REVIEW: Tracking Pythons

Tracking Pythons
Author: Kate Messner

I recently watched a documentary about the problems Florida has with Pythons. What started out as a few snakes in the late 70's has now blossomed into thousands, if not millions, of the large snakes causing havoc in the Florida ecosystem. This book explains the problem in an age appropriate manner for middle grade age children, with color photos and scannable QC codes that load supplemental videos and other information.

This book would be great supplemental reading for a science class or just for a fun, interactive reading experience. It is written for children, but as an adult I still enjoyed reading about the snakes, the problems they cause and what is being done to solve the problem.

Great book! Very enjoyable interactive reading experience!

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

REVIEW: Mrs. Morris and the Witch

Mrs. Morris and the Witch
Author: Traci Wilton

Charlene Morris finally has her B&B in Salem up and going, resident ghost and all. As she navigates her new life and her new friendship with Jack (a very handsome ghost), she's learning to go with the flow. Especially at Halloween. Salem goes all out for the holiday -- ghost tours, lots of tourists, Halloween and witch themed everything.....   And, unfortunately......murder.   When Charlene finds a local businesswoman dead in her shop, her first Halloween in Salem quickly proves both spooky and dangerous.

I love this series! Charlene is a strong, intelligent and determined main character. And she's backed up by some awesome side characters as well. My favorite is Jack though. He's life-challenged, but helps out when Charlene needs him the most. I feel a bit sorry for them though, as they would be interested in a relationship if Jack was a bit more corporeal. And I have to say I also feel a bit sorry for Charlene.....she just wants to get rolling on her new life & business, and dead bodies keep popping up.

Another great cozy mystery in this new series! And there isn't long to wait for the next book -- Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past comes out in the fall of 2020! Yay!! :)

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

REVIEW: The Paris Mysteries

The Paris Mysteries
Author: Edgar Allan Poe

Monsieur Chevalier Auguste Dupin. A character created by Edgar Allan Poe....the fictional amateur detective that started an entire genre and inspired authors like Arthur Conan Doyle to create other fictional detectives. Dupin is a complex, amazingly intelligent and observant man. It's a shame that Poe did not pen more stories about him!

This book contains three stories: The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The mystery of Marie Roget, and The Purloined Letter. I love Poe's writing, so I have read these tales many times. And I enjoyed this chance to revisit them. I enjoyed having all of Dupin's investigations in one volume.

I definitely recommend these stories to any reader who loves detective fiction. The tales are written in that dark, chilling way that Poe mastered.

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

REVIEW: Proof of Murder

Proof of Murder
Author: Lauren Elliott

Proof of Murder is the 4th book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. I enjoy the characters and the setting/backround of the series. It keeps me coming back each time I see a new book!

In this newest mystery, Addie Greybourne is seeking to add to the stock of rare and interesting books for shop, Beyond the Page Books & Curios. Her stock on hand in her rambling, inherited house, Greybourne Manor, is starting to thin out. So, she decides to attend a local auction. Her best friend tries to tell her not to go there -- the house is supposedly haunted and has a rather sinister reputation. But Addie goes....the call of rare and wonderful books is too strong to keep her away. When the dead body of one of the appraisers is discovered in the house, Addie finds herself trailing a killer.

Another great visit to Greyborne Harbor! I love reading about all the awesome books Addie finds and about the house, the town and the lovely side characters. These books are always a nice escape. Very entertaining cozies. I can't wait for the next book!

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

REVIEW: Boy in the Box

Boy in the Box
Author: Marc E. Fitch

Four friends. A dark, hidden secret. For 10 years, Jonathan and his friends haven't breathed a word about what happened on their hunting trip to the Adirondacks. It was Jonathan's bachelor weekend at a remote cabin...a time to let loose, hunt in the forest, be men, be free one last time..... Things went horribly wrong, haunting them all for years. Then they decide to go back to the cabin in the woods.

Mistake.

Something is waiting for them....

What a creepy story! I loved it! I think everyone has a moment in their lives that they wish they could go back and erase. Most aren't quite as bad as the event that ruins these men's lives. The event they have to hide.....  I can't even imagine the horror, the guilt, the worry. It would never go away. Then add in some evil....and a very remote, wild, yet beautiful place....Yikes!

The slow build and suspense are perfect. The characters painfully normal. It just shows that normal people can do abnormal things....make huge mistakes....ruin their lives in the blink of an eye. It makes for a very realistic, very scary story! Perfect read for a chilly, rainy spring day!

This is the first book by Marc Fitch that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! This story was awesomely dark!

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

REVIEW: Solar Storms

Solar Storms
Author: Nicholas S. Smith

Solar Storms is an introductory/prequel story for the Orbs series. The year is 2055 and scientists discover that severe solar storms might bring about the end of life on Earth. Two experts brought in by NASA to monitor the approaching solar radiation discover that there is more to the situation than anyone expected. Something is feeding the storms.....

I listened to the audio version of this prequel. At just under an hour long, it was a perfect introductory length to get the sci-fi lover in me pumped up to listen to the rest of the series. I am VERY grateful to my public library and Hoopla for providing me awesome sci-fi selections to listen to! And, of course, big thanks to all the authors writing the awesome stuff as well.

I enjoyed this story. It built up my excitement and curiosity about the first book in the series. I'm anxious to find out what happens next!

REVIEW: The Obsidian Chamber

The Obsidian Chamber
Authors: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

This was such an exciting book! I listened to the audio book format while working in my yard and planting the garden. Definitely keep me totally absorbed in the story the entire time. Made hours of outdoor work whiz right by!

A dangerous figure in both Pendergast's and Constance Green's past comes back in this exciting tale. The cliff hanger ending of Crimson Shore is resolved, and a character I didn't expect to see again popped up to cause all sorts of problems. I feel like this book returns to the action/vibe of the first few books that was maybe lacking a bit in later stories. I think the Helen-centric books bogged down the series a bit....for me, that particular continuing plot carried on too long. I do have to say that I feel like the two main characters made some bad judgment calls in this book. I think both characters will have to deal with some bad consequences from decisions made in The Obsidian Chamber.

The audio book version (Hachette Audio)is just under 13 hours long. It is narrated by Rene Auberjonois, who gives his usual excellent performance. Auberjonois passed away in December 2019 and stopped narrating this series with book 18. Jefferson Mays narrates the newest book, Crooked River, that just came out in 2020. I will savor the next two books with Auberjonois' narration, and do my best to accept the change once I get to book 20.

Moving on to Book #17, City of Endless Night!

REVIEW: The Wise Friend

The Wise Friend
Author: Ramsey Campbell

Patrick Torrington thought his Aunt Thelma committed suicide. She was an artist and before her death her artwork got progressively more dark and disturbing. A shadowy figure with no face started to appear in her work. Some even said her work seemed to be alive...moving....breathing. When Patrick discovers his dead aunt's diary, he and his son Roy, go on a quest to find local places she wrote about. She left lines of poetry describing these mysterious places. As they follow in her footsteps unraveling the puzzle, they awaken something. A dark force that Patrick truly believes would have been better undisturbed.

This story is disturbing and has a delicious slow burn horror to it. As the diary and puzzles left behind by Thelma start to unravel, the story gets darker and darker. This was a total binge read for me today as I worked through my usual Sunday chores -- laundry, dishes, meal planning. My boring routine needed a bit of horror to liven things up. This was the perfect story to lend a bit of excitement to a dull, rainy, shelter-in-place-during-the-pandemic day.

I like Ramsey Campbell's style. This is the first of his books that I've read....and I will definitely be coming back for more! Some horror fiction is too understated and I end up wanting more. And some is too over-the-top that it gets cheesy. The Wise Friend was in the middle -- perfect atmospheric build, great characterizations to pull me into the plot quickly, and some great creepy moments to inject just the right amount of scare into the tale. This was just a good scary story -- loved it!

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

REVIEW: Crimson Shore

Crimson Shore
Authors: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

A priceless wine collection has been stolen. Agent Pendergast along with his ward Constance Green take a trip to Exmouth, MA to investigate. The thieves emptied the wine cellar except for one case of an extremely rare vintage from 1904. Pendergast rapidly discovers that there is much more going on than the theft of some incredibly expensive wines. A secret chamber holds clues to old secrets.....murder, dark rituals.....evil.

Leave it to Pendergast to jump into a case for the price of a bottle of rare wine and end up nose deep in long hidden, horrible secrets. This story definitely kept my attention the entire time....and led me to immediately check out the audio of the next book in the series. Thank God there was not a waiting list for this one! I would have been biting my fingernails off until it became available! But, there is a reason these books usually have a wait list at the library (about the only thing good about Covid-19 is that libraries have increased their checkout limits and number of available copies of books so everyone can read and listen during all of this mess)...the stories are exciting, the characters are interesting, and the action is never, ever boring! As I listened to the opening chapters of this book, I actually talked to my phone as it played.....oh Aloysius, surely you realize this case is not going to end up being about wine. I tried to tell him.....but alas.....he had to proceed as written. :)

Another great story in this series! I listen these days with a twinge of sadness. Rene Auberjonois is a perfect narrator for this series. After his death in December 2019, the newest book published in 2020, Crooked River, was narrated by Jefferson Mays. I went to Audible and listened to an audio sample. Sigh. It sounds like Jefferson Mays does a good job....but he is no Rene Auberjonois. Crimson Shore is the 15th book in this series. Auberjonois narrated up to book 18....so I will have the joy of three more superb performances by one of my favorite actors until I have to accept (or try to) change. RIP Rene Auberjonois....thank you so much for sharing decades of your talent with all of us!

On to book 16 -- The Obsidian Chamber!

REVIEW: The Essence of Darkness

The Essence of Darkness
Author: Tom Clearlake

The basic premise of this book is a good one -- five children disappear from a small Pennsylvania town and the FBI comes to investigate. Soon the case morphs from a criminal investigation to something straight out of the X-files....there is something very, very wrong happening in St. Marys.

I have to be completely honest in my review....as I am with every book I review.  I had a hard time getting through this book. It was translated to English from the original French....I'm not sure if it lost something in translation, but the story just fell a bit flat for me. Some of the horror scenes were bloodcurdling-ly awesome. But those scenes just aren't enough to carry the entire book. The writing style, slow plot, over-explanation, and thin characterizations pretty much threw off my enjoyment of this horror novel. The dialogue seems stilted in places because of word choices that people just wouldn't use in conversation, especially during an investigation. I never connected with the characters...they seemed like caricatures to me.  The main character is described over and over again as a sexy, virile man that women love but he doesn't realize how awesome he is. And the details about his sexual encounters just seemed unnecessary. After awhile, I found him boring and pretty much unlikable.

Not every story is for every reader. And this one was not for me.

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

REVIEW: Gone With the Whisker

Gone With the Whisker
Author: Laurie Cass

I have been reading the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series with a huge smile on my face ever since the first book came out in 2013. I'm not sure if it's the library bookmobile theme, the characters, or Eddie the Cat that makes these books some of my favorite cozy mysteries...most likely it's a combination of them all.

Gone With the Whisker is the 8th book in this series. It's summertime in Chilton, MI and Librarian Minnie Hamilton is busy! Not only is it the start of tourist season, but she's also dealing with lots of changes in her life -- her boyfriend's house renovation project, someone else running her aunt's boarding house, and her teenage niece has come to stay with her for the summer. Minnie isn't about to let anything ruin her summer.....not even a dead body. Yep. Another one. Soon Minnie, her niece and the usual cast of characters (even Eddie!) are all on the trail of a killer.....

As usual, this was a fun visit to Chilton! The mystery plot was entertaining....and there are plenty of suspects and sleuthing. I got a bit tired of Kate's constant angst....but by the end of the book, the character had grown on me. Eddie is his usual self. Another entertaining read in this series! The cover art is awesome as usual!

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! It took my mind off being cooped up in the house for Easter weekend this year....

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Mrrr!**

REVIEW: Grimbeard

Grimbeard: Tales of the Last Dwarf
Author: Samwise Didier

Captain Grimbeard. He's rough. He's tough. Hates Elves and loves a good fight. And he's the hero of this collection of short stories.

Fun read!

Grimbeard is hacked off. And it's understandable. He wakes up after a night of partying to discover that not only has he flashed 1000 years forward in time, but he's also the last dwarf. The very last one. And there are freaking elves everywhere. These six stories follow Grimbeard as he grumps his way through life organizing fights, avoiding elven bounty hunters, does piratey things and generally fights his way through life.

Very entertaining! Fun to read! I passed the book on to my husband when I finished and he's enjoying it too. He keeps popping into the room to exclaim about things happening in the stories. ha ha :)

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Glad I entered -- this book was just ridiculously entertaining!

**I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway. I voluntarily wrote this review and the free copy had no bearing on my opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Choosing Light

Choosing Light: When an Earthquake Buried Me and
My Family for Five Days, I Learned to Fully Live
Author: Viral Dalal

The Author Viral Dalal tells the story of a fateful trip home to visit family in India in 2000. He was living in the United States and going to school. He boarded the airplane to fly home with such happy dreams of a wonderful visit....gifts for everyone, stories about his education and living in America, just the joy of seeing his parents and family again...   But he didn't realize that a 7.7 magnitude earthquake would hit and bury his family in the rubble of a concrete high rise.

Wow. This book is emotional and scary. The author tells the story in detail, adding in memories of his family and their strong bonds with each other. He tells about how he tried for days to dig himself out of the rubble and how the event and its aftermath changed his life.

I had a hard time reading some parts of this book. I had to step away a few times when it got too emotional for me. I can't even imagine going through an event like Viral Dalal survived. Not only did it require physical strength to survive and go on...but extreme mental and spiritual strength, too!

Lovely and very emotional story! I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I'm glad I read it. The story made me appreciate my family and friends SO MUCH. I made sure to message my kids and those close to me to tell them that I appreciate them.

**I won a free copy of this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway. My review is voluntary and the free book had no bearing on my opinions. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Fallout STories

Fallout Stories
Author: Michael Andre-Driussi

I entered a Goodreads giveaway for this book mostly because my teenager has been trying to get me to play the Fallout games for a few years now. I'm a die-hard Skyrim fan....and that's usually the only video game I play. When I finish the game....I pick a new race, start over and make new choices. My son rolls his eyes and gives me the usual speech...."There are thousands of great games out there. Try something new!'' So, I think winning a copy of this book was an excellent opportunity to get me at least considering trying Fallout. Getting a taste of the plot and world feel involved...good starting place. I love dystopian, apocolyptic type books....so I figured this would not only be an enjoyable story collection but also a way to get me excited about trying a different video game.

Mission accomplished.

This book has 9 stories, a couple little articles on Fallout/video games, and a list of stories similar to Fallout and even a book list. The stories are enjoyable, and a nice mixed collection. Everything from alternate history, to nukes, to robots. I enjoyed the comparison of Fallout to The Omega Man in one of the articles. The stories are well-written and entertaining. I had a great time reading this entire book!

I think I'm ready to give Fallout a try. Skyrim is still my main video game home.....but I'm a bit miffed they keep pushing back the release time frame for the new game. I got all excited about a return to Skyrim....and then the date kept slipping back, back, back....  Dammit Bethesda! lol  Just kidding....I want it to be the best it can be, so I'm willing to wait. I will just take a sidestep and try the Fallout games. :) (But please put the new game out before I'm too old to see the screen! lol)

Enjoyable stories! And, I'm going to take my son's advice and try the Fallout games! And, he sends a sincere salute to Michael Andre-Driussi for getting me to finally take the plunge.

**I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway. I write this review voluntarily and the free copy had no bearing on my review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Tombstone

Tombstone
Author: Tom Clavin

I have read several historical books by Tom Clavin and he never disappoints. I am an amateur history buff and my husband is a big fan of westerns. So, Tom Clavin books are rapidly populating our shelf of Wild West era history books. While I enjoyed my digital advanced copy of this newest book, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of our pre-ordered hardback copy! This book deserves a re-read after my husband finishes reading it!

Tombstone. The Earps. Doc Holliday. The Clantons. The famous gunfight that occurred in 1881 in Tombstone has been immortalized in so many ways....and most of the stories are based around the legends grown up around the characters involved. Bigger than life characters. But....in reality....those involved were not characters, but real life people. This is a real event.....and Tom Clavin digs past the legends and folklore to get at the real event. What actually happened that fateful day and what is the truth about the aftermath.

For me, this book was pure gold. I love reading about this era of history. And Clavin, as usual, goes into awesome detail. I always feel like a Clavin book is as close as I can get to meeting real historical figures short of inventing a working time machine. :) I enjoyed every bit of this book, and learned facts that I didn't previously know. I love it when an author teaches me something new on a subject in which I felt "well read.''  It reminds me that there is always more to learn!!

I can't wait for my husband to get his copy....I'm anxious to compare notes on parts of the book I found most interesting. We always have the best discussions about history after reading a Clavin book!

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

REVIEW: Sin Eater

Sin Eater
Author: Megan Campisi

This story is part alternate history and part dark fairy tale. Sin Eaters. Women forced to listen to the confessions of dying people, then take on their sins by eating foods that symbolize the sins confessed. May is an orphan....alone and hungry. When she steals a loaf of bread, she is branded and shackled in a heavy collar. Forced to be a sin eater, she is a social pariah, living under the threat of hell if she fails in her duty. When her mentor is charged with treason and killed after refusing to eat a deer heart, May wants to know the truth of what happened. She finds herself dragged down into dark conspiracies and dangerous secrets.

This tale is dark, and so creative! I didn't like seeing it compared to other stories like The Handmaid's Tale. It's nothing like those other stories....it's a creative idea all its own. It does deal with the bleak aspects of class and sexism like The Handmaid's Tale and other stories have done before. But Campisi creates something new and different in this dark tale. At times, it was hard for me to continue reading as I felt such sympathy for the main character. Her life and situation are so bleak.....but the 16th century was a pretty bleak time for most people.

Interesting and mesmerizing read! I'm definitely looking foward to reading more by this author!

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

REVIEW: The Forever House

The Forever House
Author: Tim Waggoner

We've all had bad neighbors. I imagine every adult has a few neighborhood horror stories....from people who don't close their blinds and display things nobody wants to see...to the usual fare...nosy busybodies, thieves and judgmental pricks. We've all had less than wonderful people residing near us at one time or another.....

But the people in Rockridge, Ohio have it much worse than any loud, pesky annoying people we have ever come across. The Eldreds move into a house infamous for being a site of murders and a suicide. The Forever House is just what they are looking for. Prime real estate. The Eldreds feed off dark, negative emotions. And they are hunting for prey.

The feel of this book reminded me a bit of Needful Things by Stephen King. A sinister presence feeding off the bad things inside a town's residents....destroying them and consuming them because of the secrets, desires and wickedness they are all hiding. What secrets are hidden in ANY neighborhood?? Would the Eldreds enjoy living on your block??

Very creepy story! This is the second book by Tim Waggoner that I've read, and I want to read many more of his books! He never fails to completely freak me out!

Very creepy story with some outstandingly uncomfortable moments! Loved it!

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

REVIEW: The Dark Continent

The Dark Continent
Author: Scott Reardon

I am a hopeless junkie when it comes to sci-fi/thrillers about augmented humans. I jump right on stories about undercover government operations that mistakenly believe that because they CAN scientifically create an augmented, stronger, more violent person that they SHOULD. I get sucked right into the story....and even find myself talking back to the book "Oh...now that's such a good idea'' or "I wouldn't go in there looking for the violent, superstrong, angry escapee if I were you....''

The Dark Continent is the first book I've read by Scott Reardon....and I will definitely be coming back for more. Not only did his story have me talking to the book....but it was a total binge read for me! Loved it! I could definitely see this book as a film....I would definitely watch it!

Although the concept of Project Prometheus has been done before in books and on film, Reardon creates a really gripping story. The Dark Continent is well-written and definitely an exciting read. I couldn't put it down! There is another book -- The Prometheus Man -- that is technically the first book in the series. But, the stories are independent of each other and do not need to be read in order.

I will be reading The Prometheus Man next, and I look forward to more from this author!

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

REVIEW: Murder at Mena House

Murder at Mena House
Author: Erica Ruth Neubauer

Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I was 9 years old. So I am definitely a Golden Age Mystery fan. When I first saw the blurb for this book, I was immediately intrigued. Egypt. 1926. Cairo. Fancy Hotel. Murder. Sounds like a setting Agatha would have applauded! So...yep....had to read it! :)

I'm glad I did! Jane Wunderly and her Aunt Millie are enjoyable characters. The setting and time period made for a great backdrop for a murder mystery. There were plenty of suspects and twists, and the story is well written. Just a very entertaining reading experience for a golden age fan!

The cover art is very eye-catching! It pulled me right into the story. Awesome artwork!

Murder at Mena House is the first book in the Jane Wunderly mystery series and is Erica Ruth Neubauer's first book. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories in this series....and more books by this author! I wonder what adventures and travels Jane will be having next? :)

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

REVIEW: Creeper's Cottage

Creeper's Cottage
Author: Marion Grace Woolley

Jenna Ashley's construction company is hired to help create a living museum at Briar Hall. Lord Evermore wants several historic buildings moved to the property and re-situated. It seems like a huge endeavor...especially moving an ancient church. But, Jenna and her employees are up for the challenge. They use cutting edge computer tools and mapping software to mark the location of each brick and carefully plan the move and where each building will go. But....as they work and strange things begin to happen....they realize there is more going on here than a project to preserve history. Dark forces are at work.....

Creeper's Cottage is a Hookland story. Hookland is a mystical lost county in England where authors can create all sorts of horror, folklore and strange tales.

This creepy tale is quite atmospheric and creepy. A very enjoyable story! This is the first book by Marion Grace Woolley that I've read. I'm very curious if her other works are just as creepy as this one! I will definitely be looking nervously over my shoulder the next time I visit a living history museum!

REVIEW: Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories
Author: Ron Ripley

I love ghost stories. From classic tales of specters to more urban legend type stories, I'm always up for a good haunting. I figured a short story collection would be a good introduction to Ron Ripley's writing as well.

Ghost Stories is a collection of 8 stories. I would classify them as more supernatural horror than ghost stories, although there are ghosts in them. A creepy bed and breakfast. Grave robbers. Spirits who want to be left alone or love their dogs. A poor choice of shelter. The stories are varied and all very short. Most are pretty basic....and formula. Person enters ghost's domain....person does something stupid....person gets schooled. The sort of story that's fun to tell around a campfire. More horror than specter. And, I'm ok with that. These are short horror snippets....the tales build fast and then have a final twist stabby moment before moving on to a fresh story. Character development isn't necessary, except for what pertains directly to the plot.

I listened to the audio book version of this story collection. I think I would have enjoyed the experience more with a better narrator. Jack Nolan has a pleasant enough voice, but his acting performance is below average. Pacing could have been better. At key points in the stories, he would start rushing, as if he felt reading at double pace builds horror tension. Mispronunciations, awkward pauses (like he lost his place in the script), strange emphasis on words in sentences, and weird choices for character accents. I got the impression that he was maybe new to voice acting or was having an off day. The stories are still enjoyable....and it's a quick listen. Poor narration.

Nice quick intro to Ron Ripley. The stories are interesting and entertaining. Very short. Sometimes a bit too short. Narration needs some work. I will give this collection a solid 3 stars. And I'm definitely going to read/listen to more of Ron's writing.

**I received a free copy of this audio book from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria

The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria
Author: Greg King & Penny Wilson

In July 1956, the Italian ocean liner Andrea Doria left Genoa, Italy bound for New York. More than 1,600 passengers and crew were aboard. The Andrea Doria was the pride of Italy...a beautiful luxury boat with every amenity, even murals painted by famous artists. The sailing proved to be a safe, quick passage. The ship had been designed for speed, safety, and comfort. There was more than enough lifeboat space in case of problems....but no problems were foreseen.

Until....

On the evening of July 25th, 10 hours away from NYC, the Andrea Doria was struck by another ship, the Stockholm, in heavy fog. Both ships were badly damaged. The Stockholm was not in danger of sinking. The Andrea Doria, however, was doomed.

The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria provides information about the ship, its crew and captain, the passengers, the events that fateful night and the aftermath of the accident. It is obvious that the authors did painstaking research on the ship and the sinking. The facts are given in a very interesting, informative manner. I was not bored once while reading the 340+ pages of this book. So much information...but well-written and interesting.

It is amazing that only 51 people aboard the ships died due to the collision. And despite problems lowering lifeboats from the Andrea Doria because the ship was listing too far to one side, all passengers were evacuated as quickly as possible. Other ships in the region came to help, even the Stockholm. It was a huge and costly rescue mission, seen around the world as the media filmed the event from circling airplanes.

Wonderful book! I kept thinking what a contrast this event was compared to the sinking of the Titanic just 40+ years before. What if other ships had responded to Titanic as quickly as they did the Andrea Doria? It could have ended very differently for so many people!

This is the first book by Greg King and Penny Wilson that I have read. I will definitely be reading more! I very much enjoyed this book!

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

REVIEW: Mind Over Weight

Mind Over Weight
Author: Ian K. Smith, M.D.

Developing a personal diet and fitness plan -- and sticking to it -- is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. As someone who has struggled with making realistic goals and sticking with my eating and fitness program for the long haul, I really needed a book like this one!

I enjoyed Ian K. Smith's book Clean & Lean. His no-nonsense, straight forward approach to eating and weight loss made incorporating intermittent fasting into my lifestyle an easy switch. When I saw the title to this new book, I knew I had to read it! I'm glad I did....there is so much awesome information in this book!

Mind Over Weight covers many of the pitfalls of starting a diet/fitness plan -- motivation, making realistic goals, assessing your readiness to start a program, and sticking with it. There are lots of places to personalize your book by filling in your goals/strengths/weaknesses. I'm definitely buying a copy of this for my keeper shelf! I like the fact that I can fill in my thoughts and goals and make the book part of my personal fitness/healthy eating journey.

Another great book from Ian K. Smith. I'm definitely eagerly awaiting his next one!

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

REVIEW: The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles

The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles
Author: Haiko Hörnig
Illustrator: Marius Pawlitza

What a wonderful graphic novel!! The story and artwork are awesome!

This book is a fun mix of fantasy and humor. I needed a break from real life right now...and this story was perfect.

I often read middle grade books and graphic novels to give my mind a nice break. I have a stressful job in human services...and adulting just gets to be a little bit much sometimes. That's when I LOVE to escape into children's literature. And, this book gave me a wonderful hour of innocent fantasy. Love it!

Henrietta was orphaned during a war. Flash forward 9 years and she suddenly learns she had an uncle, who has died. He has left her a house....but little does she know that the house encloses its own war between soldiers and bandits, magical statues, hidden treasures and even....monsters. Yep....monsters.

Haiko Hornig has created a fun, fantastical world in this first volume. Marium Pawlitza's awesome illustrations bring it all to life.

Volume 1 is awesome! I can't wait to read the continuation of this story! Full stars from me...I loved this story from beginning to end.

**I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book from Lerner Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No giant rats or kobolds were harmed during the writing of this review.**

REVIEW: Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen

Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen
Author: Heather Ferranti Kinser

Small things matter! This book is just 100% brilliant! Combining entertaining text with detailed colorful photography, Heather Ferranti Kinser teaches kids about how some really cool stuff in the world is very, very tiny. Tiny....but mighty!

From a sea snail's teeth that can eat rock to the gripping hairs on a gecko's feet, there are all sorts of really awesome, powerful small things that can be revealed with a microscope! The book also includes a lesson on the electron microscope and a list of books for additional reading.

This book could be used in an elementary science classroom or for supplementary reading. Or just as a fun book to enjoy! The bright photos and interesting facts would be appealing to reluctant readers. I like the message about small things being hidden, but mighty! Gives a nice perspective of the world....there are lots of really awesome things that we often miss because you have to look closer -- a lot closer -- to see them.

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

REVIEW: Return to Gone Away

Return to Gone Away
Author: Elizabeth Enright

After finishing Gone-Away Lake, I was so excited to discover that there is a second book!! I immediately checked out the audio version of Return to Gone-Away because I was eager to find out what happened next!

Portia and her little brother Foster are so excited when their parents purchase an old house they found while on summer adventures with their cousin, Julian. The house, located near an abandoned former lake resort, is filled with treasures from a by-gone era (and lots of dust and cobwebs). In this sequel to Gone-Away Lake, the family spend spring break and summer vacation fixing up the old house and discovering lots of hidden secrets.

I loved both books! The characters are colorful. The setting is perfect for adventures! And the story is heart-warming and entertaining. Just what I needed! I listened to this book during my commute to work, while working in the garden, doing housework, etc. The magical story was just incredibly entertaining. It's definitely a little bit dated (story was published in 1961). A lovely old house like this (even if boarded up) would not stay unmolested by explorers or thieves/vandals in this day and age. But it was lovely to read such a fun kids' adventure story!

The Gone-Away books are the first books by Elizabeth Enright that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! I already have the first book in her Melendy Quartet, The Saturdays, checked out from my local library! :)