This debut novel set in the at once enthralling, yet dangerous bush country, of New Zealand is a clever and fantastic thriller. The characters each hold secrets deep in their souls and Rankin masterfully constructs their personalities to go along with the consequences of such secrets. There are twists and turns and a few moments when you hold your breath, as the author winds a tale of cultism, violence, love, faith, family, and sadly deceit from those you should be able to trust the most. There were a couple of sections that were a little confusing, but quickly became clear. Rankin's writing is spot on and her descriptions of the bush put you there. I know I will be seeing the face peaking from the plant covered tree for a long time! Unlike most new books in this genre, Rankin's novel is not the same overused trope of thriller. It is unique and truly scary on more than one level. Plan on being up all night reading this one! Thank you Berkley Publishers, Bookbrowse.com and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This 3rd novel by Ella Berman sports the 'already done plot' of young woman goes to Hollywood only to try to survive the decadence of becoming rich and famous. Sadly the book lacks the nuances of Malibou Rising and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. While technically very well written, with a deft command of dialogue, L.A. Women has plot holes and parts that are never really explained.

Probably its biggest flaw is that none of the characters are likeable or people that most of us can relate to. They are drug addled, sex obsessed, self absorbed and frankly just plain mean to other humans. Then add to that a slow moving plot that jumps back and forth over 10 years and you find yourself saying how many more pages?

Finally at the end, the characters see the light, but there's no real transition to make any metamorphosis believable. 3 stars. Thank you to Berkley Publishers and BookBrowse.com for this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This cozy mystery is more intriguing and the characters better fleshed out than most books in this genre.The book's premise is unique and you find yourself caring about the characters from page one. And while loyal to the cozy formula of murder, romance and no big twists; you still find yourself flipping the page to get to see how it all works out.

A couple of detractors include more repetition of the plot than the reader needs or wants, a weird covid murder that couldn't have been witnessed the way it was described, two families who have similar backgrounds,  (mom dies at birth and father raises the only child.) which seemed a stretch. However, this book is 4 for me as the author went above and beyond for a cozy by providing multiple plots and characters that tied together making for an intriguing read.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Publishers and BookBrowse.com for this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Stephen King as a writer he always asks,, What if… In Fagin the Thief, Allison Epstein asks that question about the most loathed characters of Dickens' novel, Oliver Twist. In Epstein's deft and creative hands, we are reintroduced to the original Fagin and Bill, but are also thrust into a deeper study of who they may have been before they were brought to life through Dickens' pen. Epstein's work is meticulous in its research, the handling of Fagin's treatment as a Jew, and her splendid use of language. The reader from the start is drawn into the threatening and dark streets of 19th century London, but this time will find themselves cheering along not the little boy, Oliver, but rather those who we have seen as monsters for nearly two hundred years. Only a skilled storyteller can pull that off! A five star read, especially for Dickens' fans. Thank you to Doubleday, NetGalley, and BookBrowse.com for this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Grief is the strongest of emotions; it can hold people back, but it can, under the right circumstances,help a person become a stronger, kinder human. Amelia Ireland's debut novel, The Seven O'Clock Club, explores what happens when four people, who can't seem to move on from their different tragic circumstances, are brought together in one therapy group. Ireland is deft with character creation. They are flawed, but you root for them, even in their worst moments. However, this is more than a story about the power of the human spirit or the usefulness of therapy, it gives a gift of hope, when near the end, truths are revealed and decisions are made. I was quickly turning the pages as I came to care deeply about each character. It does stall a bit in the last chapters, but it makes up for it in the epilogue. An excellent novel for those dealing with the challenge of letting go.