My review of “The Last Murder at the End of the World” by Stuart Turton

“The Last Murder at the End of the World” is a gripping post-apocalyptic murder mystery. It’s also though-provoking, incredibly well-plotted, and entirely unique.

The murder in question occurs in an unusual version of the “locked room” scenario…the last survivors of a deadly-fog-apocalypse are living on an isolated island, so the suspect pool is obviously limited. To make things more challenging for the investigator (Emory), everyone’s memories of the night of the crime have been wiped, including her own. Just in case the stakes weren’t high enough…if Emory can’t solve the murder and make sure the killer is executed in just under two days, the fog will cover the island, killing everyone, and thereby ending human life on earth.

Within those parameters, Emory begins her investigation. Unlike most of the island’s inhabitants, she’s curious and willing to ask hard questions. However, given that LITERALLY nobody is able to remember anything, she has her work cut out for her. As she progresses through whatever leads she can find, she raises as may new questions as she answers, all in a high-stakes race against the clock.

Author Stuart Turton skillfully weaves character backstories and glimpses of the onset of the apocalypse with Emory’s investigation so that the reader fills in their own blanks about the past at the same time as Emory’s blanks in her memory and what actually happened. There’s a lot to uncover and figure out, and not everyone (or everything) is as it appears. To avoid spoilers, I won’t say more, but PLEASE read this one for some surprising revelations!

You’ll leave this story with a complete understanding of what actually happened on the night in question. However, you’ll also leave with a lot of things to think about. I wish I could share a few of them here but…..the questions themselves would be spoiler-ish. (If you’re planning to read this one, which I highly recommend, try to go in without reading any more about it. You’ll enjoy it much more if you have less of an idea what to expect.)

5 slices of perfect Provolone! (Also a nominee for my Top 10 books of 2024!)

My review of “If the Boot Fits” by Karen Witemeyer

“If the Boot Fits” by Karen Witemeyer is an example of both historical and Christian fiction at their finest. As an added bonus, there’s a tie-in to the classic Cinderella story.

The story opens with the typical Cinderella elements (a ball, someone fleeing, and an abandoned piece of footwear). There’s a brief bit in which our heroine tries to match feet with the boot-wearer, but it’s not a key part of the plot. There’s a nice scene at the end linking the story back to Cinderella as well. I enjoyed these elements, and thought they fit into the book perfectly. However, don’t go into this expecting a true Texas retelling of the fairy tale!

For the most part, the book centers on the evolving relationship between Samantha and Asher. I found the slow-burn romance to be very authentic. The author includes enough scenes of the two together, talking and getting to know one another, that the reader can easily believe that their feelings are genuine. Since the course of true love never runs smoothly, the couple is hampered by Samantha’s father’s influence, Asher’s family’s financial problems, and some unknown villain attempting to kill Samantha.

I enjoyed reading about each main character separately, as well as the two of them together. The relationship between Samantha and her father, in particular, was well-written, and I liked getting glimpses into their past as well as witnessing their present-day interactions. Revelations about Samantha’s long-deceased mother come to light; these are interesting in their own right, and also affect Samantha’s understanding of her father.

I appreciated the faith aspects as well; as Samantha navigates the twin challenges of her blossoming romance and the attempts on her life, she grows in her faith and learns to rely more fully on God. All in all, she has a lovely personal growth arc, in her faith, in her familial relationships, and in her romance.

In conclusion, I have to say that this book has everything: romance, history, danger, and faith.

Definitely 5 slices of perfect sharp cheddar!

My review of “Double Grudge Donuts” by Ginger Bolton

First off, I should say that this is the eighth book in the series, but only the second one I’ve read. I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing something at all. The author provided everything I needed to know to jump right in with this book; it works perfectly well as a stand-alone.

I really enjoyed the small-town setting. I loved the descriptions of local businesses, events, and people. In this installment, the murder takes place during the town’s Arts Festival, so there were lots of interesting events for the reader to enjoy along with the characters.

The mystery itself was excellent! The victim was known to be annoying to virtually everyone, and just plain mean to some. As a result, there were plenty of suspects who had reasons to wish him harm. I enjoyed this variety of suspects, with motives varying from professional jealousy to interrupted sleep. The author provided a variety of motives and clues for Emily to investigate, and it was fun watching her try to figure everything out. Once all was revealed at the end all the clues the reader gathered along the way made sense, including a couple of things that initially seemed so innocuous as to not actually be clues.

I liked reading about main character Emily. She seems like a very real person, and one I’d love to know in real life. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with her (visiting) parents, and her relationship with her former in-laws. This time around, we are treated to Emily and Brent’s wedding. I appreciated that the author took a few pages after the mystery ended to let readers observe a bit of the celebration.

I’m happily rating “Double Grudge Donuts” five out of five yummy slices of Provolone!

My review of “Chasing the Horizon” by Mary Connealy

“Chasing the Horizon” by Mary Connealy is an excellent example of Christian historical fiction with a touch of romance. As a reader, I enjoyed all of the information about life on a wagon train traveling west, as well as the brief glimpses of what asylums of the time were like. All of this information is presented organically within the framework of the story, so it never feels like reading a history textbook.

All of the major characters are well-drawn and detailed, with enough unique characteristics to make them stand out as individuals. The most important are given enough back story so that the reader truly understands their history and motivations. Some of the more minor characters tended to run together, but it didn’t matter to the overall plot.

The slow-burn romance between Beth and Jake was beautifully written and completely believable. I enjoyed watching them gradually getting to know and trust each other over the course of their long (and sometimes difficult) journey west.

There was also a bit of suspense to the plot. The book mainly focuses on the wagon train members and their progress, but occasionally toggles to Beth’s father and his diabolical intentions toward both Beth and her mother Ginny. When the two storylines finally merge, there’s definitely drama!

This is the first book is the Western Light series. While I wouldn’t call the ending a cliffhanger, I would say that a few major plot points aren’t wrapped up, and you’ll need to plan on reading later books to find out what happens.

My review of “The Sign of Four Spirits” by Vicki Delany

It’s hard to believe, but “The Sign of Four Spirits” is the NINTH book in Vicki Delany’s excellent Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series! Often, longer-running series get a little tired and repetitive by this point, but not this one. This installment is as fresh, unique, and enjoyable as the first one. (Side note: While I think the story would work as a standalone, you’ll definitely appreciate the main characters and relationships more if you’ve been reading in order. However, the actual mystery plot is fully contained in this volume, and the author provides enough backstory notes that you should be fine if you decide to start with this one).

“The Sign of Four Spirits” has all the elements of a good cozy: a likeable protagonist, a fun and quirky best friend, pets, a handsome member of law enforcement, and, of course, a murder to solve. Our main character, Gemma Doyle, runs a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop. Like the great detective, Gemma is also incredibly observant and detail-oriented, which makes her quite competent at investigating. This time around, Gemma has been roped into attending a seance at a friend’s home. Chaos ensues, and she 0nce again finds herself putting on her detective hat and helping the police solve the case.. The story flows well, with plenty of clues for the reader to unravel alongside Gemma. As an added bonus, we get to see Estrada starting to develop a new attitude toward Gemma’s assistance.

By the end of the book, everything makes perfect sense. After Gemma finishes her “big reveal” scene, you’ll see how all the clues played into the eventual resolution.

Definitely 5 out of 5 perfect chunks of creamy Brie!

It’s hard to believe, but “The Sign of Four Spirits” is the NINTH book in Vicki Delany’s excellent Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series! Often, longer-running series get a little tired and repetitive by this point, but not this one. This installment is as fresh, unique, and enjoyable as the first one. (Side note: While I think the story would work as a standalone, you’ll definitely appreciate the main characters and relationships more if you’ve been reading in order. However, the actual mystery plot is fully contained in this volume, and the author provides enough backstory notes that you should be fine if you decide to start with this one).

“The Sign of Four Spirits” has all the elements of a good cozy: a likeable protagonist, a fun and quirky best friend, pets, a handsome member of law enforcement, and, of course, a murder to solve. Our main character, Gemma Doyle, runs a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop. Like the great detective, Gemma is also incredibly observant and detail-oriented, which makes her quite competent at investigating. This time around, Gemma has been roped into attending a seance at a friend’s home. Chaos ensues, and she 0nce again finds herself putting on her detective hat and helping the police solve the case.. The story flows well, with plenty of clues for the reader to unravel alongside Gemma. As an added bonus, we get to see Estrada starting to develop a new attitude toward Gemma’s assistance.

By the end of the book, everything makes perfect sense. After Gemma finishes her “big reveal” scene, you’ll see how all the clues played into the eventual resolution.

Definitely 5 out of 5 perfect chunks of creamy Brie!

My Review of “The Warsaw Sisters” by Amanda Barratt

“The Warsaw Sisters” is a powerful, historical, emotionally draining, amazing novel about two sisters living in Poland during the German occupation in World War 2.

Both main characters (sisters Antonia and Helena) are incredibly well-written. The reader will feel like he/she is gradually getting to know real people as the story moves along and more and more about the characters’ pasts, family/friends, and personalities are revealed. While we are getting to know these two strong women, we also get to observe them as they take action to help lessen the suffering around them.

Although both Antonia and Helena have some degree of romance in their lives, this is only one small part of what this book has to offer. The reader will learn a lot about the occupation of Poland, and its many atrocities. There is also plenty of information about daily life, religion, clothing, food, and the vital roles played by some women during that time. Despite learning quite a bit, you will never be bored or feel like you’re sitting in a history lecture. All of this information is presented as part of the story, and is truly fascinating (although, in some cases, disturbing).

A fair bit of time is devoted to the dynamic between the sisters. As the extreme danger in their resistance efforts requires them to be secretive, the women find a division between them that they’ve never experienced before. How they cope with this change makes for a powerful storyline.

I highly recommend this novel for the incredible depth of historical content, the moving and exciting stories of Antonia and Helena, and the positive messaging about trying to make a difference despite overwhelming odds.

5 out of 5 slices of thinly sliced, ultra-sharp Cheddar!

My review of “On Moonberry Lake” by Holly Varni

“On Moonberry Lake” by Holly Varni is a lovely story about returning home, and finding out what “home” really means. The narrative centers around main character Cora, who is surprised to learn she has inherited an old family property. The terms of the will require her to actually live there for a year before it truly becomes hers, so Cora moves in.

The character of Cora was very well-written and detailed. She’s had a rocky past, and is trying to figure our her future. The reader learns enough of her backstory to truly understand her, and watching her as she navigates the present makes her even more endearing. She felt very real to me, and I enjoyed getting to know her.

The town is filled with plenty of interesting characters who each add something to the story, as well as to Cora’s search for herself and meaning in her life. My favorite was Kitty, guardian of the cemetery and speaker to the deceased. She added both humor and depth to the overall story. The other important side characters were all unique and easy to keep straight.

The town of Moonberry Lake was practically a character in its own right. The author provided such vivid descriptions that I was able to truly picture the natural beauty of the area, as well as Cora’s home and the surrounding town.

Overall, the arc of Cora’s personal growth and redemption was beautifully written, and I fully believed in her progress and where she was by the novel’s end.

5 slices of perfect Provolone!

My review of “Lost and Found” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

“Lost and Found” by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a lovely book. Ms. Fisher does a wonderful job of describing the daily lives of the Amish people in enough detail to allow the reader to learn quite a bit, but not enough to cause you to lose interest. I truly enjoyed the personal glimpses into Amish life I got by following the lives of Micah, Trudy, Shelley, David, and others over the time period of this story.

The intertwined storylines were all interesting in their own right, and all worked together well to form the overall fabric of the novel. The reader watches as Micah tries to sort out his feelings for Shelley and Trudy, and David struggles to make a decision regarding the future of his church.

There are a lot of really nice things about this book:

1. Each character has a unique and well-drawn personality, and it was enjoyable to get to know all of them, and try to guess what will happen to them next.
2. The Amish community itself is almost a stand-alone character. It was interesting to see how each person fits into the group as a whole.
3. There were some nice, subtle lessons about the value of forgiveness and trusting God’s plan for your life.
4. The Micah and Shelley/Trudy dynamic takes center stage. (If you’ve previously read other books set in the world of Stoney Ridge, you’ve no doubt met these young people, at least briefly, already.)

One note: This book CAN be read as a stand-alone. I had the benefit of having come to like Micah’s character in “A Season on the Wind”, but he played a fairly minor role in that one, with Shelley and Trudy even more in the background. I think a new-to-this-world reader could easily start with this book without feeling like you’re missing anything crucial to your enjoyment of this story.

My review of “The Name Drop” by Susan Lee

I enjoyed pretty much everything about “The Name Drop”. The premise is that two young people, the wealthy male heir-apparent and a smart but less affluent female both have summer internships at the same company. The fun starts when, due to the two having the same Korean name, Jessica is given the corporate royal treatment while Elijah is treated like a “regular person”. As both are eager to experience everything their new roles have to offer, they decide not to reveal the mistake. Chaos and romance ensue!

I liked that the book is written in alternating chapters from the perspectives of the two main characters. It was nice to see events through both their eyes, and watch as each experiences a new world. I also enjoyed the romance between the two. I found it very realistic as it gradually unfolded, and found myself invested in how things worked out for them as a couple.

The corporate aspect was interesting as well. In fact, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more about the work Jessica and Elijah actually did as part of their internships. A big corporate event near the end was the perfect finishing touch. The New York setting added a lot to the story, as did the Korean cultural elements that were included.

All in all, a highly enjoyable romance!