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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror in Books
May 17, 2018 (Updated May 18, 2018)
So this JUST came out. I'd had my eye on it for a few months, and put a request in as soon as my library ordered it. The author recently came out as trans, so it's also part of my effort to read more inclusively. Ortberg definitely played with gender and sexuality in several of these tales; in one of them people decided whether to be the husband or the wife, independent of their gender, in their marriage. (One party to the marriage in the story stated "I've been trained for both roles.") In another all of a man's daughters used male pronouns and that was never explored further. That was slightly odd.
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated Murder on the Half Shell in Books
Feb 5, 2020
Life’s Not Quite a Beach
Penelope Sutherland and her catering crew are working on a period mystery filming on an island in Florida. Penelope has hired a few locals to help out, including two teen girls who work part time as servers. After a party one Friday night, the teens disappear. Suspicion falls on Emilio, one of the chefs that Penelope studied under at culinary school. Penelope doesn’t want to believe her old teacher is guilty, but there is something in his past that makes Penelope doubt her judgement. Where are the girls? Who is responsible for what is going on?
It’s been a few years since I read the first in this series, and I didn’t remember who everyone was. Sadly, this book assumes you remember the relationships, and it took me longer than it should have to figure out those connections. The characters are good, but they don’t feel fully developed to me. I was pulled into the plot, however, with the missing teens making it easy to care about the outcome. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the climax was satisfying. Being able to visit a beach location during the winter was a great treat, and I found the balance of the mystery with the slower life of the island was well done. This is a quick read, and I enjoyed it.
It’s been a few years since I read the first in this series, and I didn’t remember who everyone was. Sadly, this book assumes you remember the relationships, and it took me longer than it should have to figure out those connections. The characters are good, but they don’t feel fully developed to me. I was pulled into the plot, however, with the missing teens making it easy to care about the outcome. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the climax was satisfying. Being able to visit a beach location during the winter was a great treat, and I found the balance of the mystery with the slower life of the island was well done. This is a quick read, and I enjoyed it.
ClareR (6037 KP) rated End of Story in Books
Apr 14, 2023
End of Story had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next - and completely bewildered.
It’s 2035, fiction has been banned for the last five years, and even owning a work of fiction is a criminal act. Fern Dostoy had won a prestigious book award before the laws came in to force, and now she isn’t allowed to write. She has random home checks by frightening men in suits, is threatened by imprisonment - or worse.
I found this a very disturbing read - I mean, I would be among the first to be booked in to a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure (aka, prison). And is this so very far from the truth right now?
Some aspects of the pandemic are referred to, especially the isolation that so many people struggled through.
This is a pretty bleak read, but I just loved it. It’s touching, too, and gave me a lot to think about. This isn’t a book to race through (or it at least needs a second read), because it throws up so many questions with regards to fiction, the arts and society in general.
As Fern says: “if you tell a story we’ll enough, it’s true”. I honestly hope not in this case!
Highly recommended - and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Louise for reading along with us.
It’s 2035, fiction has been banned for the last five years, and even owning a work of fiction is a criminal act. Fern Dostoy had won a prestigious book award before the laws came in to force, and now she isn’t allowed to write. She has random home checks by frightening men in suits, is threatened by imprisonment - or worse.
I found this a very disturbing read - I mean, I would be among the first to be booked in to a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure (aka, prison). And is this so very far from the truth right now?
Some aspects of the pandemic are referred to, especially the isolation that so many people struggled through.
This is a pretty bleak read, but I just loved it. It’s touching, too, and gave me a lot to think about. This isn’t a book to race through (or it at least needs a second read), because it throws up so many questions with regards to fiction, the arts and society in general.
As Fern says: “if you tell a story we’ll enough, it’s true”. I honestly hope not in this case!
Highly recommended - and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Louise for reading along with us.
Merissa (13583 KP) rated Out of Focus in Books
Apr 29, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)
OUT OF FOCUS is a short story about two men working behind the scenes in a Welsh theatre. They are opposites in the fact that one is charming and one seems almost dour. There are reasons for it, of course, but they don't come to light immediately.
I loved how we met other characters too, getting a hint into their lives, not just the main characters. Alex and Luke take centre stage though in this low-angst slow-burn-but-not-quite romance. The attraction has been there for a couple of years without either of them acting on it, but once Alex is injured, all bets are off.
As with all of this author's works, I found the small details absolutely brilliant, and really help to make the story one that intrigues and compels you to keep turning the pages.
Although I'm not a huge fan of short stories, this one went down a treat, with all the information I could need, including a perfect epilogue to keep me happy. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022
I loved how we met other characters too, getting a hint into their lives, not just the main characters. Alex and Luke take centre stage though in this low-angst slow-burn-but-not-quite romance. The attraction has been there for a couple of years without either of them acting on it, but once Alex is injured, all bets are off.
As with all of this author's works, I found the small details absolutely brilliant, and really help to make the story one that intrigues and compels you to keep turning the pages.
Although I'm not a huge fan of short stories, this one went down a treat, with all the information I could need, including a perfect epilogue to keep me happy. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022
Merissa (13583 KP) rated The Low Road in Books
Jan 23, 2024
THE LOW ROAD is a sombre story that starts in Norfolk and finishes in Australia. Hannah's life as a child is almost idyllic, living on a farm with her mother, together with the farmer and his wife. Unfortunately, it wasn't to last, and the death of the goodwife set in motion a sequence of events that would change Hannah's life forever.
Told from Hannah's perspective, in both present and past tense, you see how 'nicely' poor people were judged, even more so if they were female and the constant threat of unwanted attention. It explained how a child could be found guilty of its mother's 'moral' crimes, which was shocking by itself, but add it together with the rest, and it's one helluva story on every level.
I can't say as I was fully behind the love between Annie and Hannah, although I understand how it would be something to hold on to. It never seemed balanced and real to me, just convenient.
A gripping book to read on hard times in history; absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 22, 2024
Told from Hannah's perspective, in both present and past tense, you see how 'nicely' poor people were judged, even more so if they were female and the constant threat of unwanted attention. It explained how a child could be found guilty of its mother's 'moral' crimes, which was shocking by itself, but add it together with the rest, and it's one helluva story on every level.
I can't say as I was fully behind the love between Annie and Hannah, although I understand how it would be something to hold on to. It never seemed balanced and real to me, just convenient.
A gripping book to read on hard times in history; absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 22, 2024
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated The Devil Comes Calling in Books
Nov 10, 2025
Matthias and Emma Hunt the Devil
Detective Matthias Honeywell is called to the scene of a double homicide. The victims were found in a home being renovated and were shot execution style. One of them was Emma Anderson’s predecessor as a crime beat photographer for ErieLIVE. While Honeywell conducts his investigation, Emma begins to wonder if a co-worker is involved. But with a complication from Honeywell’s past in town, will that distract him from the case?
While it’s been two years for us since the previous book, it’s only been a few weeks for the characters. I recommend you read the previous book because this one picks up a storyline from that book; I wish I’d had time to reread it myself. Also, keep in mind this is a police procedural, not one of the cozies I often read and you’ll be fine. As always, this book started strongly and kept getting better. I was hooked long before I reached the logical yet surprising climax. Honeywell gets some very nice backstory here, and Emma continues to be a strong second viewpoint characters. The switches between the two are always easy to follow. The suspects are strong, and I’m happy to see the supporting characters continue to grow. This book was worth the wait. Dive into this series today.
While it’s been two years for us since the previous book, it’s only been a few weeks for the characters. I recommend you read the previous book because this one picks up a storyline from that book; I wish I’d had time to reread it myself. Also, keep in mind this is a police procedural, not one of the cozies I often read and you’ll be fine. As always, this book started strongly and kept getting better. I was hooked long before I reached the logical yet surprising climax. Honeywell gets some very nice backstory here, and Emma continues to be a strong second viewpoint characters. The switches between the two are always easy to follow. The suspects are strong, and I’m happy to see the supporting characters continue to grow. This book was worth the wait. Dive into this series today.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Ex in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Jack Harrison is an author who has suffered great loss in his life. In high school, he lost his mother. A few years later, his father. A few years after that, his brother. The same day his brother died in a car accident, was the same day he found out that his long-term girlfriend, Olivia Randall had been cheating on him. Jack goes on and lives his life and after being married for about 10 years, he loses his wife to gun violence. The person who killed his wife was a young boy whose father thought guns were the right way to reach his mentally troubled son. So the families were suing the boys father for wrongful death. But that suit was dropped and everyone is devastated. A few days later, Malcolm Neeley, father of the boy who killed Jack's wife is shot to death along with two other people. All signs point to Jack as the person who committed this crime. But, Olivia knows Jack and he would never do something like this, right? Is Jack guilty or innocent. As time goes on, it's hard to tell.
Thank you to my Bookaholic friends for suggesting this book to me. This is the first book I have read by Alafair Burke and I can't wait to read more.
Imagine what you would do if you were accused of a crime you know you didn't commit. But all signs point to you. How can you handle it? What if your ex-girlfriend is the one who is representing you, do you think that would be a good idea? Jack Harrison seems like your typical guy, living his life and minding his business.
This book really touched me from start to finish. I had to know if Jack was really guilty or if someone was framing him and why would they do that? Jack is a man without too much in his life. It's just him and his daughter and his best friend. Why would his risk losing what little he had to get back at a man, whose son killed his wife.
Even though Olivia knew Jack 20 years ago, does she know the man today? Is she able to put aside their differences and see the evidence for what it is? You will have to read the book to find out.
Thank you to my Bookaholic friends for suggesting this book to me. This is the first book I have read by Alafair Burke and I can't wait to read more.
Imagine what you would do if you were accused of a crime you know you didn't commit. But all signs point to you. How can you handle it? What if your ex-girlfriend is the one who is representing you, do you think that would be a good idea? Jack Harrison seems like your typical guy, living his life and minding his business.
This book really touched me from start to finish. I had to know if Jack was really guilty or if someone was framing him and why would they do that? Jack is a man without too much in his life. It's just him and his daughter and his best friend. Why would his risk losing what little he had to get back at a man, whose son killed his wife.
Even though Olivia knew Jack 20 years ago, does she know the man today? Is she able to put aside their differences and see the evidence for what it is? You will have to read the book to find out.
Say Ja to Hygge!: A Parody: How to Find Your Special Cosy Place
Book
'Dr Magnus Olsensen has done the decent thing. He has punctured the smug hygge bubble. He has...
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Aug 20, 2018
Excellent idea (1 more)
Doesn’t alienate you
Only true fans will get the most out of this (1 more)
Some characterisation is a bit weak
A unique adventure where you want the hero to really win!
I was inspired to read this book when I found out Spielberg was adapting it into a film. One quote described it as the matrix meets willy wonka and the chocolate factory. Although I think such matchmaker comparisons are lazy, it’s almost unavoidable in this case as that seems an accurate description.
The basic plot is a gazillionaire has past away and locked his vast tonnes of money away in a virtual reality game. To get the money, players have to obtain three eggs. The hunt is on. The story is told through Wade Watt’s eyes and his character is likeable for the most part. There are some choices he makes that don’t seem in tone with the character but the focus here is on the journey and being led from one clue to the next.
The movie has some big differences so there’s no advice on which you do first except for me to utter a cliche the book is better than the film. But only just. Spielberg masterfully puts the unfilmable book up on screen and the changes that are made are probably contractual ones rather than artistic. The bonus for readers of the book is that they are treated to different kinds of Easter eggs. Some could argue there are too many. I argue that makes it rewatchable numerous times. Cineastes will get the majority of the references straight away but there will always be something missed. The book and its references mostly appeal to kids of the 80s. I grew up with 90s references but that’s not a criticism because it would be difficult to be more universal. Either way, like watching The Matrix for the first time, I will be envious of anyone reading this for the first time as it is an amazing and original adventure.
The basic plot is a gazillionaire has past away and locked his vast tonnes of money away in a virtual reality game. To get the money, players have to obtain three eggs. The hunt is on. The story is told through Wade Watt’s eyes and his character is likeable for the most part. There are some choices he makes that don’t seem in tone with the character but the focus here is on the journey and being led from one clue to the next.
The movie has some big differences so there’s no advice on which you do first except for me to utter a cliche the book is better than the film. But only just. Spielberg masterfully puts the unfilmable book up on screen and the changes that are made are probably contractual ones rather than artistic. The bonus for readers of the book is that they are treated to different kinds of Easter eggs. Some could argue there are too many. I argue that makes it rewatchable numerous times. Cineastes will get the majority of the references straight away but there will always be something missed. The book and its references mostly appeal to kids of the 80s. I grew up with 90s references but that’s not a criticism because it would be difficult to be more universal. Either way, like watching The Matrix for the first time, I will be envious of anyone reading this for the first time as it is an amazing and original adventure.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Wife Between Us in Books
May 16, 2018
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is most assuredly not my cup of tea. I did not enjoy reading it. So then, why the high rating? Why am I about to rave about it? Because this book is important. It delves into a subject far too easily dismissed and too stigmatized to get the attention it deserves. I’ll put it this way: the book’s synopsis is spot on, and I feel this is a must-read for young adults especially.
I don’t wish to reveal spoilers, but at the same time I feel it is my responsibility to alert my readers when there may be content in a book that could potentially trigger them. The Wife Between Us deals with the dynamics of a relationship: the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re currently recovering from a less than savory relationship, you may want to hold off on this: if you’re looking for a reminder that you’re not crazy though, it’s perfect. I had to stop reading a time or two for a bit, and I even caught myself crying as I finished the final pages of this book.
Hendricks and Pekkanen’s characters are remarkably average, and I feel that is important to point out. Too many times we get books with unbelievable roles cast and this allows us, as readers, to dissociate from thee story itself. In this case, as far as the women of the book are concerned, it’s quite realistic and believable.
There are moments in The Wife Between Us where I cried out, swearing in surprise. Hendricks and Pekkanen manage to write things without too much foreshadowing; their twists and turns come as a slap to the face. It keeps the reader on edge and keeps the plot from growing dull.
While I may not have found this book to be enjoyable for myself, I do love the talent that both writers clearly have. I was unable to detect the style changes, which also means that they blend in well together. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, free of charge, for the purpose of an unbiased review.
I don’t wish to reveal spoilers, but at the same time I feel it is my responsibility to alert my readers when there may be content in a book that could potentially trigger them. The Wife Between Us deals with the dynamics of a relationship: the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re currently recovering from a less than savory relationship, you may want to hold off on this: if you’re looking for a reminder that you’re not crazy though, it’s perfect. I had to stop reading a time or two for a bit, and I even caught myself crying as I finished the final pages of this book.
Hendricks and Pekkanen’s characters are remarkably average, and I feel that is important to point out. Too many times we get books with unbelievable roles cast and this allows us, as readers, to dissociate from thee story itself. In this case, as far as the women of the book are concerned, it’s quite realistic and believable.
There are moments in The Wife Between Us where I cried out, swearing in surprise. Hendricks and Pekkanen manage to write things without too much foreshadowing; their twists and turns come as a slap to the face. It keeps the reader on edge and keeps the plot from growing dull.
While I may not have found this book to be enjoyable for myself, I do love the talent that both writers clearly have. I was unable to detect the style changes, which also means that they blend in well together. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, free of charge, for the purpose of an unbiased review.