Mini Reviews

 

This was a lot of fun! I've been waiting for my hold on the first Witcher book to come in for a re-read, and this was a great way to feel the wait. It's a different perspective on the Witcher lore, set against a different backdrop. A lot of Japanese lore was woven into the story, and it still held onto everything I love about the original stories. This is one I wish wasn't a standalone because I'd read a whole series in this universe.

This was fun! It reminded me of the show they had on the Disney Channel a thousand years ago, with only a few problems, well, one problem. That isn't so much a problem because you know Hades has met him before, but I preferred the old school kind of batty Icarus instead of this weird bro version. However, turning Jason of Argo into a musclehead bro was fantastic and hilarious. I was all about that. The Minotaur was my favorite character! All he wanted was his blankie and a cookie! 

This did a really great job at sticking with canon. Though someone involved with this project definitely shipped Sherlock and John. Because they had a few moments where I was like, 'Are they going to kiss?'. I've seen a couple of reviews that rained on that person's parade, but honestly, I don't think it pulled away from anything. This is an adaptation, so they are allowed to take a few liberties, and none of those affected the actual plot of the book. I really hope these two do a couple more manga in the Sherlock Holmes universe. I really liked this, and I'm in love with John's coat!

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

 Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous folks at Breaking the Spine.

Gwen is sick of hiding—hiding the fact that she’s taken over her father’s blacksmithing duties, hiding her attraction to girls, hiding her yearning for glory as a knight.

Meanwhile, Lady Isobelle of Avington, queen bee of the castle, has never once considered hiding who she is—until now. She’s been chosen as the grand prize in the Tournament of Dragonslayers, to be given to whichever knight can claim her hand. And for the first time in her life, she can’t talk her way out of trouble.

When Isobelle discovers Gwen’s knightly ambitions, they hatch a scheme together—Gwen will joust in the tournament, disguised as Sir Gawain. Winning means freedom for Isobelle, and glory for Gwen. Losing means… well, let’s not go there.

One thing’s for sure: falling in love was never the plan.

But the best laid plans…are often trampled all over by dragons.

Why I'm Waiting: For those that follow me on Instagram, you know I'm very much not waiting. But I do want to add this to my stack of Amie Kaufman books! 

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

       

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes, the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday, I'll post some of my favorite book covers. Coming soon!

A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.

Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.

Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends. 

When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.

But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…

HAPPY READING!!

Woman at the Devil's Door - Review

Author: Sarah Beth Hopton

Genre: True Crime

Format: Audiobook

Hours: 7 hours and 43 minutes

This was one of those impulse listens. The audiobook I'd planned on listening to was still on hold, but I needed something to listen to at work in the early mornings. So I quickly flipped the the library's true crime option and this cover was the first to catch my attention. Then add on the fact that I'd never heard of the case before, and I was sold. Plus, at only seven hours long, I'd have finished before the end of my work week. What I didn't expect was how batty this case was becoming and how invested I was going to get. 

Or, how passionate. Because I co-worker popped up toward the end and asked me about it, and I got riled up telling her about it. This case is seriously nutsy. Like something you'd binge-watch on TV because it's so bad you can't stop watching the next episode. Only this is a real case in the real world, with real people.

I'm still sitting on this one.

This wasn't a story that slowly rolls you into the crime, where there is a desperate hunt for the killer. Right from the first chapter, I knew who my money was on, and quickly, with every passing second, I was proven correct. Early on, it feels like a pretty open and shut case, all the evidence stacked up against Mary Eleanor Pearcy. The physical evidence in her home matches the evidence they found on the body, to the way Mary was acting when she went to help identify the body. It's all very suspicious.

But, as the book points out, several times, it's all circumstantial because despite all the evidence, there is no real proof that the blood is the victim's (Phoebe Hogg). Of the two medical doctors who looked over the body, neither could state exactly what struck Pheobe, killing her, and the knife used to nearly sever her head was never found. Still, Mrs. Pearcy had to know something. There were too many coincidences that led to her door. 

In 1890, there was little in the way of forensic science as we think of it now, and the other Ripper case was still fresh in everyone's mind. So I understand the haste and the pressure to solve and convict this case. While there is no doubt in my mind that Mary was involved in this murder. As for a motive, well, Phoebe wanted her husband to move them away, and Mary has already stated once in a letter that she couldn't live without him. So maybe Mrs. Hogg's push to leave was enough to drive Mary to do what she did.

I don't think it was a thought plan, I think it was a heat-of-the-moment kind of thing. Where one thing led to another, and then someone got hurt. I also don't believe that Mrs Pearcy acted alone. The point is brought only once, but how could a woman of Mrs. Pearcy's size get the dead weight of Mrs. Hogg's in a pram and then push her away? There isn't a doubt in my mind that she had helped at the very least disposing of the body, and part of me still thinks it was the husband, Frank.

Lots of things in this case don't add up. Some of it has to do with Mrs. Pearcy's mental health. Others just come from the fact that I don't think Frank or his family seemed to care that Phoebe was dead. In fact, I think he tried to poison her at one point, and Mrs. Pearcy accidentally, or maybe that was the point for Mary, to nurse Mrs. Hoggs back to health. To ensure that his wife and his girlfriend somehow became close.

Another part of my thinks Frank's mother was involved. The interview with her was weird and still sits funny with me.

Either way, this was a hell of a ride for only seven hours and has had me spinning theories even days later. It's an interesting and the book was detailed not just on the case, but on some of the history of London's court. It was really good and a great way to pass the early morning. I'm glad I picked this one up.

    

HAPPY READING!!

Book Haul & Author Event

Someone in a reading slump needs more books, but when you go to a reading event, there is a bookstore across the street. What is a person to do? It was an adorable manga store. I could have spent more money on it because I love stationery. I  need more of that, the same way I need more books. So maybe next time, because there will be a next time. A couple of manga I was looking for, they didn't have the book in the series I'm on, and the ones I did find, well, their book is one in their series. So I'll have to go back to snag the next one. Plus, I have cafes and lunch spots I want to visit in the CID of Seattle. Nothing like a little lunch date with myself and a stop at the bookstore!

Also, last night I finally had the chance to meet one of my favorite grimdark fantasy authors! I've been really excited about this event and Joe Abercrombie's new book. I've been thinking of jumping back into the First Law series. But I had a great time listening to Abercrombie talk about his new book The Devils, his process, his characters, and so much more!

The Devils is one of my top hopefuls to read this summer! 

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

 Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous folks at Breaking the Spine.

The Inner Temple, 1901: a warren of shaded courtyards and ancient buildings that has formed the heart of legal London for hundreds of years. A place where tradition is everything, the police enter only by consent, and murder is only to be found in the case archives. Until now…

At precisely two minutes to seven every morning, Gabriel Ward KC steps out of his rooms in the Inner Temple, presses his oak front door three times to ensure it is locked, and walks to his office to begin his day. Except for today.

Today, the dead body of the Lord Chief Justice of England, immaculately clad in evening dress except for his bare feet, is lying on his doorstep – with one of the silver Temple carving knives sticking out of his chest.
As rumour and gossip fly round the chambers and the press set up camp outside the gates, an internal investigation is ordered by the head of the Temple, who coerces a very unwilling Gabriel into taking charge.

Paired with the eager young Constable Wright, he must draw on every bit of his legal training to solve the case – but not before he discovers that there are more surprising, and sometimes sinister, secrets hiding behind those heavy oak doors than he'd ever imagined.

The first in a brand-new series introducing a wonderfully eccentric sleuth, perfect for fans of S.J. Bennett and Richard Coles.

Why I'm Waiting: Because this sounded really good, but I had to Google what "KC' meant and what exactly the Inner Temple is. Both answers got my attention, and since I know nothing about them and they're being presented in the form of a cozy murder mystery. I figure it would be perfect for me. Learn something know and solve a murder. Sounds fun to me!

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

From the deserts of the Southwest to the shining Atlantic Coast, the USA is as sweet as it gets. In this tour de food, B. Dylan Hollis takes you on a delicious road trip to taste everything from the coffee-crazed creations of the Pacific Northwest to the larger-than-life sheet cakes of Texas.

You’ll be hitting the pavement in vintage style as you journey with Dylan through the culture capitals of America to savor the very best bakes the nation has to offer. His retro recipes span the decades from the 1900s to the 2000s and feature famous (and forgotten) desserts from every state.

With his signature wry humor, Dylan explores the US and uncovers the history of nostalgic local favorites, including Boston Cream Pie on the cobbled streets of Beantown, Beignets in the sultry heat of jazzy New Orleans, and Date Cream scooped up poolside in Palm Springs.

Baking Across America is the highly anticipated successor to Baking Yesteryear and delivers 100 wild, wacky, and wonderful recipes from every star-spangled corner of the good ol’ US of A.

HAPPY READING!!

SBC Block Party

I had a great time with the Queer Seattle Silent Book Club at their first every block party! The Chinese International District is a part of Seattle that I don't get to enough, and it felt like a great way to spend an afternoon. Not only exploring but also meeting new readers. Also, I finally feel like I'm climbing out of this reading slump.

Or, at least, realizing the reasons for it. 

That is besides the point. I met some great people, and the cafe had a Nutella latte that I will be returning for! That was the easiest trip on the train. So easy to add to my list of things to do this summer in the sun!

When it came to where to read, I just picked the first place I came across. Which, considering the latte, was a great choice, but there was a bookstore I needed to visit. And, rumor has it, the other cafe on the block party list has a cat! 

I mean, I get great fat cat snuggles at home, but I could always use more in my life. 

I will definitely have to try to make way to more of their events this year. Though next month, my dance card for May is overflowing. But I'd love for them to do another one of these. It was a lot a fun, I always love meeting new readers. Seeing what books people are reading, what books they've loved and hated this year!

So if you're in Seattle and looking to connect with other readers. Check them out on Instagram (@queer_silentbookclubseattle).

HAPPY READING!! 

Cover Runway Sunday

      

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes, the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday, I'll post some of my favorite book covers. Coming soon!

Two years ago Mercy Gray was hailed as a hero for saving lives during a mall shooting. She still carries souvenirs from that incident: the fragment of a bullet lodged in her back, a mountain of medical debt, and guilt for ignoring her sister’s warnings that the sweet boy next door was anything but.

When billionaire-turned-TV-host Damien Dare recruits Mercy to compete on his new survivalist reality show, she can’t turn down a chance at the whopping cash prize that could send her sister to college—but when she and the other contestants arrive at the off-grid location, something isn’t right. The set is empty. The gates close without warning, trapping them inside. Then one of them turns up dead. What appeared at first to be a tragic accident quickly transforms as more contestants start dying. With time and resources running low, surviving this show takes on a new meaning.

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous folks at Breaking the Spine.

 

Laurel Poppyfield, matriarch of the fairy Poppyfield family, is dying. She holds the majority of the Poppyfields’ magic, and has no heir to give it to. Or so she thought until Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish walked into the family estate trying to find someone to heal Declan’s wing. It turns out Declan is Laurel’s grandson and practically fairy royalty, and the timing of his arrival could not be more perfect.

Not everyone is happy about Declan’s sudden appearance, though. Leir, one of Lasser’s older brothers, has worked for years to become a trusted presence in the Poppyfield home. He was Laurel’s top choice to inherit the family’s magic before Declan showed up, and he’s not about to let his plans get ruined. It’s up to Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish to thwart his nefarious schemes before the Poppyfield magic falls into the wrong hands.

The third installment of Katie Cook’s Nothing Special collects the final 25 episodes of Season 2 of the webcomic.

What I'm Waiting: Because I'm in love with this series, and I need to know what happens next. Mostly because I want Lasser to have nice things, and he was so close to a very nice thing!

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Young Ciri's extensive training at Kaer Morhen, the witchers' stronghold, includes everything she needs to learn to survive the many threats in her world ... as well as all the antics and fun of a little girl bonding with her adoptive dad and family.

With help from Geralt and Ciri's closest companions—including the motherly magic of Yennefer of Vengerberg, and the wisdom of uncle Vesemir—these adorable tales of a non-traditional family will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you realize that raising a Little Witcher is not that different from raising any other kid. Sure, bedtime stories might include warnings of monsters who fart when surprised, and Geralt might invoke the Witcher Code to get Ciri to brush her teeth or clean her room, but even the formidable White Wolf knows when to surrender when it comes to bedtime battles or Afternoon Tea with the toys.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

    

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes, the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday, I'll post some of my favorite book covers. Coming soon!

In this fresh and immersive murder mystery that riffs on crime classics, the reader is put in the role of the Great Detective, reinvestigating an infamous never-before-solved case from 1970s England.

You are invited to a very special murder mystery party. The game is simple: Listen to the witnesses. Examine the evidence. Solve the case. Be careful. Trust no one. All might not be as it seems.

If you agree to play the role of the Great Detective, you must undertake to provide a complete solution to the case. A verdict is not enough. We need to know who did it, how they did it, and why. Are you ready? Can you solve the ultimate murder mystery—and catch a killer?

A word of warning: Unsolved mysteries are not permitted. . . .

HAPPY READING!!

Night Worms Unboxing

May Theme: Sun & Moon

It's at Night Worms day! The best part of the month! I've been excited about this package because of Nat Cassidy's new book! I don't know much about Todd Keisling, but he gets props for creating that briocher as part of his book promos. For a solid minute, I was so confused about what I was holding while my roommate was telling me a story, and then I slowly realized that, yes, I had pulled that from the package. But also, it was for the retirement home in the book. So I've got high hopes for The Sundowner's Dance.

Okay, let's talk about both of these stickers. They are absolutely adorable, and wouldn't you know, I have a new water bottle. With space for some stickers. Both of these are amazing! I'm also really excited to try this one. It sounds like it tastes delicious, it's all my favorite flavors shoved together. Definitely have to get myself a cup of that soon! 

Another amazing package, filled with two great books and amazing goodie bags! My absolutely favorite part of the month!

HAPPY READING!!

Reading Check-in

So we're officially a third of the way through 2025, and I feel like we should be farther into the year just a third. Honestly, I feel like we should be more like halfway through the year at this point. Both March and April felt like they dragged right along, though I doubt May does the same. I went from having a couple of things on my calendar, to having almost every single one of days off claimed with something from book events to concerts. It's all going to be a lot of fun, but I feel like in June I'm going to want to just hang with myself for a bit. 

I posted a bit of an update back in April because I'm going to miss one of my local SBC events this month. Because Joe Abercrombie, a favorite author of mine, is going to be in town the same day, and the last time he was in town, I couldn't get off work to go see him talk about his books. So I couldn't miss him this time around. But, I am going to a Reading Block Party this month. So technically I'm still gonna kind of, sort of, meet that 12 SBC event. It just won't be for my local chapter!

Books to Read: 27 of 70

Pages to Read: 5,222 of 15,000

As for the rest of my goals, I'm currently ahead on almost everything (we are very much not gonna talk about the TBR goal). Last month was the best reading month of the year, so far. Hard to tell what this month will bring. At the time of writing this, I'm reading three really good books. All very different in genres, but I'm enjoying all three. My audiobook for work is a re-read because I want to jump back into the First Law universe. But I forgot how much the first book was to set the scene for the universe, and at times it's so much talking, and I have to break. It's still great, and I love being reintroduced to some of my favorite fantasy characters. But I'd love a tiny bit more action from literally anyone at this point.

Side bar though, I'm reading the Golden Girls murder mystery and I'm nearly halfway through, and so far it's been so much fun. My biggest complaint is that I'm near the halfway point, and I have not been asked to picture anything. Not a single thing...

Who knows what the warmer months will bring to my reading goals? Some summer months, I read a lot, and sometimes it's a struggle to pick up any kind of book. I have high hopes, though. I bought a brand new picnic blanket last year at the end of the summer, which I am totally going to store in the car for after work. Plus, I hear a rumor that PNW might actually see warm weather. I'd like that, please. I feel like I'm more motivated to do things if it's sunny. 

I need to be more motivated. There's just so many books on my TBR, and it won't stop getting bigger.

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous folks at Breaking the Spine.

When a rock musician learns her ex-boyfriend is the Biblical Antichrist, she must find a way to stop him before he grows powerful enough to end the world. DAISY JONES AND THE SIX meets THE OMEN in this novel about music, love, free will, and the apocalypse …

At the end of 1999, The Shivers fought Universal Priest in the Armageddon Battle of the Bands in Bethlehem, PA. What started the riot that claimed the lives of nine teens and left dozens more battered and bruised?

In 2010, The Shivers’ frontwoman Lily Lawless walked into a police station to confess to murder. Why did she do it, and why did she wait ten years to confess?

The punk band broke up after Lily’s arrest, its members refusing to talk to the press. What secrets were they protecting?

And who, really, was Drake Morgan, one-time frontman for The Shivers who went on to form the dystopian rock band Universal Priest?

In this oral history, the members of The Shivers finally tell all about how a rock band that inspired a generation might have saved the world.

Why I'm Waiting: I mean, Craig had me as the Anti-Christ being the frontman of a band in the 90s.

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Mary Darling is a pretty wife whose boring husband is befuddled by her independent ways. But one fateful night, Mary becomes the distraught mother whose three children have gone missing from their beds.

After her well-meaning uncle John Watson contacts the greatest detective of his era (but perhaps not that great), Mary is Sherlock Holmes’s prime suspect in her children’s disappearance. To save her family, Mary must escape London—and an attempt to have her locked away as mad—to travel halfway around the world.

Despite the interference of Holmes, Mary gathers allies in her quest: Sam, a Solomon Islander whose village was destroyed by contact with Western civilization; Ruby, a Malagasy woman on an island that everyone thinks is run by pirates (though it’s actually run by women); Captain Hook and the crew of the Jolly Roger; and of course, Nana, the faithful dog and nursemaid.

In a witty and adventurous romp, The Adventures of Mary Darling draws on the histories of women and people indigenous to lands that Britain claimed, telling the stories of those who were ignored or misrepresented along the way.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

      

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes, the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday, I'll post some of my favorite book covers. Coming soon!

When mysterious ads for the Ghost Show appear around town, nobody can tell what it is. A band? A movie? A game? But that magic word—ghost—excites Hazel Gold, or Zel to her friends. As founder of her school’s Creepy Club (three members strong!), she’s always looking for paranormal activity.

Turns out the Ghost Show is a black, five-story skull that appears on the edge of town as a supernatural attraction. Stepping inside, the Creepy Club is greeted by the eccentric Amadeus Everest Mancer, a self-proclaimed ghost catcher who guides them through an aquarium full of vaporous floaty things—sheets that cover gobs of dripping red goo.

Then Mancer offers Zel what she’s always the chance to see a real ghost. But it turns out to be more than she bargained for. To stop him, the Creepy Club must fight a massive ghost infestation and free the trapped souls within, culminating in chilling battle that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.

HAPPY READING!!

May Spotlight

 

So I haven't read the original series this month's Spotlight is based on, but it's something I'm hoping to fix this summer. I think in honor of this book being released, it should be my next audiobook. I adored the TV series and the graphic novel series that just recently came out. So I have high, high hopes for this one!

Young Ciri's extensive training at Kaer Morhen, the witchers' stronghold, includes everything she needs to learn to survive the many threats in her world ... as well as all the antics and fun of a little girl bonding with her adoptive dad and family.

With help from Geralt and Ciri's closest companions—including the motherly magic of Yennefer of Vengerberg, and the wisdom of uncle Vesemir—these adorable tales of a non-traditional family will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you realize that raising a Little Witcher is not that different from raising any other kid. Sure, bedtime stories might include warnings of monsters who fart when surprised, and Geralt might invoke the Witcher Code to get Ciri to brush her teeth or clean her room, but even the formidable White Wolf knows when to surrender when it comes to bedtime battles or Afternoon Tea with the toys.

HAPPY READING!!