"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole is an exciting locked-room thriller at sea—two of my favorite tropes—following a group of friends haunted by their past. Told in first-person POV from Palmer’s perspective, the story quickly turns dark: a storm, deaths, and a long-buried secret transform what begins as a luxurious cruise for four friends into a deadly ordeal.

Five friends went on a rafting trip twenty years ago during their senior year. Only four returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found, which impacted all their lives. In the present day, Palmer—struggling with a broken marriage and the only one with kids—joins her best friend Beth, a newly appointed university president, and home renovator Emma on a voyage. They are invited by former friend, mega-influencer Gigi, to an all-expenses-paid trip along the Pacific Coast in remembrance of Courtney.

The plot thickens when a storm hits, the captain goes missing, and a mysterious note accuses them of murdering Courtney. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Courtney wasn’t so pure of heart—she could be cruel at times. In fact, each of the gang has a secret and a reason to want her dead. Then someone disappears, and it’s only the beginning. What was supposed to be a relaxing cruise turns into a fight for their lives. Palmer must navigate a rocky sea of secrets and lies if she wants to make it out alive.

The book was thoroughly absorbing and kept me hooked from start to finish. The trope is familiar, but the execution is compelling, and the writing is smooth and atmospheric. The pace starts off slow but quickly accelerates, maintaining suspense throughout. The transitions between timelines are seamless. None of the characters are very likeable—each behaved badly at some point—but I was still invested in their fate, at least in some of them.

The storytelling is intense: full of tension, unease, claustrophobia, and atmosphere. I could feel the rocking of the ship during the storm, the claustrophobic vibes, and the fear. The group dynamic was well drawn, with all the drama, fighting, and high emotions. I couldn't understand why the characters let Courtney step on them in their youth without breaking free, though.

It’s a book about image, influence, guilty secrets, infidelity, revenge, and lies. In the end, every lie comes to light, and no one can escape their past. One minor issue I noticed: Courtney’s diary mentions a traitor, but the identity is never revealed.

Overall, I enjoyed the story immensely. I didn’t guess who was behind all the incidents, which is a good thing. I rated the book 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 5. It’s a light read, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need to breathe between heavier books. I recommend it to fans of atmospheric, suspenseful locked-room thrillers at sea, or anyone who enjoys a story where secrets from the past refuse to stay buried.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole

 

"Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher

 

I’ve read several of T. Kingfisher’s books and am always enchanted by her storytelling, so I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. Snake-Eater is a stand-alone cozy-horror fantasy that leans more cozy than horror—and I loved every minute of it.

The story follows Selena, a 30-year-old socially awkward woman with anxiety and prepared scripts, who is trying to escape her past and rebuild her life. Fleeing a gaslighting partner, she travels to the remote desert town of Quartz, hoping to reunite with her estranged Aunt Amelia. Instead, she discovers that her aunt passed away a year earlier. With no money, no prospects, and only her dog Copper for company, she feels lost.

To her surprise, the inhabitants of Quartz Creek are very welcoming and offer her a place to stay at her aunt’s house. She reluctantly accepts, intending to stay only for a day or two, but gradually slips into a routine: tending her garden, rescuing scorpions, and enjoying both the desert and the warmth of the community. The plot thickens as she finds herself haunted by disturbing apparitions, uncanny visitations, and one very angry roadrunner. The mix of folklore, ancient desert gods, rogue spirits, eccentric townsfolk, and a lingering sense of menace all play their part in this unforgettable read.

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the atmosphere, the folklore, the small-community feel, and the overall vibe. The character interactions were delightful—the quirks of Grandma Billy, the kindness of Father Aguirre, and the quiet support of Jenny, who somehow manages to be mayor, postmistress, fire marshal, and chief of police all in one.

The novel explores themes of gaslighting, found family, acceptance, self-worth, the risks of unconditional love, personal growth, and the search for belonging. Home is where your heart is takes on special meaning here. The writing is smooth and easy to read, making it effortless to lose yourself in the story. The pacing is slow, but never dull; not once did I find myself bored.

There is no romance in the story, but friendship plays a strong role. I loved the dynamics between the characters, the humor, and the bond between Selena and her dog. The yellow god-dog was another favorite of mine. I also loved the twist involving the convergent-evolution pig, the significance of names, and the way one small act of kindness paid off later in the plot.

I especially appreciated the reimagining of roadrunners. Usually, I picture them as the Disney version, but these birds are real—and not all of them benevolent. Even the villain of the piece, the Snake-Eater, isn’t entirely evil; he’s lonely and doesn’t understand human concepts. Well, he is a bird… Just don’t accept rattlesnakes from his kind, and you’ll be fine...

All in all, I found Snake-Eater to be a rich and immersive read—quirky, atmospheric, unsettling, and heartwarming at the same time. I highly recommend it to fans of T. Kingfisher and anyone who enjoys found family, cozy fantasy, and light horror. After reading it, you’ll never look at roadrunners—or rattlesnakes—the same way again...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher

"Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I read a lot of romantasy, and Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill might just be one of the best. I couldn’t stop reading and fell in love with the protagonists from the very first page. A thief, a prince, and a bodyguard meet in the market—sounds like the start of a joke, right?? But it’s anything but. This is a beautifully crafted story, full of magic, humor, and adventure.

Fox is a 20-year-old thief with morals. Like Robin Hood, she only steals from those who can afford it. She can see ghosts and tries to stay under the radar, as being unnoticed helps her stay alive. She lives in the stronghold of Westergate in Carethia (the country is divided into four sections), and she and her best friend Wren are indentured servants to an unscrupulous wealthy woman who forces them to do odd jobs—even steal—to pay off their debts.

An assassination attempt in the market on the newly arriving prince forces her hand and violates her rule to stay under the radar. She is thrust into a world of palace intrigue, magic, and romance. Together with her friends Wren and Luna—a spirit guardian—and allies Nik and Galen, they have to prevent assassination attempts and betrayal and stop the evildoer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a highly entertaining fantasy filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a unique magical setting. The history of the world is fascinating: there are three realms—Terra, the world of mortals; Aetheric, the world of spirits/anima; and Oblivion, the place of final death. And there are Gods. With themes of loss, loyalty, friendship, hope, trust, love, found family, bravery, and following one's beliefs, the author has scripted a tale that I loved to read.

I loved the courage, determination, and morals of Fox, the way she cared for others and wanted to improve their lot. She is caught between her dreams of freedom and love and has to make the right choice for herself. I adored the loyalty of Wren and Galen, the prince's values and his willingness to improve the lives of his people and be a better ruler than his predecessors or his father, the relationships and interactions of the characters, the writing, and the twists. In fact, I loved everything about this book!

There are a few F words. As the story is set in a sort of Middle Ages–style world, the curses felt a bit out of place. Also, the identity of the prince was kept secret at the beginning, but in a couple of places he was called "the prince" instead of his assumed name, even though his identity hadn’t yet been revealed. But those are just small wrinkles that can easily be ironed out.

While the romance takes a backseat to the plot, the charm and wit of this story make every moment a delight. Oh, and there are a couple of steamy scenes. This is the first book in what promises to be a very exciting series. The author tied up most loose ends but left a few threads to continue in the next book. I can't wait to read it! Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, magic, slow-burn romance, scruples, and thieves with honor—and a heart of gold.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

"The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor

 

The Haunting of Emily Grace by Elena Taylor is a suspense novel with shades of Rebecca and underlying themes of grief, isolation, and psychological dread. Written in first-person POV, it follows a grieving woman with a water phobia who takes a job on an isolated island and must come to terms with ghosts both past and present. That said, it isn’t a traditional ghost story—the heroine is haunted more by her own past and present than by spirits.

Emily Grace is a carpenter (a refreshing choice of profession) hired to finish work on a mansion called the End of the World—a fitting name—on the secluded island of Monk’s Rock, surrounded by a harsh, unforgiving sea. The home was commissioned by millionaire Cameron and designed by his wife, Katrina, who vanished in a sailing accident and is presumed dead.

Locals whisper that the house is cursed, but Emily isn’t deterred—the job is her lifeline. She befriends the clairvoyant Juniper and Adrian, the ferry’s first mate, yet unsettling events soon follow: wet footprints outside her door, vague noises, ghostly whispers through the forest, and a specter in the window. The arrival of Chloe, Cameron’s estranged daughter, and a series of accidents and stormy nights deepen the tension. Unsure whom to trust, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, even at great risk.

Atmospheric and haunting, the book was intriguing to read from start to finish. The writing is evocative, bringing the cold, eerie setting vividly to life. It moves slowly, but I found it enjoyable—the isolated island was the perfect stage for the story’s suspenseful vibes. There’s a slow-burn romance, but it takes a definite backseat to the plot. Readers who prefer fast-paced thrillers may need patience, but those who enjoy immersive, slow-building suspense will appreciate it.

I admired Emily’s resilience as she worked through grief and fear of the sea, and I appreciated the message that we don’t simply overcome loss—we learn to live with it. Chloe, on the other hand, was irritating, though her presence kept the intrigue. I especially enjoyed the uncertainty around which character could be trusted, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.

The remote setting, gothic atmosphere, and the mystery of the missing woman all gave me strong Rebecca vibes—a book that has long been a favorite of mine. While the conclusion tied up the loose ends, it felt a little rushed, with the final chapter leaning more on telling than showing. Still, I enjoyed the book, slow parts and all, and would recommend it to fans of atmospheric suspense. Just go in with an open mind and don’t expect a ghost story per se.

 * Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more details about the book: "The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor

"Books & Bewitchment" by Isla Jewell

 

Enchanting, cozy, and full of magic—Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell is a captivating first book in the Arcadia Falls series. This cozy witchy romcom follows a young woman’s life-changing journey—one of unfailing hope and friendship—where magic rules and ghosts abide.

Rhea Wolfe’s life is nothing to write home about. She lives in a small Alabama city, has a dead-end job, two dependent and demanding younger sisters, an ex who won’t stop proposing, and his brother, a cop who gives her tickets just because he can. Oh, and she has a pet parrot who loves musicals.

Her life takes a turn when her estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything. After being fired, she uproots her life and moves to Arcadia Falls—the town her mother made her swear never to set foot in. There, she discovers a charming town, rundown properties, ghosts, witches, and her own magic.

With the help of handsome handyman Hunter Blakely—the grandson of her grandmother’s sworn enemy in witchcraft—she works to turn a shabby small-town video store into the bookshop of her dreams, while uncovering why some residents hated her grandmother so passionately.

I was captivated by the book and enjoyed it immensely. This was the most pleasurable read I’ve had in ages—brilliant characters, magical world-building, and loads of magic. Eccentric townsfolk, self-discovery, found family, slow-burn romance, and a parrot all contributed to a feel-good delight. And don’t forget the ghosts, poltergeists, and wild turkeys (straight out of a Hitchcock movie) thrown into the bargain.

The banter between the characters was a joy, as were humor, the bookish references, and the cozy small-town setting where everyone knows everyone and often helps each other out. Rhea’s sisters were a bit annoying; as the eldest, Rhea was the smart, dependable one who always handled the difficult tasks no one else wanted to do. It sometimes felt like her sisters leaned on her too much. They didn’t stand out much in the story, but perhaps we’ll get their arcs in future books.

There is a slow-burn romance, but it’s more of a subplot. The real focus is on Rhea’s growth, with themes of friendship, family, love, second chances, betrayal, and forgiveness woven throughout. Rhea’s bookshop is one I’d be thrilled to visit for sure.

I was enchanted by the connection between books and magic, Maggie’s sharp comments that provided comic relief, Doris the cockatoo sidekick, and the quirky residents. All in all, an enchanting fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Fans of feel-good, light, cozy fantasy will surely enjoy the book.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Books & Bewitchment" by Isla Jewell

"The Last Death of the Year" by Sophie Hannah

 

"The Last Death of the Year" by Sophie Hannah is the sixth book in her new Hercule Poirot Mysteries, and by far the best of them. Yes, I have read them all. As a devoted Agatha Christie fan, I couldn't resist this new addition to the series.

Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool are back in a complex murder investigation that takes place on a Greek island. The time is New Year’s Eve, 1932. Poirot and Catchpool from Scotland Yard arrive on the tiny island of Lamperos, supposedly for a vacation among the eccentric locals living at the House of Perpetual Welcome.

Soon, Catchpool begins to suspect Poirot had another reason for inviting him. During a New Year’s Resolutions party, one written note—threatening to perform “the last and first death of the year”—overshadows the holiday spirit. The tension escalates when, only hours later, one of the residents is found dead on the terrace. The pair must find the culprit to ensure the first murder will indeed be the last

I enjoyed the book immensely. Although it pays homage to Christie and has shades of the Dame herself, it is not Agatha Christie—admittedly, those are very difficult shoes to fill. That doesn’t mean the book isn’t good. It’s suspenseful and fun, just not Christie. Once I stopped treating it as such, I enjoyed it even more.

The writing is tight, and the book conveys a suspenseful atmosphere as well as the detective’s methodical way of investigating and solving problems. I didn’t foresee the twists, and the mix of deceptions and red herrings kept me engaged throughout.

The plot unfolds at a slow pace, as befits a detective story. Not all the cards are revealed, and not all the moves are clear in advance. Unfortunately, Catchpool isn’t Captain Arthur Hastings. He is more needy, lacks confidence, and despite being a Scotland Yard detective, is less brilliant, continually requiring Poirot’s guidance. Still, I liked him.

Overall, I loved the book and highly recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie or simply fans of an excellent mystery. It may not be quite the original, but it comes very close. Sophie Hannah manages to capture Poirot’s mannerisms and deliver an intriguing tale while doing so. I can't wait for the next installment in the series!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Last Death of the Year" by Sophie Hannah

"12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas" by Natasha Bache

 

"12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas" by Natasha Bache is a wickedly funny and clever murder mystery that entertained me from start to finish.

The book follows Olivia Weiss and is written from her POV. She, her husband Miles, and their two children, Martha and Callum, are invited to spend one last Christmas with her dreadful in-laws before their move to Australia. Since Olivia comes from a working-class family, none of the Weiss clan like her and look down on her—especially her MIL, Jeannie.

The plot thickens as one incident follows another and murder becomes the endgame. As the body count increases, it becomes clear that someone is picking them off one by one. The question is: who will make it to Christmas?

I enjoyed the book immensely. Most of the characters were horrible and nasty—except Olivia's family—so one doesn't mind their deaths too much. The writing is great, and I flew through the pages. As the body count increases, the number of suspects decreases. I thought I had an inkling of who the culprit was, but boy was I wrong.

Chapter headings provided comic relief, as did the murderer’s diary entries scattered throughout the chapters. While we don’t have an in-depth view of every character, there is enough personality to differentiate between them. The tone strikes a satisfying balance between comedic and dark, making the reading experience both intriguing and entertaining.

The book explores extreme family dysfunction, greed, homophobia, troll comments, and social media commentary. I liked the locked-room mystery slash Agatha Christie vibes. The book pays homage to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, which I loved. Most of us have a relative or two we don't like, but we don't go around and murder them—at least I hope so...

All in all, this was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. The writing is masterful, and the plot is well thought out. Secrets, secret passages, lies, red herrings, and inventive methods of death make this a fun read despite the body count. Some things seemed over the top, but it didn’t ruin the enjoyment.

I deducted one star as I am tired of people getting away with things they did. I would recommend this book to those who like locked-room, snowbound mysteries and don’t mind one murder or two...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas" by Natasha Bache

"A Killer Wedding" by Joan O'Leary

 

A Killer Wedding by Joan O'Leary is a slow-burn mystery following Christine Russo, an ambitious junior editor at Bespoke Weddings Magazine, sent to cover the glamorous wedding of a beauty empire tycoon’s grandson at a luxe Irish castle. Told from multiple perspectives and jumping between timelines, the book blends mystery, family drama, and the toxic dynamics of the glitzy elite.

Christine is thrilled when Gloria Beaufort—the formidable matriarch of the Ripton family and founder of the global beauty empire Glo—asks her to cover her grandson’s wedding for Bespoke. But when Gloria is found dead and the family wants it hushed up until after the wedding, Christine realizes she’s walked into more than just another wedding feature. She’s warned to stay silent—or face the music.

As she starts digging into the past, secrets are revealed and tensions run high. Everyone has something to hide—be it the incompetent entrepreneur, the alcoholic and hot-tempered grandchild, the unfaithful wife, or the wedding planner. Not all that glitters sparkles, as Christine will come to learn.

On paper, the book had everything: a luxurious setting, a murder, secret passageways, a dysfunctional family, toxic dynamics, and an outsider caught in the middle of it all. The writing is good, the multiple perspectives are easy to follow, and the mystery unfolds with several well-placed twists. I particularly liked the flashbacks, which helped flesh out the characters’ backgrounds. The interstitials between chapters added a nice stylistic touch (though some were hard to read due to tiny font).

Despite the intriguing premise, the book dragged. The pacing is very slow, and the story takes its time getting to the heart of the mystery. The abundance of wedding-related details weighed the narrative down, and the characters—while interesting—often leaned too heavily into familiar archetypes. I didn’t connect with any of them, which made it harder to stay invested. Still, I was curious enough to stick with it and see how it played out.

In the end, I’m giving A Killer Wedding 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a well-constructed story with a strong atmosphere and thoughtful plotting, but it didn’t fully engage me the way I’d hoped. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slow-burning mysteries with a heavy dose of toxic family and unlikable characters, and who don’t mind a very leisurely pace with lots of descriptive detail.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "A Killer Wedding" by Joan O'Leary
   

"The Hotel" by Kit Duffield

 

"The Hotel" by Kit Duffield is an engaging psychological thriller about three guests spending Valentine’s weekend at a lavish new hotel in Finnish Lapland. The story alternates between their POVs.

Beth and James are a newly married English couple honeymooning at the hotel, even though they can’t afford it. Beth mainly chose it to impress James’s snobby circle of friends—people she doesn’t even like. Fletcher is an American psychologist and CEO of Small Talk (an online therapy platform) in Silicon Valley, and he has plenty of issues of his own (psychologist—heal yourself!). Jordy is a provocative Brazilian influencer invited along with her best friends, Matteo and Rosa.

Kuvastin isn’t your typical five-star hotel. Everything—from food and music to scents—is personalized using your social media and submitted data to recreate your happiest memories. In theory, it sounds perfect.  

Alas, some memories are better left alone. Strange occurrences begin right after the arrival of the guests, dredging up old traumas. Each guest has secrets, and a data breach exposes things they'd rather keep hidden. The plot thickens when a snowstorm traps them in the hotel, and the power goes out. As secrets unravel, the perfect getaway becomes a nightmare.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t quite the locked-room mystery I’d expected, but it was still captivating. The writing is taut and smooth, with a steadily building atmosphere of dread. Each character is distinct and well-drawn.

I liked the emotional dynamics and the interactions between the characters. Fletcher was my favorite, even though he seemed a bit aloof at first. I had mixed feelings about Beth—I didn’t like her obsession with impressing others and posting the perfect Instagram shot. Her husband I downright disliked. I also didn’t care for Jordy and her constant self-justifications.

The book explores abuse, manipulation, infidelity, secrets, social media, and the craving for external approval. The ending gave satisfying closure, but its tone felt a little off compared to the rest of the story—less sharp, more subdued.

This isn’t a hotel I’d want to visit. I don’t post much online, but the sheer amount of personal data out there gives one pause. As one character comes to realize, it’s better to make memories the old-fashioned way—by living them, not by recording every moment.

To sum, I found the book a good read and recommend it to fans of a fast-paced plot, eerie settings, unexpected twists, and trapped-in-a-snowstorm trope.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book:  "The Hotel" by Kit Duffield

 

"In the Time of Five Pumpkins" by Alexander McCall Smith

 

 

 

 

Mma Precious Ramotswe and associates strike again! Alexander McCall Smith is one of my favorite authors to date. I love all his books generally, and the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series specifically. I always return to this series when in need of a feel-good book.

In this 26th book in the series—set in Gaborone, Botswana—Mma Precious Ramotswe and her associates return to us in a new case that challenges the gray cells. Precious Ramotswe and her colleague, Mma Grace Makutsi, must tackle an infidelity case that is more complex than it seems. Meanwhile, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, Precious Ramotswe's husband, befriends a man in the auto business who has questionable motives.

I enjoyed the book immensely. While there is a mystery, it isn’t the main focus. The story centers on atmosphere, characters, and emotional dynamics. Rather than a thriller, this is a loving and tender portrait of one country in Africa, where small anecdotes come together to form an entertaining and heartwarming story.

The latest entry is a breath of fresh air from the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. And Mma Ramotswe teaches us what self-acceptance is. Our detective walks proudly with her generous body measurements—or, in her own words, she is a very traditionally built lady. I love her optimism and kindness and her ability to see the good in everyone, even those who don’t deserve it. She solves mysteries using simple logic and intuition without sophisticated equipment.

She is joined by clever but highly temperamental Mma Grace Makutsi, and part-time assistant Charlie. And there is her friend, Mma Potokwani, the matron of the orphanage, whom one can’t help but admire. We all need friends like her! I love Charlie’s new maturity, Grace’s new inventive titles and talking shoes, Mma Potokwani’s famous fruitcake, and Precious’s Redbush tea.

Speaking of characters, Botswana is another character—with its old ways and traditions, a place where everyone has some relatives in common. The Africa described here is changing; young people are adopting new values, but it remains tolerant and bound by a brotherhood that makes people happy with what they have. There is a feeling that everyone cares about others and that they can ask for help anywhere—and even receive it. It is glorified Africa in all its glory and humanity.

It is a book full of the wisdom of life and love of man, alongside personal stories. This whole book is like a kind of bow to Africa from a sympathetic human perspective, with a longing for a world of “old values” that the West has abandoned and forgotten. A wonderful story to convey the people, the simple and obvious human insights that are always good to remember— the good, the bad, family time, and more.

It is a slower, slice-of-life type story. There are lessons to be learned, reflections to contemplate, friendships to be made. I could imagine myself drinking a steaming cup of Redbush tea with Ramotswe, eating the famous fruitcake while enjoying smelling the roses, and discussing life choices with Grace’s shoes.

The book can be read on its own; the author recaps the characters’ backgrounds and history. You would better appreciate the vibes, though, if you read it in order. And this is a series you wouldn’t want to miss. As you’ve figured out, I loved the book and highly recommend it. This is a great addition to the series, and I can hardly wait for the next one.

*  Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "In the Time of Five Pumpkins" by Alexander McCall Smith