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Reviews by Anne G. (Byram, MS)

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The Shore: A Novel
by Sara Taylor
Remarkable Novel by Debut Author (5/25/2015)
A collection of stirring vignettes that weave back and forth through time like the warp and weft of a colorful tapestry. Only at the book's conclusion will the entire picture be portrayed.

A group of loosely related families living on a chain of small islands called The Shore tell their tales in first person narratives. Some extremely personal stories are full of pathos, misery, and tragedy; other narratives have a strong optimism, and even a touch of paranormal tossed into the mix, but most will not be resolved in the present. The ultimate satisfactory conclusions are revealed in another person's narrative and occasionally another decade. Emotions range from deep love to dark revenge to a trusting hope for the future, with tendrils from one generation wrapping around the lives of members of another generation.

Keeping in mind that The Shore covers several generations, readers will do well to try to remember character's names because they will be spoken of in subsequent decades.

The Shores is a book that will haunt readers long after the last page is read. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a deeply personal narrative.
Little Black Lies
by Sharon Bolton
Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton (4/18/2015)
A dark and compelling tale set against the wildly beautiful Falkland Islands. The lives emotionally damaged people will converge with the mysterious disappearances of young local boys. In a close knit community where everyone knows everyone, suspicion festers and a veil of fear and distrust descends over the inhabitants. For members of the community dealing with their own almost unbearable emotional problems, the mysterious disappearances create a heavily charged atmosphere of tension. Catrin and her ex-husband Ben are both struggling with the accidental loss of their two young sons in their own ways, Catrin's ex-lover Callum is dealing with severe PTSD, and Catrin's best friend Rachael is guilt ridden by her own secret.
Little Black Lies is a thriller that will keep readers turning pages until the surprising twist at the end.
The Book of Strange New Things: A Novel
by Michel Faber
A Memorable Book (8/13/2014)
Would you accept a new job in a place light years away from Earth? Where you had to leave all your family and friends behind? Where the "natives" understood some of your language but you understood not one word of theirs? Where your co-workers barely noticed you?

Peter, (astute readers will notice the appropriate use of this name), is accepted for a job far away from his routine, comfortable life on Earth. He arrives at his destination tired, sick, and immediately begin to feel adjustment turmoil. He begins to wonder about the purpose of the base camp on a planet so far from home, and sets out to answer some of his unspoken questions.

Readers will immediately begin to have many questions that are revealed like peeling the layers of an onion. While life on Earth begins to deteriorate to resemble Hell on Earth, Peter faces his own physical and mental challenges. Being separated from the ones he loves begins to take a heavy toll, changing him into someone he barely recognizes.

Even upon completion of the book, there are still a few unanswered questions. Perhaps it is assumed the reader will work out the answers for themselves after reading this complex, genre bending book. One thing for sure, once read, this book will not soon be forgotten.

Multi-Genre: sci-fi, with a touch of inspiration and romance
Bitter River: A Bell Elkins Novel
by Julia Keller
Even small towns can have big mysteries (6/29/2013)
Bell Elkins, the county prosecuting attorney, is always reminding herself that "Everyone in this town is related to everyone else". A tragedy befalling one person or family will cause ripples that involve most of the people in the small town of Acker's Gap, WV. Finding a submerged car containing a body in Bitter River begins the unfolding of a small town tragedy that involves Bell and many of her friends. The initial murder is not resolved before more criminal acts are committed. Ms. Keller portrays strong characterizations, complex family relationships, small town politics, mystery, and a bit of romance with a deft hand. Although this is the second book in what is hoped will be a continuing series featuring Bell Elkins, it is not absolutely necessary to read the first one . It is hoped, however, there will be a third novel to resolve some of Bell's family problems, and the challenges in the novel's non-traditional romance.
Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster
ONE OF THE NOT-TO-BE-MISSED BOOKS THIS YEAR! (5/16/2012)
Their move from the bustling city of London to the tiny village on the North Yorkshire moors seemed like a chance for a woman to start a new life focused on her husband and baby. But what begins as an adventure in a run down cottage quickly becomes a nightmare when the husband abruptly disappears, seemingly abandoning their baby.

"Beneath the Shadows" is a Gothic tale of mystery and suspense worthy of Daphne DuMaurier! The story pulls the reader into the cottage, out on the moors, and inside a manor house filled with eccentric family members who have secrets of their own. Things go bump in the night, the old grandfather clock stops at odd times, and a trip into the dark basement has deadly potential. Slowly, the mystery is peeled back revealing its dark heart. A touch of G-rated romance helps to offset fear and tragedy.

Dialog in "Beneath the Shadows" is a pitch perfect to portray each character, some of whom are not exactly what they seem. Sense of time and place are excellent. You can see the awe inspiring vastness of the moors, and feel the biting cold of the snow and wind. This books has been compared to works by leading Gothic writers. It will leave readers waiting for the next novel by Sara Foster!
Before the Poison
by Peter Robinson
Before The Poison by Peter Robinson (12/24/2011)
This book is as great a departure from the Inspector Banks novels as one could imagine.

It is not a procedural nor a classic who dunnit. It's a novel that asks the questions "Was a crime committed and if so, then who was behind it all?". The story line is minimal but it's fleshed out with lots of character studies, moody atmosphere, and period settings. There are enjoyable, detailed descriptions of the rural English countryside. The story journeys further afield with an immersing sense of place for parts of France and South Africa. A very old journal will carry the reader through a voyage to the Pacific Rim.

Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks novels are filled with references to music but this novel carries it even further. The protagonist, Chris Lowndes, is actually a retired musician, so there are many references to music written for movies. The denouement was a surprise, albeit a disappointing one for some. Many, including this reviewer, will not agree with the ethical choice revealed by Lowndes.
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