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40x40

ClareR (5864 KP) rated End of Story in Books

Apr 14, 2023  
End of Story
End of Story
Louise Swanson | 2023 | Contemporary, Crime, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2326 KP) rated Killer Research in Books

Nov 3, 2021  
Killer Research
Killer Research
Jenn McKinlay | 2021 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Complicates Elections
The election for mayor is six months away, but the politics is already heating up. Mayor Hensen is upset that Ms. Cole is running against him, and he’s making life difficult for Lindsey Norris and the rest of the library staff. Then, Ms. Cole finds a dead body in her trunk. When her connection to the victim comes to light, the mayor uses everything he can to drive Ms. Cole out of the library and out of the race. Can Lindsey figure out what is happening before Ms. Cole’s reputation is ruined?

I love it when background characters get time to shine, and I’ve enjoyed watching Ms. Cole go from a one note character to a fully developed character over the last few books. That continues here. The rest of the cast is just as fantastic, and I loved seeing them again. The plot is strong with plenty to keep me engaged as I read. The climax was a bit theatrical, but it was also fun, so I’m willing to let it go. Speaking of fun, I laughed multiple times over the course of the book. We’ve got the usual book discussion, craft, and recipe extras at the end. Fans will enjoy this book, and if you are new to the series, be sure to check it out.