The nitty-gritty: Full of crackling energy and an intriguing mystery, Another One Bites the Past is a solid science fiction debut. Another One Bites the Past is a short novella with big ideas, and I quite enjoyed Vladimir Provorov’s futuristic tale that melds music and memory. I rarely agree to read self published books, but […]
The nitty-gritty: Dark and romantic, Tea & Alchemy excels with its Gothic setting and intriguing mystery. I call Sharon Lynn Fisher the Queen of Vibes, and in her latest book, the vibes are off the charts! Tea & Alchemy is full of both cozy and Gothic elements, a combination that works perfectly for Sharon’s style. […]
The nitty-gritty: A bite-sized cozy fantasy with plenty of heart, A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence brings together folklore, friendships, and a touch of romance. Stephanie Burgis has written another delightful entry in her cozy supernatural series, and I can’t get enough of these characters. The basic set up is that Margaret and Lord Riven were […]
The nitty-gritty: Carnival horror meets gross-out humor in this wickedly funny, touching tale about memory, friendship and port-a-potties. “And you’re saying he’s coming in through the port-a-potties?” “Portal-potties. Sorta like Doctor Who, except the Tardis is a shitter.” “Tardis?” “Goddamn, Gaynes, like a time machine.” What if a port-a-potty was a portal-potty? That’s the idea […]
The nitty-gritty: The House on Utopia Way is a weird cabinet of wonders, set in a mind-bending, mystery-filled landscape. “It was a drawn breath of a day, sky the colour of a computer error screen, low wind.” The author told me this book was “too weird” for traditional publishing, but I read and review a […]
The nitty-gritty: Craig DiLouie uses music as a framework in this dangerous, outrageous good vs. evil headbanger of a story. “Whatever he turned out to be, you have to admit he had star power. Even if his playing drove people mad. Even though people died. The man could goddamn perform.” – Ramona Perez, drummer, the […]
The nitty-gritty: The detective story meets the gritty streets of Los Angeles in this thrilling, fast-paced and laugh-out-loud story. I had a lot of fun with the last Nick Kolakowski book I read (Absolute Unit), so I wasn’t surprised that Where the Bones Lie was a blast to read as well. PI/crime/detective novels aren’t my […]
The nitty-gritty: Mystery and horror combine with gothic literary elements in this excellent, atmospheric tale. If you haven’t discovered Christa Carmen yet, now’s your chance. In Beneath the Poet’s House, Carmen sets her literary, gothic mystery in Providence, Rhode Island and centers it around 19th century poet Sarah Helen Whitman’s famous house at 88 Benefit […]
The nitty-gritty: Sparkling writing, a fascinating setting and time period, and a lovely, slow burn romance make Grimm Curiosities a must read paranormal mystery. Grimm Curiosities is the perfect cozy fantasy/mystery to curl up with on a cold winter’s night. I always enjoy Sharon’s books, and her latest is an engaging historical fantasy with just […]
The nitty-gritty: A haunted house story with literary flair and unexpected emotion, Ghost Mother is the must-read ghost story of summer. “People said to me, “I am sorry for your loss,” and they were kind to say that, they were right, it was a “loss,” but somehow I always heard it in my head as […]