Review: The Sowing by K. Makansi

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Jenn

  • Paperback: 290 pages
  • Publisher: Layla Dog Press (August 14, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0989867110
  • Source: Publisher

After religious wars and subsequent famine destroyed much of the population, the society that remained formed an intricate set of farms all for the sake of  creating a food source that will sustain the population. Three years ago, a brutal massacre took place, fueling an even stronger divide among those who were originally part of “the Sector.”   These individuals fled authority and joined  the Resistance, a rogue group that doesn’t believe the story that’s been fed to them. Instead insistent that the population has been controlled and manipulated by the very food created to sustain them, they plot to destroy all the food storage facilities they can.  Those privileged enough to received these modified food packs are ignorant of the manual labor and oppression involved in producing them.

Remy fled the Sector after the massacre and, in the time that has passed, has become quite the hardened soldier. It’s difficult for her to see that those she left behind rising to power in the very organization she intended to bring down.  Valerian Orlean, her “almost boyfriend, ” is the son of two of the most powerful people in the Sector, has always led a privileged life. Now the leader of the very group assigned to bring down the Resistance.  When they are reunited, both are forced to rethink everything they’ve grown to know.  Vale must reevaluate those closest to him, his eyes opened to the lies that have been portrayed all this time. Remy is forced to decide whether or not she can trust Vale again.  She’s tired of all the fighting, still recovering from the loss after the massacre.  Together, Remy and Vale may be the society’s salvation or the very thing that brings it crumbling down to dust.

K. Makansi is a mother-daughter writing team made up of Kristina, Amira, and Elena Makansi and together have crafted a truly intense piece of  dystopian fiction. Their world-building is profound; the society they have created is both incredibly plausible at, because of this, wholly terrifying.  The science behind what transpires (and what may potentially be the society’s salvation) is truly profound.  The pacing was steady and my interest was piqued throughout, genuinely intrigued and connected with each of the characters and the future they were forced to endure.

This book is the first in a new trilogy and I can admit that I’m dying to read what transpires next.  I’ve been looking for a new dystopian series to grab my attention (I don’t dare mention the one that I found less than interesting) and The Sowing clearly exceeded all of my expectations. Highly, highly recommended.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing me the opportunity to participate in this tour. Please be sure to check out the other stops along the way.

Posted in Dystopian fiction, Review | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Review: Rustication by Charles Palliser

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Jenn

  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (November 4, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0393088723
  • Source: Publisher

It is the winter 1863. Seventeen year old Richard Shenstone has been suspended from Cambridge amid a cloud of suspicion. He seeks temporary solace in a crumbling old mansion currently inhabited by his mother and sister, Effie, now impoverished after his father’s death.  They hoped that Richard would be their salvation, continuing at the university and finding a lucrative job following. Yet when he reveals his addition to opium (among other addictions), their hopes are shattered.

The family “reunion” is less than loving, twisted and dysfunctional, to say the least.  Both sides keep secrets from one another: Richard holds back the truth about his “rustication” from the University and his mother and sister hide the truth about his father’s death and the subsequent actions that resulted in them losing everything.  Through Richard’s journals, the reader is eventually given answers about what happened at Cambridge and, slowly, as Richard discovers them, uncovers secrets about his now-deceased father’s actions.

When a series of graphic and disturbing letters are sent to Richard’s neighbors as well as his own family, he is immediately found suspect.  Adding to the horror are a series of brutal attacks against farm animals, their bodies literally ripped open and defamed. Despite Richard’s attempts to clear his name, a shroud of guilt consumes him. Neighbors indicate that he is seen walking around late at night, an act which he adamantly denies. His own family refuses to stand behind him, instead acknowledging his strange and unexplainable behavior.

What makes Rustication a truly outstanding novel are all of the “unknowns.” Richard is undeniably one of the most unreliable narrators I have come across. He’s addicted to opium and has a lustful desire for young girls.  It is only from his eyes, his viewpoint that readers get a glimpse of what is transpiring. A young man who has obviously grown used to being well-off, Richard is certain that someone will rescue him, both from his transgressions at Cambridge but his less than admirable actions now that he has returned home.

In Rustication, Palliser has created a truly phenomenal Gothic novel that you just don’t see anymore. Full of twists and turns, even when you think them impossible, flows throughout this brilliantly written novel.  While the characters are anything but likable, the world that Palliser creates in his prose, the intrigue he builds with each written word, is what will compel readers to devour this great novel.  Highly, highly recommended.

Note: There are aspects of this novel that are quite crude and graphic. They are not liberal in nature,  a necessary evil which allows readers a glimpse inside the depravity that is young Richard Shenstone.

 

Posted in Mystery/Suspense, Review, W.W. Norton & Company | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

TSS: Wrapping up Cozy Mystery Week!

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013Well, this has certainly been a hectic and crazy week. My grandfather passed away last Friday so we traveled to West Virginia for his services. It was a beautiful trip, listening to other people talk about how my grandfather changed their life. Grandpa was always my Superman – there was really nothing he couldn’t do – but it was so moving to see that he played this role for so many other people.

I contemplated postponing Cozy Mystery Week due to his passing, but he was the sort of man that wouldn’t want us to alter our lives to much, or be too sad, at his passing. He would want us continue doing what we love, and talking about books is what I love!  So, here is a wrap-up of Cozy Mystery Week. Feel free to comment and mention some of your favorite series!

It’s snowing outside today and I plan on doing nothing but curling up with a book! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Posted in Cozy Mystery Week | 1 Comment

Cozy Mystery Week: The Thrill of the Haunt (Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries) by E. J. Copperman

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013

  • Series: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery (Book 5)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley (November 5, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0425252396
  • Source: Author

Alison Kerby is used to a house full of spirits.  The guest house she recently purchased is home to a handful of spirits, one being her own father. Tourists have been flocking to her guest house in hopes of witnessing spiritual activity.  While Alison has never publicly accepted her role as the town’s “ghost lady” she does appreciate the money that comes from these tours.   Alison is forced to juggle these spiritual performances with the various private investigation cases that seem to fall into her lap. When the town’s resident homeless man, Everett,  comes to Alison for help in ridding himself of unwanted and unseen ghosts, she’s had enough.  All she wants to do is focus on fixing up her Victorian guest home, giving guests an experience they won’t soon forget.

When Everett is found murdered in a gas station men’s room, Alison is shocked beyond belief. She’s even more stunned when her nemesis hires her to investigate Everett’s death. Now juggling two P.I. cases, Alison can’t even begin to focus on the renovations required at her guest house or her own personal life.  She finds herself not only concerned about the health and safety of the living but the ongoing existence of the spirits she’s come to consider as family.

This is my first experience with this cozy mystery series and I’m enamored!  While it is the fifth book in a series, I had no problem in catching up.  The author does a fantastic job of providing adequate backstory that will give readers to to the series enough details to continue without confusion.  Alison’s character is endearing, despite the fact she is hesitant to live up to her powers and acknowledge that the rumors spread about her ghost, I mean guest, house are true.  Additionally, Copperman so perfectly converging two story lines. Never could have I imagined that they were connected. Honestly, I was shocked as it all came together so perfectly in the end!

I definitely plan on catching up with this series, starting from the beginning! I look forward to watching the characters evolve, watching the crazy antics of Alison’s resident spirits as they interact with the living. Yet another supernatural cozy mystery to add to my list of favorites! Highly recommended.

 

Posted in Berkley Prime Crime, Cozy Mystery Week | Leave a comment

Cozy Mystery Week: Witch Way To Murder by Shirley Damsgaard

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013

  • Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; English Language edition (August 30, 2005)
  • ISBN-10: 0060793481
  • Source: Library

Ophelia Jensen is a small-town librarian who refuses to acknowledge her psychic powers.  She moved to this small town after an incident from her past left her with severe post-traumatic stress syndrome.  Her grandmother, Abby, sees know reason to deny or hide her peers.  While Abby doesn’t come right out and admit to being a witch, she’s comfortable in her powers and appreciates what they offer.  Despite all her attempts to separate herself from her super-sensory abilities, dreams keep making their way into Ophelia’s subconscious, forcing her to focus to track down the identity of a young woman who frequents her dreams.

When a dead body is found in the woods behind her home, Ophelia can’t help but get involved in the investigation. Closely following her is Rick Davis, a stranger who has come to town to reportedly investigate a series of chemical thefts in town.  Something dark and dangerous is amiss and, despite all her attempts to rebuke her powers, Ophelia gets sucked in. With the help of Abby, the two must use their combined energies to bring justice to the small town.

As you may have noticed, I’m drawn to  cozy mysteries with a tinge of supernatural. Going in, I was expecting a light, simple read. Surprisingly,  Witch Way To Murder had much more depth to it than I could have ever expected. The backstory the author reveals about Ophelia’s past was just enough to provide explanation as to some of her behavior without detailing too much.  If readers are anything like me, I’m desperate to know more about Ophelia’s youth and the incident that forced her to abandon her powers.

Additionally, since I was born in the Appalachian myself, I truly appreciated that the author chose to focus on the natural, old-school form of magic and witchcraft native to this part of the country.  I’m really looking forward to learning more about the abilities that Ophelia and Abby share!

This series was recommended to me after I solicited cozy mystery series to feature this week. I’m genuinely interested in catching up with all the subsequent titles (6 in total).  If you are looking for a truly engaging supernatural cozy mystery, this is the series for you. Highly recommended.

Posted in Cozy Mystery Week, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal Fiction, Review | 1 Comment

Cozy Mystery Week:How to Murder a Millionaire: A Blackbird Sisters Mystery by Nancy Martin

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013

  • Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Signet (October 1, 2002)
  • ISBN-10: 0451207246
  • Source: Personal copy

When Nora Blackbird’s parents flee the country, evading tax-collectors, they leave Nora and her sisters with mounds of debt. Their property is divided among the three Blackbird sisters: Emma is gifted the art collection, Libby the furniture collection and Nora, the family land and property that has been in the family for generations. Unfortunately, with this property comes a two million dollar tax bill. Nora is forced to find a job. As a former socialite, this is a completely foreign concept to Nora. Reluctantly, she accepts a job as a columnist for the society page after a family friend takes pity on her.

Still desperate to find funds to pay off the tax debt, Nora sells a portion of the family land only to find it has been converted to a monster truck dealership. Her sisters are shocked when they learn of the property sale, forgetting that they property they were handed down by their parents didn’t have any debt attached to it.

Things can’t possibly get any worse (you know they do anytime you hear/read that statement). Yet when Nora attends a party that evening, she discovers the body of Rory Penderghast, the family friend that gave Nora her job. Nora is obviously devastated and, when her curiosity gets the best of her, begins her own little investigation into Rory’s death.

How to Murder a Millionaire is an incredibly witty cozy mystery. The dialogue between the Blackbird sisters is downright hilarious. At first, i thought I would be turned off by Nora’s attitude as a former snobby socialite but found that she did have a genuine interest in finding the culprit behind her dear friend’s death.

This series is lighthearted, perfect for someone wanting to curl up with a light and easy read.  I guarantee these books will become an “old favorite,” books you pick up, knowing you are going to have a tremendously rewarding reading experience.  Highly recommended!

Posted in Cozy Mystery Week, Mystery/Suspense, Signet | Leave a comment

Cozy Mystery Week Day 2: Rosemary and Crime by Gail Oust

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013

  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Minotaur Books (December 17, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 1250011043
  • Source: Publisher

Piper Prescott, recently divorced, opted to use all the money she received in the settlement to follow her lifelong dream: opening a spice shop, Spice it Up!, in her small Georgia town. For the grand opening, Piper arranged for a local chef to do a cooking demo in her store. When she finds this chef murdered, however, all her plans are ruined. To make matters worse, since she handled the murder weapon, a knife, she’s the prime suspect.

Making matters worse, the brand new police Chief Wyatt McBride happens to be the arch nemesis of her ex-husband, CJ. McBride is desperate to make a name for himself and Piper feels he will do whatever it takes to solve this case. Desperate to uncover the identity of the true killer, Piper enlists her best friend, Reba Mae Johnson, and the duo do a bit of investigating on their own.  As she gets closer to finding more answers, Piper realizes that she is the killer’s next intended victim. Will she (and her beloved spice shop!) survive long enough to bring the killer to justice?

Rosemary and Crime is an adorable and captivating Southern cozy mystery. Reading Piper’s descriptions of spices and the dishes she uses them in had my mouth watering from page one! Additionally, the small Southern town full of charm and outrageous antics had me giggling.  The characters were lively and engaging, particularly Piper! I admit to rooting for her from the beginning! Her husband divorced her after over twenty years of marriage and instead of wallowing in depression, Piper follows her life-long dream! Add a truly intriguing murder to the spin and you have the recipe for a truly delightful new cozy mystery series!

This is a must-read for any fan of culinary mysteries! Highly, highly recommended!

Posted in Cozy Mystery Week, Minotaur Books | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Kicking Off Cozy Mystery Week: Family Skeleton Series by Leigh Perry

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Jenn

CozyMystery2013I’m thrilled that Cozy Mystery Week is finally here! Honestly, I use this feature as an excuse to make time to discover new cozy mystery series as well as give some attention to some of my long-time favorites!

Today, we’re kicking off with a new cozy mystery series by Leigh Perry, the Skeleton in the Family series:

  • Series: A Family Skeleton Mystery (Book 1)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley (September 3, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0425255840
  • Source: Library

Georgia Thackery and her daughter, Madison, are used to picking up and moving relatively frequently.  This time, however, they find themselves back at Georgia’s childhood home after she lands a job at the local college. This certainly isn’t what Georgia aspired to be doing as working as an adjunct professor doesn’t give her the prestige and reputation she desires. Yet when money is tight she’s willing to do what she can to get by.

Since her parents, tenured professors, are on sabbatical, Georgia and Madison have their home to themselves. Well, unless you count the skeleton, Sid, who has been in the Thackery family since Georgia was a young girl. Sid is not your typical skeleton. He walks, talks and has a pretty outrageous sense of humor.  Unfortunately, he doesn’t remember anything about his life before his demise. He spends most of his time in the attic or hidden in a bureau so he isn’t discovered.

When Sid asks to go to a local anime convention so he can get out of the house for a bit, Georgia can’t say no. Dressed in costume, Sid is able to blend in with the crowd.  There, however, he spots a woman that sends chills down his spine. Desperate to know who he was when he was living, he calls upon Georgia for help. Together, they find out how Sid may be connected to this woman.  When she turns up dead, however, Sid and Georgia become involved in a murder investigation as well!

I find I’m drawn to cozy mysteries with a supernatural element to them. Needless to say, A Skeleton in the Family meets this criteria! In investigating the murder, the reader has the opportunity to learn about Sid’s life and identity. Perry does an outstanding job of explaining how Sid came to be. Additionally, she created incredibly endearing characters in Georgia, Madison and Sid. This is a series I really look forward to following!

Check back tomorrow as I feature yet another cozy mystery series!

Posted in Cozy Mystery Week | 2 Comments

2013 Thankfully Reading Weekend: The Wrap-Up

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Jenn

Ahhh…yet another Thankfully Reading Weekend comes to a close! While I didn’t get nearly as much reading accomplished as I planned, I did enjoy the time spent with my boys creating new  traditions and memories.

As you wrap up your Thankfully Reading Weekend, think about that book, be it one you read this weekend or one earlier in the year, for which you are most thankful.  If you are so inclined, write a post about why that book was so important to you.  Link it up in the comments below! I’d love to see the titles everyone has come up with.

Even if you were not able to participate in Thankfully Reading Weekend this year, feel free to share the title of the book that moved you the most this year. We can get quite the book list growing!

Thank you all once again for participating! Don’t forget to check out the challenges below, still open for entries!

Black Friday Mini-Challenge @ Jen’s Book Thoughts
Sneak-a-Read Challenge @ Literate Housewife

Also, a special thanks to Jen and Jennifer, my partners in crime! Thank you so much for your innovative and unique challenges!

Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 5 Comments

2013 Thankfully Reading Weekend: Day 3

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Jenn

It’s day three of Thankfully Reading Weekend!  How did everyone do yesterday? We put up our tree yesterday so I didn’t get as much reading accomplished as I would love liked but I hope to make up for that today!

Today’s challenge is hosted by Jennifer over at Literate Housewife.  Her challenge: list three to five books that make perfect choices when you’re reading on the run. Head over to her blog and enter today.

Remember to visit Jen over at Jen’s Book Thoughts!  Her day two challenge is still going strong!

Also, today is Small Business Saturday! Take a break in your reading a visit/support a small business in your area today! I plan on visiting my favorite bookstore, One More Page Books!

I’ll post a final challenge and wrap-up post tomorrow!

If you are just starting your Thankfully Reading Weekend today, remember to include your link and any update posts in the the kick-off post!

Happy Reading!

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