(Image from Barnes & Noble)

With its dark, broody weather and desolate, treeless landscape, the Isle of Lewis makes a fitting backdrop for murder.  And this one's as grisly as they come.  Oddly, the crime bears remarkable similarities to a recent killing in Edinburgh.  Because he speaks Gaelic, Edinburgh detective Fin McLeod is sent to the Outer Hebrides to investigate.  Reared on Lewis, the policeman hasn't been back in almost two decades.  He's less than thrilled to be returning now, especially on such an unpleasant errand.

Fin has no desire to revisit his dark past, but he has little choice as he traverses the land he knew so well as a boy.  Questioning old friends and neighbors doesn't help matters.  The more he investigates the murder, the deeper he's drawn into not just the past but also the secretive presents of the tight-lipped islanders.  It doesn't help that Marsaili, the woman Fin has always loved, still lives on the island—with her husband.  Being on Lewis is seriously messing with his head.  Can Fin sniff out a killer when he can't even sort himself?  With a murderer on the loose, will the detective ever leave Lewis?  Or will his homecoming end with his body buried in the cold, hard ground he vowed never to step on again?  

Although The Blackhouse—the first book in Peter May's Lewis trilogy—begins with a murder, the novel really isn't about the crime.  It's about the journey of a man haunted by his past.  Fin is a complex character; his flaws humanize him in a way that makes it impossible not to empathize with his plight.  As he examines the Outer Hebrides, with its unique scenery, culture, and people, the book's setting comes to life, becoming an intriguing character in its own right.  As for the plot of The Blackhouse, it's tense, compelling, and twisty.  On the whole, the novel is dark, depressing, and sad.  And yet, I found myself totally engrossed by it, so much so that I put the next two books in the series on reserve at the library before I even finished The Blackhouse.  I do like a moody mystery set in a unique locale.  Since I've now finished the series, I can say that all three volumes definitely qualify.

(Readalikes: Reminded me of the other books in the trilogy [The Lewis Man; and The Chessmen] as well as several of May's stand alone novels [Entry Island; Coffin Road; Runaway; etc.].  

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and depictions of underage drinking and illegal drug use

To the FTC, with love:  Another library fine find

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

For Katie and Eric Knox, nothing is more important than their daughter's gymnastics career.  An Olympics hopeful, 15-year-old Devon has been training at BelStars since she was three years old.  She and her family have sacrificed everything—everything—for the chance to vie for Olympic gold.  Now that that goal is closer than ever to being achieved, the Knoxes will allow nothing to stand in Devon's way—not money, not time, not BelStar's financial troubles, not Devon's overlooked little brother.  Nothing.  

When a young man associated with the gym is killed, his death rocks the competitive, but close-knit BelStars community.  As the investigation reveals shocking truths about her friends and family, Katie grapples to keep herself together.  No matter what happens, she can't let the tragedy distract Devon from reaching her golden dream.  With the police inquiries creeping ever closer to home, Katie must ask herself just how far she's really willing to go to protect her family. 

My daughter's brief infatuation with gymnastics gave me a disturbing glimpse at how serious many gymnastics parents are about their children's success in the sport.  Because of this, I found the plot of You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott especially unsettling.  And frighteningly realistic.  The novel is more family drama than mystery, yes, but it does revolve around how a suspicious death affects a community.  It's a tense story, compelling despite being a bit predictable.  Yes, the story gets stagnant at certain points.  And yes, the characters are not always easy to connect with, the lot of them being almost wholly unlikable.  Still, You Will Know Me remains an engrossing, thought-provoking tale that asks some chilling questions about marriage, parenting, ambition, and obsession.  I can't say I loved the novel, but it has stayed with me.  If your book club is searching for a read that will provoke a lively discussion, this one should do the trick.  

(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything.  Can you?)

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for language, violence, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use

To the FTC, with love:  I received an ARC of You Will Know Me from the generous folks at Spark Point Studios as part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.  Thank you!

With temps in the 70s here in the Phoenix area, it hardly feels like Christmastime at all.  I'm reminded at this time of year, more than any other, that you can take the girl out of the Pacific Northwest but you can't take the PNW out of the girl!  I miss watching the snow fall, hearing the crackle of a fire in the wood stove, and smelling pine on the breeze.  Christmas in Arizona just isn't the same!  *Sigh*  I'll be home for Christmas ... if only in my dreams ...

Speaking of dreaming, who's fantasizing about bookish gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree?  I always do!  The kindred spirits over at The Broke and the Bookish want to know the Top Ten Books (or book-related items) You Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under the Tree.  Only ten?  I'll try to restrain myself ...

I have it on good authority that these two are already under the tree:

1.  The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron—I've been intrigued by this one ever since I first heard about it.  I'm excited to finally read it.

2.  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling—I broke one of my cardinal rules at Thanksgiving time and went to see this movie before reading the book.  I enjoyed the film a lot.  Can't wait to see how the book compares.

3.  Bookstore gift cards—Okay, this one isn't under the tree, but my sister gave me a Barnes & Noble gift card for an early birthday present.  She knows me too well!

The rest of these are books 'n' things I'd love to see under my tree:

4.  A new set of hardcover Harry Potter books—I bought all the books in the series as they came out in hardcover.  Now that I'm re-reading them, I realize just how much they've been loved to death by my 14-year-old daughter (who claims to have read the whole series eight times).  A shiny new set would be the perfect gift!

5.  Book earrings—I think these beauties from the Coryographies Etsy shop are about the cutest thing ever.  She has lots of other adorable bookish items as well.

6.  Scythe by Neal Shusterman—I'm a big Shusterman fan and his newest is definitely on my must-read list this year.  It's a dystopian/sci fi story that sounds intriguing.

7.  Version Control by Dexter Palmer—I hadn't heard of this futuristic sci fi novel until I opened the newest issue of Bookmarks (see #8) yesterday.  It sounds unique and compelling.

8.  Bookmarks magazine—I've been a subscriber to Bookmarks for several years now.  I love receiving the magazine every couple months.  It's a great resource for finding new books to read.  If you have a book lover on your Christmas list, consider a gift subscription.  

9.  To Kill a Mockingbird hardcover by Harper Lee—TKAM is my favorite book of all time, but my only copy is a mass market paperback.  Barnes & Noble sells this lovely hardcover version.  I think I know how I'm going to be spending my birthday gift card ...

10.  Scrabble 2-in-1 Message Board Edition—Bustle listed this walk by Scrabble board as a must-have for word lovers.  I agree.  How totally fun would this be to have hanging in your house?  

There you go, ten books and bookish items I would love to see under my tree.  What about you?  What bookish Santa surprises would make you squeal with delight?  I'd love to know!  Make a comment on this post and I will happily return the favor.  

Happy TTT!

(Image from author's blog)

For the 13th day of December, the good folks at Quirk Books asked me to post about a fun new book they just published.  If you've got a young book lover on your Christmas list, you're definitely going to want to pay attention to this review!  

Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania Del Rio is the first in a middle grade series featuring the titular character.  Our hero is the 13th in a long line of Warrens, all of whom have been responsible for the care of the family hotel.  After the untimely death of his father, Warren the 13th became the newest owner; at only 12, however, he's not yet old enough to assume command of its operations.  Under the temporary direction of Warren's lazy Uncle Rupert, the Warren Hotel has become a derelict edifice, empty of guests for the last five years.  Dutiful Warren, who serves as the hotel's only bellhop/handyman/housekeeper/general errand boy, spends his days cleaning, repairing, and taking care of his inheritance as best he can.  Despite the cruelty Rupert's wife, Annaconda, inflicts on Warren, he remains cheerful, positive, and dedicated to his job.

When a mysterious guest checks into the hotel, Warren is shocked.  And intrigued.  Something strange is definitely going on.  With more guests arriving and Aunt Annaconda muttering about the All-Seeing Eye, it quickly becomes apparent that people are searching The Warren Hotel for its fabled treasure.  If Annaconda finds it first, Warren knows, nothing will be safe—not his beloved home, not his few (but loyal) friends, and certainly not himself.  In a frantic race for the hidden prize, Warren will encounter everything from witches to pirates to a monster in the boiler room.  With so many obstacles in his way, how will Warren beat Annaconda at her own game?  It's a perilous quest, but one our brave hero must undertake in order to save the people and the hotel he loves.

Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye is a clever, quirky book that tells a tale full of adventure, magic, and charm.  Eye-catching illustrations (by Will Staehle), all done in black, white, and red give the story extra appeal as do the puzzles, secret messages, and playful text boxes scattered throughout the book.  These extras make an already well-written story even more engrossing.  With all these elements working in seamless tandem, Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye makes for an entertaining, enjoyable reading experience that will enchant readers of all ages.  It bespelled me quite thoroughly, thank you very much.  I can't wait to see what Warren the 13th gets up to next!

(Readalikes:  Reminds me a little of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein)

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye from the generous folks at Quirk Books.  Thank you!