Ally Condie’s adult debut, The Unwedding, sets a classic locked-room mystery against the picturesque backdrop of Big Sur. Ellery Wainwright, recently divorced and alone, goes to the luxurious Resort at Broken Point for what would have been her 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of peace, she finds chaos: she finds the groom at a wedding held there dead in the pool, and a sudden storm traps the guests with no hope of rescue. As bodies pile up, Ellery and two other guests, Ravi and Nina, step into the unlikely roles of amateur detectives. While the setup is promising, the execution falls flat. The characters, including Ellery, don’t leave a lasting impact, […]
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A Slow-Burn Tale with Sparks of Suspense: A Review of Johnston’s Latest
Johnston’s latest literary suspense novel paints a vivid picture of a small Wisconsin town haunted by the mysterious disappearance of three boys in the 1970s. The story centers on Sean Courtland, a drifter who ends up working for Marion Devereaux, a man shrouded in suspicion. Alongside Sean is Dan Young, another wanderer with his own secrets, and Denise Givens, a local waitress whose life becomes entwined with Sean’s after a bar altercation. Detective Corrine Viegas, determined to uncover long-buried truths, watches as these lives intersect and set off a chain of events leading to devastating consequences. While the premise holds promise, the execution is slow. The first half drags with […]
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The Resilience of Women and Books in The Underground Library
In The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan masterfully captures the enduring strength of women and the profound power of books during one of history’s darkest times. Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, the story intertwines the lives of three resilient women: Sofie, a Jewish refugee seeking solace from her tragic escape; Juliet, a determined new deputy librarian fighting to transform the quiet Bethnal Green Library into a sanctuary; and Katie, a young woman grappling with personal loss and a life-altering secret. When bombs threaten to reduce their beloved library to rubble, Juliet bravely moves it to the Bethnal Green Underground Station. Here, amid air raids and uncertainty, books offer a […]
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Lost Dreams and Hard Realities: Lorraine’s Journey in The Girls We Sent Away
Lorraine Delford’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and enraging. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows Lorraine, a high-achieving teen with dreams of space exploration, whose plans are derailed by an unplanned pregnancy. Her disloyal boyfriend abandons her, and her parents, more concerned with appearances than their daughter’s well-being, whisk her away to a maternity home. Here, Lorraine endures a stifling regimen of “ladylike” lessons, where she’s pressured to give up her baby to restore her family’s “honor.” The narrative digs into Lorraine’s inner turmoil, highlighting her strength and fierce love for her unborn child. The author skillfully immerses readers in Lorraine’s despair and determination, illustrating a chilling reality: societal […]
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A Riveting Return to Connilyn Cossette’s King’s Men Series
“We serve the God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who split the sea to rescue his people. The God who conquered death with an empty tomb. There is nothing at all that he cannot do. So keep your eyes on the Lord, my friend, for he is at your right hand. Do not be shaken” (Psalm 16: 8).—Connilyn Cossette, Shield of the Mighty. 4.5 rounded up to 5.Connilyn Cossette’s latest addition to the King’s Men series delivers a powerful story of love, loyalty, and redemption set in ancient Israel. Zevi, a seasoned captain in King Saul’s army, returns to his hometown of Maresha on a mission to […]
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Espionage Meets Art: Gabriel Allon Returns in Portrait of an Unknown Woman
Daniel Silva’s 22nd Gabriel Allon installment returns the legendary spy to his original passion: art restoration. Now retired, Allon’s peaceful life in Venice with his wife and children gets upended when he’s drawn into the high-stakes world of art forgery. His old friend Julian Isherwood faces ruin over a dubious Van Dyck painting, pushing Allon back into the game. What follows is a skillful blend of art and espionage as Allon crafts forgeries of his own to ensnare a shadowy forgery syndicate and its financial backer. Silva’s sharp storytelling and insight into the art world shine, giving readers an inside look at the craft and deception of forgery. The plot […]
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Giving Jim His Voice: A Riveting Reimagining of Twain’s Classic
In James, Percival Everett brilliantly reimagines The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on Twain’s classic. Instead of the childlike portrayal of the original, Jim emerges as a deeply intelligent, strategic man. When Jim overhears he’s about to be sold, he hides on Jackson Island. There, he encounters Huck, also on the run, and the two launch into a familiar yet newly meaningful journey down the Mississippi. Through Jim’s eyes, each run-in with danger, every brush with conmen, and the odd moments of luck take on rich layers, highlighting the horror of slavery and the absurdity of the racial norms in the antebellum […]
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A Journey to Restore Identity
The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar is a deeply moving historical novel based on true events. It follows Valérie Portheret, a law student in 1992 France, as she stumbles upon a list of 108 Jewish children who were hidden under false names to escape the Nazi regime during WWII. Valérie’s discovery propels her on a 25-year quest to uncover their real identities and reunite them with their lost heritage. Escobar weaves together two timelines, capturing the heartbreaking choices Jewish parents faced in 1942 and Valérie’s relentless pursuit to bring their stories to light. The novel dives into the acts of bravery and sacrifice made by ordinary people—clergy, civilians, and members […]
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A High-Octane Battle Between Good and Evil
Dark Angel, the second entry in Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson’s Shepherds series, delivers a gripping and intense military thriller with a unique faith-based twist. Former Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson is back, now training with the Shepherds, an elite organization of warriors tasked with confronting spiritual threats. But the challenge of stepping into his role as the rookie leader of a new team is just the beginning. Jed’s visions of an imminent overseas attack force him into action, and what follows is a pulse-pounding mission that blurs the line between the seen and the unseen. Andrews and Wilson skillfully weave together elements of counterterrorism, faith, and supernatural warfare, creating a […]
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The Soaring Journey of Bessie Coleman
Carole Hopson’s debut novel takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the life of Bessie Coleman, a pioneering aviatrix who pursued freedom in the skies when such aspirations were daunting for a Black woman. Set in early 20th-century America, this riveting tale spans from Texas cotton fields to the heights of European skies, exploring themes of perseverance and identity. Hopson’s vivid storytelling brings to life young Bessie’s first glimpse of an airplane, sparking her relentless drive to fly. Despite societal norms and racial barriers, Bessie’s determination leads her from Chicago’s segregated streets to France’s flight schools. The depth of Hopson’s research enriches the story, particularly through Bessie’s relationships with supporters […]
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