ARC – Page 3 – One Chapter

Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore

4 stars Fiction Crime

She came up to that front door. She had no idea what was on the other side, but she felt that it had to be better than what she was facing out here. There were no other options. Whoever opened that door, she hoped that they would embrace her and lock out the monster that tried to claim her. Whose story would they believe? Whose side would they be on? Who would open this door?

Although this book was long, the story was captivating once I became involved. The story takes place in Texas. Odessa, Texas where I could feel the dry dirt inside my mouth as I read this story. It’s 1976 but it felt more like the 1960’s as the men felt it was their place to be at the top of the food chain. Women were expected to spend their days inside the home doing their “housework” and tending to their husband’s needs. Everyone had their roles, just follow along. Yet, as we read this powerful book, we see how the lives of those who live in Odessa challenge these expectations and the outcome.

The story begins rather quickly when Gloria finds her way onto Mary Rose’s porch. A victim of a brutal assault, Mary Rose tries to protect Gloria and the tension in the book quickly escalates as race and power become the central issue. What is right and wrong only matters if you’re the one in charge and everyone knows who is in charge in Odessa. There’s a handful of other females who get in on the action but in this town, it’s the males that run it, or at least that’s what they think.

I originally had a hard time reading this book as I didn’t like the formatting. The lack of punctuation inside the book kept throwing me off. I ended up picking up an audio of this book to listen to as I read along with my physical copy of the book, at the same time. This helped a great deal. I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway and Harper. 4 stars

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

5 stars Fiction Suspense

Twin sisters, devoted to one another, hiding a big secret. The love and support that they had for one another was remarkable and as I read about their lives growing up, I understood why this had grown so deep. An event when the girls were 12, has their lips sealed but ties the girls even closer.

Growing up in a strict household, their mother expected perfection from them. She wanted her children to adore her and now, Fern is the only one who visits her mother in the care center. Why hasn’t Rose visited her mom in 16 years? These two girls were total opposites. Fern enjoys her job at the library. She’s the quiet twin who enjoys being alone and the simpler things in life. Rose on the other hand, is more outgoing and vocal. Rose has taken on the job of Fern’s protector, a role that she takes very seriously.

Fern meets a guy at the library who has taken an interest in her. She calls him Wally and like her, he’s quirky. I liked their relationship as it gets interesting, and I enjoyed their characters. Rose was married but I felt that she was more devoted to Fern than to her own husband, Fern discovers that Rose is having difficulties getting pregnant so without Rose’s knowledge, Fern decides she’s going to help her sister. How? Fern will get pregnant and give the baby to her sister. If only it were that easy, Fern. The novel speeds along as everything is moving now but what will happen to the girls and their relationship once the dust has all settled.

This was a page-turning, exciting book to read and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 5 stars

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

5 stars Fiction

What a wonderful story. I felt there was so much going on within the story and there were many layers within it. The story began with a friendship, their circle becoming larger and extensive, yet the romance between them never made an appearance. This friendship had its ups and downs. They were business partners, they each had different goals, and I felt as if the drive and ambition between the two of them were at different levels. Had they been honest with one another from the beginning perhaps things might have been different.

I’m not a gamer. Put me in front of a video game in which I must make my way through a scenario moving left, right, up, and down and you will find me in a corner, stuck. Give me a video game in which the screen is stationary, or I can only move left and right, I might do okay and be able to finish the game. As I read this book, I was impressed with the talents of the characters and their ability to work through the stresses of the gaming world. Creating games, testing, and critiquing them, their time and commitment to the cause was motivating as they tried to find their place in the world, build relationships and inspire others in the process.

When Sadie first met Sam, I liked how carefree and innocent they were with each other. Their relationship was built upon that first meeting and even years later they still had that connection. Sam had his disability which he thought was bigger than it was, and I felt that Sadie was struggling to be heard and seen. Being a girl, Sadie felt that she was being overlooked in the gaming world which affected some of her actions and words. Then, there was Marx. He was a great character to add into the mix. Heck, all the characters were great. As the young duo becomes successful, they start to discover what success really is. They discover what success means to each of them.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I was worried about getting blogged down with the gaming portion of the book, but it was fine as the other aspects of the book were great and I learned about gaming along the way. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an honest opinion of the book. Thank you.

Listen to Me (Rizzoli & Isles, #13) by Tess Gerritsen

4.5 stars

Once again, I jumped into the middle of a series but I knew about this one. I knew this book was part of a series when I picked it up so I was prepared to perhaps be confused but I really wasn’t. I had read a few of Tess Gerritsen’s books before and I had enjoyed them, so I was anxious to see how a series of hers would be. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Angela and I liked the little twists that were inside the book which kept the book moving along.

Angela was Jane’s mother and she was my favorite character. I normally don’t care for busy-bodies in books but Angela was hilarious as she kept track of the neighbors around her. She seemed to know what was going on in the neighborhood or so, she thought. She had her own opinion and as she shared it, in the book, she had me chuckling. Her daughter Jane, is a homicide detective and Angela keeps the phone ringing to her daughter, if she spots anything out-of-the-ordinary hoping that her daughter will check it out. Angela doesn’t want the glory if they apprehend a criminal or stop a crime, Angela just wants a safe and secure environment. Jane, on the other hand, is tired of her mother countless phone calls over everything and anything and her mother’s calls begin to fall on deaf ears. Does her mother give up, nope! Her mother calls the police and yes, they’ve dealt with Angela before so they know the routine with her calls.

There’s been a report of a murder and when Jane and her partner investigate it, they realize this case is more than just a burglary/murder. This investigation is just the beginning of an adventure that turns into something much bigger than they imagined.

I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. There were plenty of little twists here and there that changed the direction of the book and made me rethink that something else was up when I had thought that I had things figured out. I was glad that I was able to read this book as a stand-alone novel, too. I would like to go back and read the beginning of this series; it was that good. 4.5 stars I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion of this book, thank you for sending me this book. #RizzoliIslesListentoMe #NetGalley.

Overboard (V.I.Warshawski #21) by Sara Paretsky

4.5 stars Mystery

I did it again! I jumped into the middle of a series without knowing anything about the characters, the conditions or any previous incidences (which seemed to have played a big role in this book). I was intrigued by the mystery of this case and with a rating above 4, I thought the book had to be good so I dove it. Besides not knowing about some of the previous relationships or should I say, the clashes and quarrels that existed prior to this case, it was a good stand-alone book.

Out walking with her dog along Lake Michigan, Vic’s dog notices something amongst the rocks. Vic’s dog is fixated on whatever he has found, leaving Vic no other choice but to see what has gotten his attention. It’s late and it’s getting darker by the minute so she reluctantly climbs down amongst the rocks to investigate. What? How in the heck did this girl get here? Is she alive? Questions float through Vic’s mind as she pulls her dog away so she can get a better look at the girl and look her over. Alive but barely that, Vic calls the proper authorities to assist the girl as she stays with her and tries to provide comfort.

Assessing the situation, Vic tries to piece together what she can from the evidence that is presented in front of her. Vic plays a vital role in this girl’s life now, even though she doesn’t know it. Vic was first on the scene. She was the eyes and ears of the scene before it was disturbed by the local authorities. Did she see or hear anything that could be important? What lead this girl to be hidden amongst the rocks on the hillside of Lake Michigan?

With a great beginning, I was intrigued as to why this young child was hidden in the rocks? I thought perhaps it was a boating accident but the clues started to go the wrong direction and the authorities just weren’t being honest. There was some shady behavior happening, a cover-up of some sort perhaps and why was a young girl is involved, this was beyond me. Vic was a go-getter and I liked her attitude. Perhaps I should go back and read this series from the beginning. Thank you, William Morrow, and NetGalley for supplying me with arc of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 4.5 stars

We Were Killers Once by Becky Masterman

3.5 stars Mystery

This was the fourth book in the series but I jumped right in, starting with this book. I didn’t feel lost as I started to follow the investigation into whether there was a third person involved in the Clutter murders. They had captured and executed two of the killers in that case BUT what if they had missed another criminal at the scene? What if this criminal had killed someone else? What if one of the executed felons had written down some details about the murders and the authorities had yet to discover such information? They really needed to make sure that everything was put to rest before they close out this file.

In Kansas, the Clutter Family had just been murdered and as they discuss the case over smokes and alcohol, they realize the similarities between this case and another case. Had they discovered a missing link sitting around the kitchen table? What implications will arise with this new information?

This wasn’t the thrilling or intense read that I anticipated but it read more like a story with multiple points of view. They had a hunch and they needed evidence to back up what they were thinking. It wouldn’t be easy but they had a job to do. I found myself losing interest in the middle of the book but I kept reading. I liked how the author set the book up in the beginning and how they aroused my interest in the case. I found that in the middle of the book, they were either taking too long to uncover the details they were looking for or it felt as if they were rehashing the same information over and over again. An engaging conclusion though, brought everything together which is what I needed to close out the book. 3.5 stars I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for sending me this book.

When a Killer Calls by John E. Douglas

4.5 stars Nonfiction Crime

It was a circus performance. Standing trial, the case was held in court but his performance before those in attendance, was more like a show. He was a performer, putting on quite a show for all those in attendance. He’s proud, he’s bold, he’s talking in circles. He’s been careful, precise, and patient so what’s with this performance? Are we seeing just another side of Bell that he tried to keep hidden.

https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/48-49-larry-gene-bell-part-1-2

This book was a very comprehensive look into this case. From the police, the family, and other individuals close to the case, I got a detail look at this case. Beginning from day one, they discover that Shari’s disappearance might be tied to a similar case (Debra May) and Bell might be another serial killer. This book left no stone unturned as Bell might be tied to other disappearance as they start to link similar ties together and we see Bell lose his composure. I liked how the book gave a lot of details as I felt I was a part of the team, doing the research with them. Each evening, as the family waited to hear from Shari or her abductor, my frustration grew. This family is being strung along, how could they be so patient and composed? How were the authorities ever going to catch this guy when he’s being so careful? When the FBI started to link other cases to him, why? What led him on this journey? I thought this was a long book to read when I picked it up but I did find it interesting and engaging and it was a 4.5-star read for me. I want to thank NetGalley, Scene of the Crime, and Dey Street Books for my copy of this book that I received in exchange for my own honest opinion. This review in my own opinion. #WhenaKillerCalls #NetGalley

The Safe Place by Anna Downes

4 stars Drama, Fiction

Step away from the fire! Too many red flags were being raised, all the warning signs were there, yet Emily kept on walking right where they wanted her. When I first started to read this book, I thought that Emily had caught onto her former bosses’ shenanigans and she was just playing along it but then, the issues started to get pretty deep. Emily soon realized she didn’t have the perfect job.

Emily wants to be an actress but for now, she has found temporary work in an office building. Her acting career, is going nowhere so her temporary position pays the bills, or it did. Emily has just been fired from her temporary job which just adds to the financial frustration weighing on her shoulders. Acting sincere, her former boss Scott, offers Emily a position overseas at his home there. This same boss that just fired her NOW wants to hire her. Yep, you read that right. He wants her to work and live in his beautiful home with his wife and child and money doesn’t seem to be an issue?? Do you not see this as an issue? Hello! Scott will pop in once and a while but the majority of the time, he won’t be living in that home. Emily will have a lot to do if she takes the position, as she’ll be the housekeeper, the wife’s personal assistant, and the au pair for their daughter. How desperate is she? Pretty desperate. Emily takes the job and off she goes.

Scott had warned Emily how isolated this fantastic, beautiful mansion was but when she arrives, she finally realizes how remote it really is. I’m visualizing The Overlook Hotel in Colorado from The Shining isolation and that’s exactly what Emily gets. Sorry Emily, your cell phone and computer won’t work out here. They have to have some kind of communication, they can’t expect Emily to be cut off from the world and they should have had that ready for her on Day #1. Don’t unpack those bags yet Emily, this doesn’t look like paradise to me.

I had to know what the purpose was behind all this. I felt Emily was being set up for something but why? Who was involved and how far would this go on? I was definitely motivated by the author’s writing and had a lot of questions as I read. I was intrigued by the isolation of home and by Emily’s isolation from others, two traits that shouldn’t be mixed together. This was a page-turner for me: more drama and mysterious than thriller. 4 stars #TheSafePlace!

A huge thank you goes out to Anna Downes and Minotaur Books for the copy of this book that I received in exchange for this review’s honest opinion.

Angeline by Anna Quinn

4.5 stars Fiction

When she took a life of prayer, I felt that this was an easy way out for Angeline. Entering the convent, she would have very few choices in her life. Living a life as a nun, her life would be structured, safe, and she’d be closely watched. Angeline saw this as a safe option and as she prayed for those who were sick, troubled, or suffering, Angeline’s own horrible loss of her own family was still sitting in the back of her mind.

Her comfort zone came to end when the convent she had grown to love had to close. Angeline was moved to another facility which was more tolerant and liberal of the world around them. The strict convent rules of the past, in which Angeline had become comfortable with are now cast aside and she now must learn how to adapt. Dressed in jeans, the other nuns spent less time in prayer and more time in fellowship and other activities. Were greater things in store for her here or was this a new challenge that God placed before her, to strengthen her? Moving into a yurt, I had to smile thinking about Angeline adjusting to this more relaxed atmosphere.

An item inside her yurt brings back childhood memories and I saw a side of Angeline that she had been hiding. What brought this on? I had to know. The book picks up speed as someone begins threatening the Sisters in this convent but who would do that and why now? As we dig deeper into Angeline’s past, we find that she’s been hiding something special from everyone. Are these items related?

I enjoyed the character of Angeline, she felt childlike and innocent until her world took a turn. The storyline was not what I expected when I started reading this book, I enjoyed all the twists that the author added. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Anna Quinn, and NetGalley for my copy of this book. This review is my own opinion of this book. 4.5 stars

The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

4 stars Suspense

This book got me going from the get-go. I wanted to slap pretty, young Heather (have to keep it nice) and you don’t want to know what I wanted to do to Stephen. URG! I just couldn’t believe that Stephen thought it was okay to divorce his wife Pamela, to marry Heather. Seriously?! I know what you’re thinking, that this happens all the time but the deal is ….. Pamela has Alzheimer’s and is living in a nursing home. Stephen is basically having an affair and now, he wants to get rid of his baggage.

Meanwhile, Pamela and Stephen’s adult daughter’s Tully and Rachel are surprised of their father’s announcement. How could their father act this way towards their mother? The daughters decide to take some action to help their mother while at the same time protect themselves. I enjoyed the many surprises and the endless twists this book provided. I’m getting used to endings like these, not saying that I’m liking them but I feel it gives up readers something to talk about. Great story. 4 stars

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Sally Hepworth for the opportunity.