Nothing More to Tell

 

Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus              YA Mystery

(from Amazon)  Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher—a story that made headlines after the teacher’s body was found by three Saint Ambrose students in the woods behind their school. The case was never solved. Now that Brynn is moving home and starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, she’s determined to find out what really happened.  The kids who found Mr. Larkin are her way in, and her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot, was one of them. Without his account of events, the other two kids might have gone down for Mr. Larkin’s murder—but instead, thanks to Tripp, they're now at the top of the Saint Ambrose social pyramid. Tripp's friends have never forgotten what Tripp did for them that day, and neither has he. Just like he hasn’t forgotten that everything he told the police was a lie.  Digging into the past is bound to shake up the present, and when Brynn begins to investigate what happened in the woods that day, she uncovers secrets that might change everything—about Saint Ambrose, about Mr. Larkin, and about her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot.  Four years ago someone got away with murder. More terrifying is that they might be closer than anyone thinks.

(My Review)  

Another great mystery from K.M. McManus.  Brynn moves back to her hometown, and starts an internship.  She convinces her new boss into looking into the murder of a beloved teacher that happened at her school, years ago, before she moved away.  She digs up secrets that some would prefer to stay buried. 

Long Live the Pumpkin Queeen

 

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen:  Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Shea Ernshaw

                                                                            Teen and YA Holiday and Celebrations/Dark Fantasy

(from Amazon)  Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they? Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams -- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. FInkelstein for a different -- albeit gilded -- cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town in the forest Hinterlands, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare?

(My Review)

This was a lovely continuation of the "The Nightmare Before Christmas" story.  I loved learning more about Sally, and going on this adventure with her.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin               Literature & Fiction

(from Amazon)  The irascible A. J. Fikry, owner of Island Books - the only bookstore on Alice Island - has already lost his wife. Now his most prized possession, a rare book, has been stolen from right under his nose in the most embarrassing of circumstances. The store itself, it seems, will be next to go.  One night upon closing, he discovers a toddler in his children’s section with a note from her mother pinned to her Elmo doll: I want Maya to grow up in a place with books and among people who care about such kinds of things. I love her very much, but I can no longer take care of her. A search for Maya’s mother, A. J.’s rare book, and good childcare advice ensues, but it doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the transformation of both bookstore and owner, something of particular interest to the lovely yet eccentric Knightley Press sales rep, Amelia Loman, who makes the arduous journey to Alice Island thrice each year to pitch her books to the cranky owner. 

(My Review)

What a sweet, beautiful story!  This book reminded me of a bookish Silas Marner (which I also recommend).  It was just a lovely, cozy read.  I highly recommend it.

The Nature of Witches

 

The Nature of Witches  by Rachel Griffin                     YA Contemporary Fantasy

(from Amazon)  For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic; the storms, more destructive. All hope lies with Clara, a once-in-a-generation Everwitch whose magic is tied to every season.   In autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It's wild and volatile, and the price of her magic - losing the ones she loves - is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.   In winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she's the only one who can make a difference.  In spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she's terrified Sang will be the next one she loses. In summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves...before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos. 

(My Review)

In a world where the weather is getting very erratic, witches can control the weather.  However, different witches are born whose magic only works in one season.  Very rarely is born an Everwitch whose magic works in all seasons.  She must learn to control her magic and use it save the world.  This was such a lovely read.  It had so much imagery, and a beautiful story a woman accepting her own abilities and strength.  

I'm Glad My Mom Died

 

I'm Glad My Mom Died  by Jennette McCurdy            Memoir/Dysfunctional Family

(from Amazon) Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.  In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.  Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

(My Review)

I have so many thoughts after reading this. I remember watching her on iCarly with my kids. Who knew? Who ever knows?? I was so horrified to read what this poor child went through at the hands of her mother, and with the entertainment industry that obviously does not look after the welfare of children. Children are just a commodity. I just think of the trauma Jennette experienced, and wonder if she will ever truly ever recover. Do I recommend this book? Yes, but be warned it can be disturbing. While it is not exactly explicit, it is still disturbing. I think it's interesting to consider the generational trauma/abuse in this book as well.  I still think of what she went through, and hope for the best for Jennette's continued recovery. I also recommend watching interviews she has done to promote the book, and you will see how therapy has helped her to recover. I am really proud to see her strength.

Root Magic

 

Root Magic by Eden Royce                    Middle Grade Historical Fiction/African American Fiction

(from Amazon)  It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn 11 - and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.  Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through.

(My Review)  Wow! I enjoyed this so much! This was such a beautiful story about a family, and about two twins discovering their magical abilities.

They Never Learn

 

They Never Learn by Layne Fargo                                      Thriller & Suspense/LGBTQ+

(from Amazon)  Scarlett Clark is an exceptional English professor. But she’s even better at getting away with murder.  Every year, Dr. Clark searches for the worst man at Gorman University - professor, student, or otherwise - and plots his well-deserved demise. Thanks to her meticulous planning, she’s avoided drawing attention to herself…but as she’s preparing for her biggest kill yet, the school starts probing into the growing body count on campus. Determined to keep her enemies close, Dr. Clark insinuates herself into the investigation and charms the woman in charge. Everything’s going according to her master plan…until she loses control with her latest victim, putting her secret life at risk of exposure.  Meanwhile, Gorman student Carly Schiller is just trying to survive her freshman year. Finally free of her emotionally abusive father, all Carly wants is to focus on her studies and fade into the background. Her new roommate has other ideas. Allison Hadley is cool and confident - everything Carly wishes she could be - and the two girls quickly form an intense friendship. So when Allison is sexually assaulted at a party, Carly becomes obsessed with making the attacker pay...and turning her fantasies about revenge into a reality.

(My Review)  

Wow!  This was an interesting book.  Told from perspective of the killer, you see the motives and ways she avoids being detected.  

The Girl in White

 

The Girl in White  by Lindsay Currie               Middle Grade Mystery/Ghost Story

(from Amazon)  Mallory hasn't quite adapted to life in her new town of Eastport yet. Maybe it's because everyone is obsessed with keeping the town's reputation as the most cursed town in the US.  And thanks to the nightmares she's had since arriving, Mallory hardly sleeps. Combined with the unsettling sensation of being watched, she's quickly becoming convinced there's more to her town. Something darker.  When Mallory has a terrifying encounter with the same old woman from her dreams, she knows she has to do something―but what? With Eastport gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of their first recorded legend Mallory is forced to investigate the one legend she's always secretly been afraid of . . . Sweet Molly.

(My Review)  I enjoyed this book so much.  Mallory moves to this small town with her family.  She is not as excited as her family.  The town is famous for a ghost story, and plays it up for the tourists.  Mallory is not a fan of this.    Then Mallory starts having dreams of an old woman, and other creepy things starts to happen.  Mallory and her friends start to investigate.  Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late???   This was soooo good!!!

The Homewreckers

 

The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews                     Contemporary Romance/Cozy Mystery

(from Amazon)  Hattie Kavanaugh went to work restoring homes for Kavanaugh & Son Restorations at eighteen, married the boss’s son at twenty, and became a widow at twenty-five. Now, she’s passionate about her work, but that’s the only passion in her life. “Never love something that can’t love you back,” is advice her father-in-law gives her, but Hattie doesn’t follow it and falls head-over-heels for a money pit of a house. She’s determined to make it work, but disaster after disaster occurs, and Hattie’s dream might cost Kavanaugh & Son their livelihood. Hattie needs money, and fast.   When a slick Hollywood producer shows up in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: star in a beach house renovation reality show called The Homewreckers, cast against a male lead who may be a love interest, or may be the ultimate antagonist. Soon, there’s more at stake than bad pipes and dry rot: during the demolition, evidence comes to light that points to the mysterious disappearance of a young wife and mother years before.  With a burned out detective investigating the case, an arsonist on the loose, two men playing with her emotions, and layers upon layers of vintage wallpaper causing havoc, it's a question of who will flip, who will flop, and if Hattie will ever get her happily-ever-after.

(My Review) 

I wasn't expecting too much from this book.  I was expecting a sweet romance, like a Hallmark movie in a book.  I was surprised to find a cute little cozy mystery in the book which made it all the more enjoyable.  So, Hattie restores homes, and gets hired to film a renovation show (think Fixer Upper).  As she is fixing up a beach house on Tybee Island, she and her crew find a dead body, which starts the search for the murderer.  This book was so delightful.

TH1RT3EN

 

TH1RT3EN  by Steve Cavanagh                  Legal Thriller/Crime Thriller

(from Amazon) It’s the murder trial of the century. And Joshua Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house - and to be sure the wrong man goes down for the crime. Because this time, the killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury.    But there’s someone on his tail. Former conman turned criminal-defense attorney Eddie Flynn doesn’t believe his movie-star client killed two people. He suspects the real killer is closer than they think - but who would guess just how close?    

(My Review)

This was a very suspenseful read!  Told from two points of view, this story is about a serial killer who gets on the jury of the murder he committed.  It's so creepy to get inside of the mind of the killer as you hear his side of the story.  Great read!  This book is a wild ride that keeps you glued until the very end.

Hidden Pictures

 

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak             Horror/Thriller

(from Amazon)  Fresh out of rehab, Mallory Quinn takes a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell. She is to look after their five-year-old son, Teddy.  Mallory immediately loves it. She has her own living space, goes out for nightly runs, and has the stability she craves. And she sincerely bonds with Teddy, a sweet, shy boy who is never without his sketchbook and pencil. His drawings are the usual fare: trees, rabbits, balloons. But one day, he draws something different: a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body.  Then, Teddy’s artwork becomes increasingly sinister, and his stick figures quickly evolve into lifelike sketches well beyond the ability of any five-year-old. Mallory begins to wonder if these are glimpses of a long-unsolved murder, perhaps relayed by a supernatural force.  Knowing just how crazy it all sounds, Mallory nevertheless sets out to decipher the images and save Teddy before it’s too late.

(My Review)

Wow!  This was a great page-turner!  A nanny is watching a boy who draws creepy pictures.  Things just start to get creepier from there.  Great book!