Review: Before She Finds Me

Before She Finds Me by Heather Chavez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

It is move in day at Anderson Hughes College. When the gunshots begin in the courtyard, the first person to react is Julia Bennett, tackling her daughter, Cora, and saving her life. Others near them are not so lucky. Dealing with the aftermath through the lens of her own childhood trauma, Julia starts questioning the events of that day. Was the attack random? Did the shooter miss their intended target? Ren Petrovic is a trained assassin who believes in only eliminating the guilty. She is not responsible for the shooting at Anderson Hughes, but she knows who is: her husband, Nolan. Ren suspects Nolan isn’t being truthful about who hired him, and the more she digs, the more she understands the danger they’re in. Before She Finds Me is intricately plotted and wildly exciting. Despite the inherent rivalry between Julia and Ren, both women are similarly beguiling and flawed characters. The changes in points of view allow for backstory to be revealed while still moving the pace along. Recommended for readers of the gritty, complex thrillers by Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Gillian Flynn. Booklist2023

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Review: Harlem After Midnight

Harlem After Midnight by Louise Hare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thank you to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

The second 1930s-set "Canary Club Mystery" from Hare continues to build on Lena Aldridge's story, including how her parents met and the struggles her father faced as a Black musician trying to make it big. After her harrowing journey across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary (chronicled in Miss Aldridge Regrets), English-born Lena feels lonelier than she expected. She has no one and nowhere to go. Luckily, the intriguing musician she met on the ship, Will Goodman, has offered her a place to stay in Harlem. Soon Lena is welcomed into the fold of Will's family and friends and begins to feel like she belongs. But when a body of a woman who looks just like Lena falls from a window, it seems like death has other plans. As a multiracial woman, who is often perceived as white, Lena is able to blend in more but still can relate to her father's trials. Lena is a likable, brave straight talker with whom readers will empathize. The changing POVs keep the mystery alive until the climax, which falls a bit short. VERDICT Recommended for fans of the series and those who enjoy whodunits.—Carmen Clark Copyright 2023 Library Journal.

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Review: The Wrong Good Deed

The Wrong Good Deed by Caroline B. Cooney
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Thank you to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

One Sunday morning, 70-something Muffin Morgan flees church, claiming she sees a dangerous man from her past. Clemmie, her friend and neighbor, thinks Muffin is overreacting. But when Muffin tells Clemmie a horrible story from her life in the pre-civil rights South, Clemmie realizes her friend has been keeping a terrible secret. The events that unfold bring the pasts of both women to the forefront of their small retirement community, revealing secrets that come with life-threatening consequences. Unfortunately, Cooney’s sequel to Before She Was Helen falls short of the author’s well-known positive reputation. The premise is intriguing, beguiling readers into thinking they’ve picked up a thriller. Even so, the narrative moves confusingly from one character to another, the pace is stagnant, and the climax is sudden and unrelated to the plot. Most disappointing is the tone-deafness of the dialogue and the ignorance toward the continued racism in the characters’ actions—or lack of action. VERDICT A huge swing and a miss. Libraries and readers should skip this one.

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Review: Strange Sally Diamond

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the chance to review this title!

When Sally’s father tells her to put him out with the trash when he dies, she takes him literally. Now she’s the center of attention and can’t understand why. Sally has always been strange and reclusive, but now she is forced to live on her own, become part of society, and learn to make friends. While going through her father’s belongings, she discovers more questions than answers about her own past. After she receives messages from a stranger claiming to know everything about her, Sally’s life is thrown into a downward spiral. The plot is slow-moving but involving, and Sally is endearing and likable. The concept that “it takes a village to raise a child” is a driving force behind Sally’s growth and provides a welcome bright spot in the darkness. Nugent writes relatable, imperfect characters, and her portrayal of Sally’s neurodivergence allows a look into the struggles of daily life that most take for granted. This well-written, engaging novel isn’t for the light of heart, but it will find a home with readers who thrive on intricate plotlines and character development. Booklist 2023

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Review: The Writing Retreat

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

Thirty-year-old Alex dreams of being a writer. Stuck in a job she hates, Alex jumps at the chance to take part in a writing retreat held at the reclusive Blackbriar estate, home to horror author and feminist icon Roza Vallo. Even the appearance of her former best friend, Wren, doesn’t take away from Alex’s excitement. However, once the retreat begins, Roza throws the attendees quite a curve—they must each complete a novel from scratch, and the writer who produces the best work will get a million-dollar publishing deal. Alex and the other attendees immediately immerse themselves in the challenge, while attempting to ignore the odd happenings that begin to take place at Blackbriar. But when one of the writers disappears, Alex and the others realize there is something nefarious going on. Bartz’s debut is stomach-clenchingly thrilling from beginning to end. Blackbriar and its vivid inhabitants are brought to life by Bartz with consummate skill. Alex is beautifully flawed; readers will connect with her in multiple ways. The plot is psychologically jarring and fast paced, with several surprises that will excite even the most well read mystery aficionado. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager whose psychological suspense fiction typically features intelligent female leads. Booklist 2023.

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