Bookshelf Roundup 12/24/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on December 24, 2023 13 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
It has been a whirlwind week. I still have presents to be wrapped, there are more books and Amazon boxes in my closet than clothes, my house looks like a crime scene, and on top of that, both my kids came down with something nasty earlier this week (joining a good chunk of elementary school-aged kids across the country, it seems). Whatever it was, it knocked them both out flat, and while my youngest bounced back nicely, my older daughter got hit harder with high fever, chills, and even mild hallucinations. It was a relief when it was over, and knock on wood, but I seem to have emerged unscathed thanks to the copious amounts of Emergen-C I’ve been slamming back.
This blog, though, has not been getting the attention I wanted to give it this week. I had planned for at least three reviews and maybe an end of year list, but looks like I’ll just have to cram in all in next week! For now, I’m just focused on getting through the next day. Wishing everyone and their families a joyous holiday season and a Merry Christmas, and may the day bring you love, warmth, and the magic of shared joy.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Night for Day by Roselle Lim (Ace): Maybe the holidays are making me feel sentimental, but I love the premise behind this. Two ex-lovers have another chance at romance, but they both take up the same magical job working opposing night-day shifts, never to see each other except for a few minutes just before each dawn.
The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg (Angry Robot): Described as a Thai-inspired dark fantasy adventure, exploring the themes of identity and forbidden love. The cover is also jaw-dropping.
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones (Saga Press): The third book and highly anticipated conclusion of the Indian Lake trilogy. I wasn’t crazy about the first book, but by the second, the story and the characters really grew on me. I’m very excited to read how this saga ends.
Mislaid in Parts Half-known by Seanan McGuire (Tordotcom): A finished copy landed on my doorstep earlier this week. I still have plans to start this series before I fall even farther behind, but at least these novellas seem like pretty quick reads.
Scorpio by Marko Kloos (Brilliance Audio): I am a big fan of Kloos’s Palladium Wars and I was kind of hoping we’ll get another book, but when I found out about Scorpio, the first book of a new series called Frontlines: Evolution, I knew I had to check it out. An orphan survivor of an alien invasion must learn to survive on her own with her dog, a loyal black shepherd raised to sense threats.
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole (Hachette Audio): This YA fantasy caught my attention with its synopsis, a Jamaican-inspired story about sisterhood and the aftermath of war. The protagonist must choose her loyalties when her sister bonds with an enemy dragon, marking her for death.
These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang (Listening Library): Another YA I just couldn’t resist this week, and mainly because of its comparison to Knives Out. A sorcerer’s apprentice must solve her boss’s murder–a death he himself predicted–in order to prove her innocence.
And I almost forgot! My Cosmere pin pack that I purchased as an addon from Brandon Sanderson’s Four Secret Novels Kickstarter campaign also arrived this week, just in time for a nice Christmas surprise!
Reviews
Recent Reads
I finished quite a few books this week. Never mind that two of them are novellas, I’m still just gonna flex, okay? The Pale House Devil was a fun little story that I hope to review some time in the next week. I was also quite taken with Winter’s Gifts which is part of the Rivers of London world. I also finished Becoming the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar which was kind of a personal mood read, and even got a jump on a January book with No One Can Know. In the next week, I hope to read more early 2024 books and get a strong head start on early new year releases.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Audiobook Review: The Paleontologst by Luke Dumas
Posted on December 22, 2023 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (October 31, 2023)
Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
Author: Website
Narrator: Graham Halstead
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas, especially given some of the mixed reviews I’ve seen. Ultimately, however, I found that my interest in the book’s subject matters made it a compelling read for me.
An atmospheric mystery that combines elements of horror and the paranormal, The Paleontologist follows Simon Nealy, the recently hired curator of Hawthorne Museum of Natural History’s dinosaur exhibit. How he ended up there though, is no coincidence. Twenty years ago, his little sister Morgan disappeared in the very same place, while she was under his care, and was never seen again. Returning to his hometown and applying for a job at the museum was a way for Simon to find closure, or so he hopes. After all these years, perhaps there may still be clues as to what happened to Morgan.
But soon, Simon discovers that the museum is no longer as he remembers, a shift that comes with both positive and negative aspects. Visitors and funding have decreased over the years, leaving the building and its displays in poor condition, and as this story takes place in the middle of the pandemic, COVID has not helped matters. While the bad memories are harder to get to him here, there are also rumors of strange happenings like eerie sounds and sightings of ghostly apparitions wandering through the halls of fossils. In the middle of preparing for a new Ceratosaurus exhibit that the museum’s board of directors are hoping will transform the Hawthorne and put it back on the map, Simon comes across the research journals left behind by his predecessor, who had been working on a mysterious project. Could his fevered writings possibly reveal anything related to Morgan? And why is he facing so much resistance, every time he believes he is getting closer to uncovering the truth?
Immediately, I found myself immersed in The Paleontologist, allowing it to sweep me away. The ease with which I fell into the story can be attributed to the protagonist, who is a complex character and highly sympathetic. Learning about his guilt and grief over losing his sister was a gut punch that never really goes away, especially as his mother never lets him forget it. I also related strongly to his love of science as well as his fascination with the study of paleontology, which is why I think I enjoyed reading this book so much, as it tapped into that geeky side of me. Moreover, I have a soft spot for unreliable narrators in horror and thriller fiction. Simon’s character, with his traumatic past riddled with bad memories, mental health struggles, and experience with substance abuse, makes it difficult at times to discern if what he perceives is the reality. It’s a vagueness that works, and which I appreciate.
Then, there’s the setting. As a fan of haunted house stories, I thought the concept of a haunted museum was a great twist. I spent a bulk of my college years studying, volunteering, and working in museums, both in the public areas and behind the scenes where specimens are stored and kept. There’s a certain enchantment to a museum once all the visitors are gone and the lights go off. The silence, heavy with the weight of history, can be both humbling and awe-inspiring, but also has the capacity to become downright creepy. I felt that Dumas captured this quality and atmosphere well, especially in late-night scenes where Simon stays behind alone to investigate or do his work.
Are the nighttime hauntings and visions real or just a figment of our protagonist’s overactive imagination brought on by stress and obsession? There are certainly things that happen which can’t be explained, leaving a lingering uncertainty. If you like definitive answers, you won’t find them easily in this book, though the ending did manage to resolve the central mystery (but some might argue a bit too tidily, considering we didn’t direct experience the final showdown). It’s also not the happiest of endings, presenting revelations that were both chilling and disturbing. The answers, unveiled in all their horrifying glory, were at times so shocking that I almost couldn’t believe what I was reading. Still, the closure Simon sought was achieved, and in that respect, I found a level of satisfaction.
All in all, I enjoyed The Paleontologist. Suspenseful and well-paced, it would appeal to fans of stories that have a cold-case murder mystery at its core but tinged with a bit of supernatural horror. If you’re in search of an unconventional, haunting ghost story, it would also qualify. This novel pleasantly surprised me and stands out as of my year’s hidden gems.
Waiting on Wednesday 12/20/23
Posted on December 20, 2023 6 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi (July 9, 2024 by Knopf)
“From the New York Times best-selling author of Wind-Up Girl and The Water Knife comes a sweeping literary fantasy about the young scion from a ruling class family who faces rebellion as he ascends to power.
“You must be as sharp as a stilettotore’s dagger and as subtle as a fish beneath the waters. This is what it is to be Navolese, this is what it is to be di Regulai.”
In Navola, a bustling city-state dominated by a handful of influential families, business is power, and power is everything. For generations, the di Regulai family—merchant bankers with a vast empire—has nurtured tendrils that stretch to the farthest reaches of the known world. And though they claim not to be political, their staggering wealth has bought cities and toppled kingdoms. Soon, Davico di Regulai will be expected to take the reins of power from his father and demonstrate his mastery of the games of Navolese knowing who to trust and who to doubt, and how to read what lies hidden behind a smile. But in Navola, strange and ancient undercurrents lurk behind the gilt and grandeur—like the fossilized dragon eye in the family’s possession, a potent symbol of their raw power and a talisman that seems to be summoning Davico to act.
As tensions rise and the events unfold, Davico will be tested to his limits. His fate depends on the eldritch dragon relic and on what lies buried in the heart of his adopted sister, Celia di Balcosi, whose own family was destroyed by Nalova’s twisted politics. With echoes of Renaissance Italy, The Godfather , and Game of Thrones , Navola is a stunning feat of world-building and a mesmerizing depiction of drive and will.”
Audiobook Review: Holly by Stephen King
Posted on December 18, 2023 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Series: Book 3 of Holly Gibney
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (September 5, 2023)
Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins
Author: Website
Narrator: Justine Lupe
Everyone knows Stephen King is a prolific writer, but I can be quite choosy about which new releases of his to pick up. Still, as someone who was completely enamored with the character of Holly Gibney in her kickass role in The Outsider (despite having skipped the Finders Keepers trilogy), the mere prospect of reading about her again had me eagerly counting the days until I’ll get to join her on another mystery adventure. The moment I caught wind of the novel Holly, I knew I was going to pick it up.
The book begins by dropping readers into the thick of the pandemic, when COVID was still raging and most of the population was tentatively returning to normal with the advent of the new vaccines. Holly Gibney, of the Finders Keepers detective agency, has just been dealt a devastating blow—her mother, with whom she has always had a complicated relationship, has just died from the virus. At the moment, Holly is supposed to be on leave, but struggling with the challenges of handling her grief, she throws herself into work instead.
With her partner out sick, Holly takes a job from Penny Dahl, who is hoping for some help in locating her missing daughter, Bonnie. We learn that the young woman was last seen at a convenience store before leaving on her bike. That same bike was later found abandoned, along with a note stating “I’ve had enough” attached to it, leading the police to believe Bonnie ran away. And yet, Penny doesn’t think so, and after following up on some leads, neither does Holly. Some more digging reveals an unsettling history of disappearances in the area, and at the same time, a series of flashbacks reveal the real culprits behind the missing victims.
After this book, I’ll never trust anyone again, not even sweet little old ladies, and it’s all Stephen King’s fault! Holly unfolds seamlessly, another testament to the masterful storytelling styles of the king of horror, though in truth, the novel reads more like a psychological suspense thriller, and unlike The Outsider, is completely free of paranormal elements. While occasional references are made to the other books, rest assured that this story stands independently, and an immersive narrative allows newcomers to Holly’s world to navigate it with ease.
But of course, the crux of Holly also revolves around its eponymous protagonist’s evolution as a character. I think those who have read Finders Keepers will find it most impactful, but even just having witnessed her quirks in The Outsider, it was a delight for me to see Holly transform into a more confident and resilient individual. I can’t help but think that the pandemic would have sent the old Holly retreating into her reclusive self, but here she shows she is capable of managing her shyness, overcoming her anxieties by asserting herself admirably. King also delicately touches upon her personal struggles, including the profound effects of losing her mother to COVID.
Then there’s the plot, which is a relentless rollercoaster of suspense. This probably goes without saying, but King is adept at setting and sustaining an unrelenting pace, keeping me at the edge of my seat even if, in this case, the perpetrators were identified quite early. Through vivid descriptions of their heinous crimes and deranged beliefs, however, the story forces your mind down some dark paths it doesn’t want to go, and still you can’t help but keep reading because the addictive quality of the narrative’s pull is just that irresistible.
Of course, there were some hiccups. Right away, I sensed the setting of the pandemic would be a double-edged sword, providing an authentic and immersive backdrop for the story, yet posing the risk that it might not stand the test of time. While personally it managed to intensify my feelings of paranoia and caginess, for those experiencing pandemic fatigue, I can also see this book dragging you straight back into a depressing, frustrating place. Admittedly, the ending felt a bit muted to me as well. That said, despite feeling robbed of a punchier conclusion, I was satisfied to see all loose ends tied up.
All told, Holly was a highly entertaining read, filled with all kinds of twists and turns that are quintessentially Stephen King. The audiobook, which was the review format I received, was also a fantastic listen, with narrator Justine Lupe being on point and pitch perfect with regards to her voicework and pacing. A must read for fans.
Bookshelf Roundup 12/17/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on December 17, 2023 7 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi (Del Rey): The first book of a new trilogy featuring a rivals-to-lovers romance and elves and fae.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (Bramble): From Tor Publishing’s new romance imprint, the first book of the dark and sexy Crowns of Nyaxia series. This one has vampires.
No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall (Macmillan Audio): Lest you think this week is all about the romance, here comes a trio of thriller mystery audiobooks. Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods totally killed me, I can’t wait for this one.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham (Macmillan Audio): I also adore Stacy Willingham, and her new psychological suspense about friendship and betrayal was impossible to resist.
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins (Macmillan Audio): Rachel Hawkins is another author who has impressed me as of late, and I know it’s beginning to sound like a familiar refrain but I am so excited about her new one. It’s going to be so hard to choose which book to listen to first.
Reviews
In case you missed it, earlier this week I also posted about the books I DNF’ed this year. I hope to make it a yearly tradition!
- 4.5 of 5 stars to Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert
- 2.5 of 5 stars to The Graveyard Shift by Maria Lewis
Recent Reads
I only managed to finish one book this week, though in my defense, it was a long one at close to 650 pages. But yay for scratching another one off the catch-up list.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
2023 DNFs
Posted on December 16, 2023 16 Comments
So, in 2023, I started doing a thing. After more than ten years of reading every book I pick up from cover to cover, I finally came to my senses and started listening to the little voice inside my head that says life is too short to be forcing myself to finish books that I’m not enjoying. And it was hard at first, going against my OCD. This was a busy year for me though, and with so much more on my plate, I had much less patience for books that just weren’t grabbing me, so something had to give.
But now that I’ve finally experienced the liberating sensation of being a DNFer, I definitely plan on doing it more! To be clear, just because I DNF a book doesn’t mean it’s bad. It means that, for whatever reason, I just wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. For each of the books this year, that determination was made at around 25-33%, enough to safely say I gave it a fair shot. That said, I wanted to make this post anyway, in order to provide some of my commentary. Even though I may have given up on these books, others might find value in them. Perhaps my perspectives can assist you in determining whether these books are for you or not.
I’m also curious, what do others do with DNF’ed books? Do you try to review them or just set them aside and consign them to the void? If it’s a review book, do you notify the publisher? This is brand new territory for me, and I would love to hear people’s thoughts!
I received review copies from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (July 11, 2023)
Length: 416 pages
Author Information: Website
This story sounded like a fun take on the classic Cinderella story, but man, was it slow! For a novel whose tagline is “‘Happily Ever After’ is a total scam,” I expected a much more entertaining build-up, but instead, the characters were lackluster and the worldbuilding was non-existent. The Cinderella in this novel isn’t quite who she claims she is, and while I’m sure there’s more to her persona and plenty of secrets up her sleeve, I just didn’t care enough to stick around to find out.
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Book 1 of Assistant to the Villain
Publisher: Red Tower Books (August 29, 2023)
Length: 342 pages
Author Information: Website
This one may be a classic example of “It’s me, not the book.” I knew going into it that it would be romance heavy, being from Entangled Publishing’s newly launched New Adult SFF romance imprint. But from the quirky title, I thought I would be getting a fun-filled cozy romance fantasy, and to its credit, I think that’s what it tried to be? Rather than a cute romcom-type story though, what I found instead was forced humor that failed to elicit even a chuckle, as well as awkward banter between the two romantic leads. Didn’t sense much chemistry between them either, to be honest, but it seems I am in a very small minority who did not care for this book. If you are into this genre, Assistant to the Villain may be more your speed.
There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (November 21, 2023)
Length: 408 pages
Author Information: Website
I’m disappointed that my first book by Nalini Singh turned out to be a total bust. I’ve wanted so long to read her books, but maybe this wasn’t the best place to start. While I’ve mostly seen her name attached to paranormal romance, mystery/thrillers are more my thing, so I thought I would give this one a try. However, it took way too long for anything remotely interesting to happen, and especially with this genre, I do expect my attention to be grabbed almost right away. It’s too bad, because I thought the setting of a remote mansion in New Zealand’s Southern Alps to be very unique, but unfortunately the story and characters were just too dull.
Book Review: The Graveyard Shift by Maria Lewis
Posted on December 15, 2023 5 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Graveyard Shift by Maria Lewis
Mogsy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Datura Books (September 12, 2023)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
I was completely enamored with the premise of Maria Lewis’ The Graveyard Shift, which opens with a nightmare inducing scenario: Tinsel Munroe, a horror film buff and host of a late-night horror-themed radio show is taking calls from listeners, when a fan is brutally murdered live on air, her screams and last breaths broadcasted on the airwaves. At first believing it to be a prank (it was Halloween night, after all), Tinsel pays little heed, until the cops show up at her door the next day, revealing the awful truth.
But while the detectives are doing all they can to catch the killer, around the city of Melbourne, people linked to the film industry seem to keep dying. As the number of victims mounts, Tinsel has an uneasy feeling that she may be a target too. After receiving some threatening messages and experiencing a close call outside her home, she is placed under the protection of Detective James, with whom she develops an instant attraction. With the help of her true crime blogging sister Pandora, Tinsel must work with James on a race against the clock to find out what the killer has in store for her.
Straddling the line between mystery and horror, The Graveyard Shift utilizes slasher tropes to great effect, offering a unique take on both genres. The book also delves into the worlds of true crime reporting as well as the radio industry, offering glimpses into the fascinating world of Australian entertainment. That the author herself is a horror film, music, and pop culture enthusiast was evident, as many parts of the book read like a love letter to these elements.
However, there were a lot of things about the novel which didn’t sit quite right with me either. Of these, the most distracting was the pacing. Because I was expecting horror-tinged mystery thriller plot, the focus on the relationship between Tinsel and Detective James took me completely by surprise. It then took me quite a while to adjust to these new expectations, realizing that romance was the third major party in this genre mashup—and that it was here to stay. Once I made peace with that idea, it became much easier to accept the frequent detours away from the main mystery to focus on other less exciting parts of Tinsel’s life.
Yet there were other minor annoyances as well, distracting little questions in the back of my mind that pulled me out of immersion, such as why Tinsel would be left completely alone at a radio station that was supposedly a major one in the city, without even a producer, or why Pandora would ever leave her phone on airplane mode considering the scoopy nature of her job or the fact she’s a parent of young kids who must keep abreast of any emergencies. All these strange particulars simply felt like manufactured obstacles to help the plot. And then there were the sections of the story that I didn’t feel were quite necessary or that dragged on for far too long, like the radio tribute to the first victim (whose relatives were also written way too irreverently, not at all realistic considering their family member was just murdered on air in the most grisly fashion).
Of course, none of these were dealbreakers, and The Graveyard Shift was still highly enjoyable. Ultimately though, the reason why I didn’t rate it higher was because of the ending. I feel like I gave the book a lot of passes because of how interesting and entertaining it was, but I just could not forgive what happened in its conclusion, which seemed to go against the entire tone and spirit of the novel. The ending was, in a word, terrible. Instead of delivering a satisfying payoff, this was the opposite, leaving a bad taste in my mouth, and seemed a very poor way to repay the leniency I afforded the slower parts of the story. I feel cheated because I gave the plot the benefit of the doubt, trusting that my patience would be rewarded, but the author broke that deal in the worst way possible.
In sum, The Graveyard Shift offers an inventive approach to horror and mystery storytelling, but the jarring ending leaves a lingering sense of anger and disappointment. I still can’t believe that happened! While I will not reveal any spoilers here, needless to say, the end severely impacted my enjoyment of an otherwise promising book. I would say read this if it sounds interesting to you because overall at least it was fun, but prepare to be left totally gutted by the end—and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Waiting on Wednesday 12/13/23
Posted on December 13, 2023 6 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 16, 2024 by Del Rey)
“A young woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a legendary heroine — but the real drama is behind the scenes in this sumptuous historical epic from the author of Mexican Gothic .
1950s Every actress wants to play Salome, the star-making role in a big-budget movie about the legendary woman whose story has inspired artists since ancient times.
So when the film’s mercurial director casts Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican ingenue, in the lead role, she quickly becomes the talk of the town. Vera also becomes an object of envy for Nancy Hartley, a bit player whose career has stalled and who will do anything to win the fame she believes she richly deserves.
Two actresses, both determined to make it to the top in Golden Age Hollywood—a city overflowing with gossip, scandal, and intrigue—make for a sizzling combination.
But this is the tale of three women, for it is also the story of the princess Salome herself, consumed with desire for the fiery prophet who foretells the doom of her stepfather, a woman torn between the decree of duty and the yearning of her heart.
Before the curtain comes down, there will be tears and tragedy aplenty in this sexy Technicolor saga.”
Book Review: Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert
Posted on December 12, 2023 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (November 21, 2023)
Length: 309 pages
Author Information: Website
It’s no secret that this was a year packed full of new horror releases, but 2023 seems to have saved me one of the best for last. J.H. Markert’s Mister Lullaby is a haunting novel that truly surprised me, delivering a seamless blend of visceral darkness and supernatural horror that left me feeling both discomfited but eager to read more.
Set against the backdrop of a creepy little town named Harrod’s Reach, the story first directs our attention to an abandoned train tunnel that locals around the area all know well. Strange things have been occurring there for as long as anyone can remember, ranging from the eerie to the gruesome. A few who have ventured inside have never returned. Severed limbs have also been mysteriously recovered from within its depths. And one year, a child named Sully Dupree suffered an unfortunate accident while inside the tunnel, leaving him in a coma. Despite calls from the frightened townsfolk to have the tunnel’s entrance walled up, authorities have been reluctant, unwilling to give into superstitions. Regardless, any attempt at sealing it would inevitably fail, as the bricks would crumble and fall apart for seemingly no reason at all. Then one day, two bodies are discovered at the tunnel, with messages with references to lullabies left upon them.
Following a long stint in the military, Sully Dupree’s older brother Gideon returns home to Harrod’s Reach, just in time for his kid brother to briefly awaken from his coma and impart a message, hinting at the existence of a twisted, unseen world beyond our own. Enlisting the help of his childhood friend Beth Gardner, now the Deputy Sheriff, Gideon seeks to uncover the mystery behind this nightmarish realm called LaLaLand, where Sully’s mind is trapped alongside those of other children whose physical bodies are also frozen in slumber. Fighting a silent war, they are working together to keep the evil from this dream world from breaking through to the other side. However, in the waking world, a troubled man starts to hear voices in his head from an entity he calls Mr. Lullaby, and following his directions, begins hunting down and killing any coma patient he can find.
Readers who enjoy sinister tales that push the boundaries will have a great time with this one, especially if you have a penchant for supernatural horror that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Mister Lullaby is also my first book by J.H. Markert and it certainly won’t be the last. The author’s skill lies in creating a unique and frightening mythology that shines through brightly in this novel’s plot which unfolds through multiple perspectives, forming an overall picture of fear and suspense. Both the real world and the nightmarish LaLaLand were vividly brought to life, the juxtaposition between these two different realities resulting in an added layer of complexity.
While it’s true that the narrative starts slow, it is never boring, as the momentum eventually builds to an urgency that keeps propelling us towards the climactic ending. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is the exploration of its characters—their past and present, as well as their knotty and complicated relationships forged through shared trauma. Backstories and personal struggles are revealed in tandem with revelations surrounding the old train tunnel, with the town’s grisly history serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. As secrets are unearthed and the stakes get higher, I found myself both captivated and appalled by the visceral horrors that unfold. All I can say about this is, Mister Lullaby is definitely not for the faint of heart.
And if the allusions of the cover aren’t immediately obvious, there are also strong echoes of Stephen King’s influence here, but also of Joe Hill’s NOS4R2, though at the end of the day, Markert’s voice is distinct. If you relish the weird, the uncanny, and the macabre, do yourself a favor and pick up Mister Lullaby, a darkly imaginative tale of horror which will burrow into your thoughts and stay there for a long time.
Bookshelf Roundup 12/10/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on December 10, 2023 23 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland (Dell): I mean, I love folklore inspired stories, but selkies?! Give it to me now.
The Briar Book of the Dead by A.G. Slatter (Titan Books): I’m a big fan of Angela Slatter’s gorgeous writing, and I don’t get a chance to read as many of her books as I’d like to. I’m really excited to check this one out.
A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock (Titan Books): This beautiful book arrived this week, and how can I resist this horror debut described as Mexican Gothic meets The Lie Tree by way of Oscar Wilde and Mary Shelley?
Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa (Berkley): A gothic fantasy inspired by Sri Lankan folklore, this is historical novel infused with horror, mystery, and witchcraft.
The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry (Berkley): The author’s books have been hit or miss for me these past few years, but I do want to give this one a chance. What can I say, haunted houses and horror movies are my weakness.
Reviews
Recent Reads
I didn’t read too much this week, as I was feeling a little antsy and couldn’t quite figure out what I wanted to pick up next. Of course, this being my catch-up month, I had a bit of leeway to choose what I wanted so I went with some mood reads. One turned out to be a bust which I ended up DNFing, so that was a bit of time wasted (at the end of the year, I may do an inaugural post featuring a round up of my DNFs, of which there are going to be at least three). Happily, things started looking up after that. Ultimately, I went with Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar which wasn’t even a review book, but I loved the idea of “true crime fiction” and it ended being a winner. Still feeling the mystery vibe, I next picked up Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates which is one of my review books from earlier this summer, and again it was exactly what I was looking for.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
The BiblioSanctum 