REVIEW: Cyanide With Christie

Cyanide With Christie
Author: Katherine Bolger Hyde

Cyanide With Christie is the third book in the Crime With the Classics series. I have had this series on my TBR list for some time, but just never seemed to start it. Once I saw the newest title was an homage to Agatha Christie (my favorite author for 40+ years), I finally got with the program and started reading. So glad I did! I really enjoyed this book!

Although the background theme of a relative inheriting a huge house and lots of money from a dead relative is a bit of a trope in cozy mysteries, I like what Katherine Bolger Hyde did with it. Her MC, Emily, inherits a large victorian home from her aunt, plus nearly unlimited funds....so she decides to turn Windy Corner into a writers retreat center. The house has six newly remodeled rooms all centered around a different classic author. Dickens. Christie. Montgomery. Forster. Austen. Bronte. Dostoevsky.

I wish Windy Corner was real! I would definitely go write there! And I would ask for the Christie room, of course!

I loved how the plot set up like a Christie novel. A group of people invited to a stately manor. Bad weather comes in to trap them there. An uninvited guest...or a surprise of some sort...reveals that one guest is hated by all the others. Hated guest dies horribly. Everyone is a suspect. Cool twisty ending nobody sees coming. Neat ending for everyone else involved. Loved it! Nice Christiesque feel with a modern edge.

I have the other two books in this series -- Arsenic With Austen and Bloodstains with Bronte -- on my TBR shelf. I'm definitely going to backtrack a bit and start with book one. I'm going to read this series through from the start. It isn't necessary to read the books in order....I jumped in at #3 and was able to figure things out...but I'd like to get all the character and background development from books one and two, then re-read this third book.

All in all, a well-written and enjoyable mystery! I'm definitely going to be reading more by this author. I like her writing style and her characters.

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Severn House via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Evil

Evil
Author: Dr. Julia Shaw

What is evil? What makes certain choices and actions evil? Does evil exist independently? Or does it need an opposite...good...to manifest? Is evil subjective....or universal?

Dr. Julia Shaw takes a close in-depth look at evil in her new book. But this isn't the sort of book that most might expect. It isn't a bloody dissection of evil behavior in detail, or a discussion of pros and cons about punishment or treatment for those who commit serious acts of violence or crime. Dr. Shaw instead looks at the science behind human behavior. She points out in her introduction that her book is NOT about philosophy, morality, religious views or about punishment/consequences for aberrant behavior....it's about WHY human beings do the things they do, what in the makeup of human beings allows violent or evil choices, and what behaviors seem to be present in a person to make them capable of evil. Dr. Shaw breaks down the wide concept of "Evil'' into smaller pieces, using science to explain human behavior.

I read my way through this tome about the nature of evil slowly and thoughtfully. I wanted to give my brain time to formulate its opinions on Dr. Shaw's theories. For me, the idea that any human being can be capable of evil in certain situations is chilling and disturbing. I'm not saying that it isn't true....I'm saying that it is a rough revelation. We all want to see ourselves as the "good'' separated from those we see as "evil'' -- murderers, rapists, criminals, pedophiles, etc. But are we really separate? Interesting theories. Very interesting facts and explanations. Definitely thought provoking, but also disturbing. I had a hard time getting through the entire book. Not because I didn't like it or believe it...but because there is a lot of hard truth and a lot to digest/think over.

This book has definitely started some interesting discussions in our household....my husband and I are still debating what we think about the nature of evil and what situations might lead us to make an "evil'' choice. We had a long discussion this morning about how we perceive those who commit evil acts...do we see them as a person who committed an evil act...or do we judge them as an intrinsically evil person. Are there levels of evil? Are there really "evil'' people...and can "evil'' people have portions of themselves that are good? I think this book is going to be spurring debate in my household for some time to come. Healthy debate is a good thing!

Evil: The Science Behind Humanity's Dark Side hits on some rough subjects -- sadism, murder, deviance, group violence, terrorism, effects of technology/the internet and others.

I have respect for Dr. Shaw's education and her theories. I did my best to understand her points, although my educational background is not in psychology. But I think at times she goes a step or so too far....maybe tries to make things a bit too clinical? I haven't thought over it enough to know if I think that way because she actually does go too far, or if her straight forward opinions about our tendencies to be judgmental make me uncomfortable. Food for thought...and discussion...

All in all, I liked this book because it really made me think. I don't necessarily agree with all of Dr. Shaw's points, but I'm at least willing to seriously think it over and try to wrap my mind around it.

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Abrams Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

BLOG TOUR: The Dysasters by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

AB

The Dysasters is the first book in a new paranormal fantasy series by P.C. and Kristin Cast, authors of the popular House of Night series. 

Foster Stewart and Tate Taylor are not typical teenagers. Foster's adoptive father, a scientist, genetically modified the teens before birth giving them special powers to bond with elements. Foster discovers that her father plans to use them, and other modified teens, as part of a plot to take over the world. Foster and Tate have to learn to harness their powers to manipulate air to defeat Dr. Stewart before he can fulfill his evil plans. 

THE DYSASTERS

P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Wednesday Books

On Sale: February 26, 2019

Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio formats

Buy Links:

Amazon

Audible

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

Google Play

iBooks

IndieBound

Kobo

(Review coming soon....)

REVIEW: The Complete Keto Diet Cookbook for Beginners

The Complete Keto Diet for Beginners
Author: Charlie Stewart

I'm not really jumping on the keto diet bandwagon. I don't agree with the high percentage of fat in keto, but I do understand the diet has offered great benefits to some. I have to live on a limited diet for medical reasons....very little grain or "white" carbs, low/no sugar, high protein, etc. So keto cookbooks and tips go right along with what my doctors tell me to eat. So I collect recipes and read books on the keto lifestyle to help me maintain my limited eating plan without feeling deprived. Winning! I'm sorta glad the tide of diet hype has gone towards low carb/low sugar.....I don't feel like I'm forced to eat tasteless food. Many, many people are putting out guides and cookbooks that include all sorts of yummy, healthy stuff I can eat! Yay!!

***A note of caution -- I know we all see those disclaimers everywhere about consulting a doctor before going on a diet, exercise regimen, etc....   PLEASE consult your personal doctor BEFORE you try going on something like a controlled, extended keto diet. The state of being in ketosis can cause health issues for some -- kidney damage, extreme fatigue, etc.  Always use common sense....if a diet makes you feel bad/unhealthy then it might not be good for your body. Go see a doctor.....pick a plan that uses common sense, moderation and presents lots of information....and use local resources and trustworthy sites on the internet to learn more information. Knowledge is the key! Be informed before making big adjustments to eating/exercise. We all only get one body and one life.....be wise. That being said.....on to the review!**

I read this book cover to cover. Most people don't carefully read cookbooks....but I read every word of this one. I was checking for erroneous, possibly harmful statements or overstatements of the benefits of keto. While I'm not sure I agree that "the Ketogenic diet has been proven to be the ultimate long-term diet for any person,'' I didn't find any glaring mis-statements. My alarm bells didn't jangle.

The author offers an intro to keto, giving simplified, easy to understand explanations of what ketosis is, how it is achieved,and what it does. This book is geared to beginners. The author includes a long listing of foods that keto dieters can have and ones to avoid. The switch to keto can be quite daunting, difficult and confusing.....I can see how this book would help a newbie start the change-over. A list of "swaps'' or replacement foods is also included along with tips on how to get started and suggestions for eating out.

What took me years to learn when I was forced to change my diet after surgery can now be fast-forwarded with the help of books like this one! Can't live without rice with your stir fry? Make riced cauliflower -- when it's steamed and seasoned, even my husband can't tell the difference! Want pie? Make the crust from almond or coconut flour for less carbs. Little tips like that can be incredibly helpful to new dieters! Or medically restricted dieters. (A side note -- mashed cauliflower seasoned like mashed potatoes with a little gravy on top -- it is heaven! I went 8 years without having mashed potatoes. This past Thanksgiving I made cau-tatoes. It was amazing! The difference? Taken directly from this book: Mashed potatoes...1 cup serving 30g carbs. Mashed cauliflower...same serving....5g carbs. Magic!)

This book also includes a 21 day sample meal plan for those doing keto. It incorporates recipes from the book. So no desperately trying to find recipes and making out shopping lists. A beginner can try the sample meal plans....and make their shopping lists from the recipe pages. Easy peasy! Stress-free!

A majority of the book (which made me incredi-happy!) is filled with a variety of recipes. Starting with breakfasts and working its way to desserts, the recipe section offers a little bit of everything (even cookies!) I definitely have a lot of new recipes to experiment with! One thing I love about the recipes in this book -- they are SIMPLE! Every recipe is made with ingredients that are easy to find...no hunting through health food stores or being forced to order online. I didn't have to stop and google ingredients. Ever read through a cookbook and realized that you don't even know what half the ingredients are?? I hate that!! No hoity-toity stuff here -- just easy, simple, beginner friendly recipes made from ingredients available at any store. Hallelujah!

This book would be great for keto newbies and veterans alike because of the nice recipe section. I don't do keto, but love this book because the recipes are all things I can have on my medically restricted diet. Those on restricted diets, diabetics or others who need low carb/low sugar could benefit from this book, even if they aren't interested in keto!

Great book! I am happily cooking my way through the recipe section! :)

REVIEW: Blood, Poop and Dead Skin

Blood, Poop and Dead Skin
Author: Ruth Owen & Ross Piper

As a mom, grandma and former home-school teacher, I love it when my local library adds cool new science titles for kids! Recently, I got sucked into the vortex of the "New Additions'' section on the library's digital site and ended up checking out several children's books. Why not? Every review helps authors...and reviewing great kids books helps other parents, teachers and home-schoolers. :) Plus, this book has poop in the title....even grandmas have immature giggly moments which leads them to read books with poop in the title...just 'cause.

Blood, Poop and Dead Skin isn't a book on gross stuff....it's all about what insects eat. It talks about great buggy science facts accompanied by awesome full-color photos and illustrations. The book could have science lesson applications in a classroom, but might also tempt reluctant readers to enjoy reading a book.

This book is common core compliant. There is a glossary, index, suggested reading list, web links, etc. Blood, Poop and Dead Skin is part of The Secret Lives of Insects series. There are four books in the series. Other topics include where insects live, insect defenses and cool facts about bugs.

Blood, Poop & Dead Skin could have some fun classroom uses....supplementary reading for science lessons, outdoor activities about bugs, and fun solo reading for reluctant readers who might get a bit of giggly fun out of the title like I did. :) The pages are informative and colorful. All information is grade school age appropriate.

A great book about bugs! I'm so glad my library added this!

REVIEW: Real-Life Scary Places

Real Life Scary Places
Author: Tracey Dils

2019 is my year of free-range reading. If I see or hear about a book that interests me....I'm going to read it! Any genre. Any length. Any topic. Period.

I love scary books written for kids. Ghost stories. Creepy tales. Mysteries for kids. I love them all. It probably stems back to grade school book order forms. I used to love it when they handed out those awesome order forms and my parents would let me pick out a couple books. Waiting for them to arrive was a killer! Weeks would pass by (no Amazon Prime back then! ha!)....then the teacher would plunk a huge box on her desk and start passing out books ( I say her because I grew up in a small KS town in the 1970s....grade school teachers were women where I grew up. I didn't have a male teacher until 5th grade. That seems so weird today!)! I would rush home after school and disappear into my room to read! Usually I was allowed to order 2 or 3 titles and most of the time they were scary stories, strange but true tales, or an adventure story. To this day, when I see a book like Real Life Scary Places, I have to read it! It always brings back fond memories of laying across my bed -- my entire bedroom was done in shades of purple...even the carpet was purple) -- reading new paperbacks that transported me to spooky cemeteries, haunted houses and mysterious far-off places.

Real Life Scary Places collects 11 stories about creepy places around the world. There is a nice variety of stories ranging from experiences in a haunted house to restless dead in a burial crypt. Each story is only a few pages long and all of them are appropriate for middle grade students. The tales are a bit spooky but not overly scary. There are black and white illustrations throughout.

This book is OOP, but used copies are readily available online. In a classroom setting, this book could have some fun uses -- writing prompts for a creative writing assignment, reading aloud, supplementary reading at Halloween, etc. Reluctant readers who like ghost stories or true tales might really enjoy reading this book. I know I did!

Tracey Dils is the author of many children's books in a variety of subjects plus some books on how to write stories for children. I'm definitely going to read and review more of her books! Some of them are OOP, but many of her books are readily available at any bookseller.

REVIEW: One Second After

One Second After
Author: William R. Forstchen

Imagine this: One day out of the blue....no forewarning....everything stops. From simple things like digital watches to the most complex such as the entire power grid....everything shuts off. Gone. No power. No cars. Airplanes drop out of the sky. No communication. No weekly grocery deliveries to stores. No refrigeration. No restocks of drugs at the pharmacy. No nothing. All gone.

What would happen?

A friend recommended the After series to me because it's set in Western NC where I live. It made this story a bit more chilling because I know all the places, highways, towns....it really brought the idea close to home.

The basics: an EMP attack shuts down everything electronic....power, communications, most of the vehicles....everything shuts down in the blink of an eye without any warning. And it doesn't come back.  A small community in NC faces an apocalyptic event.....what do they do about all the people stranded on the Interstate? What about roaming bands of thieves? Do they enforce martial law? How do they handle distribution of food? Medicine? How can they survive?

This book really got me to thinking about how much we depend on modern conveniences.....and how many days my family could survive on what we have in the house (even our can opener is electric, not to mention the stove, the refrigerator.....)  What would happen (and how fast would things get dicey) if suddenly we blipped back to a world where we had to sustain ourselves DAILY. Waste management, water purification, safe food....it would all become very very important immediately. People with medical conditions would suffer immediately as medication supplies dwindled. The very young. The elderly. The infirm.

Yikes!

And the scariest part of the entire story is the fact that it could actually happen. EMP is not sci-fi....it's actually possible.

This book is not only an exciting story about survival....but it is also quite thought provoking. How many people in America know how to hunt? Grow their own food? Go without running water, electricity, a vehicle? Not just for a few hours...or a day....but for weeks, months, years....possibly forever. What if we all had to learn how to sustain ourselves.....who would survive? And who would die? For me, the setting near where I live really brought that message home....literally.

Chilling and very interesting premise! Well-told and expertly written. I already have book 2, One Year After, downloaded and ready to go.