A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson

A Likely Story features unlikeable characters and a story with a story.

Synopsis

Since her childhood, Isabelle Manning has always admired Ward, her father and bestselling author. Her mother, Claire, has recently passed, and it has never been clearer that she was the glue that held them together.

Isabelle has always wanted to be a writer like her father but has not had the success she dreamed she would. Meanwhile, Ward is struggling to write his next novel and with the realization that he is not the hot commodity he once was.

One day, Isabelle comes across some shocking information that throws into doubt everything she thought she knew about her family.

Review of A Likely Story

This novel features multiple POVs, alternating timelines, and a story within a story. It’s also a slow burn. The big reveal doesn’t happen until around 100 pages in.

Exception for Claire, many of the characters were hard to like. Ward is a mediocre man who needs to be lauded by others to feel good about himself. Isabelle’s whole personality, initially, is merely to exist as Ward’s daughter. She’s also incredibly self-centred. Usually, I don’t mind reading about unlikeable characters. However, I’d prefer them to have some interesting qualities, which these two did not.

At first, I did enjoy the story within the story, but it lost steam part way through.

There are discussions on nepotism and Isabelle’s feelings of failure and insecurities as a nepo baby.

I did like how things eventually came together in the end, hence the three stars. Although this book didn’t completely work for me, it is getting high ratings from other reviewers, so you may have better luck with it than me.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now Available.

Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Those People Next Door by Kia Abdullah

Those People Next Door highlights the different forms of racism and prejudices in this compulsively readable thriller.

Synopsis

Salma, her husband Bil, and their son Zain have recently moved to a new neighbourhood. They attend a neighbourhood party, and everything seems to be going well enough. That is until Zain’s anti-racist flag starts triggering the neighbours, leading them to acts of passive aggression. The situation quickly spirals out of control.

Review of Those People Next Door

This intense neighbourhood thriller has multiple POVs.

Abdullah examines the many forms that racism and prejudice can take.

The author’s writing style is very engaging and near unputdownable. This is the second book I’ve read of hers, and it was just as gripping. She strikes a nice balance between characterization and moving the plot along.

There are twists upon twists. However, one of the final reveals was a bit of a letdown. It seemed to come out of nowhere.

But except for that gripe, the rest of the book was amazing.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 14 March 2023

Thank you to HQ for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell

The Golden Spoon is a cozy murder mystery set at a remote estate.

Synopsis

Over five days, six contestants will compete to win the Golden Spoon trophy and a coveted cookbook publishing deal. Betsy Martin has hosted the competition at her family estate for the last ten years. However, Betsy’s producers want to freshen things up, so they’ve arranged for a new cohost to join her. But there’s a storm coming, and not everyone will survive the week.

Review of The Golden Spoon

This cozy mystery has multiple perspectives, including all the contestants and Betsy herself. The contestants had distinct personalities and backgrounds, but most of them still felt a bit bland and archetypal.

Also, there was some repetitiveness, and the ending was spoon-fed to the reader.

The writing reminded me of The Woman in the Library. So if you liked that one, you may have success with this book.

But all in all, this is a fun mystery to read in a sitting or two. I love watching or reading about competitions, and this book brought that element to life.

I will definitely watch the adaptation whenever it releases.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 07 March 2023

Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Missing Clarissa is a fast-paced YA thriller.

Synopsis

For their journalism class, two high school students start a true crime podcast about Clarissa, a popular cheerleader who went missing in 1999. Cameron and Blair, mostly Cameron, believe that they can find the person responsible for Clarissa’s disappearance. The podcast quickly grows a dedicated following, and the situation becomes dicier as the girls get deeper into their investigation.

Review of Missing Clarissa

This YA thriller is a short and easy read. It follows Cameron and Blair’s perspectives. Most of it was well-written, but a few sections were starkly repetitive and juvenile.

Cameron wasn’t the easiest character to like. She’s super impulsive, jumping into things without thinking of the consequences. Blair has low self-esteem and has always been Cameron’s trusty sidekick, but she is becoming tired of that role.

I did like that this book raised the issue of pretty dead/missing white girls receiving the most media attention over people of colour.

But it’s still unrealistic to believe two teenagers could solve this cold case and not the authorities. If I were younger, maybe I’d be able to overlook it.

Overall, this was a fun and adequate thriller, it just won’t stick with me for long.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 07 March 2023

Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

A Day of Fallen Night is just as epic as The Priory of the Orange Tree but takes a while to get going.

Synopsis

This prequel takes place 500 years before the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Each of the four geographical regions has its own historical, religious, and political beliefs. All of their beliefs are at odds with each other.

There are rumours that the Dreadmount has erupted, spewing forth wyrms and other destructive creatures. The Nameless One has not been a threat for centuries. Now, these creatures are wreaking destruction wherever they land. It’s up to each leader to decide the best way to defeat these dreadful beasts before everything lies in ruin.

Review of A Day of Fallen Night

When I read Priory, the story immediately sucked me in, and I felt an instant attachment to nearly every character. I rooted for most of them every step of the way. However, with this book, it took a while for me to become invested in some of the characters’ lives. And there are a lot of characters in this chunky book (although there is a helpful character list). I eventually came to cheer for all the big players and might have even been teary by the end. Wulf, Glorian, Nikeya, and Dumai all have wonderful character arcs.

The pacing wasn’t as consistent as Priory, either. In that one, it felt like things were always happening, so the book never seemed slow despite its length. But even though this one had a slow setup, it was totally worth it. Samantha Shannon knows how to hook her readers. The first major twist had me gasping; the story really took off from there.

Since this is a prequel, it can be read first or as a standalone. But, I’m glad I read Priory first for the context it provided. This one might have been a tad daunting without having some background on this world.

I don’t want this review to sound lukewarm because there were many instances where I was completely hooked and stayed up late to read it. It’s just hard to live up to the expectations set by the first book.

Nevertheless, let the wait commence for the next Roots of Chaos novel.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 28 February 2023

A big thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for providing me with physical and digital copies to review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart

A Death at the Party is an engrossing domestic neighbourhood suspense set over a single day.

Synopsis

It opens with Nadine finding a body in her basement while a snazzy garden party is going on upstairs.

Rewind to that morning, and Nadine is making last-minute preparations with her close friends and family for her mother’s birthday celebration. Throughout the day, Nadine reflects on events that happened thirty years earlier. As the day unfurls, so too do everyone’s secrets.

Review of A Death at the Party

This story is a mix between a domestic and neighbourhood suspense, which makes it all the more compelling. There’s the family component plus the small-world feel from everyone on the block knowing everyone else’s business.

The chapters are short, making this a quick one to get through. And there were some great twists along the way. The identity of the body doesn’t get revealed until the end, which kept me guessing. There are many moving parts, and the author neatly stitches them together.

I would recommend this if you enjoy carefully plotted domestic neighbourhood suspense novels. I would not classify this as a thriller.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 07 March 2023

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten is an atmospheric and lush first book in a new fantasy series .

Synopsis

Ten years ago, Lore escaped from a cult in the catacombs. Now, she is working undercover as a poison runner. Lore has the ability to wield Mortem, a form of death magic. The church has prohibited its use, allowing only members of the Presque Mort to channel it.

But everything goes awry on Lore’s latest poison run, leading the Presque Mort to capture her and bring her to the Sainted King. Lore expects death, but instead, the king commands her to spy on his son Bastian. Now, Lore finds herself thrust into the glittering world of court intrigue and political machinations.

Lore’s life depends on finding out some truths for the king. She’ll have Gabe, a duke-turned-monk-turned-duke again, to help her on this investigation.

Review of The Foxglove King

I enjoyed Hannah Whitten’s debut, For the Wolf, but not nearly as much as this one, even though I gave them both four stars. I didn’t feel as connected to the characters in FtW. But here, the characters are fully realized, whether they are likeable or not.

I liked Lore’s refreshing character. She is a strong female character, confident in her sexuality. I was hoping for a bit more romance, but alas, there was mostly angst and a love triangle.

The court is similar to other fantasy books, but overall, it is still compelling with all its opulence and revelry.

The one thing that slightly irked me was how often the author mentioned Gabe’s disability. He’s missing an eye, and nearly every sentence about him references it. “His one eye looked at x.” “He read it with his eye,” etc. I think “he read…” or “he looked” would suffice, no?

But I will certainly read the rest of the trilogy as they become available.

Overall, I’d recommend this book if you enjoy angsty court-based fantasy with tons of intrigue.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 07 March 2023

Thank you to Orbit for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden

The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is an atmospheric and compelling gothic mystery.

Synopsis

Margaret Lennox, recently widowed, has taken up a governess position at Heartwood Hall under the employ of Mrs. Eversham. Margaret quickly learns that the villagers avoid the house and its inhabitants. There are whispers that the house is cursed.

Margaret doesn’t believe in such superstitions, but she can’t deny the noises she hears at night, nor the flashes of something seen and then gone. However, she tries to get on with her work teaching Louis, her ten-year-old charge, who has immediately captured her heart.

But the past catches up with Margaret, and it becomes impossible to ignore the strange occurrences in the house.

Review of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

This gothic tale is entirely from Margaret’s pov. It reminded me a bit of The Silent Companion and Jane Eyre. The characters were all well-developed, whether they were lovable or not-so-lovable. The eerie setting rounded out the gothic feel as well.

I thought it was going in one direction and was surprised when it didn’t. Perhaps if I had tried to work everything out, I would have guessed the twist, but I just sat back and enjoyed the journey.

There is also disability representation. The main character is deaf in one ear, and it seems to be presented realistically without being a plot device.

Really my only criticism is that one of the characters allowed themselves to be gaslit so easily. They went from an intelligent, rational person to doubting what was right in front of them.

Overall, a great read and I’d highly recommend this book if you enjoy dark gothic tales. I am excited for future books by this author. I’ll definitely pick up their next release.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 28 February 2023

Thank you to Dutton for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Story of Us by Catherine Hernandez

The Story of Us is a stunning and emotional story told from the unique viewpoint of a newborn baby.

Synopsis

Mary Grace “MG” Concepcion left her husband in the Philippines to become an Overseas Filipino Worker. First, she goes to Hong Kong and then to Canada. On both continents, MG works as a nanny for several wealthy families who take advantage of her. But she does it all with the intention of one day sponsoring her husband to join her in Canada.

After her latest position ends, MG becomes a Personal Support Worker for Liz, an elderly trans woman who has Alzheimer’s disease. Initially, caring for Liz challenges MG’s very conservative beliefs. But the friendship these two women form is a thing of beauty.

Review of The Story of Us

MG’s newborn baby narrates this story directly to Liz. The second-person voice took a minute to adjust to, but it fits really well with this story. The writing flows nicely.

The Story of Us will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster. I felt MG’s loneliness, rage, happiness and hope while reading this.

MG’s initial attitude toward Liz was hard to read. But the bond they eventually formed was so heartwarming and uplifting. I have a feeling these characters will stick with me for a long time.

It’s early in the year, but this book might be a contender for a new favourite of the year. I need to read the author’s other books immediately. I’m not sure why I slept on Scarborough, but that will be the one I pick up next.

CW: SA, transphobia.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 28 February 2023

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Magician’s Daughter by H. G. Parry

The Magician’s Daughter is a magical historical fantasy with heartwarming characters.

Synopsis

Biddy grew up isolated on the magical island with only her guardian Rowan and his familiar Hutchincroft for company. Rowan found her shipwrecked when she was a baby and has looked after her ever since. As a child, Biddy was satisfied reading her books and exploring the island, but as she’s nearing seventeen, she wants to see the rest of the world.

For the last several decades, magic has slowly been drying up. Rowan regularly leaves the island to ensure there is an even distribution of the remaining magic. On one of his trips, Rowan does not make it back to the island before dawn, which forces Biddy to search for him. She successfully finds him, but Biddy realizes he’s been keeping many secrets from her, and now she wants to learn the truth.

The desire to learn the truth of her past and what’s causing magic to disappear from the world sets Biddy on a new path, allowing her to leave the island and find answers. Not only will it be risky, but she’ll question everything she thought she knew about herself and the man who raised her.

Review of The Magician’s Daughter

This historical fantasy is set in 1912 and follows Biddy’s perspective.

It sounds a little dark, but this book has a cozy feel, even with the high stakes. It’s a bit of a slow burn. It fully grabbed my attention at the point when Biddy left the island and began her adventure.

I liked Biddy’s character. Even though she has led a sheltered life, she is a critical thinker and has loads of empathy for others.

While I enjoyed this, it took a while to become invested in the story, which lowered my overall rating.

I would recommend it if you enjoy cozy-feeling fantasy. It’s not straight-up cozy, because the stakes are high, but it’s cozy-adjacent.

My Rating: 3.75/5

Expected Publication: 21 February 2023

Thank you to Redhook (Orbit) for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.