Category: News/Misc. Page 52 of 228

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
What can I possibly say about Noelle Holten? I first heard her on the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast, and sought out her blog, CrimeBookJunkie. Sometime after that I started reading her novels–and am an even bigger fan of those than her (too rare) posts. Noelle’s a great supporter of the blog, too–and has been known to share one of my posts before I get a chance to on social media–and expressed interest in taking part in these if I did it again. Well, here we are…

Her official bio states: “Noelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She’s a PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and she worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of cases including those involving serious domestic abuse. Noelle has three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice, a Diploma in Probation Studies and a Masters in Criminology. Her hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog.
Dead Inside – her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. 6 Ripley Avenue is her first stand-alone crime thriller and hopefully not her last!”

Huge thanks to H.C. for taking me up on my offer to share my 5 Desert Island books! Assuming I can’t take my kindle… plus I’m not scientific enough to figure out how I’d power it without a plug, here are the 5 books I’d choose and a little explanation as to why!

In no particular order:

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder. Don’t be shocked it’s not crime as my love of philosophy is just as strong – my Hons BA proves that! Or does it? 🤔 The book is about a girl named Sophie who starts getting letters from a philosopher, Alberto Knox. It’s like a crash course in philosophy, wrapped in a story and has stayed with me for over 40 years. It’s about understanding people, the decisions they make, the importance of knowledge and learning as well as questioning everything. I recently bought a special edition copy to re-read and see if I pick up anything new!

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. A classic psychological suspense thriller, this story got under my skin when I first read it in high-school. I then became obsessed with the original film and anything since. I think this book just stands the test of time (I bought a special edition copy of this one a few years ago!). It is haunting, thrilling and emotional and if you haven’t read it yet… you should!

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. Mainly because I might actually finish it! 😂 I have the whole collection and love the world-building, characters and imagery. It would be the perfect escape and it’s one hell of a story. Plus I’d get my fix of dragons… another obsession! If I could bring the whole collection, I would (but that would be cheating!

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This was one of the books that made me want to go into Probation. The question of morality and justice, good and evil, are prominent in the story as well as whether what the MC, Raskolnikov, did was wrong. A fine line where murder is just? 🤔 His conscience soon catches up with him as the police close in. I’ve read it so many times, I’ve lost count and will probably read it many more as I usually pick up something new from the previous read.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I’ve read the book a few times and watched the series multiple times because it is one hell of a story… something you could picture happening if certain people got into power. 😲 I was fascinated at the insight the author had and although there is violence, oppression, power, misogyny, etc … the fight for survival and justice is strong. It is haunting, thrilling and another that has stayed with me. So this would definitely be coming – in case I need any tips to escape!

There you have it. I stayed away from any current novels because as much as I would love to take a few, the choice was much harder. I’m a series gal as well, so this would make the choice even worse. Thanks again to H.C. for having me.

Are any of these on your list, let us know in the comments!

Be sure to check out Noelle’s blog and novels!

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books Footer

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books with Lashaan Balasingam

By HCNewton

On May 6, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
Lashaan is a Tolkien and Batman nut. There’s more to him, but those are the things that first jump to mind. His blog describes him as:

“A reader. A reviewer. A researcher.
He’s a Ph.D. candidate in criminology and works full-time in a North American police organization.
He has an eclectic reading taste but primarily focuses on science-fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels.
He might seem busy by day, but he chases after stories, whatever form they are in, by night.”

He’s also an incredibly nice guy who has pointed me to about 50% of the comics/graphic novels I’ve picked up in the last few years. Lashaan is one of the first I reached out to for this round of guest posts, asking him “What’s your Top 5 Desert Island Top 5 list?

Be sure to check out Roars and Echoes on a regular basis, you’ll be glad you did.

Yep. That’s THE question that always sends ANY reader down a dark, dark spiral of madness and mayhem. You’d think it’s an easy question with the number of books you might have already read so far into your life, but that’s just it. So many to pick from. Which five do you keep? So here I go:

Crime and Punishment cover

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (https://roarsandechoes.com/2016/01/30/crime-and-punishment-by-fyodor-dostoyevsky/)

I usually systematically go with this book as my all-time favourite novel, so it’s a bit hard not to keep it in a list like this one. Every time I think back at the first time I read and finished this book, I’m reminded by the suffocating psychological journey the protagonist goes through and that’s definitely a story I’d like to have by my side to relativize my own desert island experience.

The Hobbit cover

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (https://roarsandechoes.com/2019/11/08/the-hobbit-by-j-r-r-tolkien/)

The book that paved the way to my deep plunge into the professor’s fantasy universe. This one is sure to keep me entertained, to keep me dreaming awake, to keep me resilient all alone on my island.

The Lord of the Rings cover

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (https://roarsandechoes.com/2020/07/25/the-fellowship-of-the-ring-by-j-r-r-tolkien/)

I’m sort of cheating with this one since this would contain all three books in one neat edition, but hey, that’s the only way to get the whole adventure. How can I also not bring this along when it’s clearly the ultimate epic fantasy adventure that couldn’t possibly ever get hold no matter how many times you read it!

Dune cover

Dune by Frank Herbert (https://roarsandechoes.com/2019/10/02/dune-by-frank-herbert-2/)

Another classic that I’ll always cherish and even more because of the protagonist’s coming of age story, his ability to face the unknown, to surmount his fears, to embrace his prophecy. While I might not be able to continue the rest of the series on my island, this along will surely keep me happy until my last breath!

The Killing Joke Cover

Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore (https://roarsandechoes.com/2015/07/26/the-killing-joke-by-alan-moore-2/)

You didn’t possibly think I’d end this top 5 without at least mentioning Batman once, did you? One of my all-time favourite graphic novels is one of Alan Moore’s greatest creation: The Killing Joke. I’m always all giddy with excitement when I think of this particular story. Such a masterpiece.

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books Footer

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Programming Announcement/Sick Leave

By HCNewton

On May 6, 2024

In Miscellany, News/Misc.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had this monologue from Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs running through my head:

EUGENE I’d better explain what she meant by Aunt Blanche’s “situation.” You see, her husband, Uncle Dave, died six years ago from (He looks around) this thing… They never say the word. They always whisper it. It was (He whispers)—cancer! I think they’re afraid if they said it out loud, God would say, “I HEARD THAT! YOU SAID THE DREAD DISEASE! (He points his finger down) JUST FOR THAT, I SMITE YOU DOWN WITH IT!” … There are some things that grownups just won’t discuss. For example, my grandfather. He died from (He whispers) diphtheria! Anyway, after Uncle Dave died, he left Aunt Blanche with no money. Not even insurance. And she couldn’t support herself because she has (He whispers)—asthma… So my big-hearted mother insisted we take her and her kids in to live with us. So they broke up our room into two small rooms, and me and my brother Stan live on this side, and Laurie and her sister Nora live on the other side. My father thought it would just be temporary, but it’s been three and a half years so far and I think because of Aunt Blanche’s situation, my father is developing (He whispers)—high blood pressure!

I’m not the whispering type, but I’ve thought about that at least daily. And it has inspired me to whisper bits of my news just to amuse myself when I tell others about it. Early last month, a radiologist who was supposed to be looking for something else, noticed that my right kidney had a tumor on it that was most likely cancerous. The treatment for this is simple: remove the kidney. I have a spare, right? There’s no sign of it anywhere else, so this simple procedure will get set right.

By the time this posts, I should be fully anesthetized and won’t come out of it for a few hours. I’m supposed to lie low for a couple of weeks, and since I don’t know how I’ll be feeling over those weeks, I’ve arranged for some friends, acquaintances, and a stranger or two to drop by with some guest posts. Some will be a new Iteration of the All-Time Desert Island Top 5 lists from last year. Some will be other lists or posts, a guest review or two, and who knows what else? Some of the contributors won’t be strangers to readers of this blog. Some are new to this space. All of them have contributed something I enjoyed reading—hopefully, you do, too.

Also, since I can’t schedule posts there, my daughter has taken control of my BlueSky and Threads accounts. There’s a strong possibility that shenanigans may ensue there.

While you’re being entertained by my guests, I have a stack of (mostly lighter) reads to work through and a few movies I’ve been putting off while doing as little as I can. I’ll likely be popping back with a post or two (how many are to be determined) along the way, and plan on being back cancer-free and one renal organ lighter by the 20th.

I borrowed the kidney above from the blog we ran about my son’s kidney transplant, etc. So I’ll thank V.X. Blackthorne for doing that again. And clearly there is something about my family and kidneys (there’s nothing other than correlation when it comes to this and my son’s issues), but we don’t know what it is.

Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

Saturday Miscellany—5/4/24

By HCNewton

On May 4, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Not much to say today as an intro. (“Phew!” is the collective response, I’m sure).

The next couple of weeks are going to be very interesting, I think, here. I’ll talk about it Monday—but I’m telling you now, reader, you’re going to want to stop by a lot (or just a couple of times, I guess—but it should read it all).
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet We’re All Reading Wrong: To access the full benefits of literature, you have to share it out loud.—hmmmmm….
bullet But Why a Penguin?—Who among us hasn’t wondered?
bullet I missed the provocative essay No One Buys Books last week, where Elle Griffin dove into the data from the recent Penguin vs. DOJ case to look at what it says about book sales.
bullet This week, there were two (at least) responses to that: The Puzzle of Publishing and Yes, People Still Buy Books: How a viral post got some key statistics wrong.—between the three of these pieces, there’s a heckuva education into the business side of book publishing.
bullet M.W Craven up for Theakston Old Peculier Crime award for 3rd year—a quick catch-up with Craven
bullet The Edgar Awards were this week, which means it’s time for Crime Reads’ annual nominee roundtable on The State of the Crime Novel. Part 1: Writing Life and Part 2: The Future of Crime Writing
bullet How Fiction Became Edible: A new genre of cookbooks is reverse engineering the foods of all your favorite pieces of pop culture. Now your stomach can travel to Westeros, Tatooine, the Shire, and more.
bullet The Author as Protagonist: Why are so many fictional writers solving crimes in detective novels?
bullet A few good books about too-good-to-be-true tech (to read after your Tesla explodes).—a fun listicle
bullet Andrew Miller: Namaste Mart Confidential—A quick Q&A with Miller (and a website I need to spend more time with, you will likely enjoy it, too)
bullet Historical Fiction Pros & Cons—Reading Ladies Book Club looks at the genre
bullet Why I No Longer Request ARCs—I absolutely get this (and agree with almost every part of it). But my stack-o’-ARCS suggests I may need to consider Krysta’s words more closely soon.
bullet Speaking of things I need to think more about: How Negative Am I? Posing the Question of Negativity on the Internet
bullet 7 Reasons Adults Should Read Children’s Books—#1 & #3 are the big ones for me. With #4 gaining steadily, as the Grandcritter ages, I expect it’ll take first place.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
bullet <bOutlander by Diana Gabaldon—left me utterly unimpressed
bullet In Defense of the Descent by Daniel R. Hyde—a short and compelling book about the controversial line in the Apostle’s Creed. I still refer to this book.
bullet Dawn’s Early Light by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris—steampunky fun in the U.S. of A.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Namaste Mart Confidential by Andrew Miller—A pair of unlicensed PIs/Grocery Store Clerks search for a missing (possibly kidnapped) woman in the L.A. of 2013. I rambled about it a little earlier this week
bullet Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green—a collection of short stories from (mostly) contemporary Japan. I posted about it recently and managed not to make a single joke about one of the world’s least appealing (to me) types of food. That’s personal growth right there.
bullet Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles—in this follow-up to Shadow Ranch, Kasenia somehow finds herself in a tense situation with another polygamous bunch.
bullet What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park—a YA look at cooking competitions and dealing with parental expectations.
bullet The Vanishing Station by Ana Ellickson —”a lyrical and bold YA debut about an underground magic system in San Francisco—and the lengths one girl is willing to go to protect the ones she loves.” Intriguing setup and world.

Opening Lines: Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

By HCNewton

On May 3, 2024

In Blog Series, Currently Reading, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, News/Misc., Opening Lines, Quotations

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.

So, I’m going to kick off by making one thing very clear: None of this was my fault. I was part of it, sure, but only like a flea is part of a cat. I was carried along, contributing my own pain-in-the-ass factor, no argument there, but I was mot, in any sense, driving the bus. Let’s not forget that when this story starts, was literally on an island in the middle of nowhere. Hands full, head busy, heart well guarded. Safe as houses, baby.

Wait, that’s not completely accurate. The island of Violetta isn’t in the middle of nowhere; it’s slightly to the right of Africa, many hundreds of miles into the Indian Ocean. It’s a geography cal, political and sociological anomaly, It’s also home to a frozwn vodka drink called the Barrier Island, beyond which no man may safely travel, but that’s a sidenote. It lies two days’ sail from a large French-speaking island more than five hundred miles off the east African coast, which is probably why the French didn’t bother to claim it. It was ignored by the Mauritians, because they thought the French already nabbed it, and blithely disregarded by the British, who had no idea who owned it, but had no reason to think was them.

No one paid much attention to it at all until the 1950s, when an enterprising young Violettan by the name of Agnes Bottlebrush did a school project on the even younger United Nations and then quietly applied for membership for Violetta (Agnes was an overachiever with time on her hands). As the result of a series of fortunate and slightly comedic events, Violetta became the smallest member of the United Nations, and Agnes received a rapid promotion to Head Girl. Then she walked around to everyone’s houses and handed them a copy of the UN Charter and gathered suggestions for what to put on the flag.

from Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

I’m not sure what happens over the next 369 pages (in a sense). I just want almost 400 pages like this.

Opening Lines Logo

Kickstarter Announcement: Anna, Daughter of Creed by Jonathan Fesmire

By HCNewton

On May 2, 2024

In Fiction, Miscellany, News/Misc., Steampunk

I’ve talked about Jonathan Fesmire’s Bodacious Creed series a few times over the last few years, and he was gracious enough to participate in that series of Q&As about Self-Publishing here last year. So yesterday, when he asked me to help spread the word about his new Kickstarter, it took me a whole second to agree. Go check this one out!

Anna Daughter of Creed Kickstarter

It’s Time for Adventure in the Creedverse!

Exciting news, Steampunk and Western fans! The Kickstarter for my newest novel, “Anna, Daughter of Creed,” is now LIVE! Dive into the vivid and inventive world of the Creedverse with this thrilling spin-off series.

Join the adventure on Kickstarter!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanfesmire/anna-daughter-of-creed/

“Anna, Daughter of Creed” marks the first book in an electrifying new series that expands on the universe of “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed.” Anna Lynn Boyd, a master inventor and daring protagonist, will take you through the streets of 1877 Santa Cruz in a timeline where technology and the Old West merge in unexpected ways.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

Immerse Yourself in the Creedverse: Discover more of the richly detailed world where automatons walk the streets alongside gunslingers.
Follow a Strong, Inventive Heroine: Anna Lynn Boyd is not just any character. She’s a brilliant inventor, the esteemed owner of The House of Amber Doves, and a pioneer in automaton technology.
Experience a Unique Blend of Genres: Mixing the suspense of a Western with the imaginative flair of Steampunk, this series offers a fresh take on both.

What Fans Say About “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed”:

“…one of the most imaginative and addictive I have ever read!” “There aren’t enough stars to rate this as high as I want to!” “What a refreshing read!” “Can’t wait for the sequel!” — Praise echoed by readers on Amazon, Goodreads, and beyond.

By backing this project, you’re not just getting a book. You’re unlocking exclusive rewards and becoming part of the Creedverse community.

Support creativity. Embrace adventure. Make history with me.

Back “Anna, Daughter of Creed” Today!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanfesmire/anna-daughter-of-creed/

Let’s make this journey unforgettable!

Kickstarter Info

About the Author

Jonathan Fesmire is a happy author of speculative fiction. While he loves a variety of genres, including high fantasy, hard sf, and superheroes, the niche steampunk western genre has a strong grip on his imagination. Hence, the Creedverse was born.

A single father, Jonathan lives in California with his son. They enjoy going to movies, to Disneyland when possible, and play guitar together most evenings. Early in the covid pandemic, Mr. Fesmire took up the hobby of resin 3D printing. He enjoys printing, and painting, miniatures and dice towers when he has the time.

As an author, one of his goals is to write and publish at least one novel per year, and with “Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate,” he’s come close.

Facebook ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Website ~ Linktree

Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

Highlights from March: Lines Worth Repeating

By HCNewton

On April 30, 2024

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., Quotations

Highlights from the Month
What better day than the last day of April to finish my March wrap-up?

The Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Herne

I waved at Constable du Bartylyn, who was passing by and had absolutely no updates on my stolen furniture, save for a speculation that someone else must have farted on it by now, and if I thought about that long enough, it might make me feel a little bit better about never seeing it again.

He walked away, whistling, and I thought he was a singularly strange individual for trying to comfort me with thoughts of thieves tooting their foghorns on my property. But perhaps I should give him full Marks for innovative community policing.

“Have you ever heard of the lizards in Forn that can change the color of their skin to match their surroundings? They’re called chameleons.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of them. I’d love to actually see one someday.”

After witnessing that performance, I think grief can be thought of as a chameleon. It can change its color or pattern, but underneath it all it’s still an ugly lizard on a branch, waiting patiently for the right time to strike.”

“You realize that every time I’m sad from now on I’m going to think chameleons?”

A mob is not the best, though. It’s strange to be in one, to realize that, Hey, I’m part of a mob right now, and mobs are pretty famous for not doing anything nice to other people. No one sees a mob tearing down the street and thinks, Oh, neat! I wonder what kindness they will bestow upon our neighbors! No one wishes a mob would form outside their neighborhood.

Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane

It’s odd how fast a beautiful woman can turn a guy’s mind into lint storage. Just by being a beautiful woman.

I normally can’t stand vice-free people. They conflate a narcissistic instinct for self-preservation with moral superiority. Plus they suck the life right out of a party.

…I looked out the window and felt old. It was a feeling I’d had a lot lately. But not in a rueful way. If this is how twenty-somethings spent their twenties these days, they could have their twenties. Their thirties, too.

Dead Ground by MW. Craven

Poe had missed something. he didn’t know what, but his second brain, the one that ticked over in the background while his primary brain made rash decisions was working overtime. He recognized the signs, nervous energy and an inability to concentrate on anything.

Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs

“The thing that we thought might end up with Adam dead looks like it will work out okay,” I told her dryly as her feet hit the ground again. “We have another situation to replace it that might end up with Adam dead. Or me dead. Or maybe the whole pack. But at least we solved one deadly situation before we picked up another one.”

“Business as usual,” said Tad.

Heaven’s River by Dennis E. Taylor

All actions have risks. Most inactions even more so.

What it lacks in elegance, it makes up for with wads of unearned optimism. Let’s do it.

Sadly, it was like most political arguments. No one was willing to debate their base assumptions, or justify them, or compromise on them. The simple tactic being that if you repeated your assertion often enough, with enough emotion and volume, the opponents would somehow be forced to see things your way.

Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

“Stories belong to the teller,” says the bard. “At least half of them do. The other part belongs to the listeners. When a good story is told to a good listener, the pair of them own it together.”

(Image by DaModernDaVinci from Pixabay)

EXCERPT from Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles: What was going on?

By HCNewton

On April 30, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Quotations

As we continue to celebrate the Publication Day of Crimson Arches, here’s a little sample to whet your appetite, and a quick reminder that both books (so far) in this series are available for a great price.

from Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles

What was going on?

Far ahead on the two-lane highway that divided the flat desert like an endless gray ribbon, a light flashed. Kasenia Clarke squinted but saw nothing unusual, not even a dust devil twirling across the arid plain. Had to be sunlight reflected off a car window or a bumper. She lowered the sun visor to block the bright orb’s merciless glare, and a flicker in the rearview mirror caught her eye.

What was going on?

A siren sounded behind her. This time, she couldn’t miss the frenetic red-and-blue beams coming closer by the second. Heart in her throat, she glanced at the speedometer and steered to the side. She wasn’t speeding, and the kidnapping charges had been dropped a year ago. Even so, her stomach clenched at the reminder of her arrest and incarceration, experiences she hoped to never repeat.

A State Trooper’s SUV screamed past, buffeting her car. Kasenia cringed. The ear-piercing sound shook her to her core. The trooper wasn’t after her, thank God, but someone up ahead was injured or in trouble. After a quick check for other cars, she drove onto the blacktop, only to hear another siren. This time, she swerved off the highway mere moments before an ambulance wailed by her window.

When no more emergency vehicles followed, Kasenia checked one more time. With deep breaths to slow her racing pulse, she pulled onto the road again, grateful the sirens hadn’t triggered a panic attack.

She’d traveled several more miles when she topped a rise and saw a string of cars that appeared to be at a standstill several miles ahead. Black smoke billowed in the distance.

More sirens. More lights. Again, she reduced speed and maneuvered out of the way. A second ambulance passed, this one trailed by a firetruck, then a tow truck, and another firetruck.

“Jesus,” she whispered, “please help those who’ve been injured and give the first responders wisdom.” Almost every time she rode with her grandpa, someone would speed past on a straightaway. And every time, he’d grouse, “What does that bloomin’ blockhead think this is, a racetrack?” Sadly, sometimes those drivers caused horrible accidents.

She rolled onto the road, this time to slowly approach the last vehicle in the queue. Braking to a stop, she sat for a moment, taking in the situation. Despite the heat, people stood outside their cars, gaping at the enormous black smoke cloud.

Before she switched off the AC, Kasenia twisted her hair to fit it into the crown of her wide-brimmed straw sunhat and adjusted her sunglasses, which usually prevented recognition. But not always. The hat was an extra precaution to hide her copper-colored hair, which tended to attract attention.

Modeling required her to be in the spotlight during photo shoots—she was used to that. But since the Shadow Ranch debacle, almost every time she left home, curious people gathered around her like mice to cheese. They bombarded her with questions about the ranch, Brewster, the sister wives, running away. They took cell phone pictures without her permission and begged for autographs. Yet in a year’s time, not a single person had asked how she and Sam and the others were coping with the trauma since their perilous escape.

Her lawyer advised her to say she wasn’t allowed to answer questions or give autographs, and to keep walking, so that’s what she did.

In addition to local notoriety, her photo had been plastered on the front cover of nearly every magazine on the grocery-store racks. All because she’d stupidly fallen for Brewster’s lies and allowed him to trick her into a fake marriage. Then there was the meddling media, as Grandpa Gordon called reporters who appeared from nowhere, snapping pictures and sticking microphones in her face. All these months later, they still clamored for interviews about her Shadow Ranch experience.

Kasenia switched off the ignition and reached for the door handle. The silver SUV she’d parked behind had a Montana license plate. Good. People from up north wouldn’t know anything about her or Shadow Ranch.

Read the rest in Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles to see what happens from here in this follow-up to Shadow Ranch.

MUSIC MONDAY: Oh Well by Slash feat. Chris Stapleton

By HCNewton

On April 29, 2024

In News/Misc.

Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.

I’m not the biggest fan of the original, but I really dig a good cover of this song—Haim‘s and Tourniquet‘s come to mind as examples. And now, this:

The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag ’24

By HCNewton

On April 29, 2024

In Book Tag, Books, News/Misc.

The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag
I’ve seen this on various blogs, but can’t seem to find the creator, so I can’t credit them. I’d like to, if anyone knows who did it.

I saw this over at Peat Long’s Blog, Biblio Nerd Reflections, and Chasing Destino (and, apparently, did it myself last year), and thought it was worth a shot. Three weeks later, here we are…

How many books have you read so far?

86 is what the ol’ spreadsheet says. Which is larger than I expected, I’ve gotta say (even after subtracting a handful of board books, picture books, etc., that’s still better than I’d have guessed).

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2024 favourite? If not, what was your favourite book you read that wasn’t quite five stars?

Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield , City on Fire by Don Winslow, and The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett are the front-runners so far.

Blank Space

I’ve got Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman coming up this week (probably), I assume it’ll be in the running, too.

Any 1-star books / least favourite book of the year?

America Fantastica by Tim O’Brien is a title that begs for someone to say it’s not that fantastic. And it isn’t. Not really that good–and I kept waiting for it to raise to the level of mediocre, at least. As I tried to describe.

Most read genre so far?

Mystery/Crime/Thriller. Which will come as no surprise to anyone who is not me. I figured it might be on top, but I thought that Fantasy would be a lot closer so far this year. Which probably says a lot about how much reflection I’ve given to things.

1st Quarter Genre Chart

A book that surprised you?

Several of them, really. But I’m going to have to give this one to the 2024 InCryptid novel, Aftermarket Afterlife–McGuire does things in this story I didn’t think she’d do in this series. I was caught way off-guard more than once. Literally stunned.
Literally gif