Book Review: Resident Punk By Legs McNeil

  This is such a fun book! I found myself compulsively listening to it. 

I have always been fascinated by the Punk scene.  I was born too late for it, but- everyone I've ever met who was seriously Punk with a capital P was wildly creative, vibrant and totally interesting. Legs McNeil- the "resident Punk"  was part of the start of all of it.  He narrates through Crispin Kott the story of both his life, which is irrevocably intertwined with the punk movement of the 1970's. 

Brilliance Audio generously shared an advanced copy of the audiobook, and with narration by Mark Engelhardt, I actually sort of felt like I was basically in a casual conversation with McNeil himself.  I did check a few times because the narration was so natural I thought maybe it was McNeil doing the narration. 

Readers are given stories of McNeil's upbringing, and also many non published stories of the movers and shakers in the Punk scene, Joey Ramone, The Dictators, Elvis Costello, Poly Styrene and more.  

This is a great production, and I found myself continuing to think - just a few more minutes- every time I was going to put away my headphones. Some have called Legs the coolest guy in the room and I'm starting to believe it. 

Put this on your list if you'd enjoy a memoir with a few tales that read like fiction but are true indeed. 

STATS

First Published:  9/15/2026

Pages: 308

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes

Trigger Warnings:  Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Medical details, vomit. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review: Blood Rising by Markus Redmond

   I saw Blood Rising pop up on NetGalley in audio book form and I JUMPED at it. Thank you to RB media.  I was so excited to get approved for this one that I listened to it very quickly!  

This is Book two in The Blood Saga, which I think is going to be a trilogy.  Book One is Blood Slave.

Blood slave is set mostly in 1710 in the Carolinas on a horrific plantation- though one could argue that it was a typical plantation. We meet multiple characters including Rafazi, who is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an ancient vampire tribe from Africa.  Vampires have very long lives and Rafazi has been enslaved - sort of - since 1407. Rafazi works to build a supernatural following that will challenge the status quo.  

It is a powerful book and highlights the absolute violence of daily plantation life. It's one that really brings up a lot of uncomfortable topics, and as it is historically inspired, and blended with the supernatural, it really opens up so many ideas. I really liked it. 

So of course, I was excited to get Blood Rising.  I've sort of sworn off requesting anything but audiobooks since I am still trying to review 8 regular net galley books. 

Blood Rising is narrated by Akin Omotoso and Waceke Wambaa who are both veteran voice actors- bringing the story to life.  While it isn't a graphic audio, the way that the characters were voices gave it a very "graphic audio" feel to me.  A movie in my head quickly developed and I could really SEE the characters as the audio book was playing. 

Blood Rising pick up on the reclaimed plantation- The Crimson Plantation and works through both external threats that are both human and supernatural, while working to resolve some internal disagreements. The intrigue was intense and I was never sure what was going to come next.  There was a lot of character development, especially for the character Kwadzo as he moves into more of leader position while navigating newly developed supernatural skills.  In addition we see introduction of new characters- both heroes and villains, and a dive into some of the background lore of these vampires, and their skills. 

My biggest sadness... Cliffhanger. There is a massive cliffhanger, that I can't wait to hear what happens in book 3! 

STATS

First Published: August 25, 2026

Pages: 432

Available as an Audio Book : YES! 

Trigger Warnings: violence, gore, slavery, systemic abuse, nudity, kidnapping, murder, medical trauma, torture, mental illness, supernatural abuse. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Book Review: A Penance for Crows By Shannon Morgan

 What happens when a "weird girl" grows up? 

A Penance of Crows by Shannon Morgan explores that, giving readers an engrossing gothic-esque thriller set in an insular community - creating almost a locked room mystery- where the room is not a physical space, but the insular community where our story takes place. 

The unique cover was designed by Layla Anderson - I'm not so sure I love it, but I love that 

it isn't AI. 

Set on an island at the tip of the Beara Peninsula, in a highly suspicious and religious community, we meet Grizela, an "outsider" who's lived on the island for almost 40 years. 

Grizela is odd, unmarried and working as an artist. She's not one to socialize and she doesn't suffer fools.  She's got a soft spot for a group of teen-aged girls who have few options within the community. She is a working artist, and provides lessons for the girls on the Island. 

Oh.  The island is populated with crows.  And while much of the community is firmly attached to the church, they also remain firmly attached to the crows, and the fae. 

It that set up doesn't give you some chills, I'm not sure what will!

Our story opens with Grizela noting some odd Crow behavior and coming upon a dead body on the shore. She's quite shocked.  Grizela does her duty, calling it in and getting people involved, even moving the body so the tide doesn't take it away. It's lovely that Grizela is the main character, she's well past 30, but the author doesn't constantly discuss how much the character's body has changed. She's a perfectly imperfect human, living a life that is so interesting, we all are wanting to know about it!

All sorts of creepy shenanigans start to occur. Are these occurrences pranks, or is something else happening?   Island secrets are brought to life, and suspicions run high.  Grizela finds that in order to protect those that she cares deeply for, she must confront some uncomfortable truths about her past. 

A Penance of Crows is well plotted, and kept drawing me in for more and more. It is an excellent blend of Supernatural terror, thriller, and mystery.  (And Crows!, we have Crows!) 

Super Thanks to Tantor Audio  for the ALC.  I loved this one more than I expected to! 

STATS

First Published  07/28/2026

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book : ~ 10 hrs 

Trigger Warnings:  violence, murder, death, hyper-religiousity, mention of abortion, alcohol use/ abuse. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Please Look After This Bear- how Paddington Became British by Melanie Ramdarshan Bold and Aishwarya Subramanian

 If you grew up on Paddington, the bear from Peru, you'll want to check out this volume. I picked it up thinking I'd learn more about the story of the small bear bought for Mr. Bond's wife. I thought it might talk about the various marketing campaigns and how he first had a yellow hat and then suddenly had a red hat.

I am so old that the Paddington Bear that I received when I was six years old had a yellow hat. I have deep childhood ties to the awkward and lovable bear. I admit, I never really examined those ties much beyond affection until I picked up this Audio book from Highbridge on NetGalley (Thank you so Much!)

Within these pages is the first examination of Paddington as a social and Cultural phenomena. The book is specifically focused on how Paddington, a Bear from Peru- embodies most of the values that British people hold as true and as ideal values for British citizens.

As a child, I was unaware of any particular political imagery attached to one of my very favorite characters. As an adult, I was gratified to learn that Paddington's tag came with the memory of the Kinder-transports of WWII, and that while becoming quintessentially British, he also stands as an example of immigrant and refugee children - especially as he arrived with the Windrush generation which often faced difficulty in the times when the original Paddingtons were published.

Will this book be for everyone, possibly not. Given it's brevity (6 hours on audio) I felt it was a delightful glimpse into literary analysis that is not often presented to the general public and a very thought provoking volume.

First Published :  5/18/2026

Pages: 224 

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes  ~ 6  hr  Coming from Highbridge July 17, 2026 

Trigger Warnings: history, racism, classism, issues of immigration, personhood,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Said the Dead by Doireann Ni Ghriofa

 

This book is a treasure.  It is an excellent combination of an interesting topic, brilliant writing, and clever imagination. 

In this mixed genre book readers experience something magical- part memoir, part history and part imaginative fiction, this mash up works to transport a reader across decades. 

In Cork, Ireland, a derelict Victorian mental hospital is being converted into modern apartments. Our writer, calling themselves "the reader" throughout, is inexplicably drawn to this building and it's history. 

The building itself seems to have called to her. 

Our modern reader takes on a task to discover what she can about the buildings inhabitants, the residents, workers and physicians all come under her careful scrutiny.  No stone is left unturned to discover the voices of these people- previously unheard. In this way, the inhabitants of this building are laid to rest as a new generation and building take over. 

The reader continues to live in the modern world, but is increasingly also "in" this Victorian timeframe, experiencing the daily lives of the mental hospital. 

The lines between past and present seem blurred, and as a reader myself, I did start to question the sanity

of "the reader" 

The reader does indeed follow the threads of existence to the very end, to give closure to all of us readers, and perhaps herself. 

      I had an advanced copy of this on Audio- as well as an Electronic version, and I read the entire thing immersively.  Highly recommend.  The audio is narrated by the author, so every phrase, and every inflection seem so pointed and perfect allowing a certain atmosphere to be created.  The print novel has actual photos from this asylum, which further immerse readers, and helped me to understand exactly how "the reader" could be so drawn to these persons, long dead, who spoke to her through history, photos and the barest of physical artifacts found at the demolition site! 

 

I did not expect to love this book, but by the end I was entranced.  This one is a must read. 

It asks focus and attention from the reader, but the reward is immense! 

Vibes alone- 5 stars! 

First Published :  9/2/26

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes  ~ 9 hr 

Trigger Warnings: Death, misogyny, Irish politics, mistreatment, mental health,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: For Services Rendered by Will Thomas

 This may honestly be the most 'mainstream' book I've read and reviewed all year.  

Will Thomas' Barker and Llewelyn series set in Victorian England is a long running series with Barker- an eccentric Enquiry Agent sort of rescuing Llewelyn in his misguided youth and eventually making him a partner in the Enquiry business.  (private detectives).

I started this series several years ago and while I always had a few misgivings about the possible accuracy of Barker's ties to China, and the Chinese in London during this time, I also have to admit, I didn't really have an knowledge to ascertain if it was accurate or not. It turns out, based on some conversations and the mildest of google research that Thomas appears to have done his research. 

SO- I'm not going to spoil the story but I might reveal a bit more than normal. 

     In this novel we meet historical figure Sun Yat Sen.  (Yes the SUn Yat Sen we recall from history classes).  He's on a trip to London when he finds himself rather indisposed and missing.  In fact, he has been kidnapped. Who better to look into this than Barker and Llewelyn Enquiry Agents? Barker speaks Cantonese and has deep ties within the London Chinese population. Llewelyn is, as always, along for the ride. 

    And what a wild ride it is!!! An arch-rival nemesis arrives after being declared dead, adding even more stakes to the mystery.  Llewelyn's by now raising a young family that must be protected, and Barker's mysterious lady friend becomes more prominent in this novel. 

  There is a fair amount of swashbuckling, gun slinging, and adventures on the river with the historic River Police. Interspersed, long time readers of the series will be delighted with the back story that Llewelyn is FINALLY able to squeeze out of the reticent Barker! This was the bit that I adored the most.  In addition, Llewelyn has a bit of an addition to his family that was most unexpected, and also delightful in it's own way. 

  Antony Ferguson does the narration for this novel and I appreciated that he was able do all of the accents without exaggerating them, making it a fun an interesting listen that flowed easily through my ears. Many Thanks to Macmillan audio for this copy. 

    If this piques your interest but you have not read the entire series, rest assured, Thomas does a nice job of summing up the situation, so that the reader can read this as a stand-alone. 

STATS

First Published  August 18, 2026

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book : Yes ~ 9 hours 

Trigger Warnings:  death, violence, poisioning, gun violence, kidnapping, unlawful arrest,   

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Book Review: The Summer of '71 Five Months That Changed America by John A. Jenkins

    I am very grateful to Highbridge Audio for the advanced listener copy of this history novel.  I feel like we are starting to see more books focusing on this "Disco Era" and it's importance in history. 

   When I was a Civics study in Junior High this era was most certainly not discussed. Many of my male teachers were veterans and had some very strong opinions on Vietnam. It was a topic that rarely came up as opposed to WWII which seemed to be all over our school library, and one book which showed some very gruesome photos from WWII probably shaped my interest in history, and horror all in one. I do wonder if the school library was even aware of that particular book (WWII in pictures). 

Fast forward many decades and it seems that readers are now interested in learning more about Vietnam, and not only Vietnam, but also many of the other fractious skudugger-ous  laws and activities that our politicians were getting up to in 1971. And Whoooooo-eeeeeee This was not the age of snap chat, internet access and instagram.  No one was really secretly video-ing a person in the parking lot- for any reason. (It would have been pretty hard to miss with the equipment required. ) BUT if it had been, there would have been so  so much tea to be consumed. 

Margolies, John, photographer. Coffee Pot Restaurant, Lexington, Virginia. Lexington Virginia United States, 1982. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017709465/.

I still like to think of this as very recent past, but looking around at all the folks in the workforce who were born in the 2000's this is objectively not the case and there will be many many readers who have no memory of the Disco age. 

This book packs in so much history for these 5 months-  if memes were a thing back in the Summer of ' 71 they would have been on par with the current ones about living in "unprecedented times" .  This is one to put on your shelf (and in your ears) if you have wondered how we got to where we are at in the US currently. 

Relying on many primary sources, it seems that Jenkins gives us a mostly neutral telling of the events and he does an excellent job connecting points that I might have missed- especially as a casual reader and learner. 

The Narration is excellent and it felt as if I was listening to a NPR radio program, rather than an audio book!  Jim Seybert is the narrator, and he's an Audie award winner for a reason! 

Definitely one to pick up for those summer moments when we feel like we should be doing more than pool lounging, we could be learning! 

First Published : 06/30/26

Pages: 448

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes - ~ 12 hours 

Trigger Warnings: war, discussion of sexual behavior, discussion of violent events, politics (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Disco at the End of the World by Nathan Tavares

 WHAT A WILD FEVER DREAM OF A NOVEL! 

I did receive an advanced Listener Copy from RB Media (THANK YOU!!!!)  and of course all opinions are my own. 

I do honestly believe this book is best read via audio for most readers. Ruffin Prentiss did the narration and his voice takes on a rhythm and timbre that is propulsive. I loved it. I was able to finish this book within a week - which is probably a speed record for me. 

   This is a story of many things. Firstly it is set in 1977.  But not a 1977 that you or I recall, and not one that is chronicled in the history books. We're in a 1977 that has a Space program involving military bases on the moon.  YEP,  ON THE MOON! 

   Mitch  (AKA Last Ditch Mitch) is stuck out on the moon, with one pal Gloria, and he's hoping his long lost love Flynn will someday come find him.  Thing is... he only knows Flynn joined the Spacemen, he had NO IDEA where Flynn might be.    

    Mitch and Gloria find themselves dishonorably discharged from the Service and must return to earth. This is not the plan, and  it's hard to know what to do. So, these two team up with the LGBTQIA community to create mutual aid, a space for people to be themselves, and a space for organization when actual aliens return to earth - some in the form of disco loving beautiful men. 

  I feel like this book is best understood if one has some knowledge of the history of various critical points in LGBTQIA history like the stonewall riots, the "gay panic defense"  and Don't ask/Don't tell act. Although none of this is really explicitly referred to in the book, I felt that there were reverberations of these time lines and events in the book. 

I did do a video review of this, and if you are so inclined please feel free to click here and help a creator out.  (TT is not a fan of these videos and I find my content to be somewhat less viewed after posting anything related to Pride month- which could be coincidence or... it could be something else. I am not a professional content creator and so I have created some very cringe videos.  I am also do not identify as LBGTQIA  so I may have not done this justice at all.) 

Overall I did enjoy this novel. It does not quite seem to come together very tightly, but based on vibes alone, I will give it a resounding 3.75 stars. 

First Published : 06/16/2026  Audio out on 6/30

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book :  ~ 9 hrs

Trigger Warnings: War references, weapons, aliens, Disco dancing, references to sexual behavior,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Palaces of the Crows by Ray Nayler

 I had the opportunity to read/listen and review the Palaces of the Crows by Ray Nayler - produced by Macmillan Audio. 

   This was my first book by Ray Nayler, and it was INTENSE. I am not entirely sure it is representative of his other works, but I do intend to check out more from him. 

This book is really quite unique and I noted several folks doing reviews didn't finish it. Crows, and Crow friends are kind of a hot commodity in the Book tok world  So perhaps readers were expecting one thing, and got something different. I personally initially ignored this one because I am wholly exhausted from the onslaught of World War Two historic fiction. In the current climate, it makes me feel some kind of way. that said, I'm glad that I took this one on, because it fed a piece of my soul. 

For me, this was a book that grew on me. The initial chapters- which introduced us to the main characters were admittedly not the most engaging/easy to follow, AND, they introduced readers to a bit of a bleak landscape and situation, which at times overwhelmed me with a sense of doom, and dread. As much as I didn't enjoy that, I have to hand it to Nayler.  I was immersed.  I listened to this as part of my daily commute and at the beginning found that I often walked into my house after my commute home with a severe sense of dread.  I finally fully comprehended that my entire sense of dread was Audiobook induced, and I started to enjoy Nayler's work more. 

     The basic premise - without any spoilers-  is 4 young people find themselves sandwiched between the German troops,  and the Red Army troops in a forest during WWII. They didn't know each other "before"  and their alliance seems to be one of the most unlikely ever. These children band together and are helped by a variety flora, fauna, and some humans.  But they are especially helped by a band of highly intelligent crows that one of them had befriended over the years. This survival story unfolds into a panorama of survival through mutual aid, loyalty, storytelling and a unique human/animal relationship. 

I stuck with this book, despite also not really vibing with the first part because I was curious about why Nayler had taken on this topic and decided to tell this story. I feel that it's worth it for the "third act" if you will which shows the eventual resolution of the desperate situation the characters began in and gave me a unique view on power, people in power, and the motivations of those who seek, obtain and maintain power. The choices made by the young persons- if they can be called choices- were heart wrenching. If someone had told me I'd be sobbing at any time reading a Ray Nayler novel, I would not have believed it, but I actually did shed a tear or two. The third portion of the novel really hits home. 

 This was narrated by Eunice Wong,  who showcased her talent to take on this project and deliver a reading that was clear, but also reflected many difficult emotions throughout the novel. 

This is a unique book, one that transported me to a very uncomfortable spot, but also left me with many small gifts and realizations.  I recommend it for readers particularly interested in difficult choices, mutual aid, and of course, human/animal relationships. 

First Published :  5/19/26

Pages: 384

Available as an Audio Book :  yes ~ 8 hours

Trigger Warnings:  War, death, violence, extreme cold, parental loss, loss of identity  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review Sublimation By Isabel Kim

   Ok so, I was NOT PREPARED for the utter delicious-ness of this debut novel. 

Where has Isabel Kim been? 

I feel like this is probably the most impactful book I've read all year.  I keep recommending it to all sorts of people, and I cannot wait for it to come out.  

In fact, my only regret is that when reading this, I wanted desperately to dissect little parts and discuss it with someone else. 

I wasn't  a huge fan of the cover, but it reflects the novel so perfectly, that I now see why it was chosen.  This book is a perfect mix of speculative fiction, science fiction, literary fiction and corporate espionage thriller, all rolled into one. Sometimes this doesn't work, but in this case, it worked so well for me. At the crux of this novel is the familiar question: 

Can a person really ever go home again?  It is an age old question, and one that you'll have to answer yourself at the conclusion of the novel. 

     In short, readers enter in to a near future world where persons can split in two at borders. It doesn't always happen, and in fact it's a bit unpredictable, and messy. These folks often live two separate lives, or later may choose to reintegrate into one individual. We follow two young persons who have "body doubles/" in the US while their "original copy" lives in Korea. As these people navigate desire, and choices regarding separation and integration or re-integration, we are also treated to an expansive family saga, detailed and completely fleshed out technology systems, a bit of an espionage thriller, and a reckoning or what's lost and gained when one leaves home. In addition, the novel gets a bit meta with all sorts of references to the books premise but applied creatively to age old stories from the Bible and Greek myths/poetry. It is quite an accomplishment that this work hung together so cohesively. At every chapter I was kind of turned around with the multiple references that really fit quite perfectly within the narrative!  

This is an excellent Book Club book as it brings up all sorts of topics of discussion: Immigration, Migration, Ethical issues with the use of technology, Family relationships and how they shape our world, Friendships, Personality, and so much more.  

   I was gifted an audiobook copy from Macmillan Audio and I really really recommend that you do choose to use the audio version.  Narrators Major Curda and Michelle H. Lee did a great job giving a clear narration, but what REALLY stands out is the production of the novel. Studio Sound engineeers did an amazing job at translating certain parts of the text in some very specific sound effects which really drew me into the reading and made me feel as if I was experiencing the very thing the narrator was communicating. There was nothing distracting about this, and all the production really served to pull me further into the novel. 

   Even if you aren't a Sci-Fi fan, this is one to put on your list.  Kudos to Isabel Kim, I've been looking up everything else she's got out there all week. 

Many Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, this was a joy to read. 

First Published :  6/2/26

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book :  yes ~ 12 hrs 

Trigger Warnings:  mild violence, mild body horror, (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

 

Book Review: All Hail Chaos By Sarah Rees Brennan

 I enjoyed this novel via Audiobook from Hachette Audio and Orbit! 

I grabbed this from Net Galley in part because Narrators Moira Quirk and Shane East. I knew they would make the fantasy elements come to life.  It was most surely not because of the cover, which, has a charm to it, but not a charm I was affected by. 

This is book 2 in a series, and I think if you're interested, reading book one is a good idea.  Rae is unwell- literally, but she's found a way to slide into her favorite unfinished fantasy novel. This is the dream of so many readers! In book two, her sister, - who is literally not unwell- notes that the story she remembered is not the same, but she has no idea that it's Rae who's affecting the changes and not her memory. There's a definite Fourth Wall vibe to the book that I was there for! 

   Rae's all in the world of Time of Iron- she believes it may create a cure for her disease. While most readers would jump into a hero role, Rae's solidly embraced the villain. All Hail Chaos begins right where the first book left off, and Rae is left surprised that the plot she remembers is not the plot she is living. 

This novel is tagged as a "Meta-Novel" and it lives up to this with references, and commentary to popular literary tropes, other fiction, and reader behaviors. It's funny, and tender and touching.  I felt like the representation of someone facing a serious illness was spot on, and that his book is worth reading if just for that. 

  The book does seem to fall prey to many second in a series books- lots of snappy lines, twists and some jaw dropping reveals, but not very much movement of the plot. 

That said, I had a good time with this read. The narration helped me move swiftly through the chapters. It might be one for the fantasy reader in your life- which might be you! 

First Published :  5/12/2026

Pages: 480

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Disease, violence, killing/death, body corruption, body horror. (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean

  I requested this one on Net Galley  mostly on the strength of the cover.  I mean... look... look at this cover! 

Lucky for me, the audiobook was available  and I sunk into  the world, with the narrator Natalie Nadus disappearing in my mind, replaced by the sounds and smells of Post War Kowloon!  I love her narration because it really is transportative. After a few minutes, I am entirely immersed in the world, and forget I'm just sitting with headphones in rush hour commuting. 

  It's advertised as 'Gothic"  but I'm not sure that Gothic really applies that well to this one. While there's a lot of ghostly happenings and some horrible occurrences, I didn't have that creeping feeling of building and growing fear with this novel that I have gotten with other recent "Gothic" reads- WolfWorm (T. Kingfisher) or Japanese Gothic (Kylie lee Baker). It's got something different, a more shimmering quality than creeping dread. 

I'm going to call this the most Book Club Book I've read all year.

What makes it PERFECT for book clubs?  Well, it has a little bit of all the things that will appeal to a broad base of readers. 

Without Spoilers, Dean takes readers through a time pre- and post WWII Hong Kong and some outlying islands. This part of the narrative is meticulously researched and feels very accurate. Over top this is generously layered a dose of the supernatural- where ghosts flit in and out and can only be managed by exorcists and ghost talkers. The ghosts aren't just made entirely out of Dean's imagination, however, they are created and steeped in cultural beliefs about ghosts, and how to treat and interact with them over time. 

So all rolled into one we have historical fiction, a bit of a war drama, some messy family relations, the supernatural, and fiction that highlights cultural ideas and beliefs over time.  If that isn't a perfect book for the Book club to dive into, I don't know what is.  It's only missing a strong romance, and honestly, for the majority of book clubs, strong romances aren't the best for discussion.  (Unless of course it's the Stabby and Smoochy book club because we are all about ROMANCE) 

 I had not read Sunyi Dean before, and I think I'm going to have to pick up the backlist! 

First Published :  5/5/2026

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Abuse, trauma, mental health, violence, ghosts, violent ghosts, War, drowning, brief mention of suicide, death, body horror (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Married to the Mafia by Lucy Smoke

 I had a lot of fun with this one!  This is such a fun read and great for folks who have wanted to do their toes into Dark Romance, but didn't maybe want to dive in, without checking out the waters a bit 

I requested this audiobook on Net Galley on an impulsive whim.     

The cover was AMAZING  and I do find it hard to resist a good cover. Like many romance readers, I like a good mafia romance.  I am entirely convinced that any actual crime syndicate doesn't operate like in the romance novels, but...I can suspend reality all the time when I read fantasy novels. If I can enjoy an find a book about an alien snail race taking over the globe, a mafia romance... is not really as far a stretch.  

   Lucy Smoke is a new author to me, and I loved this book. It reminded me of the giggly fun feelings I get when reading Brynne Weaver's series about Serial Killers who fall in love. 

   As a synopsis:  Daisy is a new college graduate and she and her college bestie move to NEW YORK CITY to experience life and make their mark on the world.  New York isn't particularly kind to the girls and they find themselves getting by with temp jobs and a shared loft. Daisy's picked up a shift at a wedding, hoping for tips when she finds herself stuck in a room with a lot of good looking me, and one very very un-alive bride. 

 Julio is a "member of the family" but he's been told it's time to marry if he wants to move up. He's picked his bride and arranged the marriage and is quite put out to find the woman he needed to marry- very very un-alive. 

Readers of romance, know that this wedding must go on, and of course, Daisy, the server fits the dress perfectly. (or ALMOST perfectly) 

Daisy figures she's standing in so the man doesn't lose face, and it's only quite a bit later that realization dawns, she's really and truly married to a stranger- and not just any stranger, one who seems VERY VERY dangerous. 

   What's a girl to do? 

Well- I won't spoil it, readers will want to read- or listen to find out.   The audio book features a smooth, but upbeat dual narration from Gomez Pugh and Lisa Zimmerman.  Gomez took on the sometimes tough job of a stereotypical New York wise guys accent and was able to make it sound natural- with the accent getting stronger and fading at different moments, just as it would in natural speech- never totally gone but sometimes coming out bold, and other times softening. Lisa as Daisy was Hilarious! She injected all the spunk and sassiness that was needed to bring Daisy's inner monologue out to play. 

I loved the audiobook, and my entire reading experience with it. 

This one popped on shelves on April 21- so I hope someone will pick it up because I want so badly to giggle over certain moments, and to discuss predictions- I suspect there's a second book involving Daisy's bestie Michelle.  

STATS

First Published: 4/21/26

Pages: 352

Available as an Audio Book :  YES  ~ 9 hrs

Trigger Warnings:  violence, Death, gun violence, reference to Suicide, Foster Care flashbacks, more death, on page sex, cursing. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Book Review: The Language of Liars by S.L. Huang

 This is another book I highly recommend for your TBR.  

I really enjoy S.L Huang.  I liked her retelling of the Chinese tale The Water Margin very much and I was looking forward to a new book from them. 

I have to admit when I saw the cover and the title, I was a little bit... skeptical.  (this is one cover that didn't pass the test for me.) 

For me this cover was maybe a bit too understated. It did not scream out to me - this book may re-arrange your entire thought processes about the way we relate to other humans and animals. 

BUT... hear me out- it might. 

There is a lot to unpack in this novella, and if readers take the time to do so, they will find themselves with a different perspective on colonialism, language and identity. 

Now, this may have some spoilers, but I'm going to try not to spoil it. 

Readers meet Ro, our main character, who's been nicknamed "cheerful disaster" by their elders. Ro seems to be just like me, until I realize Ro has 2 beautiful kind hearts, several stomachs, fur and claws and a hive life that's highly communal. Ro lives in outer space and is training to be a linguist and astral traveler. Ro is mostly wanting to do the right thing, and succeed within society, and one day- poof- Ro does it. 

Ro infiltrates another outer space society- the Star Eaters, and begins to send reports back. Soon, however, our adorable astral traveler starts to see things aren't as they should be. Like the cheerful disaster that Ro is- Ro burns it all down. There might not be a great conflagration, but...it's still.. something to behold in print or spoken word. 

Harris & Ewing, photographer. TORNADO. , None. [Between 1913 and 1917] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016853119/.

What follows is an aftermath that cannot be imagined. You'll really have to read this one. 

   What's unique is that there are no actual human characters that I could identify in the novella. None. 

  Readers have a fantastic, imaginative space adventure that removes the human element, and in doing so- gives us mere human readers a space to really examine what happens when we "study" another society, when we colonize, infiltrate and explore- even with the best, most cheerful intentions. Can a society, or an individual ever really- go back home? (and really- what is "home"?)

Narration of the audiobook (Thank you Dreamscape Media!!!!!) was done impeccably by Emily Woo Zeller.  As always I could sink right into the foreign world built by Huang- and Zeller's voice disappeared. At times I felt like I could smell the ozone smell of space! 

100% Recommend. 

STATS

First Published: 4/21/26

Pages: 176

Available as an Audio Book :  YES  ~ 4.5 hrs

Trigger Warnings:  violence, cultural death, outer space torture, bullying 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

Book Review: Morsel By Carter Keane

  WOW!  Just WoW!

What if there was a monster in the woods, but the only way to conquer this monster was to embrace it wholly, and completely?   This is where we find ourselves with Morsel. 

  Carter Keane is a new author to me, and Morsel  is their debut novella. 

This does not read like a debut.  It was one part polished writing, and one part gritty reality, all rolled into one delicious novella.  it's an excellent way for readers who are interested in horror to dip a toe in without committing to something more involved.  Readers will get a story that feels relatable on various levels, the grisly gore of horror, as well as a surprisingly satisfying ending. 

So honestly, Carter Keane, I was prepare to not like this.  Appalachian/mountain horror is considered "hot" right now - especially on Tik Tok where videos of deserted towns and haunted hollows are hugely popular. I enjoy those videos also, but with a bit of reservation, as I grew up in the world of "hollers" and valleys and some deep dark woods. And the place is a wild, weird and wonderful as it is touted to be... but it's also a difficult place to live, and as my own mother said, kinda boring day to day. The videos sort of use the people and places as props to support whatever it is they are selling, and that never quite feels genuine for me. To be 100% honest, things like internet, medical care and even phone service coverage all create unique challenges. Not to mention, your creepy neighbor who is an entertaining character in a book- is an actual real live creepy neighbor!  So I was a bit skeptical as I requested the book. I was wrong! I really enjoyed this fast paced ride through Southern Ohio. 

  This novella was the real deal. I felt the strong feeling of nostalgia hit me square in the face as the cicadas began singing in the first few page and I was hooked.  

I'm gonna try to give a spoiler free summary here: 

Lou is our main character. Lou grew up in poverty but she's done everything "right" found a way to go to college, and got an office job that pays better than what her Mother makes. She isn't a fan of the job, but she's taking care of her mother, and like it or not, there is a corporate ladder to climb. Lou doesn't fit in well, and when she is offered an opportunity to work independently - taking some appraisal photos in a rural part of the state, she's all for it.  Her friend Emma isn't so sure, but Lou wants to support her Mom, and to please her boss. 

    Once she and her trusted dog Ripley,  start on this project, she quickly realizes that something isn't right out here.   She uses all of her skills to try to right this situation, but it becomes more dire and bizarre as time passes.  I had several moments wondering  who was going to be our final girl as the situation devolves from just creepy to downright dangerous. Monstrous creatures are a foot, and not all of them are human. Lou, who has spent a lot of the novel seeking guidance/reassurance that she's doing what's expected of her from every person in her life, finally makes a choice that seems right, and owns her situation,  and reclaims herself in the process. 

For me it was delicious. From start to finish. Is this for everyone? Probably not.  Readers who have enjoyed Steven Graham Jones, and CJ Leede will likely find this as satisfying as I did.  It is also perfect for those readers who want to explore the horror genre, but are a bit concerned about their reaction. This does contain some slasher type horror, as well as body horror, but it is also a novella, so if it becomes a problem, it's a short problem! 

Many Thanks  To Macmillan Audio for the advanced Listening copy.  Narrated by Lindsey Dorcus, a smooth reading was provided, with excellent timing and cadence - she was able to switch between snark and serious situations flawlessly.   I fully enjoyed the audio and felt that it was not distracting from the narrative.  

STATS

First Published  4/14/26

Pages: 264

Available as an Audio Book : ~ 7 hrs 

Trigger Warnings:  violence, blood, body injury, body horror, sexism, animal harm, motor vehicle harm, wild animals, angry leadership cult leaders, poverty, death of parent. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)