A Book A Week

Electing a new leader inevitably involves drama. You need only look at the last two weeks of the American Presidential race as evidence. Conniving, opportunism, and tumult are integral to the political process. Even campaigns championing hope and change eventually resort to some negativity. When it comes to electing a new Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, one might expect a more solemn procedure. The ancient ritual of The Conclave, where the church's cardinals gather under holy seal to select their next leader, is among the most sacred traditions in the church. Nonetheless, it remains a political operation. In his novel Conclave, author Robert Harris delves into the inherent drama of this process, exploring the tension between men's ambition and their sacred duty.

The Pope is dead! The news of the Holy Father's passing spreads rapidly through Vatican City, bringing shock and sorrow to all who hear it. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Lomelli has worked closely with the Supreme Pontiff. Despite the somber news, Lomelli has little time to grieve. He must take on the day-to-day tasks of the Church as the people mourn and attend the Holy Father's funeral. Most crucially, Lomelli must initiate the Conclave, gathering all one hundred and eighteen cardinals to the city to cast their votes for a new Pope.

Behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the most secretive election in the world commences. These are holy men, bound by their commitment to serving the Lord. Yet, they are still human, burdened by the same failings they preach against. Whether they admit it openly or not, ambition has played a part in their journey. As the first ballots are cast and the race for the papacy heats up, secrets and past indiscretions begin to surface. The future of the faith rests in their hands, and within mere hours, one of them will become the most powerful man in the Catholic Church.

You might not expect a story about electing a new Pope to be completely absorbing, but in the deft hands of Robert Harris, it is precisely that. Harris crafts fully realized characters, each cardinal driven by distinct motivations. Like any political campaign, factions emerge, and alliances form, with differing opinions about the future of the Church fueling the conflict. The interplay between personal ambition and religious duty adds layers of complexity to these men. Can one follow the tenets of their faith while seeking to fulfill personal desires? This question is at the heart of Conclave. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Harris takes it in a new direction. The ending, in particular, calls into question everything you thought you knew about these men, suggesting that only God can know His true intentions and any man who attempts to speak on His behalf does so in vain. This novel's political and spiritual intrigue thrills not through action but through intellectual contemplation, making for a surprisingly compelling and satisfying read.

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

(2024, 56)

I'm very late to the party with this one. A.J. Finn's debut novel, The Woman in the Window, took the book world by storm when it was released in 2018. Naturally, it became one of those "must-read" books I procrastinated on until all the hype died down. The author later faced controversy for exaggerating and misstating details of his personal past and credentials. Now that the dust has settled and Finn has released a new novel this year, albeit without the same fanfare as his debut, I decided it was time to finally dive into The Woman in the Window and see what all the fuss was about.

As an agoraphobic, Anna Fox has lived a life of isolation, unable to venture outside her New York City home. She spends her days drinking wine—sometimes a lot of wine—watching classic movies, and reminiscing about the days before her anxiety confined her to her house. And, of course, Anna watches. She watches out the window with intensity, observing the comings and goings of her neighborhood. Some might call it spying, but Anna wouldn't go that far. She's just being observant, as she believes all neighbors should look out for each other. As the days blur together, Anna creates little stories about the people in her neighborhood, drawing inspiration from the classic noir films she consumes daily.

When a new family, the Russells, moves into the house across the street, Anna watches them keenly. She sees the mother, father, and son slowly unpack their belongings and make the home their own. Who are these people? What is their life like? Something terrible happens as she starts to weave fiction about their lives. Anna witnesses something horrific—or does she? The combination of Merlot and prescription pills for her ever-increasing anxiety makes her question everything. What is real, and what is imagined? The truth may be more dangerous than any fiction she could conjure.

The Woman in the Window unfolds just as I expected. A.J. Finn's protagonist perfectly embodies the unreliable narrator, blurring the line between fiction and reality and offering thriller enthusiasts plenty of enigmas to unravel. It reminded me of other thrillers with "Girl/Woman" in the title, such as The Girl on the Train or The Woman in Cabin 10. In those novels, the narrators grapple with personal demons while navigating potentially perilous situations, much like in this book. It is a trope that clearly works for many thriller authors and works just fine here, too. 

While I was intrigued by what Anna may or may not have witnessed, I couldn't help but feel that much of her misfortune was self-inflicted. This is my ongoing issue with unreliable narrator thrillers, and The Woman in the Window falls into many of the same traps. The book is undeniably a page-turner, serving as both a thrilling mystery and an homage to the classic noir films that clearly inspired it. Still, as I reflect on it, I can't say it left a lasting impact on me. It's a twisty, compulsively readable story, but it won't rank among the best thrillers I've ever read.

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

(2024, 55)

It seems fitting that my latest read features the threat of a hurricane barreling toward the setting of this thriller. This week, I’ve been working on returning to normal after Hurricane Beryl disrupted everything. I much prefer reading about hurricanes than living through them! Jaime Day’s latest thriller, One Big Happy Family, provided a welcome escape from the stress of returning to work while dealing with the hurricane’s aftermath. This was my first book by the author, so I had no preconceived notions going in, and I think that’s the best way to approach this one.

Charley is doing her best to keep everything together. At nineteen, it feels like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. With her mother out of the picture due to a life of addictions and a series of bad romantic partners, Charley is left to care for her maternal grandmother, who is slowly succumbing to dementia. Struggling to afford her grandmother's space at an elder care facility and facing a rent increase, Charley is under immense pressure. To make ends meet, she works as a maid at The Precipice, an eccentric family-owned hotel on the rocky coast of Maine. The family patriarch has just died, leaving the future of the hotel uncertain.

With a hurricane threatening to land near the property's coast, most of the rooms are vacant. Charley decides to allow Bree, a stranger in need, to stay at the hotel for free as she tries to evade her abusive boyfriend. She knows this act could get her fired, but she believes in helping someone in need, hoping for some help in return.

The entire Bishop family is descending upon the hotel for the reading of their father's last will and testament. The Bishop sisters, Iris, Vicki, and Faith, are each driven by their own selfish motivations, and each sister wants their fair share of the family fortune. As the storm begins to overtake The Precipice, tensions build to a breaking point. The will is read, and someone ends up dead. Is it the result of a horrific accident or something more sinister? Cut off from the rest of the world amidst the raging winds of the storm, it will be up to the staff and family to uncover secrets and make it out of the hotel alive. 

One Big Happy Family sees Jaimy Day craft a soap opera of family drama packed with twists and turns. The story employs a kitchen-sink approach, throwing in every possible thriller trope, including family secrets, murder, money, and even a touch of the occult. Typically, this wouldn't be my cup of tea. Only some elements work in this story. Many plot points fail to reach a satisfying conclusion, the red herrings are often glaringly obvious, and none of the characters are particularly likable. Still, I'd be lying if I said I could pull myself away from all the over-the-top drama. The book reads like one of those trashy reality shows that you're embarrassed to admit you watch. One Big Happy Family isn't the best thriller I've ever read, but it doesn't try to be. It's silly, twisty, fun, and perfect for some light summer reading.

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

(2024, 54)

Many of my most anticipated reads this summer are set in the woods. Something about the rugged wilderness instantly adds mystery and suspense to a story, so it's no surprise that so many authors are choosing to have their stories unfold in this setting. Add Wilderness Reform, the second novel by Matt and Harrison Querey, to the list. Fans of their smash horror debut, Old Country, have been eagerly awaiting this release. Fortunately, their publisher generously provided me with a copy, and I quickly dived in.

Life hasn't been easy for thirteen-year-old Ben. Under the guardianship of an abusive aunt, he has turned to petty crime to fill his days. When he's caught trying to escape the scene of his latest misdeed, Ben is arrested and taken to court. Rather than sentencing him to a juvenile detention center, the judge sends him to a wilderness camp, promising that the experience will teach him the discipline and survival skills he needs to turn his life around. Upon arriving at the remote Montana camp, Ben is greeted by overly friendly counselors who seem too good to be true. From the start, Ben senses something is off. There's an undercurrent of menace throughout the camp, and as he delves deeper into its history, he uncovers a terror beyond his wildest imaginings.

After thoroughly enjoying Old Country, I approached Wilderness Reform with high expectations. The remote campground setting and the protagonist's redemption arc promised a compelling horror read. Brothers and writing partners Matt and Harrison Query start this new novel with a terrifying bang, one that left me breathless and eager for more. Unfortunately, that gripping opening scene turned out to be the best part of the book. The page-turning prologue gives way to a slow burn that struggles to gain momentum. While I appreciate the importance of building tension and developing characters, this book fails to do so effectively. The characters lack depth beyond their superficial roles, and the spooky undertones never develop into anything frightening or thought-provoking. Instead, Wilderness Reform became a tedious read that left me underwhelmed. It's a surprising miss from a duo who previously delivered a highly entertaining novel.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 53)

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. We finally began repairing and renovating our home, addressing some storm damage from April and updating a few other things. Just as all this work wrapped up, Hurricane Beryl hit, leaving us to deal with days without power, downed limbs, and some new damage. Thankfully, we are safe, and the damage is minimal this time. Although I've been less active on the blog amidst all this chaos, my reading hasn't slowed down. With that in mind, I'm excited to finally return with a review for one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

Liz Moore's 2020 novel, Long Bright River, was a standout for me. The dark and visceral mystery captivated me with its deeply drawn characters, grounded realism, and compelling plot. It wasn’t an easy or light read, but it stayed with me long after I finished it. After four long years of eagerly waiting for something new from Moore, I was thrilled to receive a copy of her latest novel, The God of the Woods, from her publisher. Like her previous work, this novel centers on a missing person's case, but this time, it unfolds across multiple characters and timelines. Moore's unique, gripping, and thought-provoking writing style shines in this novel, exploring different themes and subjects while seamlessly weaving together another compelling read.

The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon at an Adirondack summer camp when a counselor notices an empty bunk. It's 1975, and Barbara Van Laar, the camper who should be there, is missing. The counselor, Louise, doesn't initially panic. After all, each cabin is dutifully monitored by one of Camp Emerson's counselors. Surely, they'll know where Barbara is. When Louise discovers the hungover counselor, who very obviously didn't spend the night ensuring the safety of her charges, the reality of the situation begins to set in. Barbara isn't just any camper; she's a member of the Van Laar family, one of the region's wealthiest and most prominent families. The Van Laars own the camp and employ many of the local residents who run it. This is a disaster. 

The urgency to find Barbara is heightened by several other alarming factors. News of an escaped killer has broken, and he is suspected to be hiding in the very woods surrounding the camp. Even more concerning, this isn't the first time a Van Laar has vanished in these woods. Decades ago, Barbara's older brother, Bear, disappeared among these trees, sending his parents, Peter and Alice Van Laar, into a tailspin. With Barbara now missing, locals fear history may be repeating itself. Could these two cases be related? Can Barbara be found alive?

In The God of the Woods, Liz Moore delves into the complexities of wealth, expectation, and legacy through a multifaceted missing person's case that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The story's intricate structure takes time to settle into as Moore alternates between various characters' perspectives across two different timelines. The past, set in the 1950s, revolves around Bear's disappearance, while the present, set in the 1970s, centers on Barbara's. This nonlinear narrative gradually reveals each character's motivations, withholding their true intentions until the story's climax. While this approach can initially feel tedious, I was utterly absorbed in the mystery by the halfway point, captivated by Moore's narrative craftsmanship.

The richly portrayed setting further enhances the story's allure. The woods become almost a spiritual realm, providing the perfect backdrop for Moore's intricate narrative. The grandeur and mystery of the forest create a constant, grounding presence amidst the shifting perspectives. This setting, combined with the complex characters and central mystery, makes the story's narrative acrobatics more engaging. The conclusion is both tragically poetic and deeply satisfying, delivering final revelations that feel both shocking and inevitable. The God of the Woods is another standout work from Liz Moore. It offers an unconventional take on the mystery genre that encourages contemplation of its deeper meanings while enthralling readers with its compelling story.

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

(2024, 52)

There's nothing quite like discovering a new author and wondering why it took you so long to read their writing. Harlan Coben is one of those authors for me. Although I had heard his name praised among thriller enthusiasts for years, I didn't delve into his work until I picked up I Will Find You. That book felt like a summer action movie, brimming with exciting twists and turns, offering the perfect escapism. I was captivated by the novel's setup—an impossible situation that I couldn't wait to see unfold. I promised myself I would read more from Coben, and that time has come with his latest book, Think Twice.

Attorney and ex-professional basketball player Myron Bolitar has just resumed his duties at his agency, representing sports stars and celebrities, when things take an unexpected turn. Two federal agents storm into the office, demanding answers from Myron and his business partner, Win. They are seeking information about Myron's former client, basketball star and coach Greg Downing. The agents relentlessly refuse to accept Myron and Win's assertions that they have no new information. After all, Greg has been dead and buried for the past three years!

The agents present evidence suggesting that Greg may not be as dead as Myron and Win believe. Both had attended his funeral, but this evidence is hard to deny: Greg's DNA was discovered at the scene of the recent murders of Cecelia Callister and her son Clay. Nothing about this situation makes sense, and this newfound evidence only raises more questions. As Myron and Win dig deeper, they uncover a pattern of seemingly related murders. Are they dealing with a resurrected friend and former client, or is this the work of a cunning and nefarious serial killer?

Think Twice is the 12th novel featuring Coben's hero, Myron Bolitar, and the first new installment in 12 years. As this was my first introduction to the character, it took some time to fully grasp the relationships and dynamics among the characters. I've heard there are Easter eggs for longtime readers of the series, but any hidden references or features went entirely over my head. Nevertheless, I was instantly intrigued by the premise of a dead man's forensic evidence showing up at a murder scene.

The opening scene reveals that the killer is framing someone, but Coben keeps the identity and motives of the culprit a mystery. He promised readers wouldn't see the big reveal coming, which was true for me. Like the last Coben novel I read, this one stretches the bounds of believability, but I didn't mind. It was a fun and twisted ride, capturing my attention over several sittings. That said, reading the previous novels first would enhance the experience. While Think Twice can work as a standalone, you may miss details and context that enrich your enjoyment of the story.

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

(2024, 51)