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Reviews by Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA)

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The Lost Man
The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
The Lost Man (11/5/2018)
Set in the remote Australian outback The Lost Man by Jane Harper is stunningly brilliant. The outback is a significant character in this dark suspenseful mystery. You can almost feel the relentless heat and red dust. The mystery is of good and evil surrounding the murder of a brother. It is set in a family unraveling. I was captivated until the last page!
Our House
Our House
by Louise Candlish
Our House (6/18/2018)
Our House by Louise Candlish is a fast paced novel of deception amid the suburbs. The plot involves a separating couple and a devastating incident. The marriage has some very dark secrets. It also includes some dark characters whom propel the plot. Not quite a mystery but there are twists throughout the novel. The chapters alternate between the couple and between two timelines. I found the book addicting - perfect for a beach read. If you enjoyed The Couple Next Door - you will enjoy this book.
The Milk Lady of Bangalore
The Milk Lady of Bangalore: An Unexpected Adventure
by Shoba Narayan
The Milk Lady of Bangalore (12/29/2017)
Very enjoyable. The story revolves around a woman who had moved back to India after 20 years in New York and her relationship with the neighborhood milk lady and her cows. Very vivid descriptions of India, its people and the relationship with cows. At times laugh out loud funny. The relationships with a variety of Indians from relatives to street sellers is fascinating. I would highly recommend this book!
Happiness
Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After
by Heather Harpham
Happiness (6/10/2017)
Wonderful memoir. Page turning account of a family through a very difficult medical challenge. Read this is one sitting. The choices which must be made when children are in trouble is gut wrenching. The fact that this is a true story makes it even more gripping. Well written and heartfelt. I would recommend this to everyone!
The Garden of Small Beginnings
The Garden of Small Beginnings
by Abbi Waxman
The Garden of Small Beginnings (4/11/2017)
Really loved this book! Hilarious one moment, poignant in the next. Beautifully written story about grief. Gardening is a metaphor for healing and the cycles of life. The heroine is authentic, intelligent, and funny. Her relationship with her sister and her daughters is inspiring. The book is a fast read, so charming - I would highly recommend it.
Extraordinary Adventures
Extraordinary Adventures
by Daniel Wallace
Extraordinary Aventures (2/18/2017)
Edsel receives a call offering a weekend getaway the only catch is he has to be part of a couple. His extraordinary adventures begin as he pursues a girlfriend (he has 79 days.) It is a charming, witty, and sometimes sexy tale of reinventing oneself. It is ultimately a story of friendship told with humanity. You will find yourself rooting for Edsel and wondering how it will all end. I would highly recommend this quirky but heartfelt book.
Castle of Water
Castle of Water: A Novel
by Dane Huckelbridge
Castle of Water (12/21/2016)
Castle of Water is ultimately a love story. It is also about survival and loss. The two main characters are stranded on an island for most of the book. As their love enfolds, the reader roots for this very unique but dear couple. It is a compelling novel about what it means to be forgotten and what it means to be rescued. It is truly a heartwarming read. The characters follow me weeks after I read this - I didn't want it to end! It is hard to categorize this book but I don't know a reader who wouldn't enjoy it.
Falling
Falling
by Jane Green
Falling - a love story (6/28/2016)
This is a beach read - a very light summer read. Jane Green writes her characters with depth and warmth. You'll find yourselves rooting for the characters. Both her female and male characters are written with compassion and their situations are very contemporary. Although, I thought the novel started a bit slow, I was swept away with the character's' hopes and dreams. Her characters would resonate with any female reader. I would recommend this book to escape a hot summer day.
The Return of the Witch
The Return of the Witch
by Paula Brackston
The Return of the Witch (1/2/2016)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much I read its sequel The Witch's Daughter. It is a book of witchcraft with plucky heroines and endearing characters. There is time travel - the book takes place from the 1600's to present day. The reader is treated to several interesting periods in history in which the recurring characters interact. Lots of magic, romance, and page turning suspense.
The Language of Secrets
The Language of Secrets
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
The Language of Secrets (11/23/2015)
The Language of Secrets is a sequel to the Khan's first book The Unquiet Dead and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it first. I found this mystery engrossing. It is set in a Muslim mosque in the days prior to an imminent destructive event. The Muslim themes of the book are very timely and the author obviously is an expert on the subject. It is part police procedural and part a story about humanity. The two detectives are an interesting pair. They genuinely care for one another which makes you root for the best outcomes for the sticky political situations they find themselves in. The author has the non-Muslim detective infiltrate the mosque and in doing so differentiates between the non-violent Muslims and the terrorists. I liked this book and would recommend it.
Trust No One
Trust No One: A Thriller
by Paul Cleave
Trust No One by Paul Cleave (6/8/2015)
I loved this book! The story revolves around a crime author who is newly diagnosed with Alzheimers. He searches for answers to series of murders. The questions is - did he commit the crimes? This book is very suspenseful. I wanted to read it all in one sitting! There is clever plotting, complex pacing and lots of plot twists. It will keep you guessing until the last page. I would recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery. I will be recommending this book to my mystery book club.
A Good Family
A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht
A Good Family (5/24/2015)
I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoy family sagas and this one is very good. There are four damaged people and the story is told from the viewpoint of all four. I felt this story was told from a man's point of view. The two sons, one in the shadow of the other, puzzle to find their places. One of the brothers is a returning vet with PTSD - his anguish is told beautifully by the author. The other son is lovable and although he has been the distant second son, he brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion. The author, Erick Fassnacht, is a very good storyteller. I predict he will become a popular author.
The Silver Witch
The Silver Witch
by Paula Brackston
The Silver Witch (2/24/2015)
Ceramic artist, Tilda Fordwells, moves into a remote Welsh cottage only to discover she has "powers". The book alternates between present day and Celtic times of early 900 a.d. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and the suspense but it left me wanting more substance. It took a long time for the story to unfold. I loved the setting and the addition of a dog to the cast of characters. The plot was solid but lacked the depth of a really good book. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a light fantasy read.
First Frost
First Frost
by Sarah Addison Allen
First Frost (11/11/2014)
First Frost has all the elements that make Sara Addison Allen's novels so endearing. Her books always give the reader a Southern feel-good story combined with magical realism. This novels brings together second chances and romance in charming fashion. The cast of characters are misfits with heart. I highly recommend the book and this author.
The Book of Strange New Things
The Book of Strange New Things: A Novel
by Michel Faber
The Book of Strange New Things (9/9/2014)
Michel Faber is genius. This masterpiece explores faith in the context of religion, marriage, friendship and humanity. The author's seamlessly ability transcends traditional genres in telling the tale of a marriage complicated by distance and faith. This book is mesmerizing - the events on earth and the new planet are fascinating. The end of the novel is perplexing - almost a beginning. This is a must read - it propels you to the end. Excellent!
The Quick
The Quick
by Lauren Owen
The Quick by Lauren Owen (5/4/2014)
The debut novel, The Quick, is Gothic storytelling at its best. Owen creates an atmospheric historical epic with paranormal twists. The cast of characters range from the London slums to the peerage. Most mysterious is the Aegolius Club. This is a dark mix of plot twists and horror elements. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The momentum builds to a fascinating and satisfying ending. I hope Ms. Owen offers us more novels in this fantastical world.
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
by Julia MacDonnell
You will fall in love with Mimi Malloy! (2/27/2014)
Julia MacDonell's Mimi Malloy at Last is heartwarming - both wise and humorous. You will get to know all her present and past relatives. The most touching are the family dynamics between Mimi and her daughters. There is also a dash of Irish whimsy. There are lessons about the power of forgiveness, love, memory and aging. You will be charmed at the end and won't want to say goodbye to Mimi. I loved it!
Doing Harm
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
Doing Harm (11/3/2013)
Excellent medical thriller. It was gripping - a true page turner. It takes you to the world of hospitals and into the operating room. There are life and death decisions some being made by a possible sociopath. It involves a young surgeon whose patients are dying but why? I highly recommend this book and urge you to watch this young author. Kelly Parsons is going to be a star.
How to Be a Good Wife
How to Be a Good Wife
by Emma Chapman
How to Be a Good Wife (8/20/2013)
A creepy psychological thriller about a wife slowly remembering her life prior to her very disturbing marriage. At time confusing - it is difficult to ascertain reality vs. hallucinations. Is the wife delusional or recalling memories? It is unpleasant but I couldn't put it down. It is short (160 pages) but includes a plot twist which concludes the story nicely. I would recommend it as a book club read as there is much to be discussed - especially a book club comprised of women. The book's theme is topical. I don't want to spoil the surprise.
The Mouse-Proof Kitchen
The Mouse-Proof Kitchen
by Saira Shah
The Mouse Proof Kitchen (6/15/2013)
I loved this book! It is a story of a couple who bring a disabled baby into the world. It is a journey of the heart told with warmth and humor. The couple struggles with not knowing what the future will bring. The characters met after a move to a mouse infested farmhouse are developed with realism. This is a heartwarming read. I highly recommend it to all kind-hearted readers.
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