Books from the Backlog - The Ghost Map

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson

Blurb:  From Steven Johnson, the dynamic thinker routinely compared to James Gleick, Dava Sobel, and Malcolm Gladwell, The Ghost Map is a riveting page-turner about a real-life historical hero, Dr. John Snow. 

It's the summer of 1854, and London is just emerging as one of the first modern cities in the world. But lacking the infrastructure—garbage removal, clean water, sewers—necessary to support its rapidly expanding population, the city has become the perfect breeding ground for a terrifying disease no one knows how to cure. As the cholera outbreak takes hold, a physician and a local curate are spurred to action—and ultimately solve the most pressing medical riddle of their time. In a triumph of multidisciplinary thinking, Johnson illuminates the intertwined histories and inter-connectedness of the spread of disease, contagion theory, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry, offering both a riveting history and a powerful explanation of how it has shaped the world we live in.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This one had really good reviews when it came out so I bought it and then of course have been letting it just hang out on my shelf.  I just finished a book on medical history and found it fascinating so this one jumped up the TBR.

Death Behind Every Door - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads:  Death Behind Every Door (The Blackbird Files #1) by Heather Graham

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In the shadows of a Scottish castle, something deadly is lurking in every corner…

When FBI special agent Luke Kendrick discovers chilling evidence of dozens of victims at a crime scene in London, he recognizes the calling card of the notorious H.H. Holmes Society. Named for the nineteenth-century monster regarded as America’s first serial killer, the society is comprised of a twisted web of killers, working to carry out heinous murders in Holmes’s memory. And now the group’s been linked to a Scottish castle turned B and B—where guests check in but never check out.

Arriving at the sinister Graystone Castle posed as a tourist, Luke is joined by Special Agent Carly MacDonald, and the pair is immediately confronted by dangers hidden in the castle’s depths. With guests disappearing and a network of killers closing in, Luke and Carly have only each other to rely on—and they’ll have to race to cut off the head of the snake before the blood trail of the past can culminate in a very real and deadly present.

Genre: Romance - Romantic Suspense     

Why I Picked This Book:  I really enjoy this author and I really enjoyed the three books in the Blackbird Trilogy last year.

My Impression: While overall I enjoyed this book, it did fall a bit flat for me and I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually enjoy Graham's books.  The history of the H.H. Holmes and Scotland itself are interesting but it was a bit heavy handed - especially at the beginning.  As well, there were so many references to a previous event that I ended up going and checking that this was in fact the first book in the series and that I wasn't missing anything.  While the action got started pretty quickly it took me a bit to get involved in the story and to feel at all connected to Carly and Luke.  

This book did have all the aspects I enjoy in Graham's books - a suspenseful mystery, a fantastic creepy setting, and two capable and tough main characters.  Once I got into the story it proved to be a quick read that I did enjoy but getting there was just took a bit longer than expected.  I will read the next Blackbird Files book as I do love the international setting but this was definitely a weaker start.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would but it is more based on how much I have enjoyed her other books than my experience with this book.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a longtime Graham fan than I would recommend picking up this book but this is not the book I would recommend for starting this author.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Authors I'd Love Another Book From

 

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Authors I'd Love Another Book From

1.  Agatha Christie - And not just any Agatha Christie but more 1930s,40s, and 50s level Agatha Christie - and especially more Miss Marple.  

2.  Kate Morton - I'm sure I'll get another book from Kate Morton but I'd really like her to write faster so I don't have to wait as long!

3.  Brynn Bonner - This author wrote a 4 book series involving family history and solving mysteries from the past.  It's probably my favorite cozy mystery series of all time but I only got 4 books and I want more!

4.  L.M. Montgomery - I would happily trade the Emily books and the Pat of Silver Bush books for more books like Jane of Lantern Hill and anything Anne related.

5.  Patricia Wentworth - Especially more 1940s more Miss Silver books.  Her early books are good but no where near as entertaining as her later books and especially her later books involving Miss Silver.

6.  Elizabeth Enright - I love this author and I would love more books about the Melendy family or Gone-Away Lake.

7.  Dorothy Gilman - I haven't read many of her stand alone books but I love her Mrs. Pollifax series.  In fact, I've stalled on finishing the series because I've only got a couple of books left and I don't want to say goodbye to that world.

8.  Lucinda Riley - I still think about the characters from the Seven Sisters series and I wish there were more books from her and that she would have had the opportunity to write more stories.

9.  Barbara Michaels - This is one of my go-to slump busting reread authors.  I love her Gothic-y suspense books and have reread most of them countless times.  I haven't read many of her Elizabeth Peters books so I'm going to treat myself to a bing read of those books soon.

10. Diana Biller - Hotel of Secrets was one of my favorite books of 2023 and she hasn't released a new book since then.  I think she's still writing but like Kate Morton I want her to write faster!

What authors would you love another book from?

Mind Games - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads: Mind Games by Nora Roberts

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher    

Description:  As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

Genre: Romance - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book:  I always enjoy this author's books so of course I had to pick this one up.

My Impression: Roberts' romantic supsense books are always an intense read and this might be one of the darker ones I've read yet.  I really liked Thea as a main character and her relationship with her family - epseically her grandmother.  Their bond was special and only made more so by the gift/curse they both share.  The connection between Thea and the killer was tough to read and definitely emphasized the curse part.

Roberts' books are addictive and this was no different.  When I picked this one up I fell into Thea's world and was hooked until I finally had to reluctantly put the book down to get some sleep.  If you're a fan of Nora Roberts' romantic suspense books you want be disappointed.  If you're looking for a fast paced read with likable main characters, solid family and friend relationships, a solid romantic relationship,and a hefty helping of suspense you can't go wrong with this one.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I frequently reread my favorite Nora Roberts books and I always pick up her newest books.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy romantic suspense this is a must read!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Murder at the Vicarage - Classic Mystery Read

Goodreads: Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

Rating: Really Liked It!  (4.5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  Anyone who murdered Colonel Protheroe,’ declared the parson, brandishing a carving knife above a joint of roast beef, ‘would be doing the world at large a favour!’ It was a careless remark for a man of the cloth. And one which was to come back and haunt the clergyman just a few hours later – when the colonel was found shot dead in the clergyman’s study. But as Miss Marple soon discovers, the whole village seems to have had a motive to kill Colonel Protheroe.

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the April Read Christie Challenge pick.

My Impression:  I have read this book a number of times but somehow always forget just how much I enjoy it - or how the mystery ends  up unraveling.  This is the first book where we meet Miss Marple and the village of St Mary Mead.  A rather unpleasant man has been murdered in the Vicar's study and everyone is up in arms with scandal and intrigue.

This is a fun mystery with lots of secrets and lies.  It is cleverly plotted and full of well-meaning characters.  Everytime I pick this one up it is an enjoyable surprise and is Miss Marple at her finest complete with village gossip and astute observations.  

Next Month's Read Christie Challenge Pick is The ABC Murder so back to Poirot with a fun twisty not so village-y murder.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  Christie is one of my top ten favorite authors and I am constantly rereading her books.

Would I Recommend this Book? Absolutely!  This is a fantastic way to meet Miss Marple and read an enjoyable mystery.

Friday Fives - Five Upcoming Releases I'm Looking Forward to Reading

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm looking through the upcoming releases and I've picked out 5 I'm really looking forward to reading.

1.  One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware - I had taken a break from this author but loved the book I picked up randomly earlier this year so am ready to try something else by her.  This one looks fantastic!

2.  The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley - Apparently I'm in a bit of a thriller mood!  I've liked the other books I've read by this author and I'm curious about this one.

3.  Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams - This is an author I've really been neglecting even though I love her books and I love the sound of this one.

4.  A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson - While I've heard of this author for ages but finally read one of his books earlier this year and loved it.  This one sounds especially good and definitely like one I'd enjoy.

5.  Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer - I absolutely loved the first book to the point where I preordered this one and cannot wait until this one arrives!

Books from the Backlog - The Bookshop at Water's End

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry

Blurb: Bonny Blankenship's most treasured memories are of idyllic summers spent in Watersend, South Carolina, with her best friend, Lainey McKay. Amid the sand dunes and oak trees draped with Spanish moss, they swam and wished for happy-ever-afters, then escaped to the local bookshop to read and whisper in the glorious cool silence. Until the night that changed everything, the night that Lainey's mother disappeared.
Now, in her early fifties, Bonny is desperate to clear her head after a tragic mistake threatens her career as an emergency room doctor, and her marriage crumbles around her. With her troubled teenage daughter, Piper, in tow, she goes back to the beloved river house, where she is soon joined by Lainey and her two young children. During lazy summer days and magical nights, they reunite with bookshop owner Mimi, who is tangled with the past and its mysteries. As the three women cling to a fragile peace, buried secrets and long ago loves return like the tide.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I love this author and this looks like a wonderful summer read.