"Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith

 

"Little Shop of Horrors" meets "Murder on the Orient Express" in this YA horror gem. "Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling ride, chronicling a teen girl's odyssey to escape her past, only to discover that no one can truly outrun their history.

Lara Williams' dream job aboard a luxury train quickly turns into a nightmare when it’s overrun with botanical cargo. Taking a gap year from school, Lara hoped this job would be her chance to reinvent herself after a toxic relationship left her reeling. At first, she enjoys the escape—even when her ex-friend Rhys turns out to be one of her co-workers. With only a handful of passengers and crew, the job doesn’t seem too demanding. But things take a sinister turn when two mysterious passengers, Gwen and Gwydion, board the train with their peculiar botanical cargo, setting off a series of strange and deadly events.

I loved this book. As a YA horror, it isn’t overly scary, but it has its fair share of creepy moments, violent deaths, and angst. Amy Goldsmith’s writing is taut and suspenseful, expertly building tension and a chilling atmosphere throughout. The dark, gritty setting and the lore surrounding the predatory plants were especially captivating.

The storytelling instills unease, with a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The tense atmosphere and eerie occurrences linger, getting into the reader’s head. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the train, hurtling toward an uncertain fate. The book features a solid cast of supporting characters, a relatable heroine, and a beautifully constructed setting that truly makes it shine.

Written in the first-person POV of Lara, interspersed with flashbacks to her past, we get a deep understanding of what drives her. Lara is a strong female heroine, and I loved watching her character grow. Her toxic relationship and the control her ex exerted over her were hard to read about, but her journey of self-discovery was incredibly satisfying. It took her far too long to realize that molding yourself into someone else’s idea of perfection brings nothing but unhappiness and prioritizing someone else’s needs at the expense of your own comes at too high a price. This is an important message for teenagers and adults alike.
 
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, personal growth, gripping drama, intrigue, predatory plants, and even a touch of romance, this is the book for you. With themes of friendship, greed, toxic relationships, and flawed human nature, Amy Goldsmith has woven a tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Nature may be predatory, but some people are even more so.

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

* For more info about the book: "Predatory Natures" BY Amy Goldsmith

"How to Survive a Horror Story" by Mallory Arnold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locked-room mystery, predator house, creepy setting? This book has it all. How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold is a chilling tale about a group of horror authors  trapped in a man-eating mansion.

Seven authors enter the manor, but not all of them will make it out alive. They’re invited to the reading of the last will of legendary horror author Mortimer Queen, only to find themselves locked inside his mansion. Mortimer seeks revenge from beyond the grave, holding them accountable for their past misdeeds.

To escape, they must play a dangerous game, solving riddles that force them to confront their pasts. Success moves them to the next level; failure leads to the house devouring them —literally. As seasoned horror writers, you’d think they’d know the rules for survival, but will they make it? Before you can say “Jack Robinson,” the body count rises, and creepy moments abound.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and this tale takes that motto to heart. Written in the third-person present tense, the story introduces us to Scott Clay, Buck Grimm, Petey March, Chester Plumage, Winnie Roach, Crystal Flowers, and Melanie Brown, along with their connections to Mortimer. Their personalities and histories unfold through their interactions, conflicting accounts, and short stories interspersed between the chapters.

We also meet Felix (a gay character), and the housekeeper.  And let me tell you — none of the characters are likable. They all have skeletons in their closets. That said, the “crimes” that brought them to Mortimer’s black book vary in severity, and some seem much less deserving of their fates. And let’s be honest, Mortimer wasn’t exactly a saint himself. His idea of justice feels excessive.

With themes of trust, revenge, toxic relationships, abuse, and moral conflicts, the author weaves a gripping tale. After a slow start where the characters are introduced, the plot picks up, and I raced through the rest. The author’s writing style works well, and the characters are fleshed out. Even the ones I initially liked turned out to be just as bad as the others. The quirky character names fit their personalities and actions, adding moments of humor. I also appreciated the nods to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

While I didn’t entirely agree with the book’s message that authors need life experiences to write good stories, the idea isn’t without merit. The execution was uneven at times — inconsistent pacing, shallow characters, and repetitive backstories — but the story kept me hooked. This isn’t heavy horror (which I appreciated, as I’m not a die-hard horror fan), but it delivers plenty of creepy moments. The creepy undertone lingers throughout, even if it’s not overwhelmingly scary.

Overall, this was an intriguing and suspenseful read. I was eager to discover who would survive and what sins landed each character in Mortimer’s black book. With an engaging premise and a reasonably satisfying conclusion, I recommend it to fans of light horror looking for a thrilling ride. To know how to survive — or not survive — a horror story, read 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: "How to Survive a Horror Story" by Mallory Arnold

 

"I Did Warn Her" by Sian Gilbert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love locked-room mysteries and tales set at sea, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. Who can resist a below-deck setting, dark secrets, and murder?! Written from multiple POVs, the story follows the crew of the super yacht Ophelia on her voyage to New York.

The book opens with murder, no less, and then introduces us to the working crew. We meet Sasha, a last-minute hire for a week-long Atlantic crossing after a former stewardess was abruptly dismissed. Then there’s Jade, the rigid chief stewardess, and the three other stewardesses — Imogen, Euphemia, and Lola — blonde, model-gorgeous, and nearly indistinguishable in appearance.

The crew also includes a couple of deckhands, a cook, the ship’s engineer, the bosun, the captain, and the first mate. Since a stewardess from the previous charter disappeared, the atmosphere is tense, emotions run high, and dangerous undercurrents swirl just beneath the surface.

The plot thickens when billionaire guests Benjamin and Digby join the cruise with their glamorous companions, Eva and Jasmine. The cruise takes a lethal turn when expensive jewelry starts disappearing, and a crew member turns up dead. Trust becomes a luxury no one can afford. Everyone harbors secrets — some deadlier than others.

Join the crew on this perilous voyage filled with unpredictable twists and turns. The suspense kept me turning pages, and I never lost interest. Themes of trust, loss, friendship, betrayal, sexual harassment, and flawed human nature are intricately woven into the story.

Life aboard a luxury yacht isn’t all flowers and roses for the crew. The work is exhausting, the demands endless, and they must cater to the guests' every whim while maintaining a polished facade. Rivalries, petty fights, and simmering resentments run rampant.

I didn’t like most of the characters, as they were portrayed in an unflattering light. Sasha and Jasmine were far more likable and less petty than the rest. The rest of the stewardesses were catty and competitive, each thinking she was superior. Their dynamics made me cringe. The men weren’t much better — some treated the women as disposable objects.

The book is divided into five parts. The first part felt slow, reminiscent of a telenovela with its melodramatic plots and exaggerated emotions. But things picked up in the second part, and once a body was discovered, I couldn’t stop reading. The multiple perspectives offered a fascinating glimpse into the characters’ minds. Some even evolved by the end, earning a bit of my sympathy, though I still didn’t like them much.

The ending was breathlessly intense and tied everything together, though I wasn’t entirely satisfied with it. I’m tired of seeing people get away with their misdeeds. Because of that and the slow start, I deducted one star from my rating.

Overall, this is a well-crafted story that keeps you turning the pages with its unpredictable twists and vivid character portrayals. Despite my reservations about the conclusion, the excellent writing and gripping mystery make it well worth the read.

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

* For more info about the book: "I Did Warn Her" by Sian Gilbert

 

"The Private Jet" by Sarah Goodwin

 

"The Private Jet" by Sarah Goodwin is an intense story of survival played out against a vast, unforgiving jungle. Having read one of Sarah Goodwin's books before, I knew I was in for one hell of a ride. And boy, a wild ride it was! I’ll never look at a flight the same way after reading this book.

Told in the first-person point of view and alternating between timelines, the story follows Lila Wilde, a lifestyle influencer and daughter of a famous rock star. Spoiled and accustomed to luxury, Lila travels to Thailand with her wannabe DJ boyfriend, Bryce, for a vacation. When he proposes in a nightclub - far from the romantic setting she imagined - Lila impulsively invites a mix of celebrities and strangers to her father’s villa, only a short flight away.

While flying on her father's private plane, it encounters rough conditions and crashes in the Thai jungle, with only a few survivors left. They must face venomous snakes and countless dangers while waiting for a rescue that might never come. Pretty soon, divisions arise between the "haves" (the rich and famous) and the "have-nots" (the common people), forcing Lila to choose a side. Thus begins a gripping tale of survival where every person is for themselves, and only the strongest have a chance of making it out alive.

Though the start is a bit slow, it lays the groundwork for the nail-biting tension that follows. The story has "Lord of the Flies" vibes and was a quick, enjoyable read. The blurb was a bit misleading - I thought it would be about a vacation gone wrong aboard a plane - but it turned out to be more of a survival game, and just as compelling. I found the novel addictive, largely because the characters are so human, with believable strengths and flaws. I was so emotionally invested I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out who would survive.

The true nature of people is revealed in times of danger, as was the case here. As resources dwindled, the characters' real personalities came to light, not a pretty sight. Lila transformed from a spoiled and spineless heiress into a capable woman, and I grew to like her. In contrast, Bryce's true colors emerge during the crisis, rendering him utterly despicable. While it’s tempting to judge Lila for some of her actions - or inaction - we can’t truly know how we’d react in similar situations.

One aspect I didn’t love was the overuse of drugs and drinking, which led to several reckless decisions. The portrayal of all wealthy characters as drug users felt a bit stereotypical, and Lila’s casual attitude toward certain substances might send the wrong message. I was especially irritated by the scene where a character gave his girlfriend a spiked drink without her knowledge; instead of confronting him, she chose to avoid a fuss, which felt disappointing.

The author expertly builds tension and atmosphere throughout the book. The vivid descriptions make the setting come alive, making the story feel frighteningly real. I felt like I was right there with the characters, foraging for food and struggling to survive against the elements.

On the surface, this is a thrilling survival story, but at its core, it explores how far people will go to survive and how quickly they can lose their humanity. Another takeaway is the reminder not to take anything for granted. I loved the book and highly recommend it to fans of suspense and survival tales. The pages couldn’t turn fast enough to keep up with the engrossing plot!

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

* For more info about the book: "The Private Jet" by Sarah Goodwin

"The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck" by Tarquin Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck" by Tarquin Hall is the sixth installment in the delightful Vish Puri series, featuring India’s Most Private Investigator. As a long-time fan of the series, I was thrilled to see a new addition. And it is just as good as the other books!

The hero of the piece is Vish Puri, a brilliant private detective and owner of a detective agency who is offended when people dare to compare him to the fictional Sherlock Holmes. Unlike other classic detectives, he does not work alone and has a host of colorful agents at his disposal: Handbrake, Tubelight, Flush, to name a few. Also, there is Madam Rani, his secretary and the recorder of his exploits.

Vish is 59 years old, smart, patriotic, a master of disguise, and a passionate lover of everything fried and spicy (even if he's not allowed to). He is a detective in the old-fashioned sense. His main tools are common sense and intuition, combined with the technological skills and daring of his assistants.

When he wins the International Detective of the Year award, he is asked to keep it a secret. Within hours, it seems all of Delhi knows – including his indomitable Mummy-ji, who announces she will come with him and his wife Rumpy to the ceremony in London, much to their dismay. The plot thickens when a senior government bureaucrat asks him to track down India’s most-wanted fugitive, billionaire pharmaceutical fraudster code-named Bombay Duck, rumored to hide in London, a request he can't refuse.

Vish’s predicament is both humorous and chaotic as he juggles keeping the investigation secret from Rumpy - who would not approve of him working during their much-anticipated vacation - and from Mummy-ji, who has her own ways of meddling. Alongside his nephew Jags and Bromley, an English police detective, Vish dives into the case while his mother pursues an investigation of her own.

I absolutely loved the book! It’s brimming with humor, clever wordplay, mouthwatering descriptions of Indian food, and comparisons between the Indian and British cultures. Mummy-ji is a sharp, hilarious force of nature, and her adventures were a highlight. The story seamlessly weaves between London and New Delhi, juggling multiple plotlines that all tie together brilliantly.

While the book can be enjoyed on its own, I recommend reading the earlier installments to fully appreciate the characters and their dynamics. The chapters include helpful explanations of cultural concepts, and a glossary of Indian words and terms at the end enhances the experience.

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read that captures the essence of its settings and cultures. I found myself smiling at Vish’s struggles to find non-vegetarian food while staying with his vegetarian hosts, or when he failed to catch the irony of Inspector Bromley. If you’re a fan of Alexander McCall Smith’s series, you’ll adore this book even more - it delivers a richer mystery, vivid characters, and plenty of substance. Highly recommended!

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

* For more info about the book: "The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck" by Tarquin Hall

"That Devil, Ambition" by Linsey Miller

 

"That Devil, Ambition" by Linsey Miller is a dark stand-alone academia/fantasy that explores the lengths people will go to succeed, even at the expense of their morality, questioning whether the ends justify the means.

Told in the third person, the book follows three protagonists: Fabian Galloway, whose self-confidence conceals a well of self-doubt; Credence, a softhearted math genius who allows Fabian to choose for her to avoid making the wrong decisions herself; and absent-minded Euphemia, who makes sacrifices to survive.

These three friends are students at the Stellarium of Cifra, the continent’s only school for magicians. The story unfolds over their final year, with each of the book’s three sections told from the viewpoint of one of the protagonists. As members of the Honors Class - a group of thirteen students who made the cut - they face a grim challenge: to pass, become magicians, and erase their student debt, they must kill their professor, a devil from another world.

Failing that, they risk losing their lives. Along the way, we come to know and care about some of their classmates and teachers, but the focus is on those three. As the year progresses, the students gradually lose their humanity, committing increasingly unforgivable acts in the name of survival. What unfolds is a strikingly raw and intense picture.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a pulse-pounding read about truth, secrets, and death. The premise is unique, the plot engaging, and the world-building intricate. There is also magic and mild political intrigue. The queernormative world’s magic system is brilliant - though I won’t spoil it by enlarging on it, I’ll say it’s both original and exciting.

While I connected most with Credence and Euphemia, Fabian was harder to like; his ambition and disregard for others’ lives, aside from his friends, made him challenging to sympathize with. I did, however, love the dynamics and bond between the three friends, who care deeply for one another. The author’s message that “We are worth more than our academic achievements” resonated with me, as did the nod to The Three-Body Problem.

Miller doesn’t spare us - or her characters - any mercy, nor does she hesitate to kill characters left and right, perhaps a few too many for my taste. I liked the ending, though not all questions were answered. It is supposed to be a stand-alone, but some loose ends left me unsatisfied.

As much as I love dark academia, this book went further than most, perhaps even a bit too dark for me. Content warnings include child abuse and neglect, parental death, self-harm, senseless violence, grief, and depression to name a few. Despite this, I couldn’t stop reading; it was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Saying that, it was a good read, and the LGBTQ+ representation felt natural and well-integrated. All in all, I highly recommend this book to fans of dark academia (truly dark) and the genre. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "That Devil, Ambition" by Linsey Miller

"The Warbler" by Sarah Beth Durst

 

I’m a fan of magical realism, so this book was right up my alley. "The Warbler" by Sarah Beth Durst is a charming story that follows one woman’s quest for answers, perfectly illustrating the saying “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Elisa can’t stay in one place for more than ten months due to a family curse. Stay any longer, and she risks turning into a tree. During one of her wanderings, she arrives in Greenborough, Massachusetts - a place where residents can’t leave. She must find the root of her curse and a way out of town before it's too late. I’ll avoid saying more to keep things spoiler-free.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The premise is original, the world-building is evocative, and the main characters are richly drawn. The story moves between three generations of women across three timelines, with the focus mainly on Elisa. I liked Elisa's voice more than the others and found her story the most engaging. The double meaning of Warbler (a wanderer or a small songbird) was also a nice touch, cleverly woven into the narrative. Oh, and there's a bookstore and a cat, which I adored!

The book explores themes of choices, or lack thereof, the tendency to do what's expected rather than pursuing one’s dreams, the need for belonging, mother-daughter relationships, grief, and how even the best intentions can go wrong. I found it frustrating how others' choices were imposed on Elisa and her mother, and the assumption that everyone needed or wanted the same things felt condescending.

The book started strong, lagged a bit in the middle, and then picked up the pace. I liked the conclusion, though it wasn’t entirely satisfying. I figured out the mystery before the heroine did, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. A bit of tightening in the plot would have made it even more engaging.

In sum, "The Warbler" is a marvelous read with good writing, vivid imagery, and relatable characters. The author takes the reader into the mind of the book's main characters and exposes them to their emotions. I’d recommend this to Sarah Beth Durst fans and lovers of magical realism.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Warbler" by Sarah Beth Durst

"Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things" by Breanne Randall

 

I love witchy stories, so I was instantly intrigued by the premise. A family curse, sacrificing memories to cast spells, ancient magic? Count me in! "Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things" by Breanne Randall is an exhilarating romantasy that blends enemies-to-lovers romance with magic, exploring sisterhood bonds and so much more.

The book follows three Petridi witches, named after Greek muses, as they contend with ancient magic, loss, and dark family secrets. Set in the fictional town of Gold Springs, the story centers around Calliope Petridi and her two sisters, Thalia and Eurydice, who are Lightcraft witches running Tea and Tome, a charming bookstore and teashop where they explore various tea blends.

Thalia, the eldest, is a problem-solver, controlling, and judgmental. Calliope, the youngest, is the wild card: self-destructive, reckless, and fiercely loyal. She’s the only one using her magic, despite its high price - sacrificing memories and losing pieces of herself due to a family curse. Eurydice is the peacemaker, always trying to bridge the gap between her sisters. Together, they guard the Dark Oak, an enchanted tree in the Forgotten Forest.

The plot thickens when a rival coven leader, a Shadowcrafter named Lucien, arrives in town with his own agenda, and Calliope accidentally binds herself to him. As an ancient evil awakens and their magic begins to fade, Calliope must confront her past, mend her fractured relationship with Thalia, and rekindle the fragile bond between the three sisters to have a future.

I loved this book and tore through it quickly. The characters are richly drawn, and the story is both complex and well-paced. I felt invested in the tale and rooted for the characters. The dynamics between the sisters, the diverse cultural backgrounds (Greek, Turkish, and French), and colorful secondary characters, like Grim - a sentient grimoire full of secrets and spells—add depth. The inclusion of queer and non-binary characters is woven seamlessly into the story.

The book cleverly incorporates important life lessons into a well-paced plot. Themes of grief, redemption, personal growth, family, self-discovery, forgiveness, and the power of love and legacy are thoughtfully explored. While most loose ends are tied up, a few questions remain open, and I’m excited for a potential sequel, which I’d eagerly read.

Although the book references "Pride and Prejudice", Calliope and Lucien didn’t quite feel like Elizabeth and Darcy to me. Not every dark and mysterious hero needs to be Mr. Darcy! Also, I felt there was a bit too much focus on the romance, and the steamy scenes didn’t advance the plot.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and highly recommend it. I loved the writing, found the magic system original, and appreciated the vivid world-building. The recipes at the end are a fun touch, and I may even try a few. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers tales with Pride and Prejudice vibes, magic, a satisfying story arc, and strong character development, this is the book for you. 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: "Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things" by Breanne Randall

"The Serpent Called Mercy" by Roanne Lau

 

I love fantasy books based on lore, so the description of this Malaysian Chinese-inspired epic fantasy tale immediately captured my imagination. Unfortunately, there wasn’t as much lore or magic as I had anticipated, but it was still enjoyable.

The story follows Lythlet and her only friend, Desil, two slumdogs indebted to a local loan shark. They scrape by, pinching pennies to make their payments, and their situation seems dire. An opportunity to earn a large sum of money arises when they spot an ad seeking arena combatants to fight sun-cursed beasts in the city's seedy underworld.

The Match-master, Dothilos, is initially impressed by Desil’s brawling reputation but quickly realizes that Lythlet is the brains of the duo and takes her under his wing. As their winnings accumulate, so does their reputation - and with it, their risk-taking. Lythlet soon becomes entangled in political conspiracies, corruption, and intrigue, forcing her to choose between fame or honor and friendship.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I found the writing style a bit difficult to get into at first. It could use some smoothing out. I loved the few tales of Malaysian Chinese myths, but I would have loved to read more of them. The book mainly focuses on the fights, and I enjoyed the variety of the Sunsmith beasts. The different deities were also a lovely touch, and I adored the idea of lightning-bees.

The characters are the highlight of this story. They are well-developed, realistic, and engaging. It’s hard not to care deeply about what happens to them and how they navigate their complex lives. I loved that the heroine was plain - possibly even ugly - socially awkward, and layered with complexity. What she lacked in looks, she made up for with brains. I also loved her platonic and deep friendship with Desil, and her strained relationship with her parents was heartbreaking. No child should feel like a burden to their parents. Desil was a complex character as well, and the revelation about him at the end left me with my mouth agape.

The title is explained in the story, and I loved the explanation. I appreciated the interweaving of moral dilemmas in the plot and the questioning of values. The book also touches on themes of fighting against depravity and abuse, animal cruelty, friendship, loyalty, parent-daughter relationships, escaping the cycle of poverty, honor, empathy, and mercy. I liked the insights Lythlet gained from her fights, the life lessons passed to her by the Match-master, and her refusal to accept injustice.

The novel promises a thrilling blend of action, magic, and a vibrant cast of characters in a medieval world setting. While the cast was colorful and there was some action, there was very little magic - and even less explanation of it - except in a few fights. Watching Lythlet use her wits against the beasts was exciting, but I did feel sorry for the animals forced to fight. There’s a mention of dog fighting, and it felt hypocritical that the heroine didn’t show the same compassion to the beasts that she showed to the poor dogs.
 
The book could benefit from more world-building, especially regarding the magic system, and I wouldn’t have minded more Malaysian Chinese lore either. I also felt there were too many plotlines, though they did come together in the end. A bit of tightening up and another round of editing (the headings switch between capital and lowercase letters) would help. As for the ending, I wasn’t fully satisfied. Without giving away spoilers, after all the heroine went through, I expected her story to end differently. One could argue it’s more realistic this way, but sometimes, realism is overrated.

After weighing the pros and cons, I’m giving this book 3.5 out of 5, rounded up to 4. The premise is unique, the tale is creative, and the imagery and atmosphere are well done. The characters are wonderful, and the internal conflicts make them even more believable. And I did enjoy the book after all. I recommend this book to fans of the genre looking for an original, albeit slow, read.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Serpent Called Mercy" by Roanne Lau

"The Margaret Code" by Richard Hooton

 

"Elizabeth is Missing" meets "The Marlow Murder Club" in this endearing crime tale set in England. I loved both books, so the description of the plot immediately grabbed my attention. The story follows Margaret, an 89-year-old woman with early-stage dementia, and is told from her perspective as she shares her thoughts with her late husband and us, the readers.

Margaret Winterbottom has a secret she hasn’t shared with anyone, not even her family. She has lived on Garnon Crescent her entire life and believes she knows her neighbors - until she’s proven wrong. When her best friend next door, Barbara, is found dead in her house, Margaret’s world is turned upside down.

With the help of her 15-year-old grandson, Margaret tries to crack the case, as the police seem to be focusing on the wrong suspects. But as her memory starts to fade, the lines between past and present blur, and she’s unsure of what’s real. Misplaced objects only add to her confusion. As the duo digs deeper into the mystery, secrets come to light, and emotions flare.

The story captivated me from the very beginning and held my attention until the last page. I loved the book, and Margaret, in particular, got under my skin. Her reminiscences of World War II, her moments with her late husband, and her bond with her grandson were incredibly touching.

The author mentioned that the story was inspired by his own relationship with his grandmother, and his love for her shines through in his portrayal of Margaret. She is a well-rounded, fleshed-out character, and it was easy to become invested in her struggles and her life. When she forgot her way home, my heart truly went out to her.

The book explores themes of loss, the role reversal between parents and children, memory, aging, and the effects of illness on family relationships. The author paints a realistic picture of a woman on the cusp of amnesia and its impact on her family. It was heartbreaking to read about the illnesses of aging, and the desperate need to hold on to the present.

The writing is richly detailed, and I could easily picture each character, place, and scene. I loved how Margaret spoke to her late husband throughout the story, sharing her worries and reflecting on her life. Her relationship with her grandson was heartwarming, and I appreciated his care for her. Margaret’s daughter irritated me at first, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand her better.

By the last section of the book, I had my suspicions about the identity of the perpetrator, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the twists. I also appreciated how the second plotline regarding Margaret’s past was woven into the present-day mystery. The pacing was moderate, which suited the story of an aging heroine. 

The style of writing is easy to follow, but the book could benefit from another round of editing. Some chapters start without capital letters, and in a few words, the letter “O” appears randomly in uppercase. Despite these minor issues, I’m giving the book full stars. It’s a compelling debut, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it to fans of the genre and anyone who loves crime stories solved by elderly amateur sleuths. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Margaret Code" by Richard Hooton