Indie Bookstore Day

If ever there was a good reason to go out and get that book you've been thinking about reading, a day to break that book-buying ban, today that is that. Because it is Independent Bookstore Day! Now, I have to work today because it's Saturday and my day to open, but I am also very lucky that my local bookstore is just right around the corner from the kitchen I work in. So during my break, I'll be able to run over and support them today! Because I'll take any excuse to add books to my shelves. Though at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm officially out of room on all my bookcases.

So today is the day to get that book you've had your eye on. If you can't get out to go to a shop in person, don't forget about bookshop.org, they allow you to shop online and support a local shop anywhere. Either way, in case you needed a reason to get yourself a little bookish treat, here's me, giving you that excuse. I'll be using it today. Hopefully to add another cozy murder mystery to my Summer TBR. 

HAPPY READING!!

Book Mail

I got some of my favorite kind of book mail yesterday, the kind I forgot I ordered. A few weeks ago while I was sorting through shelves, I realized I didn't own all of Edgar Cantero's book. In fact, I was missing my favorite one, Supernatural Enhancements. There was a reason for that, I am not a fan of the paperback cover. So I put off adding to my collection, thinking I'd surely, at some point, find the hardback with the library cover. Because I was in love with that cover. Fast forward to maybe six years later, I still don't have it because it's become hard to find.

So, what do I do? Head to Google of course to see if someone is selling a copy. And, wouldn't you know I found a cute little shop on Etsy that was selling exactly what I needed. 

Then of course, because it was coming from Canada, time passed, and with work and me getting ready to go see my family the in Middle, I forgot I ordered anything. Until I went to check the mail and there was a book-shaped package in my mailbox. I was confused for half a second until I realized what it was. Finally, I get to add this to my shelves, but not after a quick little re-read. Because I remember absolutely loving this book, and it is the reason I've added Cantero's two other English books to my shelves.

So a huge thank you to Novel Realms Used Books on Etsy, you can find them here! Because look at this thing! Ugh, I have so many books I want to read, but now I just really want to re-read this one!

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 at Breaking the Spine.

Groundhog Day meets Guardians of the Galaxy in Django Wexler’s laugh-out-loud fantasy tale about a young woman who, tired of defending humanity from the Dark Lord, decides to become the Dark Lord herself.

Davi has done this all before. She’s tried to be the hero and take down the all-powerful Dark Lord. A hundred times she’s rallied humanity and made the final charge. But the time loop always gets her in the end. Sometimes she’s killed quickly. Sometimes it takes a while. But she’s been defeated every time.

This time? She’s done being the hero and done being stuck in this endless time loop. If the Dark Lord always wins, then maybe that’s who she needs to be. It’s Davi’s turn to play on the winning side.

HAPPY READING!!

April's Silent Book Club

Another great turnout with lots of returning faces! I'm happy people are enjoying these meet-ups, and I've also been enjoying seeing what everyone is reading. Honestly, this was the last day I even had the energy to pick up anything to read. My week got busy! This is one of the reasons I really like the idea of Silent Book Club. I at least know I'll have this one day, one hour, to bust through what I've been reading, or maybe just start something new.

Don't worry if you missed the April meet-up, we'll be doing it again on May 15! We'll still be taking over Leftcraft from 7pm to 9pm. So you can over Instagram to @silentbookclubedmonds for more information! Or RSVP through the Bookclubs app! Hope to see you all in May!

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'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

Between her careless mom, her cheating ex-boyfriend, and her rotten reputation around town, Annie Lane is used to being left behind. But she’s never been left for dead before—until she wakes up to find her body’s been dumped on a mountain rumored to raise the dead.

Annie can’t remember who killed her, but she’ll stop at nothing to figure it out and make them pay. Because girls like her don’t get justice unless they take it for themselves.

HAPPY READING!!

Mini Reviews

Okay, this was almost a three, nearly two-star book. What drew me into this was the idea of the story as a whole. This wasn't about the victim of the crime or the do-er, it was about the parent. And for me, that was an interesting point of view to have through the case. Because it was the mother trying to solve the crime. No, it's not a spoiler, the title of the book gives it away. The second thing was it's read by AJ Cook, I was sold basically with just that fact alone. And this book starts off with a bang and I was sucked in and listened to it while I was doing my opening duties at work, while I did housework, but at about the half mark, I started to fade with this. But I was told by a friend to keep going, get through the hump of doubt, and the ending will be worth it. It was a hundred percent. In fact, I had to listen to the ending twice! It smacked me right out of left field because I was so focused on the mother, on Chloe, that I forgot to think about anything else. So for that ending alone four stars! 

Cassandra Khaw's book always calls me. From the absolutely stunning covers to the actual synopsis of the books, yet for some reason, I've never picked one up. Despite the fact, I'm pretty sure I own two of them. So while I was flipping through Libby the other day looking for a quick read to wind down after my shift, I stumbled across These Deathless Bones. It had no holds and was under a hundred pages. I was sold. I loved this and its cliffhanger ending. It's a weird little story about a stepmother who almost kind of wanted to love her stepson. But, maybe some children are born bad. I loved that we got dropped into the middle of the story right at the climax of what could have easily been another book. I loved that we sort of got a complete ending. To the point, you're stratified, but not at the same time. Like I totally could have used like twenty more pages. Also, I'm cool with not knowing because I can imagine all ended well, though it probably didn't. There was probably bloodshed. But, what this book really did was prove to me I really need to read the other books I own by Khaw because I really liked her storytelling style!

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 at Breaking the Spine.

Get ready to solve the mystery at the heart of this middle grade adventure about family—and a house with a mind of its own.

Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn’t solve. So when their Dad’s spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the perfect road trip to Dad’s childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There's something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit “Eklunds' Puzzle House,” the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened. They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee’s logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee’s best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind. Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle… if the House itself doesn’t stop them first.

Why I'm Waiting: This sounds like it'll be a lot of fun to read and unravel! 

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Be careful who you fall for...

Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count—the killer kind. Handsome and privileged, the Crestmont brothers' have enough wealth to ensure they’ll never be found guilty of any wrongdoing, even if all of Happy Valley believes they're behind the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First there was soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie’s ex, who mysteriously drowned at the family lake house. Then, a year later, Trevor’s girlfriend died of a suspicious overdose.

But the Crestmonts aren’t the only ones with secrets. Lauren O'Brian might be the new girl at school, but she's never been a good girl. With a dark past of her own, she's desperate for a fresh start. Except when she starts a no-strings-attached relationship with Robbie, her chance is put in jeopardy. During what’s meant to be their last weekend together, Lauren stumbles across shocking evidence that just might implicate Robbie.

With danger closing in, Lauren doesn't know who to trust. And after a third death rocks the town, she must decide whether to end things with Robbie or risk becoming another cautionary tale.

HAPPY READING!!

Book Haul

I went thrifting last week and came home with all kinds of treasures: a new blanket, some new glasses, and of course books. Honestly, I was surprised I found any books. This particular thrift store is kind of hit or miss on their book selection. It's not terrible, but not the usual type of read. But luck was on my side last week. Because I lucked on not only goodies but managed some work clothes as well. I work in a kitchen, so I prefer to get my work pants second-hand because I'm rough on them between deep cleans and grease. The bleach stains are real.

This haul is full of nostalgia! One of my favorite shows growing up was Eerie Indian, and I had no idea there were books attached to the show. So I couldn't pick this one up. Five Total Strangers has been on my TBR for at least a year. I can't decide if it's a curl-up in front of the fire read or a poolside read. But, I can sort that out once the pool opens. 

As for the R.L. Stone book, well he's been an auto-buy author for me since grade school. So I never turn down the chance to add more of his books to my shelves.

The Fright Time, I've never heard of the series. However, I remember some 90s young adult horror giving me the creeps as a kid. So this will be an interesting read if not a creepy one.  

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'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

A violent storm washes a mysterious house onto a rural Pacific Northwest beach, stopping the heart of the only woman who knows what it means. Her grandson, Simon Culpepper, vanishes in the aftermath, leaving two of his childhood friends to comb the small, isolated island for answers―but decades have passed since Melissa and Leo were close, if they were ever close at all.

Now they'll have to put aside old rivalries and grudges if they want to find or save the man who brought them together in the first place―and on the way they'll learn a great deal about the sinister house on the beach, the man who built it, and the evil he's bringing back to Marrowstone Island.

HAPPY READING!!

Mini Reviews

 

This was really good. I went into this not really knowing what to expect, and I feel like that was the best way to go about it. It has the setup of a typical vampire book, but yet it's kind of not. Because for half a second, I thought we might get a happy ending. I also like how this book was gritty without being gross. It all sort of meshed together. Along with the fact this story is being told years later, so you wonder how much this person really still remembers. It leaves you wanting more, but at the same time totally works for a short story because you need more. I definitely need to pick up more books by Polansky.

This was both very weird and very accurate. I work in a kitchen, have off and on from well over a decade, and I will say we have the weirdest eating habits. I also believe that kitchen staff would defend a wounded vampire. No I will not be taking questions at this time. This was my second book by Stephen Graham Jones, and I definitely liked it better than the Night Mannaquins. Part of it was a connected more with this main character more, and I really liked this story a lot more. Because I totally didn't realize it was a creature feature until nearly the end. And that ending. Loved it. I'll definitely be given this author more of try this year. I might even go back and re-read Night Mannaquins, give it a second a chance.

HAPPY READING!!

Reading Challenge Update

We're three months into 2024, and it seems like a good time to check in with reading challenges. This year's BINGO card is definitely harder than last year. Looking back I had a little over half the board crossed off, this time last year. While I've knocked quite a few squares off this year, I don't feel as confident I'll black out this board. Mostly because the 342 page square is haunting me. The Grim Reaper square is also giving me fits. While I've found a lot of books that feature a grim reaper, none are really books I read. So, that one's gonna require some digging. As for the others, eventually I'll manage them. At some point, it's still early enough in the year! 

I'm getting a slow start to the A to Z Challenge this year. While I have so many good, physical, books to read in my house, I've been reading on my Kindle mostly the last three months. I don't really have a good reason as to why. Mostly, that all of my library holds just keep coming in, and all of those are through Libby. Thus so many books on my Kindle. Though, I do have a couple of books on my shelf right now I'm itching to pick up. Both are fairly new additions, but I don't care.

I am kicking my Yearly Reading Goal ass though. At the currently standing I'm 22 books into this year, which is three books ahead of schedule according to Goodreads. Which considering in January I only mustered up the will to read two whole books, I'll take that win without complaint. At this point in the year I have no idea how my Pages Read Goal is going. Probably behind schedule since I've been reading a lot of novellas. But, again it's early in the year. So we'll see how the rest of 2024 unfolds. 

How is everyone else doing don't their reading goals so far?

HAPPY READING!!

Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone - Review

Author: Benjamin Steveson

Genre: Murder Mystery

Format: Hardback

Pages: 371

As the title says, everyone in Ernie's family has killed someone. Almost any way you could unalive someone is presented in this book in one way or another.  There is also a cheat sheet in the introduction letting you know how many murders, and at which point in the book they will appear. What the narrator, and author, leave out, is when exactly those murders take place.

The timeline on this jumps from past to present but does so in a way that flows well with the plot as a whole. Making every single jump to the past important to the plot in some shape and form. Some of those forms are minor to the plot, almost throwaway moments to explain how a person murders someone else. However, by the end of the book, you realize those little moments were probably the most important.

I liked Ernie as the narrator for this. He's honest about being unreliable in places because at the time he didn't know what he knew now. I always enjoy little fourth-wall breaks here and there. I think using a first-person narrative was the best option for this book. It gave the story more life and made it feel more personal for one of the characters. And while I can't say I'm Ernie's biggest fan, he's a pretty good detective.

The author does an amazing job of connecting all of the points by the end of the book. I don't think there was a single plot hole by the end of the book. The best part I was able to nail who the serial killer was. Called from the minute their story was told. What I didn't unravel was the what exactly was those photos.

That was a nice little twist at the end that I did not see coming.

All in all, this was a great read, and I've already picked up the second book in this series. I liked Stevenson's play on the stranded in the middle of nowhere murder mystery trope. So I'm even more excited to see what he does with the murder on a train trope! 

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 at Breaking the Spine.

After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers . . . that is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved! . . . or not. 

What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer . . . and if she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Why I'm Waiting: This sounds adorable and a lot of fun. I cannot wait to snag a copy!

HAPPY READING!!

April Silent Book Club

I'm once again here to announce it's almost time for the Edmonds Silent Book Club at Leftcraft! Come by at 7pm to get some snacks and drinks, we'll be kicking everything off at 7:30pm! It doesn't matter how, or what you're reading, all are welcome! I'll be reading A Botanical Daughter, next week. It's a Frankenstien-inspired story that hit shelves earlier this year. I can't wait to see what everyone else will be reading!

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'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

In the late 90s, five queer kids, whose parents want them “fixed,” find themselves thrown together at a secretive "tough love" camp deep in the scorching Utah desert.

Tormented and worked to the point of collapse by hardline religious zealots intent on straightening them out, they slowly become aware that something in the mountains north of the camp is speaking to them in their dreams, and that the children who return home to their families have...changed.

   HAPPY READING!!

Night Worms Unboxing

April Theme: Echoes of Frankenstein 

It's finally here! I've been really excited about this one because Frankenstein is one of my favorite books! So I'm always excited to jump into retellings of the story, the author, or any of the above. Which means I was really excited to get my hands on A Botanical Daughter. As luck would have it I just wrapped my physical read, and the one I picked only has half my attention. So I'm all for jumping ship into a new book! As for the other book that came this month, while I don't know a lot about it, a friend of mine had it on their TBR. So they've claimed for themselves to read first! 

And, the goodie bag this month! The coffee smells so good, I can't wait to brew it up. I really liked the last batch we got from this company. So I have high hopes for this one. And, the sticker. I'll be holding onto that one for a while because I'm going to need the perfect home for it! Ugh, and the magnet is adorable, I love him so much. Hands down my favorite part of this month's package. He's so cute!

Without a doubt, this will be my favorite Night Worms package this year!

HAPPY READING!!    

Mini Reviews

 

Without a doubt I snagged this from the library because of the cover. Also the back cover gave me buddy copy vibes, and the 90s baby in me was very excited. As a whole this hit very middle of the road for me. I wanted to like the plot as a whole a lot more than I did, and the pacing of this book felt like we were sprinting to the finish line. Honestly I could have done with more pages, a bit more build up inside the house with the creature. I will say I adored Ford and Neuland. Their banter was kept me reading. I would read more books with them as the main character. I just wish I hadn't felt like I was being rushed through a story without getting to enjoy the little things about this book.

Of all seven books in this series, this is probably my least favorite of the bunch. Judge Dee gets called to the castle because one of the vampires is the center of a murderous plot. Because literally everyone inside his castle wants him dead. It has sort of a letdown of an ending, I was seriously rooting for the coffin maker. There were some high points in this book. Mostly the twins were the best part, I wish we would have gotten more. They gave definite The Shining vibes. 

HAPPY READING!!

April Spotlight Read

 

I have been gathering up cozy murder mysteries this year like a squirrel hoards nuts before winter. Maybe because this will be the summer of the cozy little murder mysteries, I'm not sure. But to keep with the theme, this month's Spotlight feels like a cozy murder mystery. Something fun to read by the pool, at the beach, or outside of the coffee shop. Doesn't matter I'm so freaking excited for this one, and it's already on out! It was released this Tuesday. So run don't walk to the bookstore, the library, or wherever you get books! Do it! I'm going to! 

Two unlikely allies race through the cobbled streets of 1920s London in search of a killer targeting Chinese immigrants.

London, 1924. When shy academic Lao She meets larger-than-life Judge Dee Ren Jie, his life abruptly turns from books and lectures to daring chases and narrow escapes. Dee has come to London to investigate the murder of a man he’d known during World War I when serving with the Chinese Labour Corps. No sooner has Dee interviewed the grieving widow than another dead body turns up. Then another. All stabbed to death with a butterfly sword. Will Dee and Lao be able to connect the threads of the murders—or are they next in line as victims?

John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan’s groundbreaking collaboration blends traditional gong'an crime fiction and the most iconic aspects of the Sherlock Holmes canon. Dee and Lao encounter the aristocracy and the street-child telegraph, churchmen and thieves in this clever, cinematic mystery that’s as thrilling and visual as an action film, as imaginative and transporting as a timeless classic.

HAPPY READING!!