Review: Washington Black

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Part 1. The first part was exciting and grabbed my interest.

Part 2. I thought the writing was very good.

Part 3. Second part of the book, good, but things were starting to not hang together.

Part 4. The third part I became fed up with its disjoint.

Part 5. Dragging boredom of the unlikely things that happen and the unlikely rationales.

I made the effort and finished the book. It had a

strong start with an unusual twist on slavery

in the West Indies. Any good plot lines seemed

to be abandoned.

The part in the Arctic didn't make any sense at

all to me.

Review: The Third Wife

The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the early hours of an April morning, Maya stumbles into the path of an oncoming bus.
A tragic accident? Or suicide? Her grief-stricken husband, Adrian, is determined to find out.

Maya had a job she enjoyed; she had friends. They'd been in love. She even got on with his two previous wives and their children. In fact, they'd all been one big happy family.

But before long Adrian starts to identify the dark cracks in his perfect life.
Because everyone has secrets. And secrets have consequences. Some of which can be devastating.

The ending was excellent.

Review: Girl Last Seen

Girl Last Seen by Nina Laurin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Olivia Shaw has been missing since last Tuesday. She was last seen outside the entrance of her elementary school in Hunts Point wearing a white spring jacket, blue jeans, and pink boots. I force myself to look at the face in the photo, into her slightly smudged features, and I can't bring myself to move. Olivia Shaw could be my mirror image, rewound to thirteen years ago. If you have any knowledge of Olivia Shaw's whereabouts or any relevant information, please contact... I've spent a long time peering into the faces of girls on missing posters, wondering which one replaced me in that basement. But they were never quite the right age, the right look, the right circumstances. Until Olivia Shaw, missing for one week tomorrow. Whoever stole me was never found. But since I was taken, there hasn't been another girl. And now there is.

Review: Killer Smile

Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All Mary wants to do is immerse herself in a case everybody else calls "The History Channel", a pro bono representation of the Brandolini estate. The roots of the matter sink deep into the past, when Amadeo Brandolini emigrated to Philadelphia, started a family, and built up a small fishing business. At the outbreak of World War II, Brandolini was arrested by the FBI as part of a mass internment of Italian-Americans and was sent to a camp in Montana, where he eventually committed suicide. Now, more than sixty years later, his son's estate hires Mary to sue for reparations.

Mary vows to vindicate Amadeo even though it won't be easy. With only a lock of hair, an old wallet, and a sheet of paper filled with odd doodles to go on, the tenacious lawyer begins to research the case but finds instead puzzling new questions. Someone doesn't want Mary to find the truth, and before long, her life is threatened. Suddenly, the quiet, squeaky-clean good girl who never left Mercer Street is risking life and limb to finger a killer and lay a beloved ghost to rest.

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline delivers a stunning new tale filled with witty dialogue, vibrant characters, and breakneck pacing, in which true-life history reinforces her hallmark themes of justice and family. As entertaining as it is poignant, Killer Smile is a surefire bestseller from a writer at the peak of her talents. 

Review: The Radleys

The Radleys by Matt Haig
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Radleys are an everyday family who juggle dysfunctional lives. Except, as Peter and Helen Radley know but their children have yet to find out, the Radleys happen to be a family of abstaining vampires. When one night Clara finds herself driven to commit a bloodthirsty act, her parents decide to explain a few things.

I always like Matt Haig's writing, but this one was just not my cup of tea.

Review: Wildflower

Wildflower by Monique Mulligan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully written story on the topic of domestic abuse. Jane Kelly is bullied and a very lonely girl until Acacia moves into the house next door. They become fast friends but things are happening in Acacia's home.

It was hard to put this book down even though you were worried about what was going to happen next. Interwoven between 1979-80 and current times.

This is a very important book with a very important message for women.

Review: Have a Nice Guilt Trip

Have a Nice Guilt Trip by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella are back with another collection of warm and witty stories that will strike a chord with every woman. This four book series is among the best reviewed humor books published today and has been compared to the late greats, Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. Booklist raved of the third book in the series, Meet Me At Emotional Baggage Claim, "readers can count on an ab-toning laugh session, a silly giggle, a sympathetic sigh, and a lump in the throat as life's moments are rehashed through the keen eyes and wits of this lovable mother-daughter duo." This fourth volume, Have a Nice Guilt Trip, maintains the same sterling standard of humor and poignancy as Lisa and Francesca continue on the road of life acquiring men and puppies. Ok, to be honest, Lisa is acquiring the puppies, while Francesca is lucky enough to have dates with actual men. They leave it to the listeners to decide which is more desirable and/or or easier to train.