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Showing posts with label Journalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journalism. Show all posts
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Nellie Bly: A Fascinating Trailblazer in Any Genre
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"After all, what was sanity, except being able to contain the madness inside you?" (178)
If you know anything about Nellie Bly, it's probably that she was an intrepid newspaper reporter who went undercover at a mental institution on Blackwell's Island in New York City in 1887. That stunt alone was enough to make her famous. It also says a great deal about who she was, what she cared about, and how far she was willing to go to not just make a name for herself but also to create a better world for those she considered underprivileged and underserved. Just from this scant amount of information, it's easy to see that Bly was a fascinating person who lived an interesting life. No wonder I wanted to know more about her!
When I first heard about Madwoman by Louisa Treger, I thought it was a biography of the well-known journalist. Turns out, it's a novel—just one that feels very much like a biography. I don't have a problem with either genre, of course, but I would have preferred to read either a novel or a biography, not a mash-up of both that left me wondering what was true and what wasn't. Despite Madwoman's rather lackluster storytelling, though, I did find myself hooked. Bly's story is that compelling.
Although Treger spends a few chapters on Bly's upbringing (which was fairly uneventful until her beloved father died and her mother married an abusive alcoholic), Madwoman focuses almost entirely on the reporter's experience on Blackwell's Island. The events leading up to her investigation show her pluck and her determination to be something extraordinary—a female journalist writing hard news—at a time when women reporters were almost unheard of, even in New York City. Those who were in the industry wrote only about safe, feminine subjects like cooking, cleaning, and fashion. Bly wanted more. By using courage and ingenuity, she infiltrated an esteemed institution almost entirely on her own, ushering in an era of bold, creative investigative reporting that hadn't been seen before. Her experience at the asylum was harrowing, naturally, but her observations of how cruelly patients were treated there helped change the way mental institutions cared for those confined within.
Treger's prose is matter-of-fact and rather flat, but as I said, I still found myself caught up in Bly's story. Even though I knew she only ended up spending ten days in the asylum before her rescue was organized by executives at the New York World newspaper, I nevertheless worried for her. Treger did an excellent job of making her days in the grim institution feel as endless, dangerous and hopeless as they no doubt were.
Madwoman is wrapped up with a few chapters about the aftermath of Bly's incredible stunt. Not only does Treger describe the public's eager fascination with Bly's resulting articles, her subsequent fame, and the change that was wrought because of her investigation, but she also talks about the toll those ten days in the asylum took on Bly both physically and emotionally. "She had faked madness to get into the asylum," writes Treger. "Now she was out of it, she must fake sanity" (234). The question at the heart of Madwoman is clear: How can anyone, no matter how sane or insane they are upon entrance, leave such a place after having been treated so horribly, with their mental faculties intact?
I found Madwoman fascinating, but it did leave me wondering which parts of the story were true and which weren't. I also wanted to know what happened to Bly next. Did she continue taking on (or inventing for herself) dangerous assignments? What else did her long career in journalism accomplish? These questions led me to Ten Days a Madwoman by Deborah Noyes, a biography intended for middle-grade readers that covers Bly's whole life in 122 focused, informative pages (the title is misleading since the book only spends a few chapters on Bly's experience in the asylum). Honestly, since I got the information I wanted from Ten Days a Madwoman, I probably could have skipped Madwoman altogether, although it was interesting to compare/contrast the two books. Despite reading both, my desire to know more about Bly has not been entirely satiated. At some point, I still plan to read The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale, Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World by Matthew Goodman, and Ten Days In A Mad-House by Nellie Bly herself.
Am I the only one fascinated by this fearless history-maker? Which books have you read and loved about the incredible Nellie Bly?
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Ten Days a Madwoman by Deborah Noyes and The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore as well as novels about mental asylums in 19th Century America, like Girl 99 by Greer Macallister, A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder invectives), violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Madwoman with a portion of the millions I earn from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Upbeat MG Novel Entertaining and Empowering
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Ashley Simon-Hockheimer loves reporting the news. She's been on her school's news crew since she was in second grade. Now that she's in sixth, she should be the undisputed star of The News at Nine. If it weren't for that unfortunate decision to film a teacher doing something embarrassing, she would be the lead anchor, not cringe-y Harry E. Levin. Ugh.
Tired of watching from the sidelines, Ash and two of her friends decide to create their own show, The Underground News. They don't have a fancy sponsor to gift them sophisticated equipment like the school does, but that doesn't mean they can't make a quality program that will attract lots of viewers. All they need to make their little homemade show go viral is a big, juicy story...
When the girls stumble across a story that could have a potentially huge impact on their school and community, they can't wait to break it. While they race to verify their information, they have to contend with dodgy sources, friendship drama, and fending off Harry, who's about to steal their scoop for himself. Who will break the story first? Will Ashley finally get the chance to shine as lead anchor? Or will her nemesis steal her glory once again?
Elissa Brent Weissman's The Length of a String was one of my favorite reads of 2021. I wanted to read more from her, so I picked up The Renegade Reporters since it looked like a fun book. It is both of those things; it's also a timely story about the hot-button issue of online privacy. The novel looks at the pros and cons of tracking people's movements online, providing a perfect springboard for thoughtful discussion in a classroom or at home. It also shows the benefits of teamwork, learning from one's mistakes, and using your voice for good. While it does get a little far-fetched, overall The Renegade Reporters is a warm, upbeat read that is entertaining and empowering. I enjoyed it.
Note: I listened to this book on audio, an experience I highly recommend. The narrator, Keylor Leigh, does an excellent job. Her voice is smooth and easy on the ear. I'll definitely look for more books with her as the reader.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Goodman's Newest a Shivery Spine-Tingler
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For three years, investigative reporter Joan Lurie has been working on an explosive story about the sexual misconduct of a powerful New York City publisher. She knows there will be consequences for breaking the shocking news and she thinks she's prepared to deal with them. What she couldn't have foreseen was a brutal attack on her person that leaves her traumatized, both physically and emotionally. Utterly shaken, she retreats to the Refuge, an exclusive Manhattan apartment building that was once a Magdalen laundry. The place boasts top-notch security that should have Joan feeling completely at ease. So, why does she still feel unsafe? Is she imagining that things in her apartment have been moved around on her? Or is it just paranoia and frayed nerves, after effects of her attack?
Joan's not the only woman hiding inside the Refuge. Lillian Day hasn't left the building in over seventy years, not since the day she witnessed a shocking event that left her just as traumatized as Joan.
Then there's Melissa Osgood, who's reeling from her husband's betrayal and from a devastating reversal of fortune. She blames Joan Lurie and will stop at nothing to take revenge on the woman who ruined her life.
As the lives of Joan, Lillian, and Melissa intersect, they will learn some startling truths about themselves, each other, and the dark history of the building in which they all live. With danger still on Joan's tail, she has to find true refuge before it's too late...
I'm a long-time fan of Carol Goodman's twisty Gothic thrillers, so I always get excited when she publishes a new book. With its modern New York City setting (as opposed to the usual upstate locales) and its #MeToo movement premise, The Stranger Behind You—Goodman's newest—is a bit of a departure from her previous novels, but it's still a shivery, engrossing page-turner. While I saw some of the plot surprises coming, others caught me off-guard, keeping the story interesting throughout. Although there are definitely some elements of the tale that are illogical and far-fetched, overall I found it both compelling and satisfying. Not all of the book's characters are likable, but Joan is appealing enough that I cared about her plight. As with many of Goodman's books, my favorite aspect of The Stranger Behind You is the Gothic-y setting. The creepy building at its center as well as the story's constant, unsettling vibe make the book an entertaining spine-tingler. While this isn't my favorite of Goodman's thrillers, I enjoyed it overall.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, Someone's Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass, and The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a couple F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Stranger Behind You from the generous folks at HarperCollins via those at Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, February 08, 2021
Of All the Historical Mystery/Romances in All the World, This One Just Doesn't Quite Live Up to the Hype
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When her abusive husband dies, Lady Katherine Bascomb breathes a sigh of relief. Not only is she finally free from his explosive temper, but she's now a wealthy widow and the owner of a London newspaper. As such, she's free to write the kinds of articles she wants to pen, even if the laced-up Victorians frown upon a lady reporting hard news. Kate refuses to let that stop her from using her own intelligence and insight to try to solve a spate of murders that have been plaguing the city. When she makes a rookie investigatory misstep that puts a young woman in danger, however, she sees just how dangerous meddling in police work can be.
A seasoned detective inspector with the Metropolitan Police, Andrew Eversham is furious when he learns that Kate has been nosing around in his case. He becomes even more enraged when he encounters her again—this time as the discoverer of a murdered manservant at her friend's country manor. As annoyed as he is by the beautiful Kate, he can't deny that she's smart and observant. True, she made a dangerous mistake in reporting, but would it really be so bad to give her another chance? Andrew needs all the help he can get to stop a vicious criminal and Kate just might make a worthy partner. Can the duo work together without losing their tempers—or their hearts?
Everything about A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins—from its playful cover to its clever tagline to its lively plot summary—screams light, fun historical mystery/romance. I expected to be thoroughly charmed by the novel, which I have been looking forward to reading ever since it landed on my doorstep. Did it live up to my (admittedly high) expectations? Not exactly. While the book is diverting overall, it didn't enchant me the way I wanted it to. The characters are likable without being anything special. I get that Kate is supposed to be a forward-thinking woman, but her attitude and speech feel too contemporary to be authentically Victorian. As far as Andrew goes, his constant distraction over Kate's looks made him seem unprofessional and less honorable than I wanted him to be. Both are supposed to be fiercely independent and love-adverse, but neither has to work too hard to win the other over, which makes their romance seem insta-lovey and stale. I was especially annoyed by a brief, but fairly graphic sex scene that occurs about 3/4 of the way through the story. The swerve from PG-ish territory to R came as a disappointing surprise to me. It didn't fit with the vibe of the novel, although perhaps I should have seen it coming since Collins' other books are, apparently, bodice rippers. Nevertheless, it soured my reading experience of what I thought would be a light, frothy romantic mystery. Speaking of the mystery, it does have a plot twist that I didn't totally see coming, which made for a nice surprise. Still, the finale is pretty lackluster and anti-climactic. All of these things considered, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem turned out to be an only slightly better-than-average read for me. It was engaging enough to keep me reading, but too many irritants got in the way of me really enjoying it. I wanted to love the book and just...didn't. As far as this genre goes, I'll stick with what I already know and love. Sorry, but Kate Bascomb simply can't compete with Veronica Speedwell and Kat Halloway.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Veronica Speedwell mystery series by Deanna Raybourn and the Kat Halloway mystery series by Jennifer Ashley, although I'd recommend both of these over A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem from the generous folks at Forever Books (a division of Hachette Book Group) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Luminous and Lovely, The Last Blue Captures Both My Interest and My Heart
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"At her expense, readers will snatch up magazines and entertain themselves, using her as a measure against their own deficiencies, as a consolation for their incredible fortune of being ordinary" (161*).
Despite winning a Pulitzer Prize for a photograph depicting the grimness of The Great Depression, 32-year-old photographer Clay Havens is feeling uninspired. His creative juices have turned to sludge and he's fairly sure his newest assignment isn't going to provide the spark to get them flowing again. As part of President Roosevelt's plan to sell his country on his New Deal, he's sending journalists into Appalachia to "capture the rugged, steadfast nature of hill people, whether they possess it or not, and to portray their hardship in a way that will make the public sympathetic to their plight and ready to cast their votes accordingly" (14*). Feeling more like a propagandist than a photographer, Havens nevertheless travels to eastern Kentucky with his reporter friend, Ulys Massey. Another prize-winning photo may not be hiding in the hollers, but at least the assignment will keep Havens and Massey out of the breadline.
When the pair arrives in Chance, an offhand remark from one of the small town's more unsavory residents piques their curiosity. Rumors of a scorned family of people with blue skin send them traipsing through the woods to Spooklight Holler. Havens is immediately entranced when he and Massey come across a skittish young woman with skin the color of a robin's egg. A deadly snakebite lands Havens in the extended care of the woman's family. As he and Massey spend more time with the infamous Blues, they become fascinated by their way of life and horrified by how the family has been treated by their White neighbors. While Havens spends his time wooing kind, gentle Jubilee, Massey's itching to sell the Blues' remarkable story to the highest bidder. Reluctant to oust the already hunted people who have been so good to him, Havens searches frantically for a way to stop his partner from causing more trouble for Jubilee and her family. The city slickers' presence has already prompted violence locally; what will happen if Jubilee's beautiful blue face is splashed across the cover of Time? Caught between duty and love, Havens scrambles frantically for a solution that will stop Massey, protect the Blues, and convince Jubilee to give him a chance with her fragile heart. With Chance's White population already whipped into a heated frenzy against the Blues, Havens' time is rapidly running out ...
Earlier this year, I read and adored The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, which featured the Blue people of Kentucky. So, when Isla Morley contacted me about reviewing her newest novel, which was inspired by the same fascinating clan, I jumped at the chance to grab myself an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of The Last Blue. I'm so glad I did because just as The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek did, this one immediately captured not just my interest but also my heart. I loved everything about it, from its engaging heroine to its atmospheric setting to its tender love story to the ending that almost undid me entirely. While the book touches on issues of prejudice, fear, exposure vs. exploitation, identity, family, and self-discovery, at its heart, it's really about love in all its messy, life-changing glory. If you, too, are intrigued by the Blue people, or if you just enjoy rich, immersive historical fiction, I absolutely recommend picking up a copy of this luminous, lovely novel.
Intrigued? Good. Learn more by checking out this interview with Isla Morley:
(Readalikes: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson and Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (two F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, disturbing subject matter, scenes of peril, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Last Blue from the always generous Isla Morley. Thank you!
Thursday, January 23, 2020
My First Audiobook a Slow, Gory Slog
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As an aspiring journalist, 16-year-old Nathalie Baudin is thrilled to be writing a column for Le Petite Journal. Even if the editor, an old family friend, hired her only as a favor to her unemployed mother and away-at-sea father. Even if she has to dress as a boy to do her reporting. Even if the job means spending her days studying corpses at Paris' public morgue. Despite her unladylike interest in the macabre, she's as horrified as everyone else when a serial killer begins preying on the city's young women. She's even more aghast when, while viewing the victims' bodies at the morgue, she begins having nauseating visions of them being brutalized. Most confusing of all, the scenes are from the perspective of the killer. Why is she having these strange visions? What could they possibly mean?
Soon Nathalie realizes that her gruesome waking dreams are a weird gift that could help the police find the killer who has been dubbed "The Dark Artist." But that means opening herself to more violent visions, which leave her frightened and disgusted. Is it worth her sanity to encourage the blood-soaked visions? As Nathalie searches for answers, she stumbles across shocking secrets about her family and herself. Her sleuthing soon attracts the attention of the murderer. With a killer on her own tail, she must find answers—and fast—before she becomes the next corpse lying on a slab for all of Paris to view.
Spectacle, a debut novel by Jodie Lynn Zdrok, has an intriguing premise and a creepy, atmospheric Jack the Ripper feel. While neither of these elements is all that original, the combination presents a compelling jumping-off point. Unfortunately, the story Zdrok spins from it is slow, with a lot of meandering around before it gets anywhere. The tale gets repetitious and dull, making its 368 pages feel like double that. Add in a lot of bloody, gory scenes, some of which made me feel physically ill, and Spectacle became a tough tale to get through. I did become invested enough in the story to finish it, but in the end, I just didn't find the book all that enjoyable or satisfying. Needless to say, I won't be bothering with the sequel, Sensational, which comes out in February.
I should mention that I listened to Spectacle as an audiobook—my first one ever. The narrator, Laurie Catherine Winkel, is okay. Her narration is a little stiff, with her French sounding more natural than her English. My daughter says she sounds like the Google Translate voice. I don't know if listening to Spectacle as opposed to reading it altered my experience with the book or not. I think I would have felt the same way, no matter what, but I'm still a noob when it comes to audiobooks, so who knows?
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting [The Body Finder; Desires of the Dead; The Last Echo; and Dead Silence] as well as various books about Jack the Ripper)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language; violence; disturbing subject matter; and blood/gore
To the FTC, with love: I received a free finished audio copy of Spectacle as part of a promotion offered by Audible.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Second Nichelle Clarke Mystery Almost as Entertaining as First
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Buried Leads, it may inadvertently spoil plot surprises from its predecessor, Front Page Fatality. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
With aspirations of reporting for The Washington Post, 28-year-old journalist Nichelle Clarke is always on the hunt for career-making news stories. When a corpse wearing an Armani suit is discovered in the woods, Nichelle is the first on the scene. The dead man's identity as a high-profile lawyer and tobacco lobbyist turns the story into an even juicier tale than Nichelle first imagined. As she digs into his shady dealings, she uncovers a trail of dirty deeds. Then, another body with connections to the first is found in a dumpster. Who is offing people and why?
Determined to track down the murderer, Nichelle puts herself in the sights of a brutal killer. Despite warnings from her sexy Mafia informant and a handsome old friend, she won't stop until she uncovers the truth. Even if hers is the next designer-clad corpse to turn up in a shallow grave.
Buried Leads is the second installment in LynDee Walker's enjoyable mystery series starring the intrepid, shoe-obsessed Nichelle Clarke. I didn't like it quite as much as the first book, but this one is still fun, exciting, and engrossing. Nichelle is an entertaining narrator who's likable and funny. The fact that she always has guys swooning over her gets annoying, especially since none of them has much personality. Still, I'm enjoying this series and will definitely continue reading it.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Nichelle Clarke series, including Front Page Fatality; Small Town Spin; Devil in the Deadline; Cover Shot; Lethal Lifestyles; Deadly Politics; and Hidden Victims)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Buried Leads with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Mystery Series Debut a Pleasant Surprise
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Journalist Nichelle Clark has one dream—to work as an investigative reporter for The Washington Post. In order to earn such a coveted job, the 28-year-old first has to prove herself capable, which means she needs a major story, the kind that will grab the attention of the bigwigs at the Post. With more seasoned reporters gunning for every lead, Nichelle has to fight for every crumb she can get. When her "cops and courts" beat at the struggling Richmond Telegraph finally lands her a prime story, she can't wait to dive in. As the deadly police boat collision she's investigating turns from accident to suspected homicide, Nichelle knows she's stumbled on a story that could make her whole career.
The deeper Nichelle digs, however, the more dangerous her life becomes. Suddenly, she's dealing with missing evidence, drug dealers, and a sexy Mafia man whose sudden appearances at her home make her heart race—in more ways than one. Add to that a bitter rivalry with the office bimbo and a handsome new colleague whose intentions she can't quite figure out and Nichelle's got a lot on her shoulders. Can her designer stilettos hold up under the pressure? Will Nichelle live long enough to sort her business and nab the story of a lifetime? Or will the examination of Nichelle's murdered body be the next item on the coroner's to-do list?
I downloaded Front Page Fatality, the first installment in LynDee Walker's Nichelle Clarke mystery series, because it was cheap on Kindle (right now it's only $3.99). If I had seen its original cover (above right), I would have kept my distance, but the new art plus a compelling plot summary made me want to give this one a chance. I have to say, I'm glad I did. The book turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the newsroom setting, which felt very authentic thanks to Walker's extensive experience as an investigative reporter. Despite Nichelle's sometimes annoying fashion and shoe fetishes, I found her to be an appealing heroine. She's confident, funny, tough, and determined. Plotwise, Front Page Fatality doesn't offer anything outstanding or original; still, it's compelling. I definitely wanted to know what was going to happen next. It's not my favorite mystery series debut or anything, but I've already bought the next two books in the series, so that says a lot about how much I enjoyed Front Page Fatality.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Nichelle Clarke series by LynDee Walker)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, and innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Front Page Fatality with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Despite Unique Format, Lippman's Newest Just an Average Read
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After separating from her husband of almost 20 years, Madeline "Maddie" Schwartz longs to live the exciting, meaningful existence she's been missing out on for two decades. When she hears about a body found in a park fountain, she knows she's stumbled upon a story that could be her ticket to being taken seriously in the world of investigative journalism. No one but Maddie seems to care about the dead woman; the more she digs for answers, the more obsessed she becomes with finding the truth.
The dead woman's ghost (who is observing Maddie's investigation) just wants to be left alone. But why? What happened to her? Who stole her life and set her restless spirit wandering?
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman uses a unique, interesting format to tell an otherwise ordinary story. It works, making the tale more compelling than it would have been. In fact, it may be the saving grace for this novel, which features two unlikeable "heroines" who are both selfish and manipulative. It's tough to care too much about either one of them. In addition, Lady in the Lake is grim and depressing. All in all, then, it was another average read for me. I definitely didn't love it, but I liked it well enough to finish the book.
(Readalikes: I'm tired and nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder expletives), violence, and some sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Lady in the Lake from the generous folks at William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Friday, July 19, 2019
Big-Hearted Hattie Novels Warm, Exciting, and Upbeat
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Hattie Ever After, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, Hattie Big Sky. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Back in 2008, I raved about an engaging YA historical novel called Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. It concerns a 16-year-old orphan who receives a surprise inheritance from an uncle she never knew she had. He bequeaths her his Montana homestead—if she can "prove it up" in the next ten months, she will become its proud owner. With nothing to keep her in Iowa, Hattie heads west. Over the course of the novel, she has countless adventures in the wilds of Montana as she makes a go of homesteading, which proves to be a whole lot tougher than it seems.
I adored Hattie Big Sky when I read it, but I didn't realize—until just a few months ago—that Larson had penned a sequel. Hattie Ever After came out in 2014. The newer novel picks up where its predecessor left off, with Hattie deciding to leave Montana after failing to prove up Uncle Chester's cabin. She's always dreamed of being a reporter, so she heads to San Francisco where she's sure she'll immediately be hired by the best newspaper in town. Like homesteading, getting the coveted job turns out to be a little more difficult than she thought it would be. Nevertheless, determined to make her dream come true, Hattie uses her pluck and wits to make a name for herself in the cutthroat world of journalism. Along the way, of course, she has all kinds of adventures that test her mettle. Will she find success?
While I didn't love Hattie Ever After quite as much as I did the first book, the sequel is still a warm, fun, exciting novel. With colorful historical details, a lively cast, and an entertaining plot, it's an enjoyable read. I loved learning Uncle Chester's back story and finding out what happens to Hattie after her exploits in Montana. If you dig clean, upbeat, engaging historical fiction, you can't go wrong with Larson's heartwarming Hattie novels.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson; also of the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Hattie Ever After from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Taut Crime Thriller a Pulse-Pounding Page-Turner
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Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Suspect, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Kate Waters books. Even though this installment is labeled a standalone, I still recommend reading books in a series in order.
As a journalist who's used to covering hard news, Kate Waters is an expert at maintaining objectivity. She observes what's happening, cajoles victims into telling her their stories, writes up her pieces, and sends them across the wires. She's not a cold-hearted monster; she's just doing her job.
When Kate hears the news that two 18-year-old British girls have disappeared while on a backpacking trip in Thailand, she's immediately on alert. It's not only because it's been a slow news week, but also because her own son—24-year-old Jake—has been in the Asian country for the past two years, almost incommunicado with his worried parents. If she's sent on location for the newspaper, she can help find the missing girls and check on Jake at the same time.
Kate is shocked to discover that something very sinister has gone down in Thailand. And that Jake may be tangled up in it. Frantic with worry, Kate flies to Thailand determined to find not two missing young adults, but three ...
While there's nothing super unique or original about The Suspect, a taut thriller by Fiona Barton, the novel is still a pulse-pounding page-turner. I read it fast and furious, anxious to know what would happen next. I guessed most of the twists, but still, the story's compelling enough that I kept reading. Way later than I should have, as a matter of fact. In addition to a fast-paced plot, the novel features sympathetic characters (the adult protagonists anyway—the kids are selfish, shallow brats) and capable prose. Like I said, there's nothing shout-it-from-the-rooftops amazing here, but I'm definitely up for reading more from Barton. If you like British crime thrillers, give this newcomer a try.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of books by Tana French, Sharon Bolton, Jane Casey, Paula Hawkins, Ruth Ware, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, mild sexual content, depictions of illegal drug use and underage drinking, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Suspect from the generous folks at Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Martha's Vineyard Rom Com Dull and Unsatisfying
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When her aging, cantankerous uncle injures himself in a fall, Joanna Howes is drawn home to Martha's Vineyard to take care of him. She's anticipating a short visit, but as Henry's leg refuses to heal, Joanna fears she may be in town for the long haul. As her bank balance dwindles, the freelance journalist agrees to take a job writing for one of the two local newspapers. When it becomes obvious she won't be able to pay her bills on the part-time gig, she begins working for the rival paper as well. Publishing articles under two different names, she hopes to keep her separate identities ... separate. The more undercover she tries to delve, however, the more complicated her already messy life seems to get.
Things become even more chaotic when Joanna accepts a date with a handsome stranger only to realize he's at the center of a controversy that's got locals (including her Uncle Henry) hot and bothered. Joanna can't tell her uncle—or either of her editors-in-chief—that her objectivity is being more and more compromised with every minute she spends with Orion Smith. How can she keep the professional distance she needs in order to report fairly on Orion while she's falling so hopelessly in love with him? The last thing Joanna needs is more knots in her already tangled-up life, but that's what she's getting. Can she get herself sorted before she loses everything that's important to her?
On the Same Page, a romantic comedy by N.D. Galland, has a fun premise with lots of potential. Unfortunately, that potential just isn't realized. While I enjoyed learning about Martha's Vineyard's dual personality, that's about the only thing in this novel that intrigued me. For me, the story ran on and on, with so much extraneous detail that it felt
overly long and dull. In addition, I just didn't care for Joanna. Selfish and dishonest, she doesn't ever risk enough to cause enough tension and suspense to make her tale interesting. She doesn't grow as a character, which makes the novel feel unsatisfying. In the end, then, I didn't love this one. Bummer.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of On the Same Page from the generous folks at HarperCollins via those at TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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Saturday, December 29, 2018
Empathetic, Hopeful Historical A Memorable Read
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Struggling journalist Ellis Reed is in desperate need of a juicy story to propel him out of the society pages into the more prestigious world of investigative reporting. When he happens upon an arresting sight—two kids sitting on a sagging porch in rural Pennsylvania beside a sign reading "Two Children for Sale"—he snaps a photograph. It's a heart-wrenching scene that says volumes about the struggles people all over the country are facing in the midst of the Great Depression. Ellis never intends to publish the picture, but when it is inadvertently shown to his editor, the man in charge sees a golden opportunity. After the original image is accidentally destroyed, Ellis is sent to get another, which leads to a staged photograph and the subsequent destruction of an innocent family. As the situation grows increasingly out of control, Ellis is haunted by what he's done. He can't tell the truth without ruining his now successful career, but he can't live with himself if he doesn't.
Equally horrified by her role in the situation, Lillian Palmer vows to help Ellis reunite a family torn apart by lies and besieged by unwanted public attention. Risking her own position at the newspaper, she has to decide how far she's willing to go for redemption and for her developing relationship with Ellis. Can Lillian and Ellis put to rights a situation that gets more complicated every day? Or have they doomed themselves and a guiltless family to a lifetime of sorrow and remorse?
With a haunting premise and a compelling plot, Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris is an evocative novel about the sometimes long-reaching consequences of one split-second decision. Peopled with flawed, but authentic characters, it tells an empathetic story that highlights the abject desperation that characterized a devastating period in American history. Although this is a sad story, it's also a hopeful one. Sold on a Monday kept me reading, hoping, and yearning for a happy ending. I enjoyed it immensely.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
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