Lisa M. Matlin’s previous novel, The Stranger Upstairs, is one of my favorite books of the last few years. I can’t even remember all the details of the plot (which is more the fault of my poor memory than any flaw in Matlin’s writing); I just remember Matlin’s incredibly entertaining writing style, and the many … Continue reading Review: The Only One Who Knows, by Lisa M. Matlin (Ballentine)
Review: Nowhere Burning, by Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire)
I am a Catriona Ward loyalist; I will read anything she writes without question or spoilers. All of her work is amazing, but I think Nowhere Burning is the best thing she has written to date. In my opinion, it is best to experience this novel with absolutely no knowledge of the plot. Nowhere Burning … Continue reading Review: Nowhere Burning, by Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire)
Review: Turn Off the Light, by Jacquie Walters (Little, Brown and Company)
I adored Jacquie Walters’ previous evil mom novel, Dearest, so I was very excited to read this. Turn Off the Light is a genius, dual timeline novel. In the present day, we have Claire and her daughter Julia visiting her dying father in her childhood home. There are especially painful memories tied to the house … Continue reading Review: Turn Off the Light, by Jacquie Walters (Little, Brown and Company)
My Week in Reading, February 27th, 2026
I am lucky enough to be reading an advance copy of Solace House, the new novel from Will Maclean (co-writer of Broken Veil, one of my favorite podcasts). It’s about a group of British students who spend their summer break clearing out some old, abandoned properties. I’m about halfway through, and it is incredibly tense. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, February 27th, 2026
My Week in Reading, February 2nd, 2026
It has been a heck of a strong week! I spent most of the week consumed by Catriona Ward’s new novel, Nowhere Burning. I am a Catriona Ward loyalist, and shun all spoilers for her books. I trust Ward, and she has fucking nailed it once again. Nowhere Burning is her best book since Sundial. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, February 2nd, 2026
My Week in Reading, January 23, 2026
A recap of my week of reading, featuring brief reviews of what I’ve read.
My Week in Reading, January 16, 2026
I hope you’ve been able to find some peace this week. The Shadower, by Maria and Peter Hoey (published on March 24, 2026) Lindsey Chung Dates a White Boy!!!, by Asia Miller (published on May 5, 2026) I love graphic novels. I cannot draw, so I’m constantly in awe of the artistic talents of others. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, January 16, 2026
My week in Reading, January 9th, 2026
Happy New Year! Rabbit Test and Other Stories, by Samantha Mills (published on 21 April, 2026) Yes, I’m still reading a short story (almost) every day, and this collection of deeply moving tales is a great start to my 2026 efforts. I’m about halfway through this collection and nearly every story has left me in … Continue reading My week in Reading, January 9th, 2026
Review: The Bog Wife, by Kay Chronister (Counterpoint)
Meet the Haddesley family of West Virginia. Three girls, two boys, an ailing father, and a mother who has been absent for a decade. Oh, and a bog, to which they sacrifice the patriarch of the family, in exchange for a bride, for the eldest son. As the time for the sacrifice draws near, daughter … Continue reading Review: The Bog Wife, by Kay Chronister (Counterpoint)
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)
California Reading 