Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Immortality: A Love Story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Dana Schwartz’s Immortality: A Love Story, the sequel to Anatomy, attempts to expand on the gothic atmosphere and medical intrigue of its predecessor. It ultimately struggles to maintain momentum or deliver a satisfying continuation of the story. While there are moments of intrigue, the novel is marred by pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and a plot that often feels meandering and unfocused. The Details At the center…
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The Cloisters
The Cloisters by Katy Hays My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Cloisters in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Katy Hays’ debut novel, The Cloisters, is a captivating and atmospheric blend of historical mystery and academic intrigue. It keeps readers on edge from beginning to end. Set primarily within the mystical, ivy-draped walls of The Cloisters, a gothic museum in New York City renowned for its medieval art collection, this novel explores the dark undercurrents of ambition, power, and obsession. The story follows Ann Stilwell, a young academic who…
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The Book of Pearl
The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Book of Pearl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle is a captivating and enchanting tale. It seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and romance. The novel is set in a world where reality and imagination intertwine. The story takes readers on a magical journey through time and space. It weaves together the lives of its diverse cast of characters in a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. The…
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Women of the Dunes
Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Women of the Dunes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Maine’s Women of the Dunes is a haunting and atmospheric novel that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the enduring power of myth. The Details Set against the rugged backdrop of the Scottish coast, the story follows the intertwining lives of three women separated by centuries but connected by fate. In the present day, archaeologist Libby Snow…
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The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife
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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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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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…
