Reviews of what you should be reading next.

Tag: series (Page 1 of 4)

HIROSHIMA – THE LAST WITNESSES by M.G. Sheftall

The first volume in a two-book series about each of the atomic bomb drops that ended the Pacific War based on years of irreplicable personal interviews with survivors to tell a story of devastation and resilience

In this vividly rendered historical narrative, M. G. Sheftall layers the stories of hibakusha—the Japanese word for atomic bomb survivors—in harrowing detail, to give a minute-by-minute report of August 6, 1945, in the leadup and aftermath of the world-changing bombing mission of Paul Tibbets, Enola Gay, and Little Boy. These survivors and witnesses, who now have an average age over ninety years old, are quite literally the last people who can still provide us with reliable and detailed testimony about life in their cities before the bombings, tell us what they experienced on the day those cities were obliterated, and give us some appreciation of what it has entailed to live with those memories and scars during the subsequent seventy-plus years.

Sheftall has spent years personally interviewing survivors who lived well into the twenty-first century, allowing him to construct portraits of what Hiroshima was like before the bomb, and how catastrophically its citizens’ lives changed in the seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, and years afterward. He stands out among historians due to his fluency in spoken and written Japanese, and his longtime immersion in Japanese society that has allowed him, a white American, the unheard-of access to these atomic bomb survivors in the waning years of their lives. Their trust in him is evident in the personal and traumatic depths they open up for him as he records their stories.

Hiroshima should be required reading for the modern age. The personal accounts it contains will serve as cautionary tales about the horror and insanity of nuclear warfare, reminding them—it is hoped—that the world still lives with this danger at our doorstep.

 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy!

M.G. Sheftall’s HIROSHIMA offers a riveting and compassionate account of one of the 20th century’s  most significant, devastating, and tragic events: the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. By meticulously blending historical research with the intimate testimonies of survivors, the book offers a harrowing and unforgettable account of the devastation, suffering, and resilience of the Japanese people.

The book delves deep into the firsthand experiences of the hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bomb. Their stories are raw and unfiltered, offering a visceral glimpse into the horrors they endured. From the initial flash of light and the deafening blast to the long-term effects of radiation sickness, Sheftall captures the physical and psychological toll of the catastrophe.

“Survivors guilt” was legion. Sixteen-year-old hibakusha were ashamed of the fact of their own survival when almost all of their classmates were killed. This shame shadowed them their whole lives, even permeating the unveiling of a Hiroshima memorial on August 6th, 1948. Bereaved parents shot hateful looks at those who had dared to live, even confronting them to ask, “Why are you alive, when my daughter is dead?” Survivors were also ashamed that they did not die as a martyr for the Imperial Empire.

Sheftall’s writing is compassionate, informative, professionally researched and meticulously crafted. He provides historical context while also allowing the survivors’ voices to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

The strength of Sheftall’s work lies in its deep exploration of the human experience in the face of incomprehensible destruction. The narrative weaves together first-hand accounts from hibakusha, ordinary citizens, and military personnel, showing how the bomb shattered lives, cultures, and the human psyche. Sheftall demonstrates not only the immediate impact of the bomb but also its lasting effects on individuals, their communities, and even the identity of Japan as a nation.

The Japanese mindset before and during wartime was one of brainwashing and stoicism. To die for the cause and support of the Emperor and Imperialism was ingrained in every boy and girl, starting as soon as they were able to walk and talk. The collective was greater than the individual, and this was accepted without a second thought. During WW2, both boys and girls were part of the war machine, grinding away day and night. As the boys were being educated on kamikaze training, the girls were working in factories recycling worn uniforms (stitching up bullet holes and washing blood out) so they could be worn again by more hapless but devoted soldiers) or sent to the Japan Steel munitions plant to help create ordnance. Bear in mind, these poor souls were barely teenagers – working in a factory setting that was both rigorous and dangerous. The girls considered too immature to endure the demands of factory labor were required to perform unskilled volunteer jobs such as farm work, participating in scrap metal drives, digging trenches, or working at firebreak sites. These tasks were just as dangerous as factory work. However, the hive mind kept all the girls moving forward without a second thought as to personal injury or worse, introspection (questioning why all this backbreaking labor had to be done, or wishing for a simple life spent giggling with friends or having free time).

Sheftall avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on the individual stories of the survivors. We learn about their hopes, dreams, and aspirations before the bombing, then feel their fear, shock, and suffering in the immediate days after the bombing. Finally, we realize the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives afterward. The book is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a human being with a unique story to tell.

Sheftall also explores the far-reaching social and geopolitical implications of the atomic bombing, explaining the political and military factors that led to the bombing, without losing sight of the human toll. He examines the Japanese government’s response to the disaster, the international reaction, and the long-term effects of radiation on the environment and public health. He also raises important questions about the ethics of nuclear weapons and the dangers of nuclear proliferation.

While HIROSHIMA is a powerful and necessary read, some readers might find the detailed historical and military analysis at times overwhelming. However, this does not detract from the overall impact of the book. It enriches the reader’s understanding of the broader context in which the bombing took place, contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of the event.

M.G. Sheftall’s writing is inspired by a deep fascination with Japanese culture and history, particularly with the events surrounding World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a long-time resident of Japan and a scholar specializing in Japanese history and society, Sheftall’s interest grew from personal encounters with the stories of the hibakusha. Their experiences, combined with the overarching impact of the atomic bomb on Japanese society, motivated him to give voice to the survivors’ stories in a way that blends historical context with personal narratives. Sheftall’s writing is empathetic and precise, capturing the profound human impact while maintaining scholarly rigor.

The author has previously explored the human dimensions of war, as seen in his earlier work, BLOSSOMS IN THE WIND, where he examined the experiences of Japanese kamikaze pilots. His continued exploration of the human cost of war is a driving force behind HIROSHIMA. Sheftall was inspired not just by a desire to document history, but also to foster empathy and understanding by illuminating the personal suffering that often gets lost in larger historical narratives. By focusing on individual experiences, Sheftall seeks to convey the full scope of the tragedy and its long-lasting impact on both individuals and society at large.

Hiroshima is remembered as one of the most devastating events in human history, symbolizing the horrors of nuclear warfare and the profound suffering caused by the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. Its memory is preserved in numerous ways, each reflecting different aspects of the tragedy and its broader implications.

The city stands as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The city’s complete devastation within seconds, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945, makes it a powerful symbol in the global conversation about nuclear disarmament. The memory of Hiroshima fuels ongoing movements advocating for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons, led by organizations such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and global anti-nuclear groups.

Hiroshima is commemorated annually through ceremonies at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures left standing near the hypocenter of the blast. The park also features the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, and its Flame of Peace will burn until the world is free of nuclear weapons. These physical landmarks serve as enduring reminders of the tragedy and as focal points for reflection and mourning.

The bombing of Hiroshima is remembered through various forms of art, literature, film, and music. Books such as John Hersey’s HIROSHIMA and later works, including M.G. Sheftall’s own contributions, help to ensure the event is documented and understood by future generations. Films like Grave of the Fireflies and Barefoot Gen portray the emotional and human cost of the bombing.

Every year, on August 6, Hiroshima holds a solemn Peace Memorial Ceremony. The event includes a moment of silence at 8:15 AM, the exact time the bomb was dropped. The ceremony draws attendees from around the world and serves as a global moment of reflection on the consequences of nuclear warfare, aiming to renew commitments to peace.

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo (The Japanese Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organization). This underscores both the call to peace and continuing to remember those whose lives were forever changed by this unspeakable tragedy.

In all these ways, Hiroshima is remembered as a tragedy that transformed the global understanding of warfare, leaving a legacy that continues to shape both personal and collective memory. It is a call to never forget the consequences of nuclear weapons and to work toward a world where such destruction is never repeated.

This book  is a poignant and essential contribution to the literature of World War II, as well  as a testament to the human spirit and the power of resilience, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. The book offers a respectful reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare, and it compels readers to reflect on the far-reaching consequences of violence and war. Sheftall’s skillful blend of historical narrative and personal testimonies makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in history, ethics, and the profound impact of war on humanity. It is also an imperative for historians, students, and anyone seeking to understand the true cost of conflict.

Want  your own copy? You can pick it up here.

HIDDEN BODIES by Caroline Kepnes

In the compulsively readable sequel to her widely acclaimed debut novel, YOU, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklist calls “the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman.” Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him. In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

HIDDEN BODIES is the sequel to the best-selling thriller novel YOU. It continues the story of Joe Goldberg, a charming and obsessive stalker who becomes increasingly dangerous as his obsession with the object of his affection, Love Quinn, grows.

The novel is narrated in the first person by Joe himself, which gives readers a unique perspective into the mind of a stalker and sociopath. Kepnes does an excellent job of making Joe a sympathetic character, despite his disturbing actions, by delving into his past and showing the traumatic experiences that have shaped him.

The plot takes Joe on a wild and twisted journey from New York to Los Angeles as he tries to escape his past and start a new life with Love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from Hollywood elites to struggling writers, all of whom become tangled up in his web of lies and manipulation.

These characters are also well-developed and complex. Joe’s love interest, Love Quinn, is a particularly interesting character who is much more than she appears to be at first. The interactions between the various characters are realistic and believable, adding to the sense of realism in the story.

Kepnes’ writing style is fast-paced and addictive, with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Her descriptions of Los Angeles are particularly vivid, bringing the city to life as a character in its own right.

While HIDDEN BODIES is a dark and unsettling read, it’s also a captivating exploration of obsession and the human psyche. Kepnes is a skilled storyteller who has a talent for creating deeply flawed characters who are still able to evoke empathy from the reader. This novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, and those new to the series will quickly find themselves hooked.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes

When a beautiful aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card. There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting. As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder. A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature. The book tells the story of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly ordinary bookstore manager in New York City, who becomes obsessed with a customer named Guinevere Beck.

At first, Joe appears to be charming and intelligent, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed individual. He starts to stalk Beck, using social media to gather information about her and manipulating her friends and acquaintances to get closer to her. As his obsession with Beck grows, Joe becomes increasingly violent and manipulative, ultimately leading to a shocking and disturbing conclusion.

What sets this book apart from other thrillers is its unique narrative style. The story is told from Joe’s perspective, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a sociopath. Kepnes’s writing is masterful in this regard, as she captures Joe’s voice and inner monologue in a way that is both unsettling and compelling.

Despite his disturbing behavior, there are moments where Joe’s humanity shines through, causing the reader to feel conflicted about their feelings towards him.

The novel also explores themes of social media and how it can be used to manipulate and control others. Beck’s online presence is a key part of Joe’s obsession, and Kepnes does an excellent job of showing how the curated image people present on social media can be far from the truth.

Even thought the book is full of disturbing subject matter, YOU is a difficult book to put down. Kepnes keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns, and the tension builds to a fever pitch as Joe’s obsession with Beck spirals out of control. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

Overall, YOU is a dark and thought-provoking thriller that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality and the people around them. It’s a disturbing yet fascinating look at the mind of a sociopath, and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE CABINET OF DR LENG by Preston and Child

Preston & Child continue their #1 bestselling series featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene, as they cross paths with New York’s deadliest serial killer: Pendergast’s own ancestor…and now his greatest foe. AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY: Astoundingly, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever. A DESPERATE OPPORTUNITY: Constance sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother. But along the road to redemption, Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, lies in wait, ready to strike at the slightest provocation. UNIMAGINABLE ODDS: Meanwhile, in contemporary New York, Pendergast feverishly searches for a way to reunite with Constance—but will he discover a way back to her before it’s too late?

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this review copy!

DR LENG is number 21 in the Aloysius Pendergast series and one of the best ones, in my opinion. Constance has managed to get herself back to New York City in the 1800’s so she can change history. Pendergast is distraught and seems to be giving up on his life. Agent Coldmoon is away from Pendergast (to his relief) and is investigating a murder on the Rez in South Dakota. Commander D’agosta is looking into a mysterious death at the Museum of Natural History. Are all these murders connected? As the characters cross paths, the suspense ratchets up and the book is truly unputdownable.

The biggest source of enjoyment for me was the description of 1800’s NYC. Every sight, smell, and sound were described in such a way that I felt as if I were there alongside Constance. Along with the gruesome Dr Leng, there are other baddies that grab your attention and encourage you to “love to hate” them.

Constance is a divisive character in the Pendergast series; either you love her or find her terribly annoying. She is the main character in DR LENG, so if you are not a fan, you may want to pass this by. However, I will say that the other characters are involved enough to ensure that Constance’s presence isn’t too annoying. That being said, I feel that Constance elevated herself to a new level as an intelligent, driven, strong female character.

I’m a fan of all the characters and I was very happy to see everyone involved in this story. Pendergast seems a lot more human as he struggles his way through each day without his beloved ward. It seemed to me that everyone was quite emotional (except for Proctor, of course!) and it endeared them to me even more.

DR LENG flows smoothly, seamlessly moving from one character/plotline to another. Classic Preston & Child. However: the ending. No spoilers here, only that I did not see it coming. Other reviews are mixed; either the ending is genius or total bull****. My reaction was “WHAT?!? Seriously?!. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thoughts? Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

RIGHTEOUS PREY by John Sandford

Beloved heroes Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers are up against a powerful vigilante group with an eye on vengeance in a stunning new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author John Sandford. “We’re going to murder people who need to be murdered.” So begins a press release from a mysterious group known only as “The Five,” shortly after a vicious predator is murdered in San Francisco. The Five is believed to be made up of vigilante killers who are very bored…and very rich. They target the worst of society—rapists, murderers, and thieves—and then use their unlimited resources to offset the damage done by those who they’ve killed, donating untraceable Bitcoin to charities and victims via the dark net. The Five soon become the most popular figures on social media, a modern-day Batman…though their motives may not be entirely pure.

After a woman is murdered in the Twin Cities, Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are sent in to investigate. And they soon have their hands full–the killings are smart and carefully choreographed, and with no apparent direct connection to the victims, The Five are virtually untraceable. But if anyone can destroy this group, it will be the dynamic team of Davenport and Flowers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this review copy!

RIGHTEOUS PREY is the 32nd Prey book by John Sandford, and this is one of the better ones. Both Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers are in this, working together to solve a murder spree. A group calling themselves “The Five” are slaughtering people that they (and many others) consider detrimental to society. The victims are considered to be a**holes and consist of rapists, thugs, etc. This twist makes The Five sympathetic characters, despite their murderous impulses.

It seemed there was slightly more Virgil content than Lucas. The banter between the two is as good as it ever was, with lots of ribbing about Lucas’ clothes and Virgil’s burgeoning career as an author. The characters are aging, yes, but also growing, and adding layers to both of their career paths. I hope they continue in law enforcement, because I feel that a lot of their appeal would be lost if Virgil were a full-time author and Lucas decided to retire (the horror!).

There is a new character introduced in the novel; her name is Jasmine Green and she is a cop assigned to help the duo out once they reach a certain point in the investigation. She starts out as a character that I wasn’t sure I was going to like, but as the plot progressed, I was happy she was added to the novel. Sandford does tend to drop new characters in here and there, and I hope we see Green again in the future.

Sandford’s ability to create a gripping plot is legendary. He never runs out of new ideas, and he puts his own special twist out there so you never know how things are going to end. I read through this book quickly and slowly at the same time (is this even possible?) because I wanted to find out what was going to happen to The Five, yet I didn’t want the book to end. Sandford takes too much time between books, if you ask me. This sentiment among his immense following proves what a fantastic writer he is.

I felt that there were no slow portions of the book. As each member of The Five is introduced to the reader, they emerge as intelligent, sardonic, and Type-A people. We get a brief background on them and learn their motivation, which turns out to be a good reason for the murder spree. The reader is invited to think about whether this murky “reasoning” is a good or a bad thing. Not that murder should be condoned – but we have all pictured someone famous and thought Gee, the world would be much better off without him”. This unique spin is another detail that made RIGHTEOUS PREY a bonafide thriller.

Sandford fans should be raving about this book! Lucas and Virgil are beloved characters, and this latest installation is a sure winner. I cannot choose what I liked best about this book – the always funny conversation between the two, or the fast-paced plot that gripped my interest from the first page.  Which did you like best?

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

Call Me Cass by Kelly Stone Gamble

Cass Adams is finally happy. She has a man who loves her, a family that understands her, and a baby on the way. Other than seeing the occasional dead person, Cass feels normal. But pregnancy has an unwelcome side effect. Cass is having visions of the future, just like Grams does. While some are cloudy, Cass knows one thing for certain. Her best friend, Maryanne, is going to die.

Police Chief Benny Cloud has his own problems. His father has been released from prison and is on his way home to surprise Benny’s mother, who’s been keeping time with the county sheriff. Fat Tina’s Gentlemen’s Club is under siege by protestors. And it’s growing dark outside.

A devastating storm is coming to Deacon, Kansas. In its wake, the town must deal with tragic losses that force everyone to reevaluate their lives.

Thanks to the author for this review copy!

One thing about Kelly Stone Gamble is that she is adept at creating character backstory. In CALL ME CASS we see all of our favorites from her previous two books but with more depth. This is accomplished by having each chapter told from a different point of view – something that I usually dislike – but it works here. We are privy to each character’s deepest thoughts and fears and learn who dislikes who (and why). These inner thoughts are both poignant and hilarious at the same time.

In this 3rd book of the series, Cass is ready to give birth while a massive tornado is bearing down on Deacon, Kansas. She is also struggling with one of her visions – her best friend Maryanne is supposed to die. Each character experiences the huge storm in their own way, and no one is unaffected. Deacon is destroyed and we stay with Cass & Co. while everyone picks up the collective pieces.

Gamble’s real talent lies in her ability to create friendships and deep connections in her storytelling. It feels like there are true bonds between Fat Tina, Angus, Clay, and the rest of the Deaconites. Kindness shines through on nearly every page no matter which character is telling the story at the moment. The characters are quirky and fun, and they all show compassion when the situation warrants.

The storm creates serious suspense while also serving as a cleansing for the town, since a few of the characters experience revelations about their life, their relationships, and their dreams. This proves to create a satisfying ending despite the fact that some of the characters did not survive the storm. I felt truly sad for these characters and wish things turned out differently. This shows how strongly the author is able to create lasting emotions in her readers through her writing. Anyone who can make the reader feel for a fictional character is a winner in my opinion.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

Bloody Genius by John Sandford (Virgil Flowers #12)

Virgil Flowers will have to watch his back–and his mouth–as he investigates a college culture war turned deadly in the latest thriller from #1 New York Times-bestseller John Sandford.

At the local state university, two feuding departments have faced off on the battleground of PC culture. Each carries their views to extremes that may seem absurd, but highly educated people of sound mind and good intentions can reasonably disagree, right?

Then someone winds up dead, and Virgil Flowers is brought in to investigate . . . and he soon comes to realize he’s dealing with people who, on this one particular issue, are functionally crazy. Among this group of wildly impassioned, diametrically opposed zealots lurks a killer, and it will be up to Virgil to sort the murderer from the mere maniacs.

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy!

No one is getting Virgil’s jokes. This is because he is knee-deep in academia land, investigating the murder of a well-respected but also generally disliked professor. Apparently those who work at the University of Minnesota do not have a well-rounded sense of humor.

Virgil teams up with Detective Trane from the Minnesota police department, a partnership that starts out shaky but solidifies when Virgil proves himself to be an affable companion. Trane is at a dead end until Virgil discovers some evidence that starts the ball rolling, leading to some of the strangest characters ever seen in a Flowers novel.

I felt that the book was slow going until the last third, when the action started to pick up a bit and the loose ends started to come together. There are a lot of characters and subplots, and unless you keep them straight it will end up being confusing.

The plot blurb notes there is an interdepartmental feud going on, but I found that portion of the story a bit underwhelming. There is less going on there than the publisher would have you believe. I feel it would have benefitted the book to have noted there was a murder on campus and Virgil had to deal with a lot of functionally crazy people; after all, the murder does take place in the beginning of the book and the rest is just smoke and mirrors until the end. At times I wanted to skip ahead, looking for more action and less talking, but I was afraid I would miss something.

Flowers novels are like pizza – it may not always be the best tasting, but it’s pizza. Despite the flaws I noted above, it is always good to see what Virgil is doing. Hopefully the next outing will be more suspenseful and action packed.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

Past Tense by Lee Child (Jack Reacher #23)

 

 

Family secrets come back to haunt Jack Reacher in this electrifying thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child, “a superb craftsman of suspense” (Entertainment Weekly). Reacher, the eternal drifter, happens by chance on the small New Hampshire town he remembers his father was supposed to have come from. But when he starts looking for his dad’s old home, he finds there’s no record of anyone named Reacher ever having lived there.

 

 

Thanks to Goodreads for the ARC! This latest outing for Reacher is unputdownable.

This is the first Jack Reacher book in a while that I literally could not stop reading. Our hero is caught up in a small town in New Hampshire attempting to find out information about his father and family tree, and as usual, trouble follows him. There is also a converging plotline about two travelers with a mysterious suitcase. Their car dies and they check into a motel of dubious origin. The author doles out tidbits of information on these people in a way that kept me hooked. Consider eating a single M&M or potato chip….then having to wait for another one. This is exactly how I felt – I was so eager to find out what happened to the couple, what was really going on in that motel, and WHAT THE HELL was in that suitcase!!

In the meantime, Reacher is doing his thing, making friends and enemies along the way. There are some wonderful punch-ups and delicious retribution that will gladden the heart of every Reacher fan. We learn more about Reacher’s family (his father in particular) and the town he grew up in. The description of the town was amazing, as I enjoy urban exploring and wanted to go there right away to walk around this abandoned place. However, the information about Reacher’s dad was probably the weakest part of the plot for me. I may have been expecting more detail or a plot twist, but was satisfied enough with what I got. Minor complaints about a nearly perfect book. It was also refreshing to not have Jack caught up in a passionate but short hookup with one of the available women in town. Sometimes that detracts from the action.

As I said before, this is a nearly perfect book and would work well as a stand-alone for those who have not read this series before. I’m very grateful to the publisher for offering this as a giveaway.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

After The Bubbles by Susan Berliner

One touch and you’re dead…

One minute, Erin Fredericks is daydreaming in geometry class. The next minute, she’s running for her life. Oddly shaped bubbles are falling from the sky all over the world, transforming everyone who comes into contact with them into extraordinary beings that are no longer human. And these monsters want to kill people, which they can do just by touching them.
Phone systems in the United States immediately fail, followed soon after by the collapse of the power grid. With communication impossible, society disintegrates into chaos as bubble-generated monsters prowl the streets, searching for human prey.
Erin, her family, and her neighbors are trapped in their houses by Cyndy Louise, one of the evolving creatures Erin calls “touchers.” As the situation worsens, Erin and the remaining residents of Walnut Lane—along with a handsome young stranger—must fight for their food, their homes, and their very lives. Facing a seemingly invincible foe, how will they manage to survive?

Many thanks to the author for this ARC!

AFTER THE BUBBLES has a unique science fiction flair to it. A quiet town is disrupted by floating bubbles that transform people into zombie-like creatures with a deadly secret – they can kill merely by touch. This twist provided a spine-chilling effect, sort of like a game of tag where you are no longer “it”, but “dead”. Think about all the close calls the characters have, doing their best to avoid the slightest pressure of the fingertips of these creatures.

Erin Fredericks and her family become trapped inside their house by a neighbor girl that was transformed into a zombie (or Toucher, as Erin names them). She marches up and down the block, effectively jailing people inside their homes. The only thing that affects Touchers is water – so when it rains the prisoners are happy to leave their house and seek food and other human interaction.

As Erin and her other neighbors explore their town, there is a great post-apocalyptic feel to the surroundings – there are dead bodies strewn about in the supermarket, starving dogs roam the streets, and houses are eerily devoid of occupants. Multiple Touchers attempt to stop Erin and the others from finding food or seeking other human contact. As the book progresses, the Touchers get smarter and stronger. The author does an excellent job of conveying the characters’ frustration of being cooped up inside the house, waiting for a rainy day so they can move about freely.

AFTER THE BUBBLES is written in a slightly different style than the author’s other books. It has a slightly YA flair to it, yet it will appeal to readers of all ages. Teen readers will especially identify with Erin’s melancholy, as she wonders if she will ever have a boyfriend or be able to hang out with girls her own age again. Her brother is too young to worry about anything other than video games, while Erin is of an age where she is thinking about more adult things.

The book’s story line alternates between suspense, as Touchers are dealt with, and waiting for rain. I felt that the book could have been trimmed down a bit by eliminating some of those scenes, since there were more than enough passages that conveyed that illustrated the plight of Erin and her family. That is the only issue I had while reading. Otherwise, I was engaged with the characters and hoped they would escape unscathed. The cover states that this story is “Book One” so I know there is more action to come in the future. I will definitely be looking for the second book in the series to find out what happened!

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

 

Burning Ridge by Margaret Mizushima

Featuring Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo, Burning Ridge by critically acclaimed author Margaret Mizushima is just the treat for fans of Alex Kava.

On a rugged Colorado mountain ridge, Mattie Cobb and her police dog partner Robo make a grisly discovery—and become the targets of a ruthless killer.
Colorado’s Redstone Ridge is a place of extraordinary beauty, but this rugged mountain wilderness harbors a horrifying secret. When a charred body is discovered in a shallow grave on the ridge, officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo are called in to spearhead the investigation. But this is no ordinary crime—and it soon becomes clear that Mattie has a close personal connection to the dead man.
Joined by local veterinarian Cole Walker, the pair scours the mountaintop for evidence and makes another gruesome discovery: the skeletonized remains of two adults and a child. And then, the unthinkable happens. Could Mattie become the next victim in the murderer’s deadly game?
A deranged killer torments Mattie with a litany of dark secrets that call into question her very identity. As a towering blaze races across the ridge, Cole and Robo search desperately for her—but time is running out in Margaret Mizushima’s fourth spine-tingling Timber Creek K-9 mystery, Burning Ridge.

 

Thanks to Netgalley for this advance reviewer’s copy! This is Margaret Mizushima’s fourth book in this series, and I’m happy to say that it’s holding my interest just as much as the first one did.

Mattie and loyal K9 partner Robo are handling a crime that hits too close to home. Mattie is slowly coming out of her emotional shell, but still has a long way to go when it comes to opening her heart to veterinarian Cole Walker. As she is preparing to reconnect with her brother, whom she has not seen in many years, she becomes involved with a body that is found deep inside the forest. Is she really surrounded by people that she can’t trust – or does she need to let her guard down and see what happens?

Mizushima’s characters are true to life and nuanced. Mattie is definitely more emotionally grounded, but still views her German Shepherd, Robo, as her closest ally. Robo is superb as the K9 officer, who can alternatively tug at your heartstrings when he plays with Mattie or make you cheer as he takes down the bad guy. We should all have a dog as loyal and supportive as he is.

Twists and turns kept me reading for hours – I didn’t want to put it down! This police procedural is just the right mix of action, dialogue, canine antics, and suspense. Most of the suspense comes in the last 20% of the book, but it’s worth waiting for. Robo’s skills are put to the test as he handles his most daunting task so far, and I held my breath to see what would be happening next. Mizushima’s writing is easy on the brain, despite some plot nuances and characters that appear in the beginning, only to disappear, then pop up again. The love the author has for the Colorado mountains and forests is evident in her thorough description of Mattie’s surroundings. I felt as if I were right alongside the characters, fully immersed.

The only concern I have is early on, when veterinarian Cole shows up at his clinic early in the morning. Some patients stayed overnight, and they are described as just waking up from anesthesia. It’s not proper medical practice to leave a patient unattended immediately after anesthesia, much less overnight without care. Yes, the procedure was a “routine” spay – but there is no mention of any veterinary nurses other than Cole’s coworker. This was jarring to me and it took me a while to get past that. Every other instance of veterinary work was perfect, and an excellent layer to the book. Note to the author: add more veterinary scenes to your book! It’s always a good thing to have the public see how hard vets and nurses work to care for pets and livestock.

If you have not read any Timber Creek mysteries yet – pick this up! To better gain an understanding of Mattie and what makes her tick, start with the first book. This one could stand alone, but the backstory will help some of the details make more sense.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

« Older posts

© 2025 gimmethatbook

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑