The School of Night: A Novel
by Karl Ove Knausgaard
What happens when you get too much (12/28/2025)
This author has intrigued me for sometime but l've never read anything by him until now. As I learned when I finished, this is the fourth book in The Morning Star series which to date has six books. However, not knowing this before I began, I would note you can read this as a stand alone.
This book is a long suicide note by the character Kristian Hadeland who appears in other books in the Morning Star series. Kristian is a most unlikable character as you soon learn. He starts his tale in the 1980s when he was in London studying photography.
He comes from Norway at 20 with a narcissistic belief in his talent and character. But things aren't going so well for him when he meets the enigmatic Hans, and Vivian who is staging Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus. These two become pillars of opposition in his contentious life. Things spiral when Kristian goes home for Christmas and hears his parents say disparaging things about hum. He leaves without a word goodbye and plunges himself into attempts to prove his artistic uniqueness when he chances upon a homeless man and his life changes from near ruin to glory.
The Faustus subplot reveals itself when Kristian is helped by Hans and upon this help he is moves on a trajectory toward greatness. However twenty-four years later, Kristian's life starts to unravel. In Dr. Faustus, Faustus asked Mephistopheles why he left hell to which the answer he didn't. And indeed, that is the core around this novel merges. What world do we live him? This is a character driven novel and driven by a really awful character. Kristian is so self-absorbed (in deed his father's description of him being a black hole is spot on - he destroys even when he thinks his creations are making the world better). The book's jacket is perhaps the best illustration of this - a winter road on which the tire tracks swivel all around in no clear direction. Kristian is a mess of a person.
Knausgird's popularity I'm told is his relatability - his characters resonate with us because their struggles are like our own. In this book Kristian for me was someone I wouldn't want to be or know. And maybe that's a good thing because most books don't show the main character as one so unattractive. I admit never having read any of Knausgärd's book or any in this series and am probably missing something but I crazily did enjoy this book - in spite of Kristian!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Press for allowing me to read this ARC.
The Murder at World's End: Stockingham & Pike #1
by Ross Montgomery
Exceptional mystery read (12/28/2025)
This is a must read for mystery lovers of the locked room murder and cozy historical mysteries. A twisty, humorous - there's lots of fun moments in this book - mystery, this book delivers on suspense, plot, characters and excellent narration if you happen listen to the book as I did (thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this gem)!
Stephen Pike arrives to assume a job at a remote Cornish manor at the height of the panic over the arrival of Hailey's comet. It's 1910 and the comet has not appeared in 75 years. The manor is one of the most technologically advanced for its time and the Viscount of Tithe Hall believes the comet is headed straight for earth, presuming the end of the world. He has worked out a method to seal the house and protect its residents. The day after though finds the Viscount dead and a houseful of suspects. Stephen, assigned to Great Aunt Decima whose sharp tongue and impervious ways make her the scrounge of Tithe Hall, joins forces with Decima and you're off to the races! Hold onto your seat too!
While the book has been described as "Downton Abbey meets Knives Out," I think given a cast of characters with buried grudges and deep secrets giving off suspicious vibes, it's more "Gosford Park meets Downton Abbey." Nonetheless, the book has classic British elements found in Downton Abbey with a most clever plot as Gosford Park had.
I can't give enough high marks to this book. It's probably 10 stars for me. The plot is masterfully maintained, the red herrings purposefully relevant and the denouement you don't see coming. I can hardly wait for the sequel.
Skylark: A Novel
by Paula McLain
Good historical fiction (12/28/2025)
Two stories beautifully interwoven, separated by centuries, telling of the will to survive in the face of cruelty and evil. One tale is that of Alloute Volland, who is sent to Saltpêtérie, instituted as an almshouse but later moved urned into a hospital where "bad" women were kept. In Alloute's case she is falsely confined. This story takes place in the 17th C. Fast forward to 1939-1942 Paris where Dutch psychiatrist, Kristof, works. He soon joins the resistance to help bring Jews to freedom. Both stories are poignant and compelling. I enjoyed the read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
The Storm: A Novel
by Rachel Hawkins
Another Hawkins winnet (12/28/2025)
Short but gripping psychological thriller taking place on a peninsula off Alabama. Three hurricanes have battered the Rosalind Inn on St. Menhard's Bay, one in which a wealthy playboy, Landon Fitzroy, scion of an old Alabama family, was killed. Returning 40 years later is the alleged murderess, Gloria "Lo" Bailey along with a journalist, August, who is writing her story about the murder. Lots of twits and secrets are revealed. Alternating in time between the present on various points in the past, what happened is slowly revealed. While there are some flaws, it really enjoyed and was engaged with this book. I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
Hollow: A Novel
by Celina Myers
Not your typical vampire book. (12/28/2025)
It's Halloween so what better way to join in the festivities than to listen to a vampire book (many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this ARC). This is not your typical vampire novel which is why I enjoyed it so much. Mia Adair wakes up after a car crash to find out she's dead and she's become a vampire. And, more importantly she regains her power to talk to the dead as the story unfolds. Mia also must choose which vampire family - the Belmonts or the Suttons, two rival vampire families - to join. Each family has a complicated history which Mia must now navigate. In addition there appears to be someone targeting vampires and killing them. No spoilers here, you have to read or listen to the book to find what Mia chooses - you won't be disappointed!
The themes of destiny and belonging underpin the story. This was an excellently narrated book too! I love vampire books and this is one I definitely would listen to again.
In Bloom: A Novel
by Liz Allan
Coming of age in Australia (12/28/2025)
A uniquely told coming-of-age story set in 1994 in a backwater Australian town, Vincent. Four teenage girls form a band, The Bastards, with the hopes of winning a contest that will propel them to escape their unhappy lives and Vincent. Amy, Jade, Violet and Lily are so close to realizing their dream when Lily leaves the band and their school mentor, Mr. P, is put on leave and accused of "something." The girls seek to find out what this is. In the telling (Amy tells the story collectively initially), the story toggles between present and past when Lily leaves.
This book tells the story of how one gets overlooked if one doesn't meet the seeming expectations and norms of the adult world and how that sets up situations that put children in particular in harm's way. Its structure adds a poignancy to the girls' plight. And the ending is most revealing.
I enjoyed this short but pithy story. Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this ARC.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
by Victoria E. Schwab
Vampire novel at its best (12/15/2025)
It's Pride Month so am trying to read books in the LGBTQ genre. This one fits that and it's a winner. First, I love vampire books - so if you don't, this might not be for you. Second, this book while exploring themes of queer love, focuses also on identity, hunger - for blood but more for freedom as women and as lesbians, and longing. Three women's collide in this book: Maria aka Sabine, a beautiful girl in 16th C Spain, Lottie, a lonely Regency English girl whose love for her friend thrusts her into "the 1827 season," and Alice, a 21st Scottish girl away at school (Harvard). Each woman seeks to live and love freely and in two cases freely choose vampirism. Alice, however, is a victim of a feud. The story is propulsive and compelling. It explores what makes us human and vampirism is a theme that ties these women together because it allows them to be bodily autonomous and free from societal oppression. However, this also can trap them into longing for humanness and things of the past. Sabine is a vile character; Charlotte or Lottie, while seemingly innocent and desperate to leave Sabine behind, is no better than Sabine - selfish and self-absorbed. Alice, with the story of her sister, Catty, woven into the story as an example of what it means to be mortal and why she seeks to return to being human. The descriptions of the places and times in which Sabine and Lottie live are delightful. It is a well written but long book which I found most enjoyable to read.
The Listeners: A Novel
by Maggie Stiefvater
Magical realism meets historical fiction (12/15/2025)
Based on a true story of Axis diplomats being housed in America during WWII, this novel combines "magical realism, romance, and war time intrigue." Set in West Virginia at the posh Avallon Hotel which is situated over a magical mineral springs that takes on all the myriad elements - people, food, spices, emotions - that comprise the life of this exotic and exclusive resort as it "listens" to its inhabitants. The book is a study in 1930s-1940s luxury - as the author's note at the end points out. June Hudson, an orphan, is the general manager and caretaker for hotel owned by the rich Gilfoyle family. June is an enchanting and delightful character who imbues the story with humor, pathos and charm. The book finds Axis diplomats arriving to take up residence as WWII. They are an interesting group too (Germans, Italians and Japanese diplomats, sexy FBI agents, and a silent girl that intrigues June). I listened to this most interesting and delightfully read book.
The Ghostwriter: A Novel
by Julie Clark
Great surprise ending (12/15/2025)
Riveting, twisty thriller that keeps you focused on "who done it." Olivia Taylor Dumont, daughter of the famous novelist, Jack Taylor, is a ghostwriter. Deep in debt and a kind of pariah in her writing world, she's commissioned to write Jack's final book as he's suffering from Lewy body dementia. However, it turns out he wants her to write a memoir about the murder of his brother, Danny, and sister, Poppy, in 1975. Clark knows how to pace the complicated story of memory as Olivia has to deal with her father's diminishing memory that conflicts with clues left by Poppy in her journal and films. Add to that the theme of a treasure hunt which the Taylor family (Vincent and his siblings and Olivia and her dad) enjoyed, you are constantly put off balance by what is real, what is remembered and who is the unreliable narrator. I will say the ending is a great surprise - but you have to read the book to find that out.
Blonde Dust
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Historical fiction at its best (12/14/2025)
I was given this ARC edition through Net Galley. I love historical fiction so I was intrigued by the background subject: the filming of The Misfits, the last movie Marlyn Monroe and Clark Gable made. The book centers on Pauline Bazalet, a young girl brought to America by her mother, Marcelle, a war bride. She works at the Mapes Hotel in Reno where the cast of the movie is staying. Pauline is given Marlyn's room to clean and an unlikely friendship (albeit short-lived) occurs. In addition, Pauline has aspirations to become an equine veterinarian as mustangs roam Nevada and are cruelly treated. Through her friendship with Billie-Pearl, Pauline grows to love them. Intermingled between these two aspects of Pauline's life is the tragic portrait of Marilyn Monroe, a misunderstood and deeply caring woman struggling to make meaning in her life. From her Pauline learns to be strong and courageous. I was captivated by this book from the first sentence. It's a beautifully written book.
Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar: A Novel
by Katie Yee
Worth the read (12/14/2025)
This was my "free" BOTM selection for July (B-day) and it was a really nice selection. Tackling two devastating events: divorce and cancer, the unnamed narrator tackles her fate with flair, flintiness (bolstered with kindness) and faith. This is an inspiring story too. The narrator looks back on her life marriage, her mother and her children and ponders its meaning. Instead of crumbling over events, the narrator faces it with humor and kindness and it’s in this process she strives to make her children's lives the better for it (loved the Chinese fairytales she tells her children). This is definitely a book worth reading.
These Summer Storms: A Novel
by Sarah MacLean
Does money make you happy? (12/14/2025)
I've never read anything by this author who usually writes historical romances with this being her first contemporary fiction novel, and it's a compelling one. Filled with romance, family secrets, forgiveness and hope, this book catches you from the beginning. Alice Storm hasn't seen her family in five years. She's returned to the family-owned island to put her father to rest. Third child of Franklin and Elizabeth Storm, Alice has created a life without her father's money and she feels she really doesn't her inheritance but her degree gas imposed a condition - each of the children, Greta, Sam, Alice, Emily, and mother, Elizabeth, must complete certain tasks in order to inherit. If one doesn't, no one inherits. What transpires over the course of a week changes the lives of the Storm family. I really had a hard time putting this book down. There are twists and turn that keep you guessing. This is a book too that asks does money really make you happy. Enjoyed the read.
The Payback: A Novel
by Kashana Cauley
Witty, funny and clever (12/14/2025)
Witty and interesting read on the effects of student debt especially as it impacts racism and the greed of capitalism. Jada Williams hasn't been successful in her life choices and career. Fired from her most recent job, she's falling behind on her loan payments and the "debt police" will be after her soon. After being caught by them and her meager valuables taken, she's falling behind vows revenge. With two other friends she finds a way she thinks to outsmart the men of the debt police. The characters in this book were fun and relatable. The story of struggling with student was presented realistically. I enjoyed this short, quick read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this fun book.
Jamaica Road: A Novel
by Lisa Smith
Coming-of-age in London (12/14/2025)
Delightful coming-of-age story set between 1981-1993 in London. Two young kids, Daphne and Connie (Cornelius), of Jamaican heritage meet and experience the trauma and turmoil of being black in South London. On top of this Connie is an illegal alien.
The book follows them in four year intervals as they grow from 12 to 24. The story is filled with struggles they experience at the hands of white classmate and police - Britain's story of racism and discrimination is no different than America's. Plus there is the abusive home Connie lives on. It's amazing how these two endure and go one to be successful. My only criticism of the book was reading the patois was a struggle. It made the story more authentic, though, because when confronting white people they used grammatically correct English to show their strength.
The book is character driven and beautifully written.
Culpability: A Novel
by Bruce Holsinger
The power of AI (12/14/2025)
Fascinating and suspense-filled book on the impact of Al. The Cassidy-Shaw family is driving to their eldest child's, Charlie, lacrosse game in a self-driving car when a tragic accident occurs. Who's at fault?
The book explores this and what happens when secrets are kept. This book grips from the start. It's clever and well written. And the ending twist is the best. Loved it.
We Are All Guilty Here: A Novel
by Karin Slaughter
Exceptional mystery/procedural crime novel (12/14/2025)
I'm not sure what it is about this book (my first Karen Slaughter) read, but I simply couldn't put the book down and I was honing in on every word! This is the first in a new series, so it makes sense that character building should be the focus - it's less about North Falls, GA, and more about the Cliftons, the family whose name is on just about everything! And these are such great characters especially Emmy, her dad, Gerald, estranged sister, Jude, Emmy's son, Cory, to mention the best (to me) in the book. The Cliftons are big into policing! The book is divided into two parts separated by 12 years. The first part deals with the disappearance of two girls: Cheyenne and Madison, stepdaughter to Emmy's best friend, Hannah. Twelve years later another girl disappears and the anguish and guilt of the previous disappearances returns with a vengeance. Really liked this book. I definitely will consider the next book in this series.
Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History
by Moudhy Al-Rashid
Birth of recorded history highlighted (12/14/2025)
Fascinating audiobook read by the author. I learned so much about the civilizations between the Tigris and Euphrates in this book. The book chronicles the
"birth of recorded history which is absolutely fascinating. The book discusses eight artifacts found in the ruins of the palace of Ennigaldi-Nanna, high priestess, moon god of Ur. The artifacts includes statues and tablets used by students to study uniform, the language of Mesopotamia. The Sumerians, Babylonians and other peoples of this region were conscious of history, so keeping records were important. Their Epic of Gilgamesh, astronomy and mathematics achievements show these were not primitive people. But the reliquaries of war exist too, so it was also a time of conflict. I especially liked that the author showed the varied and important roles of women in those times. This is a great introduction to a little known period that should be highlighted more.
Fiend
by Alma Katsu
Greed can be horrible (12/14/2025)
Fiend is a delicious horror story of what happens when greed and power become more important than love. The Berisha family is incredibly wealthy. The father, Zef, rules an empire, but he lives separately from his wife, Olga, and his children, Darden, Maris and Nora. While Darden is the heir apparent, Maris craves this position but Zef sees her are the one who Yet carry on the Berisha line. The book revolves around a legend of a "protector" who has kept the family strong but whose power seems to be waning.
When a series of tragic events take place and it appears Maris will lead the company, a fateful twist occurs - you will have to read the book to find out what that is! You won't see it coming.
The Guest in Room 120: A Novel
by Sara Ackerman
Fascinating historical fiction (12/14/2025)
This is a fascinating historical fiction novel. Set in Honolulu at the famous Moana Hotel, it delves into the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, cofounder of Stanford University, in 1905. A hundred years later, Zoe "Bridget" Finch, a published writer, is attending a writer's conference at the Moana and staying in Room 120 when strange things start to happen to her. When she finds out about Jane's death and comes upon a local family that may know about what happens, her investigation leads her to write a book.
There is a romance to Zoe's story that adds an enjoyable spice to the story but it is the alternating time lines between 1905 and 2005 that moves this compelling story forward and keeps you captivated. The themes of secrets and betrayals dominate the story. I listened to this excellently narrated book. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to this ARC.
The Wilderness: A Novel
by Angela Flournoy
Community and caring can save the future (12/14/2025)
I listened to this nicely narrated book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. This is a book about four women, Nakia, Monique, Desiree (and her sister, Danielle, who appears as part of Desiree's story) and January, some of whom knew each as children but all of whom's lives come together in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Told in alternating time lines, the book almost reads as separate stories but the sense of friendship, connection, and what one owes to another comes through. The book starts in 2008 but ends in the future. The world is chaotic; harsh political realities abound; their lives are complicated. One reviewer noted that setting the novel's climatic ending in the future, the author seems to want to say only community and caring for others can save the future.
Power Reviewer
