Beautiful Thing By: Jonathan Harvey

What a sweet play!  A vaguely remember the movie when it came it out, but never saw it.  The play is very simply written, which I think adds to its charm and lends the characters a sense of reality. 

 

Our Town By: Thornton Wilder

A re-read of this, in conjunction with a The Skin of Our Teeth re-read. Wilder's ability to write this beautifully quiet and simple piece and also The Skin of Our Teeth is an outstanding achievement.  Both pieces are presentations of life; this one is deceptively simple in its presentation, and full of warmth, heart and real sense of community. The Skin of Our Teeth is the complete opposite. And yet both present life brilliantly.

The Skin of Our Teeth By: Thornton Wilder

A re-read of this, in conjunction with an Our Town re-read. Wilder's ability to write this completely bizarre and hectic piece and also Our Town is an outstanding achievement.  Both pieces are presentations of life; this one is completely over the top, bizarre, and all over the place, and yet brilliant in its complete picture of perseverance. Our Town is the complete opposite. And yet both present life brilliantly.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries By: Heather Fawcett

A little bit fantasy, a little bit action/adventure, a little bit romance-and none of it muddled.  Enchanting is the only was to describe this book.

Rock Paper Scissors By: Alice Feeney

Woah!  This was SOOOOOO Good! I can't really discuss the characters or the plot, for fear of given something away.  Suffice it to say, it's exceedingly well plotted, full of shocking twists and turns that will leave your jaw on the floor and simply a damn good read!

 

Crime Ink: Iconic Edited By: John Copenhaver and Salem West

I do love a good anthology.  I've read some really great anthologies.  This is one the most diverse and creative and engaging anthologies I've ever read!  All Queer authors writing short mysteries with a Queer Icon tie in.  These mysteries are set within different time periods and within different genres. I've always felt that short stories are master classes in plotting and character development, and this collection proves me right!!  I can't gush over this anthology enough! 

Scorched Grace By: Margot Douaihy

One of the most interesting protagonists that I've come across in a long time.  One of the most intricately written, hard boiled mysteries I've read in a long time.  Reads like a poetic Dashiell Hammett where the femme fatale is also our heroine.  Sister Holiday is a deeply flawed character and when her layers are peeled back we learn to understand, forgive and love her. As she struggles with her demons she struggles to protect her school, her home and her community all while trying not to lose her faith or herself.  An extraordinary read!

 

Murder at the Wham Bam Club By: Carolyn Marie Wilkins

Jazz, a murder mystery and history...these are a few of my favorite things!  Set in the 20's in Southern Illinois, our heroine, Nola has moved home to put her life back together after losing her husband to the Great War.  She's charming, smart and a little psychic.  No she has to save a young lady and in the process her small town.  Full of fascinating characters, jazz music and glorious descriptions of food, this novel is the perfect starting point for Nola's further adventures!

Redwood Curtain By: Lanford Wilson

An interesting look at those children born of US soldiers and Vietnamese mothers, family and search for belonging. 

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches By: Sangu Mandanna

I can't even with this book!!!  SO charming, so sweet, laugh out loud funny and heartfelt.  Wonderfully drawn characters, such great and diverse personalities and a great plot...I mean this is just a gift of a read!  I can't recommend this book enough!

Soon to be published 3rd installment of a popular cozy series By: A Friend

I was flattered to be asked to be a beta reader on this installment of a popular cozy series. I was recommended to this author by a friend, and had not read any of her other work. It's fun to be in at the beginning of the process and to think my comments might help to make the story tighter and well paced. 

Bent By: Martin Sherman

WOW!  As powerful a read as it is to see a live production!  This play doesn't pull any punches and is incredibly powerful, upsetting, tender and moving. A play about the persecution of homosexuals during the Third Reich, when there was little to know information known about this, is quite amazing, the fact that this was written in the 1970's and made it to the West End, transferred to Broadway and earned Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominations is extraordinary!

 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Quest for the Shield By: Jim Valentino

 A re-read of this superbly drawn, yet slightly juvenile and condescending story. 

Match By: Brandon Gorski

A gritty and violent look at loneliness and friendship.  I was lucky enough to meet the author 10 years ago and get a signed copy! The story was great, but the art work is fantastic!

 

Wonder Woman No. 235 By: Gerry Conway, J. Delbo and V. Colletta

Sometimes it's nice to revisit the classics-Wonder Woman fighting the Nazi's-only this time she's battling Steve Trevor!

The Hunt By: Kelly J. Ford

This is how you write a "is there or isn't there-will they or won't they-what the hell is going on?" thriller!  Deeply flawed (with reason) characters populate a small town where a possible serial killer pops up like a bad egg every Easter, during a radio sponsored Egg Hunt. Exceedingly well plotted, this fantastic read will leave you guessing long after the last page!

 

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz By: Lucy Addington

An absolutely fascinating history of talented textile workers and how their expertise help them survive the Holocaust.  Meeting the women in these pages was a privilege and allowed me new insight into the trauma, devastation and horror of what the Nazi's did, and the strength of women that is so often overlooked.  This is history, well written, it is history well needed and should be well heeded!

When We Believed In Mermaids By: Barbara O'Neal

This was a total miss for me. I didn't really like any of the characters, so I couldn't feel for them, it was a little schizo in terms of it's numerous plots-I wasn't quite sure which one I should be focusing on.  The ending was SO saccharine sweet that my teeth hurt (and I wear dentures!!!)!  The author tried too hard and it didn't know what kind of story it wanted to be.

 

Safe By: S. K. Barnett

While a great deal of this is totally implausible it was still a really good read!  This story has so any twists and turns and none of them end up where you think they will.  Just when yu think you've got it all sorted you're thrown for another loop. It's truly one of those books that's hard to put down because you end up so engrossed that you HAVE to know what happens next and how it will end. (side note-this particular copy of the book was missing the title page, the copyright page and the first 24 pages a publishing glitch, because they weren't torn out-starting with page 25, I have to say it read perfectly fine-I had no problem getting into the story or knowing what was going on) 

Total Control By: David Baldacci

A fascinatingly twisted thriller, that was maybe about 200 pages too long. While this early book by Baldacci has all the hallmarks of his future works, this one could have used an edit.  Don't get me wrong-it's well plotted, interesting characters and lots of story lines that all get wrapped up neatly in the end-it's just that it tended to drag because there were SO many storylines, some of which weren't really necessary they just added more bad things on top of the main character-they had more than enough.  Still a great read.

 

Apples Never Fall By: Liane Moriarty

My God, these people are F**ked up!!!!  That's what I kept thinking as a I read this delightfully twisted novel.  A family of tennis pros are faced with an unimaginable event and a mysterious stranger.  Nothing and no one is what it seems in this brilliantly plotted , edge of your seat family drama. A really great read! 

The Woman in Cabin 10 By: Ruth Ware

Creepy, creepy, and did I say, Creepy?!  So enjoyed this creepy "who done it?"! Set mainly on a small luxury yacht this one will be very uncomfortable for the claustrophobic!  Lots of twists and turns!  This is one that is hard to put down once you start it!

The Who's Who of British Crime in the Twentieth Century. By Jim Morris

A fascinating look at crime in Great Britain from 1900 to the early 2000s. Laid out like an encyclopedia, this book is a must fro true crime fans who like a little history and sociology in the mix. Not just focusing on big name, infamous criminals and crimes, this smartly curated book also include famous politicians and barristers and justices and victims and tv shows (ta name several) that affected crime and/or criminal investigation, and/or legislation, and/or reform.  It's truly a an educational and great read!

Murder at Cape Costumers By: Maddie Day

Oy!  This addition to the series is simply heartbreaking!  I'm not going to say why, but trust me..devastating! Despite that, a beautifully plotted mystery confronts Mac and the rest of the Cozy Capers at Halloween as fall descends on Cape Cod. 

 

Murder at the Rusty Anchor By: Maddie Day

Its always nice to go back to the Cape and visit with the Cozy Capers.  While Mac and the rest of book group are the "main" character(s), I'm tootally enamored of Abo Reba!  She's Mac's paternal Grandmother and she is a hoot!  The Capers work to solve the mysterious death of the High School's former English teacher, who apparently made more enemies than friends! 

Candy Slain Murder By: Maddie Day

The one book in this series that I hadn't read yet and it came out 5 years ago!  I finally got to read the introduction of Marcus and the engagement (which made me cry!).  I adore this series!! Robbie is dealing with twins, possibly two murders and angry young man and the holidays all while running her country store and kitchen!  Its always warm and cozy to visit with Robbie and her relatives, friends and customers!

 

A Questionable Death By: Edith Maxwell

I do love a good short story mystery and to have a collection of them featuring Rose was a joy!  It was nice to revisit with Rose and the denizens of Amesbury again, since the series ended. If you had told me I would be enamored of an 1800's Quaker midwife, I'd have thought you were nuts-but here we are!

Dying Light By: Stuart MacBride

Even though I'm reading these out of order-I absolutely love them!  Logan McRae may be the main character in this series, but the whole police force is really the star.  So many characters in Headquarters, all equally as important in movie the story forward.  A fantastic series, with intricately plotted multi-mystery plot lines and satisfying conclusions.  Great read!

 

The Atlas Maneuver By: Steve Berry

Berry still impresses with his blending of history, fiction and action with no signs of flagging.  Bitcoin and banking are the focus of Cotton's latest foray into the world of international intrigue. Personal issues slam into the professional issues making for extra taut action and higher stakes.  Extra points for bringing Barbara Tuchman into the narrative!

Duma Key By: Stephen King

King has created a brilliant mystery, set in the Florida art world and adds his signature creepy factor to it by adding a ghost story on top of the mystery.  Beautifully rendered art is described, fascinating characters abound and heart pounding action all swirl together to paint the perfect portrait of brilliant storytelling. 

 

X-Men The Asgardian Wars By: Chris Claremont, Paul Smith & Arthur Adams

Loved this as much on this reading as I did when I first read it.  The art work is spectacular and the story line is fantastic!

Warlock and the Infinity Watch #5 By:Jim Starlin, Angel Medina & Terry Austin

Warlock discovers who it is who has been collecting the Infinity Watch members...and it's who he feared it would be!

 

Warlock and the Infinity Watch #4 By: Jim Starlin, Rick Loenardi & Terry Austin

A thoughtful entry into this series.  As Warlock tries to acclimate himself to his non-deity existence, he must figure out how to protect a friend.

Warlock and the Infinity Watch #3 By: Jim Starlin, Rick Loenardi & Terry Austin

Warlock is at a loss now that he is no longer a God and someone (or something) is kidnapping the members of the Infinity Watch. 

 

Warlock and the Infinity Watch #2 By:Jim Starlin, Angel Medina & Terry Austin

Warlock assembles the Infinity Watch and while on the surface, the members of the Watch seem to be unlikely candidates, Warlock has his reasons!

Warlock and the Inifinty Watch By: Jim Starlin, Angel Medina & Terry Austin

In this opener to this new series we find Adam Warlock in possession of the Infinity Gauntlet and being put on trial By the cosmic deity, Eternity. I've always found Warlock to be such a fascinating character and this sets up this series nicely!

 

X-Men Spotlight on Starjammers #2 By: Terry Kavanaugh, Dave Cockrum & Jeff Albrecht

An action packed ending to this story line with a great twist!

X-Men Spotlight in Starjammers #1 By: Terry Kavanaugh, Dave Cockrum & Jeff Albrecht

This two issue story line is just fun!  A lot of great action where each of the Starjammers is featured. Lilandra (who can't seem to hold onto her throne) is again the impetus for this story line of action, betrayal, death and resurrection.

 

Excalibur #37 By: Scott Lobdell & Mark Badger

 

This was pure set-up for the next issue, but didn't really do anything for me.  I've never been a fan of Dr. Doom and since he features prominently in this, and it's a bit too tongue-in-cheek, it was a "meh" for me.

X-Factor #68 By: Whilce Portacio, Jim Lee, Chris Claremont & Art Thibert

 A delicious and heartbreaking cliff hanger in this one. Cyclops making the ultimate sacrifice!

 

X-Factor #62 By: Louise Simonson, Jon Bogdanove & Allen Milgrom

Anytime the villain is Hodge-I'm all in! 

Blackwulf By: Glenn Herdling & Angela Medina

This had promise as a new hero, so I have no idea why I stopped with just the first volume. It['s an interesting origin story, pitting brother against brother against father.

 

X-Men Classic #59 By: Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum & Bob Wiacek

The X-Men reluctantly team up with Corsair to find Lilandra who has been kidnapped. A lot of action on this one.

X-Men Clasic #57 By: Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum & Josef Rubinstein

One of my all time favorite issues.  It's Kitty telling a story to Colossus' sister.  And what a delightful, swashbuckling story it is! This is just a sweet and endearing issue!

 

X-Men Classic #55 By: Chris Claremont, Jim Sherman, Bob McLeod & Josef Rubinstein

I know that comic books are like soaps-you have to get the next issue for the continuing story-there's always some sort of cliff hanger but this particular volume is all set up and not a lot of action until the very end. 

Classic X-Men #13 By: Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, Bob Layton & John Bolton

After reading a number of large, heavy subject, literary tomes, it was time to revist my comic book collection and just relax!  Phoenix Unleashed was a great trip down memory lane with the X-Men battling Eric the Red and  Firelord!

 

The Starless Sea By: Erin Morgenstern

Holy merde-this was quite a trip! Stories within stories about stories plus a little space time coninuum thrown in for some extra fun!  Morgenstern manages to keep the many plot lines, characters and times clear and moving in this not to be missed storytelling ride!

Tell Me What You Did By: Carter Wilson

Wow-super creepy! This suspenseful thriller is fascinating, not just in the unique plot devices, but the moral implications of this who done it (and why they done it)!  If you're looking for a twist filled thriller to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you!

 

The Bishop's Pawn By: Steve Berry

Even though it's the 13th book in the Cotton Malone series, it contains the origin of Cotton's involvement with Stephanie and the DOJ.  Full of fantastic action sequences and moments of pathos and moving passes, The Bishop's Pawn is vintage Berry.  Full of his trademark history and twists and turns, this one has truly jaw-dropping moment toward the end!

Murderer By: Anthony Shaffer

What a bizarre play!!  The opening scene alone is beyond creepy, but it definitely grabs the audiences attention and doesn't let go until the very end.  This piece is not for the faint of heart, but it is endlessly fascinating, despite the gore!

 

Finders Keepers By: Stephen King

A fantastic follow-up to Mr. Mercedes!  I have to admit, Holly and Jerome are my favorite characters in this series! Another great mystery from the master!  King ramps up the tension in this one running storylines on parallel tracks until the collide near the end and the reader's blood pressure ramps up!  A truly creepy ending to this one!