An engrossing dark novel with some intriguing twists. Frankie travels to Venice after a very personal and public break down. She is trying to make sense of past events and pull her life together. Then Gilly appears and starts to involve herself in Frankie's life. The weather also inserts itself as major flooding in the city. All work together to set the tone of the book. Frankie is drowning in her mental well being, Is Gilly the life vest she needs? Will Frankie ever pull herself together or will her life continue to spiral? Is Gilly being truthful and helping or is she lying and manipulating? Can the cost of friendship be deadly? There were many times I would put the book down and say "What would I do?" A very good gothic thriller that twists and turns primarily in waterlogged Venice. I enjoy Christine Mangan's writing. If you liked "Tangerine" you will want to read "Palace of the Drowned".

A friendship formed over a training session, takes many different paths. From building new families, jobs and world views the story encompasses how relationships and perceptions change over time, especially when the underlying current of fear is present. I enjoyed reading this book, the characters are believable and it resonated with me how friendships between two people can change when other people enter into the picture and voice their opinions. This would be a good Book Club pick, lots of elements to discuss - history, psychological aspects, friendship and how families can change over time.

"Migrations" a beautifully written book about the contrast of an impossible journey and a fragile heart. I did not want to put this book down. The story starts with the true love of animals, the length a person will go for that love and ends with Franny finding and understanding her heart and herself. You will never forget the journey of the Arctic Terns, nor the insight into Franny, what drives her and the characters she meets along the way. There is hope, loss and surprise in this wonderful story. A very joyous and insightful book, one to be remembered and recommended for a long time.

If you are a fan of unexplained happenings and a good mystery, you will enjoy "The Sun Down Motel". The story takes place in a very small town in New York state. The book is a great blend of family history, closing the book on a family death and a haunting presence. The book reads like a rollercoaster, flying around corners and unraveling secrets that have been buried for years. It is a fun, sometimes creepy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you like "who done its", combined with letting your imagination run, this book is for you!

This book made me think about being forced to do something to survive. It would appeal to anyone who is interested in WW II history and book clubs. A sisterhood forms among an unlikely group of women who share meals to protect the "Wolf". The story will take you through heartbreak, love, betrayal, second marriages, aging and regret. This is a book you will think about long after it is finished. What if I would have been Rosa...?

Very thought provoking book of early onset Alzheimer's and family decisions. Where is the line drawn between love and protection? How do you express your thoughts and feelings to the people you have given your trust to care for you, when you cannot remember recent hours/days, but you still feel emotions. A great story of love, while wrestling with the terrible disease of dementia.