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
Review: Cinderwich, by Cherie Priest (Apex Book Company)
The small town of Cinderwich has a secret. Many years ago, a dead woman was found in a tree. Although there was no noose to suggest a hanging; it seemed like she was just placed there. And, if the recurring, mysterious graffiti is to be believed, the woman was called Ellen. This incident sparks the … Continue reading Review: Cinderwich, by Cherie Priest (Apex Book Company)
Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
I like to think I read quite widely, but in all honesty, most of my favorite books contain one, if not all, of the following:- A young woman coming of age- A haunted house- A general sense of unease- Witchcraft-fueled revenge on awful people (mostly men) Wormwood, the astonishing debut from Layla Martinez (translated to … Continue reading Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
Review: Supplication, by Nour Abi-Nakhoul (Strange Light)
Brace yourself, readers! Supplication is an intense, nightmare journey, following our unnamed narrator from one bizarre situation to the next. We join her as she wakes up tied to a chair, but her escape is just the beginning of her troubles. This book is relentless. There is no relief in the myriad of disturbing things … Continue reading Review: Supplication, by Nour Abi-Nakhoul (Strange Light)
Review: Bird Suit, by Sydney Hegel (Invisible Publishing)
There is an understanding in Port Peter, that if someone abandons their baby to the bird women who live on the cliffs, that baby will be cared for. But there are exceptions, like Georgia. Now in her early twenties, Georgia’s life is complicated. She’s in a strange three-way relationship with priest Arlo and his wife, … Continue reading Review: Bird Suit, by Sydney Hegel (Invisible Publishing)
Review: Bad Dreams in the Night, by Adam Ellis (Andrews McMeel Publishing)
I love Adam Ellis’ work. Not only do his online comics always look incredibly sleek, his work is always original and absolutely terrifying. Bad Dreams in the Night (fantastic title) is filled with some brand new stories to give you the creeps. Here are my favorites: Me and Evangeline at the Farm - A great … Continue reading Review: Bad Dreams in the Night, by Adam Ellis (Andrews McMeel Publishing)
Review: Myrrh, by Polly Hall (Titan Books)
Myrrh consists of three interwoven narratives, each intriguing in their own right. The titular Myrrh is trying to track down her birth father, who abandoned her mother shortly after impregnating her. She is also dealing with a goblin who lives inside her head. Marian is the wife of the aforementioned absent father, reflecting on this … Continue reading Review: Myrrh, by Polly Hall (Titan Books)
Review: A Better World, by Sarah Langan (Atria)
A new Sarah Langan book is an instant read for me, sorry TBR pile! Langan showed she is a master of domestic horror in her 2021 novel, Good Neighbors, and things get even more terrifying in her new book, A Better World. The planet is going to the dogs. Resources are scarce, and the air … Continue reading Review: A Better World, by Sarah Langan (Atria)
California Reading 