Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

I don't usually care for short stories, but a friend whose opinions I trust suggested this collection. I did like it, and although it didn't change my mind about short stories—they're too choppy; I like a continuous story—I was engaged with most of the stories.

These are stories previously published in magazines, mainly in the 90s, but they have held up well. All are character-driven and deal with various topics, including what it means to be human. Most stories have intriguing premises, are excellently written, and captured my imagination. The author delves heavily into math and physics in several stories that I found hard to comprehend. I admit to having to skim parts, but that didn't detract from the overall readability of the stories. All-in-all, this is an interesting read. 

3.5/5 stars.

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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

 I wasn't sure what to expect from this latest Stuart Turton novel. I loved his "The Devil and the Dark Water" but didn't care for "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle"—although my opinion on the latter was a minority one. The premise of "The Last Murder at the End of the World" sounded promising, and I am happy to report it lived up to all my expectations.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the only survivors are on a small island surrounded by the life-threatening fog that appears to have wiped out civilization. Once home to an advanced scientific facility, the island is now populated by one hundred and twenty-two villagers and ruled over by three surviving scientists. When one of the scientists is murdered, the killer fog begins advancing on the island. With only hours to solve the murder, one villager is tasked with finding the murderer, which will reset the security system that keeps the fog at bay.

This unusual plot is deftly executed. It is a fast-paced, atmospheric book with well-drawn characters and plot twists. It's a science fiction murder mystery—two of my favorite genres that fit seamlessly together. I highly recommend this book. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 21, 2024.

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The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

What an imaginative and engaging book. The story and the format in which it is told are interesting and grabbed me from the beginning.

It is eighteen years after the gruesome end to the Alperton Angels cult, where three members committed suicide, one went to prison, and three others disappeared. True crime writer Amanda Bailey and rival Oliver Menzies both decide to attempt to find the members who disappeared. Forced to collaborate by their editors, the long-standing dislike they have for each other must be put aside for the sake of their stories. As they dig deeper into the cult, Oliver struggles not to get caught up in the myths, while Amanda tries to divert his attention away from the direction her story is taking--at best, it is an uneasy alliance.

The story format, which is told through Whats App messages, emails, transcribed interviews, and other source material, is at first distracting, but once I got into the flow, the unusual format worked. This is a fast-paced book as the author not only reveals what happened to the cult but also the effects of the beliefs on both Oliver and Amanda. It is dark and twisty, just the way I like my murder mysteries. 

4.5/5 stars.

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Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

Expert storyteller John Grisham has done it again. In this visit with the characters introduced in "Camino Island," Grisham blends the tragedy of slavery with the current era of developers' greed into a compelling new read.

Lovely Jackson, the last descendant of escaped enslaved people who made the remote Dark Island their home for generations, tells her story in a self-published book that catches the attention of Camino Island bookstore owner Bruce Cable. When developers propose to build a resort community and casino on the now-vacant Dark Island, the question of ownership arises. Does Lovely own the island, or does the State of Florida? Enter author Mercer Mann and environment lawyer Steven Mahon, who join Lovely's uphill battle to share her story and preserve the island's historical significance.

This fascinating read made me uncomfortable at times because of the telling of Africans captured and enslaved. Painful or not, it is a dark period in the history of some countries and one that should not be swept under the carpet. Grisham adeptly tells of the terror and mistreatment suffered by those who were captured. Add courtroom drama to this, and you will have a recipe for an engaging story, as only John Grisham can tell. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 28, 2024.

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Profile K by Helen Fields

Helen Fields is a master at capturing a killer's dark, twisted mind. Be it her DI Callanach or Connie Woolwine series, she consistently delivers captivating characters and unique plots. This standalone book is no exception.

Midnight Jones, a profile analyst at the highly structured and client-confidential Necto Corporation, is startled to find a Profile K applicant file--K indicating killer. When she brings the file to management's attention, she is told it is an anomaly and that there is no such thing as a Profile K.  Then a murder occurs whose killer fits the Profile K applicant's profile. Midnight is conflicted: go against company confidentiality rules and contact the police or keep her much-needed job. Knowing the killer is likely to strike again, Midnight faces not only a moral dilemma but also the real possibility of putting herself in the path of the killer.

Although this plot seems futuristic, the author's notes state that this profiling technology is already available, bringing thoughts of Big Brother to mind and the dilemma Midnight faced very real. This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a murderer whose twisted thoughts are brilliantly captured in a dark and fascinating plot. If you have not read a Helen Fields book, "Profile K" is an excellent introduction to her complex characters and plots. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 25, 2024.

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Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes

 I loved Julian Barnes' "The Sense of an Ending." When I saw this book, it sounded so interesting that I couldn't wait to dive in. Once again, Barnes delivers an intriguing, beautifully written book.

When middle-aged Neil signs up for Elizabeth Finch's college class "Culture and Civilization," little does he know he will become enamored with Finch and carry her philosophy for the rest of his life. Following Finch's notes, he explores the life of Roman emperor Julian the Apostate. Through Neil, Barnes explores the last pagan emperor, Julian's views of religion and Christianity, and his effect on history.

This story started slowly for me, but I found Julian the Apostate's life enlightening. Neil’s and Elizabeth's relationship is an intricate dance between friendship and unrequited platonic love—a combination I found hard to resist. The relationship, combined with the history lesson, was hard to put down. 

3.5/5 stars.

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Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

 

This is my first time reading this author, although she is a familiar name with a proven track record for writing good thrillers. If this book is any indication, I will read her again.

Tweens Jessica, Norah, and Alicia form a sisterly bond over the abuse they suffer at the hands of Miss Fairchild in foster care. Afraid of being separated if they report psychological abuse, they cope as best they can instead of trying to fight a broken social services system. Would anyone believe them or do anything?

Flash forward to the present: bones have been found under the house where they were in care, and the trauma the three suffered and dealt with in different ways comes rushing back. Now, as adults, they have another chance to address the wrongs they were dealt in their childhoods. But will they be believed even now?

This fast-paced book, which travels back and forth in time and is told from multiple points of view, is gripping and poignant. I rooted for the three and was saddened by their helpless position. This is a psychological thriller with a couple of twists,  but it is more of a look at the problems of children stuck in social services and how powerless they feel. I also found myself relating to their situation and remembering my dysfunctional childhood more than I would have liked. Overall, this is a satisfying read. 

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 23, 2024.

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