Category: Fiction (Page 1 of 18)

SPIT AND POLISH by D.A. Brown

March 5, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Ruth was delighted when she was accepted into the nursing school at Kingston General Hospital. But she didn’t realize how challenging it would be. She quickly finds her skills aren’t up to snuff and is sent to build them up as an aide at the local tuberculosis sanitarium.
It’s 1946, and when Ruth arrives, she is immediately surrounded by crowds of wounded and infected soldiers, women, and children.
Ruth must find her way among the dying, depressed, and too-friendly patients, managing demanding doctors and a jealous mentor, without being sent home or infected. Can she impress her seniors and be readmitted to the nursing program she so wants?

Thanks to LibraryThing , author DA Brown, and Somewhat Grumpy Press for this advanced reviewer’s copy!

SPIT AND POLISH is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to Canada in 1946, where aspiring nurse Ruth dreams of escaping her small-town life and making a difference. Accepted into Kingston General Hospital’s nursing school, her initial excitement crumbles as she struggles with the demanding coursework. Sent to gain experience at a local tuberculosis sanatorium, Ruth is confronted with the harsh realities of illness, death, and prejudice. Surrounded by wounded soldiers, desperate families, and a complex medical environment, she must navigate challenges while honing her skills. Ruth needs to find her strength, compassion, and the resilience to succeed.

The sanatorium, teeming with wounded soldiers and civilians battling the debilitating disease, paints a stark picture of the era’s healthcare realities. The facility fairly overflows with wounded soldiers, women, and children battling the debilitating disease. Ruth grapples with the emotional and physical demands of caring for, and witnessing firsthand, the suffering and resilience of her patients. Ruth must also navigate navigate dormitory life, avoid flirting soldiers, and handle the draining emotional complexities of her family back home. The author skillfully portrays the harsh realities of the medical setting, balancing it with moments of tenderness and compassion. It is easy to empathize with Ruth’s internal struggles as she confronts her own limitations and prejudices. Her journey is one of personal and professional development, and it is satisfying to see her initial naiveté transform into empathy, strength, and self-assuredness as she faces challenges head-on.

Brown immerses the reader in the post-war atmosphere of Canada, capturing the social anxieties, medical advancements (and limitations), and evolving societal roles of women. The struggles of returning soldiers and the stigma surrounding tuberculosis are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Ruth’s growth is relatable and engaging, and the supporting cast, from other nursing students to her domineering father, adds depth and nuance. The initial chapters do move a bit slowly as the setting and characters are established. I would have liked to see some of the secondary characters (such as Patricia, Mrs. Graham, and Mary) fleshed out some more. This information might have given some more backstory and understanding of their behavioral quirks and motivation.

One thing that was a bit jarring to me were the short paragraphs of medical notes that began each chapter. One was a quote from 1947, quite a few were from Florence Nightingale’s NOTES ON NURSING, and there was one from 2018 quite early on in the book. While I appreciated the “insider information”, I spent a few minutes trying to figure out if the quote was supposed to reflect the tone of the chapter or not. Some were relevant, while others seemed random to me. I did like the idea of headers to each chapter, but I think they would work a lot better if the words tied in with each chapter’s vignette. Another option would be to let the reader know that the paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter are taken from either various authors who are sharing their thoughts on nursing, or excerpts from textbooks that will give the reader background on how TB was treated back then, etc. That would set an expectation for the reader, allowing them to absorb the information, then move seamlessly into the storyline.

SPIT AND POLISH offers a captivating journey through a unique historical setting. Brown’s well-researched narrative sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of mid-century healthcare, while Ruth’s personal growth resonates with themes of ambition and compassion. The novel delves into the emotional toll of caring for the sick and dying, yet the harsh realities of the sanatorium are balanced with moments of tenderness and hope, creating a nuanced portrayal of human resilience. Throughout the book, the importance of human connection in the face of adversity is underscored – a lesson we can all learn from in today’s world.

Readers interested in historical fiction with strong female protagonists and a touch of medical drama will find this book satisfying. One caveat: be aware of the potential for emotional intensity due to the setting and subject matter.

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

THE FETISHIST by Katherine Min

February 6, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy!

THE FETISHIST is a novel by Katherine Min, a Korean American author who passed away in 2019. The book, which will be published posthumously in 2024, tells the story of Kyoko, a young woman who seeks revenge on Daniel, a violinist who had an affair with her mother, Emi, and allegedly caused her suicide. Kyoko’s plan goes wrong from the start, and she finds herself in a twisted relationship with Daniel, who has a fetish for Asian women. The novel is a dark comedy that explores the themes of race, gender, identity, and fetishization with humor and sharp insight.

This is a provocative and poignant work that challenges the stereotypes and power dynamics that shape Asian femininity and anti-Asian racism. It is also a testament to Min’s talent and vision as a writer who was able to craft a compelling and timely story before her untimely death. THE FETISHIST is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

Min portrays Kyoko as a complex and conflicted character, who struggles with her Asian American identity and her resentment towards Daniel, who represents the white male gaze that objectifies and exoticizes Asian women. Kyoko also has a fetish for violins, which symbolizes her connection to her mother and her desire for artistic expression. Daniel, on the other hand, is a pathetic and oblivious figure, who fails to recognize his own privilege and prejudice. Alma, a woman who suffers from a terminal illness, is also a victim of Daniel’s neglect and infidelity.

The novel is written with Min’s signature style of sharp wit, vivid imagery, and poignant emotion. She captures the nuances of Kyoko’s voice and perspective, as well as the dynamics of the relationships between the characters. She also injects humor and irony into the narrative, which balances the dark and tragic aspects of the story. The novel is a testament to Min’s talent and vision, which sadly was cut short by her death in 2019. THE FETISHIST is a brilliantly conceived story that is relevant to today’s world.

To illustrate some of the novel’s themes and insights, here are some quotes from the book:

“Daniel experienced the peculiar brand of despair that comes from getting what you wanted the second you realize you don’t want it anymore, and worse, he realized that he had never really wanted it in the first place, and that he hadn’t wanted the same thing the last time either…”

“It made Kyoko furious that this was the moment that kept returning to her, that the memory of her mother dead had become more vivid for her than any memory of her alive.”

(Daniel) “had always loved music more than anything else in the world. More than his wife, more than his daughter, more than himself. Music was his escape, his salvation, his addiction.”

Rickey’s thoughts on Alma: “…most beautiful things could seem freakish, even ugly, from certain angles, because beauty was strange and singular and often unsettling.”

Daniel’s thoughts on Alma: :…Alma’s beauty seemed apiece with the music she made, as ravishing as any work of art Daniel had encountered in Florence – any Madonna, Venus, or Magdalene. More than any musician he knew, Alma could seduce you, tease you into rapt attention, and beyond, to an ardent, prolonged arousal.”

“But in spite of her cuteness, her size (5’ 3”, 103 lbs) and her age (23), Kyoko’s life had been deformed by grief, in turn, twisted to hate, hate hammered to anger, until the anger, the hate, and the grief had been grotesquely fused. Kyoko believed that violence would alleviate all three. In fact, she had bet on it.”

I found this novel to be captivating and thought-provoking. It was easy to be drawn into Kyoko’s journey of revenge and self-discovery, as well as the other characters’ struggles and secrets. I admired Min’s skillful storytelling and powerful language, which made me laugh, cry, and reflect. I also appreciated how she addressed the issues of racism and sexism that affect Asian women in particular, and how she challenged the stereotypes and expectations that society imposes on them. I was extremely impressed with the author’s use of uncommon vocabulary and the intimate knowledge of classical music and the singular people who wield their instruments. This novel is an important and timely contribution to contemporary literature, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark comedy, complex characters, and social commentary.

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

APPRENTICED TO THE NIGHT by LindaAnn LoSchiavo

January 9, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

“Apprenticed to the Night” is a collection of 66 poems focused on mortality, betrayal, memory, trauma, and the bewilderment of loss as constantly shifting enigmas. It explores themes of life, death, childhood, trauma, family, and love. The book is divided into three sections: Youth, Maturity, and Beyond. Reviewers have called this collection a powerful and moving collection of poetry that is honest, insightful, innovative, and beautifully written.

Thanks to the author for this review copy!

2023 has been a terrible year for me; I lost my beloved Mom and all three of my dogs (at different times throughout the year). When I was offered this review copy, I wondered if these poems would be too much for me to absorb. Thankfully, I was wrong. My own exposure to great loss enabled me to understand the deeper meaning of LoSchiavo’s words. Despite the grim, stark environment of these verses, they offer readers a glimpse into the raw and vulnerable world of the speaker and force the reader to delve into the depths of the human experience.

The author’s imagery is often dark and evocative, yet it also manages to be strangely beautiful. The poems are filled with metaphors and similes that create a rich and textured landscape, inviting readers to linger and savor each word. Some of my favorite lines (taken from various poems) are:

When my mother died, she took home along with her
Tick, tick — mortality’s metronome
Accusing north winds whip open coats like a Customs Officer
Doves nesting at the lake’s edge knitting a new home out of trash and exhausted leaves
A domesticated red lighthouse
They find a determined amaryllis
My sister lives forever in six drawers / Where Mom maintains her clothing, worn, outgrown
Some kisses are consumer errors

Some of these poems use their words to lead you down a poignant yet rosy path, full of nostalgia, then veer off into the shocking, cold truth of the world. One such story is A Little Choir Girl at Passiontide – the poem starts out full of calming religious images and scenes from a typical Brooklyn neighborhood…then like a bucketful of cold water, these sentences turn the microcosm into an abomination:

…cars gunning for

You with their solid metal presence in your Immediate future, taking action

That could recast the universe in dark

Unpredictable ways

The poems are written in various forms and styles, such as sonnets, villanelles, haiku, free verse, and more. The language is rich, as similes and metaphors are used to convey the emotions and experiences of the speaker. Some of the poems are inspired by historical figures, such as Anne Boleyn, Marie Antoinette, and Edgar Allan Poe, while others are based on personal anecdotes and observations.

This collection is not for the faint of heart. The poems deal with topics such as death, suicide, abuse, eating disorders, and grief. However, they also explore the complexities of love, friendship, family, and identity. The author’s words are honest, insightful, and sometimes heartbreaking, but they also offer hope and the power of resilience. Even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and meaning to be found.

APPRENTICED TO THE NIGHT is a hauntingly beautiful assortment of poems that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. LoSchiavo’s words are like a balm to the soul, offering solace and comfort in the face of darkness. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced loss, love, or the struggle to find their place in the world.

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

TO CURE OR KILL by Michael Young

December 19, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

This is a frightening story describing the scientific discovery of a new cancer medication, and the greed and quest for wealth within the pharmaceutical industry. The book delves into the world of scientific development, executive entitlement, and the ruthless efforts to obtain a needed molecular synthesis protocol to advance a new drug. At the end of the novel, the reader will need to ask themselves the underlying question: Is this story really fiction?

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for this review copy!

In this frightening novel, author Michael Young delves into the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, where greed and ambition clash with the pursuit of life-saving cures. The story revolves around a groundbreaking discovery of a new cancer-preventing drug and the ruthless individuals who will stop at nothing to exploit it for their own gain. The captivating narrative weaves together scientific intrigue, corporate espionage, and moral quandaries, keeping the reader interested until the very end. The novel’s exploration of the ethical boundaries of scientific research is particularly thought-provoking, raising questions about the balance between profit and human health.

The characters are complex and believable, making you care about their fate. Most of the scientists in this book are created as sympathetic characters (rather than science nerds), and the bad guys are so easy to hate! The author has done a thorough job of creating arrogant, narcissistic criminals, and I was impressed at how he was able to create a plausible story line that delved into the mind of the villains as they planned their heinous actions.

The novel is suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also appreciated the accurate medical details: as a physician, Young clearly has a deep understanding of the medical field, which adds to the realism of the story. It is detailed yet easy for the layman to understand. These details may also serve to educate the reader about DNA, , mRNA, how new drugs are created, and medical ethics. There are also extensive descriptions of various poisons and how to use them for nefarious purposes.

One of the author’s strengths is the way he uses adjectives to create a picture. I particularly liked the description of the inside of a character’s home: “Burksdale made a final look around the rather boring, sullen, apartment…”. Another few sentences of note: “With his good looks, self-confidence, and obvious intelligence, Bob could walk into any room and light it up. The women adored him, and the men wanted to be him.”

I also learned some more about company security. We are all subject to phishing and identity theft, and I liked how the tone of chapter 9 was set by chapter 8’s discussing the internet of things and how hackers operate.

This book made me think about medical ethics and corporate greed. The drug companies in the United States are at times both helpful and a hindrance. Lifesaving drugs are created, yet they are ridiculously overpriced, and people may have to choose between food on the table or the medication that makes their quality of life better. It is also very frightening to consider that corporate espionage goes on every day, and we may never find out about it.

Some things I disliked about the book were: simple editing errors regarding spelling (pored over, NOT poured over!) and the author’s excessive use of italics. He used them in many instances where they were not needed. For example: italics are used for all company names (Harris Therapeutics) and websites (Google, Facebook). This became jarring to me, as I normally associate italics being used for emphasis, not to discern a company name or website, etc. Eventually I got italics fatigue and viewed it all like the boy crying wolf.

Another unpleasant idiosyncrasy I noted: the verb tenses were often not compatible with each other within the same sentence. For example, on page 69 the sentence moves from past tense to present: “…Burksdale WAS able to assemble a list….it IS frightening how much personal information IS available online…” And again, from page 73: “Traffic on the expressway CAN BE brutal during rush hour, and getting off late WOULD BE a miserable waste of time”. It was as if the author was writing an aside to the reader to make a point of explaining something. This too, became grating to me, as the English major in me cringed every time I came upon it. It took me away from being absorbed in the story to shuddering and replacing the verb tense in my mind. I have not read any other of Young’s books, so I have no way of knowing if this is a one-off in this particular book, or if that is his true writing style.

One final note: I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked to see a little more detail about some of the characters and how their lives were affected.

In Summary: TO CURE OR KILL is a thrilling tale of greed, ambition, and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, with a cautionary message about the potential dangers of unchecked ambition. It is also a timely and relevant novel that sheds light on the often-hidden world of pharmaceutical research. The novel explores important themes such as the ethics of scientific research, the greed of corporations, and the power of hope. The plot is a blend of fiction and reality, and the author challenges the reader to question whether such a story could happen.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, business, and ethics. Fans of medical thrillers and suspenseful fiction will also enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading the works of Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Sandeep Jauhar.

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

I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE by David Arnold

October 10, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

New York Times bestseller David Arnold returns with a poignant love story about two teens whose souls come together time and again through the ages—for fans of Nina LaCour and Matt Haig.

Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his little brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father’s departure. But after his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, as Evan’s plans begin to fade, he hears something: a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer . . .

Shosh Bell has dreams. A high school theater legend, she’s headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void—and a soft voice singing in her ear . . .

Over it all, transcending time and space, a celestial bird brings strangers together: from an escaped murderer in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian kosmonaut in low-earth orbit, something is happening that began long ago, and will long outlast Evan and Shosh. With lyrical prose and original songs (written and recorded by the author), I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE explores the history of love, and how some souls are meant for each other—yesterday, today, forever.

Thanks to Bookish First, Penguin Teen, and the author for this advance review copy!

I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel that explores the concept of soulmates and reincarnation. The story follows Evan and Shosh, two teenagers who are struggling to cope with loss and grief. Evan’s mother is dying of cancer, and Shosh’s sister was killed in a car accident. As they try to find their way through their pain, they begin to hear a mysterious song that only they can hear. The song leads them to each other, and they soon discover that they have met and loved each other in different lives, from an escaped murderer and a nun in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian astronaut and a radio host in the near future. As they try to cope with their own tragedies and traumas, they also must face the cosmic forces that keep bringing them together and tearing them apart.

The author encourages the reader to consider whether or not love can transcend time and space. His writing is lyrical and beautiful, and he creates a rich and immersive world for his characters to inhabit. The book is full of memorable moments, from the first time Evan and Shosh meet to the final, heartbreaking scene.

Arnold is a master of magical prose and original songs, which he wrote and recorded for this book. The songs add an extra layer of emotion and depth to the story, as they reflect the characters’ feelings and personalities. As the days go by for Shosh and Evan, they do their best to recall the words and write them down, slowly building an extra layer to their story.

Some of the things I loved about the book are:

The writing is poignant and beautiful. I intend to read it again and highlight the special sentences or passages that pierced my heart.
Arnold creates a rich and immersive world for his characters to inhabit. His descriptions of simple things like weather, or someone’s hair style are ethereal and consistently accurate. His characters are complex and well-developed; he is spot-on with the language of teen text messaging. I loved his usage of capital letters and inside jokes contained in Evan’s and Shosh’s texts to each other, and their friends. I really connected with these teens, and I was invested in what would happen to them.
It’s a story about loss and grief, but it’s also a story about hope and love. The book explores the idea of reincarnation in a way that is both believable and thought-provoking.
This book will make you wonder if you have ever loved someone in another life, or if you will ever meet them again. It was easy for me to imagine myself loving a special person again and again as we traveled through time.

However, the book can be quite emotionally draining at times. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the emotions of his characters in picturesque language that pierced me to my core. At times, I needed to put the book down to process what the characters were feeling, and how it made me grieve. The ending is bittersweet, and I had to tell myself that this is indeed a story about hope, love, and reincarnation. The author doesn’t shy away from the pain and loss that can be a part of love, but he also shows us the beauty and hope that it can bring. He also explores the implications of reincarnation on our relationships with each other and with the world around us.

Overall, I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is a beautiful and moving story about love, loss, and the power of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I would recommend it to fans of YA romance, fantasy, and historical fiction.

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

SEVERED ROOTS by Nego Huzcotoq

September 26, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

IT’S A WORLD RULED BY WOMEN. MEN ARE ALL BUT EXTRANEOUS AND VIOLENT CRIME IS ALMOST ERADICATED. WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

Severed Roots (recipient of Literary Titan Gold Book Award) depicts a future where family, long considered a patriarchal construct, has finally been outlawed. Children are birthed by select female “manufacturers” and raised in Children’s Centers, where girls are groomed for leadership and boys are taught subservience. Male adolescents willingly receive mandatory chemical injections to prevent sexual hunger–although some opt for gender reassignment surgery instead, which is laudable. The goal? To prevent all forms of patriarchy and usher in an unprecedented age of world peace.

The result? A world ruled by women, where men are all but extraneous and violent crime is almost eradicated. However, not everyone buys into this New World Order. This is a domain of rallies, revolts, and self-immolation by women who suffer from being denied a chance at motherhood. In the middle of the action is Nick Wong, a gentle, rule-following Canadian whose inquisitiveness and desire to do the right thing spur him on a perilous quest for Truth –about marriage, family, and the need to connect with who we are.

Thanks to Library Thing and the author for this advance reviewer’s copy!

SEVERED ROOTS is a dystopian novel by Nego Huzcotoq that explores the themes of gender, power, and family in a matriarchal society where women have taken control. The story is set in a future where men have been stripped of their power and are now considered second-class citizens. The government, known as the New World Order, has outlawed the concept of family, and children are now raised in government-run facilities. Men are given a choice of either taking a chemical injection that will suppress their sexual urges or undergoing gender reassignment surgery.

The protagonist of the story is naïve and sheltered Nick Wong, a 30-something gig musician who is struggling to come to terms with the new world order. He has never known a world without the New World Order, and he is initially hesitant to question its authority. He is not comfortable with the way men are treated, but he also doesn’t believe in the extremist views of the Hardinians, a group of men who are fighting to overthrow the New World Order. He is drawn to a group of rebels known as the Progressives, who believe in the importance of family and equality for all.

Nick also befriends Beatrice, a woman who is desperate to have her own child. She asks Nick to help her find a way to Island House, a safe haven for women who want to raise their children outside of the New World Order. Nick agrees to help Beatrice, and along the way, he learns more about the dark secrets of the New World Order. He also begins to question his own beliefs about gender, family, and power.

In the world of SEVERED ROOTS, the traditional family unit has been disbanded. Children are raised by the state, and men are not allowed to have any contact with their offspring. This raises some interesting questions about the nature of family and the importance of biological ties.

The author spends a good deal of time describing how family is essential to human connection and well-being. Even in a world where family is outlawed, people still crave the love and support of a family unit. This serves as a reminder that family is more than just a biological relationship – it is a bond of love and support that can help us to survive even in the most difficult of times.

The world-building is mostly believable. Huzcotoq does a respectable job of creating a dystopian society that feels both familiar and alien. The book is full of interesting details about the New World Order, such as the way it controls the population through chemical injections and propaganda. However, I would have loved to see more background on how the world came to be this way. Did society become that way suddenly, due to an occurrence of war or a nuclear disaster? Or was it a slowly moving development, due to an illness caused by men that killed most of their population? Did women rise to power in government and caused the pendulum to swing their way? As you can see, there could be so many reasons for this dystopian world.

I will say that this novel does a decent job of exploring the diverse ways in which a matriarchal society could function. Huzcotoq presents a variety of perspectives on the issue, from the radical views of the Hardinians to the more moderate views of the Progressives. This allows the reader to see the issue from all sides and to come to their own conclusions about what a matriarchal society would look like.

Some things I liked about SEVERED ROOTS:

The themes of gender equality, violence, and family are thought-provoking and relevant to our own world.
The novel does not shy away from showing the dark side of both the matriarchal and patriarchal societies, and the consequences of their extremes. The novel also raises some interesting questions about the nature of human connection and the role of family in society.
The plot is an excellent manifestation of a dystopian world. There are elements of George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s BRAVE NEW WORLD, and Anthony Burgess’ THE WANTING SEED. These are three of my favorite books, and I was happy to feel reminded of them as I got through the book.

Some things I did not like:

The pacing of the book is a bit slow at times. The first half of the book is mostly setup, and it takes a while for the plot to really get going.
The ending of the book is a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion to the story, and I felt there were many questions left unanswered. (That being said, I believe the author is working on a sequel, in which case the ending could be forgiven.)
The novel relies heavily on stereotypes and generalizations about men and women and seems to favor a conservative and traditional view of family and marriage, without considering other forms of relationships and lifestyles.

SEVERED ROOTS is ultimately a story about hope. Despite the challenges that Nick and Beatrice face, they never give up on their dream of creating a better world. They believe that it is possible to find a balance between the old world and the new, and they are determined to fight for a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking novel that is sure to spark a conversation about the nature of gender, power, and violence. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or who is interested in exploring the future of gender relations.

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

GONE TONIGHT by Sarah Pekkanen

August 1, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Catherine Sterling thinks she knows her mother. Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.
Ruth Sterling thinks she knows her daughter. Catherine would never rebel, would never question anything about her mother’s past or background. But when Ruth’s desperate quest to keep her daughter by her side begins to reveal cracks in Ruth’s carefully-constructed world, both mother and daughter begin a dance of deception. No one can know Ruth’s history. There is a reason why Ruth kept them moving every few years, and why she was ready–in a moment’s notice–to be gone in the night. But danger is closing in. Is it coming from the outside, from Ruth’s past? Is Ruth reaching a breaking point? Or is the danger coming from the darkness that may live in Catherine, herself? Propulsive, brilliant, layered, and provocative, GONE TONIGHT is a thriller that showcases Sarah Pekkanen at the top of her game.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

You know when you are reading a book and you can’t wait to have free time to get back to it? This is one of those books. Pekkanen has the ability to create multilayered characters that are both unreliable narrators yet sympathetic at the same time.

GONE TONIGHT has two strong female characters in the mother-daughter team of Ruth and Catherine Sterling. At first glance Ruth seems to be an overbearing, controlling parent, while Catherine is a wishy-washy daughter, content with drifting through life. But there is so much more behind this curtain! Catherine is ready to take a new job in another state, far away from Ruth and her constant scrutiny. When Ruth learns about Catherine’s plan, she creates a diabolical and twisted plan to keep her daughter near and dear. And then their lives begin to unravel.

I hated Ruth. Such a helicopter parent! And I also wished Catherine was stronger. Then, as the pages turned, I started to understand Ruth and disliked her less. Then, it seemed as if Catherine had found her inner strength and was going to leave her mother behind. Ok, the plot is all tied up neatly.

Nope.

The author adds some mind-blowing twists to the mix and wham! everything goes sideways and you can’t stop reading. GONE TONIGHT is psychological suspense at its best. I had no idea who to trust or who to believe. At a certain part of the book, I just kept murmuring “wow” as the plot took hairpin turns and twists yet stayed on the rails. A few more unreliable narrators got added and the conflict took a violent turn. Just when I thought the author couldn’t wring out another drop of crazy, another twist sent everything in yet another direction.

Yes, this story is full of suspense. But I also need to mention that the dialogue is on point. Ruth and Catherine seem completely believable as they alternately snipe at each other, then provide loving support. I also liked that each chapter was told from the POV of one of the characters. It is sometimes awkward to get into a rhythm when POVs are alternating, but once you become immersed, it flows. Using this style helped me get into the minds of each woman, giving me another layer of understanding of their “why”. (Even if that “why” is kind of unhinged.)

If you love psychological suspense, action, and well-written, opinionated female characters, you will adore GONE TONIGHT. There is so much more I would like to say about this book, but it can’t be done without including spoilers. Pekkanen is at the top of her diabolical game here – do not pass this one by.

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

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW by Melissa Adelman

June 20, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Desperate Housewives meets The Couple Next Door in a chilling story of murder and intrigue set in a well-to-do DC suburb.

Sometimes the darkest acts occur in the most beautiful houses… When Alexis and her husband Sam buy a neglected Cape Cod house in an exclusive DC suburb, they are ecstatic. Sam is on the cusp of making partner at his law firm, Alexis is pregnant with their second child, and their glamorous neighbors welcome the couple with open arms. Things are looking up, and Alexis believes she can finally leave her troubled past behind. But the neighborhood’s picture-perfect image is shattered when their neighbor Teddy – a handsome, successful father of three – is found dead on the steep banks of the Potomac River. The community is shaken, and as the police struggle to identify and apprehend the killer, tension in the neighborhood mounts and long-buried secrets start to emerge. In the midst of the turmoil, Alexis takes comfort in her budding friendship with Teddy’s beautiful and charismatic widow, Blair. But as the women grow closer, the neighborhood only becomes more divided. And when the unthinkable truth behind Teddy’s murder is finally uncovered, both Blair and Alexis must reexamine their friendship and decide how far they are willing to go to preserve the lives they have so carefully constructed.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW is a domestic suspense novel that explores the complex relationships and secrets that exist within a seemingly idyllic suburban community. The book is set in a well-to-do DC suburb and tells the story of Alexis Crawford, a young woman who moves into the neighborhood with her husband Sam and their young son. Alexis is immediately drawn to her glamorous neighbor Blair, who seems to have it all. But when Teddy, Blair’s husband, is found dead, Alexis begins to suspect that there is more to Blair than meets the eye.

The novel is told from the alternating points of view of two women: Alexis, the new neighbor, and Blair, the widow of the victim. The other residents of the neighborhood are also interesting characters. There is the nosy neighbor who always seems to know everyone’s business, the couple who is always fighting, and the young family who is trying to make it in the suburbs.

The author does a decent job of creating a sense of unease and suspicion in the reader. The characters are complex and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns.

One of the things I enjoyed most about WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW was the way Adelman explored the theme of secrets. Everyone in the neighborhood seems to be hiding something, and as the novel progresses, the secrets start to come out. This creates a sense of tension and suspense that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a bit too predictable.

I also appreciated the way Adelman developed the characters, albeit in a stereotypical manner. Alexis is a sympathetic character, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made mistakes. Blair is a more enigmatic character, but Adelman does a good job of slowly peeling back the layers and revealing her true nature.

Overall, I thought this book was a fairly good read.

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

THE PONCE FACTOR by J.D. Crawford

June 6, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Eternal life – or sudden death?
Human civilization is put to the test when young chemist Caleb Lee accidentally discovers a juice formula that stops human aging. When the news leaks, the world erupts in chaos as crowds clamor for the juice. Medgar Landros, World Health Organization honcho and ex-special forces battlefield surgeon, is summoned to the White House to help respond to the juice, now named the Ponce Factor. We follow our hero Landros, Lee, and a cast of characters that includes Pastor Angela Nero, an unscrupulous minister who believes the Ponce Factor has been given to the world’s elite to ensure their exclusive place alongside God. This road leads to profound questions about our world.
As Nero’s plot approaches culmination, Landros plans desperate action of his own after he concludes that the government’s inept response is leading the world to destruction and Pastor Nero and her followers to immortal ascension.

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery and the author for providing me with this review copy!

The Ponce Factor by J.D. Crawford is a medical thriller that explores the ethical implications of immortality. The story follows Caleb Lee, a brilliant scientist who has discovered a way to extend human life indefinitely. However, he soon realizes that his discovery could have devastating consequences for the world.

Lee had been secretly working on his own juice formula to relieve the boredom at his job; a factory where health drinks are made. When he realizes it can make humans immortal, his life changes forever as he must decide whether to share his discovery with the world, thereby changing the course of history and ultimately, mankind.

As the news of this discovery spreads, it quickly becomes clear that there are those who would do anything to get their hands on it. Governments, corporations, and even religious groups all begin to vie for control of the Ponce Factor. World Health Organization Dr Medgar Landros is spirited away to the White House to work with the Vice President and Caleb Lee as they race against time to keep this discovery out of the wrong hands, and to find a way to use it for good.

Riots ensue as people who are desperate to get their hands on the juice storm pharmacies and hospitals, injuring or killing those who stand in their way. I pictured the echoes of Covid and the lines of people waiting to get their vaccines. Those Covid lines were peaceful for the most part – but THE PONCE FACTOR illustrates what would happen if the January 6^th riots were combined with greed and panic.

Evil Pastor Angela Nero is a fanatic who believes that the Ponce Factor should not be given to everyone. She preaches to her followers that giving this juice to elderly, sick, or mentally challenged people will be cruel, as they will be eternally stuck in their pain-filled life. Only those who can contribute to society should be allowed to live forever and become gods on earth. Nero is a narcissistic megalomaniac that has the gift of gab, easily persuading her followers and bringing out the worst in them. Nero is a very charismatic woman, and her diabolical mind is oddly admirable. I love strong female characters, and Nero fits the bill. Unfortunately, she is truly malevolent.

This book is a medium-paced and suspenseful thriller that raises some important questions about the nature of life and death. Crawford does an excellent job of exploring the ethical implications of immortality, and he creates a believable and engaging world in which his story unfolds. The studies that Dr Landros works on with the Vice President are realistic and eerie. As I read about the potential consequences that the juice could have on the economy, the healthcare system, and the financial industry, I took time to consider these possibilities in the real world. Crawford hit the nail on the head with these predictions. Considering what happened to the world when Covid hit, that was kids’ stuff compared to what would happen if this Ponce Factor would be discovered now, in 2023.

These characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. There is a scene towards the end that is full of tension – it made me feel as if I were there with the characters as all hell broke loose. When an author gets you invested in fictional people so deeply that you feel emotions as you read, that’s the sign of greatness.

If you’re a fan of medical thrillers or science fiction, then I highly recommend The Ponce Factor. It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

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

HIDDEN BODIES by Caroline Kepnes

May 16, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

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.