"Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry

 

"The Woman in Cabin 10" meets "Below Deck". "Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry is an intriguing mystery centering on a pop culture aficionado protagonist who finds herself in a real-time mystery, Agatha Christie style.

Melanie Hoffman is a bisexual Jewish attorney in her 30s who hasn’t overcome—or made peace with—her best friend's death. The two belonged to what they called the "Broken Brain" club: people who can spew pop culture references at the drop of a pin. When her HR director forces her to take a mandatory vacation, she accepts her law school best friend Vish's invitation to be his plus one on a yacht trip in Greece, chartered by his tech company.

When one of Vish's colleagues disappears, Mel suspects foul play. With the help of her friends—the “Sherlock Hoes” group—she starts digging. After all, it is easier to investigate a stranger's case than deal with her own grief. The trouble is that no one on the yacht takes her seriously, thinking she has lost her mind—and her unhinged behavior doesn't help. The clock is ticking, and Mel must uncover what happened to Freya before it runs out.

This is a story of grief, friendships, found family, and healing. I had a hard time getting into it at first—the slow pace and constant self-reflection made it feel dragging. The plot also gets bogged down at times with the many pop culture references. However, once I got past that, it really picked up, and I ended up enjoying it. I didn’t recognize some of the references, but enough landed for me to enjoy the story. I liked the flashbacks, which helped highlight the bond between Mel and her late friend.

Some of the secondary characters weren’t likable, and a few fell flat. Mel could be really annoying—her over-the-top behavior and relentless internal dialogue, combined with her disregard for others, made her exhausting to follow. She went overboard with her investigation, even hurting her best friend in the process. So consumed by grief, she didn’t notice the impact of her actions on those around her. I also couldn’t understand why her “Sherlock Hoes” group encouraged her to invade privacy and break legal lines—and she’s a lawyer, for God’s sake!

I did enjoy the humor, wit, and banter with her friends. The depiction of grief was well done, and I could relate to her. She grew on me, and I ended up rooting for her. The plot, twists, and ending made me rate this 4 out of 5 stars. By the end of the third part, my jaw literally dropped—I had no clue that twist was coming! What starts as a seemingly simple mystery turns into something much bigger than I expected. It is a unique tale, and once you get used to the writing, you’ll likely enjoy it.

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

* For more info about the book: "Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry

"Deathbringer" by Sonia Tagliareni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Necromancy, dark academia, enemies-to-lovers, and a murder mystery? Count me in! Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni is a marvelous dark academia romantasy, and the first of a planned trilogy. Set within the perilous halls of a magical institute against a 1939 backdrop, the book follows two protagonists and is told in dual POV. This book delivers exactly what the premise promises — dark magic, dangerous secrets, and plenty of twists.

Meet Viola, a Mortemagi — a death mage who can speak with the dead but hates her own magic. When her nonmagi sister, who studied at Gorhail to spare Viola the trouble, is brutally murdered, Viola is forced to attend Gorhail herself, where she must master her deadly skills while uncovering a murder — one of many, it seems.

And then there’s Sylas — an Immortal poison mage whose magic comes from three magical snakes and who despises death magic because of a complicated past. As more deaths occur and magical relics are stolen while the authorities do nothing, he and Viola are forced into an uneasy alliance to solve the mystery. With a killer on the loose, no one is safe.

Those are just the bare bones of the tale. It’s more complex than that, and I LOVED it! The world-building is satisfying, though naturally incomplete — after all, it’s just the first book in the series. The characters are unique, and the magic system is original. I especially enjoyed the division of the three houses and their distinct magical specialties — Mortemagi (death mages), Aspieri (poison mages), and Arkani (illusion mages). There are magical relics, bonding, and other inventive creations. I also loved the different personalities of the snakes.

The plot is full of rich details and is told through Viola and Sylas' perspectives in the third person. The cast of characters is large, yet somehow easy to follow. The characters are richly developed, with secrets that are gradually unraveled in the most thrilling way. I liked Viola and Sylas, as well as a few of the side characters, and rooted for them. I also enjoyed the dynamics between Viola and Sylas and the way their attachment gradually develops. Yes, Sylas was impulsive and prejudiced, and Viola could be full of self-pity at times, but I still connected with them.

Each chapter opens with excerpts from letters, decrees, and articles that illuminate the history of the world. With themes of friendship, trust, prejudice, injustice, loyalty, found family, grief, corruption, and moral conflicts, the author has woven a tale I thoroughly enjoyed. The dark atmosphere and intrigue are expertly crafted, creating a constant sense of tension throughout the story. Tagliareni's ability to weave complex, unpredictable plot twists kept me on my toes the entire way.

There are a few plot holes that weren’t fully explained and some loose ends, but hopefully they will be addressed in the next book. I would have liked more focus on the magic lessons — there were hardly any — though it didn’t bother me too much. While there were some similarities to Harry Potter, the execution felt entirely original.

All in all, I enjoyed the book immensely. The novel more than lived up to my expectations, with strong writing, clear plot developments, intriguing characters, and plenty of fascinating twists. If you’re looking for a story with a lot of panache, this is the one for you. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next installment! Full marks 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: "Deathbringer" by Sonia Tagliareni

"The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West

 

Memories, secrets, and lies in a snowbound facility in the Swiss Alps! "The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West is an original, atmospheric psychological thriller with a touch of sci-fi set in the Swiss Alps. The story alternates between two women: a single mom and a woman suffering from amnesia, whose storylines collide.

Meet Natasha Walker, an investigative journalist and a struggling single mom. When she hears of a facility that promises a cure for memory loss, she becomes desperate to investigate after losing her mom to dementia and her job.

Meet Lydia Hunter, a woman who lost her memory due to an accident. She and her husband, Wade, a scientist and the founder of the Memory Foundation, live in a remote mountainous facility. Needing funds, they open the facility to an exclusive group of wealthy guests, promising them the chance to experience a “memory flight” that will allow them to relive precious memories. Tensions rise as snow hits the area, leaving them trapped in the snowbound facility — and not everyone will come out unscathed.

I enjoyed the story very much. It was well written for the most part, despite some choppy sentences here and there, and the claustrophobic atmosphere was very effective. While I guessed the big twist, others caught me by surprise. I found Natasha too thoughtless and reckless, Lydia too submissive, and Wade too controlling. The description of the mad scientist fits him to a T. Some of the minor characters felt superficial, but it didn't detract from the tale.

The focus is more on the psychological aspect than the sci-fi one, but that worked for me. The book explores AI, the demands of motherhood on a working mom, gaslighting, identity, trauma, moral conflicts, and memory. I found Natasha's sections less engaging and a bit slower; I enjoyed Lydia's sections more. Natasha's conduct irritated me at times.

Overall, this book was one of the most original tales I have read, and I recommend it. As I enjoyed it, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. If you are into psychological thrillers that make you think and enjoy an eerie, snow globe–like setting, this is definitely a book for you. 

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

* For more info about the book: "The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West

"City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West

 

"City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West is an enticing historical fantasy that takes place in a fictionalized Victorian London alive with botanical magic. Think Bridgerton — but twisted, and with magic. What a heady combination!

The book follows Elswyth Elderwood, an intelligent, scarred academic interested in exploring botanical magic. After the disappearance and presumed death of her sister during the London season, she is forced to set aside her academic ambitions — even after being accepted to Oxford — and seek a husband instead, or marry her cousin, to save the family fortune. Not an easy task, as her sister was the beautiful one, and she the studious one. She is the thorn to her sister’s rose.

She is thrust into a London where floromancers weave gowns from living blooms, hedge witches sprout poisons from their fingertips, high society refuses to accept her, and a serial killer in the style of Jack the Reaper stalks the streets. At the same time, she is determined to uncover her sister’s murderer — and all the signs point to a powerful nobleman.

With Mrs. Rose by her side to guide her through the ins and outs of high society, her uncle Percival to support her, her uncle’s aide Kehinde teaching her the use of poisons, and the bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn dazzling her, she must navigate carefully — or risk becoming another victim of the Reaper.

I enjoyed the book immensely. The magic system is one of the most original I have encountered. I loved the use of floriography and the application of the language of flowers within the magic system. The idea of conjuring flowers and poisons from the skin is truly genius.

I loved the Frankenstein vibes, the plant-human hybrids, and the Ripper-inspired murder plot. I loved the FMC — flawed, stubborn, brave, and standing up for her principles. I did want to shout at her at times for the unnecessary risks she took. We get an eclectic cast of characters; even the side characters have compelling backstories, and each has enough personality to make this a truly memorable ensemble, with a satisfying story arc and a decent amount of emotional depth.

The book is presented as romantasy, but the romance feels more like an afterthought, and there is not enough of it to truly be considered as such. It is historical fantasy with fictional liberties, so take the history with a pinch of salt. The book explores themes of racism, colonization, class, women’s rights, found family, betrayal, the relationship between sisters, loss, grief, and embracing one’s power, all seamlessly integrated into the tale.

The author is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that builds suspense. The pacing is steady and kept me engaged throughout. Some scenes genuinely unsettled me, and others required a suspension of disbelief — even for a fantasy. It is ambitious in scope, but I felt the author accomplished what he set out to do.

This book earns 4.5 out of 5 stars from me, rounded up to 5. The ending isn’t conventional in the usual sense, but it fits perfectly. I would love another book in this world, as some questions were left unanswered. If you like your fantasy dark, thorny, and laced with poison, this one is for you.

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

* For more info about the book:  "City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West

  

"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe is a charming cozy fantasy following a cursed princess who needs to find her heart's desire to break the curse. I adore cozy fantasy with fuzzy vibes, and this book was really everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel.

Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar doesn't like being a princess. Most girls dream of being princesses. Not she! As a second-born princess, the duties of the royal family — traveling around the kingdom, kissing babies, cutting ribbons — fall on her, and she is tired of it. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, she enters the local bookstore and unwittingly is cursed to remain there until she unlocks her heart’s desire. But she wonders if it's really that bad. She will have freedom, plenty of books, more reading time, and time to figure out what she wants out of life while running the bookstore and learning to do basic magic. 

Her loyal secretary, Honeyrose, goes back to report to her parents and figure out a solution. Her peace and quiet are soon interrupted by a thieving barn pirate — Bash — cursed with a fear of water, a 15-year-old gothic dracone girl — Sasha — and a procession of princes her parents keep sending in hopes of breaking the curse. Add in Bluecaps (a helpful breed of will-o'-the-wisps who know where each book is located) and an illusioned cat, and the bookstore is anything but quiet. After all, what is a bookstore without a cat?? And I am a dog person, at that.

I loved the book immensely. The world-building may be thin — more info about the magic and the races wouldn't go amiss — but it was enough for me. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the banter between them, the slow-burn romance, the exploration of human nature, found family, family relationships, friendships, angst, freedom, and life choices.

Tanadelle/Tandy was too nice, too accommodating, and eager to please, and I am glad she developed a spine and learned to stand up for herself. I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress needing others to save her. I like that she wasn't spoiled and, with the help of Sasha, turned the bookstore around. She was tied to the store, but was freer there than in her previous life. Honeyrose was also delightful, although she wasn't present in most of the tale.

Her mother really irritated me — the way she loaded all the royal duties on her daughter to the point of breaking, failing to see the effect it had on her. I loved the interactions between Tandy and the pirate. It was sweet that he left something in the store for every item he took. His kleptomaniac tendencies did lead him into trouble occasionally, though. I love that each visiting prince was different — but it was a bit odd that the one princess among them was also referred to as prince of the realm.

I found the ending was a bit abrupt. Not all loose ends were satisfactorily tied up — hopefully a sequel is planned which will tie up those ends. Also, a few practical details felt slightly underdeveloped — there was no bath in the living quarters, and the princess seemed to live solely on turnips. I couldn’t help wondering why she couldn’t at least send for food from the inn. I know, it’s nit-picking, but still...

That said, I absolutely recommend it and give it full stars. The pace is steady, and although the plot is relatively simple, it was well written and engaging. Fans of sweet cozy fantasy will fall in love with the characters and the setting. I know I did! I came for the curse, and stayed for the spell. 

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

* For more info about the book: "Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

"Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






"Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai is a debut YA fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore of necromancy. I love mythology — especially Chinese mythology — and necromancy, so the premise grabbed me instantly. And what a ride it was!

The book follows Kang Siying, a ganshi priestess — a shepherd of the dead — following in her father’s footsteps. When her father falls ill, she accepts a dangerous job to secure medical aid for him: she is hired to retrieve a body from Wen, an enemy territory. There is a political conflict between Siam and Wen, so the road is perilous. Siying uses talismans to reanimate the dead or purify them, as needed, and she will need all her strength for the mission to succeed.

The mission goes sideways when the body she was sent to retrieve — that of Prince Renshu — comes back to life the minute she slaps a reanimation talisman on him. However, he won’t stay alive for long unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body. To gain qi, they must tackle evil spirits — jiangshi — and transfer their life forces to him. Their journey is full of danger, not least because of an enemy soldier hot on their trail.

Thus starts an exciting adventure chock-full of magic, secrets, love, a haunted mansion, vengeful ghosts, political intrigue, conspiracies, and enemy spies. With themes of grief, sisterly relationships, friendship, betrayal, trust, revenge, duty, familial responsibility, corruption of power, and moral conflict, the author has woven a tale I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I especially loved the concept of a priestess guiding the dead home using talismans.

I was especially moved by Siying’s sense of duty toward her father and family, and her grief touched me deeply. Siying is a strong heroine — stubborn yet compassionate. She cares deeply for her family and tries to keep herself aloft from the dead she handles, or she would not survive her job. At times, her actions were hasty and made me want to shake her back to her senses, but I rooted for her every step of the way.

I loved the contrast between grumpy Siying and sunny Renshu, their characterizations, and their conduct. While she acts out of duty and is versed in political affairs, he cares little about the royal family business and tries to stay out of politics. He is lonely, insecure, and her opposite in many ways, and I liked the changes he went through because of her. As it is YA, there is no spice, which I appreciated.

Crisp and evocative world-building, an original magic system, richly drawn characters, and deeply felt friendships made this a very good read, with strong writing and steady pacing. I loved the obstacles they faced, the banter between Siying and Renshu, and the way their relationship developed. There were a few twists along the way, though not all of them were entirely surprising.

It is a standalone novel, but I would love to read more books set in this world. Overall, I loved the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy with strong heroines. It is a beautifully woven tale of life, death, and the space in between, and for a debut, it is an impressive and immersive read. Full stars!

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

* For more info about the book: "Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai

 

"The Last Time We Drowned" by Saratoga Schaefer

 

This book hits two of my favorite tropes: locked-room murder and being trapped aboard a ship at sea. The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer is an intense psychological thriller following six influencers in a gripping tale of terror and survival. I expected a light read, as befits the genre, but what I got was a deeper, more layered novel than most thrillers of its kind — and I mean that as a compliment.

Charlie Engels is a queer Bookstagram influencer haunted by her past. Devastated by her best friend's betrayal and death, broke and desperate, she eagerly accepts a life-saving offer to join Empress, a state-of-the-art yacht houseboat off the Florida Keys where six other influencers reside. Aboard Empress, Charlie meets the other women, each carrying her own baggage: Vivienne — the charismatic, ruthless leader and lifestyle content creator; Fiona — the makeup artist; the twins Rachel (a nutritionist) and Ashley (a yoga instructor); and Piper — a fashion-focused content creator.

The plot thickens when a hurricane hits, trapping them at sea with their boss and his friend. Communications are cut, supplies dwindle, and Charlie is haunted by appearances of the influencer she replaced — whom, strangely enough, the others refuse to discuss. It turns out Charlie isn’t the only one with secrets. When the first death occurs, the storm outside mirrors the storm inside, and secrets begin to surface.

Claustrophobic, atmospheric, suspenseful, and sinister, the book slowly drags you underwater and doesn’t let go. It captured my attention from the first page and held it to the very end. The premise feels fresh despite familiar tropes, the characters are diverse and layered, and the writing works beautifully for the genre, perfectly capturing the ambience.

The story is written from Charlie's first-person perspective, and I have mixed feelings about her. I liked her, but I didn’t like that she gave good reviews to all books — even bad ones — and lied easily. It made her an unreliable narrator in my eyes. I didn’t know whether to shake her or hug her at times. I condemned some of her choices and found her a bit hypocritical — first stone and all — yet I still ended up rooting for her. I didn’t like some of the other characters and found Vivienne exhausting, but I appreciated the emotional dynamics between them.

The title fits perfectly, and the drowning motif is central to the story. The novel explores social media and personal branding, loss, grief, toxic friendships, alcohol misuse, moral dilemmas, complex relationships, isolation, and PTSD. Overall, I loved the book and finished it in two sittings. The plot is filled with twists, and although I guessed a couple of them, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment. This is a cut above many others in the genre. Those who enjoy psychological thrillers with bite and complex character dynamics will find it compelling. I highly recommend it and give it full stars!

* 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 Time We Drowned" by Saratoga Schaefer

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

 

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham is an excellent science fiction thriller and the first book in The Imperial Broadcasts series, following the underdog heroine of a reality TV show. Think The Selection or The Bachelor — but in space, with locked-room mystery vibes to boot.

The book follows Temmi, a young trash collector from X72, an impoverished planet on the edge of the Expanse Empire. Stuck in a dead-end job due to an ex’s betrayal, burdened with evacuation notices, an ill mother, and a disabled brother she would do anything for, her future looks bleak. A chance meeting with the twin siblings Nix and Spie, the prince and princess of the empire, lands her, unwillingly mind you, on an interstellar dating show full of potential political landmines. 

Twenty-four young women, divided between the royal siblings, will compete for their hands. Only two can win, and the competition is fierce. Although Temmi is picked for the prince, she finds herself drawn to his lesbian sister instead. The plot thickens as contestants turn up dead, and the stakes rise quickly. 

I was hooked from the very first line. There are plenty of twists and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. While colonizations and dating shows aren't a new concept, the execution feels fresh and gripping. The novel promises a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and a vibrant cast of characters in a sci-fi setting, and it sure delivers. 

The romantic tension simmers and shapes the plot rather than overpowering it. Beneath the dramatized dates and diplomatic challenges lie questions of empire, power, class, morality — and who gets sacrificed for power. The book also explores themes of love, loyalty, family relationships, betrayal, and staying true to one’s beliefs. There is a love triangle, and although I’m usually not fond of them, it plays out here naturally.

The world-building is impeccable, the writing smooth, and the characters distinct. Temmi is brash, brutally honest, brilliant and self-educated, with no filter and a deep love of science. She is fiercely loyal, relatable, and a breath of fresh air among the more polished contestants. She also curses a lot, likely to highlight her lower-class background, but at times it felt overdone. The witty banter between her and the other characters was a joy to read.

Sibling Nix and Spie couldn’t be more different. Spie is physical, charismatic, socially confident — the life of the party — and unapologetically explorative in her sexuality. She may appear narcissistic at first glance, but there is far more depth to her beneath the surface. Nix, in contrast, is cerebral, quiet, bookish, and uncomfortable in his own skin — a dark horse who constantly claims the moral high ground. And yes, I didn't like him. Of the two, I preferred the sister and completely understood Temmi’s attraction. Hell, I even prefer her myself — and I’m straight.
 
The book is written in third-person omniscient POV, and each chapter heading is drawn from a line within the chapter itself — a detail I especially enjoyed. Most threads are tied up, though a few are left open enough to make me eager for the sequel. I loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of reality TV drama, mystery, twisted plots, forbidden love, and political tension woven into a rich sci-fi world. 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: "Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

"Dragons, Heists and Other Retirement Plans" by Meg Pennerson

 

"Dragons, Heists and Other Retirement Plans" by Meg Pennerson is book 1 of Hornsboggle & Dodge, a sweet cozy fantasy about two retired thieves in their seventies, Katherine and Imogene, and their magical cats and dragon-cat companions.

Katherine Winterhaven and Imogene Chrysler were once a legendary team. After a heist went wrong forty years ago, they retired. Katherine now lives quietly with her many cats — including Mr. Scruffles, an interdimensional cat who can walk through walls; Ember, a dragon-cat; and Tilly, who can turn invisible except for her tail — and spends her days knitting and taking care of her cats.

Imogene lives nearby with her dragon and misses the thrill of their old life. When the chance arises to finally fix the job they botched years ago due to a rival — saving Saint Percival Convent from a ruthless real estate mogul — she convinces Katherine to join her for one last adventure. Armed with enchanted knitting needles, a magical map, their wits, and their cats, the two set-off (slowly — they can’t run after all) to save the day and their pride.

Overall, it is a sweet and fun cozy fantasy with elder heroines that enter into your heart. It has the gentle, whimsical vibes I love, with light and playful magic. I loved the banter between the two, the humor — “She is hard of reading” — the amusing dialogues of the cats, and the concept. With its quirky characters and charming setting, this could have been an even stronger cozy fantasy if not for a couple of issues. I found the pacing slow to get going and a bit repetitive, and the story took time to take off. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but once the action began, I was fully engaged.

Another thing that bothered me: I found it odd that Katherine was referred to by her first name, while her friend was mentioned mostly by her family name. It made the writing feel kind of clunky. There are trolls in the tale, which is fun. Referring to their young as "pebbles" was cute. However, I found the idea that the physician troll had a red cross emblazoned on their uniform a bit odd — not to say ridiculous.

That said, I did enjoy the book and would love to read the next one. I fell in love with its characters. Not many books have such elder heroines, so it was a nice and refreshing change. There is no real romance here, only a small hint of one that doesn’t develop further. The cats provided comic relief with their interactions and made me smile. And I am a dog person at heart!

Friendships old and new, richly drawn and endearing characters, deeply felt bonds, second chances, found family, magical world-building, and a lot of adventure make this a very comfy read. Despite the slow start, the charm, humor, and heart won me over. I rated the book 4 out of 5 stars, knocking off one star for the pacing issues I mentioned above. I recommend it to cozy fantasy fans and also to readers new to the genre — it is an easy start to get introduced to the genre.

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

* For more info about the book:  "Dragons, Heists and Other Retirement Plans" by Meg Pennerson

"Mad Mabel" by Sally Hepworth

 

 

 

 

"Mad Mabel" by Sally Hepworth waited for me for quite a while. I hesitated to start it for one reason or another, and now that I’ve finished it, I’m sorry I didn’t get to it sooner. It’s one of the best books I’ve read recently, and I don’t have enough words to say how much I love it — and its curmudgeonly heroine.

The book is presented as a murder mystery, but it reads more like literary fiction with a mystery at its heart. Readers expecting otherwise may be disappointed. Think A Man Called Ove — but with murder. The story unfolds in flashbacks and the present day, following an eighty-one-year-old woman whose shady past comes back to haunt her.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, or Mad Mabel as she is infamously known, has lived on Kenny Lane in Melbourne for sixty years. She is lonely, with only her bestie Daphne for company. Her neighbors like her well enough — most of them, anyway — except for the odd neighbor or two.

Elsie has secrets she tries to hide — that is, until her ninety-one-year-old neighbor and nemesis drops dead, making her a person of interest because of her colorful past, now being dragged into the open. She finds herself reliving that past while facing public outrage and dealing with an irritating (to her) seven-year-old girl who insists on befriending her. Left with few options, she is finally ready to tell her story, with the help of two true-crime podcasters. And boy, what a tale it is!

This is a story about an outcast, misunderstood and lonely child, whose life circumstances made her who she is. I LOVED loved loved this story. I really related to Elsie and wished I could be her friend. My heart went out to the lonely girl — and the woman she grew up to be — and some sections left me in tears. Yes, she was blunt, crotchety, and gruff, but she was also caring and fiercely protective of those she loved. Her humor and wit sweetened the darkness of her tale.

The book explores grief, abandonment, gaslighting, bullying, toxic family, friendship, justice, redemption, love, TONS of emotional angst, and murder. The author has created a cast of vivid, appealing characters, seen through Elsie’s first-person perspective. The ending is bittersweet and not at all what I expected — or wanted — but it fits the tale perfectly.

This is my first Sally Hepworth book, but certainly not my last. I love the way past and present complement each other so brilliantly that you won’t want to put the book down. I finished it in a couple of sittings; it was that good. A good story creates an emotional connection, and this one did so admirably. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars for emotional insight, beautiful writing, and layered characters. If you’re looking for a captivating, bittersweet, emotional read — this is it. The book was an emotional roller coaster of smiles and tears for me, and one I won’t forget for a long time.

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

* For more info about the book:  "Mad Mabel" by Sally Hepworth