The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

In this excellently researched and written account of Captain James Cook's last voyage, Hampton Sides captures the intrigue of what happened to Cook on his fatal final exploration.

In 1776, Captain James Cook set out with secret orders to find the Pacific entrance to the fabled Northwest Passage. He was also tasked with returning a Tahitian man to his Pacific island home after his time in England, where he was hosted by luminaries such as Lord Sandwich and King George III. This was the much-lauded Cook's third exploratory voyage, and he would be perhaps the first to encounter the people of the Hawaiian islands--an encounter that proved deadly.

Hampton Sides's descriptions of the natives Cook encountered and Cook's demeanor, both to his crew and to the native people, raise questions about Cook's suitability to lead this voyage. His sometimes rash actions countered his first two successful voyages and raised questions about first contact with native islanders. Cook's detractors depict him as an arrogant man who spread disease and robbed natives of their culture. Given today's attitudes and philosophies, I credit Sides's even-handed portrayal of Cook's encounters.

5/5 stars.

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Ladykiller by Katherine Wood

This sounded like a promising book, and although it didn't meet my expectations, it was good.

Gia comes from a privileged background, but when her father dies and leaves his fortune to charity, she unexpectedly needs money. To solve her problems, Gia decides to sell the one thing of value: a villa on a Greek Island. Newly married, Gia and her husband are at odds about what improvements need to be made to sell the house. Tension develops in the newlywed's relationship. Gia's best friend, Abby, whose mother worked for Gia's family, is working hard to become a partner at her law firm. When Gia, decides to celebrate her birthday in Switzerland with just her brother Benny and Abby, Abby drops everything to go to Switzerland. Gia fails to show up, so Abby and Benny head to Greece, only to find Gia has vanished.

The book started quickly but slowed down just as fast. I found the descriptions of the characters lusting after each other and the sex descriptions distracting. They didn't move the story along, and I wondered why so many romantic scenes were needed. The mystery surrounding Gia was good, and there were some twists, but overall, this falls short of being a thriller. 

3/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bantam, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is July 9, 2024. 

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Vengeance is Mine by Michael Wood

 

This standalone isn't as dark as Wood's Matilda Darke series. Perhaps because it has taken him more than twenty years to publish it, and he has perfected the dark, twisty murder mysteries for which he is now known, "Vengeance is Mine" isn't a typical Michael Wood book. That's not to say this isn't a good book because it is; it just wasn't what I expected.

Dominic Griffiths has been in prison for twenty years for the abduction and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, a crime he swears he can't remember committing. It has since been found that a prescription drug he was on at the time had a personality-altering side effect. Now, he is being released with a hefty settlement from the drug company, and few people are happy about his release, least of all the police and the girl's parents.

On the eve of Dominic's release, Dawn Shepherd's mother confesses that Dominic is Dawn's father. Not sure how she feels about that, Dawn is determined to get to know her father and the family she didn't think she had. In doing so, Dawn uncovers family secrets and raises more questions surrounding the girl's murder. Just who is Dominic, and was he capable of murder?

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller. When I thought I knew where the story was going, a twist sent me in another direction. Red herrings galore and unreliable characters make for a fascinating read. While not what I was anticipating, this book is a terrific read. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 29, 2024.

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The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

 I always learn something from a book by Erik Larson. Even if it's history I know, as in "The Demon of Unrest," Larson's research and presentation bring an era or a person to life.

It's 1860, and the United States is on the brink of breaking apart over slavery. During the lame-duck period between President Buchanan's exit and Lincoln's assumption of the presidency, North Carolina formally secedes, with other Southern states considering it. The focus is now on Fort Sumter, situated in Charleston's harbor. North Carolina and the Union want this critical piece of real estate. With little guidance from Washington, it's up to Major Robert Anderson to navigate the political waters surrounding the fort.

Using excerpts from diaries of people close to the situation, Larson does an excellent job transporting the reader back to the American Civil War era and illuminating the cultural and political climate of the day. What is most frightening is the parallel between the political environment in that era and our current situation: a nation at odds. This time, red states versus blue states are divided over several issues, with democracy seemingly on the line. I hope things turn out better this time. 

5/5 stars.

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Cut and Thirst by Margaret Atwood

 

I love Margaret Atwood's sense of humor. In this witty short story, she combines humor with fun characters to create a dark tale about how to serve revenge.

Over Gin and Tonics, three older women plot revenge for a literary attack on a friend that occurred years ago—and murder is not off the table. Leonine, Chrissy, and Myrna have not forgotten the eight—or was it nine—men who banded together when their friend Fern put together an anthology and omitted the men's ringleader in the book. Now, after all these years, with Fern's health declining, they plot to right this wrong without Fern's knowledge. But are they truly capable of murder? They think they are.

The characters in this story are friends I'd love to have. Never forgetting what happened to Fern, their loyalty knows no bounds. Watching the best-laid plans go astray in this wicked, funny tale is a delight from a master storyteller. 

4/5 stars.

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Don't Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins

 I agree that this book compares favorably to the works of S.A. Cosby and Don Winslow. This noir crime novel bursting with colorful characters, intrigue, and action.

Addison McKeller has a beautiful home in an exclusive Memphis suburb, two beautiful children, and a husband with a flourishing international construction company. However, everything is in peril when her husband, Dean, disappears. Getting no response from the local police to her missing person report, Addison hires renowned private investigator Porter Hayes to find Dean. When Hayes begins digging, he uncovers some troubling details about Dean that will rock Addison's world. Not only is Dean living a lie, but he is also associated with some shady dealings involving dangerous figures that put all their lives in danger. Can Hayes find Dean and untangle the lies he has woven in time to save the family? It's a race against time, and lives are at stake.

This is an atmospheric novel that is fast-paced and contains a complex plot. The writing is crisp, and the dialogue is snappy. The subplots tie in nicely with the main storyline, and although I felt the ending was a bit rushed, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. If you enjoy Southern noir stories, I think you will enjoy this book. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 25, 2024.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

 Usually, I'm not fond of books where an animal's thoughts are part of the storyline, but I looked forward to Marcellus's octopus chapters. I'm also wary of popular books that have been getting rave reviews--I've been let down too many times, but just as Marcellus won over me, this story also won me over.

Tova is a widow whose son mysteriously disappeared over thirty years ago in Puget Sound, Washington. She should have retired long ago, but she likes to keep busy. Cleaning is Tova's specialty, so she is a good fit for cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She likes the fish and is especially fond of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus adept at escaping his tank.

Cameron, brought up by his aunt after his mother abandoned him, finds a clue to the father he never knew and moves to Sowell Bay to search for him. He gets a job at the aquarium, temporarily substituting for Tova when she is sidelined. Ever the busybody, Tova can't stay away from the aquarium, and the two strike up an unusual friendship. Tova mentors Cameron on proper cleaning techniques and introduces him to the remarkably bright Marcellus. Although he cannot communicate directly, Marcellus is adept at conveying information missing in Tova's and Cameron's lives.

This is a story about friendship and how it can take unusual paths. It cleverly walks that fine line between feeling good about the characters without getting sappy. The prose is light and witty, with an engaging plot and excellent characters. Although the ending is telegraphed well in advance, Van Pelt does a beautiful job of tying the pieces together. 

4.5/5 stars.

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