Missing: A Novel by E. A. Jackson

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this unputdownable crime thriller for fans of Tana French, a detective returns to a thirty-year-old case—an infamous disappearance in London—that has haunted her entire career and now may jeopardize her future. 

In August 1990, London is suffering through an unprecedented heatwave when baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of her hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned the high-profile case and, knowing that it could make or break her career, is determined to find Bella.

When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into the police station with a baby who appears to be Bella, and whom Nell claims she found on a bench, it seems that the mystery is solved. Her family, the police, and the press are overjoyed at her return. But DI Allen isn’t convinced, something about Nell’s story doesn’t ring true. As much as she wants to continue, however, now that the baby is safe, she’s ordered to close the investigation.

Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never really gotten over her doubts about the Carpenter case and can’t resist doing a little digging on her own time, eager to find out what happened to Nell, and her involvement in the baby’s disappearance all those years ago. But will her efforts uncover something darker than she could have ever imagined? And what is she risking as she tries once and for all to reveal the truth?

my thoughts:

Missing: A Novel by E. A. Jackson is a must-read for anyone and everyone looking for their next great mystery. It's chock full of tension, suspense, and unanswered questions that have plagued our protagonist for decades - basically all the right ingredients for a thrilling story. I loved it. I found myself easily caught up in this thoughtful, intense, and shocking story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, because I couldn't help but try to figure out whodunit. Such a great read!

I would happily recommend Missing - you are going to enjoy this mystery thriller to bits. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! Happy reading!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on the hit mobile game, a cozy murder mystery set in 1920s Paris by a USA Today bestselling author, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie. June's friend has been brutally murdered and the police have the wrong man, can she solve the case before the killer catches up to her?

Paris, 1922. The marriage between the Auclair and the Picard family is the talk of the town. June can't wait to attend the engagement party with her friends, Nate and Jack. But Nate has an ulterior motive, he's there to stop the wedding. Before he can complete his task, he's stabbed in the chest, with Jack's knife. Jack is arrested, but June knows he wouldn't hurt a fly.

In this throwback to the classic whodunnits of Agatha Christie, June must find the real killer and clear Jack's name. As she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics, she uncovers deadly secrets. Can June solve the case before the killer strikes again?

my thoughts:

How fun does this book sound? First off, I love the June's Journey Mystery games - they are a favorite of mine. Also, I love the idea of a book based on the game - it's the perfect whodunit mystery! Familiar characters, a murder mystery, and Paris - what more could I want? 

I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor and immediately started reading. Soon I was transported to Paris in 1922 and alongside June as she attended an engagement party with her friends, Jack and Nate. Except, things go from good to bad in two shake's of a lamb's tail. Yep, June's friend Nate is murdered and the culprit arrested for the crime is her other friend, Jack. Say what? Turns out it was his knife. Yikes! So, now June is rushing to find out what really happened and who is truly responsible for this crime. The only thing is that the more she discover, the deadlier things are becoming. And, that is all I will share about this fun and exciting mystery. 

Make sure to grab a copy and settle in with a cuppa - you are going to LOVE this book to bits. Happy reading! 

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Lucien: A Novel by J. R. Thornton

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A gifted yet financially disadvantaged artist falls victim to the manipulative control of his wealthy, enigmatic Harvard roommate in this incendiary novel from the author of Beautiful Country—a piercing exploration of class, ambition, identity, and the perilous cost of reinvention in the tradition of Patricia Highsmith and Donna Tartt.

The son of working-class Czech immigrants, Christopher “Atlas” Novotny is a talented painter who arrives at Harvard on a full scholarship. Raised amid hardship, he is unprepared for the privileged world introduced to him by his freshman roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti.

Born to wealthy European diplomats, Lucien plays the part of the confident, sophisticated bon vivant. Where Lucien is bold and brash, Atlas is timid and introverted. Growing up a lonely outsider, Atlas is insecure, impressionable, and in awe of his brilliant roommate. But is Lucien all that he seems?

Sensing a willing disciple, Lucien introduces Atlas to a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. When Atlas struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien offers a solution, convincing the naïve artist to become a forger, passing off fakes to galleries and dealers.

But Lucien’s charismatic facade conceals something darker and more sinister. As Lucien’s behavior grows increasingly unstable, Atlas is forced into escalating risks with devastating consequences.

Drawing inspiration from the true crime stories of Christian Gerhartsreiter (a.k.a. “Clark Rockefeller”) and Adam Wheeler, Lucien is as darkly seductive and addictively readable as The Secret History, The Incendiaries, Creation Lake, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

my thoughts:

Wow. Loved Lucien to bits. This new novel by J. R. Thornton is excellent. I love dark academia stories set at an Ivy, and this time round it's Harvard. We get the haves and have-nots, the art world, lavish wealth, the concept of reinvention and the consequences of trying to fit in. This book has it all and in spades. It's a gripping story that will hook you right from the start. These characters that you can't help but love and hate, their misadventures that get wilder, darker, and dangerous. And, the beautiful trappings of wealth that lure you in, only to leave you choking on the ugliness lurking just beneath it all. It's mesmerizing, thought-provoking and one hell of a ride. Lucien is a definite must-read. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you most definitely do not want to miss out on this gem. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP and dive right in. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher and edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book!

Black. Single. Mother. :Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging by Jamilah Lemieux

(Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A personal meditation on, examination of, and tribute to Black single motherhood, unapologetically told through poignant essays and candid interviews, by a celebrated cultural critic.Through her signature candid, humorous and yet often biting takes, Lemieux suffers no fools while also courageously revealing the scars of her own parenting journey and search for self-acceptance in a world that doesn’t see the full worth of women like her. With a particular verve and relatability—honed, in part, from her many years among “Black Twitter’s” most prominent voices—Lemieux puts the lived reality of Black single uncertainty, fierceness, and sensuality on full display. Interspersed with beautifully written personal narrative, readers will find cultural and historical analysis, and interviews with single mothers from all walks of life, telling it how it really is. Baby Mamas Day is a bold testament to the multifaceted Black single mother and an invitation to all readers to finally recognize this powerful figure for who she is—not bad, but so, so good.

my thoughts:

Wow. Jamilah Lemieux has written a book that is raw, honest, and brutally real. In Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, she lets it all out and it is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Talk about reality at its most real. 

Lemieux writes about single motherhood in all its beautiful and ugly glory. Her candid confessions can break your heart and make you laugh. She is smart, clever, and transparent. Her writing is tender, hard, and all the feels. She doesn't temper anything and so, you are going to feel the pain, the struggle, the hope and the love. And it is fantastic. 

Black. Single. Mother. is a gem of a book. I would most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fell in deep with this one. Make sure to grab a copy! Happy reading.  

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Entwined: The Entwined Duology by H. M. Long

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Three sisters join the hunt for a stolen magical artefact in the start of this Gilded Age fantasy duology. 

Ottilie Rushforth hides from the mighty Sorcerer’s Guild as secretary to a has-been detective. She is Entwined – threads of magic run beneath her skin, and the Guild would trap her in service. 

But Ottilie has a plan to escape the Guild forever with her estranged fiancé, the enigmatic poet, soldier and smuggler Lewis Illing. All she must do is track down a mysterious artefact, claim the bounty, and leave the city forever. But Ottilie's sisters – Pretoria, a quick-witted sorceress and thief recently emerged from exile, and Madge, a guild mage to the core, appear to make equally unwelcome offers. A new life at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage. 

With her life on the line, Ottilie must track down the artifact in a city torn apart by prejudice and violence, and choose between the two sides of herself – the fugitive and the Entwined.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this first book in H. M. Long's new duology, Entwined. Sisters. Magic. Artefacts. Romance. And, fantasy. How awesome does that all sound? Especially, when family drama is at the core. Yep, three sisters that are not all on the same page at all. Ottillie is entwined and she wants out. She wants to find a magical artefact and cash in on the bounty, then she can peace out with her fiancé. Except, her sisters, Pretoria and Madge, have plans of their own and let's just say they can definitely complicate matters for Ottillie. Yikes! And, that is all I will share about this exciting new story. It's a definite must-read and one I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fall in deep with Ottillie and the Guild. Plus, there is a still a second book to come that you just know is going to fill in all the blanks in a thrilling and fun new story. I can't wait!

Make sure to grab a copy ASAP. Happy reading!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!