ARC Review: The Last Party

 

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

After a massive and elaborate New Year's Eve party, the host is found floating dead in the water. There were already tensions between the new vacation homes housing the wealthy, and the neighboring village, tensions the party was supposed to ease. But now that unease and resentment are growing. Ffion, born of the village, but sworn to discover the truth and impart justice, must navigate her way between the two worlds while hiding some of her own secrets. 

This was a really good read. Everyone is a viable suspect, and Mackintosh dishes out secrets like party favors. There are clever flashbacks full of surprises, and current scenes where technology or a quick tongue spill out the truth. Ffion is a great character full of complexity, and when paired with her new partner, they both really come alive. 

And that ending! Such a shocker, and so well done.

ARC Review: The Ghost and the Stolen Tears

 

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

Pen is a bookseller with a ghost companion, a dead detective with a real knack still for solving cases. So when a friend is accused of stealing the famed Tears of Valentino, Pen calls on both her modern day compatriots and a deceased PI (who has a history with the jewels) to help her friend and solve the crime. 

I've always enjoyed this series-the characters are unique, as is the set up, which makes for an enjoyable read. However, in this entry I found the sheer amount of characters confusing, especially in the part of the story set in the past. 

Also a note-there is a brief mention of an attempted sexual assault, with the perpetrator later being described as "sweet" by the person he attempted to assault. This rubbed me the wrong way, for lack of better terminology, and threw me off of the story somewhat. 

ARC Review: Blackmail and Bibingka

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

In Blackmail and Bibingka, the absolutely beloved characters from the previous two books are all back for the holiday season. But Lila's cousin Ronnie has also returned, after fifteen years of no contact, swearing that he has turned his life around. It isn't long before Ronnie is suspected of murder, and being up to no good with his new business, and Lila has to save the holidays by saving her cousin. 

I absolutely adore this series. I tore through all three out so far and am so excited to read that there will be at least three more books in the series. These cozy reads have it all-mystery, romance, family (both blood and chosen), culture, and food. I highly recommend starting this series, I suspect you'll be just as quickly hooked as I was!

ARC Reviews: American Demon and Jackal

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my reviews itself.

In American Demon, Stashower examines both the life and legacy of Elliot Ness, and the story of the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run, and how they eventually intertwine. Elliot Ness was best known for his role in taking down Al Capone during the prohibition era, and then became Cleveland's director of public safety, tasked with discovering who was leaving torsos, limbs, and heads scattered around Cleveland.

This is a well-written book full of information, including who the Butcher most likely was. Personally, I was less interested in the prohibition era aspect of the book, and struggled through that section a bit, but that was because I was reading the book for the true crime aspect. 

Liz has come home to Johnstown for her best friend's wedding, and only for her best friend's wedding. She's never felt entirely comfortable in the majority white town, even less so on the wedding day when her goddaughter goes missing, leaving behind only a piece of her white dress covered in blood. Now Liz is seeing a horrifying pattern, one where Black girl after Black girl disappears over the years, and no one ever listens.

This is a powerful, haunting horror book that directly tackles societal issues and prejudices. This book has stayed with me long after I finished it, and I definitely recommend reading it.

ARC Review: I'm the Girl

 

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

Georgia Avis is determined to aim higher than what she views as her unfortunate circumstances. When she finds herself with the opportunity to defy her mother and achieve her dreams, Georgia jumps in headfirst, not realizing that beneath the facade of wealth and privilege lurks something dark and dangerous. 

This is not an easy read. Summers is not afraid to tackle hard topics, including sexuality, female bodies, power structures, complicity, and violence. Her writing style is unflinching, as she forces readers to confront the uncomfortable nature of the world today through an expertly woven story and painfully realistic characters. 

ARC Review: Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us

 

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

It's hard to describe this book too much without giving away the power of the true stories Aviv shares. Aviv herself has experience with the main theme of the book, and this shows with the way she handles the stories of others. Looking at others' experiences with psychiatry, societal labels, psychoanalysis and self-identity, as well as her own, Aviv truly lays bare the concept of "unsettled minds" and how every one has a story to share.

ARC Review: All Dressed Up

 

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

Here we have a mystery within a mystery. Becca finds herself in the midst of a 1920s themed murder mystery weekend, but she also suspects that there is a real disappearance being covered up behind the scenes. Unable to leave it alone, Becca attempts to solve the fake case, all while investigating the real one.

This is a book with a lot of layers. Besides the mystery within a mystery, we've also got Becca's tension with her husband, who has planned the trip after a massive betrayal on his part. The other couples there for the weekend may have secrets they are hiding. On top of this, the staff are also actors playing their roles, but who may just be out of character during some especially mysterious moments.

The last few pages were good instead of great, at least for me personally. But the wrap up of the true disappearance was brilliant, and I really loved this read.