Tag: favorite books

Posted in Book Review

Review of: The Lighthouse Witches, by C.J. Cooke

Posted on by writingkat95

The Hook:

On a remote island in Scotland, two sisters go missing, leaving behind their mother and a third sister. Twenty years later, the third sister, Luna, receives a call informing her that one of her missing sisters has been found. She rushes back to the island expecting to be reunited with her adult sister, only to find that the girl who has been found is still the same age she was when she disappeared.

My Impressions:

This is easily one of the most atmospheric and enjoyable books I’ve read this year, and I can’t recommend it enough. If, like me, you delight in being a little bit spooked, this is an excellent book to curl up with late at night.

The interwoven stories that come together in this book form a tapestry of lore and emotion that make it impossible to put down and impossible to forget. The landscape of the island is almost it’s own character, coming alive more and more as the story unfolds. Fans of gothic mysteries and changeling tales will find more than enough to love in this book, and in its enigmatic heroines.

If you enjoyed “Beneath the Stairs” by Jennifer Fawcett or “House of Hollow” by Krystal Sutherland, you’ll likely enjoy this book as well, and if you haven’t read either of those yet, I recommend them highly as well. We could all use a nice chilling tale to cool us off in the summer heat.

Happy Reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review of Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Posted on by writingkat95

The Hook:

Our favorite mystery writer Finlay is back again, getting into even more shenanigans in the seedy world of contract killers. This time, she must unearth the identity of the person who has taken out a hit on her ex-husband. Before long, she finds herself in a high stakes game of cat and mouse with the assassin stalking her ex, and she’ll have to dig deep to decide what to do about all the peril he’s in.

My Impressions:

I could literally talk for hours about the Finlay Donovan books, which are undoubtably some of my favorite books in the entire mystery genre. The protagonist is extremely likable and fun to root for, the side characters are all memorable and enjoyable to read about, and the suspense is balanced perfectly with humor. I laughed so hard at times while reading this that I’m told my shrieks could be easily heard from across the house.

In a time when so much media strives to be dark and broody and to “subvert audience expectations” by pulling out increasingly alienating plot twists and shocking character deaths, books like this are truly a breath of fresh air. Cosimano’s writing style feels welcoming, as if the book is meant to take the reader by the hand and lead them on a fun, suspenseful journey with beloved characters.

I honestly loved every minute of this book, and will be reading it again whenever I need a pick-me-up or a reminder of what excellent foreshadowing and tight plotting can accomplish. Every single delicious beat of this book is constructed with a love of the genre and a level of respect and affection for the readers that is in a league of it’s own.

If you’ve read this book already, feel free to leave a comment discussing it, as I’d love to hear what other readers liked most about the story.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

The Top Ten (non-mystery) Books I Read in 2021

Posted on by writingkat95

While I read mostly mysteries, thrillers, and gothics this year, there were a few stand out books of other genres I wanted to draw attention to. These weren’t all published in 2021 but I did read them all this year. Here they are in no particular order:

1. What Big Teeth

I don’t know whether to consider this gothic or fantasy or both, but it easily slid to the top of the list of my all time favorite books. As soon as I finished reading my borrowed library copy, I bought a copy of my own to reread over and over as much as I want. Lovely book for fans of the Addams family.

2. The Magicians

Lev Grossman’s fantasy series pulled me out of a very rough place this year and got me through the loss of someone dear to me. It made me want to read again, to see wonder in the world. I ended up reading 225 books this year and it really started with this one. If you want fantasy that looks unflinchingly at the world and demands that you still see the wonder in it, this is the book for you.

3. Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop

Deeply lovely book which, fittingly, felt like a nice cup of tea to read. It warmed me from the inside out and I plan to read everything the author writes from now on.

4. The Viscount Who Loved Me

The basis for the upcoming second season of Bridgerton, and so far my favorite book in that series (though I still have a few left to read). Absolutely lovable and a joy to read.

5. One Last Stop

A truly wonderful romance from the author of Red White and Royal Blue, and an absolute can’t miss. Beautiful and moving and more funny than I expected. I laughed, I cried, I recommended it to everyone I speak to.

6. Any Way the Wind Blows

The fourth book in the Carry On series from Rainbow Rowell, this book hit like a warm blanket after a cold storm. Loved it immensely.

7. Small Favors

If you want to feel a little bit stuck in the world of a book for days after finishing it, this is a perfect choice for you. Absolutely enthralling, this one is perfect to read on a chilly winter night.

8. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics

Fantastic romance novel, so achingly lovely you’ll gasp from the emotional tidal wave of reading it. I adored the characters and I can’t wait to read more from the same author.

9. The Lost Apothecary

This one debatably could’ve gone on my mystery list, but it felt like it defied genre a bit and I’ve put it on this list instead. The dual timelines and incredible characters were quite well done. I absolutely loved it.

10. The Hollow Places

A lovely magical realism novel with great characters, spooky moments that build the tension perfectly, and beautiful prose all the way through.

I hope everyone reading has a lovely new year, and if you’re looking for books to read, the ones on this list and my other 2021 top ten list are all great picks. Support your local libraries and independent book stores!

Happy reading!