Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #489: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

The provocative and hilarious summer read that will have book lovers cheering and everyone talking! Kirsten Miller, author of The Change, brings us a bracing, wildly entertaining satire about a small Southern town, a pitched battle over banned books, and a little lending library that changes everything.

Beverly Underwood and her arch enemy, Lula Dean, live in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia, where they were born and raised. Now Beverly is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity by embarking on mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books—none of which she’s actually read. To replace the “pornographic” books she’s challenged at the local public library, Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home: a cute wooden hutch with glass doors and neat rows of the worthy literature that she’s sure the town’s readers need.

But Beverly’s daughter Lindsay sneaks in by night and secretly fills Lula Dean’s little free library with banned books wrapped in “wholesome” dust jackets. The Girl’s Guide to the Revolution is wrapped in the cover of The Southern Belle’s Guide to Etiquette. A jacket that belongs to Our Confederate Heroes ends up on Beloved. One by one, neighbors who borrow books from Lula Dean’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. Finally, one of Lula Dean’s enemies discovers the library and decides to turn the tables on her, just as Lula and Beverly are running against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor.

That’s when all the townspeople who’ve been borrowing from Lula’s library begin to reveal themselves. It’s a diverse and surprising bunch—including the local postman, the prom queen, housewives, a farmer, and the former DA—all of whom have been changed by what they’ve read. When Lindsay is forced to own up to what she’s done, the showdown that’s been brewing between Beverly and Lula will roil the whole town...and change it forever.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller is expected out June 18th, 2024 from William Morrow.

Why am I waiting on this book: I love books about books. And sadly, banned books seems like a timely topic these days. I love the idea of the daughter switching out the books and putting the accepted covers on them. And I love even more that people would actually read them. I'd like to see what happens in this small Georgia town and what happens with Lula Dean and her daughter.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading! 

What I've Been Reading

 

The past week or so, I've been working my way through the Murderbot books. They are short books. I'm really enjoying the character of Murderbot and reading from its point of view. I'm going to give you an example, the opening line from the first book, All Systems Red  by Martha Wells.

"I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours since then, with still not much murdering, but probably,  i don't know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies, serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible faiilure."

Basically, Murderbot is introverted. It would prefer to avoid interactions with humans, and be a couch potato of sorts. I think a lot of people can relate to that. But acting as a secunit, Murderbot must interact with humans from time to time that it is supposed to be protecting. I enjoyed reading these interactions from its point of view, especially how it must protect the humans even if they are deciding to do something stupid that could turn into an accidental suicide. 

Books 1, 2, and 3 are all dealing with different groups of humans in different situations, but Murderbot continues to feel the need to protect the humans. As the books go on, Murderbot experiences growth and change, things that wouldn't happen if it hadn't hacked its governor module and maybe even if it hadn't consumed all that entertainment that showed human interactions with others including bots and secunits.

At this point as I prepare to start book 4, I would recommend the Murderbot series. The books are short and have adventure to them. Even though I don't often read science fiction, I am enjoying them. If you're looking for a short read, like 156 pages or so for book 1, give it a try.

What have you been reading lately? Drop a line in the comments and let us know what you're reading and if you would recommend it and to who. Thanks for coming by. Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #488: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.

Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.  

But this is no ordinary book…

It is the Book of Doors. 

Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them.

Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them.

Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there. 

But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is expected out February 13th, 2024 from William Morrow.

Why am I waiting on this book: I love books about books. And I enjoy books that have to do with libraries and librarians. And contemporary fantasy checks another box for me. So, I am really expecting to enjoy this book. 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading! 

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #487: The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall by Peter Oxley

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Victorian London's most incompetent crooks - turned demon hunters - are back.

When Tess Marchant gets a plea for help from an old childhood friend, The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency finds itself heading out to the countryside, to solve a mystery involving a Manor House and its wealthy family cursed by a malevolent demon.

Spencer and Bart find themselves in a world totally unfamiliar to them: of landed gentry, fearful poachers, and strange creatures which stalk the land at night. Not to mention unwelcome visitors in the form of the mysterious magician Thaddeus, and the ever-present Inspector Jones, just waiting for them to slip up.

Meanwhile, Tess finds herself struggling with a terrifying face from the past - but can this be the clue which unlocks the mystery of Flint Hall?

The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is the sequel to The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency, and the second book in the Spencer & Bart series.

The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall by Peter Oxley is expected out January 25th, 2024 from Burning Chair.

Why am I waiting on it? I like my horror with a dose of humor. This book appears to fit the bill. It sounds like an interesting story. I'm hoping it can be read as a standalone.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died by Amanda Flower

 

It's 1856 Amherst, Massachusetts. Emily Dickinson's maid, Willa, finds the body of a visitor in the Dickinson family's gardens. Worse, it appears to have been murder. The victim is the secretary of the famed Ralph Waldo Emerson. Due to the nature of the secretary's character, there is no shortage of suspects.

Emily immediately becomes involved in investigating the murder. Among other reasons, she wants to clear the family name since the victim and Mr Emerson are staying with the Dickinsons. This in turn involves Willa. 

While both Emily and WIlla investigate, the story is told from Willa's point of view. It becomes clear that the duo of Willa and Emily make a good pair. One of them can ask questions of the townspeople while the other can ask questions of the servants and can eavesdrop on people since often people pay no attention to the presence of a servant. Also Willa has a tie to one of the police officers which can be both helpful and a hindrance.

The mystery itself is well done. Mr. Luther, the victim, is not a likeable character. There are many suspects. There are red herrings. And the method of the murder was interesting. I had not considered that someone would use that manner, especially in a literary crowd. 

The resolution of the murder, when it came, came rather quickly. The person of interest was unexpected as was what followed upon the revelation. I liked that so much was unexpected, although I might have preferred a tad more foreshadowing as to who the killer was.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I liked reading about a young Emily and her adventures with Willa. This was the second book in the Emily Dickinson mystery series. It can be read as a standalone. There are references to book one, but they are all explained with a sentence or two. I'm looking forward to book three. I'd recommend this book for fans of historical mysteries with literary characters. Also, you would probably enjoy it if you are an Emily Dickinson fan.

I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died by Amanda Flower was published November 14, 2023 by Berkley.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion

Book Review: Starter Villain by John Scalzi

 

This was my first time reading John Scalzi, but it won't be my last.

Charlie Fitzer is a substitute teacher with dreams. He wants to own the pub that he and his dad frequented. Unfortunately the bank turns him down for a loan to do so because he has no collateral. On that same day, Charlie finds out that he has an inheritance from his estranged Uncle Jake. All he has to do is stand up for him at his funeral. The attendees, their actions, and Charlie's reactions are really something. 

Mathilde Morrison, his Uncle Jake's right hand woman, reveals to Charlie that he's inheriting his uncle's business. Not so much the public business, which runs itself, but a more clandestine business of being a Villain.

Tilly takes him to a secret lair on a volcanic island in the Caribbean. Charlie finds out that his uncle has cats and dolphins working for him that communicate via computers. And while his uncle's competitors didn't like him, they don't want Charlie taking over the business either.

I really liked Charlie. He tries really hard to take everything in stride. He succeeds for the most part. I was glad he had Tilly, the cats, and the dolphins to help him. Having Charlie need to negotiate with unionizing dolphins was inspired. The dialog is well done and can be quite funny. The plot moves along at a good pace.  The action pretty much starts with a bang and goes from there. It gets faster the further you get into the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to people who enjoy well written books with unusual plot lines, devices, and a good dose of humor.

Starter Villain by John Scalzi was published September 19th, 2023 by Tor Books.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #486: The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

A gifted young knight named Collum arrives at Camelot to compete for a spot on the Round Table, only to find that he’s too late. The king died two weeks ago at the Battle of Camlann, leaving no heir, and only a handful of the knights of the Round Table survive.

They aren’t the heroes of legend, like Lancelot or Gawain. They’re the oddballs of the Round Table, from the edges of the stories, like Sir Palomides, the Saracen Knight, and Sir Dagonet, Arthur’s fool, who was knighted as a joke. They’re joined by Nimue, who was Merlin’s apprentice until she turned on him and buried him under a hill. Together this ragtag fellowship will set out to rebuild Camelot in a world that has lost its balance.

But Arthur’s death has revealed Britain’s fault lines. God has abandoned it, and the fairies and monsters and old gods are returning, led by Arthur’s half-sister Morgan le Fay. Kingdoms are turning on each other, warlords lay siege to Camelot and rival factions are forming around the disgraced Lancelot and the fallen Queen Guinevere. It is up to Collum and his companions to reclaim Excalibur, solve the mysteries of this ruined world and make it whole again. But before they can restore Camelot they’ll have to learn the truth of why the lonely, brilliant King Arthur fell, and lay to rest the ghosts of his troubled family and of Britain’s dark past.

The first major Arthurian epic of the new millennium, The Bright Sword is steeped in tradition, full of duels and quests, battles and tournaments, magic swords and Fisher Kings. It also sheds a fresh light on Arthur’s Britain, a diverse, complex nation struggling to come to terms with its bloody history. The Bright Sword is a story about imperfect men and women, full of strength and pain, who are looking for a way to reforge a broken land in spite of being broken themselves.

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman is expected out July 16th, 2024 from Viking. 

Why am I waiting on it? I haven't read much of this type of literature in a while, but I am interested in books that use the Arthurian legend as a base. I'm curious as to how Lev Grossman will handle it and where he will go with it.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #485: Strange Folk by Alli Dyer

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: A woman returns to her estranged, magical family in Appalachia and must embrace her own power to protect her family and community when a conjuring goes too far in this lush, shimmering, and wildly imaginative debut novel, perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Deborah Harkness, and Sarah Addison Allen.

Lee left Craw Valley at eighteen without a backward glance. She wanted no part of the generations of her family who tapped into the power of the land to heal and help their community. But when she abandons her new life in California and has nowhere else to go, Lee returns to Craw Valley with her children in tow to live with her grandmother, Belva.

Lee vows to stay far away from Belva’s world of magic, but when the target of one of her grandmother’s spells is discovered dead, Lee fears that Belva’s magic may have summoned something dark.

As she and her family search for answers, Lee travels down a rabbit hole of strange phenomena and family secrets that force her to reckon with herself and rediscover her power in order to protect her family and the town she couldn’t leave behind.

Strange Folk by Alli Dyer is expected to be released August 6th, 2024 from Atria Books.

Why am I waiting on it? I like the comparison to Alice Hoffman. I like books set in Appalachia. Lee sounds like an interesting character thrown into an interesting predicament. I want to know what happens to her and her family and community.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa

 

From the publsher:

A missing surf legend. Waterlogged clues. Can he trust his gut instincts to end the wave of murder?

Sheriff Jax Turner is learning to live again. Holding tight to the hope of reconciling with his FBI agent ex-wife, the wary man is determined to keep his focus on his coastal Oregon community. And after a concerned brother requests a welfare check, Jax is troubled to find the absent surf shop owner’s tracks lead to a pool of blood.

Now investigating a potential homicide, Turner chases a tip from his former spouse about a severed foot found on the beach. But when a torrent of leads links the victim to a politician's son, a jealous competitor, and a get-straight program for youth, the steadfast lawman fears layers of lies and secret agendas will keep him from stopping a vicious killer.

Can he unravel the fatal agenda before he’s the next corpse to wash ashore?

Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa was published October 24th, 2023 by Level Best Books.

My Thoughts:  Sheriff Jax Turner and his ex-wife Abby Kanekoa are a good team up of characters, one working for Misty Pines and the other for the FBI. Even though they are exes, they still manage to work nicely together. Jax is the one that the book focuses on primarily with some of the story being through Abby's eyes. Both characters show personal growth over the course of the book. Makes me wonder what book 3 in the series will hold in store for them. 

Plotwise, the book moves along at a good pace. Some of the settings are described more than others. Those that are, are written vividly. The house on the side of the mountain and the area around it that becomes a crime scene, for example, are described so well, you could practically be there. The overall plot arc goes well from the first foot washing up on shore until the conclusion. There are good twists. It kept me guessing and changing my mind on just who the killer really was. I was surprised because I had ruled out the character who turned out to be the killer about 3/4 of the way through the book.

I gave the book 5 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The characters are interesting and multifaceted. The plot is well done and has good twists. It kept me guessing right up until the end. There were some references to a previous case which I assumed was in the first book in the series. These were explained enough to not interfere with the enjoyment of the story. If you like a well-written mystery, I would suggest this one to you.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #484: Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Nell Ingram and her team face a dire, supernatural evil in this newest thrilling paranormal procedural in the New York Times bestselling Soulwood series.

Nell Ingram draws her powers from deep in the earth, and uses them to help Psy-LED, the Psychometric Law Enforcement Division, which solves paranormal crimes. When a local vampire calls to report a dead body on her compound, Nell knows she and her team have to be ready for anything.

But the dead body is just the beginning of a mystery that involves supernaturals of all kinds, including some of the most powerful vampires in the country. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she begins to understand that the perpetrator is tracking her too—and that there is something personal about this crime. Something with roots that go almost as deep as those in Soulwood.

Rift in the Soul  by Faith Hunter is expected out March 5th, 2024 from Ace.

Why am I waiting on this book? This book is the 6th book in the Soulwood series featuring Nell and her coworkers. It takes place in the same world as the Jane Yellowrock books with some crossovers possible. I have enjoyed watching Nell grow in confidence and abilities as the series has progressed. She works well with the rest of the Psy-LED team she is a part of. I'm wondering just what they will be up against this time and how Nell's abilities will play into it. If you like urban fantasy, this is a good series.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji

 

From the publisher:

Philadelphia, 1875: It is the start of term at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lydia Weston, professor and anatomist, is immersed in teaching her students in the lecture hall and hospital. When the body of a patient, Anna Ward, is dredged out of the Schuylkill River, the young chambermaid’s death is deemed a suicide. But Lydia is suspicious and she is soon brought into the police investigation.

Aided by a diary filled with cryptic passages of poetry, Lydia discovers more about the young woman she thought she knew. Through her skill at the autopsy table and her clinical acumen, Lydia draws nearer the truth. Soon a terrible secret, long hidden, will be revealed. But Lydia must act quickly, before she becomes the next target of those who wished to silence Anna.

Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji was published October 17th, 2023 by Simon & Schuster. 

My Thoughts: This is an enjoyable historical mystery. I really liked Dr. Lydia Weston. She was smart and sympathetic. She worked well with the police. I appreciated that she didn't do much investigating on her own. i liked seeing how the attitude from some of the police changed over the course of the book. It was notable that they chose to consult her in the first place. I liked that not all the men she encountered treated her in a condescending manner.

The plot moved along at a good pace The twists worked well. I was surprised at the ending. The details of her actions as a doctor and investigator made it more real. Overall, it is well-written. 

I gave it 5 stars out of 5. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like a good historical mystery with a strong female protagonist. I look forward to seeing where Ritu Mukerji takes Dr. Weston from here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Book Review: Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

 

From the publisher:

Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. This belief takes many forms: for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai’po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear—and even follow you home.

These wholly original and shiver-inducing tales introduce readers to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creatures, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge. Introduced and contextualized by bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones, these stories are a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ survival and imagination, and a glorious reveling in all the things an ill-advised whistle might summon.

Never Whistle at Night  was published September 19th, 2023 by Vintage.

My Thoughts:  This is a perfect read for this time of year and for anytime you want to spook yourself. Even the introduction has it's creepy moments.

Some of the stories are really scary. Others are gross in their horror. The first story in the book is one of my favorites, Kushtuka by Mathilda Zeller. I caught myself holding my breath in places in the story. I was worried for the protagonist. 

This is an anthology of dark fiction. Some of it is supernatural horror. Some of it is the horror of the things people do to each other. But, all of it is well written. 

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to fans of dark fiction. It's well worth a read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #483: Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Amazon: 

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up an Elemental Assassin short story collection featuring danger, magic, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, and Faith Hunter.

Flash back to one of Gin Blanco’s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Gin’s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Gin’s not around. From a ghost’s lost love to a villain’s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters:

“Spider’s Bargain” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Death” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Deceit” — Fletcher Lane
“Poison” — Finnegan Lane
“Wasted” — Finnegan Lane
“Tangled Dreams” — Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux
“Tangled Schemes” — Bria Coolidge
“Spider’s Nemesis” — Mab Monroe
“Haints and Hobwebs” — Gin Blanco
“Parlor Tricks” — Gin Blanco

Note: Stings and Stones is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Jennifer Estep’s website, while others have been featured in anthologies.

Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep is due out November 28, 2023. It is available for preorder now.

Why am I waiting on this book? This is an urban fantasy series that I've really enjoyed. I missed most of the stories when they were originally published in varous places. If you've read any of the series, this is a must. If you haven't yet, this may be a good introduction to some of the major characters.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #482: Killing Me Softly by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Ellison Russell Jones’ best friend Libba has a questionable track record when it comes to men. But finally—finally—she’s selected a good one.

Charlie Ardmore hales from a fine family, plays a mean game of golf, and is a cardiologist.

Even Mothers approves.

But when Charlie’s patients start dying, the whispers begin. Is Charlie a killer?

Could Harrington Walford, Ellison’s beloved father and one of Charlie’s patients, be the next to die?

Can Ellison stop a killer in time?

Killing Me Softly by Julie Mulhern will be available December 26th, 2023. It can be preordered at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? This is part of Julie Mulhern's Country Club Murder series. I've really enjoyed the others in the series. They are humorous cozies set in the 1970s. I'd recommend them to anyone who enjoys their mysteries with a side of humor.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #481: You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: 

A comic thriller following the trials and tribulations of Claire, a part-time serial killer, who is keen to keep her favorite hobby a secret—despite the efforts of a determined blackmailer.

The night after her father's funeral, Claire meets Lucas in a bar. Lucas doesn't know it, but it's not a chance meeting. One thoughtless mistyped email has put him in the crosshairs of an extremely put-out serial killer. But before they make eye contact, before Claire lets him buy her a drink—even before she takes him home and carves him up into little pieces—something about that night is very wrong. Because someone is watching Claire. Someone who is about to discover her murderous little hobby.

The thing is, it's not sensible to tangle with a part-time serial killer, even one who is distracted by attending a weekly bereavement support group and trying to get her art career off the ground. Will Claire finish off her blackmailer before her pursuer reveals all? Let the games begin . . .

You'd Look Better as a Ghost  by Joanna Wallace is expected out April 16th, 2024 from Penguin Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like stories with some humor to them. This one seems to have that. Plus it sounds like a good mystery, an unusual mystery. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #480: The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

A sumptuous Gothic horror for fans of Rebecca and Mexican Gothic.

Hacienda San Isidro was meant to be Beatriz’s haven, her salvation from an oppressive life with her uncle and his vicious wife. When Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposed, Beatriz dreamed only of the security his estate in the countryside would provide, ignoring the rumors surrounding his first wife’s demise and his sinister allegiances. She will have her own home again, no matter the price.

But the house has ideas of its own. Visions and voices claw at Beatriz, stealing her sleep, and the weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Deep in her bones, Beatriz knows—something is wrong with San Isidro.

Desperate for help, she turns to the young priest, Padre Andrés. Handsome and sympathetic, he seems like Beatriz’s only hope. But as their passions rise and the walls close in around Beatriz, the weight of secrets everyone is carrying may lead them all to their doom.

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas is expected out October 26, 2023 from Solaris.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like a good gothic tale. I read Mexican Gothic  by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and enjoyed it. The blurb suggests that if you liked that book, you will enjoy this one. I want to know what will happen to Beatriz and how much is supernatural and how much is from the secrets being kept from her. It sounds like the perfect read for this time of year.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Hex Education by Maureen Kilmer

 

From the publisher:

Nice witches finish last…

A guilt-ridden former coven is forced to tap into the magic of their past . . . if they want to stop their lives from going up in flames again.

On the outside, luxury real estate agent Sarah Nelson looks like every other mom in the suburb. But she has an edge that others don’t: She’s a witch. And no one knows . . . except her estranged ex-coven and college friends, Katrina and Alicia.

One terrible night during their freshman year, the trio accidentally burned down their dorm, and soon after they scattered. Their secret had been safe, until Sarah learns they’ve been invited back to commemorate the anniversary of the fire.

Suddenly, the magic doesn’t want to be controlled. Sarah’s orange tabby cat, Katy Purry, now argues with her. Her broom has become self-brooming, and her fridge somehow restocks thirty pounds of sliced turkey for school lunches. As it grows increasingly difficult to hide the magic and the past, Sarah, Katrina, and Alicia must harness their power together . . . before they find out if polite society still burns witches.

Hex Education by Maureen Kilmer was released September 19th, 2023 from G.P. Putnam's Sons.

My Thoughts:

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a good horror story with some humor, Hex Education by Maureen Kilmer would be a good book for you. 

Three very different friends made up a coven while they were in college. They did get some good out of it, think Sarah being able to communicate with her cat telepathically and use small magics to help her around the house and in her career. The dorm fire was a major drawback. 

Coming back together, their basic personalities haven't changed much. Magic surges and the three of them are caught in the web again. This time they are dealing with a podcast journalist who threatens to upend their lives.

I kind of wish that there was more of how the three women used to be shown. But the story still works. Two out of three of the women show character development. The third one seems stuck out of fear.

The book moves along at a decent pace. I thought the twists were well done. And I thought that the tension in the story was also done well.

Overall, it's worth a read. In particular, if you enjoyed Suburban Hell then you will enjoy this book as well. And if you like your horror with a touch of humor, you will also like this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.