REVIEW: The Castle On Sunset

The Castle on Sunset
Author: Shawn Levy

Before reading this book, the only details I knew about the Chateau Marmont were the seedy ones like the bungalow where John Belushi OD'd, Lindsay Lohan racking up $50,000 in unpaid charges, and other tales of addiction, embezzlement, and scandal.

I'm glad I read this book. There is so much more to the 90-year history of Chateau Marmont than scandals. Shawn Levy tells the story of the Marmont from it's construction as upscale apartments in 1929, the conversion to a hotel in 1939, and its operations, owners, and history clear up to the present day. I had to read this book in small sections. There is a lot of information and references. I read a chapter at a time and looked up many of the Hollywood stars, films, and events Levy mentions. So much history!

The book is a nonfiction history of the famous hotel, not an in-depth look at scandals or Hollywood gossip.  I like the fact that the book doesn't dwell on famous scandals, but gives the complete history of the famous hotel from it's glamorous years to falling into disrepair to its refurbishment in recent years.

Interesting read!

Shawn Levy has written several other books on Hollywood including biographies of Paul Newman, The Rat Pack, Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis. I'm definitely interested in reading more of his books. Levy definitely did an incredible amount of research to write this history of Chateau Marmont. He presented the facts in an interesting manner, telling the overall story not just the famous scandals. That fact makes me want to read the biographies he has written simply because I can trust him to write about all aspects of the actors, not just gossip. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from DoubleDay Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: I moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation

I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation
Author: Natalie Nourigat

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I have several friends who dream of getting a break and finding a dream job in films or animation. Either field is a daunting and often completely intimidating prospect....most never get a call-back or an interview. When I got offered a review copy of Natalie Nourigat's graphic  novel about her start in animation, I jumped on the chance to read it. I was so curious about how animation careers work and how people get started.

Natalie illustrates and tells her story with humor and honesty. She talks about the pros and cons of the industry, moving to LA, and the costs, work loads and pitfalls. She even talks about what it was like to move to a very large city to live on her own for the first time. She had to learn how to deal with being lonely sometimes, and how to start getting out and making her life more than drive to work, work, drive home, sleep, repeat. It's a lesson we all have to learn....but it's a bit rougher alone in a huge metro area.

This book could be a very important learning tool for art school students and those truly interested in pursuing animation as a career. Natalie talks openly about how much effort, time and patience was required for her to get through the interview process and snag a job.

I love the artwork! It's simple, understated and perfect for this book's purpose. Her words are straight-forward and honest. She talks openly about what has been good and bad about her career choice, LA and her start in a very competitive (but awesomely creative) career.

Full stars from me. I'm not an art student (I totally lack the talent, but love to be cheerleader for anyone I meet who does have artistic talent), but I found the information incredibly interesting. It made me think about all the people, work and creativity behind some of the animated movies and shows I love! So much time, effort and creativity go into each project!

**I received a free review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Congrats on the awesome job, Natalie! You rock!)

REVIEW: Into the Drowning Deep

Into the Drowning Deep
Author: Mira Grant

Seven years ago a ship sailed to the Mariana Trench looking for mermaids. Imagine Network planned to make a huge amount of money off the planned mockumentary. Instead, the entire crew was lost at sea and only raw video footage showing total carnage was ever found to explain what happened.

Mermaids. They found them. And mermaids are not friendly. Mermaids are predators. Vicious predators.

And now, the entertainment company is planning a second voyage. A film crew and several scientists are going back to find out what happened and to prove mermaids exist. Imagine Entertainment wants to prove the first voyage was not a hoax. Others on the voyage have more personal reasons for joining the expedition. But the hunters just might become the hunted. Again.

I loved this book! I love a good monster story! The Mariana Trench and the Challenger Deep are fascinating for me. The deepest, darkest depth of the ocean.....nobody knows what lurks at the bottom of the Challenger Deep. Nobody has ever been that deep. Close....but not that far. It's hard for me to even imagine water 7 miles deep and even harder to imagine how many undiscovered species could exist in that much water. With modern technology, much has been discovered about the Earth's oceans. But vast areas of the oceans are still unknown and unexplored. What a great setting for a monster tale! Mermaids....legends for centuries. Not only are they real.....they will rip your face off and eat you. It makes for an exciting story!

Mira Grant is a penname for Author Seanan McGuire. This is the first book I have ever read by this author. I will definitely be reading more! She has written the Newsflesh trilogy as Mira Grant as well as the Parasitology series. As Seanan McGuire she pens several fantasy series including October Daye, Wayward Children, Ghost Roads and the InCryptid series.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Narrated by Christine Lakin, the audio is just over 17 hours long. Lakin reads at a nice, even speed with a pleasant voice. I have hearing loss, but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book. Very enjoyable listen!

REVIEW: Coffee Treacle Murder

Coffee Treacle Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Coffee Treacle Murder is the 24th book in the Donut Hole cozy mystery series.

Geoff Lawless is in trouble....again. Heather Shepherd and her bestie Amy are on the case after a man is attacked and seriously injured by a rock hard fudge ball in Geoff's doughnut shop. Geoff's doughnuts are infamously bad....and he is noticeably absent following the attack on Billy Bolde. The girls skillfully juggle responsibilities at Heather's shop, Donut Delights (where the doughnuts are actually awesome and tasty, unlike Geoff's) and sleuthing on the side. Heather actually wants to clear Geoff's name. He is her competition (sort of)and nemesis, but she has grown a bit fond of him and doesn't want to see him charged with a murder he didn't commit.

I have a soft place in my heart for this self-published series. The first book in the Donut Hole Mystery series was the first book I downloaded to my first Kindle. So I'm working my way through all the books, determined to read the entire series. It might take me awhile....there are 60 books in the Donut Hole Mystery series. Don't let that put you off trying the series....the books are short, easy reads. There is also a spin-off series, the Oceanside Cozy Mystery series, which has 58 books. I have a lot of reading to do!

I do like this series. I enjoy the doughnut background theme -- each story works in a new doughnut flavor from Donut Delights and has a pretty, frosted doughnut on the cover. And the characters are fun and quirky. The writing at times is a bit clunky, and there are some editing issues in places. But, for the most part, these are fun-to-read, light cozy mysteries. No sex. No cussing. No spurting blood. Simple plots. Nothing too extreme. I'm willing to overlook some minor editing and writing problems. This was my first ebook, indy cozy series after all.....you never abandon the first! :) I'm here for the duration. I might be reading for a long time! I have 36 books to go in this series....and then another 58 Oceanside books! That's a lot of doughnuts!

I'm not really into sweets since I can't have much sugar in my diet. So I will admit that I had to look up "treacle'' -- Molasses! A coffee/espresso and molasses flavored doughnut sounds really yummy!

All in all, a cute read. The murder weapon forced me to suspend reality just a bit.....but hey....why not. Geoff's doughnuts are really bad....but they make great murder weapons! Maybe he should make fudge bullets?

Both series are available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. They are also available for purchase, and in paperback format. Give the series a try -- literary doughnuts have no calories! :)

REVIEW: Frightening Phantoms and Haunted Habitats

Frightening Phantoms and Haunted Habitats
Author: Phyllis Rayburn Emert

I love weird stories....strange mysteries, ghostly tales, spooky legends....love them all! I especially love spooky story anthologies written for kids. The tales are slightly scary without spurting blood and guts, cussing, sex, drugs, etc. Scary...but not disturbing or traumatizing. A bit of spooky brain candy. :)

Phillis Rayburn Emert wrote several spooky story collections for middle grade kids. UFOs, hauntings, legends about ships, planes and scary places, unsolved mysteries....all sorts of weirdness to choose from! The stories are interesting, varied and short. Perfect for enticing reluctant readers (and grandmas who like to read creepy tales!).

Frightening Phantoms and Haunted Habitats collects 26 stories. Each is about 3-4 pages long. Easy reading length. There are also some great black and white illustrations by Jael. The drawings really make the stories pop. The front cover art is awesome as well.

I enjoyed this fun story collection. My favorite tale is one from Oxenby, England about a black cat who is a messenger of death. Creepy cool! The stories are varied, but all have a supernatural, lightly scary theme. All are middle grade appropriate. The book includes a glossary and bibliography.

Very enjoyable, quick read. I will definitely be reading more of the author's books!

REVIEW: The Moor

The Moor
Author: Sam Haysom

Since 1951, teenagers have been going missing in Rutmoor National Park. Kids on school outings, campers, hikers....gone. Usually without a trace. Matt was on a trip where two of his friends disappeared. Only he and two others know the truth about what happened that day....the horrible truth.

I enjoyed the suspense of this story. It builds slowly and then the truth jumps out. When I realized what was going on...yikes! The ending caught me by surprise. Nice touch! I will definitely be looking behind me next time I go camping or hiking in the woods. I never sleep very well when tent camping. Anything could be out there in the dark.....animals, weirdos.....anything.

Nice, quick creepy read. This is Sam Haysom's debut novel. Definitely willing to read more by this author. This first book is well-written and absolutely creepy! I found it interesting that publication of this book was financed (at least in part) by donations received through a crowdfunding site. I see this as an interesting trend, and the author listed his patrons at the front of the book. Haysom added info about the site as well. Authors share a blurb about their book and visitors to the site can donate towards its publication if they choose. When enough sponsors are received to publish the book, it is released in a special sponsors edition, plus a regular edition and ebook formats. Interesting concept. Sponsorship sites are nothing new. Patreon and similar sites have been around for awhile. I like the basic concept because it helps authors get their work published. I just hate the constant posts, DM spam, and sponsorship begging from authors (and even podcasters).  But....I'm chasing rabbits a bit. This is a book review....back on track!

Great book! I hope to read more by this author!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Unbound Digital via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: What Makes a Bird a Bird?

What Makes a Bird a Bird?
Author: Andi Cann

I just love this series for young kids! As a grandma and former home-school teacher, I'm always on the lookout for educational books for children. This series combines age-appropriate science facts with great full-color photos and illustrations.

Bucky and his dog pal, Bingo are learning what makes birds special in What Makes a Bird a Bird. The book is geared toward preschool and early elementary age kids. Younger children might not understand the science facts....but the full color photos of birds would definitely keep their attention! This book uses photos, age appropriate questions and facts to help kids learn about birds. Bucky and Bingo learn that while birds share some characteristics with other types of animals there is one special thing that sets them apart -- feathers!

I love the front cover of this book! The little duck is so cute! :) Definitely eye-catching!

Other books in this series are: What Makes a Bug a Bug, What Makes a Fish a Fish and What makes a Mammal a Mammal. Great books!

This would be a fun book to read with small children before a walk outside or a trip to the zoo. Then play a game pointing out birds and non-birds! :)