Steph Warren - Bookshine posted: " First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it bac" Bookshine And Readbows
Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track.
In my latest attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.
That's the plan anyway, so let's cosy up with a cuppa and that towering TBR...!
Title: The Other Side of Mrs Wood Author: Lucy Barker Publisher:4th Estate and William Collins
Blurb: Mrs Wood is London's most celebrated medium. She's managed to survive decades in the competitive world of contacting the Other Side, has avoided the dreaded slips that revealed others as frauds and is still hosting packed-out séances for Victorian high society.
Yet, some of her patrons have recently cancelled their appointments. There are reports of American mediums nearly materialising full spirits and audiences are no longer satisfied with the knocking on tables and candle theatrics of years gone by. And then, at one of Mrs Wood's routine gatherings, she hears something terrifying – faint, but unmistakable: a yawn.
Mrs Wood needs to spice up her brand. She decides to take on Emmie, a young protégé, to join her show. But is Emmie Finch the naïve ingenue she seems to be? Or does she pose more of a threat to Mrs Wood's reign and, more horrifyingly, her reputation than Mrs Wood could ever have imagined?
Review: This book is something of a Victorian era period drama, with lots of gossip and social climbing via the unusual route of spiritualist one-upmanship rather than the marriage market!
I did find it a little bit slow going at times and the main character - the titular Mrs Wood - is a difficult protagonist to like at first, so puffed up with her own opinions, status and concerns and oblivious to the feelings, wants or needs of anyone around her. Gradually, however, Mrs Wood grew on me and I was slowly drawn into her struggle for reputation and relevance against the handicaps of being older and a woman.
I think I had expected the story to be a kind of female version of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in the competition between young and old over their influence in supernatural spheres, but it is actually more of a journey of redemption and personal development novel. Mrs Wood has to lose everything she values in order to realise what is truly important in life and change her ways.
The most riveting aspect of the story for me though was the glimpses into all of the tricks and illusions of the mediums' trade. I've always retained a reluctant scepticism of anything paranormal, tempered by my complete inability to explain how any fakery could be achieved, so it was a source of great fascination for me to get a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of distraction, knocking threads and false bottoms! And I know I would have been full of awe and wonder at the tree trick, had I been there!
The main heart of the book, underneath the spiritualist veil, is the relationships - both healthy and unhealthy - between women. We see how many of the 'friends' portrayed are quick to laugh at another's misfortune and take advantage of any weaknesses, but equally how true friends can rally round in support and comfort when needed and uplift each other in a world that considers them powerless and tries to keep them that way.
If you are looking for a woman-centred historical fiction with lots of social trials and tribulations and a good sense of humour about it all, then this will be right up your street... or so my spirit guide tells me! 😉
Title: The Trial Author: Rob Rinder Publisher:Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century
Blurb: ONE MURDER. ONE IMPOSSIBLE CASE. WHO IS GUILTY?
When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from a poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the country to its core.
The evidence points to one man. Jimmy Knight has been convicted of multiple offences before and defending him will be no easy task. Not least because this is trainee barrister Adam Green's first case.
But it will quickly become clear that Jimmy Knight is not the only person in Cliveden's past with an axe to grind.
The only thing that's certain is that this is a trial which will push Adam - and the justice system itself - to the limit.
Review: I really love a well-written mystery told from a different and unique perspective and this certainly fits the bill.
I was hooked into following the perspective of Adam Green - trainee barrister with a murky past - as he dodges office politics and a pushy mother to become obsessed with solving his (apparently hopeless) big case, against all odds, advice and common sense.
I did manage to work out whodunnit fairly early on, but the story kept me guessing anyway and the final reveal and ending were very satisfying, so I had no complaints there.
Rob Rinder's style is not as literary as legal-fiction predecessors like John Grisham but provides a far easier read and plenty of entertainment for mystery lovers.
Title: Masters of Death Author: Olivie Blake Publisher:Pan Macmillan, Tor
Blurb: This book is about an estate agent. Only she's a vampire, the house on sale is haunted, and its ghost was murdered.
When Viola Marek hires Fox D'Mora to deal with her ghost-infested mansion, she expects a competent medium. But unbeknownst to Viola, Fox is a fraud – despite being the godson of Death.
As the mystery unfolds, Viola and Fox are drawn into a quest that neither wants nor expects. They'll need the help of a demonic personal trainer, a sharp-voiced angel and a love-stricken reaper. And it transpires that the difference between a mysterious lost love and a dead body isn't nearly as distinct as you'd hope.
Review: This one feels a little bit Neil Gaiman-ish and a touch TJ Klune.
Death's godson, a trickster demigod, a vampire, a ghost, a demon (or two), an angel, a handful of gods... it sounds like the set-up for a 'walked into a bar' joke, but it is actually the set-up for an entertaining fantasy-mystery with a strong shot of romance on the side.
I loved the characters and the plot kept me riveted, although I did get a little lost once they entered 'the game'... perhaps because it wasn't designed for ordinary mortal minds to comprehend?!
The surprisingly upbeat ending to the adventure was very satisfying (especially to a neat mind like mine that loves everything in matching sets tied off with a ribbon!), if a little bit unrealistically easy/convenient. But I would definitely rather get an unexpected HEA (Happy Ever After) than a forced reality in my fantasy reading.
I would really love to see more of the undead/Death/Fox side of this world (and less of the gods' gambling habits) - I definitely think there is potential for further stories with the worldbuilding and characters introduced here. And it is a memorable and entertaining read for fans of rom-fantasy with a mythological twist and a touch of murder mystery.
Title: The Sentence Author: Christina Dalcher Publisher:HQ
Blurb: The one decision you can't take back
Prosecutor, Justine Boucher has only asked for the death penalty once, in a brutal murder case.
In doing so, she put her own life on the line. Because, if the convicted are later found innocent, the lawyer who requested the execution will be sentenced to death.
Justine had no doubt that the man she sent to the chair was guilty.
Until now.
Presented with evidence that could prove his innocence, Justine must find out the truth before anyone else does.
Her life depends on it.
Review: I really enjoyed both Vox and Master Class by this author, who is making a solid name for herself in the realm of ethical dilemma fiction.
This was a five-star read for me all the way through until the ambivalent ending, which felt a little bit anticlimactic and a bit of a cop-out - although I'm not sure how else the book could realistically have ended.
The story explores the ethics of murder, justifiable murder and execution via the concept of the Reforms Act: would you still ask for the death penalty if your own life hung on the other side of that scale?
Main character Justine was mostly likable but got a little whiny and pious at times. I found it hard to believe that anyone could be SO certain of right and wrong all the time!
I was hooked on this thriller throughout, but felt it wrapped up a little too quickly without fully making use of the potential introduced by characters like Ted, Kris and (maybe) Danny. There were a couple of Chekhovian guns that I felt the author left unfired in the final resolution, which felt like a shame. It's not often I wish a book was longer and more drawn-out!
The philosophical issues raised in the book are well-reasoned and argued to a logical conclusion but the thriller plot was cut a little short, which was disappointing as I really did buy into it completely and was very invested in the outcome.
I would definitely snap up any book by this author in the future, as she raises such fascinating moral debates in the form of an entertaining, adrenaline-boosting read.
Title: Parenting Is Weird Author: Chesca Hause Publisher:Andrews McMeel Publishing
Blurb: Combining the calamities of parenting with the chaotic cuteness of kittens, Parenting is Weird: Tails from the Litterbox presents the family foibles we can all relate to. A hilariously honest comic collection that explores all things parenting, from stepping out of the hospital for the first time to losing a kid in the grocery store, except everyone is cats.
From the creator of the popular Instagram and Webtoon comic Litterbox Comics comes a collection of her most popular comics, including never-before-seen artwork, character bios, stickers, word searches, and more. Both long-time fans and those who are unfamiliar with Litterbox Comics will enjoy this humorous, fresh take on what it's like raising two boys… er, kitties… in the age of the internet. A perfect purchase for both parents and cat-lovers.
Review: I can't imagine many parents haven't seen Litterbox Comics on social media and therefore will know exactly what to expect from this collection already!
For those new to the Litterbox, Chesca Hause creates comic strips that take a humorous and very perceptive look at parenting via the medium of an anthropomorphic cat family: mum, dad and two young sons.
Her comics are aesthetically pleasing, with bright colours and distinctive, immediately recognisable characters and her writing is witty and utterly relatable. Funny pop culture references also abound, as the feline parents are proud nerdy geeks (or should that be geeky nerds?!).
As a follower of the comic on Facebook, I had already seen many of the comics included in this first paper-copy collection but I love them so much that I would buy this anyway just to have them to keep. And it's nice to get the pages of explanation and bonus details from Chesca/Fran between the sections. Oh, and the flipbook aspect is super cute!
This makes the ideal gift for fans and/or new parents (seasoned parents are likely to already fall into that first category!), especially for the festive season... who wouldn't want to fill their Christmas stockings with the contents of the Litterbox?!
Surprisingly heavy on the legal thrillers and death-related fantasy in this (random) batch, with the one funny parenting wild card to finish up!
If you're browsing for something different from the usual jolly festive faire, then these have you covered for ghosts, murder, mayhem and the horrors of raising small children.
Enjoy, happy reading and keep shining as the nights grow darker.
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