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: 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: 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: 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)
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)
California Reading 