REVIEW: The Hunting Party

The Hunting Party
Author: Lucy Foley

Best friends. The old gang from university. The group has weathered the storms of the 10 years since graduation with as much grace as possible -- new relationships, marriages, a baby for one, fertility treatments on the horizon for another, careers, new ideas, aging faces......    But, still....once they come together, everything will still be the same. This is an exciting reunion trip to the Scottish highlands. An out of the way lodge....a hunting expedition....old friends spending New Year's together. Just like old times. A snow storm settles in and isolates them. Old friends......alone.....trapped together. And, one of them is a murderer.....

I listed to the audio book version of this story and loved every minute of it! Lucy Foley is quite skilled at using time jumps to her advantage. Usually, I don't like time skips, but for this book is worked. The chapters alternate from Before the Incident to After the Incident......back and forth, building a picture of what happened to unravel old, dear friendships at an out-of-the-way lodge in Scotland. Every time I thought I had it figured out....I was wrong. This one caught me by surprise and strung me along until the very end. Love it!

I disliked most of the characters...but I was meant to. Most of them are shallow ass hats trying to maintain a a thin grasp on their younger days. Over privileged, spoiled and disappointed in their adult lives....a keen wanting to return to the days where they were young, on top, relevant, strong.....   to a time when they were friends. Close friends. Or imagined they were close friends?

Wonderful story! I love thrillers that use the closed room/isolated premise to develop the story. The best is of course And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. This book has a bit of that same vibe.....the story isn't just about the killing or the killer...it's about the characters lives, what they are hiding, what they are thinking, the true state of their lives vs the illusions they have. Very dark and suspenseful!!

Lucy Foley has a similar book coming out soon (June 2020) -- The Guest List. A wedding party on an island off Ireland. Murder.  After enjoying The Hunting Party, I'm definitely going to read The Guest List!! I guess I'm just a sucker for vacations gone wrong -- horribly wrong!

REVIEW: I Could Chew On This

I Could Chew on This (And Other Poems By Dogs)
Author: Francesco Marciuliano

I'm very glad my dogs can't talk or write poetry....as I'm sure they would complain. About the cats. About the food. About me going to work. About who gets to sleep on the bed. About everything. All day. :) Right now as I'm typing this review....the chihuahua is in my office laying on the couch staring at me. She wants to be sitting behind me in my chair, but I said no. She figures the pitiful look will make me change my mind. Our big dog is laying behind me on her bed, wagging her tail -- thump, thump, thump -- because she knows that good girls get a dog biscuit after I post a review to my blog. And the pomchi  is under my desk...because she knows the closest dog gets their biscuit first. Needless to say, I read this book with some knowledge of the joys (and despairs) of being a dog owner....or being owned by dogs.

Francesco Marciuliano has written several books about cats -- I Could Pee on This and I Knead My Mummy and others. So of course, the dogs had to have their chance at a poetry collection as well. These books are small -- 4x6 -- but don't let the tiny tome fool you. Each book packs a huge dose of cuteness! The books are attractive....hardback with full color dustjacket. Each poem inside has an accompanying photo. The poems are simple and cute. Don't expect formal poetry...these are just for FUN. Dogs don't know from iambic pentameter or rhyming. They lick their own nether regions -- don't expect sonnets. :) Just have fun!

My favorite from this book:

Food

Food
Food food food
Food food food food
Food food
Food

Who says a dog
Can't write a love sonnet?

I keep these books on my Smile Shelf -- the shelf that holds books that make me smile. My copies of these books live with my favorite children's books, my cartoon collections, books by comedians.....my go-to shelf when I've had a particularly trying day. Sometimes I just need a silly verse about dogs loving to bark and chew on things. :)

Lovely book! Fun and entertaining.

REVIEW: I Knead My Mummy

I Knead My Mummy (And Other Poems by Kittens)
Author: Francesco Marciuliano

Sometimes I need a smile. A rough day. Unexpected money leaks for broken appliances, car repairs, doctor or vet bills. Teenage angst living in my house. Everyone knows the sort of days I mean....we all have them. That's the time when I drag myself home and just need a dose of cute. An infusion of happy to offset the Really Horrible Day. That's why I buy books like this one! Poems written by pets (well, poems dictated by pets...ha ha). These books are little.....4x6.....but they pack a huge cuteness wallop! And....they never fail to make me smile, even on the day our refrigerator died....in the middle of a pandemic.

This particular volume of poems -- I Knead My Mummy -- is penned by kittens. I laughed and smiled as I read about 3 am leg climbing, toy killing and general destruction. Before I returned to work full time, I fostered orphan kittens for the local humane society. Very rewarding....but time consuming and difficult at times. This book reminded me of all the tiny fur faces that stayed with me for awhile before continuing on to their forever homes. :) And had me noticing, the frayed arm of the couch in my office, the tiny holes in my curtains, the 2/3 dead carpet tree.....   Kittens are cute, lovely, adorable.....and destructive little fur demons. :) But I love them.

And I love poetry penned in their names, too!

My favorites:

Black Kitten
I purr
I nuzzle
I lick
I cuddle
I run
I leap
I play
I sleep
But if you think that is an evil omen
If you think all that is pure bad luck
Then yes, you will endure great misfortune
Because without me your life will suck

Looking Good
Lick
Lick
Slobber
Lick
Lick
There
Now all your left arm hairs
Point in the same direction
And Glisten
And smell of seafood surprise
And you're welcome.

Each poem is accompanied by a full color photo of a cat or kitten being very feline. And the front cover is quite colorful and cute -- three kittens getting into mischief. This book is tiny and only 109 pages....but it's incredi-cute, funny and fun. I highly recommend it -- and the other little tomes in this series featuring cats and dogs. They have such awesome titles as: I Could Pee on This (Cats) and I Could Chew on This (dogs) and some are even self-help books - You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats.

These books are also attractive. Full color, hardback with dust jackets. They would make attractive gifts for animal lovers, or for display on a bookshelf or coffee table.

REVIEW: The Nixie of the Mill Pond and Other European Stories

The Nixie of the Mill Pond & Other European Stories
Anthology editors: Kel McDonald, Kate Ashwin
Authors: various

I love folklore and fairy tales! Ever since childhood I have been drawn to stories passed down from past generations ... legends, folk lore, fairy tales, ghost stories, historical tales, morality stories. I enjoy them all! And that life long love is why I enjoy the more modern versions too - urban legends, reddit scary tales, and creepy pasta stories. Those are just the internet-era versions of folk lore and legends. Books, audio, YouTube videos, message boards, podcasts.....I love those stories that pass from person to person and embrace the old and the new. Usually at the very very center there is a kernel of truth (or more than a kernel sometimes) or at least an important moral lesson (stay away from weirdos, lock your doors, beware of dangerous people, use your brains in a bad situation, etc etc) So, when I saw this modern graphic novel re-telling of some classic fairy tales, I knew I had to read it!

Cautionary Tales. Stories to teach, stories to protect, stories to warn. The Nixie of the Mill Pond gathers eight European fairy tales with a cautionary theme:

         Jack and the Beanstalk - Mary Cagle
         The Singing Bone - K. C. Green
         Puss in Boots - Kate Ashwin
         Tatterhood - Kate and Shaggy Shanahan
         Rapunzel - Ovens
         Kid Brother - Carla Speed McNeil
         The Nixie of the Mill Pond - Cory McNeil
         Bisclavret - Kel McDonald
         Hamelin's Piper - Jose Pimentia

The target audience for this collection is middle grade kids. The stories are age appropriate, so each story is relatively simple and short. The more grisly parts of the original stories are toned down a bit....still there, but not quite as in-your-face as the originals. Example: The giant still smells the blood of an Englishman...but he only says it a couple times not 1000 times and he isn't chewing on people parts. It's  implied....but not in an age inappropriate way. Big scary giant....no spurting blood. Fun, quick read! I liked all the stories and enjoyed seeing the different art styles.

My favorite? Hamelin's Piper. Very cool art! And a wordless re-telling. Nice!

There are four other graphic novels in this series showcasing stories from other areas of the world. I definitely want to read the rest!!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus Comics. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Gargantis

Gargantis
Author: Thomas Taylor

I loved Malamander....so had to continue reading this magical middle grade series! Gargantis continues the legend of Eerie-on-Sea, with the awesome quirky characters from the first book! Eerie-on-Sea is a magical place....a place where folklore and legends are part of every day life. Herbie Lemon is at the Grand Nautilus Hotel where he takes pride in being the resident Lost and Founder. Herbie finds things....and keeps them in his Lost & Foundery until claimed. He's joined by his friend Violet in this newest adventure. Something has awoken an ancient, legendary creature -- the Gargantis. The creature seeks its stolen treasure. If anyone can find out who took the treasure and figure out the mystery, it's Herbie and Violet!!

Another magical story in this series! The town, its inhabitants, and its folklore are quirky and wonderful! This tale is just as entertaining and fun as Malamander! The books are written for middle grade children....but as an adult, I love them too! I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW:Tomb of Gods

Tomb of Gods
Author: Brian Moreland

In the 1930s, a group of British archaeologists enter a strange cave in Egypt....and never come out again. A year later, one man from the ill-fated expedition is found, his body covered in strange scars. His granddaughter wants to know what happened in that cave....so she ventures to Egypt joining a group going to explore that same cave. What they find is.....terrifying.

I love books like this! Failed expedition....bad stuff happens....second group is curious and goes to the same place...bad stuff happens. I love being scared...but feeling superior at the same time. I read a bit....get creeped out...but then start talking to the characters in my mind. "Look....use common sense...the key, smart decision here is DO NOT go in that cave!'' Then when the S hits the fan, I can feel smug and say "See??? I told you so!'' All while still being scared by all the bad things going down and enjoying the book. I might love going into cursed, dark, evil places through reading....I'm curled up safe and sound on my couch with a book (and my chihuahua...no monsters getting past my 'huahua!). I would NEVER EVER be silly to go into any deep, dark evil anything....no portals, no hell gates, no evil caves, no cursed places....nope, nope nope. I think that's why I love books like this....I can go there, but not go there. :)

This is the first book by Brian Moreland that I've read. And I will definitely be back for more! He has several other horror novels that I'm sure I will love just as much as this one!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. **

REVIEW: The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond

The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond
Author: Max Brallier

I love listening to this series on audio. Robbie Daymond gives such a great performance each time! The stories are filled with action and humor, plus zombies and monsters. What's not to love?

The premise -- the zombie apocalypse came to town. Most people were turned into zombies. Some kids escaped being zombified and live in the city avoiding the hordes of undead the best they can. There are also monsters that zapped their way into this world through a portal from another dimension. Luckily, some monsters are friendly....so the kids have some large buddies to help them out. That's a good thing....because other monsters are evil.

It's winter time now.....and the kids soon learn that their monster buddies are afraid of snow. So, they decide to help them get over that fear by planning the best part of a kid's winter -- Christmas! Their plans take a detour when they meet up with a new foe.....who steals Jack's most prized possession, the Louisville Slicer!

The audio book is just under 4 hours long. Easy listening length. Lots of zombie and monster fighting humor as usual. Daymond gave his usual enthusiastic performance. I really enjoy these books! The characters and plots are just fun and innocently entertaining. Moving on to the next book -- The Last Kids on Earth and.....the Midnight Blade!

REVIEW: The City Among the Stars

The City Among the Stars
Author: Francis Carsac

I love Sci-fi books. Old, new and most anything in between. When I saw that The City Among the Stars was the first English translation of a French sci-fi classic, I jumped right on it. But....I did not enjoy this story as much as I originally thought I would.

First, the translation seems a bit clunky. The sentences don't flow very well....awkward phrases, stilted conversation, strange word choices. I had a hard time keeping my mind in the story as I struggled through awkwardly written sentences. Not a clean translation...needs some work. The story definitely seems to have lost something in translation.

Second, I found the characters annoying. The entire force of the plot is backed by various characters (and cultures) being completely unwilling to bend or compromise in any way. And all seem to be willing to put others in danger to feed their own selfish ends. That gets really old after awhile. And female characters seem to exist to drape over the arm of men. The main character seems to believe all women are in love with him -- and that they enjoy being yelled at constantly. It's hard to enjoy a story when you detest the main character. Tankar Holroy is an asshat.

This story is just not for me. I didn't like the story or the characters. I'm willing to chalk it up to something lost in translation....or maybe that this story just didn't age well. It was originally published in 1962.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Saturdays

The Saturdays
Author: Elizabeth Enright

How did I miss reading this lovely book series as a kid?? I was a voracious reader....and I loved books like this! But....some things are best saved for a later day? Maybe? I'm 51...and just now discovering these delightful books! I did not discover the joy that Enright's writing can bring until I came across Gone-Away Lake and Return to Gone-Away, totally by accident. I read those two books first (loved them!)...and then moved on to this series.

OMG...I had such fun reading this story! It is a bit dated (first published in 1941), but it didn't put a damper on my enjoyment of the story one bit. There are four children in the Melendy family -- Mona, Rush, Miranda, and 6-year old Oliver. They live with their father and a housekeeper, Cuffy. Cuffy is a beloved member of the family, stepping in as a substitute mom of sorts for the throng after the death of their mother. Father writes for a living, and offers up common sense wisdom when needed. He also complains about coal furnaces, the price of everything, and the woes of home repair, as all dads do. Mona wants to be an actress. Rush likes to joke around and loves the theater, especially opera. Miranda is a free spirit and just wants to be herself. And Oliver.....he's just a bit tired of being too little to do things like his siblings do. The kids are bored. Saturdays should be a day where they get to go out and do things...but money is a bit of a crunch. So, they decide to form a club and pool their money. Every Saturday one of them will get to go out and do something fun...whatever they choose. It's the 1940s....a kid can do a lot with $1.60! Each section of this book is a different Saturday....and a new adventure for each kid in the Melendy family and some shared excitement. Even some danger!

I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by Pamela Dillman, the audio is just over 4 hours long. Dillman gives a great performance. And the story is just enchantingly fun! Every Saturday is an adventure! Fun is had -- lessons are learned -- life is lived. :)

When the book finished, I found myself wondering what I would have chosen to do on MY Saturday, if I had been a Melendy. At 12, I probably would have chosen a day at the zoo where I could wander at will and look at my favorite animals as long as I wanted to. Then a trip to a nearby bookstore, where I could browse the shelves and buy one book I really wanted....then sit outside in the sunshine for awhile and read. Then back home. :) That would have been the perfect day for me at 12. And, you know.....I think it would be a perfect day for me at 51, too!! :)

Moving on to the next book -- The Four-Story Mistake. There are four books in the series. And luckily my library has them all on audio!

REVIEW: GenPet

GenPet
Author: Damian Campanario
Artist: Alex Fuentes

In 2036, technology has advanced and genetically engineered pets are all the rage. A Hong Kong firm creates GenPets to order, but only the wealthy can afford them. Nat Kanan's father owns the Knicks...so he gets one of these new age pets. Niko is not only a pet, but also a bodyguard. That does come in handy, but also attracts the attention of some bad, bad guys who want to use Niko for more criminal pursuits.

Fun, graphic novel! This book is geared towards middle grade age kids. The art is colorful and the storyline is simple, action-packed and entertaining. What kid wouldn't want a pet they designed that can actually bond with their DNA becoming truly theirs? While that is a bit cringe-worthy for me as an adult, when I was a kid.....OMG....a kitty that was made to order that was truly bonded with me would have been SO cool! If I was ordering my own GenPet, I think I would want a kitty that looked like a small panda bear that could change colors at will. Yep....that would be my order. I wonder how much that little gem would cost?? Ha ha! I don't own the Knicks....so I'm guessing it would be out of my price range. I might be able to get a tiny cockroach with a bad attitude, or maybe a blind rat with no tail. :)

Fun story! The art is wonderful! Loved it!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this graphic novel from Magnetic Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. What do you name a color-changing panda cat?  Frank. Yep, definitely Frank.**

REVIEW: Mummies Exposed

Mummies Exposed
Author: Kerrie Logan Hollihan

My reading tastes run a bit toward the creepy/mysterious side....so the Creepy & True Series is one I just had to read! I read this first book on mummies and the upcoming second book, Ghosts Unveiled, in one sitting! Both are totally awesome!

This book is detailed and educational, but written on a level that a middle grade student could easily understand. It is dealing with mummified bodies, burial, death and other slightly grisly subjects...but nothing is inappropriate for elementary age children. The book is set up for reading, classroom or instructional use....it has a table of contents, index, glossary and a lengthy notes section for readers who want to delve more into the subject. There are full color photos and illustrations throughout.

Not only does the book give information about how some bodies naturally mummify in dry conditions or acidic conditions like peat bogs, but it also touches on ritualistic mummification. Some famous mummies are featured -- Otzi, The Lady of Cao, Lady Dai and others. I found myself pausing in my reading to look up more on these mummies. So interesting!!

I liked how the author gave in-depth detail on mummies, history, and science at a level that school children could easily understand and enjoy. She does not use complex scientific terms without explaining exactly what the terms mean and she writes in a conversational manner. This book could be a way to get a curious, but reluctant, reader to enjoy a book! There are lots of photos and the text is simple but engaging. This could also be used for supplemental reading in a classroom or just as an educational and entertaining book for a child (or adult -- I loved this book!) to read.

I'm definitely going to read more by this author! The books are targeted to middle grade age students, but definitely enjoyable for adults too! 

REVIEW: One Taste Too Many

One Taste Too Many
Author: Debra Goldstein

I enjoy cozy mysteries. Sometimes I just need something cute and entertaining with just an edge of dangerous...cozies fit that need perfectly! A cute dog/cat/kitschy theme paired with murder and amateur sleuthing! This series caught my eye because of the lovely Siamese cat on the cover. I have a very soft spot in my heart for Siamese cats....so I had to try this series!  Cozy mystery fun....a Siamese cat....and a new-to-me author! Happiness all around!

In this first book in the Sarah Blair series, Sarah is newly divorced. She has moved a bit down the ladder from the lavish lifestyle she enjoyed with her husband Bill to a studio apartment and a job as a receptionist in a lawyer's office. But she still has her beloved cat, RahRah -- the one thing her ex-husband let her take when their marriage died. Just as she is coming to grips with her new life, her ex-husband drops dead...and her sister is a prime suspect. Was Bill's death murder-by-rhubarb-crisp?? Or something more sinister? When it looks like her sister might go to jail and her ex's bimbo might be able to legally take RahRah from her, Sarah jumps into sleuthing. Can she help Emily...and manage to somehow keep RahRah??

I listened to the audio book version of this story. I will admit that it took me awhile to get used to the narrator's voice. Emily Beresford gives a great performance, but I took awhile to warm up to her slightly nasal tone. Once the story got going, I got used to Beresford's voice....and was sucked into the plot. This book was a perfect companion for my commutes to work and while working around the house. :) Very enjoyable story! I like the setting and the characters. The mystery is engaging with plenty of sleuthing and twists. I expected part of the ending -- but not all of it. All in all, a very entertaining and fun listening experience! I already have the audio of book 2, Two Bites Too Many, checked out on Hoopla.....and a review copy of the newest book (due out in August) on my review-TBR pile! I will definitely be reading all of this series!

REVIEW: A Spell for Trouble

A Spell for Trouble
Author: Esme Addison

I think I have found a new favorite cozy mystery series! A Spell for Trouble is the first book in the new Enchanted Bay Mysteries.

Alex Daniels comes back to Bellamy Bay, NC after years away. Her father didn't like her Aunt Lidia and her cousins. He said they were odd and not like them, and made her promise never to go back. But after his death, she goes back for some family comfort. What else do you do when you quit your job without a plan B? Her Aunt Lidia runs a herbal apothecary shop, Botanika. It sells tea, herbal remedies and a few extra things....luck potions and the like. Alex quickly feels a part of the family again and starts to think about how to put her life back together. But.....

There's always a but, isn't there??

But.....her aunt is suddenly arrested for murder. A troublesome customer is found dead....and Aunt Lidia is blamed. Alex knows she needs to do some serious sleuthing...because while her family exhibits some strange talents....her aunt is not a murderer!

This tale is cute, entertaining and fun to read! It made for a great afternoon of reading!! I like the setting (because I live in NC, I love reading cozies set here!), the characters and the basic plot. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!! Luckily Esme Addison is currently working on the second book in this series....plus the first book in another new series! I will definitely be reading both!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Jackaby

Jackaby
Author: William Ritter

1892. Abigail Rook has made a colossal mistake. She wanted some adventure....to not be left behind because she is a woman. Her parents want her to get educated, but then they expect her to get married, have kids, do what women do. But that isn't what she wants. She wants to discover interesting and important things....to have some adventure....to make her own life. This feeling led her to take her school tuition money and run off to a dinosaur dig site. Then the funding went....her job went.....and she was cut loose. She doesn't want to return home.....so she has to find a job. That's when she meets Jackaby. She gets her adventure.....awesomely spooky, weird, strange adventure!

This book is just....FUN. Jackaby is kooky. Abigail is determined and skeptical. It's like Spooky Mulder and Skully 1892 style. The mix of humor and supernatural investigation kept me binge listening to the audio book....I wanted to know what happened next!

There are four books and one short story in the Jackaby series. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series. I have to know what trouble they get into next!

This series is geared towards YA readers, but enjoyable for adults as well. Nothing age inappropriate for teenagers. I listened to the audio format (Highbridge). At 7.5 hours, it's an easy listening length and is narrated by Nicola Barber. Barber gives a good performance. Very entertaining listening experience.

On to book 2 -- Beastly Bones!

REVIEW: The Girl With All the Gifts

The Girl With All the Gifts
Author:  M. R. Carey

Melanie is a star pupil at her school. She likes her classmates, and loves her teacher, Miss Justineau. It's a special school....there is no recess, no socializing. Just lessons under the supervision of Miss Justineau. Under the eyes of Sergeant Parks. And the direction of the Dr. Caldwell. All students must be firmly affixed in their chairs with straps. Wheeled out from their cells only for class time. Then wheeled back by soldiers following safety protocols. Melanie doesn't understand. But she doesn't remember anything else. It has always been her cell, soldiers, Miss Justineau and all the rules......  Until one day when everything changes.

Wow! This story is a creative, new take on the zombie apocalypse story. I listened to the audio book format on my commutes to work for a few days. I found myself looking forward to the drive just so I could listen to more of the story! Towards the end I started listening at home too because it was at the exciting part and I couldn't wait til the next day to find out what happened! Interesting characters, very interesting premise....a nice mix of action, story and emotion. Things build slowly.....little bits revealed here and there until the whole picture of what happened to humankind is revealed. Very well written!!

I have a personal rule that I have to read the book(s) before I can watch a film or television adaptation. So when I heard about the Netflix show The Girl With All the Gifts and then read it was based on a book...I made my way to my local library's digital site immediately. Glad I did! Now I'm ready to watch the show....but I'm a bit wary. I hope they didn't tinker with the story. This tale is perfect as it is...and changing it would mess it up.  But, I'm going in....armored with my best bibliophile "been here before" shielding.

The audio book (Hachette Audio) is excellent! I can totally understand why it won an Audie Award! The audio is about 13.5 hours long, and narrated by Finty Williams. She gives a wonderful performance, showing excellent voice acting skills. I have partial hearing loss, but was easily able to understand and enjoy this entire audio book. The recording is superb quality and Williams reads at a nice pace with a pleasant voice. Entertaining listening experience!

There is a second book, The Boy on the Bridge. I'm waiting for my library to consider getting the audio format for it. Hopefully soon! I'm so curious what happens in book 2!!

The Girl With All the Gifts gets full stars from me! Very creative and well written!

REVIEW: Pioneer Girl

Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Author: William Anderson
Illustrations: Dan Andreasen

I actually ordered this book by accident. I meant to buy the autobiography actually written by Wilder and published in 2014. The illustrations in this children's book are beautiful, so I didn't return it. I happily read it's concise re-telling of Wilder's story, tiding myself over until the annotated version of Wilder's original book arrives in the post.

This book would be perfect to read out loud to a class of elementary students. The pictures are beautiful and it tells the story of the Ingalls family moving here and there and finally settling in De Smet and Laura's marriage to Almanzo and their various moves until settling in Missouri. It summarizes their lives in about 32 pages,with beautiful full-color artwork. Lovely book!

I grew up in Kansas, so as a little girl I read Wilder's books as did all of my classmates. I remember we all wanted to be the first class that headed to the library to pick books on RIF day (do they still have RIF day in schools?? Or is that a thing of the past? I will have to look that up....) because we all wanted one of the Little House on the Prairie books. They went fast! We used to read them and then trade with each other. Back then, once a week, the television show with Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert graced the screen. We all watched it. So, I grew up with these stories. I think that's why I keep coming back to re-read them. Growing up in Kansas with the freezing winters and blazing hot summers, the wheat and corn fields, we all imagined what it must have been like before modern farm machinery, cars, paved roads, modern medicine....before the land was settled. It must have been brutal, but hearing the stories from Wilder made her childhood seem magical. Still brutal, but with stretches of beautiful experience and adventure.

Amid the mess of Covid-19, the delivery of my annotated Pioneer Girl (Wilder's original biography that wasn't published until 2014) is delayed a bit. I eagerly await it's delivery, but I really enjoyed this awesome children's book while waiting. The artwork by Dan Andreasen is beautiful!!

REVIEW: The Last Kids on Earth and the Nightmare King

The Last Kids on Earth and the Nightmare King
Author: Max Brallier

Jack and the gang are back in book 3 of the Last Kids on Earth Series. I enjoy these books....they are action-packed, innocent fun. Kids and Good Monsters vs Zombies and Evil Monsters.

This time, the kids discover a radio and hear a signal broadcast by other humans! They aren't the only people left! Jack is conflicted about the radio and afraid of being left alone, as he is the only one with no family to find. But a strange new monster -- the Nightmare King -- comes on the scene and Jack has more to deal with than his fears and emotions.

I listened to the audio version of this story. Robbie Daymond narrates and does a superb job! He voices the characters and monsters so well! It makes for a very enjoyable listening experience. This is a middle grade children's book series, so while it has a lot of action, monsters and mayhem, it isn't particularly scary. The audio book is an easy listening length .... just under 3.5 hours long. I listened on my commutes to and from work.

I like this series because it is humorous, has great action and shows the incredible creativity,courage, and resilience of children. :) When work bogs me down or I've read several "heavy'' adult fiction novels in a row, I need a break -- and I turn to children's books. This series is one of my favorites. Always something exciting and fun!

REVIEW: WarCross

Warcross
Author: Marie Lu

Emika Chen is a bounty hunter. She hunts people who illegally gamble on Warcross, a totally immersive virtual reality video game. But lately, she hasn't pulled in many bounties for one reason or another. Facing eviction with only $13 left to her name, she makes a decision that will change her life. Emika will not only become an internationally famous Warcross player, but she's seeking the biggest bounty of her career. This time there is much more at stake than illegal gambling. A shadowy figure only known as Zero has something much bigger, and much more dangerous, planned.

My reading mojo has taken a bit of a hit with all the changes, stress and anxieties hitting me from all directions during the Covid-19 mess. I found myself unable to really enjoy, or pay attention to books I was trying to read or listen to. Just too much mess in my head. So I decided to try Warcross -- an interesting tech-y action story. I loved Ready Player One....so thought this might be just the book to pull me out of my reading slump.

And I was right!

I listened through nearly 12 hours of audio in 3 days. The story sucked me right in, and the suspense kept me listening. Nancy Wu is an excellent narrator! She gives an excellent acting performance. All in all, a very enjoyable listen!

I already have book 2, Wildcard, checked out from my local library. I can't wait to hear what happens next! And I also checked out the first book in The Young Elites series, also by Marie Lu. 

REVIEW: Short Horror Stories (Scare Street) Vol 2

Short Horror Stories Vol 2
Scare Street
Authors: Ron Ripley, Sara Clancy, Rowan Rook

I am loving this series of horror short stories! Volume 1 was fabulous and I hurridly queued up Vol 2 to continue listening! I loved all 3 of these stories too!

In this second collection of three creepy tales a man discovers cheating death has very scary consequences, a funeral sets the scene for a man to help the dead, and the night shift proves to be anything but boring for a hotel clerk.

I like these stories because they are truly creepy but not overly graphic or cheesy. My favorite tale in this second collection is the final one. The narrator's voice as he voiced a certain creepy hotel guest actually made shivers go down my back....I'm not easily creeped out either. Kudos to Thom Bowers for a great performance as narrator!

There are 19 volumes so far in this series. I can't wait to listen to more! I listened to the audio book version of this story collection. Narrated by Thom Bowers, the audio is 1 hr, 43 minutes long. So a perfect short listening length. Bowers does a great job as narrator! The stories are varied with just the right amount of creepiness, and a perfect listen for a quick dose of horror!

**I received a free copy of this audio book from the authors. This review is voluntary and the free book had no bearing on my opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Short Horror Stories: Vol 1 (Scare Street)

Short Horror Stories Vol 1
Scare Street
Authors: David Longhorn, Ron Ripley, Rowan Rook

This collection of horror short stories was so much fun to listen to! I received the audio book for free from the authors. I wasn't sure quite what to expect...but before I was more than 5 minutes into the first story, I realized this collection was going to be perfect! I listened to all 3 stories while driving to work and home again today. And I enjoyed each story! Sometimes with story collections I like some of the tales, but not all of them. I was pleasantly surprised by all 3 stories in this first volume of Short Horror Stories. The tales are varied, sufficiently long to be interesting but short enough to make this an easy listening length.

Just some basics on the stories -- A young girl whose Let's-Play videos online have made her an internet sensation has an unfortunate altercation with a stalker. A priest discovers that not everyone is what they seem. And, a wealthy widow with sticky fingers and little conscience gets what she deserves.  My favorite? I can't really choose -- I enjoyed all 3!

There are 19 books in the Short Horror Stories (Supernatural Suspense Collction) series. I can't wait to listen to more in this collection! Perfect companion creepy tales for my daily commute!

I listened to the audio book version of these tales. Narrated by Thom Bowers, the audio is just over 1.5 hours long. Bowers gives a great performance! Very enjoyable listening experience! And the cover art is just fantastic!!

**I received a free copy of this audio book from the authors. This review is voluntary, and the free book had no bearing on my opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**