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!
Audiobook Review: The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
Posted on December 8, 2023 14 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 Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery
Series: Book 2 of Molly the Maid
Publisher: Random House Audio (November 28, 2023)
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Lauren Ambrose
Nita Prose’s debut The Maid was a surprise hit and one of my favorite gems of 2022. I was very excited when I learned that a sequel was in the works, but does the second Molly Gray mystery live up to the first? Yes!
The Mystery Guest takes readers back into the refined world of our charming but unconventional protagonist. Growing up, Molly always knew she was different. She doesn’t communicate well, struggling to read social cues and seemingly saying the wrong things all the time. Her only confidant and the one person in the world who understood her was her grandmother, but after Gran died, Molly was on her own. Fortunately, her job as a maid at the esteemed Regency Grand Hotel allowed her to put her fastidious ways to good use, making sure every wealthy guest is treated to a room in a state of perfection. She might not be the best conversationalist, but she’s damn good at her job, which has helped her rise through the ranks to become Head Maid.
However, Molly’s life takes a dramatic turn when one of the Regency Grand’s guests, a famous mystery author by the name of J.D. Grimthorpe, quite literally keels over dead in the hotel tearoom, apparently poisoned. The ensuing investigation is led by Detective Stark, an old adversary of Molly’s who once suspected her of murder, and who again believes our protagonist might have something to do with the author’s untimely death. To clear her name as well as to save her beloved hotel’s reputation, Molly decides to take matters into her own hands by pursuing leads, interviewing suspects, and digging back into her own past. It appears she has a link to the deceased, as her grandmother used to work as a cleaner for Grimthorpe. It’s a longshot, but Molly’s own memories of her childhood accompanying Gran to the novelist’s mansion may ultimately hold the key to solving his murder.
Oh how I love Molly! Her character resonates with a combination of charm and resilience, but what truly endears her to me is her unique personality. The author paints a genuine picture of Molly, as our protagonist emerges as a compelling and believable individual made up of distinctive behaviors, mannerisms, and expressions that set her apart.
The luxurious backdrop of a high-end hotel also proves to be an ideal setting for this sort-of cozy mystery. The lavishness of the situation provides the perfect stage, with the characters seamlessly sliding into the various archetypal roles that wouldn’t feel out of place in a classic murder mystery. And yet, despite calling to mind the timeless genre archetypes I’ve come to know and love, every side character also brings a fresh new perspective. The result is a narrative that feels contemporarily quirky but also infused with a nostalgic, old timey charm.
This sequel also delves further into the relationship between Molly and Gran, exploring through flashbacks their time working together in Grimthorpe’s home. These sections looking back into the past are a major side plot in their own right, adding a poignant layer to the story. These glimpses into Molly’s childhood not only provide insight into her character but also an emotionally charged element about love and family.
In sum, if you enjoyed The Maid, then there’s a good chance you’ll love its follow-up The Mystery Guest as well. Once more, readers are treated to a scintillating mystery, but in my opinion, this novel also includes greater emotional depth than its predecessor with its touching exploration of Molly’s childhood growing up with a loving and protective guardian like Gran. Nita Prose skillfully combines the modern and the classic, resulting in this sequel that was a joy to read and listen to, with Lauren Ambrose reprising her role as audiobook narrator and giving the perfect voice to the characters.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Maid (Book 1)
Waiting on Wednesday 12/06/23
Posted on December 6, 2023 8 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
Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs (June 18, 2024 by Ace)
“Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must stop a disaster of world-shattering proportions in this exhilarating entry in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series.
In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.
My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.
But I’m not alone anymore.
Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world . . .”
Audiobook Review: Night Owl by Andrew Mayne
Posted on December 5, 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.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Book 1 of Trasker
Publisher: Brilliance Audio (December 1, 2023)
Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: James Anderson Foster
As an avid fan of Andrew Mayne, my enthusiasm led me to request his latest book Night Owl without looking too closely at its description. As a result, I was surprised to discover it was a spy thriller, a genre I typically don’t gravitate towards. Adjusting to this narrative distinct from the author’s usual over-the-top style was initially challenging and a bit jarring, admittedly, but ultimately I found Night Owl to be a solid addition to its genre.
The book follows Brad Trasker, a retired counterintelligence agent who, after spending decades in the field, finds himself jaded and disillusioned while dealing with the tragic loss of his son. He thought his days of playing spy games were long over, until he was invited to the launch of an experimental aircraft by a cutting-edge aerospace company headed by CEO Kylie Connor. During the launch, the aircraft explodes, causing much destruction to the launch area and nearly kills Kylie, leading Trasker to wonder: Was the explosion merely an unfortunate accident, or was it sabotage and directed assassination?
Suddenly, Traskerfinds himself pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind. The mystery surrounding the explosion quickly becomes more complex as it is discovered that all of Kylie’s precious research data has been tampered with, and one of her engineers goes missing. As the first bodies begin piling up, it is clear that both she and the future of her company are in jeopardy, targeted by an unknown enemy. To root out the mastermind behind this plot, Trasker must find out what they want with Kylie, even as the CEO herself becomes suspect.
Reading Night Owl was definitely a different experience coming from Mayne’s other works. That said, even as the novel adheres closely to the trajectory and tone of a conventional spy thriller, it still undoubtedly carries a bit of the author’s signature flair. For one, the action was nothing short of electrifying. Mayne masterfully crafts scenes that pulse with tension, putting his characters in situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. He’s clearly adapted well to the genre, weaving intrigue into the fabric of the story, building it up layer by layer to create an atmosphere of suspense that lingers throughout.
Granted, many of these sequences are also handled with more solemnity and a self-possessed presence than I’m normally used to from Mayne’s previous books, though I believe this has a lot to do with Night Owl’s protagonist. Brad Trasker stands apart with a personality shaped by his many years working as a spy, and it reflects a mix of seasoned professionalism, resilience, and a haunted past. He takes his job seriously, carrying a certain world-weariness about him, having faced nearly everything the world of counterintelligence could throw his way. This in turn sets the tone for the novel, which exhibits the same sense of purpose shown by Trasker as he navigates the many challenges that arise through the story.
However, this does mean that Night Owl also has its share of obstacles, one of them being its unbalanced pacing. The story does take a while to hit its stride as the initial build-up feels a bit sluggish, with the intro sections of the novel making me wish it had a stronger and more immediate hook. Overall, it did strike me as lacking the usual pulse-quickening tempo that I’ve come to anticipate from Mayne.
But while Night Owl might have been a touch slow off the mark, once the plot finds its rhythm, the narrative chugs on, becoming an exciting blend of mystery, intrigue, and espionage that spycraft fans will find addictive. In the end, the novel shows off Andrew Mayne’s versatility and writing talents to deliver riveting action and well-crafted characters. Yes, the initial pacing might require a bit of patience, but the payoff’s well worth your time. Credit is also due to James Anderson Foster, the audiobook narrator whose performance and voice work greatly enhanced the listening experience.
December Catch-Up Month 2023
Posted on December 4, 2023 11 Comments
For me, the last month of the year is typically a lighter one in terms of book releases and must-reads, so I use December as my unofficial catch-up month (or as Will from A Refuge From Life puts it, “Ketchup Month.”) This is my opportunity to go back to my highly anticipated titles from earlier in the year which, for lack of time or whatever reason, just somehow slipped through the cracks.
Of course, I still have some current month releases to get to, not to mention I’d also like to get a headstart on some January 2024 releases, so there’s probably no way to get to all the catch-up books I want to. Still, I’ve put together a list to help me focus my attention, and I hope to get to most of them.
Are there any books you’ve read on here that you think I really shouldn’t miss? And do you have any 2023 books you want to read by the end of the year? Let me know in the comments!
The BiblioSanctum 