Review: The Sinister Pig

The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love this series, and even more as Bernie grows into her own as a cop. And finally we get to where I want them all to be by the end.

Joe is keeping his hand in, even in retirement. We get just enough of his amazing brain as he helps guide them to the right answer. He's doing his investigation on the side, and it helps tie everything together, as usual. Jim is still impulsive and does what it takes to solve it all (with help) and finally be honest with Bernie so we can stop this ridiculous dance. Jim, you are so awkward, but we love you. Don't let me down in the next book. And Bernie is trying to settle into her new position with Border Patrol, but you know her heart belongs to the Rez and to Jim, and she will eventually end up where she is meant to be.

Looking forward to the next installment across the Navajo Nation. Rating this one 3.5 happy stars.



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Review: Wolf Pack

Wolf Pack by C.J. Box
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. This was a wild ride. Not a ton of Joe or Nate, as we spend a ton of time with the bad guys.
And all roads lead to Wyoming, as you might expect.
I want to be careful not to spoil too much, but there is a lot of death in this installment of my second favorite Wyoming lawman's life. But stick through to the end, and you will at least get a little satisfaction in how Wyoming justice plays out. Plus what I hope is a happily ever after.

Definitely not my favorite book in the series, but still rounding up to 4 solid stars.

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Review: The Werewolf Dates the Deputy

The Werewolf Dates the Deputy by Kristen Painter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We return to Nocturne Falls earlier than I expected, mainly because I needed to read a book with a star on the cover. Book 12 did not disappoint.
You have the sexy werewolf fire chief. You have the strong Valkyrie sheriff's deputy. They get paired up by the wiley sheriff to coordinate the annual 10k, and boom, enemies to lovers trope commences.
(Ok, not exactly enemies, but you see the annoyed bickering from the jump and you know exactly where this is headed). Dark magic ensues. An old mysterious friend comes to town. And while Jenna tries to fight it, the heart wants what it wants. Girl, he's amazing. What is wrong with you? And his house sounds like a dream spot.

Hang in there for that happily ever after you know you are going to get in Nocturne Falls. 3.5 cheesy stars.


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Review: Fallen

Fallen by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an emotional ride. But Will's life is never predictable.

This case is all about Faith, her mom's law enforcement past, and who wants answers to the past and the present. I really liked how she revealed the truth a little at a time, and it wasn't at all what I expected. Plus, Sara is still around and she's getting drawn into the Scooby gang. I'm here for it, because I love Sara.  Amanda and Faith seem to like her, too.  Also, Amanda is the most frustrating boss ever.  Will and Faith are saints to navigate her nonsense.
Also, we make some forward movement with Will's personal life. I just want him to be happy. Karin Slaughter, if you mess with Will's happiness, we are going to have words. And you had better never, ever, hurt my baby Betty.

One of my favorite series. 4 stars.

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Review: River Marked

River Marked by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lots of things happened in this one. Mercy and Adam tie the knot, and they go on a super camping honeymoon that would be totally up my alley. I liked that they got more time together and you really could feel their connection.

Walkers are everywhere, and we really get a chance to find out a bit more about Mercy's background. Plus Coyote is awesome, and I'm a big fan of Thunderbird as well. I'd like them both to make appearances in future books. Plus, it seems the pack is a bit more accepting of Mercy by the end, and that makes me happy.

I loved the letter from Mercy to Adam at the end. It made me tear up a little, because I am a big marshmallow. 4 stars.

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Review: The Vampire's Priceless Treasure

The Vampire's Priceless Treasure by Kristen Painter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another trip to Nocturne Falls. We get more time with Kora, which makes her a little more tolerable than in the previous book. And we get another appearance from Greyson. Neither are my favorite characters, but they are growing on me. Everything seems to work out fine for the supernaturals of Nocturne Falls. Short and sweet, this is an easy series to read through, and the characters' backgrounds are all interesting.

I still haven't started the Jane Frost series, but I think it's time to visit the North Pole. 3 stars.

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Review: The Governess Affair

The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Re-read for 2024. I still love Hugo best.

Very pleasantly surprised by this one. Glad I read it.

Hugo Marshall, will you be my book boyfriend? You are exactly my type. Strong on the outside, soft on the inside. Smart (very important). And a strange mix of safe and dangerous. He's the perfect match for Selena, and she was damn lucky to find him.

Really fast read and hits all of the right historical romance notes for me. I'm quite excited to see how book 1 holds up against the backstory. It's going to be tough to beat Hugo, and I hope he makes an appearance.

Really loved it. 4 gooey stars.

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Review: Matchmaking Can Be Murder

Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First book in a new series for me. It was decent. I'll add it to my Amish cozy list.

Millie is a bit of a busybody who fancies herself a matchmaker. Based on the little evidence in this book, the jury is still out. She's also a master quilter. Jealous! Anyway, this book is a spinoff of the author's Amish Candy Shop series, but you don't need to read it first to read this one. The mystery was decent and I didn't figure it out until the reveal. I'll read the second book eventually. 3 stars.

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Review: A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception, and Survival at Jonestown

A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception, and Survival at Jonestown by Julia Scheeres
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes the world makes me really, really sad. There really is true evil out there.

One of my earliest memories is of the Time Magazine cover of the Jonestown massacre in 1978. It was the first glimpse of death and destruction in the world. So as an adult, I really want to understand when people go to the dark side and sadly take others with them. Sometimes I read true crime, as icky and sad as it makes me feel.
Jim Jones was a meglomaniacal monster. He used and abused his flock, spread fear and punishment, split up families, and then moved them to South America where they were isolated, further brainwashed, and sacrificed them all. It's sick. He was sick, and it makes my heart hurt. At least a few of them got away to survive and tell their stories.
Tough subject matter with a bit too much of the author's personal slant on things to make it a true 4 star read, so rounding down to 3.

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Review: The Lost Traveller

The Lost Traveller by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Maura, you really are the worst businesswoman in the world. I'm not sure if I can even read the next book. Seriously, it's a miracle the pub is able to run under your management. Mick and the gang are the only reason she can survive. She keeps no food in her house, and acts totally helpless at every turn. Plus, she lacks common sense. However, these books do make me want to relocate to rural Ireland, so there's that. Only sticking around for the side characters.

The mystery isn't great, and Maura is super dumb. 2 stars.

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Review: R is for Ricochet

R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kinsey and Henry, once again, you make things way harder than they need to be, but I still love you both. This one involves some money laundering, hi tech 80s computers, off shore accounts, and bad behaviors all-around. Reba, Marty, the whole lot of them.

One the bright side, Henry is open to romance at 87, as we all should be, and Kinsey is finally breaking her dry spell, too. Get it, friends. I'm pulling for you both.

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Review: Widowish

Widowish by Melissa Gould
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting 2024 on a somber note. Melissa Gould suddenly lost her husband and her life was completely turned on its head. I felt her loss, and never, ever want to be in her shoes. Grief is a terrible journey and just thinking about losing my husband makes my chest tighten.
Well-written and honest, it's a compelling look at love, loss, and finding a new normal. 4 stars.

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