Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell is This? By: Marion Meade

I never knew anything about Dorothy Parker, other than her association with the Algonquin Round Table and some of her pithy remarks.  Marion Meade has written a really in depth biography of a fascinating literary lion!

Doorways and Debts. By: J.P. Michaels

What a delightful surprise!  Having head Mr. Michaels' first book, I was worried that this one would have the same editing and structure issues, but this book is well structured and well edited.  Doorways and Debts follows 5 young boys on a journey of self discovery in a strange world.  Well developed characters, magic doorways, and personal growth...a fun read!

Death Over Easy By: Maddie Day (expected publish date: 7/31/18)

Ah... another week in the life of Robbie...you know what that means-well you do you've read any of the other mysteries in this wonderful series!  More mouthwatering food, more Abe, more Adele (one of my favorite characters ever!) more dead bodies-you know a typical week for Robbie and the denizens of of her country store/eatery.  Set against the back drop of an annual Bluegrass festival two people turn up dead.  The list of suspects is a mile long, but the food is piping hot, and so is the music.  This is one of my favorite cozy series.  The setting, the people, the food, the mysteries, everything about it is...cozy.  It's like visiting old friends and catching up on all the gossip.  Be forewarned-the books in this series should not be read on an empty stomach-Sugar Cream Pie-that's all I'm gonna say!

Badge of Loyalty By: Jude Tresswell

While I felt the writing was extremely good, and engaging, I had issue with how the book was structured and the story itself. In reading the mystery I found myself having to go back and reread sections to try and figured out was was actually happening, some parts where suggested but no stated and I missed some points. I also was not thrilled with the sub plot of the polyamorous relationship of the main character-I don't feel it added anything to the story. over all I felt this was two different books mushed into one. Personally, I think it would have worked better as one mystery and one novel about Mike and his relationships.

Night of the Sadist By: Paul Laurie

A little piece of erotica now and again is not a bad thing.  Night of the Sadist offers a bit more than your typical erotic story.  This actually has a plot...and it's a good one!  This reads more like a mystery than gay erotica-don't get me wrong, there is definitely erotic details, graphic ones, but the mystery is quite good.  A man searching for the person who murdered his brother takes him into the world of BDSM.  Its well structured and the clues are all there, and the mystery does have a satisfying conclusion.  I have to say, the introduction to this re-release was fantastic.  It gives a history of gay erotica and puts this story in it's historical context-which for a history buff was fascinating.  Kudos to the publishers for wanting to re-examine this genre in such a fascinating way.

Purrder She Wrote By: Cate Conte (expected publish date 7/31/18)

Expected Publishing Date: July 31, 2018

Welcome back to Maddie and the Cat Cafe!  A purrfect blend of cozy small town life and brilliant detective work.  Conte manages to infuse really cleverly dropped clues with enough twists to keep the reader guessing until the very end.  Maddie and family don't disappoint in this second installment of the Cat Cafe Mystery Series!

The Cat's Table By: Michael Ondaatje

I have to say...I was leery of picking this one up. I was so disappointed by Divisidaro that I wasn't sure I could read Ondaatje work again.  Glad I gave it a chance.  A beautifully written awakening of a young man.  Simply written with an economy of words, yet packers a powerful punch, and show how just listening and being open to the happenings around you can dramatically affect your in the moment and later.

A Theatrical Feast in New York. By: Elizabeth Sharland

This is a delicious little slice of broadway history as told through the hotels/restaurants/collaborations over the years.  A quick read, but full of fascinating and tantalizing tidbits for the theatre groupie in all of us!

A Deeper Sleep By: Dana Stabenow

This was okay-not horrible, but not fabulous. The setting of Alaska was beautifully described, but I just couldn't buy into the main plot line.

State of Wonder By: Ann Patchett

I have to say...not my favorite by Ms. Patchett.  Everything I've read by her previously has been outstanding (Bel Canto is one of my all time favorite books-it's absolutely stunning), but this one didn't do anything for me.  I'm not sure if it was because I didn't have an "in" to any of the characters, or something about the plot didn't interest me, but when I finished it, it was just ...meh.  HOWEVER, there is no denying that Ms. Patchett gorgeous writing is as evident in State of Wonder as in her other works, and that saved this one for me.

Whispers of Warning By: Jessica Estevao

I really hope there is a third book on it's way, because I'm in LOVE with this series!  The characters are so intriguing, the plot lines sufficiently convoluted to leave you guessing until the big reveal, the history is well researched and expertly entwined, and the spiritualism is such an ingenious back drop for this series!!  Kudos to Ms. Estevao on a unique series!  This book finds Ruby in the midst of the polarizing time of suffrage, while trying to keep herself off the stage (literally) and assuaging her Aunt's fears for her safety.  A fantastic addition to this series!

Whispers Beyond the Veil By: Jessica Estevao

A totally unique take on a traditional cozy.  Set in Old Orchard Beach, Maine at the dawning of the turn of the century, we meet Ruby, who may or may not have unique abilities-in the spiritualist sense.  Setting a cozy in the world of spiritualists is a stoke of genius and Estevao has created a lively setting, fantastic characters and a totally credible story line.  I can't wait to continue with this series!

Stranger Than Fanfiction By: Chris Colfer

The star of a t.v. show decides to take a fan up on his offer of a road trip:  A pretty brilliant premise for a pretty brilliant YA novel.  Smoothly written, excellent characters and a ride across country and a ride through our own ideas of fame and life.  Colfer does it again!

Sleeping Beauties By: Stephen King & Owen King

A stunning and fascinating take on the battle of the sexes.  In a story more fantasy than horror, the Mr.'s King take us to a small town in Appalachia that becomes the focal point for the bizarre sleeping disease (Aurora) and it's unfolding consequences for both men and women.  I ripped through this story-it's absolutely brilliant!