Catching up

Hello Readers.

Trying to tackle my TBR and catch up on some ARCs. A lot of good looking books. Hope to get some more reviews up for you. So many books...

Hope you are staying safe and reading amazing books.


InkedBookDragon


Currently reading: The New Husband by D.J. Palmer, Grave Peril by Jim Butcher, and Bad For Me by Lee Piper

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Published by Disney Book Group Disney-Hyperion

Published on January 05, 2016

Genres: Teens, Young Adult

Page Count: 512

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

📙📙📙

Description: Ages 14 and up
In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles, but years from home. And she's inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she's never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods-a powerful family in the Colonies-and the servitude he's known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can't escape and the family that won't let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, his passenger, can find. In order to protect her, Nick must ensure she brings it back to them-whether she wants to or not.
Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods' grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home forever.


Hello.

Today, I am reviewing Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. It was assigned in an online book group so I purchased a copy. Any quotes that may follow are from the text and not my own words.

This cover got to me. I saw it once and was on my way out of the store. It kept coming back to my thoughts but I could not for the life of me remember what it was titled or who wrote it. I could only picture the beautiful cover with the two worlds colliding yet coexisting. Some books are like that. I was delighted when it was chosen for the monthly read. I had found the book and I was so excited to read it.

This excitement was short lived.  It started so slowly that I could not get into it for the longest time. I am sure that the author thought that she was making it fast paced and exciting but this was not the case for me at all. I wondered if I was going to continue to read it on more than one occasion. When I have trouble getting into a book, I really need it to pick up or my interest is lost.

Thankfully, the pace picked up and the story started to really develop. We are taken into a world where time and events can be stimulated and altered. The actions of one person can impact the entire world in such a way that people can find themselves lost. Locations and times were obviously researched and it was nice to see how the characters responded to them. The concept is fantastic but I felt that the ideas were not fully realized in this book. It is probably a good thing that this is only the first book in a duology. There were so many opportunities to turn it around but the author came up short. I am hopeful that she addresses some of these opportunities in the next book.

With everything that I said above, I do need to take the time and address an aspect that I enjoyed. One thing that can be said is that the author is very talented with character development. Some were quite interesting and I hope that they will be present in the next volume. Other characters left me with the desire to stab them with a fork. The lines weren't always clear as to what side a character was on. In fact, some of them loved to straddle the fence. I am sure that the author will use the other book as a way to show their true selves. As a reader, you witness people growing and adapting to the world they are dealing with and it would be nice to see their evolution even if it is backwards.

This book is a hard one for me to review. In fact, I had issues determining the rating on it. In some ways, it was enjoyable. In other ways, I found it lacking greatly. I love a good book where the lines of time are blurred. I like mafia-esque stories. With that said, I kept going back and forth between rating it a Three or a Four. I am giving it Three Orange Books because as a single volume to a duology, I felt that it was lacking and failed to take the reader where it was intended for them to go. I am hopeful that the completed work may improve this rating but there is no guarantee.

InkedBookDragon

Murder at the University by Faith Martin

Murder At The University by Faith Martin

Published by Joffe Books

Published on October 12, 2017

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

Page Count: 251

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

📙📙📙

Description: Looking for a brilliant murder mystery with a feisty female detective?

MEET DI HILLARY GREENE, A POLICE WOMAN WITH A THIRST FOR JUSTICE AND A COMPLICATED CAREER

A pretty French student is found dead in her room at an exclusive Oxford college. Everyone thinks it is another tragic case of accidental drug overdose.

But Detective Hillary Greene has a nose for the truth. She quickly discovers that the student had been up to some very unusual activities.

With a shocking cause of death found, the case becomes a high-profile murder investigation.

Adding to the pressure, Hillary’s nemesis is transferred to work with her at the station.

Can Hillary keep her cool and get justice for the unfortunate student?

MURDER AT THE UNIVERSITY is the second in a series of page-turning crime thrillers set in Oxfordshire.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.

THE LOCATION

The Oxford Canal meanders through the beautiful county of Oxfordshire, sometimes joining up with the rivers Cherwell and Thames, and flows past the world-famous university city of Oxford. Unlike many canals which are practically ruler-straight commercial waterways, built to help transport goods and heavy traffic before the advent of the railways, the Oxford Canal is a more winding and natural-looking body of water, and is a haven for wildlife and wildflowers. It has several romantically-named locks on its length (such as the Three Pigeons Lock, and Dashwood Lock) and boasts the ominously-sounding Somerton Deep Lock, which often terrifies first-time boating holiday-makers.

THE DETECTIVES

DI Hillary Greene

An attractive woman in her forties, Hillary Greene is a police officer of many years’ experience, and came up through the ranks. Consequently, she knows how the system works, and is fiercely loyal to the force without being blinkered to its faults. She is a long-standing friend of her immediate superior officer, 'Mellow' Mallow and enjoys a rather enigmatic relationship with the steely Superintendent Marcus Donleavy. Popular with the rank and file for her no-nonsense attitude and competence, she is currently under investigation on account of her recently deceased, and definitely corrupt husband (Ronnie Greene). But adversity has never stopped her from doing her job.

DCI Philip 'Mellow' Mallow

Mel appreciates Hillary's first-rate ability to solve her cases, and isn't happy about her harassment by the officers from York. Known for his sartorial elegance and laid-back manners, he has a sharp mind, and an eye for the ladies. A good friend and ally for Hillary in her recent tribulations, he's determined to keep his best investigator focused on the problems at hand.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.”


Hello Readers.

Tonight, I am reviewing "Murder at the University" by Faith Martin. I received a free copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Any quotes that follow are from the text and not my own words.

I love a great mystery.  I always have enjoyed trying to figure out a book as I read it.  This one was a good read but I found myself leaning towards the solution about middle of the way through. I was highly disappointed when I did not experience the "A-ha" moment that I long for when reading mysteries.

The author has a way with words and paints the people and locations in such a light that you feel as though you may have encountered them in real life and are remembering them. I did thoroughly enjoy the main character.  She has experienced great hardship and has gotten the short end of the stick because of the actions of others yet continues to apply herself with passion for her job. Most people would take the easy road or just give up. It was refreshing to go on this journey with such a strong woman.

I felt that some of the characters were unnecessary but the majority of the characters relatable. I felt myself rooting for the tenacious heroes and shrinking away from the dastardly villains and the similar scum. In interacting with these detestable individuals, I frequently felt drug through the muck and felt in need of a good wash.

I am giving this book Three Orange Books because even though it was a good read, I highly doubt that I will read it again. It was billed as a mystery thriller but felt more like a police procedural mystery. It had a solid beginning but the ending felt rushed. I found myself greatly disappointed with the twists and turns of the mystery itself. Overall it was a well written book, however there were pacing problems and the mystery itself became transparent in the latter half.

InkedBookDragon

Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

Published by HMH Books for Young Readers

Published on April 21, 2008 (reissue edition)

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Horror
Page Count: 192

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

📕📕📕📕

Description: Twelve-year-old Molly and her ten-year-old brother, Michael, have never liked their seven-year-old stepsister, Heather. Ever since their parents got married, she's made Molly and Michael's life miserable. Now their parents have moved them all to the country to live in a house that used to be a church, with a cemetery in the backyard. If that's not bad enough, Heather starts talking to a ghost named Helen and warning Molly and Michael that Helen is coming for them. Molly feels certain Heather is in some kind of danger, but every time she tried to help, Heather twists things around to get her into trouble. It seems as if things can't get any worse.

But they do---when Helen comes.

Hello.

Tonight, I am reviewing Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn. It is written more towards children in grades 5-7. I stumbled upon this book and thought that I would give it a shot. It looked interesting. What did I have to lose?

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It may have been written for the younger crowd but it doesn't always feel that way. It deals with very serious issues such as adapting to blended families, severe guilt, communication, fear of abandonment, and forgiveness. Add in the ghost of a child hellbent on finding a new playmate and you have a creepy read.

I find myself intrigued by this author. The style of this book was quite refreshing. I wonder if her other works leave the reader with the great sense of contentment that I experienced with this book. Yes, it read like a book written for children but it felt like more. It was full of moments that left me shuddering a little. Hahn definitely has this grasp on the human mind and fear.

I am giving this book the rating of Four Red Books because it did feel rushed. Hahn wanted to get as much story in there as possible which is tricky for a book of this length (192 pages). She is definitely a true master of the ghost story. Overall, very enjoyable read.

InkedBookDragon

FEED by Mira Grant

FEED by Mira Grant

Published by Orbit

Published on May 01 2010

Genres: Sci Fi & Fantasy

Page Count: 608

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

📘📘📘📘📘

Description: The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED.

Now, twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives-the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.

FEED is the electrifying and critically acclaimed novel of a world a half-step from our own---a novel of geeks, zombies, politics and social media.

Hello.

Tonight, I am reviewing FEED by Mira Grant. Any quotes that may follow are directly from the text and are not my words.

Do you ever just encounter a book that seems to call to you? It stays in the back of your mind, beckoning you.  I had that experience with FEED. I went to the bookstore just to look around. I had absolutely no intentions to buy anything. I kept coming back to this book.  Needless to say, it came home with me.

I knew that it was something special when I first started it. I had never encountered a zombie book that felt like this one. It was more than just zombies. It was this incredible story of people interacting and dealing with the stuff of nightmares. So many layers to it, there was nothing simple about it. I was hooked. I read it in two days and that was only because I had to go to class, study, and sleep. I could not get enough. It was one those reads that would stay with you long after you've finished it.  I could not wait for the second one to come out the following year.  I stalked that sequel.

Imagine if your job was to blog the news and you found yourself surrounded by monsters constantly, both human and zombie. You don't know who to trust or what the next day may bring. All you know is that you have to catch the story. You have to report it before anyone else does and that gets you into the front lines of the chaos. Danger is constantly breathing down your neck as you try to capture the story. People constantly trying to keep you from discovering the truth. Zombies everywhere you go.  They want nothing more than to tear the flesh from your bones. They only want to FEED.

When I picked up that paperback, I had no idea that I would enjoy it so much and adore the series. I strongly recommend this book.


InkedBookDragon

Killer Fashion by Jennifer Wright

Killer Fashion: Poisonous Petticoats, Strangulating Scarves, and Other Deadly Garments Throughout History by Jennifer Wright

Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Published on Nov. 21, 2017

Genres: Humor

Page Count: 56

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

📕📕📕📕

Description: A beautifully illustrated book about deadly fashion—real historical stories of strangulation by scarves, neckbreaking high heels, and riot-causing top hats—from the author of the popular histories Get Well Soon and It Ended Badly


Hello Again!

Fashion can be deadly. There is no denying that. I have gotten many scarves caught on things or stumbled in my shoes. I am sure we all have had a mishap at some point and our clothes were partially to blame. Scarves plus car doors can definitely be a recipe for disaster. I once witnessed a man get his coat caught in a bus door and the bus started moving with him running next to it. That could have ended very badly if someone had not seen it and told the driver. Fashion has killer potential.

I just finished "Killer Fashion: Poisonous Petticoats, Strangulating Scarves, and Other Deadly Garments Throughout History" by Jennifer Wright. Many of the items discussed I knew about but some of them surprised me. It wasn't so much the fact that they were dangerous that surprised me but the fact that people still continued to wear or use them when they fully knew that they could die from it. I am currently thinking of all the deadly objects that are currently residing in my closet.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes that may follow are directly from the text and are not my words.

Isadora Duncan was Red
Put on a scarf; popped off her head
Fashion is silly, thought Stein
It may tear your head from your spine

I am not quite sure what it says about me when I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not help but chuckle and smile when reading the little poems that accompanied the information. Historical incidents for deadly objects and insidious habits are shown throughout this work, demonstrating the amount of research performed by the author. The illustrations and poetry definitely add a comical component to a very macabre subject.

My morbid curiosity led me to this book and I am glad it did. I highly recommend it.

InkedBookDragon

Trouble Brewing by Paul Carroll

Trouble Brewing by Paul Carroll

Published by Troubador Publishing Limited Matador 

Published on May 28, 2017

Genres: General Fiction (Adult), Humor

Page Count: 256

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

📕📕📕📕

Description: Brian Parkin, a TV celebrity chef whose star is on the wane, is enlisted as a somewhat unlikely figurehead to help save a Yorkshire brewery in this bittersweet tale. Brimdale is facing closing time as it strives to protect its famous Brim ‘miracle’ ale. Centuries of tradition, as well as jobs, are at stake and a rival brewery will stop at nothing to nobble its pesky competitor.

Brian joins forces with some unlikely allies in the shape of an award-winning historical novelist, a retired cricketer and the world champion ferret legger to send out a message to the world that miracles can happen and Brim must be saved.

The campaigners’ antics raise smiles and tears in equal measure. The town unites, love flourishes, a mother and daughter are reconciled and unlikely heroes emerge. But as the clock ticks down to last orders, is Brim and its miraculous powers all it’s cracked up to be?

Trouble Brewing is contemporary, warm-hearted, full of quirky characters, clever plot twists and amusing set pieces. The book explores celebrity culture, romance, the art of the white lie and throws in Brexit as a chaser. Witty, intelligent and humorous, Paul Carroll’s latest novel will appeal to readers looking for a cheering and enjoyable satire.


Hello Readers!

Recently, I was sent a digital copy of "Trouble Brewing" by Paul Carroll in exchange for an honest review. I was delighted to get the opportunity and hope that this review expresses what I intend to share about this novel. Any quotes that may appear come straight from the text.

Let's see. Where do I begin?  "Trouble Brewing" was a wonderful read. I greatly enjoyed it. I am not one that gives out false praise. If anything, I tend to be a bit of a literary snob at times. I admit it. From the first page, I knew that I wanted to read more. That is rare.

Who doesn't love an underdog story? Small town brewery being harassed by a larger one that hopes to destroy it. We have all seen and/or experienced events similar. From page one, the reader finds themselves rooting for the underdog.  In fact, I found myself getting frustrated with some of the characters to the extent that I would talk to them. "Don't do that!" "What are you doing?" I was taken deep into the story and wanted nothing more than to see it develop. Within the pages, you see characters grow in such a way that you honestly feel for them. In a way, it becomes your town and your friends.

Overall, it was a pleasure to read and I hope to read more of Carroll's work. His novel left me wanting more.  Perhaps, I will reread it in the near future. It will be like having a pint with old friends.

InkedBookDragon