I read the first book in the Charley Scott mystery series a few years ago, you can find my review here. The second in the series titled Shudder Pulp by Vanessa Westermann is much the same, but it takes place during the shorter days of fall instead of the hot days of summer. The hallmarks…
The colourful debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt had been on my radar for awhile; it made a big splash (no pun intended) when it was first published in 2022, and it seems to keep popping up in recommendations ever since. There were a bunch of copies available at the book sale…
Perhaps you’re ignorant of many famous historical events, like I am. I’m always astounded at what I don’t know and continue to learn as I age. Books are (of course) a wonderful way of educating myself which is why I’m always recommending them. The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue is a great example of why…
It’s been a few years since I read Clea Young’s first short story collection, Teardown, which I don’t recall much of, but luckily I can read my full review of it here when I forget again. Without needing to refer to my archives, I’m happy to say I really enjoyed her next collection, titled Welcome…
I finally got around to a Canadian author I’ve been meaning to read, wanting to read, feeling like I was the only book lover who hadn’t read him yet: André Alexis. His latest collection of short stories Other Worlds was released just a few weeks ago, and as May is short story month, I dove…
May is short story month, so I’m going to be reviewing a few here in the next few weeks, and I’m starting with a local Calgary author. Good Victory by Mikka Jacobsen is a collection of 11 stories, published by Freehand Books, whose office is located about a half hour walk from my house; you…
Canadian publisher Douglas & McIntyre must be aware of my love of cozy mysteries, because they very kindly sent me all four books in the Priscilla Tempest Mystery Series, including the most recent, published only a few months ago, Curse of the Savoy, by Ron Base and Prudence Emery. I gobbled up all four books…
This is the first Heather O’Neill book I’ve ever read, and as a Canadian who prides myself on reading widely, I’m embarrassed to admit that! O’Neill has written a few works of fiction, many of them award-winners, so I was delighted when I could join the band of O’Neill fans after I read her latest…
I’ve squirreled away David Sedaris books in my home, ready to read when I feel I need them most. As I’ve said many times on this blog, David Sedaris is my favourite writer, and I savour his stories like a delicious chocolate bar I’ve been pining for. I don’t read his books in order so…
I’d like to say I planned ahead of time to read and write the reviews of one of Ireland’s most famous authors in the month of March, but I’ll admit to this all happening by happy accident instead. Last year, a publicist sent me the latest release from Colm Toíbín, excited that he had finally…
It’s been awhile since I read Canadian author Claire Cameron. I last read and reviewed one of her books of fiction, The Last Neanderthal in 2019 and I recently picked up her memoir How to Survive a Bear Attack with an open mind because it’s a work of non-fiction, so very different from what I…
As you can tell by my tropical photo above, I was visiting warmer climes as of late. When I find myself in a dreaded airport, I always make sure to check out the books on sale because I’m curious to see what’s popular, and what constitutes a ‘beach read’ for most. I was delighted to…
