I think I’ve probably said this before, but I am a T. Kingfisher loyalist, and she never disappoints. I especially love her fairy tale novels (Nettle and Bone, Thornhedge), so I was very excited for A Sorceress Comes to Call, a retelling of Grimm story, The Goose Girl. Once again, Kingfisher has created a world … Continue reading Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call, by T. Kingfisher (Tor)
Review: Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant, by Stephanie Kiser (Sourcebooks)
Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant is an insightful, heartfelt account of writer Kiser’s years spent as a nanny for some rich New York families. Kiser moved to New York with her friend after graduating college, and is enamored by the generous paycheck nannying can provide. But she soon discovers the real cost to her health, friendships, … Continue reading Review: Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant, by Stephanie Kiser (Sourcebooks)
Review: Pearl, by Siân Hughes (Knopf)
Initially released in 2023, and long-listed for the prestigious Booker prize, Sian Hughes’ gorgeous novel, Pearl, is being re-released by Knopf. Marianne narrates the novel as an adult, returning to the Cheshire village in which she grew up for a yearly ritual/celebration called The Wakes. Hers has been a troubled life, her mother went missing … Continue reading Review: Pearl, by Siân Hughes (Knopf)
Review: Ghost Station, by S.A. Barnes (Tor Nightfire)
S.A Barnes made a huge impact with her debut space horror novel, Dead Silence, and now we’re returning to the terrifying void for more terrors with Ghost Station. Psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray is assigned to work with a small space exploration crew, to study a condition called ERS, which is kind of like whatever Jack … Continue reading Review: Ghost Station, by S.A. Barnes (Tor Nightfire)
Review: Smothermoss, by Alisa Alering (Tin House)
Siblings Sheila and Angie live with their aging great-aunt and mother in a rural Appalachian community. Older sister Sheila endures relentless bullying at school, and is essentially in charge of the house while her mother works long shifts at a nearby asylum. Sheila is also haunted by a strange rope around her neck, which no … Continue reading Review: Smothermoss, by Alisa Alering (Tin House)
Review: Incidents Around the House, by Josh Malerman (Del Rey)
First off, Incidents Around the House is an incredible title. I think I’d probably read a book with that title regardless of who wrote it. But the fact that it’s the latest Josh Malerman novel just adds to the excitement. Our narrator is Bela, an eight-year-old girl who lives with her Mommy and Daddo. AND … Continue reading Review: Incidents Around the House, by Josh Malerman (Del Rey)
Review: The Eyes are the Best Part, by Monica Kim (Erewhon)
I think if you choose to read a book called The Eyes are the Best Part, which features a bloodied eyeball held between chopsticks on the cover, you probably have a good idea what you’re in for. Reader, this novel is thrillingly bonkers, gruesome, and incredibly gratifying. Ji-won is having a rough time. Her father … Continue reading Review: The Eyes are the Best Part, by Monica Kim (Erewhon)
Review: The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)
The Tainted Cup is a highly entertaining combination of historical fantasy and murder mystery, with wonderful central characters. The book starts with a brutal, strange death of a high-ranking individual, seemingly speared by a tree in his own home. Enter the eccentric Ana Dolabra, a Sherlock-esque, reclusive investigator. Her newly employed assistant, Dinios Kol, is … Continue reading Review: The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)
Review: Mouth, by Puloma Ghosh (Astra House)
I read sooooo many short stories. I’ve spent the last six years reading a short story (almost) every day, and I appreciate a truly original, gripping tale. Puloma Ghosh’s debut collection, Mouth, with its well-crafted, weird, female-centered stories, filled me with joy. I was won over by the opening story, Desiccation, about a strange, shut-off … Continue reading Review: Mouth, by Puloma Ghosh (Astra House)
What I’m Reading – June 10th, 2024
My brain's a bit of a mess at the moment. No specific reason, other than adjusting to a summer schedule, and post-vacation blues. Once again, I have allowed myself to get overwhelmed by ARCs (oh boo hoo!), and unhelpfully prioritizing books that aren't published until next year. Anyway, while I was on vacation, I read … Continue reading What I’m Reading – June 10th, 2024
California Reading 