Book Review: Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman

Author: Alan Rickman

Title: Madly, Deeply

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 469

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: 

Madly Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman—one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time.

From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.

But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.

Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.

Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.

Review:

I've been a fan of Alan Rickman since I was a wee thing. He was an incredible actor and he seemed like such a fun person to know. I delayed reading this for a bit, but I finally decided to jump in. 

We get to see some snip bits of Alan's life from 1993 to 2016. Emma Thompson, a very close friend, wrote the foreword and his love, Rima, wrote the afterword. 

I love diaries and autobiographies. They are so interesting and seeing a side of a person you never get to see. I still have my cringe school diaries and I tried writing some diaries as an adult but it never stuck. 

Writing a review on a person's inner most thoughts is SO hard. It is extra hard especially if the person is gone. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading more about Alan from Alan's POV. However, I felt like this was never meant to be published. It felt like....SparkNotes. Little notes from Alan to Alan for an autobiography or something. I wish he had had that chance! That would've been amazing! Or maybe if Alan had lived long enough to oversee how his diaries were to be released would've been awesome too. Sadly after his diagnosis he had so much to do and so little time to do it. So freaking sad.

Some entries were really good. I loved reading his thoughts about a show or a movie or a person. I especially loved seeing some bits of his vacations or travels. So cool! I loved seeing things from his POV. He really was an intriguing individual. So witty and introspective. There were sad moments that weighed on him. 

Some entries? I hate saying it but they were...boring. I hate sounding so harsh!!! Again, it just felt like a snapshot or a reminder for himself. I would've loved more explanation or details on certain events. Maybe if he had his hands on the release of this he could've added some additional details or thoughts. 

I did appreciate the afterword and foreword. If you read this, please read both entries. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this for what it is. It felt like little notes for himself and I wish he had had a chance to write his own story. I loved seeing a little bit of the man behind the scenes. He was so intriguing and witty. He was so beloved by so many people. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Title: One Dance with a Duke

Series: Stud Club #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 25, 2010

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke--until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

Review:

Weeeee Dare!

Here we have Spencer and Amelia. Spencer is a reclusive horse breeder. He never wanted to be Duke, but here we are. He just wants to be left alone with his horses and finally get the prize horse of his dreams but there are a lot of members of the Stud Club he will have to beat in order to get sole position of that horse. In order to keep appearance, he selects on lady for a midnight dance and then he leaves. This has labeled him the "Duke of Midnight". One evening, Lady Amelia catches his interest so he chooses her. Amelia claims the dance with fervor because this will give her the chance to beg him to forgive her brother's debts. Pulling him to the side, alone, she will find herself embroiled in a murder mystery of who killed the founder of the Stud Club. 

Let's do our divide and conquer method for this review (I am lazy today).

The Good

- Loved our characters. They were so perfect for each other. They needed each other to help bring out the best in each other. 

- They were soooo complex! 

- Lots of talking needed to be done. I loved their banter. 

- The resolution between our couple was nice. The resolution between Amelia and her one brother was done so well.

- Awesome side characters! I can't wait to read more!

- The narrator was great as per normal. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- Claudia and her last minute twist at the end. Mmmm. Not a fan. Plus....what does she decide to do? Hopefully we see that in the next book. 

- I wish we got to see more of the murder mystery aspect. 

- What happened to one of the horses!!!!!!! WHY??? WHY WAS THAT NEEDED FOR THE STORY!?!?!?!?!?! *cries*

Overall

I enjoyed this one overall. Loved the characters. They were written with a lot of depth even our side characters! I loved the majority of the resolutions at the ending. They were done nicely! However, I struggled with a few points as seen above. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Amelia and Spencer

Least Favorite Character(s): Claudia

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #36

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh

Book 9 in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series

Author Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Publication date Jul 15, 2025 by Tantor

Running time 14 hrs

Paranormal romance

Eleri and Adam met 10 years before at a trial. He knew she was his mate. But then a killer walked free and they never saw each other again. Eleri is J-Psy and is hunting a serial killer. Adam is a falcon shifter who will do everything to keep his people safe.

But Eleri has had her brain wiped many times, her brain is also failing and she knows she does not have a lot of time left. While Adam, even if angry at first, really wants his mate. Drama.

There is the hunt for the serial killer, and the attempts to save Eleri´s mind. The world outside rests for a while in this book, but yes the Psy net is failing and I would really want to know what will happen there.

An enjoyable book that felt a bit like a sidestory, but something is found in this book that will probably help later on. I also must say, bird shifters, eh, I prefer my wolves and cats. But I guess a bird has its charm.

Angela Dawe is fantastic as always, it would not be a Singh book if it did not have Dawe. She has it all.

Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could've been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement . . . or love . . .

Movie Review: Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)

Title: Happy Gilmore 2

Length: 1h 54m

Released: 2025

Genre: Comedy, Sports
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Revisit Happy Gilmore's golf career after his win in the Tour Championship.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Growing up 'Happy Gilmore' was a regular movie we would watch. Honestly, we were big Adam Sandler fans in my household. I was nervous when this was announced and then put on Netflix...

Here we follow Happy who had an amazing career until...it fell apart after tragedy struck. He is stuck and can't find his footing. His kids are now grown and his daughter has a chance to go to a famous ballet school in Paris. However, he's not golfing anymore and the money is gone. He will have to pick himself up by his untied boots and golf again. 

I was terrified to watch this. So many reboots and years later sequels crashed and burned. I wasn't sure if my little heart could handle it. With Netflix freezing on this and not letting me scroll to something else....I clicked "watch" and watched with my breath held. 

And I was blown away.

I actually enjoyed this immensely!!!!

WHAT?

Yes! This was a lovely sequel. Funny with big heart. I loved seeing some old faces pop up. I was giggling and forgetting that I am a women in my 30s. I felt like a kid and teen again. It was classic Sandler writing!!!

I loved the twists and turns with characters. There is one character I didn't expect to be a good guy after all they did (no spoiler). I loved that! Even baddies can get redeemed. 

The ending was sweet (with one last laugh) and gives us hope that there could be a 3rd film BUT it could end here and be fine. Love that. 

Issues? Mmmm nothing really. Maybe a couple of jokes didn't hit like it should and there were some characterizations that felt a little 2D. Like ALL his sons are all little rage monsters. I would've liked more depth in his sons. Maybe one could've been more like the daughter? I adored them because you could tell they all loved each other and especially their dad.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was funny and had heart. I wanted more depth with some of the characters. Some felt hollow. BUUUUT the twists and turns were fun. We got to see some characters from the past pop up. Lots of fighting, lots of golfing, and lots of humor. 4 stars from me. 

Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: Murder on the Orient Express

Series: Hercule Poirot #10

Genre: Mystery, Classics

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: January 1, 1934

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express turns into a race against time when a murder is committed. Detective Hercule Poirot interrogates the suspects during a long stop in the mountains of Yugoslavia.

Review:

I read this gem many, many, MANY years ago. I watched the movie when it came out, but again...my brain barely remembers the details. I remember the big reveal (because how could you not) but the details or so forth? Nope. 

Hercule Poirot finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation while aboard the Orient Express. It is a race against time before they reach their final destination. Lots of suspects, lots of motives...

This one is just so clever. I loved the way each chapter played out and seeing Hercule interview each of the suspects was so entertaining. 

I may remember the conclusion, but it is so so so thrilling watching Hercule pull it all together. So many little hints and tips that I caught on knowing the conclusion. 

I enjoy Hercule and his stories so much. They are entertaining and Hercule may not be the most humble of creatures, but he deserves his arrogance. 

What else to say? You don't have to read these books in order and you could read this one and enjoy it. But going back to some older books have made me appreciate Hercule a little more. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Bouc

Least Favorite Character(s): Ratchett

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #23

- Cloak & Dagger #20

Book Review: The Situationship by Abby Jimenez

Author: Abby Jimenez

Title: The Situationship

Series: Part of Your World #3.5

Genre: Romance, Short Story, Novella, Comedy

Format: ebook

Pages: 37

Published: September 24, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Travel nurse Maddy doesn't have time for a relationship, not even with the ruggedly handsome farmer who she feels a spark of attraction to.

Doug is a walking green flag. After a run in with Maddy thanks to the Wakan town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig, he can't help but feel the spark too.

Even though she doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever, Maddy believes she and Doug can still have a fling… or maybe they’ll just find themselves in a situationship. 

Review:

After the conclusion of the last book I had to read this little novella. 

Maddy doesn't want or have time for a relationship. She doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever...just long enough to make sure her friend is settled. However, she meets Doug who is a ruggedly handsome farmer who is the owner of the town's mascot....Keving Bacon the pig. There is a spark there and they can't help themselves. 

After the ending of the last book (as I mentioned), I had to read this. I had to know how and why these two people fell in love. Out of all the characters in all of the books, I didn't think these two would fall for each other. So unlikely! So opposite! So....of course they fell in love. What is wrong with me? It's like I've never read a romance ;)

But yes, it was a funny and fun meet-cute. I love Kevin Bacon. I didn't think I would like this coupling, but I ended up falling in love with them. 

This needed more. I wanted more. But it worked fine with the length. Maybe we'll see them in future books. 

Short and cute. I actually read this twice because I liked it. I'll give it 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Kevin Bacon the pig

Least Favorite Character(s): no one 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #22

Book Review: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

Author: Chloe Walsh

Title: Binding 13

Series: Boys of Tommen #1

Genre: YA Romance, Contemporary, Sports

Format: ebook

Pages: 626

Published: July 18, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

He wants to save her. She wants to hide. She's damaged. He's determined. Fate brought them together. Love binds them. Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he's a force to be reckoned with, even plagued with a hidden injury. Everyone knows he's heading straight for the top—but that means there's no room for mistakes or distractions. Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College, the one with the sad eyes and hidden bruises. He needs to stay focused, keep his cool, and not let anything get in the way of the bigger picture.  Except before he knows it, this lonely girl has become his only picture. Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. Bullied and tortured, she arrives at Tommen College mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start and desperate to shake off the demons that plague her. But when she meets the notorious Johnny Kavanagh on her first day, her plans to keep a low profile are at serious risk. As they fall into a complicated friendship and grapple with their undeniable chemistry, hidden pain and complicated secrets threaten to be their undoing—but Johnny won't give up on Shannon. No matter what it might cost them both.

Review:

This was a picked by a member of my community over on my Twitch account (Carole_Rae). 

Here we follow Shannon and Johnny. Shannon has not had the best go of it. She was relentlessly bullied at her school, her dad is terrible, and her mom is working so much. She finally convinces her mom to let her go to the private school just to have a fresh start and reconnect with old friends. Her plan is to keep a low profile and just get through school. However, when she meets Johnny all her plans are destroyed. They fall into a complicated friendship and deny any sort of chemistry. Johnny wants more but he'll take what he can get...for now. 

This was really, really, really long. I enjoyed the story for what it was but man....it needed some trimming. Some scenes felt like they were NEVER going to end. Some scenes didn't seem to help the plot move forward at all. Honestly, just shaving 50-100 pages would've helped the story immensely.

Nooooow don't get it twisted...I love a good slow burn. I love watching people deny their feelings and then finally overcome themselves and just be together. It's great! But man the slow burn here sometimes felt like watching paint dry. However, I will say that when I felt like giving up some scenes would happen and I would be hooked again. The author did a good job keeping you reading even with the slowness. 

The characters also helped keep my attention. They were sweet kids who deserved happiness. I just wanted them to be in love though. Shannon especially needs solid love man. I can't believe the bullying she witnessed. It was ASSAULT in many cases. Yes, I was bullied in school but MAN. 

Nice side characters too. I loved Shannon's one brother. He was an angel. 

All-in-all, I did like the story and characters. But the length was too much. It really killed some of the story for me. I think a nice edit was needed. Maybe 50 or 100 pages could've been shaved off. The flow would get so slowed down that I felt like we were wadding in a puddle. I'll give this 3 stars overall. The characters and some scenes really did help me stay attached to the story. 

Favorite Character(s): Shannon and Johnny

Least Favorite Character(s): Too many people to count. So many mean people

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #21

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: SeatMate by Cara Bastone

By: Cara Bastone

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi, Zachary Webber, Josh Hurley, Carol Monda, Corey Allen, Allyson Johnson, Eric Yves Garcia, Tanya Eby, Dina Pearlman

Series: Love Lines 3

Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins

Release date: 03-24-22 by Audible

Contemporary romance

I have listened to the two previous ones so I wanted to try this one too.

Sam and Gwen are seatmates on a bus. Over 5 hours before the reach their destination. They can ignore each other, or well talk and that they do. They joke, they get to know each other. Then there is bus drama and the clock is ticking.

Sam is going on a blinddate that his mother set up. Gwen is going to a interview and it is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Obviously in the end they will realize that they want to give each other a chance.

It was fun and it works so well when all they do is talk. Perfect for audio. The narrators were great too, she doing her parts, him doing his and then there were some narrators were a few side characters that jumped in quick too.

I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.

My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me. Tall. Friendly smile. Bright indigo streak in his brown hair. The perfect distraction. Turns out he’s on his way to reconnect with an old flame. The one who got away. We can both make it on time - just barely - if the traffic keeps flowing.

Playing road-trip games, avoiding calls from his mother, and effortless conversation keeps us from clockwatching...until the bus breaks down. And my seatmate turns into my copilot as we wrangle a ride in a car three decades old. And hit all the traffic. And oh, Lord, the detours. And somehow I end up careening cross-town on the handlebars of a Citi Bike carrying a box of kittens. (Yeah, don’t ask.)

He’s my hero every step of the way...and I might be falling for him. But what happens when we reach our final destination? Could my seatmate really be my soul mate?

Re-listen: Wild Irish Christmas by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Christmas

Series: Mystic Cove #9

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: December 18, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Lily Walden finds herself inexplicably drawn to the small village of Grace’s Cove where she retreats to heal from a broken relationship as the lonely Christmas holiday looms. Escaping each evening into dreams more vivid than life, Lily nurtures a secret desire to write the fairy tales she lives each night. If only the fae prince of her dreams could rescue her from her haunted past.

Prince Callum, head of a secret faction of Fae protectors, is desperate to find his fated mate as each night she sings their lovesong to him in his dreams. One fateful night, he takes to the seas to find her, only to land catastrophically at the shores of an enchanted cove.

With Prince Callum near death, only Lily can save him in time, forever sealing their fated bond – but first, she must bring herself to believe in her own fairy tale…

Review:

We're back babbbyyy! I decided to have a relisten to this one because....I couldn't remember anything that happened. It's been so long. 

Here we have Prince Callum of the Fae and Lily the human. After an abusive relationship, she needs to break free. She runs to Grace's Cove. She doesn't know why, but it calls for her name. This could be the escape she needs to heal and write her little fantasy stories that she dreams about. Little does she know that her dreams have been real and Callum is real and has been looking for her. He finally gets the clue he needs to find her, but he is attacked and near death until Lily saves him. 

Again....I loved this as much as I did the first time. It's so sweet and they are adorable. Lily deserves all the love the world can give her. Callum is adorable and sweet and perfect. 

I loved seeing old faces along at the pub. This is a cross-over with another of the author's works so that is fun. I read book of that other series...I should push forward and read more once I catch up with this one. Soooo many books....so little time. 

But yes. Still just as sweet as the first time I read it. I wanted more though. I just really loved these characters. 

The narrator? Still amazing. Still perfect for this series. 

5 stars still from me.

Favorite Character(s): Lily and Callum

Least Favorite Character(s): Lily's ex

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #35

Best of July

Here are the best of the bests for July. 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

"Also best book of the month!"

Carole - Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

"I am in love with book!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  The First American (2016)

"This was informative and a nice watch for history lovers."

Blodeuedd - KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

"I watched Kpop demon hunters with my kid, and omg these rongs rocked."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Patience & The Marlow Murder Club

"Summer means British murder mysteries and I watched Patience and the Marlow Murder Club."

Carole - The Daily Show & Superstore (s1-6)

"The Daily Show keeps going strong even after all these years! And we re-watched Superstore...so funny."

Best Cover of the Month:

C's pick

B's pick

Honorable mention(s):

Blodeuedd's - "And a shoutout to these. I had an incredible month and there are more I could mention."

Carole's - "I would be remiss if I didn't give a special nod to this one. Honestly to the whole series so far. All of them have been great."

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Dreamer by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Dreamer

Series: Mystic Cove #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: July 14, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

What would happen if dreams came true?

It's said that the world is made of dreamers. Which is a lovely thought and all, except for when those dreams come with a foretelling of the future. In order to find out what she really wants, Fiona MacAuliffe has spent her life running from who she truly is. Determined to ignore her gifts in order to make her own way in the world, Fi long ago said goodbye to her family's pub in Grace's Cove and set off to follow her heart.

Little does she know that it is her heart that will betray her when she returns home.

Review:

Man. Coming back to this series is like coming back home. For some reason I took a LONG break from this series. In 2021 (eek), I accidently skipped this and read book 9. It's nice coming back. 

We are back in the cove. Here we have Fiona (Fi) and Liam. They both have the wanderlust and they keep on meeting randomly. Or is it the universe giving them chance after chance? Fi doesn't want to be held down by her small town, her powers, or a man. She doesn't want the white picket fence life. She wants to be free and explore every corner of the world and be surprised by it. Love? That isn't a dream to her....or is it? 

*sighs deeply*

Fi. Fi oh Fi oh Fi. Idiot girl. I wanted to kick her. I get she has some issues trusting men outside of her group because of her ex. However, Liam is friends of friends and was saved by Grace in the past so he believes in magic. Plus he's SUCH a good guy. He shows it over and over and over. But Fi is so "I don't need a man! They'll hold me down!" So the universe gives her a man that has the same wanderlust and would travel the world too, but nooooOoooOOOooooo still not good enough. >_> 

Plus her hating her powers? Sure...I get it...don't abuse your powers and use them for bad. Keep your walls up and etc, but she flat out ignores the signs her dreams tries to give her. Like near the end with a certain situation (no spoilers from me). 

Don't get me wrong Fi is a nice girl, but she's an absolute moron. I still loved this book and it was nice seeing Fi FINALLY grow up. It took the entire book but she finally does it. Bless Liam for his patience. He has his own demons and terrible ex trauma to deal with, but he's willing to try but Fi keeps leading him on. 

Again...I liked this book a lot but Fi drove me to insanity. 

I can't wait to read book 10 (I may re-read book 9 since it has been so long and I read out of order by mistake). I hope we can see more of Fi and Liam enjoying each other. It took forever for them to become a couple. I want to see them be in love. 

The narrator is a gem. I can't imagine ANYONE else reading these books. 

In the end, I had some big issues with Fi. Yes, I love good conflict and internal (and external) issues standing in the way, but man, she really was a rough character to understand and in some moments...like. I'll give this 3 stars overall.  

Favorite Character(s): Liam

Least Favorite Character(s): Fi 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

Audiobook Review: A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. Kingfisher

Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal

Title: A House With Good Bones

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 28, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

Review:

I picked this for book club! I've really been meaning to read more by this author. So far I've only read one a while back, so it was time. Seen this and it seemed like a nice pick. 

Sam is temporarily moving back in with her mother. Her brother's words scare her a bit, but it just can't be true that their mother is "off". Or is her brother being overdramatic? She'll have to see for herself. When she steps in, the house seems to be transported back in time. The once vibrant house, is now back to the sterile white walls and questionable decor that her grandmother used to have. Her mother is jumpy and way too skinny. Something is wrong and Sam will figure it out. 

Creepy. SOOO creepy. The last...quarter of the book had me glued! I couldn't stop listening and I kept mumbling, "WHAT THE F?" Wild. Loved it.

The "answer" seemed so simple. The answer was literally written on the wall, but the further you go the more complex and weird it gets. It was awesome. One scene? A thing of absolute nightmares and I loved every second of it.

I do wish we had more of a solid ending. Like....what? Sure, the unknown is scary and we are supposed to be a little scared for them, but I wanted to see more. Maybe a future book? 

The narrator was alright. Sometimes she was a little jovial for Sam. Sure, Sam is kind of jovial, but it seemed too much. Her guy voices were...eh. Poor Phil sounded so weird. 

Overall, I did like this. It makes me want more from the author. Wild story that got crazy good. I wanted more from the end and the narrator was just alright, but I ate up every second of this. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Gail (spell?) and our vulture buddy

Least Favorite Character(s): The grandmother

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

- Cloak & Dagger #19

- Library Love #20