Pam
I want to thank Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Punished. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
Punished is a look at an Indigenous culture that many people outside of Europe may not even know about. I knew that there are Indigenous groups around the world, but I never thought about Northern Europe as being one of the places they exist. Punished is a look at the Sámi experience with government-run schools. These schools were designed to force the kids to integrate more into “white” society.
The story is told through five POVs and their experiences in two decades. We spent time with Jon-Ante, Else-Maj, Nilsa, Marge, and Anne-Risten while they were at the school in the 1950s. We also spent time with them in the 1980s and saw how their time at the school influenced who they became as adults. Sometimes, the chapters would stay in the 1950s but change POV. Other times, we would stay with the same POV but change from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The multiple POVs can sometimes be confusing, but the characters are written so you can tell them apart. It helps that each chapter is labeled with the character's name and the time we are in. However, there is a side character with a name similar to one of the kids, which can be confusing. I found the timeline changes less confusing, as it was easy to tell when we were with the kids and when we were with the adults.
My biggest issue with the book was that some Sámi words were not translated into English. This could add to the point that these kids were often stripped of their language and culture. But it does add some stumbling blocks along the way. Thankfully, there were enough context clues to help you figure out what those words mean.
If you want to learn more about the past, especially how Indigenous peoples have been treated, Punished is a great read. Don't expect this to be a quick or easy read. Do expect it to leave a mark on your heart and mind.
I want to thank Minotaur and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of She Doesn't Have a Clue. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
3.75 rounded up to 4
She Doesn't Have a Clue is a murder mystery set on a remote private island during a severe storm. It feels like Moke tried to squeeze as many tropes as she could in her mystery. Remote location? Yup, it's there. A severe storm? Obviously! Is someone sabotaging the electricity and water supply? Duh! A mystery or two on the island that has nothing to do with the central mystery? Yup, it's there too. However, I love how that mystery is explained.
She Doesn't Have a Clue is a romance set on a remote private island during a severe storm. It feels like Moke tried to squeeze as many tropes as she could in her romance. Second chance romance? Yeah, it's there. Missed connections? Check! Forced proximity? I'm not sure. Does a twin bed in the attic count when there are two adults? Okay, then, yes, it's there.
The Hempstead island in the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest sounds like a perfect setting for this tale. It's several hours from the mainland, and a private ferry is the only way on and off the island. A dark and spooky forest on the island adds to the mysterious vibes.
At times, while reading the book, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to laugh, cry, be scared, or be annoyed. Or maybe all four at the same time? I think I understand what Moke was aiming for. But I don't think she succeeded. A rom-com and a cozy mystery are two things that are easy to mix. If She Doesn't Have a Clue had been a rom-com with a touch of mystery or a cozy mystery with a touch of romance, it would have worked out better. But Moke tried to have the book be a 50/50 split.
Overall, I found She Doesn't Have a Clue to be an okay read. I gave it 3.75 out of 5 stars. While I enjoyed it, it didn't wow me. Reading sometimes felt like a chore, not the escape I hoped for.
I want to thank Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Eleanor and the Cold War. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Eleanor and the Cold War appears to be the first book in a new historical mystery series. I was intrigued by the inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt in a mystery novel. How she is presented in the book is how I would like to believe she was in real life. She was a strong woman who fought injustice in her own way. A bit feisty, Eleanor in this book reminded me of my grandmother, and that is a great thing.
Kay Thompson is a 25-year-old woman who has her future figured out. She wants to find the perfect husband, the polar opposite of the father who abandoned her and her mother. In her time with Eleanor, Kay learns that she wants more from life than to be a wife and mother. Kay wants to do more with her life.
You may recognize a few names in the book besides Eleanor Roosevelt, such as Bobby and Jack Kennedy. I enjoyed seeing them in the book, but it was surprising to realize they most likely moved in the same circles as Eleanor Roosevelt. Maybe I'm the only one who didn't realize that.
There are several possible suspects in Susie's murder. But who is the culprit? Can you figure it out before reaching the final few chapters? I can honestly say that I did not figure it out.
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about starting a new series? Do you enjoy meeting characters who love watching movies? What about matching Hitchcock movies? If you've answered yes to any, especially all, you should read Eleanor and the Cold War!
3.75 rounded up to 4
The story is a good one. The discussion of trying to live your life true to you while still being part of a tight community that may have different thoughts and feelings is important.
But the main character lying to her grandmother through omission is wrong. Especially as the lie was one about her sexuality,and the fact she let it go on as long as she did. She had multiple times she could have told her grandmother the truth, but she didn't until it was convenient for her.
I want to thank Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Holmes is Missing. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: kidnapping, murder, drugs, suicidal ideations
Holmes Is Missing is the second in a series, and if the ending is any proof, it is not the last, either. The first book in the series, Holmes, Marple & Poe, was released in January 2024. You can find my review of that here. Holmes Is Missing gives us more information about Brendan's past, and some of what led him to become the person he is. Readers are also given glimpses into Margaret and Auguste's present lives.
Can we take a moment to talk about Poe's cars? How did he acquire such classic cars as a Road Runner and a Dodge Shelby Charger? And where can I go for a ride?
There are also a few author cameos in the book. It is always fun when that happens!
The pacing is so quick that you will find it difficult to put the book down. How dare things like eating and cleaning get in the way of reading? Seriously, how am I ever going to get through my TBR if I have to stop reading? Something that helps make it a bit easier is the fact that the chapters are short. Short chapters help make reading more effortless when you have only a few moments to read. But be warned, it's still hard to put it down and walk away.
Holmes Is Missing has its share of ups and downs, twists and turns. But I feel mystery readers will enjoy it. Trust me, you won't regret it!
