After reading literally tens of thousands mysteries throughout my life, I kept seeing the same recycled plots reused over and over again. I despaired of ever being truly surprised by a mystery again. Until I read Strange Pictures. This book is a mystery that slowly comes together piece-by-puzzling piece. EachContinue Reading
Hazel & Fox have marriage problems soon after the birth of their baby girl. Fox is concerned that their hobby might risk their family. But Hazel is bored without the constant thrills of murdering men “who really deserve it”. Thus starts the new thriller, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage.Continue Reading
First of all, I love reality television. And I love a good parody. I thought The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey would be like Unreal, a parody of The Bachelor type shows, but about the catty the real housewives shows instead. This book was attempting that feat but, unfortunately,Continue Reading
RuriDragon, Vol. 1 is a coming-of-age manga that throws an interesting spin onto female adolescence. Aoki wakes up with horns growing out of her head. Her mother nonchalantly mentions that Aoki’s father is a Ryu, or Japanese water dragon, so that explains it. Her girlfriends can’t stop groping them. TheContinue Reading
All the Water in the World is an allegory about what happens after climate change has flooded New York City and broken down civilization as we know it. It also is a coming-of-age tale for Nonie, the teenage female protagonist. I think it may have just been me but thisContinue Reading
Invisible Helix is the latest translation of a Detective Galileo mystery. Unfortunately, I feel that this book is the worst book in the series so far. Yawn! I’m not sure if it is the translation or just too many Japanese cultural references but I found this novel to be aContinue Reading
Perfect Storm is the sixth book in the Alaska Wild series. It has two mysteries. Who is killing the off-gridders living near the abandoned Blue Mine? Could it be Bigfoot, or just a man masquerading as a Sasquatch? Will Beth survive the upcoming winter now that she is being stalkedContinue Reading
Bootleggers, mobsters and snow, oh my! Trouble Island is an atmospheric historical mystery based on a true story set on an isolated island in Lake Erie. Aurelia is a maid to a gangster’s wife, Rosita. Rosita is mourning the death of her son. Aurelia has secrets of her own. SheContinue Reading
Just when you thought you knew everything about Agatha Christie, boom! The new meticulously researched book, Secrets from the Agatha Christie Archives, arrives to prove you wrong. Every published work of Agatha Christie, and a few rumored unpublished ones, are included in this comprehensive guide. Ordered by original publication date,Continue Reading
Instead of jumping right into my review, let’s talk about expectations for a second or two. First, I love all of J.D. Barker’s books—even the ones where he is a coauthor with James Patterson. However, I think associating with Mr. Patterson gave Mr. Barker ideas. He thought that he tooContinue Reading
I’m rather upset that I had to interrupt my doomshopping and doomscrolling to read The World According to Cunk. It totally got me out of my post election funk because it’s hilarious! Truly laugh-out-loud funny. While based on the real world, and history, and stuff like that, Cunk has anContinue Reading
ChatGPT Secrets is the third book in a trio of books about ChatGPT by the same author. It is a good overview for rank beginners who have barely heard of AI and never used it. For those more experienced AI users, there are a few unusual ideas for using itContinue Reading
Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing is a clear and concise exploration of how to draw, and think, like a professional artist. Starting from three simple lines: C-curve, S-curve, and Straight; and ending with color theory, this book really does contain all you need to begin your drawing journey. TheContinue Reading
Clear your calendar for the next David Baldacci book. With non-stop action and multiple plot lines, To Die For is a propulsive thriller that is difficult to put down! Whether you are concerned or joyful about our recent election’s results, this book will leave your government conspiracy senses tingling. Ex-ArmyContinue Reading
Is the Swiftie in your life sad that Taylor’s Eras Tour has finished its US stops? If so, cheer them up with the Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet book (or something you crocheted from it). The book has 21 different crochet patterns with skill levels varying from beginner to experienced. TheContinue Reading
Welcome to modern day New Orleans. You are a teenage girl forced by her traditional parents to participate in a debutante ball, where The Debutantes are formally introduced to society. However, a masked boy pulls a Carrie trick during the event recalling the death of the previous year’s Queen. SpeakingContinue Reading