All Things Bright and Strange

by James Markert

Michael Ellsworth Newberry, wonder boy of Bellhaven, South Carolina.  His life is peppered with stories of his multiple life survivals, but he is fed up with his life.  As he tastes the metal of the gun against his mouth life steps in again.  The loss of his wife, his leg in WWI and his dreams of playing professional baseball have worn him down.  However, the discovery of a mysterious chapel beyond the boundary of the painted trees will put him on another path.  Things are changing in Bellhaven and the quiet little town is about to have its citizens questioning their neighbors, their friends and themselves as to what is right and what is wrong.

I believe this is one of those books that you either hate or you love.  It has been listed as ‘Christian Fiction’ and I must disagree.  There is a lot of faith woven within this story.  However, there are many faiths and races within the city limits of Bellhaven which make it an unusual town of its time and all get along, but that is why it is vulnerable.  At one point, I was worried it was headed down Stephen King lane.  Luckily, it turned before it got to that point.  It is not bogged down with gratuitous sex or gory violence.  Notice I said, no ‘gory’ violence.  There is violence.  A story about a battle between good and evil cannot be told without violence.  The redeeming quality in this book for me were the characters, not the storyline.  I liked the citizens of Bellhaven. Even those that cross the line.  There are some truly nasty characters within this story that are not easily liked but unfortunately, there are many still like them today.  As the saying goes, leopards don’t change their spots.  Overall, it’s a good story and though I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, I understand it.   I really liked the dedication of the book.  Nice one, Mr. Markert. 

I wish to thank #NetGalley and the publisher for generously providing an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.

PUB:  Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson

PUB DATE:  January 30, 2018

ISBN:  9780718090289

Genre:  Historical/Supernatural Fiction

Blood Sisters

by Jane Corry

Corry’s story of a dysfunctional and damaged family is haunting and gritty.  As Allison’s story slowly unfolds, the dark truth of the accident that left her sister severely injured and unable to communicate also unfolds.  The reality of jealousy and envy are starkly portrayed in this novel and the very real horrors of a woman working in a men’s prison is gripping.  Readers who enjoy stories with plots that twist and turn and leave the reader unsure who to trust will eagerly dive in. 

I wish to thank the generosity of the publisher and Edelweiss for the Advanced Reader’s Copy for my honest review.

PUB: Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin Random House

PUB DATE:  January 30, 2018

ISBN:  9780525522188

Genre:  Mystery/Suspense/General Fiction

Dangerous Crossing

by Rachel Rhys

Though apprehensively, Lily Shepherd is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.  Taking advantage of a government program, she boards a ship bound for Australia joining a few other young ladies looking for work and a change.  Lily finds herself sharing cocktails and dinner with members of society that would otherwise, not look at her twice.  As the voyage progresses, rumors of a new war arise and tensions among the passengers along with them. 

Readers looking for a straight up ‘who done it’ might be disappointed picking up this novel.  I encourage those readers to step outside their box and indulge in something different.  Rhys has given us a protagonist that is strong but unreliable.  On one page you are sympathetic towards her, the next one you want to slap her!  There are many characters within this story that are unreliable.  The world has just survived the first World War and the farther the ship moves from the European stage the more erratic the passengers behave.  Rhys packs in and addresses many issues within this story skillfully.  Though this title is being marketed as a mystery, the real story lies within the small group surrounding Lily.  As each mile falls away and they move closer to their destination, the created facades of each character slowly peel away.  It’s an interesting look at the effect of the coming war from those on the other side of the world.  The story will stay with you.

I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for generously providing an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.

PUB:  Atria Books

PUB DATE: January 9, 2018

ISBN:  9781501162725

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Many a Twist: A County Cork Mystery

by Sheila Connolly

As the new owner of Sullivan’s Pub, Maura Donovan is beginning to feel as if she is making a home for herself.  When her long absent mother turns up as a member of the new company investing in a local hotel, Maura is duly surprised but weathers the shock well.  When the body of her mother’s boss is found on the grounds of the hotel, it just keeps things interesting.  `

This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel.  Connolly’s characters are realistic. Wouldn’t we all love to inherit a home, free of charge?  As you read the story you feel as if you are a member of the crowd in Sullivan’s Pub.  The unfolding of the story is gradual.  I had not read any of the previous books in the series and I didn’t have a problem following the storyline.  Connolly did an excellent job filling in the backstory when needed. This is a good addition to the series. 

PUB: Crooked Lane Books

PUB DATE:  January 9, 2018

ISBN:  9781683314530

Genre:  Cozy Mystery  

The Island

by M J Trow

Investigative partners Matthew Grand and James Batchelor set off to the colonies for the wedding of Matthew’s sister Martha.  Getting an education in the customs and ways of Americans as well as the Grand family keeps Batchelor on his toes.  As the wedding guests arrive, Batchelor is thrilled to be introduced to a very distant Grand cousin, Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain. As the event draws near, the body of the lady’s maid who accompanied the Matron of Honor is found in her room with her head bashed in with what looks like an axe.  Surely the murderer isn’t a guest.  Could it be someone from one of the islands along the coast?  

Trow fills the story with odd, quirky and some even likeable characters.  As at any large family gathering, there are numerous names and places to remember and Trow manages to keep them all in line.  To break up some of the more gruesome scenes are scenes that might just make you snigger. Side stories of family matters entwine with the ongoing investigation neatly and you feel like a participant in the events.  Keeping Clemens part to a minimum makes his part in the story more realistic.  An overall enjoyable and satisfying read.

I wish to thank the publisher for generously providing an Advanced Reader’s Copy through NetGalley for my honest review.

PUB: Severn House

PUB DATE: January 1, 2018

ISGN:  9781780291024

Genre:  Historical Mystery