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I can absolutely see why James by Percival Everett was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. I haven’t read Huckleberry Finn. I know it’s a classic, but I still don’t feel a pressing need to read it - especially after reading this!
This is James’ story - the slave in Huckleberry Finn. When he finds out that he’s going to be sold to another owner and separated from his wife and daughter, James decides to hide out on a nearby island until he can work out what to do. But things go wrong, he ends up heading towards the free states with Huck Finn, gets separated - and let’s face it, a lot happens.
This made me laugh, worry a lot for James’ safety - I was well and truly captivated by the story. I’m pretty sure this will have filled in a lot of James’ story that’s left out in the original. White society is menacing and dangerous for James, and he’s constantly looking over his shoulder. They’re not bothered that he’s an intelligent, educated man.
I absolutely loved this, and I’ll be happy if it wins the Booker Prize (I could say that about most of the long list, never mind the shortlist!).
James deserves its success.
This is James’ story - the slave in Huckleberry Finn. When he finds out that he’s going to be sold to another owner and separated from his wife and daughter, James decides to hide out on a nearby island until he can work out what to do. But things go wrong, he ends up heading towards the free states with Huck Finn, gets separated - and let’s face it, a lot happens.
This made me laugh, worry a lot for James’ safety - I was well and truly captivated by the story. I’m pretty sure this will have filled in a lot of James’ story that’s left out in the original. White society is menacing and dangerous for James, and he’s constantly looking over his shoulder. They’re not bothered that he’s an intelligent, educated man.
I absolutely loved this, and I’ll be happy if it wins the Booker Prize (I could say that about most of the long list, never mind the shortlist!).
James deserves its success.
ClareR (6247 KP) rated In the Lives of Puppets in Books
Jan 29, 2024
I don’t know about just Pinocchio, I got some Wizard of Oz vibes as well from this wondrous book. I love a retelling, I’ve read quite a lot of them, and I’m fully prepared to read more, especially if the imagination and emotions are anything like those in In The Lives of Puppets. The ‘Found Family’ theme that runs through TJ Kline’s books is so beautiful: if people, for whatever reason, are rejected by or have lost their families, it’s reassuring to know that there are people, families, like this out there (but not necessarily robots…).
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer in Books
Oct 10, 2025 (Updated Oct 10, 2025)
Hunting a High Society Killer
While Lady Darling, a rich widow of a certain age, enjoys her life in the country, she agrees to spend the season in London to be chaperone for a friend’s daughter. But when their host turns up dead at the first dinner party they attend, Lady Darling decides to investigate. Can she find the killer?
Having enjoyed some other books this author has written, I was looking forward to this one. I felt the book was over written, which is often the case with the author, but it was a bit more than some of her others. The story took a little time to get going, but once it did, I enjoyed it and was along until we reached the logical end, although it did feel like there was a leap or two. Lady Darling is lots of fun and I did enjoy getting to know the rest of the cast. My biggest issue was something in Lady Darling’s backstory. I can understand the justification for it, but it still didn’t sit right with me. Plenty of people are enjoying this book, so if the time and place appeal, give it a chance and see what you think for yourself.
Having enjoyed some other books this author has written, I was looking forward to this one. I felt the book was over written, which is often the case with the author, but it was a bit more than some of her others. The story took a little time to get going, but once it did, I enjoyed it and was along until we reached the logical end, although it did feel like there was a leap or two. Lady Darling is lots of fun and I did enjoy getting to know the rest of the cast. My biggest issue was something in Lady Darling’s backstory. I can understand the justification for it, but it still didn’t sit right with me. Plenty of people are enjoying this book, so if the time and place appeal, give it a chance and see what you think for yourself.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated The Twist and Shout Murder in Books
Feb 4, 2022
I’m Going to Shout About This Twisty Debut
It’s 1962 in Camden, Texas, and Dot Morgan is almost done with her secretarial schooling. But she’s taking on helping her father with a run for the local city council. However, the election hits a snag when her father’s opponent dies. The police think it was a tragic accident, but Dot thinks something else is going on. The trouble is, if she convinces the police that it was murder, will she and her father become the top suspects?
It did take me a couple of chapters to get fully into this book, mainly because I felt like I was trying to remember all the characters and their relationships to each other. But once I got that sorted out, I was hooked. There are plenty of complications for Dot to deal with, and I enjoyed seeing how she dealt with everything. She is strong. There are plenty of great characters, including a potential love interest. That time in history is also brought to life, including the changes society was going through. I already can’t wait to see these characters again. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this one.
It did take me a couple of chapters to get fully into this book, mainly because I felt like I was trying to remember all the characters and their relationships to each other. But once I got that sorted out, I was hooked. There are plenty of complications for Dot to deal with, and I enjoyed seeing how she dealt with everything. She is strong. There are plenty of great characters, including a potential love interest. That time in history is also brought to life, including the changes society was going through. I already can’t wait to see these characters again. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this one.
Merissa (14046 KP) rated The Destroyer (A Broken World #2) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
If you are looking for a Sci-Fi/Dystopian book that is chock-full of action, then look no further. The amount of action in this book will leave you breathless as you travel with Skye as she tries to save the people she has grown to care for.
There isn't much of Skye and Brennan in this part, but trust me, there is so much else going on that you don't really miss it. Skye is such a strong character, I love her. She is prepared to put her neck on the line for what she believes in, even though it goes against everything she has been told her whole life. I love how she can already see the cracks in her society but just needs the back story for her to commit.
Exceptionally well-written, fast-paced and action-packed, this is a story to read, savour, and then go back and read again, just to make sure you didn't miss anything! Absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.
* 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!
Oct 3, 2015
There isn't much of Skye and Brennan in this part, but trust me, there is so much else going on that you don't really miss it. Skye is such a strong character, I love her. She is prepared to put her neck on the line for what she believes in, even though it goes against everything she has been told her whole life. I love how she can already see the cracks in her society but just needs the back story for her to commit.
Exceptionally well-written, fast-paced and action-packed, this is a story to read, savour, and then go back and read again, just to make sure you didn't miss anything! Absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.
* 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!
Oct 3, 2015
Plain Like Vanilla: An American Tale
9.0
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Plain Like Vanilla is a gripping tale of murder, betrayal, and awakening. Charlottesville,...
Mystery
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Reapers are the Angels (Reapers, #1) in Books
Oct 7, 2022
183 of 230
Kindle
The Reapers are the Angels ( Reapers book 1)
By Alden Bell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zombies have infested a fallen America. A young girl named Temple is on the run. Haunted by her past and pursued by a killer, Temple is surrounded by death and danger, hoping to be set free.
For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks.
This was just fantastic. It was beautifully written. We follow the journey of a 15 year old girl crossing the country of a zombie filled world. It’s was so gruesome I loved it. Temple will stay with me for a very long time. Didn’t expect that ending but it was just so good.
Kindle
The Reapers are the Angels ( Reapers book 1)
By Alden Bell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zombies have infested a fallen America. A young girl named Temple is on the run. Haunted by her past and pursued by a killer, Temple is surrounded by death and danger, hoping to be set free.
For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks.
This was just fantastic. It was beautifully written. We follow the journey of a 15 year old girl crossing the country of a zombie filled world. It’s was so gruesome I loved it. Temple will stay with me for a very long time. Didn’t expect that ending but it was just so good.
ClareR (6247 KP) rated The Colours of Death in Books
Apr 18, 2022
The Colours of Death is a detective novel set in a present day, alternative Lisbon. A minority of the population are Gifted with either telepathy or telekinesis, and they are heavily regulated. When it comes to light that a death on a train might have some Gifted involvement, Inspector Isabel Reis is put on the case with her team. She is a telepath, and her own problems with that gift soon make themselves known.
They’re a fantastic cast of characters, and they work well together )literally, in the case of the police team). It’s another angle on discrimination: instead of religion or skin colour, the Gifted are discriminated against because of their gifts - something they have no choice or control over.
This novel feels a little dystopian in places: when people go ‘missing’ if they lose control of their gifts, for example. And all Gifted are kept on a register where they’re regularly assessed. If they exceed a certain level, they’re removed from society for everyone else’s safety.
I really enjoyed this - the storyline was interesting, gripping, in fact, and exciting when it needed to be. The main character was flawed and very likeable, and the food constantly made me feel hungry!
I will be looking out for the next book in the series.
They’re a fantastic cast of characters, and they work well together )literally, in the case of the police team). It’s another angle on discrimination: instead of religion or skin colour, the Gifted are discriminated against because of their gifts - something they have no choice or control over.
This novel feels a little dystopian in places: when people go ‘missing’ if they lose control of their gifts, for example. And all Gifted are kept on a register where they’re regularly assessed. If they exceed a certain level, they’re removed from society for everyone else’s safety.
I really enjoyed this - the storyline was interesting, gripping, in fact, and exciting when it needed to be. The main character was flawed and very likeable, and the food constantly made me feel hungry!
I will be looking out for the next book in the series.
Lucifer's Triangle (The Trove Chronicles, #1)
9.0
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In a city where belief means everything, putting your faith in the wrong person can get you killed. ...
Thriller Historical Elements
Murder in Morningside Heights
9.0
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In the latest from the bestselling author of Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue, former police sergeant...