Two reviews
I'm finally reviewing ARCs promptly and not holding off, possibly forgetting about them. I wonder how many books I've read but never reviewed? Hmmm....
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
April 29, 2025; thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley
Social Media Influencers:
I am still trying to figure out the reason for this book. It's an odd story about influencers, identical twins, the power of wealth and influence, and becoming famous on social media. I'm not sure there is a straight forward message. If so, it's enmeshed in a tale that begins with a twin that takes over her dead sister's successful social media identity.
This story morphs into the secrets of an influencer group that bands together in a bizarre cult having a strange god and unholy sacrifices required of the members.The pull of money to be made by social influencers online, the lengths people will go for this fame - this seems to be the basic theme. The story goes over and beyond the normal in order for this message to be heard.
It kept my interest but almost lost it on that private island with crazily drugged women, high on the need for fame and influence.
All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash
July 1, 2025; thanks to Atria Books, NetGalley
Senior Sleuth with Dementia:
Senior Sleuth with Dementia:
I enjoyed the word play by 80-year-old Rose, a nursing home resident with dementia, whose love of nature, plants, and trees comes through when she remembers the botanical names of each flower and plant she cherishes in her memory. Though in her 80s and a widow, she still has enough determination to ferret out the center's secrets and the crimes she thinks she sees being done to employees, her friends in the home, and other residents.
Rose lives half of her time in a remembered garden with her second husband, now deceased. It spurs her on to also take note of the present and her circumstances. And in a very roundabout way, she achieves her goals, with the help of a silent mop boy who cleans the floors and sees and knows all the secrets.
The story was clever, cute, and suspenseful, with an ending that brings relief and a sense of completion. Her frequent use of malapropisms, a misuse of words that sound alike, was also entertaining.
Rose lives half of her time in a remembered garden with her second husband, now deceased. It spurs her on to also take note of the present and her circumstances. And in a very roundabout way, she achieves her goals, with the help of a silent mop boy who cleans the floors and sees and knows all the secrets.
The story was clever, cute, and suspenseful, with an ending that brings relief and a sense of completion. Her frequent use of malapropisms, a misuse of words that sound alike, was also entertaining.
Next reads
Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski, Jan. 21, 20025; thanks to Liveright and NetGalley
Jan. 21, 2025; thanks to Minotaur and NetGalley
Destination wedding:
Mystery writer Kate attends the wedding of her ex-fiancee on a private island off the coast of Seattle, but when the bride is poisoned at the wedding and Kate also finds a dead body, things definitely take an unexpected turn. This rom com mystery sounds exciting and I am eager to start reading it.
Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski, Jan. 21, 20025; thanks to Liveright and NetGalley
Stage actress has had enough:
Mona runs off with her dog, dreading the guests packed into her apartment; her husband; and the upcoming rehearsals for a new play as Cleopatra. An overnight escape adventure into the city gives her a better perspective of her life.
In my mailbox
Big Bad Wool by Leonie Swann, translated from the German. May 6, 2025; thanks to Soho Press
Flock of sheep as amateur sleuths:
Who would ever think of sheep as sleuths in mystery books? Author Leonie Swann has. This is her second book with a group of sheep from Glennkill and their shepherdess, Rebecca. This time the sheep head for France. When other sheep and deer are being killed by an unknown predator. it seems Rebecca's flock are to solve the mystery.
I wonder how?
Note: My Follow button on the right works now to follow this blog. But leave comments, too; please do.
What are you reading or watching this week?
I'm about half way through 'Poe's Cat' by Brenda Walker which is strange and poetic... Then after a brief visit to ancient Rome (on non-fiction Sunday) I'll be buddy reading 1984 by George Orwell with Stephen over @ Reading Freely - then back to Rome!
ReplyDeleteI must say that having a senior citizen with dementia and a flock of sheep as the detectives in a mystery strikes me as quite creative.
ReplyDeleteThe story about social media influencers? It is also quite creative!
I think I was able to follow your new blog, Harvee. Let's see if you appear in my feed when you next publish a post.
These books all have such interesting storylines! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on them.
ReplyDeleteWaaaait, there's a sequel to Three Bags Full?! I'm going to have to keep an eye out -- and get round to rereading the first one, since I read it over a decade ago. How cool; thanks for the heads up that it exists.
ReplyDeleteThere is a giveaway for this book on Goodreads!
DeleteNot sure the Zhang book is for me but the Bruce Nash and Berlinski books are. Sheep as sleuths...that ought ot be interesting!
ReplyDeleteJulie Chan does sound kind of interesting. Hmm... a little over the top though sounds like. I jsut saw a review last night for She Doesn't Have A Clue and I hope it's good.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued with the notion of a main character with dementia solving a mystery. That's not the type of character that we get to read about very often.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by the character too, though Tise had help in her sleuthing. A quiet boy that mopped floors daily knew and saw everything that was going on, but kept silent except for helping Rose.
DeleteThen again, there is so much liberty taken and leeway given in writing novels.
DeleteBad Wool sure caught my attention, I'll be looking for your review.
DeleteI admired the uniqueness of All the Words We Know. Big Bad Wool sounds equally unusual.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week
Julie Chan is dead does not sound like a pleasant read, but maybe an interesting and embellished statement on the influencer psyche?
ReplyDeleteGreat titles and covers! I haven't read any of them, but I will enjoy seeing your reviews.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy a certain amount of crime - but you've surely unearthed the most unusual protagonists, Harvee! I'm still processing the notion of a flock of sheep as crime-solvers... Have a great week:).
ReplyDeleteGlad to find your blog again! I still had your old one. I've heard that Mona Acts Out is really good. I might get it from the library.
ReplyDelete