A Book A Week

Do you believe in giving authors a second chance? Not every book resonates with every reader, and there have been numerous occasions when a particular story failed to connect with me. Nevertheless, I am generally open to giving an author's writing another chance before deciding whether it aligns with my preferences. Take horror author Christopher Golden, for instance. I was familiar with his work for years but only delved into his novel Road of Bones last year. While I appreciated the clever setup and the chilling premise, the ending fell short of my expectations. Intrigued nonetheless, I decided to give Golden another opportunity with his latest book, The House of Last Resort.

Overflowing with abandoned villas left to decay, Becchina, Italy, remains largely forgotten, with only a handful of locals still residing there. It has become "...the corpse of a town that didn't even realize it was already dead." Eager to breathe life back into his town, the mayor proposes a final, desperate plan. The city acquires all the deserted homes, offering them to new families at the nominal price of one Euro. The only caveats are that the buyers must commit to a minimum investment to renovate and modernize their newfound residences and live there for at least five years. The concept gains traction, attracting people from various places who relocate to the quaint Italian town to embark on their fresh start.

Tommy and Kate Puglisi, a newly married couple from America, are among the newcomers enticed by the offer. With the flexibility of remote work and the added bonus of Tommy's grandparents living in Becchina, the move is a golden opportunity for the couple. It promises homeownership, quality time with family, and an adventure in romantic Italy. From the beginning, however, things take an unsettling turn. While initially appealing, their dream house on the hill raises reservations as a significant tremor shakes the earth upon their arrival. Even more foreboding is the reaction of Tommy's grandmother, who, instead of sharing in the family's joy, is filled with fear and anger. Nonna knows the house's history, and Tommy and Kate are about to discover they've signed up for more than they bargained for.

In The House of Last Resort, Christopher Golden masterfully constructs a narrative steeped in anticipation and foreboding. The notion of leaving one's home to pursue a better, more balanced life in a different country resonated with me, and I immediately connected with Tommy and Kate. Golden initiates the story with innocence, capturing the protagonist's joy and optimism for a fresh start. As moments of doubt begin to pepper this dream, both the characters and readers are left questioning everything. Even as the true horror became more apparent, I was irresistibly drawn into the story. It all culminates in an ending that poetically echoes the town's history that we learn about earlier in the book. Golden adeptly balances character development with a chilling plot, ensuring a narrative that engages the reader fully. The House of Last Resort delivers everything I seek in a horror read, and it has solidified my decision to explore more of this author's works in the near future.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 17)

As a dedicated reader, I have as much interest in authors and their writing processes as I do in their books. Discovering the various methods authors employ to craft their stories, whether through meticulous outlining or a more free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness approach, is endlessly fascinating. Equally intriguing is the genesis of the initial idea for a book. This origin is readily apparent in the case of Suzie Miller's novel Prima Facie. The narrative was initially shared in the form of her highly successful play of the same name, which garnered acclaim on both the West End and Broadway. Now, Miller has adeptly adapted this compelling story into a novel, promising to enthrall an entirely new audience with this brilliant work. 

Tessa Ensler has dedicated her life to justice. The young criminal defense barrister has worked her way up through the country's legal system, overcoming all the odds that were set against her to become one of the best at defending those who plead not guilty. Tessa's unwavering belief in the law and the judicial system is reflected in her brilliance at her craft. With a quick wit, intuitive cross-examinations, and an encyclopedic knowledge of legal procedures, she has amassed a string of victories. Even in emotionally challenging cases, Tessa maintains objectivity to secure the best defense for her clients, embodying the foundational principle of a civilized society—innocence until proven guilty.

Tessa's unwavering faith in the law is shattered when she becomes a victim herself, enduring a harrowing sexual assault by a coworker. Reporting the assault to the police, she acknowledges the uphill battle ahead, where her testimony stands against his. Yet, she clings to her belief in the system she has devoted her career to. Taking the witness stand, Tessa confronts doubt, trauma, and manipulation, determined to validate the harrowing reality of her situation and seek justice.

In Prima Facie, Suzie Miller delivers a compelling legal thriller that delves into themes of justice, trauma, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The novel serves as a stark critique of the legal system's rigidity, demanding flawless evidence from victims of sexual crimes while not holding the accused to the same standards. The narrative evoked increasing anger as I witnessed the protagonist navigating the legal obstacles, highlighting the unfortunate commonality of such situations. Understanding the reasons why many victims choose not to report their abuse or seek justice became distressingly clear, especially considering the staggering statistic of 1 in 3 women experiencing sexual assault.

Adapted from a play, Prima Facie initially shows signs of the story's expansion, with the first half burdened by an unnecessary backstory that threatened the narrative's momentum. However, as the main conflict unfolded, the story gained an urgency that captured my full attention. The culmination in a final courtroom scene was both infuriating and satisfying. I chose to experience Prima Facie in the audiobook format (provided by the publisher), narrated by Jodie Comer, who portrayed Tessa in the play. While the play likely had more streamlined pacing, the novel effectively conveys the story's importance and urgency. If transforming the play into a novel increases awareness of the harsh realities depicted, it's a worthwhile adaptation that also makes for a gripping read.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 16)

After relishing my previous read and taking my time with it, I sought a book that would immediately captivate me. While I didn't have a particular title in mind, I yearned for a page-turner that I could effortlessly consume within a few hours. That's when I stumbled upon Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins, her inaugural foray into adult fiction after establishing herself as a YA author. Let me tell you, this book delivers a powerful punch. Several of my book-blogging friends had been enjoying it for the past month, and having experienced it myself, it's evident why. With brisk chapters, alternating timelines, and a plot rife with twists and turns, it offers precisely the kind of enthralling read I was in the mood for.

Revealing too much about this story would rob you of the excitement of discovering it for yourself. In fact, even the publisher's summary provides more details than necessary. The narrative revolves around Evie Porter, a charming Southern girl whose life appears to be the epitome of perfection. Her relationship with her wealthy businessman boyfriend has rapidly evolved, and they've decided to take the plunge into the next chapter by moving into a flawless home together. Evie has met his circle of friends, a group of affluent socialites in their own right, and is eager to embark on this new phase of her life. There's only one problem—Evie Porter doesn't actually exist. 

Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins immediately captivated me with its ability to forge a connection with a character about whom I initially knew little. As the truth about Evie Porter emerged, my intrigue deepened, and I grew more fond of the character. Elston employs a brisk pace, seamlessly transitioning between past and present, offering morsels of information that tantalizingly foreshadow events to come. The narrative's clever plotting drew me in, and while some suspension of disbelief is required, the thrill of the twists overshadowed any minor concerns. First Lie Wins is one of the most inventively plotted thrillers I've read this year. Elston doesn't attempt to make the book more than it is, delivering all the thrills, character revelations, and shocking twists that thriller enthusiasts crave. This was a delightful read, and I eagerly anticipate Elston's future ventures into this genre.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 15)

There are moments when we, as readers, indulge in books for pleasure and enjoyment, while other times, we opt to challenge ourselves. I've always been a mood reader, gravitating towards whichever story captures my interest at a given moment. However, there are certain books that I choose to read as a means of expanding my literary horizons. When packing books for my recent Caribbean cruise, I primarily selected quick page-turners and crime thrillers. Yet, once on vacation, I yearned for something more substantial. I turned to my Kindle, where Hernan Diaz's Trust had been waiting since I impulsively purchased it after it won the Pulitzer in fiction last year. Disconnected from the rest of the world and fully absorbed in the ship's gentle rocking and the soothing hum of the waves, I began to read. The title is fitting, as 'trust' is precisely what you need when embarking on this novel, presented in four distinct parts. If you trust and stick with Diaz's writing, you'll soon be rewarded...mostly.

Part one unfolds as a brief novella titled "Bonds," a creation by a long-forgotten author, Harold Vanner, from the 1930s. It narrates the story of America's wealthiest man, Benjamin Rask, a man so accustomed to his privilege that he could never anticipate the tragic turn his life would take. In contrast to his father, who amassed a substantial fortune in the tobacco industry through his sociable nature and knack for sales, Benjamin relished in his solitude. While he might not have cultivated the social connections his father was known for, he possessed a talent for handling money. Benjamin turned his significant but not colossal inheritance into an unimaginable fortune, catching the attention of his colleagues and competitors. From the Roaring 20s to the crash of 1929, he employed an almost preternatural intuition to profit and sell, remaining oblivious to the devastation the crash would unleash on everyone else.

Benjamin's life transformed when he encountered the woman who would become his wife. She serves as a perfect counterpoint to him—equally at ease in her contemplative solitude, eccentric yet private. The couple captured the fascination of society, an allure that intensified as they withdrew from the public eye. Speculations about corruption within Rask's fortune began to circulate, particularly as he navigated the financial minefield of the Great Depression, unscathed. As if to demonstrate that even mere suspicions of impropriety must face an inevitable reckoning, the narrative hurtles toward the forewarned tragedy—a climax that manages to both shock and satisfy. Just as "Bonds" concludes with its tragic finale, Diaz seamlessly transitions to the second part of his novel, initiating the next layer of his intricate narrative.

Trust initially presented a challenge for me to navigate. Following the opening novella, which echoed Fitzgerald's cautionary fable in The Great Gatsby, the second part unfolded as a memoir by an American financier. While this narrative shared some parallels with the initial section, I grappled with understanding their connection and questioning why I should invest in this new storyline. It wasn't until the third section, roughly halfway through Trust, that the true essence of Diaz's narrative began to unveil itself, with connections becoming more apparent and the emotional journey drawing me further in. As a cohesive whole, this book stands as a masterfully crafted tale, making me marvel at Diaz's ability to inhabit distinct voices and styles within each of the four sections and seamlessly bring them together into a unified whole. While the ending fulfilled my desire to witness the integration of the diverse narrative threads, the story's emotional impact left me yearning for something more. The conclusion lacked a grand revelation or thesis, but I sense that might be the book's intention. These influential individuals channel all their energy into amassing fortunes, only to succumb to the same fate awaiting us all. In the end, Trust captivated and confounded me, expanding the definition of a novel and encouraging me to seek out more challenging reads in the future.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 14)

David Lagercrantz faced a daunting task when he took on the responsibility of continuing the acclaimed Millennium series after the untimely passing of Stieg Larsson. His first endeavor, The Girl in the Spider's Web, advanced the storyline and stayed true to the core elements that captivated readers in the initial trilogy. Although it has been a while since I immersed myself in that narrative, I've had Lagercrantz's fifth book, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye, patiently waiting on my shelf for several years. Inspired to reenter the ominous universe of these stories, I finally decided to read it.

At the book's outset, Lisbeth Salander, the girl with the dragon tattoo, finds herself incarcerated. The reason is her use of excessive force while rescuing a child from their abuser. Lisbeth is now paying the price for her unwavering moral code. Confined behind prison bars, she immerses herself in the study of Quantum Field Theory. This subject is utterly elusive to me, yet effortlessly unfolds its intricacies for the brilliant Salander. Her solitary existence is disrupted by interactions with fellow inmates, one of whom has targeted another woman on the block. Never one to ignore injustice, Lisbeth is inevitably drawn into the midst of it all.

Mikael Blomkvist, renowned for his incisive exposés at Millennium Magazine, makes a return, this time delving into the mysterious Registry, the organization believed to be behind the appalling abuse suffered by Lisbeth and her twin sister. As Blomkvist probes deeper into Salander's past, it becomes evident that those accountable for her childhood trauma are determined to prevent him from uncovering the truth. What's even more disturbing is the potential continuation of their horrific research into the present day. Their threat is as present as ever, and Blomkvist will stop at nothing to finally bring their actions to light. 

On the surface, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye was poised to be a successful continuation of this thrilling narrative. Having mostly enjoyed the previous book, I anticipated another captivating tale. However, I found the novel to be a complete misfire, setting the series on a path of diminishing returns. Interestingly, many of my complaints about this book align with my issues with one of Lagercrantz's recent efforts, Dark Music. Like that novel, this one relies too heavily on telling the reader about the action instead of showing it, turning what should be page-turning moments into dull retellings that left me yearning to witness the action. Furthermore, Salander takes a back seat as a character in this story, leaving the supporting cast to try to bear the emotional weight of the narrative. None of the confusing cast of characters can fully carry the mantle of the story on their own, resulting in a messy tangle of threads that simply don't come together for a satisfying conclusion. With two books left in this series, I think this one will be my last.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 13)

In the tumultuous year of 2020, marked by tension and uncertainty due to a global pandemic and police brutality, Americans found themselves grappling with the profound reality of racial injustice deeply rooted in the country's history. The interruption of our daily routines provided a unique opportunity for introspection, prompting many to reflect on their roles in perpetuating systemic racism. I scrutinized my life, paying specific attention to the books I was reading and the authors I supported and resolving to diversify the narratives I consumed. This commitment added a profound layer of fulfillment to my reading life. Tayari Jones's acclaimed 2018 novel, An American Marriage, is the latest stop on this essential literary undertaking.

Celebrating their newfound marital bliss, Celestial and Roy embark on the early stages of their life together as a married couple. With Roy securing a well-paying job and Celestial gaining recognition for her art, their careers flourish, and the prospect of acquiring a larger home materializes. On the surface, they appear to be living the quintessential American dream. However, being a Black couple in the United States, Celestial and Roy are on the verge of realizing that their dream is susceptible to the influence of external forces and systems beyond their control.

Roy's benevolent gesture to aid a stranger takes a nightmarish turn when he faces a damning accusation that shatters his entire life. Despite Celestial's unwavering testimony that Roy was by her side throughout the alleged incident, his plea falls on deaf ears, leading to a twelve-year sentence for a crime he did not commit. The couple initially maintains their connection through regular letters, expressing their enduring commitment and determination to navigate this new reality. As the years pass, though, their lives undergo significant transformations. Can their marriage withstand the weight of this tragedy, or is it yet another instance of a dream shattered by a system indifferent to the personal toll of its inequity?

In An American Marriage, Tayari Jones crafts a poignant portrayal of a couple contending with injustice, delivering a devastating yet essential narrative. Her prose is unfiltered, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the genuine emotions of the protagonists and emphasizing the profound toll of a wrongful conviction on those ensnared by it. Jones delves into how time and distance can reshape and challenge a relationship. Celestial and Roy find themselves intricately connected to the past while navigating toward an uncertain future. The result is a novel brimming with genuine emotion, empathy, and insight. Much like life itself, the story takes an unexpected turn at its conclusion, solidifying the impact of this profound character study. It's a narrative that lingers, prompting reflection on one's position in the world and the relationships surrounding us.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 12)

I was initially hesitant to dive into this book. Although I've been a devoted fan of John Sandford since discovering his Virgil Flowers series, and I've been gradually making my way through both the earliest and most recent books in his iconic Lucas Davenport series, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of adding a new series to my already extensive reading list. Despite my initial reservations, the recent announcement of a new Davenport novel featuring a collaboration with Letty, his daughter, prompted me to reconsider. With the anticipation of reading the upcoming release, I finally decided to explore Letty's debut appearance with The Investigator.

When we are introduced to Letty Davenport, the 24-year-old is on the verge of resigning from her job in the office of a U.S. Senator. Not wanting to lose such a promising young talent, her boss offers her a unique proposition—to become an investigator for the office. While she won't have formal judicial authority, she'll be armed and have her own modest, closet-sized office. Seeing this as an opportunity to follow in her father's law enforcement footsteps, Letty agrees to the role. Her inaugural task involves probing recent oil thefts in various small Texas towns. The focus isn't solely on the stolen oil but on who is selling it and what they do with the proceeds. Rumors suggest an unsavory militia group may be involved. Letty's mission is to uncover if the money is indeed going to them and, if so, discern their intentions.

Despite being familiar with handling firearms and navigating tense situations, Letty is still a newcomer to the job. In collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, she's paired with veteran investigator John Kaiser. Neither party is thrilled about being thrust into a collaboration with each other. Still, the odd couple will have to set aside their differences as they delve into the situation in Texas. When the case turns deadly, they realize they’re onto something bigger. The militia group has initiated a potentially explosive plan, and time is running out.

In The Investigator, John Sandford once again showcases his prowess in creating compelling thrillers, seamlessly blending tense scenarios, well-drawn characters, and clever humor. Introducing a new character, Letty, who is both female and younger than Sandford's usual protagonists, adds a fresh dynamic to his storytelling. Letty's intelligence, sass, and overall appeal make her a compelling lead. While her confidence and wisdom may occasionally seem beyond her experience level, the captivating interplay between her perspective and the subjects of her investigation overrides any minor concerns. Sandford delivers another successful series, leaving me eagerly anticipating more.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2024, 11)

After watching the latest Indiana Jones movie, I found myself questioning the necessity of its existence. It seemed like a lackluster conclusion to a franchise that didn't require further continuation. Craving more thrilling archaeological intrigue, I turned to Douglas Preston's latest work, The Lost Tomb, which his publisher kindly provided me a few months ago. This book compiles Preston's articles spanning several decades, each delving into captivating true mysteries of the ancient world. It was the perfect remedy to shake off the disappointment of the uninspiring Indiana Jones film, offering a quick and exhilarating read.

Douglas Preston is widely recognized for his collaborative works with Lincoln Child, producing gripping adventure novels that captivate readers. However, his lesser-known role as a journalist has led him to embark on intriguing journeys to distant lands, where he unravels mysteries that rival the fiction he co-creates. This collection showcases some of his most perplexing encounters, demonstrating that historical narratives can be as compelling as fictional tales. Preston recounts his exploration of Egypt's Valley of the Kings, where he ventured into the most prominent tomb, and his discovery of a different kind of tomb—the remains of animals killed by the asteroid that marked the conclusion of the Cretaceous period. Additionally, he shares insights from a years-long investigation that resulted in his prohibition from entering Italy. For this seasoned adventurer, such endeavors are all in a day's work.

Like many collections, I discovered that the stories in The Lost Tomb varied in quality and intrigue. The narratives mentioned earlier stood out as the most captivating to me, while some felt more like filler. Across all these stories, what remains evident is Douglas Preston's profound appreciation for the individuals, locations, and events he discusses. It is easy to see where he draws inspiration for his bestselling fiction, and I was struck by the respect with which he approaches his subjects. This collection is easy to read, featuring some genuinely compelling stories. Adventure enthusiasts and history buffs will likely find plenty to enjoy within its pages.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 10)