Death In Kew Gardens

Stars 5/5

Death In Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley

This is the third book in the Kat Holloway Mysteries series and I just loved it. The books follow Kat Holloway, the best cook in Victorian London. After helping a random Chinese man, Li, on the street, he returns her kindness by presenting her with a box of his families tea. Kat learns that he is in the country searching for the men that robbed his family of tea plants and some are turning up dead so Kat is on the case. This is a wonderful series and I highly recommend them. I love the whole atmosphere of what goes on under the stairs with the servants.

The Other People

Stars 5/5

The Other People by C.J. Tudor

This book was a very twisty mystery and I just loved it. The story follows Gabe, a man on his way home from work one night and he thinks he sees his little girl in the back seat of a junk car but it can't be her or could it be? He decides it isn't even though he saw her little face and her tooth missing in the front, so he pulls off to a convenience store only to get a call informing him something has happened to his wife and daughter. Even though his wife and daughter are found dead, he still searches the motorway searching for that junk car. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. 

Mr. Wuffles

Stars 5/5

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner

I loved this story! Mr. Wuffles is like my kitty Luna! Same black coat, green eyes and very finicky about toys. Mr. Wuffles is a hard cat to buy toys for until one day when Mr. Wuffles finds something living in one of his toys. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. Bright and colorful illustrations that I just loved!

Flotsam

Stars 5/5

Flotsam by David Wiesner

I really loved this picture book! Such an amazing story with beautiful illustrations. The book follows a young boy that finds an underwater camera that washed up on shore and he takes the film to have it exposed to see the pictures on it. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but OMG I loved the pictures! I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages.

Flash, The Little Fire Engine

Stars 5/5

Flash, The Little Fire Engine by Pam Calvert

Illustrated by Jen Taylor

So cute! This story follows Flash, the little fire engine that wants to help with every fire but soon finds out that he is not needed for some situations but he is the right size for the pet shop. Bright and colorful illustrations. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

Vera's First Day Of School

Stars 5/5

Vera's First Day Of School by Vera Rosenberry

Such a cute picture book with bright and colorful illustrations. The story follows Vera and her first day at school. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake #4)

Stars 5/5

Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake #4) by Rachel Caine

This is the fourth book in the Stillhouse Lake series and I can't wait for the next book. The story continues to follow Gwen Proctor and her family as they are still trying to stay safe from people out there that wants them all dead due to Gwen's husband being a serial killer that killed for years. Gwen is on a new case of a missing young man which leads her to a cult that believes the more men they kill the more Saints they will have in Heaven to protect them. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.

The Pale Horse

Stars 5/5

The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie

This has to be one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels of all time so I wanted to do a reread just to revisit the world. This book is full of everything creepy! Ghosts and Witches to Ceremonies that lead to death. The story begins with a woman on her deathbed confessing to Father Gorman giving him a list of people that are marked for death or ones that are already dead but before the Father could contact the police he was found dead with the list was safely hidden in his shoe. What does all these names mean? I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

They All Saw A Cat

Stars 5/5

They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

This is a wonderful story about the different ways others view a cat. I really thought the story was creative and unique. The illustrations are artful. I highly recommend this to kids of all ages.

A Stone Sat Still

Stars 5/5

A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel

Such a wonderful story to this beautifully illustrated picture book. The story is about a stone and what it means to everyone. I really loved it and recommend it to kids of all ages.

Play With Fire (Kate Shugak #5)

Stars 5/5

Play With Fire (Kate Shugak #5) by Dana Stabenow

This is the fifth book in the Kate Shugak series and I really love this series. I love the Alaska environment in this series. The rich cultures and heritage are wonderful to learn about. This book follows Kate as she goes to help her friends mushroom pick when she stumbles across a body. The town is very religious and has let religion drive them into madness. I don't want to say more about this story as not to spoil it but I will say that I didn't care too much for the ending. I realize that it had to end the way it did but I am hoping that justice gets served somehow. I definitely recommend this book and series.

Nine Elms (Kate Marshall #1)

Stars 5/5

Nine Elms (Kate Marshall #1) by Robert Bryndza

This is the first book in the Kate Marshall series and I am so on board for the next book! The story follows Kate, a police detective who brought the Nine Elms killer to justice but after a scandal, she is forced to leave the London police and move to a remote location out of the limelight. Fifteen years later, someone is coping the Nine Elms murders and Kate is worried if this time she will be able to escape. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Layoverland

Stars 5/5

Layoverland by Gabby Noone

(note... This book made it to my 2020 Favorites List)

WOW! This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and OMG I loved it! Such an awesome and creative read! This book made it to my 2020 Favorites List! The story follows Beatrice, a young girl killed in a car crash and wakes up on the plane to Layoverland or purgatory. She finds out that she has to stay there until she helps 5000 souls move on either to heaven or hell and one of the souls she has to help is Caleb, the boy that caused her death. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but OMG this is a must read! I highly recommend it. Fingers Crossed for another book following these characters! I just loved them all!

Fragments Of The Lost

Stars 5/5

Fragments Of The Lost by Megan Miranda

What a twisty mystery! I really enjoyed the story. Very unique and creative. The book follows Jessa as she is cleaning out the bedroom of her ex-boyfriend, Caleb, that was killed after his car was swept away by the river. Caleb's mother wanted Jessa to clean out the room and pack it up blaming her for his death thinking he was on his way to her house when the accident happened. Jessa is faced with memories and things that make her wonder about Caleb's death. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I definitely recommend it.

Little Pretty Things

Stars 5/5

Little Pretty Things by Lori Rader-Day

I think everyone that has ever went to high school can relate to this book and the characters in it. The story follows Juliet, a young woman that grew up in a small town and never left. Juliet was not the most popular in school and never the best but her best friend, Madeleine, was always number one. Years after high school, Madeleine comes back to town. Juliet was shocked to see her back but was not shocked to see that she was successful and wearing the biggest diamond Juliet has ever saw. The next day, Juliet finds Madeleine hanging from the railing of the hotel and Juliet is the number one suspect. This is a really fun and easy read mystery that I definitely recommend.

A Cold-Blooded Business (Kate Shugak #4)

Stars 5/5

A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow

This is the fourth book in the Kate Shugak series and I am loving the series. In this book, Kate is hired by Royal Petroleum to find out who is smuggling in drugs to the employees. Kate works the case even though it poses a conflict with her family. Working for the oil line is frowned upon. Kate is not only making awesome money but takes advantage of seeing an area of Alaska she has never seen and enjoys the luxuries that comes with the job until she stumbles on more than just drugs. Kate's life could be on the line. I can't recommend this series enough especially as a winter mystery read. 

Dead In The Water (Kate Shugak #3)

Stars 5/5

Dead In The Water (Kate Shugak #3) by Dana Stabenow

This is the third book in the Kate Shugak series and I think this book goes into Alaska's traditions more! Kate finds herself on a crabbing boat investigating the deaths of two fisherman dead. I really enjoyed this book learning about the story knife and I also enjoyed the deadly voyage on the boat. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I continue to recommend this series and I am on to the next book!

A Fatal Thaw (Kate Shugak #2)

Stars 5/5

A Fatal Thaw (Kate Shugak #2) by Dana Stabenow

WoW! I feel like this book was based on a true crime of Alaska but with more twists and turns. This is the second book in the Kate Shugak series and I am definitely hooked! The story continues to follow Kate as she is warned of a gunman headed her way and has also killed many. The question is... did he really kill all the people murdered or is there another shooter. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book and I will be continuing on in the series.

A Cold Day For Murder (Kate Shugak #1)

Stars 5/5

A Cold Day For Murder by Dana Stabenow

I have been wanting to read this book series for a very long time and I am so glad I finally got to it. This is the first book of the Kate Shugak series and I really enjoyed it. I love books set in Alaska and this one is perfect for the winter months. The story follows Kate, a woman who chose to live in a remote part of Alaska after leaving the city life and her career of sex crime investigation for Anchorage's DA office. Jack, FBI agent and Kate's ex lover shows up and hires Kate to investigate the case of two men who have gone missing and one is a son of a senator. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it and I will be continuing on with this series.

Sleep

Stars 5/5

Sleep by C.L. Taylor

This book is full of twists and turns! I really enjoyed it! If you love a book that you never know the "who done it" until the very end you will love this one. The story follows Anna, a woman that was in a horrible accident and after the death of her friend she starts receiving creepy messages. Anna decides she can't live in her town anymore. So she breaks up with her boyfriend, packs her stuff and leaves for Scotland. The problem is... is that you can't run from someone who wants you dead. I don't want to go into the book more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Judas Kiss (Taylor Jackson #3)

Stars 5/5

Judas Kiss by J.T. Ellison

This is the third book in the Taylor Jackson series and I am hooked. I am really enjoying this series and plan to continue on with the next books. This book continues to follow Taylor, as she and her fiance return home from their honeymoon after their wedding was interrupted. Taylor is immediately called to the scene of a new murder investigation. She is also starting to wonder if someone is following her. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it as well as the series.

Marley's Chain

Stars 4/5

Marley's Chain by Alan E. Nourse

This is a short story that follows Tam as he is being checked at the airport and the things that he witnesses while there. Things that he only thought were made up stories. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it because it is only a short story but I do recommend it.

The Pit And The Pendulum

Stars 5/5

The Pit And The Pendulum by Edgar Allan Poe

This definitely is not the first time I have read this story but I did get a copy of it and wanted to do a reread. This short story follows the tortures and pain the prisoners of the Spanish Inquisition goes through. I can't recommend this book enough as well as all of Edgar Allan Poe's work. Definitely a creepy read.

Wait It Out

Stars 5/5

Wait It Out by Larry Niven

Oh, how I wish this book would of went on a bit longer. I really enjoyed the creative and unique story line of this book. The story follows a mission sent to Pluto comes to a horrible end with a lack of oxygen and how one man comes up with a plan to survive. I highly recommend this short story.

The Klack Bros. Museum

Stars 5/5

The Klack Bros. Museum by Kenneth Oppel

I really enjoyed this short story. I honestly wish it would of been a longer book. The story young Luke and his dad as they are waiting for the train they were traveling on to get fixed which led them to venture out and they find themselves at an old museum. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone like me who loves ghosts.

Smarter Than A Monster: A Survival Guide

Stars 5/5

Smarter Than A Monster: A Survival Guide by Brandon Mull

Illustrated by Mike Walton

I won a copy of this book on GoodReads and just loved it. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the story is definitely one that will help parents of young kids. The story goes into how to keep monsters away by developing good hygiene and keeping your room neat and tidy. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages.

The Last Lie

Stars 5/5

The Last Lie by Alex Lake

What a twisty mystery! I just loved it! The story follows a husband and wife that is trying to get pregnant. Husband, Alfie, does not want a baby and hates his marriage but would never leave his wife, Claire, because she has all the money. Claire believes Alfie is truly in love with her but starts to find out the lies he has been telling. I don't want to into this story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Virgin Suicides

Stars 5/5

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

I have been wanting to read this book for such a long time now and finally I did! I really enjoyed this dark recounting of the lives of the Lisbon sisters and their untimely deaths as told by the boys in the neighborhood that were in love them. The story is set twenty years later, as the boys, now men, gather together to share their memories of the family that shocked the whole community. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart but I highly recommend it.

The Wife Between Us

Stars 5/5

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

This book keeps you guessing til the very end and then a big twist. I really enjoyed the book and loved the whole creepiness to it. The story follows Vanessa, a woman who is on a mission to stop her ex-husband, Richard, marrying his assistant, Emma. Vanessa drinks a little too much wine and Richard used that as his reasoning for the divorce but is that really why? Vanessa has to talk to Emma before it's too late. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I definitely recommend it. 

SHOUT

Stars 4/5

SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson

This book could be a hard read for some because of dealing with the subject matter of rape and sexual assault but I do believe that it is a must read. It is book done so very well in a poetic grace going into the author's life and the crimes against her. I love this author's writing style and I definitely recommend this book.

The Man In The Brown Suit (Colonel Race #1)

Stars 4/5

The Man In The Brown Suit (Colonel Race #1) by Agatha Christie

This is the first book in the Colonel Race series and I really enjoyed it. I love Agatha Christie's writing style and the mystery and this book was no exception. The story follows Anne Beddingfield as she witnesses a murder and is set out to find the killer. This is one of Agatha Christie's first novels, written in 1924, and as I did enjoy it I found that I still love her Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot series more. I do highly recommend this book though. It is a wonderful read.

Skelly & Femur

Stars 5/5

Skelly & Femur by Jimmy Pickering

I just love the illustrations in this book. They are so creepy cute! The story follows Skelly and his family starts missing items from the house and they set out to find them. A very awesome Halloween read for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it.

Pippa The Pumpkin Fairy

Stars 5/5

Pippa The Pumpkin Fairy by Tim Bugbird

I just love pumpkins and fairies so I had to have this book! Such a sweet Halloween story. Pippa, the pumpkin fairy, spells up some odd pumpkins and had to hide them because she was so embarrassed. This is a very bright and colorful book that is great for kids of all ages during the Halloween season. I highly recommend it. 

The Doll Hospital

Stars 5/5

The Doll Hospital by Kallie George

Illustrations by Sara Gillingham

Such a sweet book with bright and colorful illustrations. I just loved it. The story follows Dr. Pegs as she is planning her day to sort buttons because no one is sick and needs her attention. Just when she gets started, the doorbell rings and the sick dolls start coming. A very cute story for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it especially if you love dolls like I do.

Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5)

Stars 5/5

Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5) by Seanan McGuire

This is the fifth book in the Wayward Children series and I just loved it. I think the only complaint that I have about this book is that it is so short. I love all the characters and the worlds. It is so unique and creative. I just can't wait for the next book to see what door we will go through next. This book begins with Jack making an appearance back at the school and needs helps. She recruits her friends to come back through her door into her world to help stop her twin sister Jill. I don't want to say more as to not spoil it but OMG this series is a must read.

14 (Taylor Jackson #2)

Stars 5/5

14 (Taylor Jackson #2) by J.T. Ellison

This is the second book in the Taylor Jackson series and I just loved it. I am so into this series and can not wait to read the next book! The story continues to follow Homicide Detective Taylor Jackson and her fiance as they are on a new case. The Snow White killer has made a comeback or at least they think he has. Women fitting the description of the fairy tale princess are being found dead after decades since the last woman was found. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

All The Bright Places

Stars 2/5

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

I really loved the writing style of this author and the first half of the book was amazing. I loved how the characters came together and the friendship that bonded them. What I didn't like was the last half of the book including the ending. I understand things sometimes happen in books that I do not like but honestly this was just a huge let down. Hope just washed away and honestly, I think there is enough hopelessness in the world especially for such young high school kids. So that is why I have to say that I don't believe this book was for me but I will definitely be checking out other books from this author.

Be You!

Stars 5/5

Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds

I was sent an ARC of this book from the publisher and I just loved it. This is definitely one book you should read to kids. It is inspirational and supportive in being who you are. Bright and colorful illustrations makes this a book for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it.

For Every One

Stars 5/5

For Every One by Jason Reynolds

This short book features an inspirational poem/letter that the author wrote to himself to help him press on in life never losing his dreams. It is a beautiful poem that I believe everyone should read or be read to the kids. I am so very glad Jason Reynolds shared these wonderful words with us. I highly recommend it for all ages.

All The Pretty Girls (Taylor Jackson #1)

Stars 5/5

All The Pretty Girls (Taylor Jackson #1) by J.T. Ellison

This is the first book in the Taylor Jackson series and I am hooked! The story follows Homicide Detective Taylor Jackson and her boyfriend FBI profiler, John Baldwin, as they are both on separate cases but when a serial killer John is tracking comes to Nashville, Taylor and John must work together to solve the case. Plus did I mention, there is a serial rapist at large as well. Lots of investigating goodness! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read on in the series.

Crooked House

Stars 5/5

Crooked House by Agatha Christie

This is definitely not my first time reading this book but I just love it so I wanted to re-visit this world because it has been a long time. This is one of Agatha Christie's stand alone mysteries and it is an awesome read. The story follows a family that just finds their Father/Grandfather dead and it was murder. As always in Agatha Christie novels, there are lots of twists and turns and this may be one book that you just can't guess the "Who Done It?" until the very end and I do believe the ending in this one is really unique. I don't want to say more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Invited

Stars 5/5

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

WOW! What an amazingly creepy ghost story! I just love ghosts and I really loved this book! It follows a couple that decide to buy a property in the country away from the city life and build their vintage/modern dream house on it. Of course, the property was the site of a gruesome hanging of the town witch over a hundred years ago and it is said that she still haunts the land. The towns people do not like the new couple stirring up things because the ghost, Hattie, is rumored to have killed children in her life and as soon as the couple started building their home, a school bus crashed and killed three kids. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but there are lots of twists and turns that makes this book an awesome read. I highly recommend it.

Dear Sweet Pea

Stars 5/5

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy

This is such a cute story that follows a young girl named, Patricia, but everyone calls her Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea has a lot to deal with. Her Father just came out as gay and her parents are getting a divorce. Her best friend dumped her for other, more cool girls, and she doesn't know why. Sweet Pea has always been overweight so that is something she must deal with every day and now her neighbor, the newspaper advice columnist, has to go out of town and asked Sweet Pea to forward her mail to her and water her plants. This is when Sweet Pea takes it upon herself to read some of the letters and one she recognizes as her old best friend's writing. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Sea Witch Rising (Sea Witch #2)

Stars 5/5

Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning

I loved the first book and I loved this second book in the Sea Witch series. Fingers crossed there will be a third book. I just love this world. This review is going to be vague because I don't want to spoil anything but I have to say that I just love Evie and am glad that things turn around for her. This book follows Runa, Alia's twin sister, as she tries to help Alia as a human to not come to the terrible end so Runa makes a deal with the Sea Witch, Evie. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but OMG this is a book to be read! 

The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create The World's Great Drinks

Stars 5/5

The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create The World's Great Drinks

by Amy Stewart

This book is truly packed full of botanical knowledge when it comes to alcoholic drinks. I really enjoyed it. It is always fun learning new things and this book definitely taught me a lot. I really don't consume alcoholic drinks mostly because I never really know what I would like to drink. What would taste good for me? This book goes into not only the making of each spirit but gives the reader recipes and ideas to create your own signature drink. I highly recommend it.

Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History

Stars 5/5

Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History by Bill Schutt

I really did enjoy this book but a few sections did make me a bit icky which is to be expected with this topic. The book discusses cannibalism in nature, animals, humans and more. Is breast feeding a form of cannibalism? Many different questions that make you think. I think the thing that most creeped me out was the discussion of placenta eating and the authors experience of tasting one. I definitely recommend this book just hold off on dinner for a bit!

Ethan Frome

Stars 5/5

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

WoW! I vaguely remember reading Edith Wharton's House of Mirth book a very long time ago but I believe I must of forgotten how wonderful her writing is because this book is only the second I have read of her work and I loved it. I will be adding more books of hers this year. This book was amazing! The story follows Ethan, a man struggling with his farm and with his life with his hypochondriac wife, Zeena. Zeena's cousin comes to the house to help out and that is what brings life back to Ethan. He falls in love with her until Zeena wants another girl to come and help out and is sending her cousin away. This story is about loneliness, heartache, love and a horrible tragedy. I highly recommend it!

Eugene Onegin

Stars 5/5

Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

This is a translated story of verse and rhyme. I really enjoyed this story but wonder how much got lost in translation. The story follows Eugene, a man that is in search of peace in the country where he develops a friendship with an artist of poetry and his family. His sister shows a fondness for Eugene but it is not returned and thus an unrequited love that leads to tragedy. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this classic!

Treasure Island

Stars 5/5

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

This is definitely not my first time reading this classic but I wanted to re-read this book since it has been a very long time since I have. This book is one of my all time favorites. Who doesn't like a search for a hidden treasure! Jim Hawkins is a young man that is recruited to help search for this treasure along side the villain, Long John Silver. After a long ship voyage, it is a race for the treasure. I can not recommend this book enough. It is great for all ages.

Manson: The Life And Times of Charles Manson

Stars 5/5

Manson: The Life And Times Of Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn

I have been wanting to read this book for quite some time so I thought it fitting to be the first book I read in 2020 for the #CuriousAdventure read-a-thon. The book is a chronological account of Charles Milles Manson's life. How he came to be born until his conviction for the murders. When I was very young, I took a class in criminology and so I wrote to Charles Manson for the thesis I was writing. He never responded. Fast forward twenty six years later, I got a letter from Charlie. What a odd day that was but I have to say that writing to Charlie all those years ago is what started my hobby of autograph collecting which I love and cherish to this day. I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful and accurate account of his life and the lives he touched.