"The Terrarium" by Katie Collom

 

"The Terrarium" by Katie Collom is a quirky thriller revolving around a true-crime fanatic cat sitter who finds herself the heroine of her own true-crime podcast.

Told in the first person, the book follows Annie, a thirty-something barista who takes cat-sitting jobs on the side to supplement her income. She is an avid listener of Cuppa Crime, a true-crime podcast hosted by Gail and Gary. Transcripts of the podcast are inserted between the chapters, while snippets of Gail and Gary’s conversations also appear within the story.

When one of Annie’s cat-sitting jobs goes awry, the cat owners make her life miserable and threaten her livelihood. With no friends besides her colleague Dom, and a habit of stealing small objects from her clients, Annie is hardly in a good place to begin with. She is about to be evicted from her apartment, her cat-sitting account has been closed, and her boss is threatening to fire her because of complaints. Things couldn’t get much worse when, out of the blue, a mysterious new client, Zoe, hires her to take care of her cat, Hades. Zoe leaves her handwritten instructions and forbids Annie from entering the studio. (I love the nod to Bluebeard.)

As time goes by, Annie begins to suspect that Zoe may be a serial killer. Still, something keeps drawing her back to the house again and again, despite - and perhaps because of - the whiff of danger. As the saying goes, “curiosity killed the cat.” Will it kill our cat sitter?

I have ambivalent feelings about this book. On the one hand, the writing is very good, the premise is original, and the plot kept me interested. On the other hand, I didn't like any of the characters besides Dom, the other barista, and Hades the cat. I disliked Annie and her bad choices, some of which made me raise an eyebrow. I also didn't like that she stole from her clients, tried on their clothes, and put on their creams. The only good thing about her was that she loves cats. Oh, and don't worry, no cats were harmed in the making of this tale.

The book started on a strong note, and at first I gave Annie the benefit of the doubt. But as the plot unfolded, my dislike of her grew as her conduct worsened. She suspects her client of committing crimes. Whether her suspicions are true or not, that doesn't deter her from coming back. Or stealing from her client. I would keep my distance if I were her. I especially didn't like that Annie didn't pay for some of her actions. At some point, I took a brief break from the book because her conduct frustrated me so much.

Although the author tied up all the threads, the ending was left open, leaving room for a sequel? As I did like some aspects of the book - the writing and the way the author wove the podcast transcripts into the story - I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. The fact that the author made me feel so strongly about the heroine speaks volumes about her writing. If you like unreliable and unlikeable narrators, fast-paced mysteries, and podcasts, you will enjoy this book.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Terrarium" by Katie Collom

"The Secrets of Everlight" by Julie Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Secrets of Everlight by Julie Hall is an enticing romantasy and the first book of a duology. Think The Selection, but with a mystery at its core and Fae instead of humans. I've been on a streak of good books lately, and I was delighted to add this one to the list.

The book follows Rowan, an orphaned fae, a thief by necessity, who is bound by an indentured servitude contract to a cruel master. She lives in the Ember Kingdom, one of several kingdoms on the continent of Vaeloria, and the strongest among them. The continent is an isolated Fae island bound by a magical barrier that keeps their enemies, the vampire and werewolf kingdoms, outside their borders.

Rowan's life takes a turn when a mysterious fae named Neo buys her contract and offers her freedom and funds in return for her help. Neo and his friend Bram ask her to pretend to be Princess Greer Stormfeather of the Glacier Kingdom and take part in a competition to win Prince Dryden's hand in marriage. Each kingdom sends a princess to vie for the prince's hand. Unlike the other contestants, Rowan has no intention of winning the prince's heart. She must play the spy and uncover the assassin targeting the prince to earn her release. She finds herself thrust into a world of nobility, silks, and court intrigue, where the stakes are high, and one wrong move could cost her life.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. With a story told from Rowan's first-person perspective, eloquent prose, a well-constructed world, a memorable cast of characters, and an enthralling narrative, this is a fantastic read. Speaking of Rowan, she is a strong and complex heroine with uncontrollable urges to steal. She is also kind and courageous, and once she moves past the need to survive, she notices others' misfortunes and tries to help them in her own fashion. She dealt with the bad cards she was given the best way she knew how. I admired her for that.

One of my favorite moments was when she noticed a poor boy sitting outside the pub she visited and gave him her biscuit and a small silver teaspoon. She stole it, but it still shows she has a good heart. It might seem trivial to you, but in Rowan's own words, "in a world that's doing its best to erase you, even the smallest kindness can remind you that you still matter." A wonderful message to live by. Yes, she sometimes behaved foolishly, such as when she stole from the other contestants, and I wanted to shout, "What are you doing? You'll get caught! And you promised to stop." That aside, Rowan was born to be free, as the song goes. She may be a gutter fae and a former thief, but she is my kind of gal.

The book explores themes of perseverance, classism, identity, slavery, betrayal, freedom, loyalty, the cost of unchecked ambition, and, greatest of all, love. The characters were well drawn for the most part. Some of the princesses were forgettable and rather flat, while others were memorable. The villains were thoroughly detestable. I really enjoyed the dynamics and dialogue between the characters and the bonds Rowan formed with a couple of the rival princesses. The bridal contest was another highlight and added extra spice to the tale. The elimination process was a bit abrupt, but since it wasn't a major focus of the novel, it didn't bother me much.

Among the supporting characters, several made a lasting impression on me: Neo, whose integrity I admired; Bram, Neo's loyal companion; Olette, the prince's aunt; and Shayla, the princess from the Iron Kingdom. I had my suspicions about Neo's true identity, and it turned out I was right. Even so, the author still managed to surprise me with it.

The world-building is fantastic. There are sixteen Fae kingdoms on the island, including Honey, Bloom, River, Glacier, and Ember, to name a few. We learn about their lost magical powers, magical objects, otherworlders (their enemies), the class system, and much more. I was a bit surprised that no humans were among the races mentioned. I also found it strange that although the king was unmarried, the marriage competition was for his brother rather than for him.
   
The artwork between the chapters was gorgeous and brought the characters to life. There is a slow-burn romance and almost no spice beyond a few cuddles. It goes to show that a good book needs no smut to keep readers hooked. Julie Hall crafts a unique and captivating tale filled with twists and turns that keep the reader turning the pages. Alas, it ends on a cliffhanger, not my favorite trope, and I can't wait for the next book.Fans of fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy with larger-than-life protagonists will enjoy it. Full stars from me!

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

* For more info about the book: "The Secrets of Everlight" by Julie Hall

"The Only Way Out Is Up" by Django Wexler

 

The Only Way Out Is Up by Django Wexler is an exciting progression fantasy/sci-fi adventure and the first book in The Sigilist series. I came for the robot and stayed for the plot. The story follows a small-time scrapper and his robot companion, both of whom stole my heart.

Taj lives in the Heap, at the bottom of a cylindrical cavern that houses a three-tiered ring city, together with his found family. The people living there are the lowest class and struggle to survive among the discarded tech dumped on their level from a mysterious 'above' and the twisted metal monsters living in the dump. Taj and Star, a sentient runic construct he built himself, make a (barely) living by scavenging for scrap and hunting the wild monsters. They use what they find to buy food and sigils to improve his runics. 

When debt collectors begin breathing down their necks, Taj joins forces with Ky, a girl from the upper levels of society who offers him a chance to compete in the Ascent, the ultimate fighting tournament with an enormous cash prize. Not an easy task. Besides competing against other constructs, Taj and Star must also contend with Ky's enemies, who are determined to put an end to them. Their only advantage is that Star isn't like the other constructs. He is sentient and can think for himself. As Taj discovers, when you start at the very bottom,"the only way out is up".

I loved, loved, loved this book. It is one of the most original stories I've read, and the world building is outstanding. Wexler's writing is excellent. His engaging prose kept me turning the pages, and he strikes the perfect balance between action, humor, and heartfelt moments. He reveals the world gradually, allowing us to discover its secrets alongside Taj. The beginning was a little confusing, but I quickly found my footing.

The story explores classism, inequality, and the abuse of power. The inhabitants of the ring city are divided into three classes, with the poorest living at the bottom and the upper classes residing at the top. Above, on the surface, live the top of the top. Or so they think... I smiled when Taj called the trash chute the "asshole", which perfectly captures both the setting's grim reality and his sense of humor. I was fascinated by the world and eager to learn more about it. While some of its mysteries are explained, others remain tantalizingly unexplained.

Star is indeed a star, and I loved the bond between him and Taj. Their ability to communicate telepathically made their dynamic one of the highlights of the story. Star's thoughts are written in brackets, making it easy to distinguish them from Taj's. I especially loved that he affectionately referred to Taj as "meat creature." The book not only draws inspiration from Pokémon, but also from the medieval Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), which added another fascinating layer to the world building and was something I absolutely adored. Star completely stole the show, and I wished I had a robot like him.

I was worried the gladiatorial battles would be too numerous or drag on for too long, but they were perfectly paced and never lost my interest. I loved Star's little quips, his sharp wit, and the humor he brought to the story. I appreciated Taj's integrity, how far he was willing to go for his friends, and his determination to maintain his honor even when others lacked it. The ending was explosive and thrilling. Although this is the first book in a series, most of the threads are resolved, while a couple remain tantalizingly dangling. I can't wait to read the second book and learn more about this world.

This is one of those books that's almost impossible to put down once you've started. I don't have adequate words to express how much I enjoyed it. It's one of the most inventive and original progression fantasy novels I've read lately, and a cut above the rest. It stands out thanks to its inventive world building, unforgettable characters, and sheer sense of fun. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre, and to anyone looking for something fresh and memorable. Full stars from me!

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

* For more info about the book: "The Only Way Out Is Up" by Django Wexler

"When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

 


















The Mist meets Scream! When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel is an intense Appalachian horror novel following two estranged siblings who find themselves in a horror movie, literally.

On the way to their family's rented cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, the estranged siblings, Jane and Thomas, find themselves trapped in a roadside convenience store with some other patrons. The store is under attack by a monster, known in local legend as the Mimic, a creature said to hold up the bones of the mountains and feast on people with guilty hearts. Since the accident that nearly took their lives, Thomas has stopped talking to Jane, blaming her for all his woes. Now, they must settle their differences to survive. As the Mimic claims more victims, fear gives way to paranoia, and the survivors turn against one another in a desperate search for the guilty party. Alas, all of them have something to hide. Unless they cooperate, none will survive.

Told from multiple third-person perspectives, the story moves between characters. This is a story of grief, guilt, regret, and redemption, full of Appalachian folklore. Think The Mist, but with a twist and less scary, which is a good thing, as I am not too fond of scary books. It is chilly, suspenseful, and claustrophobic, with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. The story explores humanity, trauma, and relationships through the bizarre circumstances the characters find themselves in.

The characters are richly drawn. I liked Jane, whom I thought was brave, but I thought her older brother, Thomas, was a jerk. As an older brother, he sucked. At first, I didn't understand the reason for their estrangement. When I did, I found his behavior unjustified, not to say silly. He did grow throughout the story, so good for him. Among the side characters, I especially liked Jackson and his dog. And yes, the dog survived! I was worried about that. I was angry at the other patrons and the lengths they went to in order to stay alive. Much like Lord of the Flies, the story shows how far people will go to survive.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and found it to be a great tale. Others have mentioned that it would make a good movie, and I agree. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing. As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I were watching a movie. I loved the chapter names, which connected to each other and had meaning. The only issue I had with the book was the epilogue, which I found unsatisfying. While I liked its implication that some horrors never truly stay buried, it jumps ahead a couple of decades without telling us what became of the characters, except for Kimi, the store's owner, and even then, it wasn't enough.

If you like a good atmospheric horror novel that isn't too scary to stop your heart from beating, this is the book for you. Warning: when the night comes knocking, don't answer the door. I certainly wouldn't...

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

* For more info about the book:  "When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

"Ten Perfect Guests" by Jonathan Santlofer

Ten Perfect Guests by Jonathan Santlofer is a dark mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. I admit, I am a sucker for locked-room mysteries and the vacation-gone-wrong trope, so the premise had me intrigued.

One tropical island. Ten guests. One gathering turns deadly. When the celebrated artist Victor D'Arcangelo dies unexpectedly, ten of his nearest and dearest are summoned to a weekend memorial on a secluded island that is off the grid. They must attend or forfeit their inheritance. Each guest has their own reasons for attending and their own agenda. Once they arrive, paradise turns into a nightmare. They are trapped on the island and picked off one by one. As the body count increases, tensions and tempers rise, and they turn on each other. 

The book is atmospheric and gritty, and there is a gradual buildup of tension. The story is told from multiple third-person perspectives, presenting different personalities and motivations. The chapters are short, moving between characters, which makes for a quick read. Each guest has their own backstory, most of them unlikeable, self-centered, and egotistical. Each one has secrets and has done horrible things in the past.

Despite the large cast, I had no trouble keeping track of the characters. And yes, some of them were stereotyped. I liked the inclusion of the transcripts, how art imitates life through the staging of the murder scenes, and the way the ins and outs of the art world permeate the story.
 
The author creates an excellent sense of setting and Christie-esque atmosphere. The isolation, danger, bugs, crocodiles, overgrown grass, and heat are almost palpable. There’s a strong sense of claustrophobia. The distrust and quarrels add to the atmosphere. 

Unfortunately, the execution doesn't quite live up to the concept. The biggest issue I had with this book was the writing style and the pacing. The writing didn't flow smoothly at times, making it harder to get lost in the story. The first half of the book is especially slow, weighed down by exposition and character introductions. Also, there was too much drinking and drug use to my taste.

Overall, I enjoyed the book despite its flaws. The author introduces some interesting twists in the story, and I didn't guess who was behind the deaths, which is always a plus in a mystery. Although the execution isn't perfect, the mystery itself kept me engaged. I recommend it to readers who enjoy locked-room mysteries and Christie-inspired stories.

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

* For more info about the book: "Ten Perfect Guests" by Jonathan Santlofer  

"Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson

 

"Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson wears many hats. It is a YA paranormal dark academia novel with Poe and Mary Shelley's vibes. It takes the classic deal-with-the-devil motif (think Faust) to another level.

Told in the first person, the story follows Merritt Maldonado, a seventeen-year-old introverted girl who, in her own words, is "a fat goth Afro-Latina orphan." Raised by her grandmother after losing her parents, Merritt is a loner with social anxiety and only one good friend, Fancy. Determined to win the Lexington Scholarship and secure a place at a good college, she creates bogus clubs to pad her résumé.

Her fiercest competition comes from her academic nemesis, Linus Lexington, who is charismatic and outgoing. Afraid of failure, she strikes a bargain with a demon in the hope of securing the scholarship. Little does she know that Linus has the same idea. The plot thickens when other scholarship applicants start dropping dead in bizarre accidents, forcing the two rivals to work together to break their pacts before more people die.

I enjoyed the book immensely and found it a quick read. It is well written, with an engaging storyline and well-rounded characters. I loved the concept, the way the demon's name is marked with dashes, and the representation. I loved both protagonists. They're both overachievers, but I especially appreciated that Merritt isn't the typical heroine. At the same time, I felt that she made some very stupid choices for someone so smart. Every time she made a dumb decision, I wanted to shake her. 

The story was largely believable, well, as believable as a paranormal novel can be, but one scene felt particularly ridiculous. In the middle of trying not to get caught in a dorm room, the protagonists somehow found time to kiss instead of running away. The scene that followed that was brillant, though.  

The horror leans more toward an eerie atmosphere than outright terror, although there are a couple of graphic deaths that made me wince. The author also gives enough detail to make the side characters memorable. I liked Fancy's personality, a transgender girl who is accepted by everyone, and disliked one of the other side characters. I also found the nickname Merritt is given rather cruel. But then, kids can be cruel. 

The book explores themes of found family, learning from mistakes, choices and their consequences, not judging people by appearance or lineage, and how far one will go to succeed. Merritt learns that there is no such thing as a free lunch and that everything comes at a price. If I were to sum up the message in one sentence, it would be: be careful what you wish for.
 
Overall, I loved the book. I came for the demons and stayed for the plot. If you love dark academia, rivals to lovers, a strong heroine, and light horror vibes, this is the book for you. The romance is a subplot and never overshadows the mystery. There is no spice, making it appropriate for YA readers. I definitely recommend it. Full stars from me!

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

* For more info about the book: "Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson


 

"We Already Dug the Grave" by Emma C. Wells

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







"We Already Dug the Grave" by Emma C. Wells is a dark (and creepy) southern gothic thriller following two estranged sisters with skeletons in their closet, literally. The premise sounded promising, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. More on that later.

The story takes place in a fictional town in Appalachia. After a traumatic event in their childhood, the two sisters, Milly and Frances Robinson, are taken to live with their eccentric aunts, Ruth and Hattie May. The Robinson women share a family inheritance: the ability to divine the future by reading leftover tea leaves. Of the two sisters, only Milly inherited the Sight. Oh, and they also have another, far more sinister family tradition, but I'll let you discover that for yourself.

After another traumatic event in their teenage years, Milly is forced to run away and break contact with her family. Stuck in a crappy job and having trouble divining the future, she tries to get by, still keeping track of her sister. On the surface, Frances’s life seems perfect, but not everything is as it seems. Years later, Frances shows up on Milly’s doorstep asking for help. Together, they return to the only place they ever called home, a place full of long-buried secrets, uncomfortable truths, and death.

The narrative is told in first person from Milly’s POV, with a dual timeline of "Then" and "Now. The book explores themes of abuse, choices, sisterly and family bonds, love, loyalty, and moral conflict. The Appalachian setting, with its witchy undertones, supernatural elements, and gothic atmosphere, was one of the book's strongest aspects. The layers of secrets slowly unravel until everything is revealed. 

The characterization is excellent. Even the morally questionable characters felt fully realized rather than one-dimensional. Milly was impulsive and at times too naive, whereas her sister was far more calculating. I loved the aunts, but disliked one of the main characters (I won't tell you whom) due to her terrible attitude and questionable choices.
   
I am very ambivalent about the book. On one hand, it was engaging and well written. On the other hand, it lost a bit of steam in the middle, and while I guessed the twist halfway through, that wasn't what bothered me. I found the resolution regarding abusive men morally troubling. While I understood some of the characters' actions, the story ultimately crossed a line for me, and I wasn't entirely convinced by how it handled accountability. It seemed to blur the line between understandable acts of self-defense and repeated, deliberate killing without adequately addressing the ethical consequences. 

In short, what ultimately didn't work for me was not just the slow pace, but also the way the book resolved its moral conflicts. Because of my reservations, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars. If you like family secrets, supernatural elements, and morally gray characters, you may like the book more than I did. 
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about this book: "We Already Dug the Grave" by Emma C. Wells

"I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell" by Mackenzie Reed

 


















I admit, I picked the book based on the title, but I stayed for the ride. I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed is a dark fantasy about a road trip through hell - literally. Guess what? Demons are real, and so is hell. And you are about to experience both. Exciting, isn't it?!

After her parents' death, twenty-seven-year-old Brie quit medical school, broke off her engagement, cut contact with her friends, and found work as a receptionist at a life insurance company. One night, she witnesses her hot boss, Luke, performing an exorcism on Debra from accounting, who apparently has been possessed by a demon. She can't stop thinking about it, despite Luke's request to forget it.

When her best friend is kidnapped and dragged to hell, she joins forces with Luke, who turns out to be a demon hunter, against his will (and common sense) on a rescue mission. The mission starts in Times Square, New York, which is the entrance to hell. Kind of fitting, I would say. As if that weren't enough, Luke also needs to repair the veil between the worlds to prevent demons from entering our world. Shenanigans, monster fights, hellhounds, faulty fax machines, and corporate bureaucracy in both the overworld and underworld grace the pages of this book. And yes, hell has bureaucracy as well, which is to be expected. After all, bureaucracy is hell.

I enjoyed the book very much. The story starts with a bang - an exorcism - and then builds into a wild ride through hell. It is told in the first-person POV from Brie's perspective. There is only one steamy scene, which suited me just fine. I prefer my fantasy dark and low on spice. I enjoyed the mishmash of genres - romance, paranormal, fantasy, mystery, and light horror - which worked surprisingly well.
 
I loved the banter between the characters, the humor, and the slow-burn romance. The romantic tension between the two made their interactions more engaging. The world-building was vivid and original, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of hell and its inhabitants. The night market, the ghosts, and the use of souls as currency enriched the world.

The author weaves vivid imagery and important themes about grief, survivor's guilt, and hope into this whimsical tale. The plot races along from the beginning, constantly picking up pace and growing darker as it goes. There is plenty of adventure and action, and never a dull moment. The characters are finely drawn. I liked both main characters and rooted for them.

The book promised one wild ride and delivered. It was well written, well plotted, and kept me interested throughout. One of the things I really enjoyed was how easy it was to slip into this world. Fans of dark fantasy with humor and a touch of romance will surely enjoy it. So what are you waiting for? Buckle up and take a ride into hell.

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

* For more info about the book: "I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell" by Mackenzie Reed

"Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook" by Meg Pennerson

 

















Katherine Hornsboggle and Imogene Dodge Chrysler are back! Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook by Meg Pennerson is the second installment in the delightful Hornsboggle & Dodge series, where heists, interdimensional cats, and adventure await. I loved the first book and was happy to get back into the charming world of Hornsboggle & Dodge. 

After their last thrilling adventure, Imogene is eager for another heist. When a client hires them to steal the magical Book of Appellations, a book rumored to have the power to determine destiny, she convinces Katherine to take the case. Alas, others are after the book as well. Armed with enchanted knitting needles, a magical map, their wits, and of course their cats, the two set off on yet another exciting heist.

When a gang of deadly criminals realizes they have the book, a pursuit begins. With the criminals after them, Katherine, Imogene, their client, and a new addition to the crew - a ranger named Thorn and his cat - plunge into the Forbidden Woods to seek the help of the old wizard who lives there. What follows is a great adventure full of quirky characters, chaos, and whimsical charm.

This second installment is just as good as the first one, if not even better. It has everything I loved about the first book while also expanding the world and cast. It has the same whimsical vibes, endearing characters, and humor. I loved the interactions between the cats and the bond between the two women. Katherine and Imogene’s dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the series: their banter, the way they complement each other, and their lifelong loyalty make their friendship feel genuine. Their long history shows in small moments, and the cats add plenty of humor and chaos to the story. I also loved the way Mr. Scruffles, the interdimensional cat, tried to educate the client by bringing him dead mice.

The world-building is further developed here. We learn more about the magic, the differences between mags, sorcerers, wizards, and witches, and how magical items work. In addition to beloved returning characters, the author introduces new ones who are just as vivid and well characterized. The small romantic subplot involving two secondary characters added an extra touch of humor without taking over the story.

The book further explores themes of ageism, found family, finding purpose, fate versus free will, cooperation, environmental concerns, and the power of community. I especially liked its message that kindness begets kindness; we need more of that in the world. I also appreciated the reminder that some things are beyond our control, and that there is no shame in asking for help.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It was a little slow to start and had a few slower sections, but once the action begins, the pace picked up considerably. And yes, Imogene is still referred to by her family name, though it bothered me less this time around. Despite the moments of danger, this remains a light, whimsical read I loved sinking my teeth into. I’d recommend it to cozy fantasy fans and to readers looking for a feel-good fantasy adventure. Another book seems to be on the cards, and I can’t wait for it.

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

* For more info about the book: "Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook" by Meg Pennerson

"Don’t Cross Mo Ellery" by Birdie Horne

 

"Don’t Cross Mo Ellery" by Birdie Horne is a chaotic cozy mystery, just like its heroine. Birdie Horne is the pseudonym of two authors, Eden Robins and Mary Winn Heider, and this is their first novel together. And a successful endeavor it is!

Told in the first-person POV, the book follows Mo Ellery, a 29-year-old bisexual hypochondriac woman who finds herself in the thick of a murder mystery. Her 29th birthday starts on the wrong foot when a Zoom work meeting goes awry due to a small accident involving indecent exposure. As a result, she gets fired, dumped by her boyfriend, and kicked out of their Chicago apartment, all on the same day. She finds a low-paying job as a crossing guard and moves into a small flat in a less posh neighborhood. However, her troubles are far from over. The neighbors are less than welcoming, the kids disregard her orders to wait for her signal to cross, and her bestie is distant.

Among the colorful locals are Claudia, a wacky old woman; Marlowe, a tween prodigy; and Poodle Dude, a man with an SUV full of poodles who speeds through her intersection each morning. The plot thickens when Poodle Dude dies after speeding into a sinkhole. Claudia believes he was murdered and drags Mo into investigating it. Soon, Mo finds herself the guardian of three poodles and in the role of an amateur sleuth. When another local dies under mysterious circumstances, Mo needs to step on it. With the help of Marlowe, her sidekick - or is it the other way around? - they try to find a murderer. What follows is a series of shenanigans, chaos, and mayhem.

I enjoyed the book very much. Mo isn't your standard heroine. You'll either like her or hate her, and I liked her. Yes, she is a mess, selfish at times, and has issues, but that made her feel human and authentic. She grows and develops throughout the tale, and I couldn't help but root for her. She doesn't always act wisely, that's true, and more than once I wanted to shout at her to reconsider her actions. But then, we all make the wrong choices at times.

What made the book work for me was the humor. Much of it comes from Mo herself, whose chaotic decision-making repeatedly lands her in awkward situations. The investigation is just as messy as its heroine, which fits the tone of the story perfectly. I also enjoyed the interactions between the characters and watching Mo become more aware of her flaws and more independent as the story progresses. And I loved the dogs and their antics!

The mystery is a light but fun one. There is a light romance subplot, which doesn't overshadow the plot. The pace was just right, and the tone strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and tense moments. Even though two authors wrote the tale, the seam is invisible, and the writing is smooth.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, a palate cleanser if you please. Despite enjoying the book very much, there were a few things that kept it from being a five-star read. The opening scene made me somewhat uncomfortable, and I found the motive behind the murders a bit far-fetched. That said, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to those looking for a light and fun read. I would love to read more books featuring this heroine.

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

* More info about the book: "Don’t Cross Mo Ellery" by Birdie Horne