The Other Family

4/5

Ever since Wendy Corsi Staub came out I have enjoyed her books. Along the way, I somehow missed some of her works. This one was as good as I remembered her to be.

It was a suspenseful book the made you question a few things but but you guessing. I figured out a good bit of it, but loved how it all tied together. Definitely a goodread from her.

I am so glad to see her again on the list of new books. Looking forward to her next one.

Hidden Pictures

 

4/5

This was a good read. Had spooky and interesting mystery. It was different, which I like, and interesting.

I did like the characters as they should have been liked. Some you liked some were a bit less liked. Mallory I was rooting for the whole way.

I figured the twist early on but still enjoyed to book. I think the two back stories made it even better. The truth about Annie shows more about the way people interact with each other and how stories often not what they seem. I like the story of Annie. When everything connects I can understand Anya which another part I had figured out.

The reason for the lack of the fifth star was after the twist is revealed they changed nothing in the way he wrote him continuously instead of her during the climatic part. I don't believe that Teddy was able to make a decision as to who she is till the very end. It annoyed me very much. Looking back maybe it was to keep the child as is till the choice is made. Many clues lead up to the fact she was not happy being a boy. I did not like the religious, social and political issues that were added.

I thought the ending was sad but showed how life continues and changes wether we want it to or not.
I will be reading more from this author.

The Replacement Wife

 

4/5

Really enjoyed this read. No fancy twists and turns but some interesting gas lighting.

This story flowed really well, and keep me interested. By the end of the story, you pretty guess what's going on. It's not a bad thing. What happens you can understand the why.

I liked the characters as the should be. Josh well, we all know that one Josh. If my husband treated me as Harris did Alisa I would be doing some rearranging of locks, alarms and other things. Through out the story you wonder about Rachel.

Liked the ending. Went well with the story. Will more from her.

The Pages

2/5

I wanted to throw this book across the room. I didn't as it's a library book. Oh my goodness.

I liked the premise of the book. The story is told from
The books point of view. That grabbed my attention. It started off great. Then downhill it went.

I did not like any of the characters except Armin. I found Lena to be weak and thoughtless. And at times not to smart.

The story becomes long and drawn out. There is actually three different stories going on and at times even more. We see the author's, The professor's, the grandfather's and Lena's. They switch back and forth and often loose the books point of view.

What angered me the most ?? The ending. It takes to the very end for them to see what was buried many years ago. When they do, it seems they don't realize what was found. We the readers knew early on what it was and the why.

I hate to judge a book so harshly, this was just not a good book. Maybe if I liked the characters or the long drawn out story, I would have judged differently.

The French Gift

4/5

Loved this book, but wanted to take my time before writing my review.
Why ?? When all was revealed it felt the revelation was circumstantial. It felt as if it was only one possibility. Even after rereading it. I did feel better afterwards and i never guessed who. Everything added up and made sense.

The story was truly incredible. I loved the characters and their strength. Both past and present. It would have been nice to know what happened to some of the other characters like Mueller, and to know more about others. Even better that the book was based on a real person. This is a story that needed to be told.

From the first page I was drawn in and did not want to stop reading. I had a need through to book to find out who, but as the story progresses I was asking how. I was wondering seeing if the author was gonna leave us hanging. She did not. In both the past and in the present I felt the did the story well. Evie decided to do what was best for the amazing story she and Cement have been researching and wanting to honor Josephine and Margot. They did well. As Hugo said it needs to be shared because so little about the resistance, prison, and factory was know, Especially women.

Overall I highly recommend this book. The answers will surprise you.

Nine Lives

                                                    

                                                 


5/5
Well played Mr. Swanson. Well played. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. Like his others it was hard to put down and I kept wanting to know Who and Why ??

The story moved pretty quickly and kept me guessing. The two Agatha Christie books I thought were actually one and I should have known.

The characters were great, some I disliked while others were well liked. There was diversity, I would love to see a deaf character in one of his books. The ending was well done and tied everything up. The POV from each person was not confusing as some have mentioned in their reviews. I thought it was great to see who thought what.

And as always the great use of other great writers in his books. We all know Agatha Christie, but he always pulls in more posts and authors. A great thing I like about his books.

I definitely recommend this one. The twist is not huge but well done and I liked it. Liked the story and did not guess who done it.

Another great read from Peter Swanson. I look forward to his next.

Book of Cold Cases

4/5

I enjoyed this one, Loved the ghostly feel and the cliff.
Simone St. James is one of my favorite authors. I will say I liked this a bit better then Sun Down Motel but not as good as Broken Girls. I know there are reviews who did not understand why the who dun it was revealed so early in the book, and not the end. To me this was the right way to go.

I did identify with Beth when it came to her family, family can be hurtful without knowing or caring. I liked the characters and the fact Shea showed some real growth. That took a lot for her, but you can not live in the past.

The house and cliffs proved to be the perfect setting for this one. I liked it. Loved the story and the back story. I did guess some and did not guess others. So many good things to say about this one, waiting patiently for the next one.

The Lost Village

 

4/5

I was skeptical of reading this as it was compared to The Blair Witch Movie. I will freely admit I do not like that movie in any shape or form. When I see movies that have the same, "backwards filming of me" I will not watch it. So I was not expecting to like this as much as I did.

First I liked the idea. Two of the descendants from this village go back to find out what happened to the people that just disappeared into thin air. There were some plot holes of course but still made for a good story.

I liked the characters for the most part. Each has a flaw but they do bring something to the table. I believe Gitta probably was Autistic or have some form of Autism. What happens to her is enough to actually bring on the ghosts. The village is in Sweden, which is different, and very isolated. It had all the spooky vibes for the most part. I also liked how grandma did her research. Just from that you can gain some perspective of the preacher, and quesadillas to why no one every thought to verify this guy. From there you can gather it had a cult like feeling as well. It keeps you asking where did they go ?? Where could they have gone ?? No Blair Witch feel for me. So that was a good thing.

I liked how it was explained and pretty much tied up. Again I know there were several plot holes, and I did have more questions that was not answered. But overall the ending was good. Towards the ends you can figure things out. Just wanted more of the ending. At least from the documentary aspect of it.

All in all an enjoyable read keep me interested.

Night Shift

 

4/5

Interesting story that moves at a great pace. Kept my interested, and tho I figured out most of it I did not figure out all of it. Kept me guessing through out the story.

Liked the characters, and Atticus was my favorite. Did not like what happens to him. The lead was a pregnant agent which I don't know how realistic it is for to working as she was.

Loved the whole Blockbuster setting from the movies to the decor. Brought back some good memories.

The Paris Apartment

                                               

3/5
Quick easy read.

This book, was quick and easy, read. I did like it better then the Guest List.

I liked the story well enough, and the characters were ok. I did figure out a lot it, but not all of the who done it. I felt the story came together very well, and the topic an important one. Love that it took place in France, different then most who are either England or America, not that I am complaining about either country.

So why the three stars ?? The sex scenes, sorry, but it was not needed and thought it to be a turn off for the book. I really did not need to know some of the scenes as they were understood without them.

Other then that, the book was a good one, kept me interested. The very end was nice but no so much believable but nice.

All the Beautiful Lies

5/5
"The world is chaos, and then a detective comes along and restores order.

 Or he doesn't, and that's really my favorite kind
of mystery story."

Another awesome read from Peter Swanson. This is my second book from him and I was not disappointed. It was a good story with very intriguing twists.

One of the things I am finding I like about his books is the research or how well read he is with older mysteries. Agatha Christie being one of my favorites. He goes further then that, he brought Lace from the 80's which was 'a everyone was reading'. Who can forget that ?? He does go further back and some you'll know others you won't. I love that there is a love of books, mostly mysteries.

Harry my not be the book expert, his father was. Harry was likable and we all probably knew someone like him. Alice now there is a character you might want to think twice about.

The story kept me interested the whole way through. I did not want to put it down. It moved a a good pace and was an enjoyable read. I will admit I loved the ending. That's what gave it the fifth star.

The Maker of Swans

3/5

Thank you Tin House for the ARC copy of the book.
This book was a roller coaster. I felt much of the story got lost, questions were not answered, and at times confusing.

When I started this book, I was angry. The author spends like two pages on the fact this person is used to running, but then goes off on another story line without warning. I had to set the book aside because of this. Then pick it back up later. Thinking I should give the book another chance.

I liked the characters for the most part. I felt the development of this characters were not the greatest. We see them change, then it opens up more questions that are not answered.

The story, what there is of it, tends to be overshadowed by the writing. The timeline switches so quickly sometimes you are completely lost as to what is happening. This causes some confusion is couple places. Some parts he is very long winded.

I felt when the story finally gets moving and you're wondering and at the edge of your seat, it changes. Leaving you let down. At the end you see how these all come together. I was left with more questions then answers. Once you get past all that, the story is actually pretty good.

The Perfect Ruin

3/5

This was definitely and an odd book. Lot of cat and mouse.
I not sure how I felt about the characters, I did not feel any great connection with any of them. I thought the main character Ivy, could have been developed a little bit more instead of just being somewhat of a childish girl.

I have some problem with the believable. She looks up the woman on the internet and bam finds her. Well, yeah, I suppose that would happen, but how did she know which Lola Maxwell ?? I am sure more then one showed up. Lola, was to much as well. realistically she would have done research on anyone doing her charity work. Furthermore, Ivy's shrink really needed to step up.

Then you have to wait so long to find out what was so bad to have Ivy like this. I pretty much guessed it. The whole truth seemed to get lost. For what ?? Money. Just seemed a little beyond belief that so many knew the secret yet, it stayed a secret.

The saving grace of this book was the final who played who. That's the best thing about this book. I also like, how almost at the end she the way she reveals she is actually African American. Not that it changed my mind on what I felt for the characters but I did think that it did make some interesting revelations.

All in all, It was an ok read, not the greatest. Left me let down

The Hidden

4/5

This was an easy read, not complicated or a lot of twists.
I enjoyed reading this, It had the elements of a good book. Some Scottish legends of the Selke folk that I really liked how it was done. I thought it was a crazy girl talking weird things, but not all is as it seems. The story very interesting. I have not read her books before but I think I will read more from her.

I will say I was not fond of the main character Jo Harper. I thought her to be annoying and not a friendly or happy person. I did want to learn more about her, and what happened. Maybe this would have changed my opinion of her. I did like Ruby. Through all her struggles she still has a big heart. She does the right thing. even if it seems like its the crazy thing.

A solid read, with an interesting storyline and an easy twist or two, not so many to confuse you.

House of Salt and Sorrows

5/5

I really enjoyed this book. Kinda a retelling of the 12 dancing princesses, mixed with other ghostly and mythical parts.
I liked our main character. Just wished she would have been a little braver in some parts but all in all she's a good sister and loves her family.

The setting is interesting and I would love to visit Old Maud. Loved to go to The Churning as it sounded fascinating.

The author kept me interested and I didn't want to put this book down. Not usually a YA reader but I did like this one.

Very unique and well done

Twenty Years Later

4/5

Definitely a slow burn but a good one. Couple twists I did not see coming.
I liked the unique premise of the book. The author did a good job with this story. I admit I was starting to get a little angry at a part of the book. Then the twist. Delightful. A happy twist.

I Peg Perugo is the equivalent of Eve Plum. I did like the characters. I liked the story.

All in all a good book.

We Were Never There

4/5

Nice easy read, enjoyed it very much.
Kept me interested and and wanting to know who did what, and who was really the good guy vs the bad guy. I had my theories but I like what she did with the story. It was a different type of mystery and I liked that.

The characters, they kept me guessing and wondering, who ?? Are they lying ?? What really happened ?? So many questions. Most were answered and several I thought were important were not, this is the reason for the lack of the fifth star.

In the end, it makes you wonder, did anybody learn anything ???

This my first book from this author and I will read more from her.

Mother May I

                                                  


4/5
When I started this book I didn't think it would effect me but it did. When I watch or see movies like this, and seemingly books, I get very angry. Not sure why but I do. Drives my husband nuts. I decided to keep reading. Glad I did. Very topic that needs more attention.

I liked the characters and the growth some go through. Even though it is a touchy subject and I wanted to hate the "witch" I couldn't. I may not have been in her shoes but grief does crazy things. Especially when you have nothing to loose.

This book kept me interested and I felt as if I may not have made the same decisions. Bree did well. She did what she had to do.

The ending, I thought was well done as well. Tied everything up and left no unanswered questions. This was to me a good book that was written well.

I added points for many things. Bartles and James wine coolers. Talk about a blast from you past. Nikon, Ansel Adams, Agatha Christie, and a few more. What I gave most points for ?? The way she described an autistic person who was non verbal. Not mute, non verbal.

Well worth the read

Cul-De-Sac

 3/5

Years ago, I loved Joy Fielding's books. Then through my chronic illness I was unable to read for years. I now reading again. It is different books and stories. When I saw this one I thought I would give it a go.

It was not totally bad but not like I remembered her writing to be. Her characters some I liked some I did not. Let me say one of the worst ones was the daughter who has not respect for her mother and the way she talks to her. If that was my child let's just say it would not be the same. She was one of the reasons I did not enjoy this book as much as I could have.

Then there is Dani, being a dentist, you would think she'd be a bit more smarter then she is. But when she finally wised up she did change the situation. Julia's family showed growth as well. She was probably my favorite character in this book. Olivia and Sean did not improve the story or make it worse.

It did keep me interested. Moves pretty well til the ending. Then it felt rushed. Was not a completely horrible book or a grand one. But an ok one.

I don't remember her books being like this

The Good Sister

3/5

rounded up to 3.5

Nice, easy read. No really big excited moments but a gradual turn. You see is really what by the end.


I do have an issue with the way authors do no research on the terms for deaf and HoH. In the deaf

community, the term hearing impaired is not used. It is actually not PC, but rather in insult. Hearing impaired implies that we are are broke or damaged, to which we are not. We do not need to be fixed. We are fine just the way we are, I am actually deaf proud along with most deaf that I know and are my deaf family. So please stop using the term "hearing impaired" we prefer deaf or HoH

It's started out on way and ended another. Liked how the turn was gradual and was easy enough to pick up. Interesting characters and nice pace. Definitely shows three sides to every story.

Enjoyable read. Fern, was too funny, I liked her, she kept me interested the whole way through.