Can You Feel This by Julie Orringer (Inheritance Collection)

Can You Feel This by Julie Orringer

 Published: December 19, 2019 by Amazon Original Stories

 

 

Can You Feel This by Julie Orringer is a short story.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Original Stories, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

 A woman’s has a C-Section, and gives birth to a baby boy.  Her first few days have her ruminating about her fears of being a mother, and her memories of being in this hospital before…when her mother’s dead body was brought here after her suicide.

 

My Opinions:  

This is one of five stories (all by different authors), in the “Inheritance” Collection of Amazon Short Stories.  They are all about secrets within families, and the consequences that come from those secrets.

Although this would not have been my first choice in reading material, I did enjoy the story, which really dealt with anxieties and fears.  Fear of being a mother, fear of not knowing what to do, fear of mental illness, and fear because she had kept her own mother’s suicide a secret from her husband.

It was well-written, and an interesting story. 

For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: https://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

 

Read: December, 2019

 

 

About The Author:  Julie Orringer is an American author, born in Florida, but who now lives in New York with her husband and children.  Check out her website at www.julieorrigner.com

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3096855379

 

 

 

 

The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer (#2 Beth Adams)

The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer

 Publishing: December 9, 2019 by Bookouture

 

 

 Previous Book in the Series:  #1 – The Girl in the Grave

 

The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer is the second in the Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Adams is a forensic pathologist.  After having her ex try to kill her twice, he is now behind bars, and Beth is trying to get on with her life.  She spent 7 years in fear, and enough is enough.  Now in a relationship with DS Josh Walker, things are looking up.  She has a friend in her lab assistant Abe, and she is learning to live without fear.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

When Ethan Scales wakes from a drunken party on his friends James’s yacht, he hears something banging against the side.  A few minutes later he has pulled the lifeless and naked body of a girl out of the water.

James, Ethan and their friend Marcus  often cater parties on the boat, but they soon become the main suspects in the death of this woman.

When another body turns up in the water, Beth is sure that the two deaths are related.

Meanwhile, on a personal level, Beth is dealing with the death of her ex, as well as the questionable behaviour of Josh.

 

My Opinions:  

Beth Adams is a wonderful character, and I even like her relationship with DS Josh Walker.  However, I wasn’t really happy with their “issues” in this one.  I felt their lack of communication was a little childish, and out of character for the pair.

This book was as action-packed as the first, and was a really quick read.  The plot was well thought out, and well-written.  I love the references to Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta (although I don’t think Beth will ever compare).

Though this is only the second in the series, it is starting well, and could have been read as a stand-alone novel.  These books feel like a light entertaining read.  I think I’ll continue to follow Beth!

 

Read: December, 2019

 

About The Author: Helen Phifer is a British Author of crime and horror.  She is best known for writing both the Annie Graham series and Lucy Harwin series.  Helen lives in a small town called Barrow-in-Furness with her husband and five children. Check out her website at www.helenphifer.com

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3047561676

 

 

 

 

Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine (#4 – Stillhouse Lake)

Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

Publishing: January 21, 2020 by Thomas & Mercer

 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #3 – Wolfhunter River

 

Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine is the fourth in the Stillhouse Lake thriller series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:   (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Gwen is still living the nightmare of having serial killer Melvin Royal as her dead ex-husband.  She took her kids and ran, but the internet trolls found them, and they are still receiving death threats.  She met Sam along the way, whose sister was one of Melvin’s victims.  Through rough times and good times, they have become close.   Gwen has been trying to put her life back together, and has been helping other women in similar situations.  She is determined to make a safe home for her family, preferably in Stillhouse Lake.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Having a home around Stillhouse Lake is becoming a problem.  Gwen and her family are being treated as outsiders, being shunned.  The recent publicity has created renewed tension between them and the Belldene family whose paramilitary and drug-related activities don’t want the attention.  The Belldene’s want them gone.  Gwen is working as a PI out of town, and Sam’s construction business has dried up, so he is forced to find work out of town as well.  Thirteen-year old Connor is being bullied, and is living in constant fear.  Sixteen-year old Lanny is a typical teenager who never sees the consequences of her actions.

It may be time to give up the idea of making Stillhouse Lake their permanent home.

When Gwen takes on a new case, she soon realizes that the search for a young man that has been missing for three years is not quite as straight-forward as she thought.  She’s not even sure who she is working for, and she quickly steps on toes.  She starts to make new enemies that she doesn’t really need.

 

My Opinions:
I keep wondering how much one family can take.  Yes, some of the scenarios that occur in these books are a little “over-the-top”, but it’s fiction, and all that action and fear for each member of the family keeps the reader interested…if a little skeptical. 

This is a really good series, and I think you should read the books in order so that you don’t miss anything.

The story is told from different points-of-view, so it’s very easy to keep track of everyone. The characters continue to develop.  My only hesitation would be the addition of Vee to their happy little family, as I personally blame her for a lot of the problems they faced in this book….but no one else did, so what do I know.

Anyway, the plot, twists and writing were good.   As always, a very entertaining read.

 

Read: January, 2020

 

About The Author:  Rachel Caine (April 1962 – ) is an American author who has written over 50 books in several genres, including Adult thriller, and Adult urban s/f and fantasy, as well as YA novels.  She has written under a few different names.  She is a NY Times and USA Today bestseller, and lives in Texas with her.  Check out her website at www.rachelcaine.com

** picture taken from GoodReads Credit to Robert Hart

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3063135163

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firestone by Ryan Carriere (#1 – Eternal Stones)

Firestone by Ryan Carriere (#1 – Eternal Stones)

 Publishing: August 26, 2019

 

 

Firestone by Ryan Carriere is the 1^st in the Eternal Stones YA fantasy series.

First, let me thank the author, for reaching out to me and providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Sephonei’s parents own a merchant barge, and she lived in Atlantea all her life. But now she has been pulled from the vessel and recruited by The Order to become a Crystal Hunter.   Given minimal training, she is to serve under the guidance of Ku-Aya and Abil.  Sephonei will be the apprentice of the team…if she survives.  The high priest of The Order, Sin, has instructed them to find a certain crystal.  Along the way, Sephonei discovers she has a rare talent.

Roeg was raised by the clan elder Unn, when his mother left him to flee her village.  His fire-scarred hand has left him unable to become a spear hunter, and he is often ridiculed.  His best friends are twins Ookum, who seems to freeze in the face of danger and Tsisa who seems to have no fear at all.  When Unn has a dream of doom, he takes the three on a quest to save the world.  Along the way, Roeg discovers more about his faulty hand, as well as a talent that is developing.

Sephonei and Roeg are after the same thing….and they may not be the only ones.

 

My Opinions:  

This is a debut novel, and I’m very impressed.  The story was very good, the characters interesting, and the world Carriere created was intriguing.  The author created rather bizarre creatures, wonderful imagery and good dialog.

Unfortunately, there are drawings and Sephonei’s journal pages mixed in with the chapters of the books, and these do not translate well on an ebook.  Although the drawings look fine, the writing is almost indecipherable….and end up being annoying, as I had to keep opening them on my laptop, enlarging them, and the wording was still not clear.  I ended up disregarding most of them. Hopefully this is better in print form.

But overall, the story is good, and the characters entertaining.  The ending, while it did not actually “end”,  did leave the characters at a good point in their journey to start fresh.  It does make the reader want to pick up the second book to see what is next on the journey for Roeg and Sephonei. 

 

Read: January, 2020

 

About The Author: Ryan Carriere is a Canadian author.  His education includes Environmental and Urban Design, as well as Project Management.  After years in the corporate world, he turned to his passion.  Ryan is an artist….whose art has inspired his characters and his stories.  Check out his website at www.ryancarriere.ca

** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2914470970

 

 

 

 

 

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Publishing: January 7, 2020 by Poisoned Pen Press                           (First published as a novel in 1911)

 

 

Just a Few Words: I have seen the musical, and the movie, but this is the first time I have read this classic. Once I got past the intro and prologue, I started to enjoy it.  Note that I found the epilogue quite long and tiresome as well.

 

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux is a classic, and has been placed in many different genres from Gothic romance to mystery to horror.  What few tell you, is that it is part comedy, although that may be an “era” thing.  Some of the dialog is hilarious.

First, let me thank NetGalley, and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

When young understudy Christine Daaé is forced to replace an ailing singer, she takes the Paris Opera House by storm. Her amazing voice brings her to the attention of Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, who knew her when they were children.  He falls in love.

Unfortunately, another is also enraptured by her…the one who is teaching her to sing so beautifully.  Christine initially believes that he is the Angel of Music sent by her deceased father to train her.   She is wrong.

The Paris Opera House has a ghost.  When new managers take over, they cannot believe that everyone is playing this massive joke on them.  They even receive correspondence from the Phantom, who goes by OG (opera ghost), who insists that Box Five be left vacant for his use.  As well, he demands a monthly sum of money.  Shaking their heads, the managers dismiss the joke.  It will not be long until they explore things in more detail.

When Christine disappears in front of an entire audience, Raoul knows he must find the Phantom if he is to find Christine.

Then there is the Persian, who seems to know the Opera House like the back of his hand, and seems to have a lot of information on the Phantom.  Raoul and the Persian will have to rely on each other if there is any chance of saving Christine.

 

My Opinions:

Well, after a really long introduction and prologue…we finally began.

The author was inspired by events at the Palai Garnier around 1870.  Leroux researched the building and the rumours, and insists he wrote the true version of events.  In fact the Opera House exists,  the underground lake exists and the tale of the chandelier falling is well-documented.  Leroux even on his deathbed, insisted the phantom was real.  True or not, the book has captured the hearts of many.

The characters are very strong.  Christine is a very naive young girl, Raoul is a heartsick young man, and Erik is an angry, bitter and obsessive man. The Persian is a kind-hearted man who wants to see justice done.

The story is a tragedy.  It is a story of unrequited love and jealousy, of compassion, of hatred.  Although some of the writing seems “old”,  it is good to remember it was written in the early 1900’s.  For a book of that era, it actually reads very easily.

The overly dramatic atmosphere of the book translates well to stage, and I have to say that I really enjoyed the Andrew Lloyd Webber play.  Webber really romanticized the phantom,  and although I am not a fan of romance novels, it worked for the play.    However, the book had so much more depth….

Bottom line….it was good.

 

Read: January, 2020

 

Favorite Quotes from The Phantom of the Opera:

“Why, he, the man who hides behind that hideous mask of death!…The evil genius of the churchyard at Perros!…Red Death!…In a word, madam, your friend…your Angel of Music!…But I shall snatch off his mask, as I shall snatch off my own; and, this time, we shall look each other in the face, he and I, with no veil and no lies between us; and I shall know whom you love and who loves you!”

“Are people so unhappy when they love?”   “Yes, Christine, when they love and are not sure of being loved.”

 

 

 

About The Author: Gaston Louis Alfred Leroux (1868 – 1927) was a French journalist, a gambler, and an author of detective fiction. He was born in Paris, and went to school in Normandy. Phantom of the Opera was his best known work of fiction.

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3129019910?

 

 

 

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
Publishing: December 10, 2019 by Crooked Lane Books

 

 

 
The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters is part horror, part supernatural thriller, and part mystery.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Four barely-teen girls fascinated with serial killers, with horror, with the macabre. Heather, Becca, Rachel, and Gia. The Dead Girls Club. They discussed mass murderers like Ted Bundy, and John Wayne Gacy. They discussed monsters, both real and imagined…..like the Red Lady, although Becca insisted she was real. Heather became convinced that Becca was right.

Almost 30 years later, Heather receives a dirt-encrusted heart necklace in the mail. She knows it is Becca’s, because they had matching ones, but she can’t imagine who sent it. Becca is dead. Heather knows this because she killed her, and she buried her. Yes, Becca’s mother went to jail for her daughter’s death, but Heather was responsible.

Now it seems someone knows her secret, and it is making Heather a little crazy as she tries to determine the identity of her stalker.

My Opinions:

I think this one could be marketed more toward the YA crowd. Over half the book was about young teens and their typical day-to-day struggles, angst, disagreements, bullying…. The other half was about one of those teens that grew up with apparently the same problems. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did.

I guess I’m just not totally sold on Heather becoming a child psychologist after murdering her best friend as a child. It doesn’t seem she ever out-grew her paranoia or rather bizarre behaviour when she became a rather desperate adult.

The story is told from Heather’s point of view, in two timelines, Then and Now. In this way we are told what happened so many years ago, and are given an inkling as to why Heather is being stalked now. We are not, however, quite prepared for the conclusion, which was an interesting twist.

The premise of the story was quite good, and so was the writing. It was quite creepy.

 

Read: December, 2019

 

Favorite Quotes from The Dead Girls Club:
“A memory of a memory. And if the mind wants something to be real, it can rearrange facts and occurrences to suit. Sometimes we make up stories to explain things to ourselves; sometimes we do it to hide the truth.”

“My mind is reeling. I can’t make these puzzle pieces fit because I don’t know where the corners are.”

 

About The Author: Damien Angelica Walters is an American author. Her short fiction has been nominated twice for a Bram Stoker Award, and has been reprinted in The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy & Horror and The Year’s Best Weird Fiction, and published in various anthologies and magazines. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two rescued pit bulls. Check out her website at www.damienangelicawalters.com

*** credit for photo to Justin Ashlye. Taken from author’s website.

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2820631243

 

 

 

Can You See Me by Lynne Lee

Can You See Me by Lynne Lee

Publishing: January 1, 2020  

 

 

Just a Few Words:   I struggled with this one.  I kept wanting to give up, but I have such a hard time doing that, especially when the book was given to me in exchange for a review.  Oh, who am I kidding, I always struggle with giving up on a book.  Yes, life is too short….but who knows, maybe the next page will enthrall me???  Well, I got through it…and it was okay!

 

Can You See Me by Lynne Lee is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Julia’s husband has recently died, and her focus has been on seeing her daughter Tash through this devastating time.   Although she had plans to divorce David, no one knew, so she’s keeping that a secret.  Turns out he had some secrets too.

When Julia sees a strange young man hanging around the cottage, she gives chase, only to have him fall and end up in a coma.  She saves his life, but feeling somewhat responsible, she is determined to find out who he is, especially when she finds her husband’s watch in his bag.  At this point, Tash starts telling her of other strange things that have been happening to her, and Julia starts to wonder if her daughter is being stalked.

 Julia is determined to get to the bottom of this.

 

My Opinions:  

The story is told from Julia’s perspective, as well as another voice which talks about moths…..yes, moths.  I was over 50% into the book before I became at all interested in what was happening. Yes, I should have quit much sooner, but I didn’t.  In for a pound….

If only I had been able to like one or two of the main characters, it would have helped.  Julia kept secrets, David kept secrets, Tash was only really into herself and very happy with her privileged lifestyle.  Kane was an immature idiot with blinders on, and Rachel was …. well mentally ill doesn’t really cut it.  Rachel was a drug addict, but she knew what she was doing most of the time, so I wouldn’t say that mental illness was a big factor.  She felt entitled, and hatred and revenge was going to be sweet.

The actual plot, when you look at the whole thing, was interesting.  The writing was fine.  The twist was really good.  So at 50% it started getting interesting, and at 75%, I really wanted to keep reading.  So this one was hard for me to rate.  It started at 1 or 2 stars, but ended at 4 really late in the game, so I’m going with a comfortable 3.   I never read other reviews before writing my own, but I bet I’m going to be in the minority here.  But every book can’t be for everyone.   

Read: January, 2020

 

About The Author: Lynne Lee (Lynne Barrett-Lee) is a British author who has been writing romantic novels, short stories and ghostwriting bestselling books since the mid 1990’s. Can You See Me is her first psychological thriller and is written under a pseudonym.

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3053763080

 

 

 

 

Up-coming Reviews for January, 2020

 

My Up-coming Reviews for January, 2020

WOW, a new year.   I am soooo looking forward to delving deep into more books.  Yes, I am passionate about exploring new worlds, new mysteries, new authors.   Everyone should find their passion, and run with it.  Ignore what others say…go for it.  If it is reading, join me, follow my blog, and comment on my  posts.  I promise to respond.

The following will be a few of the books I’ve got scheduled to read and/or review in January.  Looks promising!  #keepreading

 

 

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters – Pub. Dec. 2019

Four young girls fascinated with serial killers, horror,  the macabre.  The Dead Girls Club.  They discussed mass murderers like Ted Bundy, and John Wayne Gacy.  They discussed monsters, both real and imagined…..like the Red Lady, although Becca insisted she was real.  Heather became convinced that Becca was right.  30 years later, not everything has changed.

                        Damien Angelica Walters is an American author.

 

 

The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer Published: December 2019

The second in the Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams series.  A girl is found floating in the lake after a catered boat party, and she will not be the last.

Helen Phifer is a British author.

 

 

The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer – Published December 2019

The fifth in the Detective Natalie Ward series brings a past case back to the forefront, and more young girls in danger.

Carol Wyer is a British author.

 

 

 

Everything My Mother Taught Me by Alice Hoffman – Published December, 2019

A short story about a girl who loses her beloved father.  Her adulterous mother takes them to an island where she again finds another man.  But her daughter has a plan.

Alice Hoffman is and American author.

 

 

The Summer Children by Dot Hutchison – Published May 2018

This is the third in The Collectors series.  FBI Agent Mercedes Ramirez returns home to find an abused young boy on her porch.  He won’t be the last one.

Dot Hutchison is an American author.

 

 

 

Firestone by Ryan Carriere (Published August 2019)

The first in the Young Adult Fantasy “Eternal Stones” series.  Two groups embark on the search for the same bloodstone.

Ryan Carriere is a Canadian author.

 

 

Any of these on your reading list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Passion for Books in 2019

I think everyone should be passionate about something.  Something they enjoy, something that brings them peace….but a little excitement too.  Something that doesn’t feel like a chore.  Mine is reading.  What’s yours?

 

 

 

 

 

Midwinter Mysteries by various authors

Midwinter Mysteries by various authors

 Published: October 31, 2019 by Sapere Books

 

 

Just a Few Words:  Christmas-themed crimes.  All short stories.  Very entertaining.

 

Midwinter Mysteries is an anthology of short crime fiction stories by various authors.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Sapere Books, and of course the authors, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

A brief description of each short story, and my thoughts.

Away in a Manger by Graham Brack – Prague, 2006. An outdoor market hosts a Nativity Play, and is ripe for thieves. (Josef Slonsky Investigations Series).  Humor abounds.  It was okay.

Footprints In the Snow by J.C. Briggs – England, 1850. Dickens and others are snowed in, so he tells them a ghost story.  The next morning one of them is dead in a locked room.  (Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones Series).  Good.

Lost and Found by Keith Moray – Scotland, 2012.  The police wonder if a party discussion about snuff boxes and cauls and other folklore lead to a man’s death.   (Inspector Torquil McKinnon Investigations Series).  Well-written and really interesting.

The Spirit of Christmas – by Cora Harrison – England, 1858.  A young boy finds a strange man in place of his blind brother who should be singing on the corner for some needed cash. (Victorian London Murder Mysteries Series).  Loved this one!

The Stolen Santa Sack – by Sean Gibbons – Ireland, 2019.  Corrupt policemen lose a sack of goodies, and Santa ends up dead in the back of a cab.  (Ben Miller Thriller Series).  This one was just fun!

Will Power by Marilyn Todd – England, 1895. A photographer captures more than just a “ghost” on film.  (Julia McAllister Victorian Mysteries).  Loved it!

Christmas Spirits by Gaynor Torrance – Wales, 2019.  A side trip to the toy store by two police officers provides them with more than gifts.  (DI Jemima Huxley Investigations Series).  Really good!

The Essex Nativity by David Field – England, 1895.  A birth in a barn, and an antique shop that is selling stolen property.  (Esther and Jack Knight Mystery Series).  Good.

Secret Santa by Kim Fleet – England, 2015.  An elderly woman hires a PI to find out who is following her.  (Eden Grey Mystery Series).  The Best of the Bunch!

Stir Up Sunday by M.J. Logue – England, 1665.  The royal recipe book is missing, and must be found. (Thomazine and Thankful Russell Thriller Series).  Not my cup of tea.

The Christmas Ghost by Linda Stratmann – England, 1871.  The loss of a loved one can leave a lasting memory.  (Mina Scarletti Mystery series).  Loved it!

 

My Opinions:

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of  Christmas-related short crime stories.  Different authors, different countries, different time frames….but a common theme, and really good writing.  These authors have all written full-length novels involving the main characters in these short stories, and I believe most of these series would be good.

Although I am not usually a fan of books in different centuries, I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed more than I disliked…and with an anthology that is a really good rating!

 

Read: December, 2019

 

The Authors: Graham Brack, J C Briggs, Keith Moray, Cora Harrison, Seán Gibbons, Marilyn Todd, Gaynor Torrance, David Field, Kim Fleet, J Logue, and Linda Stratmann

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3084739747