audio – One Chapter

She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena

4.5 stars Mystery

Lizzie – oh boy, she didn’t see how deep she was digging her own hole. She loved the attention she was getting online and then, when someone started to take control of the online situation, she started to lose control. She was acting erratically. She wasn’t going to let someone else take over the situation, this was hers! This girl, she was a hoot for me. She loved attention, she wanted to be in the limelight, but it had to be the attention that SHE wanted. She wanted to call the shots. If somehow, it got out of control, she lost control.

Bryden was missing. She failed to pick up her young daughter from daycare today, which was very odd and it was later discovered that her car and purse were still at home. She was working from home today and when her husband Sam left for work, she told him that she didn’t want to be disturbed. So where is she? Is she somewhere in their apartment complex? As the authorities search the complex, Sam tries to comfort their daughter Lizzie and contemplates where his wife might be.

It’s determined that Bryden was a responsible mother and that something unfortunate has happened to her. Hours pass and there are still no leads on her whereabouts. Bringing in some specialized units to help search the complex, they finally locate Bryden’s body in and now …..all the questions start rolling in.

Who would do such a thing? Why would they do that to Bryden? When did this happen? Oh, the questions started to fall and once the story started rolling, we had a good number of suspects to draw from. I liked how everyone’s story escalated and intensified as the investigation dragged on. I didn’t care for any of the characters, I thought they all were guilty of something and that they should go down (ha) for the activities they had or were committing.

This was a book that I listened to on audio, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I did feel sorry for Lizzie, the daughter, as she was the innocent one. I enjoyed this audio book. 4.5 stars.

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Three-Inch Teeth by CJ Box

3.5 Stars Mystery

Ha! Three-inch teeth….that was just part of the problem. I have to give it to him, he was smart, almost too smart. He had a gift, and he used it to his advantage. Clever guy, oh yes he was. This was one of those books where things were falling together and I didn’t realize it until the gloves were off and bodies were falling.

He got out of prison, and he wants revenge. He’s not doing it alone which added some excitement to this book. The bodies start piling up, but something is just not adding up, the authorities are baffled. Who can connect the dots and figure this one out?

I liked Dallas’ idea as it was creative and innovative. Realistic? I’m not so sure but perhaps someday we’ll get there. As they were unraveling the mystery, I felt that it was done quickly, and swiftly. Listening to this book, I did feel that there were a lot of individuals to keep track of, and it was hard sometimes to keep everyone separate. 3.5 stars

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

5 stars Historical Fiction

I listened to this book, and I really enjoyed the narration. With a full cast of individuals, I’m glad that I listened to this one. Sheriff Brody Dern carried his own scars and demons from the war and the townfolk, were no different. When Jimmy Quinn’s body is discovered floating in the river, it’s determined that he didn’t accidentally fall in. Jimmy did like his drink and all those that followed but what remains of Jimmy after the fish got ahold of him, points to a single shot that took Jimmy life. It’s rural Minnesota in the 1950’s, and everyone’s story matters.

Jimmy wasn’t a likeable person; his wife was a different story. Jimmy was a feared man; he spoke his mind, and nothing was impossible with him. The evidence at the scene was sparce but Sheriff Brody had a job to do. As he tries to catch a killer, I was crossing my suspects off my list and the list was getting rather short. There were stories that took me on sideroads, that gave me the stories and insight that made up the townfolk. They all had stories but whose story would make someone commit murder. 5 stars

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

4 stars Mystery

Not even brain tumors can slow Lana down. Lana found herself on the floor of her own kitchen. Rushed to the hospital, Lana discovered that she had brain tumors and that after her surgery, she would need assistance. Her daughter was a nurse so Lana decided that she would stay with her, just until she could get back on her feet again.

Lana wasn’t used to this laid-back, small-town-living, what did individuals do here for excitement? Lana liked her glamorous life as a real estate ion, her fancy lifestyle was nothing like this small coastal town where her daughter and granddaughter lived. Lana knew that she needed their help and this was only going to be temporary, so she just tried to make the best of it.

Watching out her bedroom window, Lana eyes search across the water. With a pair of binoculars, Lana spots a man pushing a wheelbarrow late at night. He was dumping something into the water, as whatever it was, it made a splashing sound when it hit the water. What this man was dumping didn’t seem to alarm Lana until days later when her granddaughter returns home from work. Jack, working as a guide at a local kayak shop had taken a group of kayakers out when they came across a lifeless body. Immediately, Lana remembers the wheelbarrow and man pushing it. Was this what the man dumped into the water? Had Lana seen the man who committed this crime?

The investigation gets twisted as mother, daughter, and grandmother get involved with the investigation. Lana starts her own investigation as she has her own way of getting answers that the official team can’t. The story is funny at times as Lana puts her own twists on things. Jack likes the combination of her mother and grandmother together and it’s nice to see the three woman working things out. I enjoyed this audio and highly recommend listening to it. 4 stars

Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

5 stars Thriller

I really didn’t like any of the characters in this book, except for Michael. Michael didn’t have much of a role in this book though. He was the one who I felt got left out when his emotions were high for no one gave him a second glance. It was Avery who was dancing in the limelight. Avery was Michael’s younger sister. They knew she was a “difficult child.” Yep, they had that right! She was a player, the one that had got my goat.

William had just gotten dumped by his lover, and he had come home to sulk. Finding his daughter at home was a surprise and not a good one. He wanted time alone, time to think and his nine-year-old daughter was not giving him the space that he wanted. But, it was Avery and she was being herself and right now, William was not in the mood. One thing led to another, and William tried to apologize for what had transpired between the two of them, but it was too late, the damage had been done.

Hours pass and Avery does not return home. Her whereabouts are unknown, and the police are called. A timeline is constructed and piecing the puzzle together brings out the truth that others have been trying to cover-up.

I enjoyed listening to this book and when another story was introduced, I had to know how this story was going to play out. William was having a terrible day when his lover left him but that was just the beginning. He hasn’t been paying attention to the world around him and now, it’s all coming at him. Avery is only nine, yet the way she thinks, she’s much older. Her parents know she’s a handful, but they don’t know the extent of it. She feels that she’s in control and I had to wonder if she really was at times. An entertaining read. 5 stars

After reading notes: Who is running this house, nine-year-old Avery or her parents? William, her father is a smart man to some extent but when it comes to his wife, his loyalty falls short. Avery likes the attention, the limelight – perhaps she gets that from her father but in the end, the stage is too much for this nine-year-old.”

Weyward by Emilia Hart

4.5 stars Historical Fiction

They relied upon Altha and her mother when they needed them. Now, Altha fate lies in the hands of those who once called upon her when they needed her help. As I read her thoughts, I felt for her. She was torn by the events that transpired and now, all she could do was wait. Altha had relied upon the knowledge that her mother had taught her, the world that was around her, and her own skills and now, they want to call her a witch. A witch for which her fate would be death.

Violet’s mother died when she was 6. Violet doesn’t remember much about her, so her father tells her what she needs to know. When a relative visits, Violet is told to be on her best behavior, yet the visiting relative forgot to follow the same rules. What transpires between these two can never be reversed and leaves a harmful impact on Violet forever.

Kate ran. She thought she was safe and although she didn’t have a clear picture of where her life was headed, she knew it had to be better. As she made Weywerd her home, she discovered things about herself, her past, and her future. Tensions were high as I read about her journey for, I feared something was coming, something that she was not prepared for. Kate’s running was not over. This time, there is more at stake, and she can’t just run away from everything, Kate must fight to end the battle.

I really enjoyed all three of these stories and how they all tied together. I’m glad that I went into this book blind and knew nothing of it except of it’s genre and how popular it has been, I had listened to this book on audio. 4.5 stars

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

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

5 stars Children’s audio

As I child, I remember thinking my stuffed animals would come alive while I was not in the room. I imagined they had conversations and they’d all play together while I was away. When I returned, I’d find them sitting there waiting for me and I would sometimes think, that some of them had forgotten where I had placed them and now, they were out of order. Authors now give voice to a variety of items and I shouldn’t be surprised to find a voice attached to a tree seed. What I am surprised to find is, how much I adore these stories and what these stories have to offer their readers.

Imagine being a tree seed waiting to for the seedpod to burst open and be free? To be released and unrestricted. To fly. Leaving the security of your mother and poof, off you go! You can now go find your place in the world, be strong. The wise words of your mother are running through your head. Sounds easy yet it’s scary as the world is a big place.

I wasn’t ready for the moment when Louise and Merwin were released from their mother, it’s hard to tell if these siblings were ready either. I wanted to hear about their life with their mother, I wanted to hear more of their mother’s wisdom, and how she had prepared them for the world beyond her reach. As they started their new life, Louise was the one who was looking at the world around her, admiring all that she could see. Her eyes were open: what her mother had told her was instilled inside her and she dreamed. She wanted it all and she wanted the best of it. Merwin was the safe one, I thought. He was the protector and he would settle for what would work. Louise is fascinated about the world around them and she has lots of questions for her brother. You can feel the frustration mount in Merwin as the questions continue. Will they ever find their own place?

This was a fantastic audio; I love the voices and how the story progressed. Wow! Definitely one that should be listened to. 5 stars

The Call of the Wild adapted by Ellyn Alcott

5 stars Picture book/Wonder book

This was a wonderful picture book. I was fortunate enough to get this in a Wonder Book so I was able to listen to the book after I read it. From the way the story was presented to the illustrations, this book was prefect.

I don’t remember much about this book when I read it as a child. I do remember having to read it in school with my classmates and how the dog Buck, found himself in some new surroundings, trying to adapt. There are some individuals who get all emotional when you mention this book but as you can see, I’m not one of them. After reading and listening to this I can understand how they feel.

The story begins with Buck living comfortably on a ranch. He’s alone but he’s the “king of the ranch,’ and he enjoys that. One night while out for a walk with one of the farm workers, Buck gets dognapped. Buck is confused as he travels not just by truck but by trains and ship to his final destination. Buck’s new home is a noisy, busy place. Buck is no longer alone but he’s now become part of a team, a team of sled dogs.

The sled dogs were mean and the work was hard. Buck was smart though and knew that if he had to work hard, if he was going to survive. His owners had only one thing on their mind: seeking their fortunes. Working in the snow was new for Buck but he got used to it and soon he became the lead dog. Buck’s owners came and went but Buck, he was always the lead dog. As spring arrived, Buck heard a calling in the wilderness, a summons that pulled deep within him. This past winter had been a rough one for Buck but also a good one. Buck was different and he noticed it. This is a great transition in the book. A terrific section where it’s good to think back over everything Buck has been though this past winter and to think about what will happen with Buck in the future. Buck is ready to take the lead again when he gets a new owner, but Thornton is different. I liked how Thornton and Buck came together and the adjustment they made for each other. The ending was perfect and I can see why some individuals get emotional when this book is mentioned.

The illustrations were terrific. Bright, bold colors and just enough details to bring the story alive on the page. There were instances of turmoil and chaos in the book and I liked the way that the frantic and wild illustrations that accompanied this. The easy-to-read text had a great flow and the print was bold and easy to understand. 5 star read for me.

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain

I read this novel and then, I listened to this novel on audio. I really enjoyed the story. I liked the character of Ellie as she was a strong, caring individual. She could have walked away from the situation and started over yet she didn’t. Ellie held strong and thought about her family and what was best. I liked how the story moved from the present time period into the past and how the two connected. Presented with some questions at the beginning of the story, allowing the reader to time travel, gave us the ability to see we could get the answers we needed yet, also gave us more questions that we were able to get answers to later in the book.

Presently: Ellie is planning on moving into a newly built home with her daughter, Raine. This new home comes with a lot of memories although the house hasn’t had any family inside its walls. Ellie and her late husband, Jackson were both architects and have spent the past seven years designing this house. An accident claimed the life of her husband inside the studded walls of this dream home. Now, inside this newly developed estate, Ellie plans on beginning their new life with Raine in the house that her and her late husband designed. With her father close by, Ellie relies on him to help with the house and with four-year-old Raine but the emotional toll of this recent death still hits hard. With other houses being built around them, there is one older house that anchors the development and Ellie finds that she already has one neighbor, so she will be all alone. I felt this part of the book was more mysterious and adventurous. I found that I read these sections more slowly as it felt more discreet and secretive.

Time travel to 1965: Ellie wants to do something; she has a fire within her. Every summer she works at her father’s pharmacy but this year, she has heard about SCOPE and she wants to sign up. She approaches her parents about SCOPE: “place nearly five hundred predominantly white college students in nearly one hundred predominantly black rural and urban areas in Southern states.” This was part of the Civil Rights Act but her parents don’t care and refuse Ellie participation. Ellie is determined to go, so she forges her parent’s signature on the form and she prepares herself to go. What a ride this part of the book was. I looked forwarded to this time period as the excitement never ended. I was excited for Ellie yet I was scared as she went through some of the events.

What a great story, I enjoyed how everything came together. I think the audio of the book was nicely done too. I’m definitely going to be looking for more of her books in the near future. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, Diane Chamberlain and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review. 5 stars.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCOPE_Project#:~:text=The%20goal%20was%20to%20recruit,other%20leaders%20recruited%20students%20nationwide.