Find Her by Lisa Gardner

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not effect my opinion of the book or the review itself.

In Find Her, Gardner tells the story of Flora Dane, who was kidnapped and held captive for four hundred and seventy two days.

Her ordeal may technically be over, but five years later, Flora is found at a crime scene. Detective D.D. Warren is forced to question if Flora is a victim or a perpetrator, and her search for answers leads both her and Flora down a twisting rabbit hole. Gardner questions what it means to be a victim and a survivor, and how much life can change and shape a person.

I really liked this book a lot. What I liked the most was that it kept me guessing. I kept thinking I had it all figured out, and then another twist would happen, and I would realize I had been completely wrong. Gardner is an expert at doling out twists and turns slowly, building an almost unbearable sense of suspense.

This was a book that I was thinking about when I wasn't reading it, and I was mostly thinking about how I wanted to finish what I was doing so I could read more of the book!

The Black Crow Conspiracy by Christopher Edge

The Black Crow Conspiracy is a fun read aimed at readers in middle school, but still very much able to be enjoyed by older readers as well. It tells the tale of Penelope Tredwell, who is secretly the writer behind the immensely popular Montgomery Flinch stories in her family's magazine, the Penny Dreadful. 

But Penelope has writer's block, until an anonymous letter provides inspiration for a thrilling new story about the theft of the Crown Jewels. All seems well, until the police arrive, insisting that Penelope's story is truth rather than fiction. Desperate to clear her magazine's name, Penelope begins her own investigation, but soon encounters a mysterious science society that seems to have ties to the recent sightings of "radiant boys", glowing green men who can walk through walls.

The Black Crow Conspiracy takes the thrilling penny dreadful stories of the past, and makes them family friendly, weaving together a strong and smart female protagonist, some history, and a supernatural flair. This is the kind of book I would recommend for a school library to not only get kids interested in reading, but to give girls a heroine they can look up to.

The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not effect my opinion of the book or the review itself.

This book is structured almost as a diary of sorts, offering an author-imagined version of Lizzie Borden's life, from her early years until her deathbed.

Lizzie is our narrator, and it is through her eyes we are allowed into the inner workings of her heart and mind. Real historical figures make appearances, including the various members of the Borden household and their servants, as well as celebrities of the time such as Nance O'Neil.

Purdy speculates on if Lizzie did indeed commit the murders she has become infamous for, the actual relationship between Lizzie and her sister Emma, and Lizzie's sexuality and tragic experiences with love and loss.

Of course, we cannot know for sure if what Purdy imagines was actually true for Lizzie, but it makes for an interesting read nonetheless. Purdy's writing style can all too frequently lean heavily towards the melodramatic unfortunately, especially when describing matters of the heart, which can certainly be off putting.

I wanted to read this book because I am fascinated by true crime, and the Borden case is one of the most famous unresolved crimes in history. I would recommend this book to those like me who want to read more about the Borden murders, and gain possible insights into Lizzie herself. I'm not sure anyone not already interested in the case would find the book gripping enough to stick with it.

Five Friday: Five Recommended Books That Start With "E"

This is Part 5 of my ongoing Alphabet Series. Once again, I've tried to pick books that might not be as well known, or that I haven't talked about on this blog very much if at all.

1) Elephants on Acid and Other Bizarre Experiments by Alex Boese

After reading this book, I immediately went back to the library and took out every other book Boese had written. He covers unique, fascinating nonfiction topics (including his work on historical hoaxes) and is a great writer to boot.

2. The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

Everything Abbott writes is brilliant, and this is no exception. She is especially adept at writing psychological thrillers that also explore the deep, complex bonds between female friends.

3. Extracurricular Activities by Maggie Barbieri

The Murder 101 books make up a really fun cozy mystery series. As a teacher myself, the fact that the protagonist is a teacher is a bonus.

4. The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

This is one of those books that I immediately recommended to others as soon as I finished it. Carter expertly weaves together deep discussions about race, class, and familial ties, all while spinning together a gripping mystery.

5. The Empty Glass by J.I. Baker

This is a fictionalized take on the possible conspiracy surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death, and a book that will leave you thinking about it long after you've closed the cover.

Downward Facing Death by Michelle Kelly

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This did not effect my opinions of the book or the review itself.

There was a lot to like about this cozy mystery. As a vegetarian who meditates and likes yoga, having the protagonist be a woman opening up a vegetarian cafe/yoga studio was pretty fantastic. There were meditation tips at the end of most of the chapters, which was great as well.

And the ending! The ending had a twist I did not see coming, which always makes me happy, and the buildup was well-done. The setting of this story really came alive as well, as did the various characters. The one main "mean girl" did come across as somewhat one note, but the other characters felt well fleshed out.

The only real negative I can think of centered around the romance. I really enjoyed the love interest and their slow burn, but I felt that Kelly's writing got a bit hokey and cliched whenever it came to describing the more romantic elements of the story.

Jackaby by William Ritter

"Miss Rook, I am not an occultist," Jackaby said. "I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world's a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain." 

Abigail Rook has always wanted adventure. Fresh off a failed attempt to infiltrate an archaeological dig, she finds herself in a town in New England, desperately searching for a job. She stumbles onto an advertisement seeking an assistant, and finds herself suddenly working for R.F. Jackaby, a seer who solves mysteries the police can't quite seem to figure out themselves.

I have heard this book described as Sherlock Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I would say that is definitely accurate. The supernatural elements are expertly woven into the mystery, which lends a creepy and fascinating atmosphere to the book itself. The ending has a great twist, and no part of the book disappoints.

I look forward to reading more books in this series!

The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis

I knew I wanted to read this cozy mystery as soon as I read the back cover. It takes place in a town that is dedicated to people and their pets, where every restaurant has a pet-friendly version of their meals, and the hotel has rooms specially designed to make pets and their owners happy.

Then add in a ghost hunting team, a mysterious legend of a female spirit and a decades old murder mystery, and you've got a recipe for a fun read.

And this was a fun read. The protagonist, Holly, has just recently moved back to town after leaving her job in the city. She's come back to help her grandmother run the local inn, just in time for Halloween, a big deal in Wagtail. She stumbles onto a dead body, attends seances, and takes her dog and cat trick or treating, and it's all just lighthearted enough to be a great cozy winter read.