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In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.
I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.
Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Ali A (82 KP) rated She Wouldn't Change a Thing in Books
Aug 10, 2021
Can she change the events of the past without building up guilt? She Wouldn't Change a Thing explores the responsibilities of love, the burdens of motherhood, and the impact our choices can have on everyone.
This book was such a captivating read. I would get sucked into it every time I would pick it up and could have honestly read it in one setting had I had the chance. Maria had such a hard decision to make - at one point, I thought I would end up chucking my book across the room at how frustratingly unfair the situation was. However, it felt very real. What is Maria's purpose? How could she possibly choose between this new path in life and her family back in her old one? Can she live with herself after making any of the choices she has before her?
The novel has several flushed out characters and it even gives you a point of view of another character named Jenny. I greatly enjoyed getting to know how everyone was connected. Sarah Adlakha made all of her characters relatable and interesting. I never felt like I was bored with anyone.
The pace is a bit on the slower side and yet still a page turner. Those two things don't usually go together, but it works for this contemplative novel. What in the world would you do in this situation?
I'm still new to the time traveling genre, but if you're willing to give this one a chance, you won't be disappointed! It's really thought-provoking and attention-catching. I can't wait to see what Sarah Adlakha has up next!
Cynthia Nixon recommended The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) in Movies (curated)
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Stir Until Petrified (Violetta Massoni #1) in Books
Sep 12, 2020
Kindle
Stir until petrified ( A Violetta Massoni book 1)
By Theda Vallee
Welcome to beautiful Palermo Bay, where the witches are fierce
...and the biscotti is to die for.
Violetta "Etta" Massoni is an Italian witch living and working with her overbearing family in the sleepy seaside town of Palermo Bay. Healing from tragedy, she wants nothing to do with the magic she was born with.
Etta soon finds herself forced into the world of magic that she had resisted for so long. The peaceful calm of her community is shattered by a string of attacks that leaves fifteen people trapped in their dreams. An ominous magic task force is sent to investigate, with Etta as their number one suspect.
Her family has never been able to mind their own business, and they aren’t about to start now! Dragging her grandmother from crime scenes will be the least of her worries. Join Etta and the whole Massoni girl gang on a perilous, hilarious adventure filled with magic, myth, and minestrone!
After waiting for so long I finally got round to reading this! Oh my god! I don’t remember the last time I gave a 5* and enjoyed a book so much! I laughed I adore Etta and her family! It was packed with wit and so well written! The last character I loved this much was Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’s books! I also learnt what a Benandanti was and that in this book I’d be expecting a knock at the door on his 10th birthday. Also my favourite quote which had me laughing out loud!
“Where am I supposed to sit?” I eyed the motorcycle’s seat, trying to calculate how much butt room there was. He handed me a helmet, pointing to the back of the bike. “You sit behind me. It’s called the bitch seat.” “Does that make where you’re sitting the prick perch?” I asked, climbing on behind him. As I’d feared, sitting made my shorts move so far up my nether region, I was positive we’d need a search and rescue team to get them out later.
I really can’t wait to read the next book!