The characters are powerful motivators to the spirit of individuality in a place where individuality is not the norm. I felt a close kinship to Nubbin.
Why, it’s The Twelve Suspects of Christmas by Ana T. Drew. It’s the Die Hard of cozy Christmas mysteries - an engaging mystery full of intrigue and spies that happens to take place at Christmas rather than a Christmas book that happens to have a mystery. Well, minus all the shooting. There’s really only a couple of knives and a jar of cinnamon.
As a person who has worked with the Foster Care system, this storyline grabs me by the throat. I found myself choking up as I read about the sorting of children, like socks, at Kringletown. Ryder didn’t deserve that. No child does.
The characters were beautifully written, and had you feeling for them as if they were your friends/family. The harsh environment of Avocado punctuated every life choice that Scrooge made. Again totally out of left field, and wonderful.
The legend evolves, like the swirling snow of the Pole, telling a wonderful story of intrigue, loyalty and love. Brilliantly crafted, it drew from the many stories of Santa, weaving science and politics into the mix.
Sara Brunsvold is establishing herself as a skilled storyteller in her debut novel. Her book pays tribute to an underappreciated group of people who altered the cultural course of America during the difficult post-Vietnam War-era while also being a call-to-arms for Christians; reminding Christians there are opportunities to share God’s love through every moment and every meeting.
The women gathering in the house, the evil collecting around them and the terrifying events of the weekend had me shouting to the the group not to do whatever action it was that they were set to do. It was as if I was watching a horror movie.
The reader is led to believe various belief constructs along the way, as Emily navigates intrigue after intrigue. This is a true spy novel, in that you have no clue who is pulling the strings. Anyone could be writing the code, and anyone could be the “bad guy.”
I was looking forward to seeing how Joshua Moehling handled a gay Sheriff, and how the other characters in the book responded to his office. There was no special treatment given to Sheriff Packard regarding his orientation. He was gay…boom…move on.
Enter Salem, the site of those famous witch trials. Enter witch-y characters and their friends, Charlene, Celeste, Serenity, Lucas – even the guests at the B&B. Within mere pages, you’ll fall in love with (or hate!) every character who dances across the page. And with good reason.
EXCERPT: The use of science/surgery/vaccines in creating Din’s world is a beautiful touch. After reading about murders by knife/gun/rope this was refreshing. The botanist part of me did a happy dance.
Thief Liar Lady doesn’t shy away from digging into the deep complexities of life, family, and government. Don’t judge the book by its fairy tale cover. It’s a tale of espionage, political intrigue, and independence led by a reimagined Cinderella ready to fight for her beliefs whether she has a man or not. And she’d prefer not.