Lovers of dark historical fiction - drop everything now and pick up Maddalena and The Dark. Julia Fine has captured the decadence of 18th century Venice, and created two irresistible teen characters, Maddalena and Luisa, whose friendship almost makes you forget the stink coming from the canals. Maddalena’s life is complicated. She is part of … Continue reading Review: Maddalena and The Dark, by Julia Fine (Flatiron)
My Favorite Books of 2023 So Far
The book I find myself thinking about the most is Self-Portrait with Nothing, by Aimee Pokwatka. It is one of the most original books I’ve ever read. I really don’t want to give too much away, but if you love parallel universe stories, this is for you. Hugely intelligent. And I just noticed Pokwatka has … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023 So Far
Review: Maeve Fly, by CJ Leede (Tor Nightfire)
When I was in my early twenties, I was so in love with the Brett Easton Ellis novel, American Psycho, it essentially formed the basis for my personality. With hindsight, there are probably better books to personify, but I didn’t encounter Shirley Jackson until my thirties. I’m not going to say CJ Leede’s novel, Maeve … Continue reading Review: Maeve Fly, by CJ Leede (Tor Nightfire)
Review: Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird, by Agustina Bazterrica (Scribner)
Whether or not you “enjoyed” Agustina Bazterrica’s novel, Tender is the Flesh, you cannot deny the author’s talent. Personally, I thought it was a riveting book, and I think about it at least once a week, despite reading it almost three years ago. So I was excited to get my hands on Bazterrica’s collection of … Continue reading Review: Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird, by Agustina Bazterrica (Scribner)
Review: I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home, by Lorrie Moore (Knopf)
It’s safe to say things are not going well for Finn. He has been suspended from his teaching job, his brother is dying in a hospice, and he is pining for his ex, Lily. While Finn is having what could be a final visit with his brother, he gets an urgent call regarding Lily, and … Continue reading Review: I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home, by Lorrie Moore (Knopf)
Review: The Book of Witches, edited by Jonathan Strahan (Harper Voyage)
The Book of Witches is a huge anthology, jam-packed full of wonderful prose and poetry from a diverse range of writers, lovingly edited by Jonathan Strahan. The quality of writing does not wain throughout, but here the following really stood out to me: The collection opens with a moving poem, Seed of Power, by Linda … Continue reading Review: The Book of Witches, edited by Jonathan Strahan (Harper Voyage)
My Month in Reading, May 2023
Oh sweet Jesus, it’s June next week. Once again, I am scrambling, trying to hack away at my pile of ARCs. All of which I willingly requested, or accepted, completely overestimating my capabilities. And today, I got rejected for an ARC I was very excited about, and I’m assuming it’s because I have a backlog … Continue reading My Month in Reading, May 2023
Review: The Salt Grows Heavy, by Cassandra Khaw (Tor Nightfire)
I consider Cassandra Khaw to be the most intelligent horror writer working today. The way she crafts her stories with precision is a gift, and her latest work, The Salt Grows Heavy, is an absolute gem. Our mermaid narrator, and her Plague Doctor companion encounter a strange village, where young people are butchered in the … Continue reading Review: The Salt Grows Heavy, by Cassandra Khaw (Tor Nightfire)
My Week in Reading – May 1st, 2023
Well, hello! Things are pretty mad over at Thompson Towers. I'm entering the last six months of my thirties, which is frankly unbelievable. My career has quite suddenly accelerated, which is very exciting, but a little scary. Anyhoo, there's always time for reading! Only a mere 99 years after publication, I finally read The Home-Maker … Continue reading My Week in Reading – May 1st, 2023
Review: The Haunting of Alejandra, by V. Castro (Del Rey)
I read this last year, and it's finally being released today! The prolific V. Castro is back with a story of generational trauma, misogyny, and La Llorona. Alejandra is a mother of three, in a loveless marriage, she yearns for a better life, but feels trapped by her lack of financial independence, and the societal … Continue reading Review: The Haunting of Alejandra, by V. Castro (Del Rey)
California Reading 