"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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker

 

Joël Dicker is one of my favorite authors. I've read all his published books, including the Marcus Goldman series, and loved them. "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker is the third installment in the Marcus Goldman series, and it not only meets but surpasses the bar set by the previous books.

The novel follows Marcus Goldman, a celebrity author who is restless after the meteoric success of his two books. We got to know him in "The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair" and "The Baltimore Boys". Now, he’s back with another thrilling case, as sharp as ever, and taking stock of his life.

Eleven years ago, the body of a young woman was found on the shore of a lake near the quiet town of Mount Pleasant, New Hampshire. The murderer(s) were caught at the time - or so the police believed. Now, as new facts come to light, questions arise. Marcus and his friend, Sergeant Perry Gahalwood, begin digging to uncover the truth.

With new leads and red herrings aplenty to mislead them, the investigation proceeds heel by toe. Amidst past remembrances and regrets, Marcus reflects on his life’s choices and his future. Was The Road Not Taken the better choice? And with mysterious souvenirs from Harry, Marcus' mentor who disappeared after the conclusion of his case, Marcus' plate is full.

I loved returning to Marcus's world. Any new book in this series feels like reconnecting with an old friend. The book is full of twists, time jumps back and forth - a bit too many past remembrances - and reflections on the meaning of success and its fallout, simpler (and possibly happier) times, and finding happiness. As a side note, I had no problem following the time jumps and keeping up with the events.

While the book stands on its own, there are some characters and events mentioned from previous books, though without spoilers. You don’t have to read the previous books to understand what’s going on, but it is preferable as they are good, and you might miss the fine nuances.

This is not a purely detective novel, and the murder isn’t the main focus. The book is a winning combination of prose and psychological tension, seasoned with humor and insights. Although the book isn’t without clichés - Marcus’s mother always urges him to find a girlfriend, and his publisher talks only about money and windows of opportunity - this does not detract from its value.

The uniqueness of the book lies in the combination of the murder mystery and the vivid description of Marcus Goldman's world. The story is full of interesting observations, some cynical and critical, about the world of literature, success, and the fear of failure. The book starts slow, but the pace picks up around the middle.

The plot could have benefited from some tightening up - fewer memories and more focus on the inquiry - but this is just a minor gripe. Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it. Don’t be alarmed by the book's length or its slow pace at times. It’s a quick read with a satisfying conclusion, and the writing flows naturally. The book ends with a hint at another installment, and I’m already looking forward to it.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker

"Here One Moment" by Liane Moriarty

 

I have read a few of Liane Moriarty's books and loved them, so I was happy to get my hands on her new book. If you knew when and how you'd die, would you try to avoid it at all costs or accept your fate? Which begs the question: would you want to know the date of your death? This intriguing premise, set in Australia, forms the backbone of Moriarty's latest tale.

Passengers on a plane from Hobart to Sydney are told the time and cause of their death by a mysterious old lady the press dubs the "Death Lady." Initially, no one takes these predictions seriously until some of them start coming true. The book follows several of these passengers, alternating between their perspectives (in the third person) and the fortune teller’s (in the first person). Some fight their fate, while others accept it.

The book explores themes of free will vs. predestination, grief, fate, and love, as well as the Butterfly Effect. This theory from chaos science explains how a tiny change in one part of the world can cause a huge effect elsewhere. The fortune teller is that butterfly, setting in motion a series of events that affect the lives of the passengers. As we get to know them, their interactions can also be thought of as additional ripples in this effect.

The book started slowly but picked up pace. Overall, I enjoyed it. Despite its length, it was a quick read. It was fascinating to read about the different reactions of the people to their predictions. At first, I enjoyed the passengers' portions more than the fortune teller's, but she grew on me. While I appreciated her backstory, I think the author could have tightened some of those portions and trimmed some of the philosophical rants.

I loved how the different storylines were connected, even if it felt a bit contrived at times. The message of living each day as if it were your last, while not new, was conveyed effectively. The book’s exploration of fate and healing resonated with me. Moriarty's writing style, as always, is engaging and vivid, making the characters' journeys compelling. I loved the book and found it very touching. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy stories about fate, healing, and finding oneself.

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

* For more info about the book: "Here One Moment" by Liane Moriarty

"The Book Swap" by Tessa Bickers

 

"The Book Swap" by Tessa Bickers is an impressive debut novel following Erin and James, two book lovers stuck in a niche of their own making and connected through notes left in books.

Erin, still grieving the loss of a close friend, accidentally donates her favorite annotated book to the community library. James discovers it and, moved by her annotations, responds within the book itself. Erin is dissatisfied with her job, while James, burdened by caring for his bipolar mother, has abandoned his dream of writing. Unbeknownst to them, they share a history and harbor unresolved issues that prevent them from moving forward. As their correspondence progresses from discussing books to sharing personal revelations, they motivate each other to step outside their comfort zones.

The book is written in the first person and alternates between the two protagonists. It is wrongly marketed as a rom-com, so I expected some light reading. However, it is better classified as romance fiction or literary fiction as it explores heavy-handed themes such as grief, bipolar disorder, depression, bullying, and toxic environments. It also explores fallible human nature, healing, forgiveness, redemption, and pursuing dreams.

The book started slowly for me, but once it gained momentum, I couldn't put it down. I loved the concept of exchanging notes through books, the dynamics between the characters, and the author's thoughtful handling of mental illness. The side plots enrich the story, and I particularly enjoyed the interactions with side characters such as the protagonists' families, Erin's friend Cassy, and James' friend Joel.

Truth be told, Erin irritated me at times with her immaturity, selfishness, and poor behavior toward her friends and mother. James wasn't perfect either, being too judgmental at times, and his behavior in school was inexcusable. I don't want to say too much about it to avoid spoilers, but being bullied isn't reason enough to act as he did, though who are we to judge?? Nonetheless, I appreciated how both characters developed and grew throughout the book, and the ending moved me to tears.

While the novel references classic works like "Great Expectations," "Wuthering Heights," "Mansfield Park," and "To Kill a Mockingbird" (which I also enjoyed), it doesn't delve deeply into them—and rightly so, as it isn't the book's focus. Overall, I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to fans of slow-paced friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, and slow-burn romance stories that aren't afraid to tackle weighty themes. It delves into the complexities of the human psyche, provokes thought, and definitely touched me deeply.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Book Swap" by Tessa Bickers