Books & Wheels

Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica

Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird is a translated collection of cruel and shocking short stories laced with dark humour.

Review of Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird

After being equally repulsed and captivated by Tender is the Flesh, I requested this short story collection as soon as I saw it. I rarely read short story collections because I prefer to spend more time with characters. But I had high hopes that this would be a fascinating read, and it certainly was.

The stories themselves are fairly short, ranging from one to no more than ten pages. Except for one, I gave them all three to five stars, averaging four stars. Overall, the stories are quite memorable. In one, a woman wants to become a circle and will do whatever it takes to achieve her desired shape. Cue lots of blood and the eating of round-shaped foods. In another, a man suspects his girlfriend is an alien, and he’s okay with that.

The stories deal with shocking, bloody, and dark themes.

If you haven’t yet read Tender is the Flesh, this will give you a taste of what the author’s writing is like. I don’t reread much, but I’d definitely consider rereading these twisted stories.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 20 June 2023

Thank you to Scribner 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 Long Way Back by Nicole Baart

The Long Way Back by Nicole Baart has a slow start but turns into one wild thriller.

Synopsis

When mother and daughter Charlie and Eva accidentally went viral, they decided to keep sharing their travel posts. After two years on the road, they’ve settled down in a Minnesota town while Eva finishes high school and applies to colleges. They both agree to spend one last summer travelling in their Airstream trailer before Eva begins her next chapter.

Their plans fall apart when Charlie wakes up on their boat, and Eva is nowhere to be found. It doesn’t take long for everyone, including their followers and the FBI and police, to suspect that Charlie is responsible for her daughter’s disappearance.

Review of The Long Way Back

This thriller has dual perspectives and includes news articles, podcasts, and Instagram posts. I preferred the second pov over Charlie’s. Charlie’s initial section was a slow burn, and she made some ill-advised moves.

This book discusses the dangers of parents sharing information about their kids online. And how one can be the internet’s favourite person one day and its subject of scorn the next.

Based on the cover and the blurb, I thought this would be a straightforward, laid-back domestic suspense. The first part was going that way. It had a slow start, but the rest was a whirlwind. It turned into a super twisty and wild, action-packed thriller that went in a very unexpected direction. Despite the dramatic twists, I still enjoyed the plot overall.

If you enjoy super twisty thrillers, I’d recommend giving this a try.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

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

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman by Molly Lynch

The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman is a beautifully written debut focusing on climate change, motherhood, and mythology.

Synopsis

Mothers are vanishing across the globe. Ada has been keeping tabs on the disappearing women, constantly checking the latest news articles. Until one day, she disappears without a trace, leaving her husband and young son reeling.

While the feds investigate what’s behind these disappearances, the world is in the midst of ecological collapse.

Review of The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman

This book is a fast read as the writing is clear, but it has some abstract themes. It’s not a book that will provide clear-cut answers. One of the final reveals left me stumped.

Ada is the most compelling yet mysterious character in this story.

This novel touches on various topics, including climate change, racism, Greek mythology, and metamorphosis. It’s strange yet equally compelling. Some parts were downright chilling, and others a bit of a mind bend.

Overall, I’d recommend this debut if you enjoy literary fiction mixed with mythological themes.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

Thank you to Catapult 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 Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

The Puzzle Master is a race against time. It has its fair share of dramatic moments, atmosphere, action, and even creepy dolls.

Synopsis

After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Mike Brink’s life drastically changed. The injury resulted in a rare medical condition known as acquired savant syndrome. Now, Mike is known for solving and creating complex puzzles that leave others stumped.

His life changes again when he meets Jess Price, a woman convicted of murder who hasn’t spoken for five years since her arrest. When Price draws a perplexing puzzle with Brink’s name below, her psychiatrist invites him to visit Price to determine if it will shed some light on her case. But Price reveals to Brink that the puzzle is dangerous, and she fears who might be watching. Soon, Brink goes on a risky pursuit to solve this puzzle that carries religious intonations.

Review of The Puzzle Master

This story has multiple POVs and alternating timelines. It incorporates letters, journal entries, and transcriptions.

I really enjoyed the parts that showcased Brink’s mind at work as he tried to figure out this puzzle while trying to get out of sticky situations. Things became slightly muddled for me amidst all the lengthy religious and scientific discussions.

This was the first book I read by the author, and I think I’ll go back and read some of their backlist.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

Thank you to Random House 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 Blighted Stars by Megan E. O’Keefe

The Blighted Stars is an action-packed, character-driven space opera that hooked me from the first page.

Synopsis

Tarquin Mercator is the son of one of the most powerful families involved in space exploration. Tarquin has never been interested in ruling the family empire; he would much rather pursue studying geology and reading books. However, his father has assigned him to monitor the mining of a new planet.

Before they even land on the planet, things go sideways, leaving everyone stranded on this dying planet, scrambling to find a way to start communications and get the shuttle working again.

Naira is among those stuck with Tarquin. She’s a convicted spy disguised as Tarquin’s bodyguard and is prepared to keep him safe, at least, until she can free herself.

Review of The Blighted Stars

I’ve been meaning to read more sci-fi, but I find most of the genre intimidating. But when I found out that this space opera was character-driven, I decided to give it a go. And I’m happy I did. Tarquin and Naira are the most fully fleshed-out characters, as they should be. I loved their easy banter with each other.

On the subject of banter, there is a budding romance in this first instalment. It doesn’t overpower the story, but it is there. At times, it is cute, and at others, a bit cheesy, but fun nevertheless.

The sci-fi itself was fairly accessible. In this universe, people can extend their lifespans simply by printing into different bodies.

This book is action-packed right from the first chapter and, for the most part, keeps a consistent pace all the way through.

I believe that the author has already written the entire trilogy, so hopefully, there’s not too long of a wait for the next book.

If, like me, you want to dip your toes into sci-fi, I’d say this is a great place to start. If you’re a seasoned sci-fi reader who enjoys a sprinkle of romance, you might also enjoy this novel.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 23 May 2023

Thank you to Orbit for the physical and digital copies in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

The Drowning Woman leans on the dramatic side but is still somewhat compelling despite its flaws.

Synopsis

Lee Gulliver is newly homeless and never could have predicted it. She owned a successful restaurant until Covid hit. Now, she’s working at a diner under the table while living in her car. One morning, she hears a woman sobbing near the ocean and saves her when she tries to drown herself. Initially, the woman Hazel is furious at being saved, but the two quickly become friends. Soon, Lee is drawn into the secrets of Hazel’s life and agrees to help her.

Review of The Drowning Woman

This thriller is fast-paced and offers twist after twist – not all of them are good. There are several unlikely scenarios, and the plot becomes super OTT, even for me.

I much preferred reading Lee’s pov over the second one. There was really no need for it, in my opinion, because it rehashes many of the same events and conversations. Surely, Lee could have deduced what was really going on herself.

As for Lee’s character, I thought she was too trusting and naive for someone with her type of experience.

Even though this story was pretty wild, it still compelled me to keep reading, so it has that going for it. It’s getting plenty of rave reviews from other early reviewers, so don’t let mine deter you from trying it out for yourself.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing 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.

Cousins by Aurora Venturini

Cousins by Aurora Venturini is a strange and candid work of translated fiction. It follows a dysfunctional family of women in Argentina as they experience abuse after abuse.

Synopsis

Yuna, our young narrator, observes the women in her family suffering these abuses, including miscarriages, illegal abortions, murder, and ableism. Nearly all of them have some form of a disability. Yuna struggles with articulating her thoughts and dreads using punctuation. She is an aspiring artist, but due to her disability, her family doesn’t take her seriously until a professor vouches for her.

Review of Cousins by Aurora Venturini

This translated novel is such an unusual story that I nearly DNF’d it, but I’m glad I didn’t. The writing style and the voice of Yuna are considerably odd and took a minute to get used to. Initially, the writing is akin to stream of consciousness. But as Yuna matures and starts reading the dictionary, the writing style becomes more traditional.

The topics discussed are dark, but Yuna’s unique narration and innocence keep it from feeling completely bleak. However, there is a noticeable shift when she realizes the weight of the injustices befalling her cousins.

This novel is brutal and bizarre and not for the faint of heart.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to Soft Skull 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 Guest by Emma Cline

Reading The Guest by Emma Cline had me questioning the main character’s every decision, and yet I was completely captivated.

Synopsis

Alex is a twenty-two-year-old woman drifting from place to place and burning bridges along the way. Hiding from an ex, Alex is looking forward to spending the month leading up to Labor Day with her new beau Simon at his home on Long Island. She has observed what Simon does and doesn’t like and responds accordingly. But after one ill-advised decision, Alex finds herself thrust out of Simon’s house and left to her own devices.

In her mind, Simon didn’t explicitly say they were over, so she has hopes she can return to his good graces. Over the next week, she inserts herself into other people’s lives on the island with the aim of returning to Simon on the day of his big Labor Day party.

Review of The Guest by Emma Cline

This is a great novel to spend an afternoon reading. Alex is a wholly captivating character. She makes impulsive choices with little thought of the consequences for herself or others. She’ll test people’s boundaries, often going too far. But she does not do anything with a malicious intention. Essentially, she’s just trying to survive by using her looks to her advantage while under a haze of drugs and alcohol. And most of the people she comes across want something from her, so I didn’t judge her too harshly.

Emma Cline’s writing is immaculate. I felt like I was right there with Alex making one poor choice after another.

This novel looks at the insular world of the rich and those they employ to keep their lives running smoothly.

I haven’t read anything else by this author, but I’ll definitely check out The Girls next. Obviously, I highly recommend checking this book out.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to Random House 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.

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

Dances by Nicole Cuffy is heavy on ballet’s technical terms but is still a captivating debut.

Synopsis

Cece Cordell has worked extremely hard to reach the New York City Ballet. After stepping in for an injured dancer and performing flawlessly, Cece gets promoted to principal, the first Black ballerina in the company. Overnight, she becomes a celebrity with all the perks. Meanwhile, Cece begins working even harder to prove to herself that she belongs at this prestigious dance company.

Internally, she also fiercely misses her older brother, who was her first supporter but disappeared years ago.

Review of Dances by Nicole Cuffy

This literary fiction novel is a quick and interesting read.

Usually, when I read a book that focuses on a particular skill, I enjoy it when the author describes it in a way that does not assume any prior knowledge. Here, Nicole Cuffy does not do that. There are oodles of technical ballet terminology and next to no explanation. Fortunately, it did not negatively impact my reading experience. I just visualized the dancers leaping and twirling. But it may be an issue for some readers.

It discusses the restrictive lifestyle many ballet dancers take up. It also touches on Cece’s experience as a Black woman in a historically white industry.

Overall, this was a compelling debut, and I will keep a lookout for future releases by the author.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to One World 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 Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis

The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis is a twisty and suspenseful novel set in the French countryside of Provence.

Synopsis

Séraphine Demargelasse has invited her granddaughter Darcy and her three friends to her family chateau. Twenty years ago, the four women used to visit Séraphine regularly while they were studying abroad. Now, they’re all in their forties and dealing with various personal issues, but head to France to learn why Séraphine has summoned them.

She has something to tell them, but after a night of partying, one of the girls finds Séraphine brutally murdered in her bed. Suddenly, the girls realize they don’t trust each other as much as they thought. They begin to be suspicious of one another, especially when a creepy Instagram account starts posting pictures of them with ominous captions.

Review of The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis

This suspenseful thriller follows multiple perspectives. It touches on different topics, including antisemitism, infertility, class, queer relationships, and art.

The writing is slightly repetitive. In the beginning, the same bits get regurgitated with each pov. And there is not much distinction between each character’s voice. They all sound similar, even with their distinct descriptions.

Despite those issues, I still gobbled up this story. The French countryside, the secrets, and the themes all created an intriguing atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages.

I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by this author.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 23 May 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.