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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Most Ardently" is an absolute delight for any Jane Austen fan and literature enthusiasts alike! Gabe Cole Novoa's refreshing remix of the timeless classic "Pride and Prejudice" brings a modern twist to the beloved story, capturing the essence of the original while introducing innovative and captivating elements. The narrative is a seamless blend of wit, charm, and the timeless allure of Austen's characters. Novoa's writing style is masterful, maintaining the integrity of the source material while infusing it with a fresh perspective. The characters are vibrant, multi-dimensional, and wonderfully true to the spirit of the original work, making it a joy to revisit their world. Harrison Knights' narration is nothing short of brilliant. His expressive delivery and impeccable timing breathe life into each character, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the story. Knights' voice is a perfect match for the elegant prose, making the a...

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seasick lures you in with an enticing premise of a killer loose on a high seas voyage with former friends turned sleuths hunting them down. The plot itself is gripping - bringing together ex-best friends Naya and Yana amidst classmates with privilege and microaggressions galore. When one of their own is murdered, they have to navigate choppy waters to unmask the killer before becoming victims themselves. The character dynamics and suspenseful storytelling are this book's strengths for sure. However, the confusing writing style sometimes unravels that good momentum. Scenes flip-flop suddenly at times in distracting ways. It requires rereading passages to follow the awkward transitions. This makes an otherwise exciting thriller a slower read than necessary. Most disappointing is the fact that clues give away the villain’s identity earlier than ideal. Subtle hints make it clear who the killer likely is, lessening the impact of the eventual reveal. Readers will figure ou...

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a spellbinding middle-grade fantasy that had me hooked from the first page! Twelve-year-old protagonist Kess Pedrock already lives in a delightfully weird world, residing in her family's Unnatural History Museum surrounded by fossils, skeletons, and a talking demon head. But when a mysterious new girl in town named Lilou asks for Kess's help breaking a strange curse, it sweeps them both into a thrilling and chilling adventure beyond anything Kess could have imagined. Despite ominous warnings, Kess bravely follows Lilou into the heart of the legendary Eelgrass Bog in search of answers. The atmospheric worldbuilding makes the bog come alive with subtle magic. Rich descriptions of dark secrets, odd creatures, and supernatural forces rising from the murky depths had my pulse racing even as the clever banter between the girls balanced the tension. As the riveting mystery deepens, author Mary Averling deftly explores themes of friendship and...

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kristen Perrin's "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is an absolute triumph in the realm of mystery and psychological thrillers. This novel has catapulted itself to the top of my must-read list for the year, and I can confidently declare it the best book I've had the pleasure of delving into in 2023. The story unfolds in 1965 when teenage Frances Adams receives a chilling fortune at an English country fair: she will be murdered. From that moment on, Frances dedicates her life to preventing a crime that hasn't happened yet, amassing secrets on everyone she encounters. Fast forward nearly sixty years, and Frances is found dead in her sprawling country estate, exactly as she had foretold. Now, it's up to her great-niece, Annie Adams, to unravel the mystery and catch the killer. Perrin's narrative is a time-traveling journey that seamlessly transitions between the 1960s and the present day. The author expertly weaves a tale of a woman's lifelong q...

  Rating: ★★★★★ With Murder at Everham Hall, Benedict Brown launches the Marius Quin Mystery series in spectacular fashion. This delightful historical whodunit set in 1927 England sweeps you into the world of Marius Quin, a mystery author turned amateur sleuth. When murder strikes at a New Year's Eve party, Marius teams up with his childhood friend Lady Isabella to uncover the killer in their midst. Brown's eye for period detail makes 1927 England come alive. The setting of Everham Hall, an aristocratic country manor, is vividly drawn and full of secrets. Marius and Isabella make an endearing detective duo, using charm and wit to peel back the layers of deception. The mystery itself is expertly crafted, with plenty of twists and misdirection to keep you guessing. Where Murder at Everham Hall truly shines is in its fizzy tone and lively characters. Marius is immensely appealing as a protagonist, and his banter with Isabella crackles with humor and chemistry. The supporting cast ...

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Mystery of Locked Rooms" by Lindsay Currie is a gripping and suspenseful middle-grade mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. With a perfect blend of intriguing characters, chilling atmospheres, and clever puzzles, it's a book that's impossible to put down. The story centers on Emily, a young girl who is anything but ordinary. She has a unique talent for solving mysteries, especially those involving locked rooms and secret codes. When Emily's family inherits a historic mansion with a dark and puzzling history, she is drawn into a mystery that will test her skills and courage like never before. Currie's writing is both engaging and atmospheric, vividly bringing to life the grand and enigmatic mansion that serves as the novel's backdrop. The story is laced with a sense of unease, making it a perfect blend of mystery and spookiness, ideal for young readers who enjoy a good thrill. The cha...

  Rating: ★★★★☆ The Kamogawa Food Detectives is a heartwarming culinary tale translated from Japanese by Jesse Kirkwood. Centered around a Kyoto restaurant run by Koishi and her father Nagare, this light mystery follows the Kamogawas as they recreate meaningful dishes from customers' pasts. It's a poignant celebration of food, memory, and human connection. Author Hisashi Kashiwai brings the setting of Kyoto to life through vivid sensory details, particularly the mouthwatering cuisine. Protagonist Koishi is spirited and curious, complemented by her father's wisdom and cooking expertise. The "food detective" premise is original and intriguing. Each chapter focuses on recreating a touching dish for a customer, seamlessly blending miniature mysteries, cooking, and emotion. The soothing pace, uplifting tone, and focus on food over the plot make this perfect for foodies seeking a gentle read. While the mysteries themselves are relatively simple, the stories behind each ...

  Rating:★★★★★ With Bookshops & Bonedust, Travis Baldree once again demonstrates his talent for imaginative storytelling in the richly crafted world of Legends & Lattes. This prequel centers on Viv, a headstrong young orc whose dreams of mercenary glory are derailed by injury. Forced to recuperate in the quiet town of Murk, Viv finds herself drawn into the dusty aisles and eccentric characters of a struggling bookshop. Through Viv's engaging perspective, Baldree explores themes of purpose, community, and personal growth with insight and humor. The settings come alive, from the cozy bookshop to the sun-soaked beaches of Murk. Supporting characters like Fenny the foul-mouthed shop owner and Gray the mysterious traveler are vividly drawn. The touch of romance and hint of greater adventures lend an exciting spark. Though the pace starts leisurely, the stakes ramp up with skeleton-filled action, necromantic intrigue, and high fantasy fun. Baldree's nimble storytelling ensure...

A Delightful Read! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Animalia" by Shauna C. Murphy is a mesmerizing journey into a world where secrets and abilities intertwine with the enigmatic beauty of the Victorian era. This five-star novel invites readers to explore the Svalbard School, a place where students from across the globe are trained in various disciplines, each shrouded in its own mysteries. Thirteen-year-old Sunday Gråe, a character you'll instantly root for, dreams of following in her late father's footsteps by studying Animalia—a unique discipline focused on harnessing the special abilities of animals. Her admission to the prestigious and secretive Svalbard School marks the beginning of her adventure, but it's also the start of something far more perilous. As students mysteriously disappear, Sunday finds herself thrust into a dangerous puzzle. Her struggle to forgive herself for her father's tragic death becomes a central theme, hindering her use of Animalia's powers to un...

A Fun Workbook for Aspiring Artists Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The "Big School of Drawing Manga, Comics & Fantasy Workbook" by the Walter Foster Creative Team is a delightful and comprehensive guide for budding artists looking to delve into the worlds of manga, comics, and fantasy art. What sets this workbook apart is its hands-on approach. It offers aspiring artists a chance to practice their skills and learn new techniques through a variety of engaging exercises. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible to artists of all skill levels. The book covers essential topics like character design, storytelling, and creating dynamic compositions, providing a solid foundation for those looking to explore these art forms. The workbook is beautifully illustrated, and filled with inspiring artwork and examples that encourage creativity. While it's packed with valuable information, it manages to maintain a playful and enjoyable tone throughout. This makes it an ex...

A Gripping Tale of Peril and Peculiarity Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Hysterical City" by Andrea Berthot is a captivating, genre-defying novel that seamlessly blends elements of steampunk, adventure, and mystery, creating a world that is as enchanting as it is perilous. Set in a vividly imagined Victorian-era city where gaslight and gears reign supreme, the story follows a group of unlikely heroes as they navigate a society teetering on the brink of chaos. Berthot's world-building is nothing short of masterful, immersing readers in a city brought to life with intricate details and vivid descriptions. The characters are the heart of this story, each uniquely crafted with their own quirks and hidden depths. As the narrative unfolds, the relationships between these characters are both heartwarming and complex. Their growth throughout the book is a testament to the author's skill in creating relatable and multi-dimensional individuals. The plot is a rollercoaster of intrigue, dange...