Book Review: Murder Road by Simone St. James
Posted on March 6, 2024 12 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (March 5, 2024)
Length: 350 pages
Author Information: Website
On a dark and lonely road in rural Michigan, July 1995. Newlyweds April and Eddie Carter are on their way to their honeymoon destination when they make a wrong turn onto Atticus Lane. In the blackness of the night, they suddenly spot a lone hitchhiker in their headlights, stumbling and incoherent. At first, the couple think the hitchhiker, a young woman, is drunk. But when they get her into the car, April realizes the stranger is covered in blood. “I’m sorry,” the woman says. “He’s coming.” Soon, their car is pursued by a pickup truck barreling through the darkness.
Chased into the sleepy town of Coldlake Falls, they make their escape. But it is too late for the young woman, who dies at the local hospital, and the police are now making the Carters their prime suspects for her mysterious death. It seems that this is not the first time something like this has happened on Atticus Lane, where murders involving hitchhikers have been happening for years. As April and Eddie try to clear their names and find the real culprit, they uncover a haunted history in Coldlake Falls going back decades. But the two of them have secrets of their own as well—something to hide and something to fear—and the truth may yet tear them apart.
This is the premise of Murder Road, the newest thriller by Simone St. James which combines horror, mystery, and a generous helping of the supernatural. This is also the third book I’ve read by the author, and so far, it’s probably my favorite—and the creepiest. St. James has a real knack for crafting hauntingly atmospheric stories, and the suspense in this one was through the roof! Remember to proceed with caution, and whatever you do, don’t read this alone at night!
From the start, the story had me hooked with its nostalgic mid-90’s setting, and as someone who has lived through that glorious decade, I felt instantly transported back to the time of grunge rock, Princess Diana love, and when ubiquitous smartphone use was still a distant reality. The plot itself was a rollercoaster of questions and elusive answers which are revealed gradually, and the mystery comes at us from two angles—first, who has been killing hitchhikers along Atticus Line, and second, who are April and Eddie, and what aren’t they telling each other?
On that note, the characterizations of our newly married couple were excellent, drawing readers deeper into their complicated lives full of past trauma and lies of omission, and strong supporting characters mostly made up of Coldlake Falls residents rounds out the rest of the cast. From the surly local cops to the quirky owner of the bed and breakfast, their various personalities helped bring the town to life.
Speaking of which, Coldlake Falls itself could be a character in its own right, a town full of suspicious people, thick with unease from witnessing so much death and tragedy, not to mention it is also home to a legend about a vengeful spirit. In other words, the perfect setting for a ghost story.
If you are an admirer of Simone St. James, Murder Road is not one you’ll want to miss, and for fans of chilling tales that send shivers down you spin, this novel delivers in spades. Just remember to keep the lights on while you read—you never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows.
Book Review: Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison
Posted on March 2, 2024 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.
Three Kinds Lucky by Kim Harrison
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Shadow Age
Publisher: Ace (March 5, 2024)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website
Though she is the author of much beloved and celebrated The Hollows series, the books of Kim Harrison have always eluded me…until now. I fell into a bit of a reading funk this winter, but thankfully, her new novel Three Kinds of Lucky was the ideal pick-me-up to break me out of it.
As the story begins, we meet Petra Grady, a sweeper extraordinaire. What is a sweeper, you ask? They have the unglamorous yet essential task of cleaning up the messes caused by doing magic, which leaves behind a hazardous byproduct known as dross. Of course, the cruel reality is that Petra possesses no magic of her own, so she has resolved to become the best at what she does.
But then along comes the magical prodigy and her childhood acquaintance, Benedict, who has stormed back into her life with new breakthrough research that can make her entire existence obsolete. He’s about to perfect a process that would neutralize dross, essentially putting all sweepers out of a job, and unfortunately, he needs Petra’s expertise to complete his work and her participation isn’t exactly optional.
However, Benedict, for all his genius, lacks Petra’s insight and deep understanding of dross. When an unexpected and tragic accident throws the world into chaos, the two of them are forced to go on the run. Now their only hope rests on another fugitive who may or may not be a reliable ally, and Petra must face a difficult choice: cling to the established but comfortable order of her past, or face an uncertain future where she can use her hidden powers to change the magical landscape.
This opening installment of The Shadow Age series was as fun and fluffy as I expected. That said, there were a few hiccups. For one, I found the initial set up to be incredibly drawn out—not surprising given the amount of world-building and new terminology this first installment had to cover, but I thought the information could have been a less dumpy and more integrated into the introduction. And second…oof. No spoilers from me, but I will say that, speaking as a dog lover and owner, there was a certain part that was incredibly difficult for me to read. So yeah, not exactly all sunshine and pixie dust.
Once the story gets going though, things do get better. Harrison masterfully weaves a world where magic is both commonplace and perilous, which should make fans of the supernatural genre feel right at home. The concept of dross and the requirement of a specialized clean-up crew to handle it is an interesting one, leaving readers excited to learn more. Petra, an unconventional but resourceful main character, also holds lots of promise. Granted, it typically takes more than one book for me to feel fully invested in an urban fantasy protagonist, but this first book has established a good foundation for her personality and magical powers, making me curious to see where future installments will take her.
In sum, it’s the dawn of The Shadow Age, and while the intro of Three Kinds of Lucky was a bit of a slow-burn, overall things are off to a great start. Like me, some readers may find the pacing uneven at times, but the book ultimately delivers an engaging and entertaining plot featuring well-drawn characters. A mix of adventure, romance, and self-discovery, I believe it will appeal to urban fantasy and paranormal fiction fans alike.
Book Review: A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Posted on February 26, 2024 20 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (February 27, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Few books have left me as disturbed and creeped out as A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke. This novel delves into the depths of psychological terror and trauma, weaving a narrative that is both addictive and profoundly unsettling.
The story is told in two timelines, first opening in Dundee, Scotland in 1901 with Nicky, a young woman whose father owns the whaling ship Ormen. Times have been hard for her–following a devastating loss, her husband has gone off to war, leaving her alone. After receiving some unnerving news about her father’s business, Nicky heads to the park and is suddenly attacked and abducted. When she wakes, she finds herself inexplicably aboard the Ormen, beginning its months-long voyage to Icelandic waters. As the ship carries her further away from home, Nicky realizes with horror what the crew intends for her.
Meanwhile, the second timeline unfolds in the present day. The wreck of a whaling ship, determined to be the Ormen, has washed ashore in the arctic. A young explorer named Dominique is determined to make her way to the site to document the wreck and find out what happened to it in its last days before it is scheduled to be destroyed. Initially traveling alone, her plans hit a snag when she encounters a trio of adventurers heading to Iceland to do exactly the same thing. Ultimately deciding to team up, the group makes it to the shipwreck only to find themselves stalked by an eerie presence on the ice while trapped in a storm.
Before I proceed with my review, it must first be noted that A Haunting in the Arctic is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the darkest books I’ve read in a while, unapologetic in its portrayal of human suffering. There are sensitive and distressing themes aplenty, most of them dealing with sexual assault and violence. Although these are woven into the very bones of the novel, integral to its premise and progression, the detailed depiction of such scenes may prove distressing to some. Therefore, reader discretion is strongly advised.
That said, this is my third book by C.J. Cooke, and it might be my favorite yet. The author’s strength has always been her remarkable talent for crafting immersive atmospheres, which she displayed even in her earlier novels, The Nesting and The Lighthouse Witches. In A Haunting in the Arctic, Cooke’s prose again brings the setting to life, evoking a palpable sense of isolation and dread.
For all its bleakness though, the novel also contains moments of deep and powerful emotion, exploring themes of loss and resilience. Nicky and Dominique emerge as intricately written characters, both living through their own private hells, yet the subtle connections between them, spanning across time, won’t be fully revealed until much later at the end. The mystery kept the tensions high and added an additional layer of intrigue, keeping me hooked as answers were gradually revealed.
Again, A Haunting in the Arctic was not an easy book to read, nor would it be suitable for all readers. However, I do believe horror fans brave enough to venture into its icy depths will find a haunting narrative that offers gut-wrenching and chilling resonance.
Onward!
Posted on February 25, 2024 31 Comments
Hello all, I’m back after a month’s break, and the time away has been very good for me! Long story short, life has thrown quite a few curveballs my way lately, and between the the demands of work, juggling my kids’ school schedules and activities on top of dealing with the stress of some health issues, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Needless to say, taking a step back has helped a lot. This period has given me a chance to recharge and focus on taking care of myself and my family. I also learned the importance of mood reading, letting my feelings and emotions guide me when deciding what book to read, even if it’s not a review book (after years of talking about it and swearing I’ll find time to do it, I finally got to read Dune!) and having gotten more comfortable with DNFing, the review pile definitely feels a lot less daunting.
And now I hope to return to regular posting. Granted, there will probably be some changes like fewer features and shorter reviews, at least for the next little while as I catch up on my reading. For the time being, reviews will be the focus. I have quite a few lined up, which I’m eager to share, and I look forward to diving back and reconnecting with everyone!
An Update…
Posted on February 5, 2024 17 Comments
Hi, yes, yes, this thing’s still on! I realize there has been a lack of activity on the blog lately, but well…all I can say is, it’s been a serious case of Januarys. A minor crisis, tons of distractions, and a lack of motivation following the holidays last month came together in a perfect storm to derail me from my blogging and hence you my have noticed things have been unusually quiet here lately.
Rest assured though, everything is fine now, but there are several priorities that still need to get squared away before I can jump back into hobbies like reading and reviewing. And believe me, if I actually had content to post, I would – but I have been DNFing and abandoning books left and right! All of you who’ve been telling me to take it easy or that life is too short for bad books would be supremely proud of me, but I’m thinking there has to be a better balance here!
Anyway, thank you to those who have reached out. Posting will resume very soon, hopefully, with maybe a few changes – shorter reviews, etc. – while I catch up with my TBR and review backlog. To my readers and publishers, your patience is much appreciated as I work to bring us back to our regularly-scheduled programming!
Book Review: Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Posted on January 25, 2024 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.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Faebound
Publisher: Del Rey (January 23, 2024)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
To be honest, as I ventured into the world of Saara El-Arifi’s Faebound, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This was my first book by the author, and I was prepared to let it take me wherever its journey led. What unfolded was an interesting blend of fantasy elements, coming together to create a world that felt both fresh and intriguing, yet at times the narrative occasionally faltered under the weight of its own ambition as it explored its rich world filled with diverse characters and themes.
The story transports readers to a world at war, its Elven tribes locked in a constant struggle while ancient prophecies loom large. Our protagonist, Yeeran, is a disgraced colonel facing exile for committing a grave mistake. Together with her sister Lettle, a diviner, they travel beyond the borders of their homeland only to stumble upon the realm of the forgotten Fae—a lost civilization which has not been seen for a thousand years.
Completely ignorant of the ways of the Fae, Yeeran accidentally kills a high-ranking prince, a pivotal event that sets in motion a series of perilous consequences for her and her companions. Initially facing execution for her crime, Yeeran’s fate takes an unexpected turn following a chance encounter that leaves her captors uncertain about her punishment. Forced to integrate into the enemy’s society, our protagonist must learn to adapt to their ways and harness their mysterious magic, while secretly buying time until she and Lettle can make their escape. Yet amidst this cultural clash, Yeeran can’t help but find herself drawn to the warrior princess and sister of the prince she killed, adding another layer of complexity to her dilemma.
Not going to lie, Faebound was laughably predictable at times, but there’s still an undeniable thread of fun woven into the narrative. If you’re an experienced fantasy reader, there’s a good chance the plot won’t present you with any surprises either, especially given its strong focus on the romantic elements. Still, while its predictability ultimately may hurt the overall impact of key developments and may not resonate or appeal equally with all readers, to the novel’s credit, both its storyline and the romance arc unfold in a slow-burn fashion, emphasizing character backstories and their relationships.
Indeed, I feel that the book’s strengths lie in its characters. Yeeran possesses an engaging voice that offers a fascinating perspective, and without revealing too many spoilers, there is a unique aspect in Faebound that may add a charming layer for fans of talking animal companions in fantasy.
That said, could the world-building use some beefing up? Admittedly, in some areas, I felt it was a bit sparse. The mystique surrounding the lost Fae culture was beautifully portrayed, for example, but the descriptions fall short when it comes to vividly depicting the physical environment. The story also occasionally faltered, giving way to meandering subplots which at times felt disconnected from the main thread. Though some of these provided additional context to world-building, they also risked slowing down the momentum, and there were times I longed for more action.
At the end of the day, I would call Faebound a combination of both highs and lows, featuring compelling elements like rich characters and entertaining themes, though the plot also underwhelmed me slightly with its predictability. However, it was a fast and easy read, and for fantasy readers who appreciate character-driven and don’t mind a slower narrative or more familiar themes, Saara El-Arifi’s new series opener may still offer an enjoyable reading experience.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/24/24
Posted on January 24, 2024 9 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
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (October 1, 2024 by St. Martin’s Press)
“Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.
Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.
Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.
Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.”
Audiobook Review: Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
Posted on January 20, 2024 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.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (January 16, 2024)
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Admittedly not my favorite of the three Stacy Willingham books I’ve read so far, but Only If You’re Lucky was still a wild trip, a compulsive thriller that explores obsession and the intricate complexities of female friendships.
Growing up, Margot had it all—wealthy parents, a secured future, and her best friend Eliza, with whom she could share anything. Even though they were complete opposites, the girls were inseparable, with shy and reserved Margot basking in the warm glow of Eliza’s bubbly personality. Together, they planned at the end of their high school career to attend Rutledge, a small liberal arts college in South Carolina. It was something they’d both looked forward to for a long time.
But then, Eliza dies, just weeks after graduation. In shock and left adrift, Margot goes on to Rutledge alone, grieving for her lost friend. At the end of her first year, however, she has a chance meeting with Lucy Sharpe, a bold and enigmatic student. Drawn to her, Margot is stunned but also secretly thrilled when Lucy invites her to live with her and her two friends, Sloane and Nicole, in a house off-campus. Tired of being lonely and sad, Margot is also hoping this will be her chance to finally come out of her shell and start a new life.
At first, this new arrangement seems to be everything Margot ever wanted. She becomes more social, meeting new people and going to more parties, most of them hosted by the fraternity boys in the house next door. Lucy and Margot become the closest of friends, leading our protagonist to hope that maybe, finally, she can let go of her painful memories of Eliza. But pretty soon, Margot realizes that her new bestie might not be who she says she is. Lucy is fiercely guarded about her past, and secrets and rumors seem to surround her like a cloud. When one of the frat boys is found dead, and Lucy disappears without a trace, Margot, Sloane, and Nicole must find out the truth about their friend as detectives close in on the mysterious circumstances.
Diving into Only If You’re Lucky was like stepping into a mixed bag. As a fan of the author’s earlier novels, I was excited to read her latest, but while there were plenty of elements to love, there were also a few surprises. First, the good stuff—Willingham’s writing is as immersive as ever, drawing readers in the story with her descriptive prose. Because this is a story centered around college students, the book has a distinct “new adult” vibe but manages to capture the atmosphere of the academic and party life very well. For those feeling nostalgic for a trip down memory lane to those “good old college days”, this might just hit the spot.
That said, be prepared for the sheer amount of drama that comes with the territory. I had a difficult time getting into Margot’s headspace, as by nature she is a tough character to relate to. After all, her entire persona is based on the fact that she really doesn’t have one. Prior to college, her entire life was defined by Eliza’s friendship, and now that she is in Rutledge, she has latched onto a new obsession, Lucy. As a result, Margot lacks an authentic identity beyond these intense connections and makes her voice come across as lackluster and somewhat banal.
Then there’s the story, which unfolds in a duo timeline format alternating between past and present. It’s a structure commonly seen in thrillers, but it was harder to follow here as it occasionally disrupted the pacing, not to mention confusing the narrative by making it challenging for readers to connect the dots between the two time periods. Fortunately, however, the ending brings forth a number of unexpected revelations, injecting some much-needed excitement at a point where it was really needed.
In the end, while it might not reach the highs of Stacy Willingham’s previous books, Only If You’re Lucky offers a different taste of a unique character study meets slow-burn suspense. Margot’s fixation with Eliza and later with Lucy can at times feel a bit too much, but the balance between character themes and the darker side of academia does add a layer of unpredictability. As always, the author keeps readers on their toes, and I’ll still eagerly wait to see what she’ll bring to the table next.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/17/24
Posted on January 17, 2024 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
Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson (July 1, 2024 by Orbit)
“Conquest long ago split the old kingdom of Paicha into city states, but there are those who seek to reunite the shattered realm—by force if necessary. Amidst the turmoil, three will find their destinies inextricably tangled.
Tesha, a glassblower’s apprentice, becomes a false tribute bride as part of a desperate political plot. In the enemy’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans.
Naili is laundress to an eccentric alchemist, a job that has left her with strange new powers and a price on her head. When she joins the city’s underworld, she’ll have to choose between keeping her magic secret and changing the world.
And in the desolate Shield Mountains, sharp-shooting dragon rider Ashadi protects the cities from the monsters of the Iipao Sands beyond, but when an impossible shot pierces his dragon’s glass scales, he becomes the hunted one.
As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ashadi must survive political enemies, long-buried secrets, and monsters both within and without.”
Book Review: The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
Posted on January 16, 2024 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 Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Book 3 of The Wolf Den Trilogy
Publisher: Union Square Co. (November 14, 2023)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
At long last, I have completed the highly anticipated and brilliant final installment of the Wolf Den Trilogy which follows the life of Amara, a young Greek woman who was once a doctor’s daughter sold into sexual slavery after her father passed away and her family fell into financial ruin. Before proceeding, please be aware that the rest of this review may contain possible spoilers for the first two books if you are not yet caught up! At the end of The Wolf’s Den, we saw Amara free herself from a life of prostitution at one of Pompeii’s most notorious brothels by using all her wits. In The House of the Golden Door, she realizes that despite her new life of luxury, she is still not her own woman, and a forbidden love affair puts her newfound status in jeopardy.
And now in The Temple of Fortuna, it is 79 AD, and we all know what catastrophic event will occur which will alter the course of history for Pompeii forever. For the time being though, Amara and her fellow Pompeiians are still blissfully unaware of the fire and ash which will soon rain down and bury their bustling, vibrant city. Our protagonist is now a freedwoman, with an opportunity to travel to Rome where she will rub elbows with those who used to be far above her station. That said, she will always treasure her ties to some of the women with whom she bonded with back when they were prostitutes back at the Wolf Den. She now also has a daughter, whose real paternity must remain a secret, and to protect her lover and their child, she has accepted that they must live their separate lives as her path leads her to the capital.
But for readers who have come this far, the main event is and has ever been the long-waited eruption of mighty Mount Vesuvius. When faced with the sheer magnitude of destruction, all of Amara ambitions and plays for power go by the wayside as her only thoughts are for her friends and loved ones who have remained in Pompeii.
In this explosive series conclusion, dramatic true events and some of the best storytelling I’ve seen are woven together seamlessly to bring a satisfying end to Amara’s saga. Author Elodie Harper has written a truly phenomenal character study of her protagonist, transitioning her from humble beginnings to her high status in Rome. And yet the plot never loses sight of the tragic circumstances in her life, focusing on how these hardships have made her stronger, smarter, and more determined. Each book has also introduced at least one major conflict that tests her emotional and physical boundaries to the extreme, leading to interesting storylines and further growth in Amara.
As well, I love how the themes have remained steadfast on love, found families, sisterhood, and the enduring power of friendships. The people in Amara’s lives, even her enemies and betrayers, have added a richness to her character and to the series as a whole. The author’s ability to balance the historical details and character development also goes a long way in elevating the overall reading experience, especially the final sections of the book as Amara and her family navigate the immediate aftermath of Vesuvius’s eruption. No joke, chills were running down my spine as I felt like I was transported right into the middle of the fear and chaos. Harper clearly anticipated that her readers would have high expectations of the event and she did not disappoint. The characters’ subsequent fight for survival was perhaps one of the most intense sequences I have ever read.
All in all, I can safely say the Wolf Den Trilogy now ranks among my favorite historical fiction series of all time, and The Temple of Fortuna is truly a worthy ending. I had expected a lot from this final book, and Elodie Harper certainly did not let me down with her flawlessly paced storytelling and gorgeous writing. I highly recommend the author and these books.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Wolf Den (Book 1)
Review of The House with the Golden Door (Book 2)
The BiblioSanctum