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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Review: Brian's Winter

Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Somehow, I didn't read this when I read Hatchet. I'm glad I did. This time, Paulsen takes us through the question of "what if Brian didn't get rescued and has to survive the winter". It's cold. There are dangerous animals (I think I need to be afraid of moose at this point). And Brian figures it out. I really enjoyed this edition of Brian's Saga. 3 stars.

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Review: Edwin of the Iron Shoes

Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Muller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Rules for a Proper Governess

Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Completion Post - Week 9
Space: 78


Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
Pages: 320
Qualification: Mackenzies & McBrides #7
Read: 3/24/22
Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: You know how you want to fall in love with a book, but you just really end up being good friends? That was this book for me. I liked Bertie. I did. She was spunky and was trying to make a better life for herself. And she had some bad circumstances to overcome. I think the miss for me was Sinclair. He was grumpy, with a hard outside and a marshmallow inside. That's usually ok. But something just wasn't true love forever with him.
I still enjoyed the story, and I'll keep on with the series. It just wasn't my favorite. 3.5 stars. Sorry, book. It's me, not you.

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Review: Death of a Dustman

Death of a Dustman by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hamish, oh Hamish. You were born under a lucky star. This time, Lochdubh has a murder (gasp) and then another one (gasp). These people need to move to Strathbane, or they need a larger police force because Hamish and his copper of the week can't handle the body count.

Hamish noses around in everyone's business, tries to protect the people of Lochdubh as usual, and shows up Blair. Plus takes a lot of naps and eats tons of food while still pining after Priscilla. These books have a formula, and it works for me. I still miss Towser,

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Review: Miss Julia's School of Beauty

Miss Julia's School of Beauty by Ann B. Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Second Grave on the Left

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Charley, Charley, Charley. You carry a lot on your shoulders, being the Grim Reaper. But I have to be honest, girl. You and Reyes are a recipe for disaster. You know this. I know this. He knows this. But you just can't quit him. Your decision quality is suspect, but you know I will be back for more fun in book 3.


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