In "Of Mutts and Men," the charming man and dog duo of Chet and Bernie are solving crimes together again, courtesy of Spencer Quinn, who writes as fabulous a dog narrative as anyone. Chet is the four-legged narrator who allows us to participate, albeit virtually, in how the two intrepid detectives solve the crime of … Continue reading ‘Of Mutts and Men’ by Spencer Quinn is the newest Chet and Bernie mystery
Month: July 2020
‘The Rider’s Reign: A Rose Legacy Novel’ by Jessica Day George is a fitting ending to a lovely middle grade, horse-filled fantasy
"The Rider's Reign: A Rose Legacy Novel" is the final book in the trilogy that began with "The Rose Legacy," the book that is also the title of the three-book series. In it we learn of a world in which some humans can communicate with horses. And any horse-loving human reading this trilogy would only … Continue reading ‘The Rider’s Reign: A Rose Legacy Novel’ by Jessica Day George is a fitting ending to a lovely middle grade, horse-filled fantasy
‘The Half Sister’ by Sandie Jones is a clever story of family lies and deception
In "The Half Sister," Sandie Jones writes a novel that demonstrates how what we perceive as perfect families are sometimes anything but that. When a young woman named Jess shows up at the family's front door claiming to be the daughter of their late father, Lauren and Kate are stunned, especially Kate because she had … Continue reading ‘The Half Sister’ by Sandie Jones is a clever story of family lies and deception
‘The Unadoptables’ by Hana Tooke
"The Unadoptables: five amazing kids. One UN-ordinary adventure to find the home they deserve," by Hana Tooke, is a middle grade historical fiction that is Dickens-esque while it also charms and touches the heart. The story takes place in Amsterdam and begins in the year 1880, over the course of which five infants are abandoned … Continue reading ‘The Unadoptables’ by Hana Tooke
‘The Last Train to Key West’ by Chanel Cleeton
With her new historical fiction, "The Last Train to Key West," Chanel Cleeton revisits the hurricane of 1935, which has been called one of the strongest storms to hit the United States. She imagines the lives of three women, all unknown to each other at the start of the novel, but whose lives become connected … Continue reading ‘The Last Train to Key West’ by Chanel Cleeton
‘The One and Only Bob’ by Katherine Applegate; When a dog, a gorilla, and an elephant are best friends
Remember Bob, the scrawny little dog with lots of bravado who was Ivan and Ruby's buddy in "The One and Only Ivan"? Well, author Katherine Applegate decided that Bob deserved his own story, and "The One and Only Bob" is this survivor's tale. First, let's be clear about one thing: Bob is NOT a good … Continue reading ‘The One and Only Bob’ by Katherine Applegate; When a dog, a gorilla, and an elephant are best friends
‘Have You Seen Me?” by Kate White is a twisty tale of intrigue
"Have You Seen Me?" is the latest mystery by Kate White, who is also the author of the Bailey Weggins mysteries, including "Such a Perfect Wife" and "Even if It Kills Her." This new novel is a stand alone novel, and White generously provides us with many, many choices when we try to figure out … Continue reading ‘Have You Seen Me?” by Kate White is a twisty tale of intrigue
‘Dance Away With Me’ by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
"Dance Away with Me" is not one of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' light, humor-filled romances featuring sassy women and sexy athletes. Rather this one delves into issues about loss and grief, family values, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, what it takes to do the right thing. The novel begins with Tess Hartsong, who has run away to … Continue reading ‘Dance Away With Me’ by Susan Elizabeth Phillips