The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife by Liese Sherwood-Fabre My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Liese Sherwood-Fabre’s The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife is a captivating and inventive addition to the Sherlock Holmes pastiche genre, offering readers an intriguing glimpse into the formative years of the world’s most famous detective. This novel serves as the first in the “Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes” series, and it skillfully combines historical detail with a richly imagined backstory for…
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Terraformer
Terraformer by Colleen Houck My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Terraformer in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story centres around a young protagonist named Astra Meador, who is part of a pioneering team tasked with transforming a barren planet into a habitable world. As Astra and her teamwork against the clock to complete their mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and mysteries that threaten not only their mission but also their lives. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, as the team uncovers secrets about the planet and…
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The Night Girl
The Night Girl by James Bow My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night Girl by James Bow is a charming and inventive urban fantasy novel that reimagines the bustling city of Toronto as a magical playground where humans and faeries coexist in secret. Blending elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, Bow creates a captivating world filled with wonder, danger, and unexpected connections. The Details At the heart of the story is Perpetua “Pet” Farnham, a young woman with a…
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Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons
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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Olav Audunssøn I. Vows
Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Olav Audunssøn I. Vows in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset is a masterful historical novel that transports readers to medieval Norway, where love, honor, and ambition collide in a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. Undset, a Nobel Prize-winning author, demonstrates her unparalleled skill in crafting richly detailed narratives and complex characters that resonate with depth and authenticity. The Details At the heart of the story is Olav…
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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…
