Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons by David Stafford My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Set in 1930s England, the novel follows the exploits of barrister Arthur Skelton, who is drawn into a perplexing case involving suspected poisoning. When Harriet Bugler is accused of murdering her husband, Skelton takes on the challenge of defending her. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns as Skelton navigates the complexities of the case, uncovering hidden secrets and confronting a…
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The Day Lincoln Lost
The Day Lincoln Lost by Charles Rosenberg My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Day Lincoln Lost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story is set against the backdrop of the 1860 presidential election, a pivotal moment in American history. Rosenberg presents a scenario where Lincoln’s victory is not assured. The novel explores the ramifications of a contentious and closely contested election, where political maneuvering and legal battles play crucial roles. As Lincoln faces formidable opponents and a divided nation, the narrative delves into the complex dynamics of…
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Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery
Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery by Laurie Williamson and Chet Williamson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Murder Old and New: A Better Days Mystery in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story follows the investigation of a murder that links the past with the present. The protagonist, a seasoned detective, delves into a mystery that spans decades, uncovering secrets that have been buried for years. The dual timelines are woven seamlessly, providing a rich tapestry of historical context and modern-day sleuthing. The Details The characters…
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Just Get Home
Just Get Home by Bridget Foley My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Just Get Home in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Just Get Home by Bridget Foley is a gripping novel that combines elements of thriller and drama, focusing on the harrowing journey of two women trying to survive in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Los Angeles. The narrative explores themes of survival, resilience, and the unexpected bonds formed in times of crisis. The Details The story follows Beegie, a teenage runaway, and Dessa, a single mother,…
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Ladies of the House
Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Ladies of the House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility, set in contemporary Washington D.C. This novel explores themes of family, scandal, and societal expectations, drawing parallels to Austen’s work while presenting a fresh perspective. The Details The story revolves around the Richardson sisters, Daisy and Wallis, and their mother, Cricket. The family’s comfortable life is upended when…
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Radar Girls
Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Radar Girls in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is a poignant and immersive historical fiction novel that shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii in the early 1940s, Ackerman skillfully weaves together a tale of courage, resilience, and camaraderie amidst the chaos of war. The Details At the center of the story is Daisy Wilder, a spirited young woman who defies…
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Nanny Dearest
Nanny Dearest by Flora Collins My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Nanny Dearest in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nanny Dearest by Flora Collins is a novel that intrigued me from the start with its interesting premise. The idea of a psychological thriller revolving around a nanny’s dark secrets held a lot of potential. Unfortunately, while the book starts strong, it ultimately fails to deliver on its promise. The Details The story centers around Sue Keller, who reconnects with her childhood nanny, Anneliese, after her parents’ deaths. As Sue…
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My Darling Husband
My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of My Darling Husband in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Kimberly Belle’s My Darling Husband is a gripping domestic thriller that explores the dark depths of family secrets and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The novel centers around a seemingly perfect couple, Jade and Cam Lasky, whose lives are upended when their home is invaded by a masked intruder. The Details The plot unfolds through alternating perspectives, primarily from Jade and Cam, as they…
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Trashlands
Trashlands by Alison Stine My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Trashlands in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Trashlands by Alison Stine is a dystopian novel set in a near-future world ravaged by climate change and environmental collapse. The story centers on Coral. Coral and the other inhabitants of this grim environment scavenge for plastic, the most valuable resource in this broken world. Coral encounters various characters whose lives are intertwined with the fate of Trashlands. The Details Stine excels at creating a vividly bleak and immersive setting. The harsh…
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Smile and Look Pretty
Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Smile and Look Pretty in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino is a contemporary fiction novel that follows the lives of four young women—Cate, Lauren, Max, and Olivia—who work as assistants in the cutthroat world of media and entertainment. Frustrated by the demeaning treatment and lack of recognition, they create an anonymous blog, “The Assistants,” to voice their grievances and expose the harsh realities of their work environments. As the…
