of all kinds of strange plants, along with a pond. It's an enormous surrounding estate in a town that hates and fears the Bone family.

They are met by Bennett Togers, an elderly gentleman and his silent, strange son and chauffeur, Arkin. Bennett knows the Bone family well but is not very forthcoming with explanations, but he leaves all the documents behind for them to review and sign. They now learn that things might be a bit worse than they had feared as they soon learn that the house and property are bound by a dynastic trust that prohibits them from selling the property. They also learn that once they sign the documents, they will be enormously wealthy. Little by little they learn some other things: they come from generations of "old family" of Nordic witches, and each sister has special inherited power she must discover and learn to use.

They also soon learn that their powerful family has some powerful enemies, and that it is their "blood bound" duty to vanquish them. Their only friend and possible helper in this mission is the handsome and very protective groundskeeper, Gordon Jablonski. His mother had died on this property, and he has as many unanswered questions as the two sisters.

This story has many "parts". It's partly a cozy, partly a romance, partly a ghost story and partly a mystery. What the reader learns about runes and Nordic witchcraft is more than merely interesting. This is a fun bit of entertainment that would be perfect for the Halloween season.

Blueprints - Barbara Delinsky - (Massachusetts)
Genera: Cozy Romance
3★
Jamie and Caroline are mother and daughter who work together in a family company that designs and builds houses and as part of a reality TV Show. Jamie is an architect and Caroline is a builder. Both think their life is all planned out, like a blueprint. Then an accident changes everything. Suddenly their world changes and they need new plans.
I have to be fair here because those of you that know me, know that I would have NEVER in a million year EVER even picked this book up, much less actually opened it and read it, if it didn't meet yet another challenge...and to make it even worse, a challenge that I created! Whoever would have thought that finding a book with a character that builds a house would have been this hard?

The story is interesting enough, and there are several good lines of action that each one carries its own various emotions. But good heaven's how many descriptions do you need??? In some places there were literally 3 entire pages of descriptions of facades. Facades with bay windows, facades with columns, facades with other types of windows, facades of verandas...come on! If I ever want to build a house, I now know everything and more about FACADES!!!

The two main characters, mother and daughter. Caroline and Jamie were just way too unrealistic. I'm going to give it 3 stars because it did serve the purpose that I picked it up for.

A Stitch in Time- Kelly Armstrong - (England)
Thorne Manor Series Book #1
Genera: Mystery/ Romance/Time Travel
5★
Thorne Manor has always been haunted…and it has always haunted Bronwyn Dale. As a young girl, Bronwyn could pass through a time slip in her great-aunt’s house, where she visited William Thorne, a boy her own age, born two centuries earlier. After a family tragedy, the house was shuttered, and Bronwyn was convinced that William existed only in her imagination. Now, twenty years later Bronwyn inherits Thorne Manor. And when she returns, William is waiting.
The story has time-travel, ghosts, suspense, mystery and romance all wrapped up in this wonderful novel

There's just something about time travel romances. or any other genera that draws the reader in. Maybe it's because it's something that may truly be impossible for us to actually achieve. I said may, because who knows...we might all be able one day to have visits to other timelines, past and future. I'm not holding my breath though. This book, like most all of Kelly Armstrong's novels adds a ghostly mystery, creepy suspense, and even a murder-mystery.

The story takes place at Thorne Manor, in the lush English countryside near a small village whose property backs up to the moors. As a young girl, Bronwyn Dale found she could pass through a "time slip" in the house of her great-aunt, where she could visit with William Thorne, a boy who was her own age...but was born two centuries earlier. One night tragedy struck, and Bronwyn never returned t her own time.

Now, twenty years later, she inherits the manor and returns for the summer. She has convinced herself that William was just an imaginary childhood friend. The tale that unfolds had all the elements of a fireside ghost story and time-travel romance. She will discover that William Thorne is no longer that teenage boy, but in the time that Kelly finds herself in, is a man who lives alone in the manor.

As the two renew their friendship and the hope of possibly more, Bronwyn is seeing ghosts from the time that she left who seem to be warning her. Also, the town in the time she is in with Willima are sharing history about William, calling him the "mad Lord of the manor".

I've read almost everything that Kelly Armstrong has ever written. She has such a talent for giving believable life to her characters. She perfectly balances the romance and suspense. I loved the Bronwyn character. She is sweet, faces her fears and is fairly clever and level-headed...if you can call someone that willingly walks through a rip in time "level-headed":) William, while not always even-tempered, was sweet, romantic and clearly hurt when Bronwyn didn’t return. Perhaps waiting all that time is what made him a bit "mad".

Kelley Armstrong managed to combine mystery, paranormal and romantic elements together beautifully giving life to every element of the story. In a side article she said that it was a story she longed to write, and she did a magnificent job.

This is book #1 of Thorne Manor series. I have to find the rest,

The Broken H - J.L. Langley - (Texas)
Texas Ranches Series Book #2
Genera: M/M Romance/ Ranchers
4.5★
A rocky past that sent Shane fleeing his home and seeking refuge on The Broken H has kept him from the one thing that has always been dear to him. Grayson. Sheriff Grayson Hunter hasn't felt like he belonged for a long time. Once he loved The Broken H, his ancestral home, and Shane Cortez with all that he was. Now he tries to stay as far away from the ranch and the man as possible until an accident brings them together. Gray didn't count on Shane's decision to let go of the past...and get a hold of Gray.
I really, really liked Grayson. Gray, as he was called by friends, was so confident of who he was. He had left home and become a bull rider and made a name for himself. He had taken the money from his winnings and put himself through college even though his parents would have happily paid for it. He became a SWAT team member but eventually went back to his small Texas town and was elected Sheriff.

He never tried to hide his sexuality and other's opinions didn't mean "beans" to him. He was who and what he was and proud of it. I really liked him for taking that stand. So once he and Shane got together, he absolutely did not care who knew. His parents were very understanding people and had raised him to be a good man. His love for Shane had never lessened over the years even though he believed that Shane was maybe bi and not totally gay. He also didn’t care, nor was he concerned about the 13-year age difference between them

Shane was the Foreman of the Broken H, and he had always loved Grayson, whose parents owned the Broken H. That love to start with, was more in a "brotherly" way...until Gray started getting older. He had had feelings for Gray when Gray was 17 but was afraid that he would be confusing Gray’s sexual preferences with his own. Shane had some confidence issues that were completely understandable based on his past. We eventually find out what his past entailed some emotional stress that he felt would influence Gray’s feelings for him. Gray loved him despite his past.

I loved the two main characters, but I was a little "on the fence" with the story. Quite frankly, there just wasn’t enough of it. The root of the story was good...solid...sexy...actually a truckload of sexy...but it just needed "something" more. But hey...it was still a 4.5-star worthy read.

Those Who Came Before - J.H. Moncrieff - (Ontario, Canada)
Part of the Fiction Without Frontiers series
Genera: Horror
4★
People are dying at Strong Lake, and the worst is yet to come. An idyllic weekend camping trip is cut short when Reese Wallace s friends are brutally murdered. As the group's only survivor, Reese is the prime suspect, and his story doesn't make much sense. A disembodied voice warning him to leave the campground the night before? A strange, blackened tree that gave him an electric shock when he cut it down for firewood? Detective Grey Eyes isn't having any of it until she hears the voice herself and finds an arrowhead at the crime scene and an arrowhead, she can't get rid of.
This was my first time reading something by this author, but I will be looking into reading more!

There's been a horrific slaughter of three people at a campground with only one survivor, Reese, who of course is going to be the center of attention because the question is how did he survive? Reese's girlfriend was one of the ones that was killed, and so of course he is going to be the prime suspect. Detective Greyeyes didn't really believe that he had anything to do with it... but then, she can't be sure.

It really made no sense, but one of the old men that ended up in the drunk tank, Crazy Horse, and tells the detective what he believes is happening and that again... she needs to talk to Chief Kinew. She's not sure that she believes most of what the old man tells her but when she was out at the campgrounds, she could feel that something was very much off.

The Chief doesn't want anything to do with the camp because he says it's "tainted ground", he wouldn't even talk to her in his office for fear of bringing the negative thing into it. He finally tells her, but of course she doesn't believe him...it's just to outlandish. He says it's some kind of supernatural thing that is killing people. He also tells her all the things that the tribe has kept a record of and that this isn't the first time the land has killed.

More some strange things start to happen and the detective as well as Reese and more people at the campground are being slaughtered. The detective has to sort things out fast even if she doesn't want to believe in the folklore of her own ancestors.

I danced around what exactly it was at the campgrounds as I don't want to spoil the tale for you...but it is based on actual Native American folklore, and I found it interesting, since I haven't read much about this and there are many Native American legends, some that are more or less just stories but others just as strange, that are based in some truth. Who's to say what is or isn't real? If you want to read this book, please be aware that it was in parts, on the gory side at times.

I can't say that I was a huge fan of Reese, but I did really like the detective, Maria Grey Eyes. I also really liked Crazy Horse...he was really funny at times. The ending left me a little confused because of something that I'm not at all a fan of...open endings. I'm okay with them when I know there will be another book in the series. I did find that this book follows this author's first book of a story that is based on a massacre that supposedly happened at Dyatlov Pass in Russia in 1959. This ending just leaves you wondering and with some unanswered questions. Overall, I enjoyed it. If you're a fan of, or just love horror with supernatural elements, then you would probably like this one.

I'm going to explore a few more to try to determine if the books are fiction based on reality or just simply good horror tales.

The Door-to-Door Bookstore – Carsten Henn
3***

Translated by Melody Show

A small-town German bookseller has delivered books to his customers each evening after the store is closed. Carl has a regular walking route he uses for these deliveries. One day a nine-year-old girl, dressed in a bright yellow coat, appears and begins to walk with him. Schascha insinuates herself into his routine and things begin to change. Then Carl loses his job. But it is more than a job to Carl, it is his life.

I loved Carl and Schascha, but also really liked Carl’s customers, to whom he’s given literary pseudonyms. Mr Darcy, Sister Amaryllis, Effie Briest and Hercules are among his patrons, each given a name that befits his/her personality. And then there is Dog, a stray cat that follows Carl for part of his route and often makes a sound quite like a barking dog.

This is a lovely story of friendship, purpose, kindness and found family. It’s also about dealing with loss and grief, and about having the courage to make changes in one’s life.

Safe Place - Jay Northcote - (Washington)
Rainbow Place Series Book #2
Genera; M/M Romance
5★
Where do you go when your home is no longer a safe place? Alex is about to turn eighteen and is firmly in the closet. He’s been biding his time, waiting to escape to uni, and finally come out away from the oppressive influence of his homophobic father. When he flunks his exams, he’s stuck in the small town of Porthladock, Washington; and what’s worse is that he’s working for his dad. The only thing that makes it bearable is Cam.
Back to Porthladock for book two in the "Rainbow Place" series. This time, Alex and Cam are our main characters. We first met Alex in Book #1. Alex is the son of a wealthy, homophobic bigot, which I hated right away...and has dealt with this man's disapproval and control his entire life. When "Rainbow Place" first opened, it was a place that Alex could be himself...and that's where he first met Cam, the rugby player. There is a six-year age difference between Alex and Cam when they meet, and even though they're attracted to one another, Cam plays it safe and asks for the two of them to "just be friends". Oh, we all know how well and how long, that always works out!

Can you remember what it was like being eighteen years old and having a crush on someone? It's the absolutely "best of times and the absolutely "worst of times" because the emotions are so intense and the "wanna-be adult" side is often battling with the "still-a-teen" side. The interesting thing was that Alex seemed to be the one who had his thoughts and feelings more clearly put together. Cam was just frustrating at times about a lot of things, but he was especially frustrating when he was indecisive about his feelings.

Jay Northcote always does an excellent job of writing about growing up in a homophobic home. My sweet son-in-law grew up with a man who I will never understand why he was allowed to draw another breath. The kind of kind of hatred that Alex experienced in our story is pervasive and just plain down-right, mean and cruel. Alex. has of course been affected by his father's hateful bigotry. He has zero self-confidence, and he has trouble understanding where he stands with people. I was pleased to see this author make the choice to go into this issue with the Alex character. The issue is a complex one...but your family, above everyone else on the planet, should be compassionate and accepting! My son is my son no matter who he loves. (Soapbox back in the closet.)

There's great deal of diversity in this story. We're presented with a wide variety of sexual identities one being a trans woman, who you just have to adore. Our Cam character is bisexual...and I've read of some pretty wretched bisexual characters in my reading time...so I was so glad that Cam was written as being refreshing and authentic. Other characters of Hayden, Amber, and Sophia are good friends to Alex, and they also were well written.

Loved my revisit with Seb and Jason. Great to see how their relationship was progressing. I especially liked the way that Seb kept an eye on Alex to ensure that he was doing okay. It's really good to see that he has settled into the community. Read book #1."Rainbow Place", first to meet the characters and make this one even more special.

Return to Dyatlov Pass - J.H. Moncrieff - (Russia)
Genera: (Horror/Fiction based on an actual event)
5★
In 1959, nine Russian students set off on a skiing expedition in the Ural Mountains. Their mutilated bodies were discovered weeks later. Their bizarre and unexplained deaths are one of the most enduring true mysteries of our time. Nearly sixty years later, podcast host Nat McPherson ventures into the same mountains with her team, determined to finally solve the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass incident. Her plans are thwarted on the first night, when two trackers from her group are brutally slaughtered. The team’s guide, a superstitious man from a neighboring village, blames the killings on yetis, but no one believes him. As members of Nat’s team die one by one, she must figure out if there’s a murderer in their midst, or something even worse...before history repeats itself and her group becomes another casualty of the infamous "Dead Mountain".
This is the first book for this author but it's the second book by her that I have read. It has become an imperative that I find out if these stories are based on some horrible pieces of reality or just on the author's wonderful over-active, imagination. I have found that it's a little of both and it is now an imperative that I read "Every Last One of Them!!". I will warn you that most of them are graphic in the horror details so if you don't have a fairly strong stomach...just saying. This one is based on an actual event.

This is an incredibly realistic historic-fictional horror story based on a true event. The basis for this was the 1959 "Dyatlov Pass incident"--a true, unsolved mystery in which nine young Russian skiers died in the Ural Mountains. Their bodies were found weeks later, inexplicably mutilated, and their deaths have never been completely explained . . . but the Russian government and the victims' families, accepts the verdict that has been put forth. Another reviewer pointed out..."The story has always bugged me. Did you know it's been almost sixty years, and some say that they still have no actual idea what happened to those people? . . . " Actually, they now do....and it makes a lot of sense.

Nat McPherson, along with her producer, Andrew, are about to dive into this unsolved mystery in order to bring something "real" to their supernatural podcast, entitled, "Nat's Mysterious World". After training and assembling a competent team, the two friends are on their way to "Kholat Syakhl"... the infamous "Dead Mountain". The hostile atmosphere is further fueled by the different personalities as well as the different levels of experience. I liked this comment made by one . . . "My usual form of exercise is running my mouth". So... by the time the team sets actually sets out together, the tension has already begun to mount exponentially.

The entire story, including what happens to this team, in this story, is truly this author's own story. it is very loosely based on the actual event. There were times where I was surprised, and others that I had to laugh at the sarcasm some of the team used to lighten things up along the way...and things were certainly going to need lightening up very soon. The author has done a commendable job taking a "real-life" mystery and creating this unique story from the yet to this day, small number of facts that actually does exist. By the end, I had put together about six possible scenarios for the ending. Of course, not one of them even came close..., but it was fun. I have included at the end of this review a link to a video and an article showing what conclusion the investigating authorities and the Russian government, have come to.

Overall, this was a perfect horror story on several levels. There are realistic characters...characters the reader can emphasize with...an incredible atmosphere that you can actually sometimes "feel"... funny dialog, along with a vivid journey that soon turns to a living nightmare. I have to say that it was a highly impressive well told story.

Side Notes:
From Wikipedia - "The Dyatlov Pass incident occurred in February 1959 when nine Soviet ski hikers, led by Igor Dyatlov, disappeared while trekking in the Ural Mountains. Their bodies were found in sub-zero temperatures, with some showing signs of trauma and others with entirely missing body parts. Investigations concluded that hypothermia and physical trauma were the likely causes of their deaths, but the exact circumstances still remain a mystery. Various theories have been proposed, including natural disasters, military testing, and even paranormal events, but no definitive explanation has been established.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/dyatlov-pass-incident-solved
One explanation that still has not been actually accepted. There are some pictures but they're not graphic.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=what+really+happened+on+Dyatlov+Pass+in+1959%3F&am...
This is a video, that after 60 years, finally provides some insight to what the Russian authorities think may be what happened. It does have some actual picture of the abandoned campsite.... none are graphic. This "Florida girl" can't imagine anyone actually wanting to go out in that... BURRR!

Sweat Connections - Katheryn McIntyre
Hot Under the Collar Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
One disasterous bi single dad. One sexy plumber on a house call. One hot romance…. Rhys: If I was a hot mess before becoming a single dad, my life’s pretty much an "on-fire garbage can" now. Okay, maybe that’s a tad melodramatic. My bestie/baby momma/ex-girlfriend is still awesome... and my kiddo, Sammy is amazing, albeit exhausting. I’m the one who’s too intense and rambling, too obsessed with random trivia, too liable to set dinner on fire. Essentially, too much for any relationship. However, when a hottie plumber drops by to fix our toilet...thanks, Sammy...and gives me his number? My luck might just be turning around.
This is such a sweet with heat story, and I really, really liked it. Of course, I like everything that Katheryn McIntyre writes.

Rhys is trying hard to keep things together while he co-parents his young son. He has a great relationship with his best friend, Kelsey, who is his son’s mother and his ex, but he wants to find someone who will just love him, all of him as he is...and most of all, not up and leave him.

Cole is lonely after his father moved out of the house they shared. He too wants to find a life partner but doesn’t think that anyone would be interested in the same things that he is.

After a little bit of misunderstanding... that I have to admit was pretty funny, these two really begin to hit it off but...there's always a "but", they both suffer from a lack of confidence. They can't image that anyone would ever want them for who they are. The connection they made with each other was really quick and super-hot, but it takes them a while to get past their "confidence problems", a boy did they have them. They finally talk to each other and reveal their true feelings. I thought about time guys!

If you’re looking for a hot M/M romance story with absolutely no angst and a cute kid...here it is! There’s a great cast of secondary characters and at least a couple of them will soon get their own books.... some are already out in this series. I’m looking forward to reading them all.

Sam - Iain Robb Wright - (England)
Genera: Horror, Supernatural
5★
Sammie has a secret. Want to hear it? When washed-up priest Angela Murs and skittish ghost hunter Tim Golding are summoned to a vast countryside manor to help a sick little boy, they have no idea what to expect. While it's clear that young Samuel Raymeady is a very disturbed child, there's surely no way he could be behind the recent spate of accidents and deaths around his home. He's just a child...
It's undeniable, we know from the first meeting that Sam is possessed. His rich and widowed mother, needs and calls for help. She asks for that "help" from an alcoholic female ex-priest and a paranormal debunker to diagnose and save him. Not stellar choices, Mom. There is a small cast of supporting characters who may or may not be who they seem to be, and a suspicious pharmaceutical corporation acting as the "spider web" entrapping them all.

Although this story is intended to be frightening, I didn't find it to be especially so...but I did find it fascinating and interesting, which is what kept me reading. I would describe it as the evil stepchild of an unholy union between "The Omen" and "The Exorcist". It has more suspenseful fright sequences than either of those two novels, and Iain Rob Wright always creates characters that are just slightly on the cusp of being a dirty shade of dishwater gray. You know something is "wrong" with them, but it takes several chapters to come anywhere close to figuring out just what their "wrongness" is. They are more like real people than is usually found in a horror story. Well...they're normal until they prove how wrong you were.

Another thing that makes this story a bit more unique is that no one, not one single character is completely good or completely evil...really smart or totally stupid. It's filled with absolutely 100% "normal, everyday" people. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to read about people that struggle with their own morality rather than having it laid out in print for them. These are people with limitations that are forced to step up and be tested, with very, frightening results.

Overall: It was written for horror fans... everything is there: an old English country house, mysterious inhabitants of said English country house, strange phenomena, and eerie rumors and stories. A very entertaining read, by an excellent author.

Candy Man - Amy Lane - (California)
Candy Man Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Miliary/Dogs
5★
Adam Macias has been thrown a few curve balls in his life, but losing his VA grant because his car broke down and he missed a class was the one that struck him out. One relative away from homelessness, he's taking the bus to Sacramento, where his cousin has offered a house-sitting job and a new start. He has one goal, and that's to get his life back on track. Friends, pets, lovers? Need not apply.
It's a sweet, warm story about love and friendship in Old Town Sacramento, California. At the start we learn of the problems thrown into Adam's life. His broken car, his lost VA grant, these are his biggest but not his only ones. He takes a bus to Sacramento, California, where he can housesit for Rico who is not only his cousin, but also his friend.

Meet Adam: 6'4" buff, tattooed, brown eyed, who has spent 8 years in the military, and now is an animation artist, is down on his luck, sad and lonely. He wants to finish school, but right now he needs a job.

Now say hello to Finn: He's tall and thin. 24, with curly red hair, tall, thin, lanky, and blue eyes, and works in his dad's sandwich shop while going to college to be a Structural Engineer, like bridges. He's not been hurt by love yet and is bright and cheery.

Adam applies for work at "Candy Heaven", that is owned by marvelous Darrin, a real gem of a guy, with long red/brown hair and a top hat, who hires him immediately. The shop has a greatly diverse staff. Adam meets Finn, and as time goes forward, they get along well. We watch them figure out each other, but Adam's self-worth is zero, carried over from his demeaning father. It's hard to shake off, but he has hope.

He runs Clopper, Rico's big dog, every day, and gives the grouchy cat his medicine. He's happy to have a job and place to be. Finn is so good for Adam and brings out the best in him. They get close, become boyfriends, but move slowly in the sexy times. We see his new work friends treat him well, plus Darrin is a generous boss.

Like the majority of Amy Lane's books, this one was a delightful story with some serious moments. It's well written with terrific characters, and an overall feeling of hope, happiness and fulfillment.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry / Rachel Joyce

When Harold Fry learns (via a letter) that a former coworker he hasn't seen in 20 years has terminal cancer, he plans to mail a letter back. On the way to the mailbox, he decides to walk to her – all the way from Southern England to Northern. He leaves his wife Maureen behind, and they both think about where their marriage went wrong.

2025 Reread:
3.5 stars
I guess I liked this a bit better the second time around. I did lose focus occasionally on this, but (unlike the first time I read it), I don’t think I liked one POV over the other. I didn’t remember the little “twist” near the end. But I did like the ending. Similar to the first time I read it, I wasn’t a big fan of the big group of people that joined him, and (like Harold), I felt relieved when they were gone.

2016 Review:
3 stars
I preferred reading the chapters from Maureen's point of view to reading about Harold's walking. For some reason, I just didn't find his hike very interesting. I did get annoyed when he had that entire group of people join him for a while. I liked the end and Maureen's portions, but overall, I'm giving it an “ok”, 3 stars.

Tin Star - J.L. Langley- (Texas)
Texas Ranches Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Ranchers
5★
Ethan and Jamie, two cowboys in Texas from different ranches, who discover love and learn to deal with homophobia in a small Texas town.
POSSIBLE TRIGGER: Homophobia
Ethan is the owner of the Tin Star Ranch. John, his best friend since childhood, runs the Broken H. John calls Ethan and tells him that Jamie had dropped a bombshell on them that morning. Jamie finally worked up nerve enough and told them that he was very much more interested in the "cowboys", but not at all interested in the "cowgirls". With that bit of news, his father immediately opened the door and in no uncertain or misunderstood terms, invited him to leave and forget to come back.

Ethan calls Jamie and convinces him to come to work for him at his ranch. It would give Jamie a place to stay and something to do until things hopefully cooled down with his father. (Don't hold your breath for that to happen.) Jamie agrees and moves into Ethan's bunk house. Things are not exactly "love and roses" there either as not long after, two of the ranch hands drag Jamie outside and attack him. Ethan steps in and stops them and quickly fires them both. He moves Jamie into the house with him, which I thought he should have done in the first place since he didn't really know how his ranch hands would feel about Jamie's sexuality. If any of them had negative feelings about Jamie, they're going to have another surprise shortly.

Jamie has had a crush on Ethan for years...and as you can surmise if you read many M/M romance books... Jamie and Ethan soon become lovers. Jame asks his brother, John, who is also Ethan's "bestie", to gather his things from the place that is not now, nor ever will again be...his home. John brings his belongings and his dog, Fred...to the Tin Star Ranch...Jamie's new home where he will be happy and will always be welcome.

Jamie's troubles are not quiet over yet...seems that someone is trying to get to Jamie and is not being very secretive about it. First his truck is shot up, then someone drugs his beer at the club where his birthday celebration was happening. He and Ethan have several suspects... Jamie's father being on the top of the list. Then the attacker(s) start to target Ethen, and Ethan is shot. Jamie takes over running the ranch and caring for Ethan while he recuperates. Jamie is in constant contact with the sheriff, Grayson Hunter, who is investigating the attack on Ethan as well as the attacks on Jamie.

"All's well that ends well". In the end, the shooter is revealed as well as who was behind all the attacks on Jamie and Ethan. Ethan and Jamie are publicly "out" and most everyone is okay with their relationship.

Overall, J.L. Langley has given us some more wonderful, believable characters, both the main ones and the supporting ones, who added so much fun and depth to the story. Ethan's best friend John, (Jamie's older brother), shows how supportive he is of his brother and best friend, Ethan, while keeping his sense of humor in the process. He offers a bit of light-hearted happiness to what could have turned out to be a very depressing story. Julia, (Jamies sister), and John, keep them all in line and provides another level of hope and humor to the story as well.

These two books really do need to be read in order, which you all know that I, of course, didn't.

Slash -Hunter Shea - (New York)
Part of Fiction Without Frontiers Series
Genera: Horror/Mystery
4.5★
Five years after Ashley King survived the infamous Resort Massacre, she’s found hanging in her basement by her fiancé, Todd Matthews. She left behind clues as to what really happened that night, clues that may reveal the identity of the killer the press has called The Wraith. With the help of his friends, Todd goes backs. The Wraith is back, and he’s nothing what they expected.
Meet Ashley King. Ashley is a mess. She jumps at most sounds...a car door shutting... door closing... and she depends on her sleeping pills and then there are her many scars. Suddenly, we find ourselves in Ashley’s nightmares.... not a good place to be.

When we first meet Todd Matthews, Ashley’s fiancé, he’s headed home from work. Upon his arrival he can’t find Ashley in one of the usual places in the house, but he sees that the basement door is cracked open, so he heads down there. He finds Ashley....hanging from the ceiling. He's far too late to help her.

Todd goes through the mourning process and tries to understand what had happened. He's angry and he focuses his anger on all the media that always seem to try to glorify these awful situations. While he processes, the readers are given more and more information about Ashley’s past and how she became "a final girl".

Later, Todd finds Ashley’s suicide note, and in it there is a clue. After searching, he finds a memory card. On this memory card is a video where Ashley explained things to him that he wasn’t ever aware of when she was alive. In the video, Ashley says that she will record herself on each of their explorations and leave the memory cards in a specific location. Todd is determined to gather anything and everything that he can that Ashley had left behind and learn more about what happened that night, Todd eventually has to return to a grisly scene that Ashley had barely managed to escape.

He believes that this trip will be fairly easy; all he has to do is take the memory cards and leave. What he doesn’t know is that there’s something yet out there, and it may cost him and ones that he loves, their lives. You'll have to find out for yourself all the craziness that happened next.

I was totally captivated by the idea of the story. In the front of the book, there is a small interview with the author Hunter Shea, that he says Slash is "a return to 80s slasher films". From the first book that I ever read by this author I've always thought that his books would make wonderfully, creepy movies.

Ghost Mine - Hunter Shea - (Wyoming) - (Previously titled -Hell Hole)
Genera - Supernatural, Horror
4★
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return.
Former Rough Rider, Nat Blackburn, is asked by President Teddy Roosevelt to get to the bottom of what is happening in the abandoned mining town of Hecla, Wyoming. We are given a brief glimpse of the evil that awaits at the very beginning, and then it explores a bit of early 1900’s life viewed through the eyes of Nat. While Nat is one very likeable character, his "partner-in-crime" and friend, Teta. is the one that really steals the show. They're cowboys that read the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells.

Teta and Nat are both men that don't run from much of anything. They're from an earlier time, when the world seemed to have a great deal of respect for men who would fight, stand their ground, and get the needed results. Hunter Shea portrays these two men very well. There are a few other characters that are integral to the story, and they are also written just as well. I have found Hunter Shea to be able to tell an excellent story no matter what the genera is, although he mostly writes horror.

You have to wonder from the beginning what is going on in this town. Seems there are a lot of things. Things like unexplained disappearances...rumors of gold and death...lots of death, just for starters. I don’t want to spoil the 'fun" for other reader's...but you will be "treated" to not one type of nasty creature, but several other "baddies" that you would NEVER want to meet in the dark, or in the daylight for that matter...but they all seem to have taken up residency in this wild and weirdly weird, western town.

If you are a Stephen King or a Dean Koontz fan, you will easily be able to relate to this author. We learn that there are many entrances to Hell and some are closer than you would think. The veil between here and there is not just thin anymore...it’s wide open and getting even wider, while all the time inviting you to "come on in".

This book is packed with a multitude of horrors, that begin to escalate with plenty of action to go around. Once it begins it's like the best action movie you ever saw...splashed with a great big coat of blood.

I discovered this author earlier this year and have found that everything that he writes is "nightmare worthy" fodder. If you like horror or just all-out scary "stuff", you might want to give Hunter Shea a try. It certainly seems that this author really enjoys writing these stories. This story does give the reader an "intermission". Time enough to get a sandwich and the drink of your choice and catch your breath, as there is a bit of a lull in the middle, but once the creatures and the spirits come back out to "play"...it all stats up again...and believe me YOU DON'T WANT TO PLAY!

I debated with myself on the rating and finally decided on 4 stars. I can't believe that I'm saying this...there were just too many monsters. One big bad brut of a monster would have done the job just fine. But I'll still be looking for more "scarry stuff" from Mr. Shea.

The Spook in The Stacks -Eva Gates - (North Carolina)
Lighthouse Library Mystery Book #4
Genera: Mystery/Suspense/Cozy Mystery
5★
Halloween in North Carolina’s Outer Banks becomes seriously tricky when librarian Lucy Richardson stumbles across something extra unusual in the rare books section: a dead body. Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, but the competition for the collection is fierce. Unfortunately, while the library is hosting a lecture on ghostly legends, Jay becomes one of the dearly departed in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy Richardson and her fellow librarians to bone up on their detective skills and discover who is responsible for this wicked Halloween homicide.
For someone that doesn't particularly care for "Cozy Mysteries", I have found myself reading a lot of "cozy mysteries" lately. The covers are enticing, usually with a cute animal of some type, and the stories don't take long to breeze through...so...

Halloween is fast approaching the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Everyone is decorating and getting ready for Halloween. Lucy Richardson, the assistant librarian has her book group reading "The Legend of Sleepy Hallow". The children's librarian has planned stories and a costume party for his group of children. Louise Jane has a "Ghost Story Lecture Series" planned.

A collection of North Carolina historical documents owned by prominent collector, Jay Riddle is considering donating these to library. He, his granddaughter and a private curator have come to have a library tour. Jay is especially interested in the rare books and documents section. His granddaughter and the guest curator plan to attend an outside event of ghost stories,

Jay asks to go to the rare books section, where Lucy discovers Jay is there...and he's dead...murdered!! Who would want to kill Jay Riddle? Lucy starts her own investigation, and she discovers that Jay didn't make many friends, so she has a lot of suspects. But she's determined to bring the killer to justice. After Jay’s death strange phenomena begin to occur inside and outside the lighthouse. Lucy sees flickering light, a model ship with inanimate captain, cat and sailors that seem to move around all on their own. The most puzzling thing is the "ghost horse" that Lucy sees in the fog. Is the library and it's surroundings now haunted?

I really did enjoy this book. I love lighthouses. The characters are all very well created and likeable. I loved Charles, the cat! he was the reason I was drawn to this book to start with. Charles is essential to helping Lucy to identify the culprit who lives in the lighthouse. Charles stays in the room where Lucy lives the lighthouse at night and happily roams the library during the day. Charles adds to the story.

if you are looking for depth... then this is not the book for you...neither will be the cozy mystery genera as a whole...but if you want an easy read to help pass some time, without killing too many brain cells trying to solve it...these little gems in the cozy genera, will fit the bill.

Breath of Life - Nicky James - (Toronto, Canada)
Shadowy Solutions series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance/Private Detectives
5★
What would you do for love? On a balmy September evening, Tallus and Diem discover a man who has been attacked in an alley. Saving his life seems like the right thing to do. With his dying breath, the man thrusts an item upon the couple and makes one request. Get rid of it.
This is book four in Nicky James's Shadowy Solutions series. The first three books in this series should diffidently be read before this one in order to understand not only the personal relationship progress but also the working relationship's progress.
This story picks up a few months after book #3, Reading Between the Lines ended, and we find Tallus and Diem, and Diem’s new service dog, Echo, living together. Tallus, has completed his P.I. qualifications, now dividing his work week between his job as a records clerk for the Toronto P.D. and working for "Shadowy Solutions".

What had started as a rescue in the alley turned out to be a much more sinister coercion by an underground organization trying to find a missing person. The investigation felt to be more desperate, because of the very real threat that was hanging over Diem and Tallus's heads if they decided not to do as instructed.

The lies and secrets took a big toll on our two guys relationship, making things strained between them as the case brought up bad memories and new fears to their life, that was at last with them together, but yet so very fragile and new. Diem went through the proverbial "wringer" in this one, both physically and emotionally, almost erasing all the progress that he had made in the last 3 books

Tallus refused to be left in the dark, even when all Diem wanted was to protect him and keep him safe. It seemed that that only resulted in more stress and more arguments. You could really feel the tension as it ramped up when they finally started putting all the clues together. It didn't matter how hard they were working, It would only take one misstep to send them into the enemy's hands.

I can't say that their plans were the most well thought out, but they are usually effective in getting Tallus and Diem what they need to solve the cases and get the "bad guys" off the streets and off their backs. I thought that watching the dust settle was going to be the high point for our favorite couple... but Diem had one last very romantic gesture in mind for Tallus to show him just how deep his feelings were for him. I've read almost all of Nicky James's books but the four books in this series had a very different feeling than anything that I have read that she has previously written. I would eagerly devour any additional books that she may want to write for Tallus and Diem. Come on Ms. James...your fans can't get enough!

Burnt Offerings - Robert Marasco - (New York)
Genera: Horror at its best!
5★
Ben and Marian Rolfe are desperate to escape a stifling summer in their tiny Brooklyn apartment, so when they get the chance to rent a mansion in upstate New York for the entire summer for only $900, it’s an offer that’s too good to refuse. There’s only one catch: behind a strange and intricately carved door in a distant wing of the house lives elderly Mrs. Allardyce, and the Rolfes will be responsible for preparing her meals. But Mrs. Allardyce never seems to emerge from her room, and it soon becomes clear that something weird and terrifying is happening in the house. As the suspense builds towards a revelation of what really lies behind that locked door, the Rolfes will discover that their cheap vacation rental comes at a terrible non-monetary, cost.
This is one of my favorite books of the horror venue along with Shirly Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. I first read this book back in 1975...then again in 1995... finally made it back to, and to read it again in 2025. It was in 1995, and still in 1997, and remains in 2025, to be the scariest haunted house book that I have ever read, and I HAVE READ A LOT OF THEM! It was also the basis for the classic 1976 film adaptation and stated by Stephen King to have been an acknowledged influence on his novel and the movie, The Shining.

Meet Ben and Marian Rolfe who want to go somewhere far away from New York City, for the summer months. Then Marian sees an ad in the paper to rent an honest-to God mansion for a price they cannot believe. When Ben and Marian go to check out the mansion, they meet the owners who give the word "strange" an entirely new meaning...they are miles beyond eccentric, and they seem to really want Ben and Marian to stay there. There is only one exception: of course, there is... the Rolfes will have to take care of their mother who also lives in the house. Ben and Marion along with their son and Ben's Aunt decide to pay the price and stay there for the Summer...and take care of Mother. The owners only now let it be known that they will be going away themselves and the Rolfes will have access to everything in the house as well as all the buildings on the property. You know that this is where that old saying comes into play "if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is" should have rained down on the Rolfes, but nope...they ignored any bad feelings they may have had about the house. Marian was all for staying there...could hardly wait...but Ben had a lot of very mixed feelings and really didn't want anything to do with that house much less STAY there.

At that point on, from when the owners left to the Rolfes started exploring their newly acquired "home", little disturbing things start happening in the house. Marian takes it upon herself to see to the hidden resident..."mother", but the "mother" never makes an appearance...never leaves the room, never invites Marian inside... she stays behind a locked door and Marian even has to leave the food trays for the woman outside the locked door.

If you are going to read this book, be aware that it starts off rather slow as the author builds the storyline and nothing really starts happening until about midway through...then things rapidly start to take place. It's not a book for fans of, or those that need, action-oriented horror.

This is the third time in my "reading-life", that I have read this book. I have to admit that I wasn't ever really happy with the ending where there was an unexpected turn of events, but it will never keep me from repeat reads and never from giving it anything less than 5 bright stars.

The Silence of the Library by Miranda James (Mississippi)
5 *****

This was a fun read, especially as it centers around an enthusiastic fanbase and collectors. In this installment, the fanbase is that of Electra Barnes Cartwright, or "EBC" as she is known to her adherents. She wrote about a plucky, young Veronica Thane who solved many mysteries. Similar to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, though EBC's books went out of print and her books became harder to find. And in the world of enthusiastic fandom, EBC was a maligned author who deserved much more than she got.

As Charlie's late aunt had the entire collection of her Veronica Thane series, and the Athena public library decides to hold a celebration of Ms. Cartwright and her writings, Charlie learns that she lives close to Athena. He and Teresa go to meet this reclusive author who lives with her daughter and grandson, to come to the library to do an author signing for her fans. It is an odd meeting that is at first put down to an older, eccentric, forgotten author's personality.

As one would expect with an enthusiastic fanbase who refer to their beloved author by her initials, there are collectors. I mean, those collectors, who have multiple re-prints and editions, and who demand that Ms. Cartwright (who's nearly 100 years old) sign all of them. Pronto. A confrontation also ensues with the publisher of Ms. Cartwright's fan-based newsletter who meets the collector at the library, and the reader gets a glimpse into another side of fandom.

In Charlie's story, his son Sean is being pushed by his girlfriend's father to propose marriage in order to inherit the father's law firm in town. Sean has passed the Bar, making him a true lawyer, and his lawyering skills are used during the investigations of this book. And Charlie and Helen Louise continue to see one another which bodes well for both of them and for the series.

A Haunting in the Arctic - C.J. Cooke -(Iceland)
Genera: Mystery/Horror
3★
A deserted shipwreck off the coast of Iceland holds terrors and dark secrets.
We're going with Dominique to Skumaskot, Iceland! Dom is hiking and coming into the town...a ghost town that is located exactly where the ship, "Ormen", had long ago, beached itself. It's the dead middle of winter, and it's the Arctic...so we already have a good idea of just how cold, windy, and dark it is. Dom is determined to make it to the ship and then show the ship in "all its glory" to her TikTok friends ...the ones she already has and the one's that she's trying to entice. She's looking forward to this time alone. She'd been in the town a few days when three other explorers show up on the ship... changing all of her plans. As the days grow longer and the ship is fully explored, Dom has the feeling that someone is watching her. Her dreams now are mostly nightmares, and certain parts of the ship are so horrifying and creepy that she just stays away.

Now we have a different timeline, and a different character which was sometimes a little "jarring"...It's 1901, and our new character, Nicky is staying at her parents' house while her husband is away at war. Nicky's father owns the whaling ship, "Ormen". He warns her to stay home and out of sight. Nicky is confused and doesn't pay any attention to his warning. As a result, she is attacked and brought onto the ship. The "Ormen" is gone for nine months out of the year...so when Nicky wakes up ...they have already set sail. She is terrified by what commences. They want her to be their "Selkie" wife, and a wife in all the ways that these men want. While all this was going on, I'm still waiting for the ghosts to arrive.

The story is told from three different timelines alternating between 1901 and 2023, with occasionally sliding into 1973, but the characters' names are mostly the same throughout all three timelines, which becomes really, really confusing. I did like the folklore parts...but I thought the brutality was way overdone. A lot of it didn't really add anything to the story...well, except more brutality. It had some hints of the Franklin Expedition, which I have always found to be interesting.

There is a kind of third plot happening also, which honestly, I could have done completely without. It was the 1970's version of the ship when it was a research ship. I suppose that it was in some ways relevant to the story but also in many ways, completely not. It was more of a distraction than anything else, and I had had just about enough of those by this point.

Overall, I liked parts of the book. The setting, the history, the mystery, the folklore, and the paranormal elements...these were all really good. I didn’t at all, care for the distraction of so many different timelines, and I didn’t really didn't care much for any of the characters. In the end I'll give it 3-stars because I didn't totally dislike it.

Within These Walls - Ania Ahlborn -(Washington)
Genera: Mystery, Cults
4★
How far would you go for success? What would you be capable of if the promise of forever was real?
Lucas Graham is a washed-up crime writer whose marriage is on the rocks, but then when an opportunity comes up for him to gain exclusive access to the notorious cult leader, Jeffery Halcomb, he can’t let it pass by. There’s just one little problem... he has to stay at the scene of the crime.

The book goes back and forth between present day, where Lucas and his daughter are living in the house, and back to when the cult had first formed years before. Admittedly I enjoyed the house storyline a little more. That might have been due to the fact that I found Lucas and his daughter were both pretty unlikeable and I was waiting for something to get them. Bad me! In spite of their personalities, they were still interesting. I also felt it was perhaps that the story was a little longer than it really needed to be.

If you’ve read any books by Ania Ahlborn, you know that she is really good at telling a story, and usually they're very well-written. She also has a talent for always producing strong endings and she doesn’t disappoint here. Within These Walls is not your cliche' cult story, she has put her own spin on it and the result is a unique blend of the supernatural with the cult setting intertwined.

I would only recommend this book if you like reading about cults, and/ or, creepy houses. This one is a combination of both topics.

Borrower of the Night - Elizabeth Peters - (Germany)
Vicky Bliss series Book 1
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Supernatural
5★
A missing masterwork in wood, the last creation of a master carver who died in the violent tumult of sixteenth century Germany, may be hidden in the medieval castle in the town of Rothenburg. The prize has called to Vicky Bliss, drawing her and an arrogant male colleague into the forbidding citadel and its dark secrets. But the treasure hunt soon turns deadly. Here, where the blood of the long-forgotten stains ancient stones, Vicky must face two perilous possibilities: either a powerful supernatural evil inhabits the place... or someone frighteningly real is willing to kill for what Vicky is determined to find.
Vicky Bliss is an art historian and a college that finds a reference in a book that perhaps could lead to the discovery of a missing masterpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, a very famous German sculptor.

Tony, Vicky's boyfriend and colleague, challenges her to see which of them can locate the missing treasure first. Their information leads them to visit Rothenberg, Germany, and an ancient castle. Several other people are also on the trail of the missing treasure, including Herr Dr. Schmidt and a wealthy American, whose last name I forgot but his first name is, George.

You can imagine how Vicky feels when she captures the attention of several admirers in the group...Vicky was in her glory. but the beautiful young countess that lives in the castle seems to have captured the interest of Vicki's Tony. The old castle is sinister and spooky with secret passages and a history of evil inhabitants.

As Vicky and her competitor's carry-on with their search, they soon realize that something is amiss...off...just wrong at Castle Drachenstein, and the root of the trouble lies in the distant past. Is the castle being haunted? If so, is it by the ghost of a former countess, or is there a less supernatural explanation for the danger Vicky finds herself in?

I’ve read and enjoyed the books in the Amelia Peabody series, and standalones by this author, so I was thought I'd give this series a try as well. Overall, I found it to be a fun read and a decent mystery. The emphasis wasn’t so much on the “whodunit” aspect of things; but rather, the story focuses on the suspense and danger brought out by the gothic setting. In that respect, it also reminded me of Mary Stewart’s novels, which I have also really enjoyed, but what really carried the story to a 5-star rating for me, was the archaeological aspect of the plot. Can you say, “Indiana Jones.”? I also liked Vicky, whose sassy comments and progressive views always seemed to stir up trouble. You have to remember that this was the 1970's. I didn’t always agree with her, but she was diffidently... amusing! Overall, I will be watching for and definitely picking up the sequels in this series.

The Dog Who Followed the Moon – James Norbury
3.5***

In the deepest part of winter, a small pup, Amaya, gets separated from her parents. Wandering the woods alone she hears familiar sounds and heads toward what she assumes is a group of dogs. But they are wolves, and they are NOT welcoming.

Thus begins the latest fable from Norbury. I thought this work was not so good as Big Panda & Tiny Dragon. It seemed more simplistic and repetitive. Once again, Norbury reminds us that life is about the journey, not the destination, and that all experiences are ones we can learn from.

Still, I love his illustrations; I could look at them for hours (and have). There is something so calming and reassuring about the way he paints the natural landscape. Even a potentially scary situation has a certain peace about it. Very fitting for a book that also deals with loss and grief and going on despite the pain.

Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live
Susan Morrison
4/5 stars
Wonderful look at Lorne Michael's and his tenure at Saturday Night Live. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it is a little long.
TV and Entertainment

Fear - Ronald Kelly -(Tennessee)
Genera: Horror
5★
It was a legend in Fear County…a hideous, flesh-eating creature—part snake, part earthbound demon—that feasted on the blood of innocent children in the cold black heart of the Tennessee backwoods. But ten-year-old Jeb Sweeny knows the horrible stories are true. His best friend Mandy just up and disappeared. He also knows that no one has ever had the courage to go after the monster and put an end to its raging, bestial hunger. Until now. But Evil is well guarded. And for young Jeb Sweeny, who is about to cross over into the forbidden land of Fear County and the lair of the unknown, passage through the gates of Hell comes with a terrible price. Everlasting…FEAR!
It's a coming-of-age story about Jeb, a 10-year-old boy. Jeb, even at 10 had to grow up quickly. He lives at his grandmother who is sick, and Sam his father, who was injured in the war and the results of his injury has left him with the mind of a child.

Jeb has problem with the bullies at his school. Also, another minor inconvenience to deal with is when the family’s prize pig is taken by a vicious nightmare type creature leaving only the pig's ear behind. Things go from bad to worse when even children start to disappear right out of their bedrooms in the middle of the night.

Jeb knows where the creature is taking the children, but the sheriff won’t help him, I wasn't sure that he even believed the tale Jeb told him. Jeb gathers a group of people to try and find answers in the only place that might be more dangerous than the creatures lair...Fear County.

Can Jeb, his father Sam, Roscoe a traveling musician, and Jeb’s dog Buckshot, find a way to defeat the creature and save the children, and will Fear County let them live long enough to even try?

To say this book surprised me would be an understatement. It's difficult to find actual words to describe what a surprisingly amazing and wonderful book this was. It's a coming-of-age story with a very unique storyline. One of those books that you're a bit sad when it ends, leaving you wanting just one more chapter.

Bury Me in Shadows - Greg Herren - (some Louisianna, mostly Alabama)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Paranormal
4.5★
After landing in the hospital after a bad breakup and an ensuing drug-and-alcohol binge, college student Jake Chapman is given two options: rehab, or spend the summer at his dying grandmother’s decaying home in rural Alabama. The choice is obvious. His grandmother’s land has been in Jake’s family since the early nineteenth century; the ruins of the old plantation house are a short walk through the woods behind her home. An archaeological team is excavating the ruins, looking for evidence to prove an old family legend―and there’s a meth lab just over the ridge. Once Jake is there, he begins having strange experiences―flashes of memory, inexplicable emotions―that he can’t explain, and he keeps seeing something strange out in the woods. As he explores his family history, he uncovers some dark secrets someone ―or something―is willing to kill to keep hidden.
Jake is trying to readjust to life after a terrible breakup and a hospital stay...the results of a drugs-and-alcohol binge. To help him recover, his mother sends him to his dying grandmother’s house in rural Alabama. Jake hasn’t been there in over a decade. What greets him is a dilapidated house, a suspicious roommate, and a town that is not exactly welcoming. There are rumors of a meth lab nearby, and an archaeological team is digging the ruins of a plantation house on the land. To make things even worse, Jake starts to experience visions and strange emotions that occur anytime and without any warning. He knows that he has to find out about his family history or his life could be in real danger. In one of his strange experiences he says, "In my head I heard a loud noise, and somehow, I was inside, running, terrified, through a darkened hallway. Must get away must get away don’t want to die oh my God I don’t want to die..." He hears lots of messages like this in his head.

The question now isWhat happens when your past is all a lie? The book explores this question through the eyes of our 19-year-old Jake. From the struggles in his life, he might discover the truth behind his family’s secrets. Learn why his mother has kept him away from his grandmother for past 10-years. Why his uncle disappeared without a word many years ago. There are ghosts in this story, both real and imaginary.

The book does a really good job of portraying what it’s like for a young gay man to live in a rural southern town.... how fragile life and safety can be. Learning of the rundown, dirty house and the secluded location it was in, made it feel suffocating. Jake meets other gay men who are dealing with situations in their lives in their own ways, sometimes to their own detriment. It makes for a very sobering read. Not all the characters are likeable and even the ones that are, sometimes come across as homophobic. Oppression is fairly rampart throughout and racism is high on the radar. Non-white people get the same "cold shoulder" as the gay people simply for daring to live in this town. The entire story shows how difficult life was for both gay and black people in the past eras, and how progress still has some ways to go even now.

The ideas in this book were intriguing, but the promised "mystery" is almost non-existent, and the story's pacing is uneven at times. In spite of that I still did enjoy this book.... or rather I just really HAD to know how or if, Jake survived. This IS NOT something that everyone will enjoy. It does mostly show the worst traits of humanity, but also it also shows that there is the potential for something better. In whole the book is about the secrets and the trauma that makes the real world equally as bad and as scary as the supernatural one.

Brother - Ania Ahlborn - (West Virginia)
Genera: Graphic Horror
5★ For the author's excursion of this story....1★ for the content (I've never read anything like it)
Trigger Warning: - This story contains graphic horror which includes cannibalism
Deep in the heart of Appalachia stands a crooked farmhouse miles away from any road. The Morrows keep to themselves, and it’s served them well so far. When several girls go missing off the side of the highway, the cops don’t knock on their door. Which is a good thing, seeing as to what’s buried in the Morrows’ backyard.
WARNING NOTE: This book is NOT for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach. I'm not just saying that... I actually debated about even reviewing it...not because it was badly written ...but because of the topic alone.
If you're still reading you know that there’s no better time than October to read a really terrifying book. Ania Ahlborn’s horror novel, BROTHER is composed of enough horror to fill the entire month of October with enough left over for the rest of the year and many years thereafter. It far exceeded my quota of suspense, chills, and genuine gore.

Meet the Morrow family: They're isolated, troubled... (understatement of the year!) ...and they are literally...cannibals. Yes...you read that right! They live on a secluded farm in the back woods of West Virginia. I wondered if the West Virgina Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau, might want to consider suing someone? Back to the Morrows....So far, they've been able to hide their twisted “hobby” from the world. They enjoy the habit of preying on hitchhikers and drifters...the folks who probably won’t be missed. The adopted son of the Morrows, Michael, has a "problem". (do you think!!!) with his family’s practices and begins to dream about a better life. Then Michael meets Alice, a girl working in the record store in town. He wants to run away with her and abandon his past. As Michael struggles against his circumstances, his older brother, Rebel, is ready and ever so willing to remind him that he might escape his family, but he will never escape the monster that he has become.

Taken at face value, this story is pure "dyed-in- the-wool" horror. Blood, guts, gore, and suspense..."BROTHER" has it all in spades. What impressed me most about this book, yes, it did have some impressive elements... was the uniquely "human element" that the author managed to incorporate into the character of Michael Morrow. Living in the worst circumstances imaginable, Michael retains enough humanity to feel the weight of his family’s sins. He participates in his family’s horrible misdeeds, but it was never by his own choice. Refusal would have probably made him the next "guest" at his family's dinner table. His brother, Rebel gets great pleasure from hunting humans; but Michael’s participation is the result of a lifetime of physical and emotional abuse by this family, ever since his adoption. By the time we meet him, he functions on "autopilot" when his family demands that he participates. At the same time, his heart breaks for the people that his family kills, and he tries to protect his younger sister from the same abuse he has endured. We can see that he is, at heart, a good person who is trapped in this beyond merely evil, family.

If you judge a book by shock value, BROTHER stands up to, and well exceeds, any horror book that I have EVER read. This book is "truckloads" beyond scary. Most readers will experience a visceral reaction to the very level of the violence that is graphically depicted. This of course by now you realize that this is not going to be THE BOOK, for everyone, but if you really, really, really, really like graphic', in your face" horror that you can't get out of your head...then you have found your perfect story. It’s entirely clear by the first 50 or so pages that things are only going to get much, much worse, but you will be totally shocked and probably disgusted by how exactly this story unfolds. The twist at the end of this book will leave you even more horrified.

I've read several of Ania Ahlborn works. She can write horror with the best of the horror authors. I've probably sold another million or so copies of this book for her. You're probably thinking "ah...It can't be that bad". Oh yes, it is! You were warned, but go ahead and grab a blanket, and the beverage of your choice, and be prepared to be pulled into the sick and twisted world of the Morrow family.... but whatever you do, no matter how sweetly they ask... DON'T STAY FOR DINNER!!!

Renovating the Model - Nora Phoenix - (Washington)
Forestville Silver Foxes Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Small town of Forestville
5★
Everyone knows my face, but one knows the real me. All people see when they look at me is a beautiful man, a supermodel, half of the world’s most famous twins. No one sees the man underneath. When I return to Forestville, the small town I grew up in, for my, believe it or not...50th high school reunion, I impulsively decide just...stay. I’m now the proud owner of a house, an absolute fixer upper. Never mind that I have two left hands. Thank God for Cas, the local contractor, who agrees to help me out. We come from two completely different worlds, and we are almost twenty years apart in age, yet we somehow "connect". Cas sees me, he sees the "real me".
Tiago Banner grew up in the small town of Forestville, but he and his twin brother, Tomas, left right after high school for a career in modeling. The brothers have become world famous, but now the twins are 48, and Tiago is starting to think that it's time for a change. He's getting tired of traveling and the rigors and demands of the life as an elite model. He is also finding himself unexpectedly frustrated a lot of the time with Tomas, his twin. He has always been more than happy to let Tomas manage their career and make nearly all of the decisions. Now, Tiago is starting to realize he wants a life...an independent life...something that is just for him.

The story finds the brothers back in Forestville for their 50-year high school reunion. Tiago meets Cas, a local contractor, and there is a spark of interest...an instant connection. Both guys are more than willing to pursue a hot night, or perhaps even several nights, together. Then Tiago impulsively decides to buy a house, a house that needs some major renovations and he impulsively, asks Cas to be his contractor and both of them decide it will be best to keep their relationship "professional". You have a good idea how that's going to work. That "ship sailed", the first night the twins were back in town. The chemistry between these two men along with the long days they spent together working on the house puts this plan solidly in the realm of the impossible.

Of course, as we knew they would; they find their feelings are much more than just friends. Now, like we again knew it would... the age thing "rears its ugly head". Tiago can’t imagine that Cas, a much younger man, would want someone his age. Cas has trouble believing that after a life of traveling the world as a world-famous model, that Tiago would ever be happy staying in this, or any, small town. However, the two of them have fallen hard for each other, and they start to imagine just what a life together could be like. Now, they both have to take that chance and share their feelings, and they just may find their way to a happily ever after.

This is the first book in the Forestville Silver Foxes series and I really did enjoy it. It has a great small-town setting with some entertaining and interesting folks that live there, we met some really interesting and probably future characters to get their stories told in future books from Forestville. Overall, it was a fun treat.

Hell Hollow - Ronald Kelley - (Tennessee)
Genera: Horror
5★
From out of a shadowy backwoods hollow, echoes a dark threat from the past, nearly a century lost and forgotten. The rural town of Harmony, Tennessee, possessed a disturbing secret; a secret so ancient that most of its residents were completely unaware of it. Even the last survivors of a vigilante raid long ago have filed the tragic events of that autumn night away, totally unaware of the evil that remains, dormant, but forever patient, among the tall pines and thick-leaved kudzu of a place known only as Hell Hollow. There it would have remained, unrevealed, if not for a handful of unknowing participants. Four kids, bored for excitement during one of the hottest summers on record. A killer on the run, dodging his latest atrocity. And a rape victim on a deadly mission...scarred in both body and mind. All have a hand in bringing forth an unspeakable evil from the dark woods of Hell Hollow. He is a skeletal figure in top hat and tails, brandishing a handful of magical cards and a patented elixir that was brewed in the very depths of Purgatory.
Its horror set in the small country town of Harmony, Tennessee. Instead of horror with an extraterrestrial clown demon or burned up boogeyman, we get a demonic dark magician as our antagonist.

He comes with his amazing elixir and the promise that it will cure any, and all, ailments. But unless this is your first horror story, you know that it does anything, and probably everything, BUT that. After tricking and killing several of the gullible townsfolk, he is hunted down and killed.

Now...move ahead 90-years to a haunted spot in the woods called "Hell Hollow" by the townsfolk in this little Tennessee town. This it seems is his "not so final" resting place. Wicked laughter can be heard by anyone who ventures too close. The spooky man is back, and he's back with a vengeance. Four 12-year-old friends stumble on the evil villain who is in disguise and are tricked into a world found only in their dreams, which you can imagine, turns into their absolutely worst nightmare.

Will the town be doomed, or will, or can, the evil magician be stopped by these meddling 12-year-olds and the other equally questionable characters they pick up along the way? If you love horror, then I highly recommend "Hell Hollow". It's exciting, comes with an original plot along with a fantastic bunch of crazy characters, all in a quaint little southern town setting. Oh...and it also has a wickedly cool bad guy, that you might find yourself feeling a bit sorry for.

The Montauk Monster - Hunter Shea - (New York)
Part of The Monster Case Files
Genera: Horror
5★
It Kills. . .On a hot summer night in Montauk, the bodies of two local bar patrons are discovered in the dunes, torn to shreds, their identities unrecognizable. . .It Breeds. . .In another part of town, a woman's backyard is invaded by four terrifying creatures that defy any kind of description. What's clear is that they're hostile--and they're ravenous. . .It Spreads. . .With every sunset the terror rises again, infecting residents with a virus no one can cure. The CDC can't help them; FEMA can't save them. But each savage attack brings Suffolk County Police Officer Gray Dalton one step closer to the shocking source of these unholy creations. Hidden on nearby Plum Island, a U.S. research facility has been running top-secret experiments. What they created was never meant to see the light of day. Now, a vacation paradise is going straight to hell.
This story has much more than vicious monsters. We meet Officer Gray Dalton whose usually quiet shift is suddenly no longer quite so quiet, when an anonymous call comes in about a body on one of the beaches. The police in this small ocean town are used to getting an occasional drowning, or a "floater" having washed up on shore, but the scenes of gore and carnage that Dalton finds is anything but routine....and keeping things quiet in a busy vacation town filled with to the gills with visitors is virtually impossible. What follows in the wake of this discovery is a plethora of large, vicious animal sightings and gruesome attacks. Dalton wonders "What the hell was people's obsession with death and dismemberment?"

On very nearby Plum Island, sits a government-controlled research facility, whose lack of communication is becoming noticed by a select few folks. Nobody really seems to know the real purpose of the facility; but it has had a history dating back to the time of WWII and the Nazis. ". . . It's the way of any large governmental entity . . . a perfect place to do all kinds of things on the wrong side of ethics . . . "

The fear and terror that suddenly descends upon the people and the island is something that allows the reader to feel; just by reading of the resident's reactions. The gory and violent scenes are made so much more believable by the realization that actual scientific research today has become so advanced in recent years, that the ideas presented here are no longer fall under the guise of being entirely...unthinkable . . . "we have the technology now to make these nightmares come true."

While the monsters create plenty of bloodshed, single-minded destruction, and enough ferocity to keep us horror fans glued to the pages, the ideas and hypotheses of just what these scientists were working on in the government facility adds an entirely new level of terror and suspicion. Perhaps the greatest fear that we feel is of what we don't entirely understand. The unknown factor is somehow worse than any threat...no matter how large...that we can ever imagine. Without knowledge paranoia runs rampant turning our mentality into a "shoot first and ask questions later" mentality.

This author does what he does best, what he does in every one of his novels that I have read...he takes the paranoia now present in this town where they are being kept completely in the dark by those that know exactly what the threat is, and convincingly weaves the story of a crisis that few will ever know the actual truth of. But we, the readers know that they've created an animal that should never have seen the light of day...that was never meant to be.

This story will probably leave you feeling the same way that it left me...that it's not so much about "what we need to fear" the most, but rather, who.

If horror is your "friend of choice"...you'll like this one as well as most any of the other of Hunter Shea's many offerings.

The Demonic -Lee Mountford - (California)
Part of the Supernatural Horror Novel Series - Book #1
Genera: Horror/Paranormal
3★
DANNI MORGAN THOUGHT SHE KNEW FEAR, BUT SHE IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS TO BE TRULY AFRAID.
Danni had escaped her abusive father and left behind everything that reminded her of her loving mother, now Danni has to return to the house one more time. She has returned to bury the body of the man that tormented her for so very long. Her past is tinted with the awful memories of what she had to endure while growing up. The things that were done to her, were inhumane to say the least. Her once loving father seemingly had turned into a monster after her mother committed suicide in the farm’s mill. He had abused Dani in every way possible or imaginable.... some were "unimaginable"! To say that she was not interested in going back to that awful place would have been the understatement of the entire century.

Her husband had other plans. He thought that if she went back to the farm, one more time and faced her fears, that she would be able to overcome them and leave everything behind once and for all. He had the questionable, less than brilliant idea of staying in that awful nightmare of a house because he was sure that that would help Danni. As soon as the family settles in, weird and scary things start to happen. Alex, the son, swears that he saw a scary old lady with a black smile. The poor child couldn’t even begin to imagine what was about to unfold. The daughter, Leah, then decided that she wanted to take a shower. She quicky changes her mind after seeing a man, standing by the bathroom door, looking at her and giving her a predatory smile.

Guess what? Dear old Jon... I started calling him "the utterly stupid husband", believes that the kids just have an "overactive imagination" and they just need more time to get use to the spooky old house. The "utterly stupid husband" will come to regret ever suggesting going to that "hell hole" of a house. As the story goes on, we learn what truly happen while Danni was growing up. We can also see the true evil that lurks inside that house. The evil that took her mother's life and immediately went after her father and never let him go. If you are thinking about reading this, I have to warn you that the things that were done to Dani are sick by any sane persons understanding and completely unbelievable.

I hated the "utterly stupid husband". Everything that happened to him was SOOO deserved. He was unwilling to see anything for what it was...only as being either "black or white". According to him, everything has a totally "reasonable" explanation. I wanted to shake him until he understood that there are things that science simply CAN NOT explain. Things that we cannot, and I don’t think we ever will be able to comprehend...we just have to accept them, try and avoid them, and move on. I couldn't imagine why he was so willing to put his family in so much danger just to teach them a lesson and to prove a point. The man deserved to meet the evil that lived in that house head on!

And the ending...? I know that it’s a horror story, dah...that’s why I read it, but I totally hated the way it ended. Those two children had had enough, especially the son, He didn't need anything else. That's all I'm going to say about that...only it wasn't the ending that I thought or hoped, would happen.

The story was very well written and had the right number of spooky happenings that I required for a good horror story, but it also had the ability to make me really angry. I believe if you read it, you will completely understand.

This Is Your Mother: A Memoir
Erika J. Simpson
4/5 stars
Interesting true story about a mother (who grew up with her parents as sharecroppers) and her daughter and the lives they lived together and apart. Non-Fiction/Biography

Broken Bones - Angela Marson - (England)
Kim Stone series Book #7
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
5★
They thought they were safe. They were wrong. The murder of a young prostitute and a baby found abandoned on the same winter night signals the start of a disturbing investigation for Detective Kim Stone – one which brings her face to face with someone from her own horrific childhood. Two seemingly separate cases will intersect in an explosive ending.
One heavy-snowing and extremely cold Christmas day, DI Kim Stone finds outside their police headquarters an abandoned baby all nicely tucked in, which shows care for the baby. So, what kinds of difficulties can a mom find herself in for her to leave a baby that she seemingly loved so much? Kim is responsible for the baby until Child Protective Services can take care of the newborn. Kim’s Christmas Day proves to be a very strange one, indeed.

On the same day, a prostitute is murdered. The body seems to be savagely mutilated. Kim’s next task is to investigate the murder. Soon after, a second prostitute is killed, which strongly hints at a serial killer at work. Kim, along with her team including Stacey, Dawson, and Bryant, has to work the two cases parallel. Eventually, the team finds a thread connecting the two cases, all the cases involve modern-day slavery and Romania. Everything points to a group of factory workers coming from Romania, all women who are kept on a tight leash by their boss. Kim and her team, as much as they try to get to speak with the women, can’t come near them without supervision by the bosses.

During the investigation, we get some glimpses into Kim’s past, into her very difficult and broken childhood. Someone from her past that we met in a previous book, is now a prostitute herself, and Kim can’t help but feel compassion for her and all the women who have been forced into this work with seemingly no way out. When some of the bosses hint at the prostitute case as not being important, Kim not only disagrees but goes ahead with her investigation, despite their warnings.

The interaction and banter of Kim's team is always interesting, especially her relationship with Bryant. It's not only solid but interesting to follow. The dialogue is often humorous and witty, and often snarky at times. Kim is a character that we seem to learn more and more with each book. She is complex and knows about the hardships in life. You can’t help but admire her. Another character I started to like is Stacey. She is not only a police officer but also quite a complex character. She was given a little extra "stage" time in this story.

Each of the books in this series has a separate case...or sometimes cases, to be solved, so reading them in order is not a necessity to understand but you will run into characters that might be a bit confusing. I would suggest reading the series in order.

Healing the Twin - Nora Phoenix - (Washington)
Forestville Silver Foxes Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
POSSIBLE TRIGGER: Extreme grief following a partner's death.
Everyone thinks they know me. Hell, I don’t even know who I am anymore. We were at the top. Tomás and Tiago Banner, the most famous twins in the world. The sexiest men alive. My whole identity was rooted in being the older brother, in taking care of my twin, in being a model. Until Tiago fell in love and left me on my own. Now I’m lost, drifting without an anchor. Hurting. To remain close to my twin, I stay in Forestville, the small town we grew up in. I’ve got friends here, old ones and new. Like Fir, the adorable redhead who had a crush on me in high school. We reconnect, and I find myself sharing things with Fir that I’ve never told anyone else. When the budding friendship between us becomes more, I’m shocked. Fir is not the type for a fling, and I have known nothing else. Our lives couldn’t be further apart. I’m a celebrity, an eternal bachelor who’s always played the field. Fir is the local doctor, a single dad still grieving his deceased husband. He needs more than I could ever give him. I’ve never wanted anything more.
I really, really liked this 3-book series and was looking forward to the other Twin, Tomas's story. When we left book #1, Tomas was struggling after his twin, Tiago, had found the "love of his life" and left the modeling business behind for happiness in the small town of Forestville.

This story was beautiful and a bit more emotional than I had thought that it would be. We find that Tomas had been content and happy with the life he shared with his twin...until that twin, Tiago, decided to quit modelling altogether and stay in Forestville, the small town where they were born and grew up (Book 1). You could tell from the previous book that Tomás wasn't as happy with his life as he had been, but we can see how deeply he was hurting and how completely lost he was.

Then we meet Fir who was adorable, and the well-respected, and loved doctor in this little town. Fir is a widower with two teenage boys. His pain was very evident and so real that you could almost feel his grief down to your very bones. He was doing a great job with his boys, and it was heart touching how they encouraged him to realize that it was time for him to move on with his life without it meaning for him to ever forget his beloved husband.

It was funny how Fir propositioned Tomás. He certainly didn't have his head in the game for that one. The two of them had a pretty rough start at first but once they got it together... they were absolutely amazing. It was well worth waiting for. Tomás felt "things" as well as emotions deeply and had an unbelievable "need"... for lack of a better description...to take care of people....to make their lives better...happier, more complete....to heal them both body and spirit. Fir had been on his own for several years after the death of his husband when the story opens and had only recently begun to realize how much he needed someone to lean on...that is, until Tomás came into his life.

Overall...this was a wonderful story with two beautiful men that found each other at just the right time. Everyone should be this lucky. I'm going to miss Forestville, but I own the books, so I'll be dropping in for revisits.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V E Schwab
Book on CD performed by Julia Whelan
4****

In 1714, a young woman flees from the planned / arranged marriage and begs the gods to release her. She’d been warned about praying to the gods who answer after dark, but in her panic failed to notice the sun had set. Luc grants her wish – immortality and freedom – but …

What a wonderful, engaging story. I was completely captivated. And while I’ve grown to hate the ubiquitous dual timeline, in this case it was necessary, for how else to tell the story of “invisible” Addie LaRue, and her Faustian bargain? She will remain twenty-three years old in appearance despite living more than three centuries, but no one will remember her. She cannot make a mark in the world, cannot draw a picture or write a word, or even utter her own name. Until ….

I loved how Schwab lets the reader discover Addie’s gifts – her tenacity, resourcefulness, cleverness, cunning, and compassion – over the course of the novel. Addie may not age, and she may not be remembered by those she encounters, but she learns and matures and grows into a formidable adversary to the god of darkness.

And I loved Henry Strauss, though he is more a supporting character than a main one. Still, I love how Henry helped her win one battle against Luc.

The ending is a bit bittersweet, but perfect. And while I hate cliffhangers that force the reader to read a second installment to find out what happens next, the ambiguous ending of this one left me eager for a follow-up!

Julia Whelan does a marvelous job of performing the audiobook. Her voice for Luc was particularly effective.

The Saint & the First Time Sinner - Romeo Alexander - (Michigan)
Genera: M/M Romance
4.5★
A gay, natural caregiver meets an arrogant "first-time gay" man. "My job isn’t easy, but taking care of sick people in the comfort of their own homes is so worthwhile. I like to think I’m professional and know I’m good at what I do, regardless of the circumstances, the patient, or even their families. Maybe it’s because I’ve known loss in my own life, or maybe I was just made for the job. Either way, I love what I do. However, everything I thought I knew about myself is going to get sorely tested with this new assignment. The patient is a "battle axe", and she’s the type to take that as a compliment. If it were just her, there wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve dealt with spirited, hardheaded, "pain-in-the-ass" patients before. No, the problem is her son, Shane. Basically, I’m in trouble".
I really did enjoy this story...but then, I love everything that Romeo Alexander puts on paper...so maybe I'm a bit prejudice??? Nope...I don't think so! This story features two, what could really be called "imperfect" men. They don't seem to "fit"...but none the less, they are drawn to one another and have to do a lot of work if they hope to make a "happy ever after".

Kevin was a mixed-up bundle of energy. He could be caring, strong and determined when it suited him... but he could also, in the blink of an eye, be quick to anger. His job was a work of pleasure...a "true calling" and never did he ever once consider it to be a "task". He processed a great "moral compass"...well, that is until he met Shane, the son of his newest client/patient, and loses all his "good common-sense" whenever he's around him.

Shane...I didn't ever really like him.... but I don't think we were supposed to. He was a rich, entitled playboy who totally enjoyed playing "games", especially when they concerned Kevin. As I said, he just wasn't likeable. I did learn later in the story, that there was a lot more to him once he actually let people see deeper into his character.

These two men had a "boatload" of chemistry. Despite Kevin's intentions not to break his own rules, Shane goads him into nearly always reacting and finally just giving in. I thought that they were the most unlikely couple that any author had ever written and then thrown together. To say that these two had a lot to work through...communication, and trust, would have been an understatement. Shane certainly needed to look at himself and make some changes, and believe me, Kevin wasn't afraid to tell him about ALLhis faults. I liked seeing Shane let his guard down and allow himself to be "real" as well as vulnerable with Kevin. To let himself show real affection rather than pretending to play his silly, mostly obnoxious, games.

Shane's mother, Sophia was a "dragon" of a woman. She might have been sick, but she ruled her empire with an iron hand, and "Heaven help" anyone who did something she didn't like or approve of...especially Shane. Kevin was never afraid to tell her how things should, and would, be, either, especially when it came to her need to slow down and take better care of her health. I believe that it would be the hardest thing imaginable for someone to have to look their own "immortality" in the eye... especially a woman as in control of everything and everyone as Sophia was and always had been.

Kevin and Sophia forged a perfectly lovely bond despite her prickly nature. I thought many times that Kevin should have been a candidate nominated for sainthood.

Overall, it was a good story, but then I would expect nothing else from this author....my fellow Michigander:) I really wanted to give it the same 5 stars that all my other books by him received, but I just couldn't work up that 5-star "feeling" for the "Shane" character...Kevin deserved more than that...so 4.5.

The Hungry Bones - Sara E. Johnson - (New Zealand/ Scotland)
Alexa Glock Forensic Series Book #5
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Forensics
5★
Alexa Glock is at a crossroads, personally and professionally. Meanwhile, a human skeleton has been exhumed in a quaint former gold rush town in New Zealand. A benefactor believes that the bones are that of a Chinese gold miner, and she wants to repatriate the "hungry ghost" of her ancestor to China. Alexa is called in to examine the teeth and the secrets they contain. She didn't expect to discover a hole in the skull. When another skeleton is unearthed nearby and also shows evidence of a violent death, Alexa heads to the police station to open a cold case. And on a personal note: Now that DI Bruce Horne, who said he loved her, won't deny he cheated on his ex-wife, how can Alexa trust he won't cheat on her?

Alexa at a crossroads, both personally and professionally. When the question of "can I trust him", stalls her love life, she begins to explore new paths for her professional career at New Abertay University in Scotland and Dr. Ben Odden. It's a real change of pace from her current residence in New Zealand. As intriguing as all of this is, It slowed the story down. What had started at a fast pace seemed to come to a standstill while Alexa weight the pros and cons of this move. There's nothing like the discovery of a human skeleton to pick things up. The discovery of the skeleton that shows one too many holes in the skull. Soon another is found close by that Alexa believes to have had a rather violent death some time ago. Between the implications of historical, systemic racism, the cold case she reopens, and the school’s missing principal, Alexa may just have "bitten off more than she can chew".

There are some darker themes present in this good murder mystery. We learn that this killer has a bit of a bit of a nasty habit for paying a lot of close attention to the teeth and bones of his victims. The history of the place also takes center stage more than once, and not just in relation to one of the many puzzles that Alexa has to solve; it colors the scene everywhere she goes and presents a veritable kaleidoscope of sensory details that will draw the reader further and further into the story

Of course, being Alexa, and devoted to her job, she digs into these complex cases. Soon we have more players entering the game. We also learn of some juicy bits of gossip that she uncovers making Alexa out of the running for the "most popular person" with those who stand to lose something with each new discovery. Alexa is not bothered by any of this...not one iota... at least for the most part.

Sara Johnson has created a heroine who depends less on confrontations and more on her wits and intelligence, which all come in handy when the plot picks up the pace and each of the mysteries present their own twists and obstacles.

This is a book as well as a series, that was created Mystery & Suspense lovers, as well as anyone who enjoys seeing the past and the present crash together in unexpected ways,

Where We Left Off - Romeo Alexander - (Michigan)
Heroes of Port Dale Series Book #5
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Can Tyler and Nate rekindle their old flame, or will Nate’s father win again? Or is there something else in play, something much more deadly?
If you have read any of this series, you may remember these two characters from two other books. Tyler, the impish, now reformed teenage who first appeared in Hit or Miss, to Kill or Kiss Book 2 of the series, with Nathaniel, who is a part of one of Port Dale's "power families" and was first introduced to us in Drawing the Doctor... Book 3.

Elliott and Clay are reunited in this one. But first, the story takes up six years after we first met Tyler. Tyler has "grown up". or at least matured...and is now a tall blond bisexual "hunk" that is home from college for the summer...and his "home" is now at Elliott and Clay's house.

Tyler's only girlfriend that he ever really had, had been caught cheating on him... so he decided to take a chance and pay a visit to the local gay club. He really wasn't having a good time until he accidentally bumps into...again literally... someone and realizes that he has managed to dump his drink all over the guy who, of course, turns out to be Nathaniel.

We'd already met Nathaniel, before the "drink dumping" incident...and it wasn't a very pleasant meeting. He had been ordered home from college in the east by his deeply controlling and extremely homophobic, father. He's only in the bar because of subterfuge by one of his supposed "handlers". Yeah....his father is a VERY determined man.

When Nathaniel looks up and recognizes the now, taller Tyler, they both stare at one another in complete shock! They had once been best friends that were heading into the "boyfriend territory" in high school...that is until they were caught by one of Nathaniel's "handlers". The result was his father shipping him off East before he and Tyler ever had the chance to talk or settle things.

Now, they have that lost chance, but it seems that there are at least a gazillion issues that they have to overcome. These include the yet present and intense scrutiny of Nathaniel's life by his father, and there has recently been a budding kidnapping plot that brings into play the particularly effective, if somewhat violent and nasty, skills of Elliott and especially Clay.

This whole story becomes quiet a "wild ride"...making this is a terrifically exciting book with all sorts of wacky twists and turns. In the end we have experienced a super excursion into the lives and loves of these men of Port Dale. Good work, Mr. Alexander and thank you for another great read with a happy ending.

My Office, Now - Romeo Alexander - (Colorado)
Club Nocturne Series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Rico: I know my life. I know what it’s like. I own Nocturne, one of the biggest clubs for miles around. I deal with the punks who work for me because even if they’re like younger siblings, they’re still punks. And I’m okay being the grumpy old man everyone thinks I am. I’m not that old but screw it, let them call me what they want. That’s been my life for years, and it is what it is. I’m happy with it. I know what to expect. Until Ryan came along and threw everything that I thought I knew about the world on its head.
Ryan: Finding my life at a standstill, especially when I thought it was about to take off, is depressing, but I’m not going to let it drag me down that easily. Instead, I’d accepted what happened and decided to crash with my best friend and his boyfriend…who I’m pretty sure secretly hates me. Life, however, wasn’t ready to simply let me coast on by while I figured out what to do. Instead, it threw me a new job and a grumpy butthole of a boss in the form of Rico. But despite what everyone says, I can see he’s so much more than just a grumpy old man…despite the mess in his office. He cares about everyone. He’s just my type and now I think I’m falling head over heels for him.

One of my favorite series written by one of my favorite authors...what could possibly be wrong with that??? Nothing...ABSOLUTELY, NOTHING! This is book #4 in the "Club Nocturne" series, and even though the locations of "Port Dale" and "Fort Dale" often leave me wondering where exactly I am...my confusion does nothing to take anything away from my enjoyment of these series.

This story focuses on Rico, who is the manager at Club Nocturne. He's a grumpy guy and his grumpy demeanor has followed him here, just as it had in the first three books. Romeo Alexander then introduces us to Ryan, we've also met him briefly in the first three books. He was the unwitting instrument of allowing Aiden's abusive ex-lover Jason to find him. Ryan is in financial hurts after finishing his degree, so when his best friend Aiden offers a job and for him to come and stay with him and his boyfriend Axel....he can't afford to say "no". Ryan accepts the job as the assistant manager at Club Nocturne. Ryan and Rico are both immediately attracted to each other. Neither men are faultless, Rico's communication is generally loaded with colorful insults, which only greatly amuses Ryan and eventually the two of them grow to care for each other.

The only thing I was a bit "on the fence" about was the breakup scene. I thought it was a bit unrealistic; a little bit forced, since they could have avoided it entirely with better communication. I ask you, how many times, in any sex...MF, FF, MM, romance book, have we actually been privileged to a "conversation" about what is wrong between the two featured partners?? You can count them on one hand. Aiden's "backbone of steel" finally "rescues" them allowing them to face finally their emotions. The happy ending will put a smile on your face. It's very sweet. Start with book#1 and enjoy your time with any of Romeo Alexander's characters.

Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen - (North Carolina)
Waverly Family Series Book #1
Genera: Fantasy, Witchcraft
The group gave if a 4★ total from (15 participants)
The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys have tended this garden. Their history is in the soil. But so are their futures.
The two sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley, both have a special gift.... or a curse, depending on how you look at it. For most of the book it was a gift. Their relationship wasn't "close", but when Sydney and her daughter were in danger, Claire does everything she possibly can to protect them. Claire also has a completely different worry...his name is Tyler, and he lives next door. He has quickly won Claire's heart, but she does everything she can to push him away. Happiness for Sydney and her daughter, is not too far away either.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I have to confess, and those of you that know me well won't be at all surprised...the only reason I read it was because it was the November book choice of my senior citizen's "library book discussion" group. This one, "Garden Spells" was a big favorite for the ladies...the guys tolerated it at best. I have to admit that it really isn't a "man's book"... and this isn't a genus that I often actually choose to read unless it fits a current challenge, and this one did...so I have to stick with my ladies. If you are a true fan of romance novels, this one will immerse you into a world full of wonder and love. The "apple tree" was actually the unlikely "star of the show" as it constantly demanded attention. I ask you, who can claim to have an apple tree that demands attention...or who would want one?

In Conclusion I will highlight some of the comments made by library group.

“It started with a "bang” then slowly began to fade. The story became predictable, and the characters and the happening of events lacked the spark that was there at the beginning of the story."

"This is the second book of hers that I have read, and I believe I will continue reading more. The mystical realism captivated me and soothed my soul."

"The characters were believable, rich in descriptions that let me see them fully in my mind. I loved them. They were all brilliant."

"I Went home and read the entire book the same day that I bought it. I liked it so much that I'm going to re-read it."

"If it hadn't been for the apple tree I would have stopped reading after the second chapter. When are we going to read some more ghost stories or better yet sports stories?"

And the glowing comment that every author wants to see..."The cover was nice."

The first 4 comments as you have probably figured out, were from the ladies and I'm sure you know the sex of the last two comments. The rest from the guy's evolutions were replicas along that same theme. A sports or ghost story for the guy's next month...the ladies will grumble about it, especially if it's a sports story...unless I can find one with a good-looking main character, a lot of sex and a lot less actual "sport":) Gotta love this group:)

Oh...Since the last time I shared their reading experience with you, they have given themselves a group name...and showed up this month with it emblazed in all its glory, in bright white letters on dark blue tee-shirts. They are now forever to be known as "The Feisty Old Fools". I WILL NOT BE WEARING THAT ON ANYTHING, but they are very proud of themselves...and they are kind of cute.

Strip Teaser - Romeo Alexander - (Michigan)
Club Nocturne Series Book #1
5★
Take two people Who don’t seem to fit, but really do, and put them in a situation at just the right time for both of them, and things will begin to happen.
Our Lucas is an attorney who works way too much and hasn't had a relationship in... well, years. His brother, Mateo, who is a character that we met in another book in the series that found his "happy ever after", now is asking Lucas for a favor, He's working on acquiring property for his previous employer at Club Nocturne and needs advice on the purchasing end of the deal.

Lucas may have found his "happy ever after" when he meets Dan. Dan is a stripper who also does managerial duties at Club Nocturne. He has a "thing" for straight men and Lucas is straight, right? maybe? He thinks he is at any rate. Lucas sees Dan's strip show, and he is suddenly wondering why Dan appealed to him so much.... checked "all his boxes". Hadn't ever happened before...Hum-mmm. Must have just been a coincidence...right??? Dan is willing to be patient and not rush or pressure Lucas...to give him a chance to experiment and see what he wants and likes.... the catch here is that experimenting is okay, "as long as neither of them get their hearts broken".

I really liked the "Dan" character. He's open and straight forward with a personality that was simply honest and refreshing. He was willing to help Lucas understand his attraction to men...especially to him... I'm sure that may have had some purely selfish reasons behind it...but Dan never pressured Lucas into anything. I've read many other stories with "maybe straight, maybe not so much" themed stories that have portrayed the "straight" guy "suddenly" waking up one morning and discovering, "Hey I'm not as straight as I have always thought"...but in this story Lucas's realization takes a little time and a lot of thought. Good job, with that, Mr. Alexander! Dan and Lucas are each other's "Yin" and "Yang". They should have never worked... but they did.

This is not a very lengthy book but it's a very, very good book...but then all of Romeo Alexander's books are more than merely just "good". If you like M/M romances that always have happy endings and warm, wonderful characters, you might want to give Romeo Alexander's stories a try.

Kept – Y. Euny Hong
3***

Subtitle: A comedy of sex and manners

Judith Lee is descended from a Korean royal family and is used to the privileges of her status. But after she graduates from Yale, her family cuts off her finances and she is suddenly at a loss as to how to pay her monstrous debts. Then a relative introduces her to Madame Tartakov, the owner of an “escort” service that uses only high-society girls as courtesans for wealthy clients. Jude can’t handle being poor, but can she handle being “kept”?

Social satire is not my favorite genre. Still, there were some episodes that I found quite entertaining, and I marveled at how Jude (and the other girls in Madame Tartakov’s house) dealt with the requirements of this new lifestyle.

Jude certainly had a rude awakening in terms of what it means to have to work for your living. But I’m not sure she learned any valuable lessons as a result. She still relied on other men to save her from her self-inflicted troubles. And I’m not so sure that the big family secret added much to the story.

Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter (North Carolina)
2 1/2 **

Yes, I think my time with this series has come to an end. I liked the idea at the beginning, of a tough-as-nails woman who is also a member of the Cherokee tribe and a Skinwalker and not afraid to go for a weapon when she needs it.

But by this installment, the novelty of the main character has worn off, the plotline wandered too far from its start, and there's just too many vampires, grindys, were-creatures, blood servants and blood slaves, and so forth. I just got tired of it all.

Plus, Jane Yellowrock's self-loathing oozes from every pore, several times on every page, and I just want to take her into a therapist's office and pay for some sessions. And the worship of heavy guns is more than I can take these days.

Deja Dead - Kathy Reich
Temperance Brennan Series Book #1 - (Canada)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Medical Examiner/10th anniversary publication of the first book of the series
5★
Deja Dead, won the Ellis Award for Best First Novel in 1997. The series is now 28 years old and still going strong

Her life is devoted to justice—even for those she never knew. In the year since Temperance Brennan left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. When a female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in trash bags, Temperance detects an alarming pattern—and she plunges into a harrowing search for a killer. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her—her best friend and her own daughter—in mortal danger…
Most of you know about my group of senior citizens that meet at my local library to discuss the book they have all read for that month. This month, one of the ladies in the group handed me this book and said, "I want someone that loves to read as much as I do to have it". OMG!...I couldn't believe it...it was THE FIRST book written in the Temperance Brenan series...the series that Kathy Reich started writing 28 years ago. This celebratory copy was re-published and distributed on the series 10th anniversary...it will soon be celebrating its 30th.

The story of course, follows Dr. Temperance Brennan as she investigates a series of gruesome murders. It’s not for the faint of heart...but it is for those that love this series, or the TV series. This is where our Temperance was "born". If you were a fan of the TV show "Bones", please know that the books and the show are completely different. "Bones" as Det. Booth so affectionately refers to her, is a completely different character to the Temperance Brennan of the books. They are both Dr. Temperance Brennan. They are both forensic anthropologists...but that's where all similarities ends.

Brennan is planning a weekend of sightseeing around Montreal. Before she has a chance to leave, a body is discovered that she must examine. It was discovered on the same site where several historical burials had been found in the past. Dr. Brennan is sent to determine if this is an archaeological case, or a case for the coroner's office. City workers have discovered the torso of the victim in a plastic garbage bag with a plunger protruding from the pelvic region. The head and limbs are missing but subsequently found in similar garbage bags in the same area.

As a forensic anthropologist, Dr. Brennan studies the bones to determine if the death was historical or recent. This body was so badly decomposed that there wasn't much left to examine. The details she learns from what seems to be such a very small amount of evidence are astounding. Brennan is able to establish the approximate age of the victim, sex, and with the dental records and missing person reports filed...the identity of the victim. She is also able to determine the instrument used to cut up the victim. Brennan begins to recall other murders with similar details...dismemberment, similar method of disposal. She begins to think that there may be a serial killer in Montreal. But no one in the police department will consider this theory.

As details pile up confirming the existence of a serial killer, the police finally take Tempe seriously and form a task force to capture the killer. Events escalate at this point until the final thrilling confrontation.

Like the remaining books in this series this very first one was intense, at times uncomfortable, but ultimately a rewarding experience. It’s a book that demands your attention and challenges and allows you to look at the darker aspects of human nature.

Simple Mistake - Alice Winters
Deadly Mistakes Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Serial Killer/Detectives
5★
A homicide detective must hunt down a serial killer who kidnapped his partner, but there's a twist - he's a killer himself who will stop at nothing to save the one he loves.
I have to wonder a bit about myself...of course there are many folks that also do:) But I found that this murdering, sarcastic serial killer, who is also a homicide detective, has now become one of my favorite people.

The story is a lot "darker" than this authors usually writes, but the awesome "morally gray" Liam, makes it work. Liam doesn't discriminate...he hates everybody, and he's not at all shy, about letting them know. You'll quicky meet Donna...poor Donna... I don’t know what she had ever done to him, probably just blinked or breathed! Liam is very good at his job, even if he does make his fellow officers want to cry, fume and grit their teeth, they can’t do without him. However, changes are coming, and Liam’s whole life is about to change. It's the day that his new partner, Gabriel, walks into the office and straight into Liam's heart. Liam falls hard and fast for this sweet man. That could, maybe should, have changed the day Gabriel unexpectedly finds Liam disposing of his latest very dead...body. Liam has to leave the department and swear to Gabriel, on everything he holds dear and holy, that he will not kill again. We all know how this is going to turn out.

Liam really does try. He does as Gabriel asked...but all bets are off when he finds that a serial killer has kidnapped his "heart and soul"...his loveable, sweet Gabriel. The killer has no idea what he has unleashed...and the predator has now become the prey!

The story seems to have everything. There's murder, lots of twists and turns, sweet, hot, sexy romance... humor... and a sassy "murder cat", named "Lucille Pawl", but Liam calls her "Lucy Fur", (cute play on the names "Lucifer" as well as "Lucille Ball"). The cat hates Liam just as much as he hates her, but Gabriel loves his sweet "fur baby", so Liam puts up with being regularly glared at, mauled and regularly having "cat butt" in his face!

There were lots of tension and emotion and I really liked how Alice Winters conveyed the absolute terror that Gabriel was suffering as the serial killer kept stalking him, as well as his heartfelt plea to Liam.

This came out as a new series in January of this year and book 2 in the series, A Forgotten Mistake, came out in May...so I have a new Liam & Gabriel book. I look forward meeting up with the two guys and "Lucy Fur", again. The two guys still have a lot to work out, especially Gabriel who has to come to terms with Liam and the biggest change in his life.

Radio Static - Nicky James - (Ontario Canada)
Genera: M/M Romance/Single Dads
5★
Two single dads. Two headstrong teenagers. One dead body. A cabin in the middle of nowhere, nature all around, peace and serenity. It was supposed to be a vacation to help Nova reconnect with his son. But he didn’t expect to fall for his neighbor in the cabin across the lake. He didn’t expect an erratic and unusual broadcast on a radio station that was no longer in existence. And he definitely didn’t expect a dead body in the water. A murder mystery romance, it incorporates a number of elements that keeps you involved in the many storylines the author is weaving.
The "stars of the show" are two families. One is a single gay dad, Rae, and his 14-year-old daughter, Mercedes, “Mercy". Mercy's mother is Rae's best friend, Tammy, who is now married to someone else. He thought that after a series of bad relationships that he’d never be a father. Now Mercy is his life along with his work. It’s his well-earned time to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet...so off to the "middle of nowhere" they go.

Then we have Nova Charette and his 16-year-old son, Cooper. Nova is divorced but still on friendly terms with his ex-wife. It’s his 16-year-old son he needs to establish a closer relationship with. A summer vacation at their cottages at Lake Lucent should be just the thing to get them reacquainted. The perfect place, or so both families think. Then they find the cabins are next-door to each other…throw into the mix a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. Suddenly, our two dads are finding that their well-laid plans are overturned and even more...they're fighting their own attractions to each other, while trying to deal with two hot, hormonal teenagers.

This part of the story that I would call "my favorite" was when the two families first met. The instant teenager "magnet action" that happens between their kids, was so realistic and on point funny. Reminded me of my own daughter's first crush on our neighbor boy. From the dads' reactions to their kids snarky "put upon" dialogue, along with the swimsuits that the dad’s just were not really ready for was hilarious. They're terrific fathers and excellent parental role models, but the two kids had them almost speechless. The issues they cover with both kids are one every parent has had at one time with their kids. The doubts, the pride, love. Nicky James obviously gets what it feels like to be a parent. It flows through both the father characters.

To make matters increasingly more interesting, Nova and Mercy find each other mutually as attractive as their kids are finding each other. Awkward? Do you think? While Nova has always been open about his bisexuality, who is the one person who’s unaware? That would be...Cooper, his son. One of the best parts of the entire story was Nova coming out to his son. The two guy's budding romance is complicated by their kid’s relationship, along with each man’s past and the fact that Mercy is a single dad who has developed what can be called "tunnel vision" about his responsibilities, so having any other relationships just makes the fumbling and hesitation towards something they want so completely believable.

We were promised there was mystery and murder in the story, and there is, and it was fine. It was a little odd, but I liked the idea of the voice that came over the crackling radio that immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. The details were a bit sparce, but it lured them into a maze of mystery and murder in the small town. I almost immediately knew who the "villain" of the story was because Nicky James had strewn a lot of clues around which made this reader more interested to see how it would play out instead of anxious to see who the murderer was. What saved the saved the mystery part for me, was the part the two families played in it...especially at the end. That was both exciting as well as emotional. I was invested in both sets of characters, both the dads and the kids. I wanted to see them all home safe and sound. Happy and romantic... at least on the dads parts.... that’s what happened. Wonderful ending.

The Bump - Sidney Karger - (New York, California)
Genera: M/M Romance/Parenthood via Surrogate
4.5★
Two men expecting a baby via surrogate go on the road trip of a lifetime.
This is very much a heartwarming story. We meet Wyatt Wallace and Massimo “Biz” Petterelli on their journey to becoming parents. These two will have you laughing many times. In chapter One, during their egg donor selection, I became immediately interested in the process. Then we "fast forward" 18 months and they are now ready to take that anticipated road trip across the country to meet their surrogate before the birth of their baby.

Wyatt had the route from New York to California meticulously planned out and Biz is excited for the "babymoon", as they are calling this special event, that he sees as their last big chance to have fun before they are seriously and happily, to become dads. Their different approaches to this trip, shows us the stress that has been building as they prepare for this new phase of life.

There are a few unexpected detours along the way, and we learn more about their background, as they make stops to visit their families. Like many couples, at times it felt like they wanted different things out of their relationship, but they always expressed hopeful feelings for theirs, and their son or daughter's future. Wyatt and Biz weren't perfect, but you could see that they loved each other and truly belonged together. They balanced each other out in the best way with a little help from their adorable dog, Matilda.

I've never read this author before, but I will certainly be searching for more by him in the future. He does an amazing job of exploring the complexities of relationships and the work that goes into them. The fears that Wyatt and Biz have about becoming parents; how it will change their lives for good and bad, forever after, is very relatable to any couple, no matter what sex they are, that has, ever had kids. The surrogacy just added another layer to their worries, something that we don’t often see in books of any genera. I really enjoyed this one.

It Was Her House First - Cherie Priest - (Washington)
Genera: Paranormal, Mystery Thriller
5★
Ronnie Mitchell is a woman looking for a fresh start. She received an unexpected inheritance, so to start on this fresh start she buys a decaying mansion without ever having actually laid eyes on it. She doesn't know anything about her new home or especially about it's history...She'll soon learn. One important thing that she doesn't know is that her new home comes with a murderous reputation and several vengeful spirits who have been locked in eternal conflict since the 1930s.
The house was once home to silent film star Venita Rost, whose mysterious death sent her husband Oscar to the gallows and drove detective Bartholomew Sloan to suicide—all three now trapped within the mansion’s walls, each carrying their own version of a tragedy that destroyed them all.

I have always loved a good, haunted house story. They are my "guilty pleasures". Once in a while, I find a little bonus; an author that tries something "different" and Cherie Priest’s "It Was Her House First" perfectly fits this category.

The premise with this story is simple enough: our present-day Ronnie buys a dilapidated old mansion in west Seattle at auction, sight unseen mind you... and before even handing over the keys, the agent just has to comment on how much he hates the creepy old place that has been the scene of multiple deaths...so surely must be haunted. The prime suspect number one for any haunting of the mansion is its former owner...the star of the silent film era, Venita Rost. Others might include Bartholemew Sloan, a famous sleuth, and Hugh Crawford who has the honor of being the most recent previous owner who just melted into the floor. I couldn't make that up! He just melted into the floor...zilch...gone.

Ronnie arrives equipped with prior experience and knowledge of restoration and her best friend Kate, who was also her "not-quite sister-in-law". Unperturbed by the threat of specters, Ronnie is actually hoping for some "ghostly company" as she wrestles with her guilt and grief following her brother’s tragic death. What she hadn’t bargained on were threats from the "world of the living"...those that are intent on finding and securing by any means possible, something that was left behind in the crumbling mansion long ago.

It Was Her House First deals with the themes of mental illness.... the occult...grief and guilt...responsibility and regret...and ultimately, acceptance. Ronnie’s story is reflected in Sloan, who holds himself responsible for the untimely death of Venita’s daughter. Venita’s story also echoes with Ronnie’s as a woman treated, by those around her, as both fragile and "mad".

What’s different about this story is Ronnie’s approach to her new situation. Instead of fighting to try an eradicate the ghosts, she tries to work with them, to co-exist and to restore the house together for all their sakes. I really liked this non-standard approach to the "otherness" around us; to share our spaces with that which is "different" but still present in our lives.

Cherie Priest’s writing is easy to read and it's so very compelling. Ronnie is relatable, which makes the reader want to keep turning those pages. There are slow build-ups and explorations before the final "showdown". Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable ghost story with lots of heart and fantastic twists. Any "ghost story junkie" like myself, will really like it...just hope the lights stay on:)

Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us
by Jennifer Finney Boylan
4/5 stars
Interesting book about Jennifer who is transgender, who discusses her life and her transition. She also talks about gender, body image and how the males who shaped her. Highly recommended! Non-Fiction

Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo (US road trip)
4 1/2 ****

What an extraordinary book! It is part personal quest, part spiritual guidance, and part American road trip, all rolled into one novel. The basic premise is that the narrator, Otto, is living his life in a good publishing job with a wife and two teenagers and a slightly estranged sister. Then their parents suddenly die and Otto and his sister, Cecilia, are left with their home and farmland in North Dakota.

Problem is, Cecilia has always been a New Age sort of spiritualist, and she doesn't like to fly on planes. Which means that when it's time to go from suburban New York to North Dakota to sort out their parents' home and estate, Otto is all geared up to drive out there with Cecilia, sort out the details, and then drive home. Until Cecilia decides she needs to stay at home and asks Otto to please bring her houseguest, Rinpoche, in her place. Because he wants to set up a spiritual center in the US and she wants Rinpoche to have the house and her portion of the land.

Otto is polite enough to his unexpected passenger, and as they drive through the US conversations ensure. And expectations loom large, while realizations happen quietly as Otto sees Rinpoche's spirituality manifest in a bowling alley. With a couple of biker dudes. With a good outcome, and then Otto does not know what to believe.

The book explores Otto's burgeoning self-awareness with their drive across the US, including a Chicago Cubs baseball game, yoga class, and several seminars. Otto by turns pouts, thinks, eats, and talks, all the while learning from what Rinpoche has to teach. Rinpoche gains much from his travel through the US with all the variations in land, towns, and surprises that are in store for this mis-matched duo.

The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft (Poland)
2 1/2 **

Oh. My. I just wish I could have loved this book more. I was a bit ambivalent about the subject matter, that of translators, having dreamed of being one in my younger adult years. And I liked how the book began, with translators coming together for their author's gatherings at the advent of her newest book. The named author, Irena Rey, lives just outside an environmentally sensitive forest that lies, still intact, between Poland and Belarus.

So with all of the different languages as the translators' names and the beginning, and a narrator who describes well the ritual of how they all gather at the author's home in Poland to begin their translation of her newest book, I was intrigued and continued to read.

But then the author disappears after the first day, and the rest of the novel devolves into interpersonal mush and in-fighting. A former translator shows up hale and hearty, then clues start coming over internet messaging formats, then more in-fighting, then a visit to a cemetery, and I just lost track of the whole "why" behind this book.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse (India)
5*****

I read this in high school as an assignment and its message of quest for the self resonated with me during the 80's, that decade of self-indulgence and overwhelming wealth.

As Siddhartha seeks to learn and discover all that life teaches him, he finds that denying his body what it seeks is only one way. And it is a way that leaves him questioning what he must do to attain Enlightenment. Then he follows the Buddha, only to have a conversation with him the next morning and declare his intent to leave Buddha's community and continue to seek Enlightenment.

Right there are two ideas that continue to show life in all of its search for truth: what one group or person teaches is only one way. If they do not fulfill your need, your soul's need, for Enlightenment (whatever that means to you), you must remain true to yourself and continue on your search.

Siddhartha's next journey is into a large town/small city, where he serves as a consultant for a rich merchant by providing insight into the merchant's decisions. He thereby gains riches, and a lover, and lives for several decades in the pursuit of more money, gambling it away, having more food than he needs, a spacious home, and losing his inner wisdom. He realizes the unhappiness that still resides in his core and leaves to join the river ferryman.

At each step of the way, Siddhartha gains knowledge about himself, the world, and what resonates with his core and his true nature. While living the purely ascetic life is not one that is realistic for the modern world, the idea of living with less, having comfort rather than great riches, and listening to others as well as one's inner self are good lessons and ones that can help provide wisdom and happiness to the world.