Review: The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel

The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel by Stacy Hackney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Good gracious. What are our good Richmond families coming to? Evelyn sounded disgusted. "Murder is so tacky."

And that's it in a nutshell! Murder is just so tacky! But this was such a wonderful murder mystery, with a wealth of funny, quirky, and interesting characters that, at times, I forgot it WAS a mystery, and I was supposed to figure out who-dun-it!

A wonderful novel with the perfect happily-ever-after that doesn't necessarily include a man!

Lila's life is a mess. Her husband is on the run for embezzlement, and she's lost her house and her job. and the friends she's had, and it seems, the respect her daughter, a young and troubled Bea, had for her.

The only thing she can do is help out her mother's boyfriend by cleaning out his mother's old apartment in a very fancy retirement home for wealthy  Southerners.

I'll end my recap there, so you will find out soon enough that Lila gets roped into solving an old murder mystery. 

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this novel, and if there is going to be another (which it looks like there will be), I will be first in line to buy a copy! There were just enough twists in the plot to keep you wondering, but not so many that you couldn't keep up. The characters were realistic and well-drawn (I hope you love Evelyn as much as I did).

A great book for book clubs because it will resonate with people of all ages, and there is a lot to discuss.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher   William Morrow/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley.

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SUMMARY: "Witty, endearing, and wildly entertaining, this Southern cozy mystery is a little bit Gilmore Girls , a little bit Finlay Donovan, with a big helping of Only Murders in the Building .

Lila Shaw stopped trusting anyone the minute her husband went to jail for white-collar crime, taking their country club lifestyle with him. Now Lila is broke, friendless, and losing her house—and to make things worse, her true-crime-obsessed daughter, Bea, was just expelled from fourth grade. Desperate for a fresh start, Lila agrees to temporarily move in and clean out an abandoned junk-filled apartment in Richmond’s palatial Primrose building. The luxurious Virginia landmark is filled with retirees who start their days early drinking bourbon and gossiping, in that order.

Soon after Lila’s arrival, the Primrose is thrown into chaos. The owner of the building’s splendid penthouse has died and in his final days he set up a two-million-dollar reward for any resident who helps to solve the 21-year-old murder of his granddaughter at the Primrose. A fan of all detective stories and true-crime podcasts, Bea is inspired to investigate. They really could use the reward money, so Lila reluctantly agrees, in a questionable attempt at family bonding. She’s certain the killer is long-gone after all these years anyway. That is, until another resident is murdered… and Lila becomes the prime suspect.

Now Lila needs to solve both murders to avoid jail, and even worse, losing her daughter to her snobby in-laws. To catch a killer and clear Lila's name, she and Bea must rely on their elderly neighbors—Jasper, a shy former detective, and Evelyn, an opinionated socialite—along with Nate, a good-looking reporter who keeps appearing at the most inconvenient moments. As the amateur sleuths expose the truth about the Primrose, Lila hopes she can also unravel the trickiest parts of her own life and start fresh."

Review: It Girl: A Novel

It Girl: A Novel by Allison Pataki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Trigger warning: rape and pedophilia.

Also, try not to do any research on these people, as it may spoil the book for you.

This is a Historical/FICTION book. Remember the word ' fiction' when you are reading this, since many reviewers are getting hung up on some things that don't fit their idea of what this book is about.

I did some mild research (Wiki) on who these people were based on other reviewers naming names. And becuase of that, some parts of this book were spoiled for me, but the biggest shock was how the author ended this book. Let me tell you, it was a huge shock, and it was wonderful.

The only reason why I didn't give this a full 4-star rating was that the characters annoyed me so much. I realize this book was written at the turn of the last century, and times were WAY different, but I still thought that Evelyn should have stood up for herself a bit more and not have been so naive. Perhaps she should have just asked more questions of those around her who had more experience in the arts and the theater. I just can't help myself. When I see a person who has been warned and still does what she was warned against, I get annoyed.

However, this book has very richly drawn characters, and an interesting plot twist near the end of the book and a wonderful look into the lives of the artists' models, the Gibson Girls and Vaudeville.


I would highly recommend It Girl: A Novel, especially to book clubs looking for something a tad more controversial to discuss.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.

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SUMMARY: "A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first “It Girl,” whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post.

New York, 1900. At the dawn of a new century, the city’s streets teem with electricity, automobiles, a brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artist’s muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.
But the journey to stardom was not simple or straight. As a young girl, a grieving Evelyn is forced to take care of her widowed mother and kid brother. While working as a shopgirl, she is recruited as a studio model, and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of her age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity, a “Gibson Girl,” the most sought-after face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premiere “playboy” of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” the sins of the men in her life are blamed on her. In the media frenzy that erupts, Evelyn realizes that—to survive—she will have to take charge of her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life? 
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and survivor who captured the heart of American society. In Allison Pataki’s talented hands, we see Evelyn find the power to change not only the world around her, but her own destiny."

Review: The Bookstore Diaries

The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I am finding that Susan Mallery has become a hit-or-miss author for me. I used to find her pretty much consistent with her older books, but things have changed. I don't know if it's becuase she is trying to reach a younger audience while keeping some of her main characters mature...I don't know what it is.

This book was a miss for me. The main characters were shallow and a bit creepy, the book shop seemed to be a real fantasy--- no matter how big a Victorian is, you won't be able to find the spaces for everything that is in this book, most people thought the parrot was a cute addition, I did not, it was another creepy (to me) aspect of this novel.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher MIRA/HarperCollins, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss.

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SUMMARY: "This summer, the town’s juiciest secrets are revealed in New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s joyful and sparkling new novel

Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.

Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.

As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free."

 

Review: Call Us If You Get Possessed

Call Us If You Get Possessed by Chris Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Funny, quirky, confusing, frustrating, and at times annoying.

Those are my thoughts about this novella.

It is supposed to be horror, but I just didn't see it. What I did think was that it was more of a government cover-up, conspiracy theory-themed story, which was cool with me.

I liked Will and Samantha and felt that they worked well in their roles. I would have loved to read more about their workplace and learned more about the results of their job, but after reading the letters/diary at the end of the novella, I can see why we didn't learn more. I really would have loved to hear what became of Sam and Will, and I'm sure the author hinted at it, but perhaps I'm just tp lierally minded to see it.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, which is self-published, the author, and Book Sirens.

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Summary: "“The office was a protected area, but it was impossible to cover every attack surface. Sometimes the phenomenon can spread from the caller, through the wires, radio waves, and cell towers, straight to the other side of the phone call.”

During an unfortunate way home, Samantha becomes a witness to something she should have never seen. Now, she has no choice but to take a job at a call center that helps people with paranormal problems—or at least, tries to.

After failing to handle a particularly unsettling call, Samantha discovers that whatever was haunting her caller has now latched onto her. She's in grave danger and all alone in this mess.

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2024"

Review: Too Blessed to Stress

Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are old enough to remember Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker or Jim Swaggart, then this is a book you might be very interested in reading. The only difference in this book is that, instead of preaching to the masses on TV as well as in church, this book deals with religion in a more modern way.

We never really get as good insight on the Pastor and his wife-what we do get are insights from a group of girls/women who are using social media as their platforms. They are looking to help fund the Church and the gala that the Church will be holding to raise more money to fight child trafficking. Of course, if some of them line their pockets a little...


These females are each having their own crises; one has money problems of her own making, another is having fertility issues (and why did I never read if her husband had his sperm checked??? Another of the females has issues with her very large and highly televised family.

Like any uber Christian church, born again or not, the church has a lot of prejudices--against IVF, LGB; so all of that comes into play.

It was a good read for me(sort of), but I think in the right age bracket, it will be an even better read. I understand this was satire, but knowing what I know from the '80's, it hit a little too close to home and wasn't as satirical as it should have been.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.

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SUMMARY: "For fans of Bad Summer People and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, four influencers begin to suspect their mega-church's new pastor isn’t as devoted as he seems, and must decide if exposing him is worth revealing their own secrets.

"A delightful satire full of tenderness and heart. Alli has the ears of a journalist and the gentle touch of a friend." —Kiley Reid, New York Times bestselling author

"Alli Hoff Kosik’s debut is a triumph." —Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Camryn, Savannah, Trishy, and Kristin are #blessed. As influencers at the hottest megachurch in town, Moving Word, the quartet is committed to sharing everything from modest (but on-trend!) style tips to advice on finding the godliest man possible. Across platforms (#synergy), they show just how easy it is to be a modern, Christian woman—especially if you use their discount codes.   

But behind their veneer (and veneers), the truth isn’t quite so picture perfect. Despite her popular lifestyle videos, Camryn is barely making ends meet. Savannah struggles to break free of her reality TV upbringing and start a family of her own, while Trishy attempts to leave her less-than-holy past behind. And Kristin, the group’s youngest member, isn’t finding it as easy to fit in as their color-coordinated outfits make it seem. 

When Moving Word’s charming leader, Pastor Kyle, and his ridiculously perfect wife, Cassidy, decide to host a lavish fundraiser to put the megachurch further on the map, Camryn, Savannah, Trishy, and Kristin find themselves knee deep in the most important event since the Last Supper. But the brighter the spotlight, the darker the shadows—and when the women discover an incendiary secret at the heart of Moving Word, they are forced to confront questions of hypocrisy, exposure, and how to wield one’s power for good."

Review: The Best Little Motel in Texas

The Best Little Motel in Texas by Lyla Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

" You couldn't move a body with someone and not develop an instant life-long bond..."

A twisty,turny mystery with just a tiny hint of future romance.

I hope that this book goes through one more round of editing. There are so many inconsistencies that I kept having to back-track to make sure I wasn't going crazy! 

I love these characters, and I love the  Texas women who can stab you in the back while being as sweet as pie to your face. Something about Southern women. Oh, don't get me wrong, we Northeners can be right bitchy, but we ain't sweet about it!

I loved the idea of a bordello for the  *ahem* older set! The Chicks are fiesty and outspoken, and when the pastor dies while having a 'date', things start to get really amusing.

But it wasn't from a heart attack as first thought. It was something more evil, and Cordelia and her chicks set off to find the real culprit. I was shocked at who it turned out to be that did the murdering ...I was hoping that it was someone else, but what are you going to do? 

Cordelia is the perfect foil for these oldtimers. She was straight-laced, cleanlyness obssessed and knew nothing about owning a brothel. She's ready to give up and return to her librarian's job, but circumstances just keep pulling her back. And it's a good thing that she stayed.

The chicks are hilarious, not all the time, mind you, sometimes they can be annoying, and the rest of the townspeople are a vivid picture of what really small-town life is all about.

There looks to definitely be a second boo in the works.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Perennial/HarperCollins, the author, and  ATTL/Edelweiss and NetGalley.

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SUMMARY: "A charming, edgy mystery about a young woman who unexpectedly inherits the best little motel in Texas – replete with a feisty set of golden working girls, a poisoned priest, and a sleepy hometown thrown into chaos.

After a childhood spent combing the dive bars of Sarsaparilla Falls to collect her fun-loving momma, Cordelia West now enjoys a simple, respectable life in Dallas. Then one phone call from the hometown she’s spent years trying to forget throws it into chaos.

Cordelia's great-aunt Penelope has passed away, naming Cordelia the sole heir to the Chickadee Motel. She has no memory of a great-aunt and no interest in hospitality, but the will stipulates that the motel can’t be sold until its residents leave or pass away – so she reluctantly heads back down to Sarsaparilla Falls to figure out who's living in the Chickadee, and how to get them out.

But upon her arrival, Cordelia discovers the Chickadee isn’t a motel—it’s a brothel, housing three women in their sixties known as the Chicks. For decades, Daisy, Arline, and Belinda Sue have entertained the men of Sarsaparilla Falls (with their wives’ blessings)—including the upright Pastor Reed-Smythe, who thunders against the town’s favorite sins when he’s not indulging. Cordelia doesn’t want to be a hotel manager or a madam, but she can’t just sell the only home the Chicks have known—especially not after the pastor is found poisoned in Daisy’s bed.

With the Chicks—and the town—on the verge of a breakdown, Cordelia steps up to mop up the mess. For a small town, there are plenty of could it be the obsessed nurse with access to arsenic? Developers eager to gobble up the land? The righteously angry town librarian? Things are heating up in Sarsaparilla Falls, and with the Pastor’s obnoxiously attractive son Archer—Cordelia’s childhood nemesis—investigating the Chicks and getting close, straightlaced Cordelia may just have to get a little dirty to make a killer come clean."

Review: Bad Asians

Bad Asians by Lillian Li
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was unable to feel anything for these characters.  I think I was more frustrated by them than anything else.

It was an interesting inside view of Asian-American society, customs, and feelings toward one another. Yes, it was a difficult time in Americabut the choices these children made made no sense to me. But I felt left out as I was reading this, if you understand what I mean.

Interesting take on ADHD and genius.

I just didn't care enough to even get to the parts of what sort of mayhem this film (one of the friends is making a film of all of them, starting when they were children and again when they were very young adults) could have caused.

I'm sure others will love this novel, especially Asian-Americans and those who love to learn about other cultures.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher  Henry Holt and Co/Macmillan Publishers, and Netgalley.

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Summary: "Diana, Justin, Errol, and Vivian have been told their entire lives that success is guaranteed by following a simple checklist. They worked hard, got good grades, and attended a great university―only to graduate into the Great Recession of 2008. Despite their newly minted degrees, they're unemployed, stuck again under their parents’ roofs in a hypercompetitive Chinese American community. So when Grace―once the neighborhood golden child, now a Harvard Law School dropout―asks to make a documentary about the crew, they say yes. It’s not like her little movie will ever see the light of day.

But then the video, “Bad Asians,” goes viral on an up-and-coming media platform (YouTube, anyone?). Suddenly, two million people know the members of the group as cruel caricatures, each full of pent-up frustrations with the others. And after a desperate attempt at spin control goes off the rails, they are flung even further off course from the lives they’d always imagined. As they grow up and grow apart, the friends desperately try to figure out who they are and what it means to live a successful life in the new millennium.

Li’s novel is both an exploration of Asian American identity and a portrait of a generation shaped by the rise of the internet and the end of the American dream. An epic tale of friendship and coming of age, Bad Asians asks: What if the same people who made you who you are end up keeping you from who you’re meant to be?"