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  Andrea Tang's YA mystery "These Deadly Prophecies" casts an inventive magical twist on the classic whodunit formula. When apprentice sorcerer Tabatha Zeng finds her boss murdered, she teams up with the victim's son Callum to catch the killer and clear their names. Tang builds an engaging world where magic exists behind the scenes of regular society. Tabatha makes for a smart, proactive protagonist as she puzzles out clues and confronts suspects with unique magical talents. The mystery itself intrigues, encouraging readers to piece together alibis and motives alongside the leads. At times the pacing lags, while the ending wraps up abruptly. The romance between Tabatha and Callum also feels underdeveloped. However, the magical elements add fresh imagination to the murder mystery genre. With cunning sorcerers, a scrappy heroine, and plot twists to the very end, fans of shows like "Knives Out" are sure to find an entertaining whodunit with a spellbinding twist...

  Stacey Lee's latest YA mystery "Kill Her Twice" transports readers back to 1930s Los Angeles and into the dark underbelly of Chinatown. When local celebrity Lulu Wong is murdered, her former neighbors - the clever Chow sisters - take it upon themselves to investigate. Lee does an excellent job capturing the allure and grit of LA during this era. The Chow sisters are an endearing trio, using their wits and determination to uncover clues even as powerful forces try to silence them. The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of suspects and misdirection to keep you guessing. My only critique would be that the pacing slows a bit too much in parts, interrupting the suspense. However, the colorful characters and their crusade for justice in an era of rampant prejudice make this a compelling read. Lee tackles weighty themes around racism, xenophobia, and women’s rights with nuance. Overall a solid 4-star historical mystery with a feisty feminist message. Fans of the author ...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "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 ...