The New Neighbor

 

“The New Neighbor” by Karen Cleveland

Published by Ballantine Books

Finished 8/12/22 – 4/5 stars

 

This is my first book by Karen Cleveland, but it will not be my last.  Although I felt it started off a little slow, once it got going it turned into a page turner.  It’s a spy thriller that had me constantly questioning characters and their motives.  I always love it when a book has me change my mind multiple times as to “who done it”.  I believe the author’s history with the CIA definitely came into play, making it a believable story.  I just wish the main character’s son had gone to VT rather than UVA – go Hokies!

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and review.

 

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Things We Do in the Dark

 

“Things We Do in the Dark” by Jennifer Hillier

Published by Minotaur Books

Finished 8/10/22 – 5/5 stars

 

Wow!  You know it’s a good read when you finish a book in a day and a half.  Yes, I was on vacation, but still….that’s quick for me.  This book keeps you on your toes with multiple mysteries all thrown into one story.  Plus there is quite a dysfunctional family element as well.  It all begins with a woman being arrested for the murder of her famous, older husband.  Afterall, she was found next to the body, holding the assumed murder weapon so why wouldn’t you assume she killed him?  And then immediately you are told she’s not who she claims to be and that she’s been using a fake identity.  What?  Why?  I can’t tell you any of that.  It would spoil the book.  You’ll just have to read it to find out more.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and review.

 

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#5StarReads

The Many Daughters of Afong Moy

 “The Many Daughters of Afong Moy” by Jamie Ford
Published by Atria Books
Finished 8/9/22 – 4/5 stars

 I really wanted to love this book because I think Mr. Ford has a true talent in writing.  And I did love the characters, just not all of the storyline that takes place in the near future.  Because this is a multigenerational book that begins with the first Chinese woman in America, it needed to start at a certain time in the 1800s.  That means the final characters’ storylines had to be in the future.  I just couldn’t fully wrap my arms around parts of the 2046 storyline.  The rest of the book was wonderful, although it tore at your heartstrings multiple times.  Essentially, it is a book of multiple short stories tied together genetically, showing how a family history can shape the family’s emotional future.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and review.

 

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#JamieFord 
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