Category: Fiction Page 8 of 317

Pupposites Attract 1 by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (translator): And They Called It Puppy Love…

Cover of Pupposites Attract 1 by Hono NatsunaPupposites Attract 1

by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (Translator)

DETAILS:
Series: Pupposites Attract, #1
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Format: Paperback
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: October 19, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Pupposites Attract 1 About?

This is the story about the beginning of a relationship—two really. Boy walking dog meets girl walking dog. It’s sort of like when Roger Radcliffe and Pongo met Anita Dearly and Perdita for the first time, just not quite as calamitous (still, I don’t know someone doesn’t think of that scene—especially someone whose children were obsessed with the ’61 animated version).

Kiyotaka’s a big guy, a little on the shy side—his dog Monjuro is a little Pomeranian who is nothing but adorable fluffiness and outgoing energy. Chiharu’s a bold extrovert and her Rottweiler, Tsubu, is a gentle giant (who may tend toward a nervousness that feels out of place for such a big guy).

A few chance encounters mark the beginning of a friendship between the two humans—and between the two dogs. The dogs seem to know before the humans do that there’s more going on between them than friendship—or at least that there should be. Although, most of the humans we see realize that about Chiharu and Kiyotaka, too—so it’s not (necessarily) that the dogs who know them best are really that insightful, it’s just these two kids are kind of clueless on this front. Which is its own charm.

That’s basically the story so far.

Translator’s Notes

Following the story, we get some character design sheets and a few pages of translator’s notes which talk about some of the cultural background, explain the dog names (although the story itself does a pretty decent job of that), and things of that nature. Most of the translator’s notes didn’t help me too much—but those that did were great. (and I expect other readers will have the opposite reaction to me) Regardless, it’s a nice tough for people who may not be all that familiar—or familiar at all—with manga.

Like me.

A Little Word About the Art

It was good—nothing that blew me away, but I enjoyed it.

I think that Kiyotaka could be drawn a bit more consistently, but maybe I’m missing something (that’ very likely). The dogs were drawn perfectly—they’re so adorable that you want to take them home—or at least roll around on the ground and play with them regularly.

Hono Natsuna nailed depicting the emotions, both human and canine. That can be tough to convey, but there were many scenes where the text really wasn’t needed to tell the story in addition to the art.

So, what did I think about Pupposites Attract 1?

This is a cute little story, you could tell from the beginning (or from the blurb on the back) where things were going—it’s not the kind of thing you read to find out what happens, but to enjoy while the obvious takes place. As such, it worked well. You don’t need surprises or twists as long as someone tells a good story well—and Hono Natsuna did that.

It’s just as heartwarming as you want it to be. The humans are sweet and bad at relationships, so it’s amusing to see them fumble along. The dogs are…well, you all know I’m a sucker for a good dog character, and these two deserve all the scritches, belly rubs and treats they can handle.

I picked this up thanks to this post from Twirling Book Princess, and seeing it on the shelf of a bookstore I was using a gift certificate at the following weekend. It’s really out of my comfort zone—honestly, it’s the first manga I’ve done more than flip through, in addition to being a Romance. But I’m glad I saw TBP’s post and took a chance. I had fun, and pretty much have to keep going with the story.

I would’ve liked a bit more substance, a bit of meat to chew on—this is very airy, very light. But I have to think that’s a function of genre. The story doesn’t need it, I’d have just liked it.

Regardless—if you’re looking for something light, sweet, feel-good, and quick to read, give Pupposites Attract. I can’t imagine you won’t be satisfied.


3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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PUB DAY REPOST: A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke: A Charming New Odd Couple of Amateur Sleuths

Cover of A New Lease on Death by Olivia BlackeA New Lease on Death

by Olivia Blacke

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Mysteries, #1
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 336 pgs.
Read Date: October 11-15, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

Ruby

Ruby is a young twentysomething-ish woman*, new to Boston, having moved there following a bad breakup. She’s left the comforts of home and family to start again and prove to herself (and probably her ex) that she can do it on her own. She’s generally optimistic, talks to herself, is a bit overwhelmed with everything but she still has a cheerful personality—which is reflected in everything from the way she dresses to the way she looks at life. Despite Winter in Boston, which really isn’t treating her well, that is.

* Just before scheduling this post, I remembered that Ruby can’t spend time in bars. So, she’s a really young twentysomething-ish. I could probably look it up, but that’s good enough.

She’s jobless, but looking, and is getting close to the desperation point. But she’s not going to quit until she has to.

She shares her apartment with a woman who is very different than her, and their communication…well, it’s lousy. And not just because Ruby’s killed all but one of her houseplants.

Cordelia

Cordelia is noticeably older. Not truly grumpy, but optimistic and bubbly are definitely not things she’s been called (or would want to be called). She’s maybe not a huge success, but she does well enough that she’s not worried about money or comfort (there’s more to it than that, but I’ll let you read it for yourself). She likes to stay home in the evenings and read.

And drink. And drink some more. I don’t know if she’s technically an alcoholic (a functional one, for what it’s worth) or if she’s just a heavy drinker. It’s probably an academic question, really.

Cordelia doesn’t have much of a social life, she gets along with her coworkers—none of whom know that up until recently she’d been having an extended affair with their very married boss.

She doesn’t understand Ruby’s optimism, her approach to life/job hunting, resents what she’s doing to her houseplants, and just doesn’t know how to get through to her at all.

A large part of that stems from the fact that Cordelia was found dead a few months ago, and is now a ghost who likes staying in her former apartment while she gets a handle on the whole afterlife thing. Ruby, is (I should’ve said earlier, but I just assume it) very much alive and was more than happy to move into an already furnished apartment.

What’s A New Lease on Death About?

The book opens with Cordelia trying to talk the brand-new ghost of their neighbor through the opening minutes of his afterlife. He’d been murdered just outside their building and he is not taking the whole experience very well.

In one of the early attempts at actual communication between the roomies, Ruby gets the idea that Cordelia is trying to tell her they should investigate the murder like someone on one of the True Crime podcasts she’s a huge fan of. Cordelia was actually trying to keep Ruby as far as she could from all that, and seemed more than ready to accept the police’s rushed theories.

Before you know it, these two had become much more than people…entities?…sharing an apartment, they were a semi-functional team on the hunt for a killer.

The Ghostly Brass Tacks

This isn’t a book steeped in magic, supernatural creatures, and other things common in Urban Fantasy or even other supernatural mysteries I’ve talked about here. The Supernatural (at least in this book) is limited to ghosts who linger around—and not many do. We’re not really told why, but Cordelia has a theory.

It’s not easy to help someone when you’re incorporeal, invisible, and unable to make yourself heard. It’s also hard to “lean on” or assist someone if you’re not all that sure is actually around, or off doing their own thing.

And honestly, that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Blacke paints a picture of Claudia’s reality, her state, her learning curve, and her abilities to interact with the physical world and people in a way that absolutely makes sense, is consistent, well thought-out, and believable. It’s truly impressive—and darn entertaining—to watch Claudia try to be Ruby’s partner through all this.

It’s strong to say there’s a relationship between these two, but there is.

So, what did I think about A New Lease on Death?

In brief—this is everything I hoped it would be (well, I wanted a few more jokes, but I got over that). I bought in right away to everything—Blacke made that really easy—and both the plot and characters kept me fully engaged. I was faster than the pair on a thing or two (nothing applicable to this case, but what appears to be the next one), but didn’t get to the solution to the mystery until about the same time as Ruby and Cordelia.

It’s both a fun and well-executed novel and a solid introduction to a world and series (it’s at least a duology, I just don’t know how many books Blacke/Minotaur Books have in mind). There’s not a huge cast of characters that we can expect to see again—but there are some. We’ll see some of Ruby’s coworkers, I’m sure (eep—minor spoiler, she finds some kind of job); there are some figures we’ll see from the apartment building; and there’s one ghost I expect Cordelia to learn a bit more from. But it’s essentially a cast of two—and that’s more than enough to fuel this book and series.

In a step in a new direction for Blacke, this isn’t a cozy mystery—or so Blacke’s website says. And it’s true, I suppose—largely depending on how strictly you define “cozy.” But almost every cozy reader will embrace the storytelling. Blacke’s fans, in particular, will be fine with this after a little adjustment, and will likely embrace it without much trouble.

It’s not as lighthearted, warm, fuzzy, and pun-filled as The Record Shop Mysteries were. There’s little in here that’s outright funny—although you’ll smile most of the time, and the book is rarely dark. Tonally, it’s close to Darynda Jones’ mysteries, Janet Evanovich, and Lee Goldberg’s Eve Ronin (although all of those contain more jokes).

What Blacke carries over from the Record Shop Mysteries is her charm. You will like these two women right away. You’ll look for signs of friendship, camaraderie, and understanding between the two—and be pleased when you find them (and when you don’t have to look anymore).

This is the fourth book by Blacke that I’ve read, and it’s the fourth book of hers that I enjoyed. But she’s displaying a greater skill when it comes to writing, plotting, and character here than she has before. I think that’s a function of subject/subgenre rather than skill or anything. I’ve liked her books before, but this impressed me in a way the others haven’t. I don’t think it’s me comparing the two series—because I honestly want her to circle back soon to the environs of Sip & Spin Records (as little as I expect it). It’s just this is a better canvas for her to display more of her talent.

If you’ve tried her earlier material, you’ll see what I mean. If you haven’t, just realize I was dancing around a point—and maybe landed near it.

Regardless—this is a fun odd couple/buddy cop outing featuring amateur sleuths (so, yeah “buddy cop” isn’t technically right, but you know what I’m saying) with a side order of supernatural woowoo. The solution to the mystery is satisfying and fitting—and the conclusion of the novel launches into the next novel/series. What’s not to like? Very little. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume. I feel like there’s something I’m not saying, but I can’t figure out what it is. So I’ll just leave it at this point.

I’m looking forward to the next book, I expect almost everyone who reads A New Lease on Death will find themselves in the same boat. And I really hope many people come aboard—like you. Yes, you. Pick this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.


4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke: A Charming New Odd Couple of Amateur Sleuths

Cover of A New Lease on Death by Olivia BlackeA New Lease on Death

by Olivia Blacke

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Mysteries, #1
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 336 pgs.
Read Date: October 11-15, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

Ruby

Ruby is a young twentysomething-ish woman*, new to Boston, having moved there following a bad breakup. She’s left the comforts of home and family to start again and prove to herself (and probably her ex) that she can do it on her own. She’s generally optimistic, talks to herself, is a bit overwhelmed with everything but she still has a cheerful personality—which is reflected in everything from the way she dresses to the way she looks at life. Despite Winter in Boston, which really isn’t treating her well, that is.

* Just before scheduling this post, I remembered that Ruby can’t spend time in bars. So, she’s a really young twentysomething-ish. I could probably look it up, but that’s good enough.

She’s jobless, but looking, and is getting close to the desperation point. But she’s not going to quit until she has to.

She shares her apartment with a woman who is very different than her, and their communication…well, it’s lousy. And not just because Ruby’s killed all but one of her houseplants.

Cordelia

Cordelia is noticeably older. Not truly grumpy, but optimistic and bubbly are definitely not things she’s been called (or would want to be called). She’s maybe not a huge success, but she does well enough that she’s not worried about money or comfort (there’s more to it than that, but I’ll let you read it for yourself). She likes to stay home in the evenings and read.

And drink. And drink some more. I don’t know if she’s technically an alcoholic (a functional one, for what it’s worth) or if she’s just a heavy drinker. It’s probably an academic question, really.

Cordelia doesn’t have much of a social life, she gets along with her coworkers—none of whom know that up until recently she’d been having an extended affair with their very married boss.

She doesn’t understand Ruby’s optimism, her approach to life/job hunting, resents what she’s doing to her houseplants, and just doesn’t know how to get through to her at all.

A large part of that stems from the fact that Cordelia was found dead a few months ago, and is now a ghost who likes staying in her former apartment while she gets a handle on the whole afterlife thing. Ruby, is (I should’ve said earlier, but I just assume it) very much alive and was more than happy to move into an already furnished apartment.

What’s A New Lease on Death About?

The book opens with Cordelia trying to talk the brand-new ghost of their neighbor through the opening minutes of his afterlife. He’d been murdered just outside their building and he is not taking the whole experience very well.

In one of the early attempts at actual communication between the roomies, Ruby gets the idea that Cordelia is trying to tell her they should investigate the murder like someone on one of the True Crime podcasts she’s a huge fan of. Cordelia was actually trying to keep Ruby as far as she could from all that, and seemed more than ready to accept the police’s rushed theories.

Before you know it, these two had become much more than people…entities?…sharing an apartment, they were a semi-functional team on the hunt for a killer.

The Ghostly Brass Tacks

This isn’t a book steeped in magic, supernatural creatures, and other things common in Urban Fantasy or even other supernatural mysteries I’ve talked about here. The Supernatural (at least in this book) is limited to ghosts who linger around—and not many do. We’re not really told why, but Cordelia has a theory.

It’s not easy to help someone when you’re incorporeal, invisible, and unable to make yourself heard. It’s also hard to “lean on” or assist someone if you’re not all that sure is actually around, or off doing their own thing.

And honestly, that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Blacke paints a picture of Claudia’s reality, her state, her learning curve, and her abilities to interact with the physical world and people in a way that absolutely makes sense, is consistent, well thought-out, and believable. It’s truly impressive—and darn entertaining—to watch Claudia try to be Ruby’s partner through all this.

It’s strong to say there’s a relationship between these two, but there is.

So, what did I think about A New Lease on Death?

In brief—this is everything I hoped it would be (well, I wanted a few more jokes, but I got over that). I bought in right away to everything—Blacke made that really easy—and both the plot and characters kept me fully engaged. I was faster than the pair on a thing or two (nothing applicable to this case, but what appears to be the next one), but didn’t get to the solution to the mystery until about the same time as Ruby and Cordelia.

It’s both a fun and well-executed novel and a solid introduction to a world and series (it’s at least a duology, I just don’t know how many books Blacke/Minotaur Books have in mind). There’s not a huge cast of characters that we can expect to see again—but there are some. We’ll see some of Ruby’s coworkers, I’m sure (eep—minor spoiler, she finds some kind of job); there are some figures we’ll see from the apartment building; and there’s one ghost I expect Cordelia to learn a bit more from. But it’s essentially a cast of two—and that’s more than enough to fuel this book and series.

In a step in a new direction for Blacke, this isn’t a cozy mystery—or so Blacke’s website says. And it’s true, I suppose—largely depending on how strictly you define “cozy.” But almost every cozy reader will embrace the storytelling. Blacke’s fans, in particular, will be fine with this after a little adjustment, and will likely embrace it without much trouble.

It’s not as lighthearted, warm, fuzzy, and pun-filled as The Record Shop Mysteries were. There’s little in here that’s outright funny—although you’ll smile most of the time, and the book is rarely dark. Tonally, it’s close to Darynda Jones’ mysteries, Janet Evanovich, and Lee Goldberg’s Eve Ronin (although all of those contain more jokes).

What Blacke carries over from the Record Shop Mysteries is her charm. You will like these two women right away. You’ll look for signs of friendship, camaraderie, and understanding between the two—and be pleased when you find them (and when you don’t have to look anymore).

This is the fourth book by Blacke that I’ve read, and it’s the fourth book of hers that I enjoyed. But she’s displaying a greater skill when it comes to writing, plotting, and character here than she has before. I think that’s a function of subject/subgenre rather than skill or anything. I’ve liked her books before, but this impressed me in a way the others haven’t. I don’t think it’s me comparing the two series—because I honestly want her to circle back soon to the environs of Sip & Spin Records (as little as I expect it). It’s just this is a better canvas for her to display more of her talent.

If you’ve tried her earlier material, you’ll see what I mean. If you haven’t, just realize I was dancing around a point—and maybe landed near it.

Regardless—this is a fun odd couple/buddy cop outing featuring amateur sleuths (so, yeah “buddy cop” isn’t technically right, but you know what I’m saying) with a side order of supernatural woowoo. The solution to the mystery is satisfying and fitting—and the conclusion of the novel launches into the next novel/series. What’s not to like? Very little. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume. I feel like there’s something I’m not saying, but I can’t figure out what it is. So I’ll just leave it at this point.

I’m looking forward to the next book, I expect almost everyone who reads A New Lease on Death will find themselves in the same boat. And I really hope many people come aboard—like you. Yes, you. Pick this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.


4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Opening Lines: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

Head & Shoulders used to tell us that, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That’s true for wearing dark shirts, and it’s especially true for books. Sometimes the characters will hook the reader, sometimes the premise, sometimes it’s just knowing the author—but nothing beats a great opening for getting a reader to commit.

I see in Lwnava Pravda that Luna City Council has passed on first reading a bill to examine, license, inspect—and tax—public food vendors operating inside municipal pressure. I see also is to be mass meeting tonight to organize “Sons of Revolution” talk-talk.

My old man taught me two things: “Mind own business” and “Always cut cards.” Politics never tempted me. But on Monday 13 May 2075 I was in computer room of Lunar Authority Complex, visiting with computer boss Mike while other machines whispered among themselves. Mike was not official name; I had nicknamed him for Mycroft Holmes, in a story written by Dr. Watson before he founded IBM. This story character would just sit and think—and that’s what Mike did. Mike was a fair dinkum thinkum, sharpest computer you’ll ever meet.

Not fastest. At Bell Labs, Buenos Aires, down Earthside, they’ve got a thinkum a tenth his size which can answer almost before you ask. But matters whether you get answer in microsecond rather than millisecond as long as correct?

Not that Mike would necessarily give right answer; he wasn’t completely honest.

from The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
Cover of The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

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Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders, A Novel That Swings for the Fences

Cover of Hermit of Paradise by Kim SandersHermit of Paradise

by Kim Sanders

DETAILS:
Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 304 pg.
Read Date: October 21-22, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Hermit of Paradise About?

This starts with an old friend, Sunny, asking Aubey to find her some justice for an old crime.

Then we flashback a little bit to watch Aubey’s last days on the Dallas Police as a detective before his retirement.

Then we flashback to Aubey’s childhood days, living in his family’s home on a lake where he spends summers reading, fishing, and getting into antics with some older men and some children the same age. Free-range parenting at its best, and despite hanging out with criminals, Aubey seems like a well-adjusted kid in love with nature. The fateful summer in consideration, however, brings him into contact with a couple of peers who will change his life—including the aforementioned Sunny.

Something traumatic happens at the end of a beautiful summer—something that will haunt Aubey and his friends for the rest of their lives.

We then flash-forward to his retirement, Sunny asking for justice (with more context), and Aubey’s efforts to get that for her.

That’s the barebones of the plot, anyway. I gave a richer (and provided by the author/publisher) description on my Spotlight yesterday.

I’m Going to be Frank with You

(I’m always honest when it comes to my opinion on books, as far as I know, but occasionally I’ll pull a punch)

Under any other circumstances, this would’ve been a DNF for me. The pacing was off; the book spent far, far, far too long in the childhood section compared to the retired adult section; given what Aubey knew about the crime, too much of what we know about the people/area/history comes from inelegant info-dumping; what he did in the retirement section to investigate it made no sense—other than to make more opportunities for info-dumping….and I don’t want to beat up on things.

I could go on for paragraphs on how bad the dialogue was—I really want to rant about it (actually, ask anyone who lives in my house and they’ll tell you what I think of it). But let me just tell you this much: there are several conversations between two people where each part of the exchange contains the other persons name in the first sentence.

Allow me to illustrate from a well-known scene (with apologies to Mr. Tarantino):

Vincent asks, “And, Jules, you know what they call a… a… a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?”
“Vincent, they don’t call it a Quarter Pounder with cheese?” Jules asks, surprised.
“No man, they got the metric system. Jules, they wouldn’t know what the fuck a Quarter Pounder is.” Vincent laughs and shakes his head.
“Then, Vincent, what do they call it?” Jules raises his voice.
“Jules, they call it a Royale with cheese.” Vincent replies, stretching out “Royale.”
“A Royale with cheese. Vincent, what do they call a Big Mac?” Jules wonders, chuckling.
Vincent shrugs a little, “Well, Jules, a Big Mac’s a Big Mac, but they call it le Big-Mac.”
“Le Big-Mac, Vincent.” He practices “Ha ha ha ha. Vincent, what do they call a Whopper?”
“I dunno, Jules, I didn’t go into Burger King.”

Except every sentence should be longer—if not a small paragraph—overflowing with exposition and nowhere near as interesting. If I had a hard copy, I’d have thrown it across the room the second time I encountered this (I could let it go once). But I wasn’t about to throw my phone or e-Reader, as nice as it would’ve felt.

So, what did I think about Hermit of Paradise?

The childhood flashbacks made me think of someone trying to go for a Scout, Jem, and Dill feel. Or something out of a William Kent Krueger novel. It even kind of reminded me of A Snake in the Raspberry Patch by Joanne Jackson or something of a Tiffany McDaniel-talks-about-young-people feel. But Sanders isn’t in their league (yet?).

Sanders swung for the fences in every chapter—more than once in every chapter. I think there’s a decent (not necessarily good, but at least decent) novel hidden here. But Sanders needs a few more drafts and a skilled editor to bring that out.

If I was talking about intentions, desires, and aims here—I’d have a lot of good to say. But I’m not—I’m talking about the characters, writing, and novel—so I can’t say a lot of good.

I do think the characters (most of them, anyway) were promising—too many of the minor characters were interchangeable enough that we didn’t need them all. Again, a little more refining and editing would’ve helped a lot there.

Seriously, while this book didn’t work for me in any way, I know that’s not true of everyone. Go check out the posts by Liam and Beth for vastly different takes—or the feed at https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours to see what other bloggers on the tour are saying.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials (including the novel) they provided.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders

Welcome to day’s Tour Stop for Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders. I only found out that this stop was for today about 34-35 hours ago, so I’m only 3/4 done with the book–I had to choose whether to finish or to make something up. I opted for reading the thing, so we’ll have to be satisfied with this Spotlight for a day or so (I honestly don’t know when I will have the ability to write up a post, it’s coming, I swear).

In the meantime, you should go to https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours feed to see all things that bloggers who have their grawlix together are saying about this novel.

Hermit of Paradise Tour Banner

Book Details:

Title: Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders
Genre: Fiction / Literary
Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group
Format: Hardcover
Length: 304 pg.
US Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Cover of Hermit of Paradise by Kim Sanders

About the Book:

A Fight for Lost Innocence
Detective Auby Midnight is retired. Or so he imagines. Jaded and transformed by a long career of witnessing degeneracy, tragedy, and true evil, he reflects on the place that first nurtured him: Paradise Cove, Lake Texoma, and the rich, endearing memories of mischief, adventure, and friendship that shaped his childhood. That is, until the day a violent feud brought irrevocable trauma for his best friend, Sunny.

Now Sunny implores the wearied Auby to right the wrongs of the past and return to the case that has haunted him and his childhood friends for years. Older, wiser, and far more experienced, they set out to defeat the evil that stole their innocence and restore the magic of Paradise Cove.

Inspired by the author’s own life events as a sixth-generation Texan and a former member of the Dallas Police Department with decades of experience under his belt, Hermit of Paradise explores meaning, morality, and the fight to stay human in the face of a grim and complicated world.
 

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Goodreads

About the Author:

Kim SandersKim Sanders is a sixth generation Texan who grew up in the South Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas. Shortly after finishing his active duty in the US Army, he was hired by the Dallas Police Department, where he worked for thirty-three years. His assignments there included Detention Services, Uniformed Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, and Homicide. He spent twenty-three years in the Narcotics Division, the last fourteen of which were assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Force Officer. He was one of the few officers in the US who worked in an undercover capacity across three separate decades. He was the lead undercover officer in three separate deep-cover operations, each of which lasted over a year in duration. His last lead deep-undercover assignment before he transferred to Homicide took him from working in Texas to New York City as he infiltrated complex Colombian heroin cartel networks. Kim has received numerous federal, state, and local awards, including the Dallas Police Department Medal of Valor. Kim is married to fellow retired Dallas Police Detective Martha “Coco” Sanders. They reside in Texas.

Author Links:

Website


My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Debt Collector by Steven Max Russo: She Just Wanted Some Work…

Be sure to come back a in few hours to read a Q&A with the author about this book!


Cover of The Debt Collector by Steven Max RussoThe Debt Collector

by Steven Max Russo

DETAILS:
Publication Date: March 20, 2024
Format: eBook
Length:  268 pg.   
Read Date: September 19-23, 2024

But she was also a little off. You could see it in her eyes. She was crazy. Had an edge to her, hard and sharp. There was an alpha dog, a predator, hiding behind that sweet, pretty smile.

What’s The Debt Collector About?

What do a couple of neighborhood drug dealers, some gang members, a bookie, a finance-bro who refuses to pay said bookie, a slightly bent cop, a low-level mobster, and miscellaneous henchman have in common?

Abigail Barnes. A debt collector who just wants a job.

Now Abby isn’t the kind of debt collector who calls you at inconvenient times of day and harasses you about outstanding medical debt, or whatever. She collects for people who can’t go through services like that. People like the aforementioned bookie. Or other drug dealers. Loan sharks. And other people who could collectively be called “criminals.”

She doesn’t look like your typical tough guy, however. The man who introduces her (in one way or another) to the above, Hector, describes her thusly the first time he sees her (while sober, but that’s another story):

He opened the door and saw a very attractive young blond woman standing there. She was a white girl, with very white skin; piercing, electric blue eyes, and a sort of round face framed by shoulder-length hair that added to her youthful appearance. She was average height for a girl with a well-rounded, curvy body that looked more solid than it did plump. She had on a white blouse that matched her very white teeth and blue jeans with black cowboy boots. She was carrying a six-pack of beer in one hand. In the other was his Maverick 88 pump action shotgun, angled upward and pointed directly at him at just about crotch height.

But as Hector will learn shortly after this—and just about everyone else she comes into contact with does, too—appearances are deceiving when it comes to Abby.

She’s got some training. She’s smart, too—she knows her limitations, and what people expect from someone who looks like her—and she combines those three attributes in ways that pretty much mean that she always comes out on top. At least regularly enough that she can earn money and stay off the radar of the authorities. But sometimes, things do get hot enough that she has to relocate and start over.

This is what she’s trying to do when she encounters Hector for the first time (and he’s nowhere near sober)—in one of those scenes that you can’t help but see play out like a movie as you read. It’s a great opening to the book, and then once Hector starts introducing Abby, we’re off to the races.

I Don’t Think I Want a Steady Diet of This, but…

Near the halfway point, there’s a pretty good fight scene between Abby and some people who have come to collect her—some of the henchmen I mentioned earlier. And, well, it doesn’t go well for them. This is a common theme in this book. And frankly, given the kind of novel this is—it’s not altogether unexpected.

But Russo does something cool here—he rewinds things a bit after the fight, and then we get to see the fight from the other point of view. It still doesn’t go well for the henchmen—but the change of perspective helps you see everything that happened in a fuller way, and better appreciate Abby.

I wrote in my notes, “that’s pretty cool, but I wouldn’t want to see that all the time.” If every time Peter Ash, Charlie Fox, or Ben Koenig got into a fight with someone we saw it from two angles, it’d get tiring (and would slow down their novels). But as a sometimes-treat? I’d love to see this kind of thing more often.

Particularly if the author did it as well as Russo did.

So, what did I think about The Debt Collector?

I had a blast with this novel—it’s one of those that in a world where I didn’t have work the next day, a family that I should pay attention to, or a blog to maintain, I’d have tackled in a single reading. I distinctly remember sitting down to dip my toe in the water one night, and maybe read 10 percent or so of the book. I got to 28% without noticing—and had to force myself to put the book down.

It just moved so smoothly—the first scene gets you hooked, and by the end of the first chapter, you’re invested in Hector and Abby (more the latter than the former, but he has his charm). And it keeps getting better and better from there.

I used the word “smoothly” above—and that’s the only word that comes to mind as I try to describe this experience. It feels effortless the way that the novel keeps you turning page after page after page—a sure sign that it took plenty of effort. There’s a little humor, Abby’s got a fresh-feeling perspective that you want to see more of. And the action? Really, really well delivered by Russo. You may think you have a general idea of how things are going to go early on (and you are likely right), but the way he reveals the plot and takes you through the fight scenes and the movement of the plot will have you not caring about your own theories when you can just keep turning the pages.

I thought the second half of the last chapter, in particular, was a tasty little cherry on top of the sundae. We really didn’t need it—but I tell you, I’m glad we got it. (The Epilogue is another thing we didn’t need—and the novel would’ve been completely fine without it—but it made me smile).

This was just a pleasure—and makes me really hope we don’t have to wait another five years for Russo’s next novel.

Disclaimer: This is where I’m supposed to say that I received an ARC from the author but the above is my own opinion. But I completely forgot for 7 months that he’d given it to me, so I went and bought it to balance the scales a bit—the above is still my honest opinion, and I’d have gladly paid for the book even if I didn’t have a guilty conscience.


4 Stars

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REPOSTING JUST CUZ: I Was On a Thing: Barbican Station – Episode 13

Sleep and a deep sense of discontent toward what I’ve been writing lately has kept me from finishing the 4 posts I was hoping to get up this week. Sigh. Anyway, I started my fifth Mick Herron novel (the 4th Slough House/Slow Horses), Spook Street. So why not revisit this, my most in-depth discussion—thanks to Jeff from Spywrite–about Herron.



I have Podcasted—is that the right conjugation?—I have Podcast? I have committed Podcast? I have appeared on a podcast, I guess is the way to put it.

A month or so ago, Friend of the Blog, Jeff Quest who took part in a Q&A some time back about the podcast he co-hosts*, Like the Wolfe. invited me onto one of his other podcasts, Barbican Station. Barbican Station is primarily a look at Mick Herron’s Slough House series, but he’s also looking at some of Herron’s other works, which is where I come in. We discussed Herron’s stand-alone, Reconstruction. Reconstruction is an Espionage-adjacent Thriller, but more of something in the Crime Fiction genre. It’s—simply put—great and the work that turned me into a Herron fan.

Reconstruction

We spent about an hour talking about Reconstruction, Herron in general, Slough House, and a few other things. It was a blast. Give it a listen–while you’re at it, give it an extra one for me, since there’s no way I’m going to bear listening to the voice that isn’t Jeff’s.

* He also contributed a nice post in my Strolling Down Amnesia Lane series last year.

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 57: Dealing with Shadows by R. T. Slaywood: I Didn’t See That Coming

Cover Image for The Ballad of Bonaduke by RT SlaywoodThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 57: Dealing with Shadows/a>

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #57
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: October 11, 2024

“Got it, got it.” I said.

“So what about you Bonaduke, what do you want now that you’re up to speed?”

This time I was the one wanting to change the subject.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better. And then his new…friends? Acquaintances? People who keep popping up in his life?…start explaining exactly what’s going on to him while they set up a new HQ and try to teach him about his abilities (and everyone tries to understand them) while they try to fund their further work. This plan doesn’t go so well, they end up stealing a book that contains (for lack of a better word) a malignant presence (something like a demon or nasty djinn), and things have gone really poorly since then. It’s almost like they’ve been cursed.

What’s Dealing with Shadows About?

We ended the last episode with Bonaduke making a rash move to summon the entity trapped in the book they’d recently appropriated. He wants that demon to give him some information that his fellows are withholding.

The demon will, but for a price. The rest of the episode consists of Bonaduke considering it and everyone trying to talk him out of it. He’s really not listening to everyone, he’s primarily thinking.

So, what did I think about Dealing with Shadows?

I had certain expectations going in to this one. Slaywood confounded me on every point. I’m so happy he did. What looked like it was going to be yet another “Bonaduke makes a rash move and then spends an episode or two cleaning everything up (or trying to)” kind of thing, ended up being Bonaduke thinking things through and making a considered decision–that is going to take some time to sort out.

It’s a new approach for the man, and I’m ready for more of that.


3 Stars

PUB DAY REPOST: The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt: Andy Carpenter’s 30th Is as Satisfying as the 1st

Cover of The More the Terrier by David RosenfeltThe More the Terrier

by David Rosenfelt

DETAILS:
Series: Andy Carpenter, #29
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 304 pg.
Read Date: October 5-7, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s The More the Terrier About?

The Carpenter family returns from a vacation to find that their house/dog-sitter has brought in a stray from the weather. Before they can take it to their rescue shelter to scan for a chip, his son, Ricky, recognizes the dog—he’s a little terrier that they’d fostered a few years ago, who’d gotten lost and found his way back to a place he knew.

Andy returns the dog, to find out that this was a bit of coincidental timing. The dog was adopted by a mother and son—the son attends a local college, and is in jail awaiting trial for killing a professor. His current lawyer is pressing him hard to take a deal, but BJ is resisting. Andy has a conversation with BJ and takes over the case—there’s something fishy about this lawyer and how he got involved in the case.

As one expects by now, the more that Andy looks at things, the more complex things appear. Soon, Andy and his team are up in their necks with experimental computer software, drug dealers, sexual assault (don’t worry, it’s not anywhere near graphic), and other sorts of criminal activity. This includes one of the biggest challenges (possibly the biggest) Marcus has faced in this series.

Marcus

At one point in this book, Andy and Marcus are having a conversation and in the middle of it, I stopped just to marvel at a totally normal conversation happening between the two without any wisecracks in the narration about finally understanding him or anything.

It was just strange. It’s good, I think I like it this way. But it’s taking some getting used to.

Marcus as a whole is losing some of his mystique, though. He’s becoming more human—which is a good (and a bad thing, I miss the superhero).

The Holiday-ness of It All

Since this is a “Christmas”/”Holiday”-themed release, I like to take a moment to talk about that aspect of the book. There’s barely any. If someone had told me that Rosenfelt had spent a day changing the Summer 2025 book into the Holiday 2024 release, it’d come out like this.

That said–it worked. We don’t need chapters upon chapters every year about Christmas, Laurie’s obsession with Christmas decorations and music, all the stuff about gifts, etc. If you’re a fan who reads every book, the allusion is enough. If you’re new to the series–or just not obsessive–there’s enough Holiday content to add flavor, to set the mood.

This is not a comment about quality or quantity. I’m good with either—it’s just an observation. Also, it’s hard to find something to talk about here at book #30.

Metaverse Overload?

So the Metaverse is a major component in this novel—it’s a place where the victim spends a lot of time, as well as several other characters in the book. There’s a lot of conversation about it, and so on.

Few things speak to the lead time between the submission of a manuscript and its publication as clearly as something like this. I verified my assumptions with the Gen Z and Millennial people in my family, and they all tell me that the Metaverse is just not as big as these characters made it seem (and people thought it would be a few years ago).

Does this hurt anything? Nope. It just made me roll my eyes.

So, what did I think about The More the Terrier?

Few things in my life are as certain as that I will have a good time with an Andy Carpenter book. The More the Terrier is no exception. We get to spend some time with some good friends, maybe make another friend or two (maybe just good acquaintances)—we get to see that Corey’s relationship is growing (we need another Team K-9 book!!).

The mystery is satisfying. The way that Andy and Co. solve it is, too. Andy’s narration is reliably entertaining and chuckle-inducing. The material about the dogs is great (the Sebastian jokes are something I’ve started to really look forward to). Andy’s courtroom antics are restrained here, but the trial is still the best part.

I really don’t know what else to say—this is a fun read. If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter book, you’ll enjoy it–if you’ve read 1-29 of them, you know this is the case.

Rosenfelt’s books are like potato chips—once you start, you just can’t stop. Go ahead and open this bag.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press—thanks to both for this.


4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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