For just another day in paradise: WRITERS AND LIARS.

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ll read just about anything by Goodman, but WRITERS AND LIARS wasn’t one of my favorites.

That’s not to say it’s a bad book—it’s just a bit strange and sometimes stretches the bounds of plausibility. Maia, our protagonist, is stuck in the past, running the same classics museum her late father once did. When she receives a mysterious invitation to return to Eris, the secluded Greek island where she attended a fateful writing retreat years ago, she’s drawn back into a web of secrets and betrayals. The retreat not only led to her debut (and only) novel but also a devastating betrayal that has haunted her ever since. Now, many of the original attendees—including Annika, Ian, Eleni, Bill, and Sydney—are returning, along with their enigmatic mentor and benefactor, Argos. (The first of many questionable decisions made by these characters!)

It doesn’t take long for things to spiral—Argos is soon found dead, and it becomes clear that danger lurks on the island. With no escape, Maia and the others must untangle the mystery before one of them is next. And, as it turns out, there are an alarming number of ways to die on a remote island.

The novel embraces the classic locked-room (or, in this case, locked-island) mystery format, and the atmospheric Greek setting is undeniably immersive. However, the heavy-handed references to mythology—gods, goddesses, and classical themes—become overwhelming, even for an English major who’s taken entire courses in Greek mythology! The characters, too, are frustratingly difficult to root for. Their lack of common sense and inability to communicate makes for some exasperating moments, and a few plot twists verge on the absurd.

That said, there are some genuinely surprising moments, and Goodman is skilled at building tension—you can practically feel the island’s eerie isolation creeping in. If you love a locked-room mystery in an exotic locale, this might be right up your alley.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an unbiased review. Look for WRITERS AND LIARS on July 15, 2025!

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That lonesome feeling comes to my door: THE DISINVITED GUEST.

The Disinvited Guest by Carol Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Carol Goodman's books and somehow didn't get to GUEST when it first came out, so made sure to include it in my #backlistbooks23 challenge this year. Lucy Harper got sick in the 2020 pandemic, an event that also affected her husband Reed and his family. Years later, as another virus looms, she, Reed, and five other close friends and family members sequester themselves on Reed's family's island to stay safe and sheltered from whatever is coming.

"'This is what people do when they're desperate and have nothing left to lose... They begin making their own idols and gods.'"

As Goodman does so well, GUEST immediately creates an eerie feel, with its atmospheric and stifling island settling. The island is isolated and soon Lucy suspects it's haunted as well. This creates a locked room type story--very Agatha Christie-like. When Lucy discovers a journal left behind by one of Reed's ancestors, Nathaniel Harper, a doctor who treated patients who came to the island to quarantine from typhoid fever, she's immediately sucked into his story. Goodman deftly draws parallels between Nathaniel's past situation and Lucy and her friends today. The pieces of the story from the typhoid fever times were utterly intriguing--I would have read an entire book about that period alone.

"'Don't underestimate the power of stories, Dr. Harper. Sometimes it's all we poor folk have to pass our truth along.'"

As Lucy becomes more entangled in the journal and exploring the island, she is consumed by Nathaniel's story. But, can we trust her as narrator? All our characters have their own secrets, lies, and fragile pasts. It's so easy for emotions to fray during a pandemic and for feelings to quickly become volatile. Desperation, jealousy, power all come into play. Again, the cloistered setting has such a strong role here.

At times the story drags a little, focusing a bit too much on Lucy questioning those around her, and there are no major twists and surprises (it's pretty easy to guess how this is going to end). But this is an eerie, dark, and compelling tale that easily captures the creepy island setting (and the parallels to the past are especially fascinating), even if things get a little preposterous at times. 3.75 stars, rounded up here.

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Until then we'll walk through the gloaming: THE BONES OF THE STORY.

The Bones of the Story by Carol Goodman


Twenty-five years ago at Briarwood College, Professor and literary fellow Hugo Moss died while searching for a missing student. Now the Briarwood community is coming together to pay tribute to Moss and celebrate the creation of a literary fellowship once again at the school. But as donors, alumni, and faculty gather, the snowy weather turns treacherous and many guests leave. Those who remain are Moss' old students, sharing stories of their testy professor. But when one of the group dies very similarly to a story she wrote back in the college days, they realize something is very wrong.

I love Goodman's books--she's great at capturing that ominous foreboding tone. Briarwood College is a locked room mystery, with our cast of characters trapped in the building where they spent their college days with Moss. BONES is told in a then and now format featuring nearly the same characters, as most of our present-day folks are returning to Briarwood where they went to college. Our main constant is Nell, a scholarship student in her Briarwood days who has now risen to Dean at the college. Nell was swept up in the charms of her wealthy roommate, Laine. The book does a wonderful job of showing the power and intensity of college friendships--both the good and bad. There's much angst at college and a ton of drama during the present.

I thought I had everything figured out here, but Goodman threw in some great twists! The story is filled with literary references, especially as our college core struggles with the need to outbest each other in their writing. At times, this is very grim and dark--often gory with lots of death in the cold, stark setting. There's certainly an Agatha Christie feeling. The ending wraps up a little quick, but it's still a really enjoyable read. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE BONES OF THE STORY on 07/11/2023!

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Too scared to own up to one little lie: THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU.

The Stranger Behind You by Carol Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An atmospheric and twisty thriller

Reporter Joan Lurie becomes famous when her story in Manhatta exposes Globe owner Caspar Osgood as a sexual harasser. But as she returns home the night of the publication, she's attacked in her apartment. Terrified and feeling ill from a severe blow to the head, she moves to a super secure building in Manhattan, called the Refuge, to write a book that further details what she's discovered about Casper. At the Refuge, she meets her elderly neighbor, Lillian, who has lived there since it was the Magdalen Laundry and Refuge for Fallen Women in the 1940s. She becomes sucked into Lillian's stories, which often remind Joan of her own life. Meanwhile, Caspar's wife Melissa must deal with the aftermath of learning her husband is sexual predator. Soon, these women's lives will intertwine: in potentially dangerous ways.

"I'm here because four weeks ago someone tried to kill me."

This was an often confusing but incredibly intriguing book that combines the #MeToo movement with a story about wayward girls. You're never quite sure what's going on, as Joan can be an unreliable narrator (head injury + fear, anyone?), leaving one feeling very off balance for the entire book. There's a story within a story here, as Joan goes after Caspar and his transgressions, combined with Lillian's story and her past.

"What kind of person is more concerned about their hard drive than their body?"

I loved the 1940s piece, learning about Lily, the Magdalen laundry, and the Refuge when it was a home for girls. It's fascinating even while being quite sad. Joan could be a very frustrating character (just go to the doctor for your head injury and stop drinking already), but you cannot fault her reporting skills. Caspar's wife Melissa adds a certain depth to the tale, as she wrestles with what her husband has done. Telling the story from Joan and Melissa's point of view really expands what we learn. This is also an atmospheric read, with the Refuge becoming its own character, especially as we learn about its history from the 1940s on. Goodman is always excellent at setting the scene.

While I sometimes found this book frustrating, it was also a page-turner, with compelling characters and an interesting story with some great twists. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from William Morrow and Netgalley via the Scene of the Crime program in return for an unbiased review.

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And you know you lie best when you lie to you: THE SEA OF LOST GIRLS.

The Sea of Lost Girls by Carol Goodman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Tessa has started her life over at Haywood, an elite boarding school in coastal Maine. She teaches English there and is married to a well-respected fellow professor, Harmon. Her seventeen-year-old son, Rudy, while troubled in the past, seems to be doing well. This is much in part to his girlfriend, Lila Zeller, a smart and focused teen. But then Tessa gets an early morning text from Rudy, asking her to pick him up. He and Lila had a fight, and Tessa finds him wet and shivering. Later that morning they receive the devastating news that Lila's dead body was found on the beach, not far from where Tessa picked Rudy up. Soon there are whispers of murder surrounding Lila's death, and both Tessa's husband and son find themselves under investigation. And the more she delves into Haywood's past, the more she realizes she isn't the only one keeping secrets.


"When we landed here in this pretty harbor town with its sailboats and white clapboard houses I'd thought we'd come to a place where we'd always be safe. But Rudy has always had a nose for darkness."


I love Carol Goodman's books, and I'm always into a good boarding school book, so picking up this one was a no-brainer. She doesn't disappoint. This is a quick, captivating story that keeps you guessing the entire time. While Tessa isn't always the most likeable character, I was certainly invested in her story.

Goodman deftly weaves two storylines together--the present, featuring Tessa's family and Lila's death and the past, which revolves around the titular lost girls, whom tie back to Haywood in its earlier days. We also learn more about Tessa's past and her long-hidden secrets, many of which also link into Haywood itself. Somehow all of this works together. It's a mysterious, sometimes dark story, and one that keeps you wondering. I changed my mind several times about who could have harmed Lila. I love a book that keeps me on my toes. I also enjoyed the story of the lost girls and the school's eerie stories.

Goodman is a master storyteller, and this book flies by. She brings in links such as "The Crucible," which the Haywood students are performing, and ties to the #metoo movement. They all augment this strong story about the power of lies and hidden secrets. The parallels between the past and present are expertly woven together. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this novel from Edelweiss and William Morrow in return for an honest review.

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You scare me more than the hard times: THE NIGHT VISITORS.

The Night Visitors by Carol Goodman

My rating: 4+ of 5 stars


When Mattie, a social worker, gets the call that a woman and child are arriving on a bus and need her assistance, she's ready. The call came into the hotline at the Sanctuary, and they know Mattie is always available to help out and take those in need--especially domestic violence victims--to a nearby shelter or safe house. But when Mattie sees Alice and ten-year-old Oren get off the bus that snowy night, she somehow can't drop them off at the shelter. Is it because Oren reminds her so much of her own little brother, Caleb, frozen in time forever at the age of ten? Mattie isn't the only one breaking the rules and holding things back, though. Alice and Oren have secrets too. And as the snowstorm around them intensifies, so does the danger.

I just love Carol Goodman's books. She has eerie, creepy, Gothic writing down perfectly, and this book was certainly no exception. I was hooked from the beginning. This novel alternates between Mattie and Alice's perspectives. Mattie is older (fifties), living alone in her decrepit home, damaged by her past.


"When I told Anita that I didn't believe in God she'd pressed the medal into my hand and told me that I should just say a prayer to whatever I did believe in. So I say my prayers to Anita Esteban, who left her drunk, no-good husband, raised three children on her own, went back to school, and earned a law degree. She's what I believe in."


I took to her immediately. You know that there's definitely more to each woman's story than meets the eye, and it's fascinating to watch their stories unfold. Alice shows up with a story about running away from an abusive relationship. Oren, she claims, is all she cares about. Is that true? How much can we trust either of the women? What I loved was that the book had me guessing the entire time. It was incredibly captivating, and both women seemed so real.

As for Oren, he was great, too, and you immediately wanted to protect him. The novel definitely has some creepy and mysterious pieces to it. It's less about suspending disbelief than just engaging with the story--becoming a part of it. I certainly found myself spooked a few times. It's a compelling tale, which will keep you engaged, intrigued by the characters, and culminates is a really great twisty (and twisted) story. This one isn't necessarily for the faint of heart; there are some brutal moments here. But what I really loved is that while this can be a very dark story, it's also weirdly sweet, too. I was very touched in places--a true sign that I'd grown to love these characters.

Overall, another enjoyable book from Goodman. She has a way of sucking you into the landscape of her books--and suddenly you are engrossed by the story and its characters. This one was eerie, captivating, mysterious, and yet oddly heartwarming at times. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 03/26/2019.

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Go away somewhere all bright and new: THE OTHER MOTHER.

The Other Mother by Carol Goodman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When Daphne flees her home, taking very little but her six-month-old daughter, Chloe, she isn't sure what to expect. She's leaving everything behind (including her controlling husband) to work for one of her favorite authors, Schuyler, as an archivist. She'll be living in the shadow of a mental hospital, which Schulyer's late father ran for many years. Daphne hopes this will be a new start and a way to escape both her husband and the dark moods, diagnosed as postpartum mood disorder, she felt when Chloe was born. She'll also miss her friend, Laurel, with whom she formed a tight bond after meeting in a mother's group.

Get ready: this book is a crazy, bewildering ride. It will also always have the distinction of being the novel I was reading on an airplane trip to San Diego when one of my five-year-old daughters threw up. Twice. So it will be memorable in several ways. :)

If you're looking for an easy, linear psychological thriller, this one may not be for you. This novel is confusing and crazy and makes you question everything you're reading. But it's an exciting, twisty thriller and a great, fast read (and a welcome distraction from vomiting children). Most of it is told in current-day descriptions from Daphne, along with excerpts from her journal from her postpartum mothers group. As Daphne meets her new boss, Schuyler, and becomes fascinated with a patient of her father's, Edith, we also eventually hear from Edith and excerpts from Edith's journal, too. The entire result is a wonderful, twisted, tale that has you frantically turning pages, trying to work things out and figure out who is who and what the heck is going on.

I don't want to reveal too much, as it's best going in without too many preconceived notions. The novel has a bit of gothic in it, as many of Goodman's do, with the mental hospital looming in the background. The idea of postpartum depression and motherhood is a theme running throughout, as well.

Overall, even though I was sometimes frustrated as I tried to work through this one, I wound up enjoying it. I was impressed at how things came together and enjoyed the wild ride I was on. I've loved Goodman since The Lake of Dead Languages and find myself looking forward to each new novel she releases. This one was different, but I was quite caught up in its characters and dark themes. Definitely worth a read.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Librarything in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).

You can read my review of Goodman's novel RIVER ROAD , here, and her novel THE WIDOW'S HOUSE (one of my "Best Books of 2017") , here.



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Lucky Thirteen - The "Best of" Edition for 2017.

It's that time -- to look back on my favorite books of the past year. At the beginning of 2017, I set my goal on the site, Goodreads, to read 80 books this year. It was a good (!) year, and I surpassed the goal, ultimately reading 114 books. If you follow this link, you can take a look at all the books I read in 2017 and my ratings. Note that not all books were published in 2017, of course, they just happened to be books I picked up over the year. In fact, because some of them were Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs), they won't be published until 2018.

You can find reviews of any of these via my Goodreads site, or simply follow the link in each entry to the in-depth review in this blog. Happy reading in 2018 and beyond!!

So, in no particular order, my top thirteen favorite books read in 2017...

*1. NOW IS EVERYTHING, by Amy Giles - Sometimes a book comes along and takes me by surprise (in a wonderful way) and that was the case with Amy Giles' absolutely breathtaking NOW IS EVERYTHING. Seriously, this was one of my favorite books I read this year. Even if you don't typically read YA, you should pick up this amazing, powerful, and heartbreaking book. Giles tells the story of teenage Hadley and her wealthy family, who look perfect from the outside. But inside, it's a different tale. Hadley's father works at breaking her down on a daily basis--belittling her, monitoring her whereabouts and food intake, and much worse. Hadley endures it though, as long as it keeps his focus and abuse off her wonderful, spirited ten-year-old sister, Lila. She finds even more reason to power on when she meets Charlie Simmons, and begins secretly dating him. But then, there's a plane crash, and Hadley is the only survivor. What happened that day and why can't Hadley talk about it? Told in a "then" and "now" format from Hadley's point of view, this is a wonderful slow build novel that sucks you into its suspenseful format. I stayed up late to finish the second half because I was so drawn to Hadley and Lila - rarely have I felt so strongly for characters in a novel in such a long time! I could rave about this book for ages (and do so in the review at my blog). Simply put: read it, you won't regret it.

*2. THE DARK LAKE, by Sarah Bailey - Every once and a while, you read a book and then realize it's from a debut author and your mind is blown! That's the case with Sarah Bailey's THE DARK LAKE from Grand Central Publishing. This intriguing and compelling mystery centers on the death of popular yet mysterious teacher Rosalind Ryan, whose body is found floating in a lake. Detective Gemma Woodstock and her partner Felix are called to investigate. Gemma knew Rosalind from school and the case--and the novel--intersect impeccably between Gemma's past and present. Gemma's a great narrator, the story itself is wonderful, and best of all, I had *no idea* who killed Rosalind or where everything was going to go. I found myself genuinely shocked by several of the novel's twists and turns.

*3. ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE, by Gail Honeyman - Much ado has been made about Honeyman's debut novel and finally... a book that lives up to the hype! I'm so glad I finally picked this one up. Honeyman captures Eleanor's voice perfectly--and she's just this amazing combination of heartbreaking, tough, and tender. A lonely woman formed by her traumatic childhood, her life changes when she meets a fellow co-worker and they save a man who falls on the street. Watching Eleanor discover the world around her is truly magical. The entire book is mesmerizing and beautiful. Indeed, ultimately, this is a lovely book, with beautiful well-written characters. Eleanor's tale will stay with me for a long time.

*4. SYCAMORE, by Bryn Chancellor - This is a magical book: the story of Jess unfolds in snatches and snippets of the novel's characters. Each chapter is told by a different inhabitant of Sycamore. There's a sweet tenderness to this book that I cannot truly describe. It really touched me. It's not always an easy read, or a happy one, but it's a lovely book in many ways. It's wonderfully written, surprisingly suspenseful, and a heartbreaking but amazing journey.

*5. AFTER THE FALL, by Julie Cohen - I adored this lovely novel chronicling the lives of Jo; her teen daughter, Lydia; and Jo's former mother-in-law, Honor. After Honor takes a fall in her home, she comes to live with Jo, and the lives of all three women change drastically. It's just a beautiful, poignant book, which captures its characters and draws you into their lives perfectly.

*6. THE DRY, by Jane Harper - I had been hearing about THE DRY since before its release and wasn't sure it would live up to the hype, but I was wrong. This was an incredibly well-written, interesting, and intricately plotted novel that just flowed effortlessly. Aaron Falk is an investigator for the federal police in Melbourne. There, he follows money trails left by criminals. And while he may live a rather solitary life, at least he's also left behind his childhood home of Kiewarra, where the locals literally ran him and his father out of town. But all that changes when Aaron finds out that his best friend in Kiewarra, Luke Hadler, is dead. The story at its core is a dark one, and the town of Kiewarra is a sad and depressing place: the townspeople find it easy to believe Luke killed his family because everyone is down on their luck. You know when an author just captures her characters' voices perfectly? That was this book for me. I enjoyed how the story kept me guessing the entire time, which isn't easy to do. I was completely captivated by the story and frantically turning the pages to find out what had happened--both in the present and the past.The novel truly hooked me from the very beginning and never let me go.

*7. THE WIDOW'S HOUSE, by Carol Goodman - You know how sometimes you start a novel and immediately know, from the first page, that you'll enjoy it? THE WIDOW'S HOUSE was that way for me. It sucked me in immediately and kept me interested throughout. Jess and Clare Martin decide to move back to the Hudson River area and take on duties as caretakers at Riven House, the home of their former college professor, Monty. And as they settle in, Clare begins to hear a baby crying at night and see shadowy figures around the pond of Monty's property. The book is filled with complicated characters, starting with Clare. You start to realize she's the ultimate unreliable narrator, but are never able to tell exactly how much. You find yourself working and guessing with Clare as she unravels local history and the events unfolding at Riven House. There are parts of this book that are incredibly spooky, and it's quite well-done. I loved that I was frantically flipping the pages, constantly second guessing everything and wondering what was happening. There are some great twists that shock you, even as you're still trying to figure things out in you're head (much like Clare). This novel will leave you guessing. It's crazy and confusing, but fascinating and incredibly hard to put down. It's completely enjoyable and stays with you after you've finished it, going over various plot points.

*8. THE ROANOKE GIRLS, by Amy Engel - This is quite the novel! Lane Roanoke is just a teenager when her mother commits suicide, and Lane is sent to live with her grandparents in Kansas. When Lane arrives in Kansas, she quickly befriends her cousin, Allegra, and is amazed by the kindness of her grandfather, but she also realizes not everything is as it seems. Eleven years later, after Lane has fled the farm (and left her family there behind), Lane receives a call from her grandfather: Allegra is missing. Reluctantly Lane returns to a place she vowed she'd never see again to search for her cousin, whom she has always felt bad about leaving behind. I was immediately captivated by this novel and read it in less than 24 hours. It's not some "feel good" novel, but it's amazingly well-written and just spellbinding. It starts off with a bombshell and then hooks you from there with the dark story of the twisted Roanoke family.

*9. THE WRONG SIDE OF GOODBYE, by Michael Connelly - Picking up a Harry Bosch book is always like coming home again, and this one was no exception. It's well-done, featuring dual cases, and Bosch is just such a wonderful character - I really enjoyed it. (And I recommend the entire series!)

*10. THE NOWHERE GIRLS, by Amy Reed - One of the most powerful and timely books I've read this year, Amy Reed's THE NOWHERE GIRLS centers on three female teens, Grace, Rosina, and Erin, who form an unlikely union and create a secret group to protest the horrible culture at their school. It's this culture that condones actions such as rape and sexual assault and allowed for another girl, Lucy, to be shunned after accusing several popular boys of rape. This novel is well-written and encapsulates the struggle felt by teens and young women in dealing with sexual assault, rape, and violence against women. Its strength comes from its characters (I defy you not to fall for these three girls) and its brutal honesty. It can be a bit slow-moving at times, but it's a powerful read and there's something about it that will leave you with hope, despite the horrors covered, and that's so important right now.

*11. THE LAST PLACE YOU LOOK, by Kristen Lepionka - This is a just a great book. It's easy to read and funny, albeit dark and sad at times. The mystery plot draws you in immediately and keeps you guessing. Definitely recommend this one to mystery and thriller fans alike. (I'm so excited that Roxane Weary is coming back in a second book!)

*12. THE BLACKBIRD SEASON, by Kate Moretti - I'm a sucker for a good, character-driven thriller and Kate Moretti's latest delivers! It's just another day in Mt. Oanoke when the birds start to fall: hundreds of starlings dropping from the sky. And that's just the beginning. A reporter in town to cover the bird story sees beloved high school teacher and baseball coach Nate Winters embracing a student, Lucia. Suddenly Nate is under investigation for having an affair with her and, then, Lucia disappears, and things get even worse for Nate. His wife, Alecia, doesn't know what to believe, nor does their friend Bridget. This is a wonderful, complicated novel that's both a character-driven study and intriguing mystery. Do we believe that Nate's an affable guy or a serial cheater? Moretti is a wonderful writer and this novel is realistic and compelling.

*13. THE GOOD DAUGHTER, by Karin Slaugher - Karin Slaughter's latest mystery--while dark and graphic at times--is a spell-binding novel that will keep you reading and guessing until the final pages. The story of two sisters who witnessed a brutal assault as teens, the book comes out swinging and never stops. A mystery at its core, it also covers the topics of race, social class, and how society deals with mass tragedy. The characters are detailed and fascinating, the plot is intricate and constantly changing, and there are some truly beautiful moments along the way.

Tuesday's Book Bag: New Releases for 3/7.

It's our first Book Bag for March and boy, it's a great one! Four new releases to cover today and three of them are 4+-star reviews - that's exciting! Let's get right to it, shall we?

First we have Cat Clarke's wonderful middle school/YA novel, THE PANTS PROJECT, which draws you in immediately. Liv (Olivia) was born a girl, but knows in his heart that he's a boy. But this realization isn't easy for a kid entering middle school, which can be a heartless place for anyone. What complicates things for Liv is a move to a new school, which brings a stringent dress code: girls must wear skirts. No exceptions. While Liv knows that he's a boy, the school system (and kids at school) don't see it that way. Liv is already dealing with enough, but now he feels uncomfortable everyday in his school clothes. It also doesn't help that his best friend is dropping him for a group of mean-spirited bullies who bully him on a daily basis. But Liv perseveres and comes up with an idea: Operation Pants Project. Liv is going to get this uniform dress code overturned, no matter what. This is an excellent YA novel; I found the storyline to be interesting from the very beginning, and it never wavered. Liv is a wonderful, amazing, resilient young man, and I loved him from the moment I met him. Liv's story is heartbreaking at times, but also very poignant. I see this tale as a must-read for transgender kids, but also all middle school kids, as it offers a wonderful chance to teach empathy. But, seriously, just having this story, and the way Liv expresses his thoughts on being transgender is so key. Yes, a lot of the story is probably a tad simplified, but still. It's just so refreshing to see this in book form. Overall, I loved this book, and I wish it was on the shelves of every middle school (and high school) -heck all libraries and bookstores-- everywhere! Huge portions of it make you smile, and you will find yourself just rooting for plucky, wonderful Liv and his spirit. There's a great sappy message in this book that I wish everyone could read in these troubled times. 4+ stars

Next is Amy Engel's spellbinding novel, THE ROANOKE GIRLS, a completely alluring book that took me by completely (good) surprise. Lane Roanoke is just a teenager when her mother commits suicide, and Lane is sent to live with her grandparents in Kansas. While Lane lived a sad life with her depressed, volatile mother, her wealthy grandparents represent a chance for a new start - and Lane can meet her cousin, Allegra, who is close to her age. When Lane arrives in Kansas, she quickly befriends Allegra and is amazed by the kindness of her grandfather, but she also realizes not everything is as it seems. Eleven years later, after Lane has fled the farm (and left her family there behind), Lane receives a call from her grandfather: Allegra is missing. Can she please come home? Reluctantly Lane returns to a place she vowed she'd never see again to search for her cousin, whom she has always felt bad about leaving behind. But returning only brings up bad memories, and Lane quickly worries that something terrible has happened to Allegra. This is quite the novel! The story alternates between the present-day and that fateful summer (from Lane's point of view), with a few snippets from earlier generations of the other Roanoke girls thrown in. It quickly pulls you in and never lets you go. I was immediately captivated by this novel and read it in less than 24 hours. It's not some "feel good" novel, but it's amazingly well-written. It starts off with a bombshell and then hooks you from there with the dark story of the twisted Roanoke family. There is something completely alluring about how messed up and sick the Roanokes are. I couldn't turn away from them. Overall, I was incredibly impressed with this book. Its entire plot was creepy and twisted, and it was compulsively readable, with plenty of shocking moments. Yet it also had empathetic, well-written characters. It was an amazing dark look at the power of childhood, your parents, and your past. It's a mean and twisted novel and impeccably written, because you feel such a range of emotions for its characters. One of my favorites so far this year - definitely recommend. 4.5 stars

Another dark saga of tormented families comes from Dan Chaon and his novel ILL WILL. In Chaon's tale, Dustin Tillman is a psychologist in Ohio; he's married with two sons and rarely even thinks about the horrific incident of his childhood, when his adopted brother, Rusty, murdered Dustin's parents and his aunt and uncle. Dustin was just a child then, and his brother was arrested largely on the testimony of Dustin and his cousin Kate and the 1980s' fears over satanism. But now Dustin learns that Rusty is being released from prison; his appeal has been granted, and his verdict overturned based on DNA evidence. Meanwhile, Dustin is struggling with one of his patients, Aqil, a former police officer who believes there is a link among a group of drunken college boys who have died by drowning. As more and more things start going wrong in Dustin's life, he gets drawn into Aqil's paranoia, and he threatens to bring down his family with him. This book has an interesting premise: linking two sets of crimes in the past and present, but I felt like that premise was a little forced/falsified, and I never got into the book, or the characters. As a reader, you'll probably find the way it's written either brilliant or incredibly irritating, and I fell squarely into the irritating camp. There are very abrupt chapter switches between the present and the past that are quite annoying, making it difficult to tell exactly where you are in time. Even more, the story is written quite like the characters think--which is fine in theory--for instance, this includes Dustin's tendency to just stop mid-sentence, something his family teases him about. After a bit you get somewhat used to the random sentences that end mid-thought, or the weird white spaces, but it's still strange. Other parts are the story are split into two or three parts on a page and told almost in parallel, causing you to flip back and forth to read each set. I never was quite sure of the point of that. Yes, people in the novel are going crazy and on drugs. I could get that concept and not have to flip back and forth constantly to read chunks of the story. It's one of those storytelling devices that, to me, could be amazing, but just winds up driving you slightly insane. This novel is also very dark. Again, that's fine. After all I loved the aforementioned THE ROANOKE GIRLS, which was incredibly dark. But this one: I just didn't find it that interesting. I found myself finishing it more out of a vague curiosity and duty than anything else. I figured out one of the main plot points pretty on and wasn't engaged with any of the characters. Then, after all of this, the ending is awful and vague, and there's no resolution, and I found myself just throwing the whole thing down in disgust. Definitely not one of my favorites. I can see the potential for others, but it wasn't for me. 2 stars

Finally, in this batch, we have Carol Goodman's latest, THE WIDOW'S HOUSE. In Goodman's novel, Jess and Clare Martin met at Bailey College, in the Hudson River valley, but have been living in New York for years. Jess wrote a successful first novel not long after graduation, but that money has long been spent. He's been working on his second book for ages; it's long overdue, and he needs a new muse. So the two decide to move back to the Hudson River area, where Jess can focus on the book without distractions. They take on duties as caretakers at Riven House, the home of their former college professor, Monty. They can live in a nearby cottage in exchange for helping the elderly Monty with chores. But the setup has its own issues: it's Monty, after all, who wrote a review of Jess' first book that torments him to this day. And as they settle in, Clare begins to hear a baby crying at night and see shadowy figures around the pond of Monty's property. As she investigates local history, she thinks what she sees may be tied to the house's tormented past. The locals say the place is haunted and destroys everyone who stays there. Are Clare and Jess next? You know how sometimes you start a novel and immediately know, from the first page, that you'll enjoy it? THE WIDOW'S HOUSE was that way for me. It sucked me in immediately and kept me interested throughout; I read it in about 24 hours. The book is filled with complicated characters, starting with Clare. You start to realize she's the ultimate unreliable narrator, but are never able to tell exactly how much. The entire story is told from her point of view, and we're stuck with all events being filtered through her lens. It's genius really, and it is a refreshing change from so many novels lately that change narrators and time periods. You find yourself working and guessing with Clare as she unravels local history and the events unfolding at Riven House. The novel is certainly told in the Gothic tradition. Unlike some Gothic novels, you do not have to suspend much disbelief as the creepy events unfold around Clare and Jess. There are parts of this book that are incredibly spooky, and it's quite well-done. I loved that I was frantically flipping the pages, constantly second guessing everything and wondering what was happening. There are some great twists that shock you, even as you're still trying to figure things out in you're head (much like Clare). This novel will leave you guessing. It's crazy and confusing, but fascinating and incredibly hard to put down. It's completely enjoyable and stays with you after you've finished it, going over various plot points. Highly recommend. 4.5 stars

There you have it: some excellent novels out today, and I highly recommend picking some of these up! Just don't expect to get any sleep for a couple of days!

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Lies take your soul: THE WIDOW'S HOUSE.

The Widow's House by Carol Goodman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jess and Clare Martin met at Bailey College, in the Hudson River valley, but have been living in New York for years. Jess wrote a successful first novel not long after graduation, but that money has long been spent. He's been working on his second book for ages; it's long overdue, and he needs a new muse. So the two decide to move back to the Hudson River area, where Jess can focus on the book without distractions. They take on duties as caretakers at Riven House, the home of their former college professor, Monty. They can live in a nearby cottage in exchange for helping the elderly Monty with chores. But the setup has its own issues: it's Monty, after all, who wrote a review of Jess' first book that torments him to this day. And as they settle in, Clare begins to hear a baby crying at night and see shadowy figures around the pond of Monty's property. As she investigates local history, she thinks what she sees may be tied to the house's tormented past. The locals say the place is haunted and destroys everyone who stays there. Are Clare and Jess next?

You know how sometimes you start a novel and immediately know, from the first page, that you'll enjoy it? THE WIDOW'S HOUSE was that way for me. It sucked me in immediately and kept me interested throughout; I read it in about 24 hours. The book is filled with complicated characters, starting with Clare. You start to realize she's the ultimate unreliable narrator, but are never able to tell exactly how much. She appears unhappy with her selfish author husband and her marriage. She had a rough childhood--growing up in the Hudson Valley not far from Monty's estate, which has clearly affected the way she sees the world. The entire story is told from her point of view, and we're stuck with all events being filtered through her lens. It's genius really, and it is a refreshing change from so many novels lately that change narrators and time periods. You find yourself working and guessing with Clare as she unravels local history and the events unfolding at Riven House.

The novel is certainly told in the Gothic tradition. I first fell for Goodman via her excellent novel, The Lake of Dead Languages, and this book reminded me of that one in some ways. Unlike some Gothic novels, you do not have to suspend much disbelief as the creepy events unfold around Clare and Jess. There are parts of this book that are incredibly spooky, and it's quite well-done. I loved that I was frantically flipping the pages, constantly second guessing everything and wondering what was happening. There are some great twists that shock you, even as you're still trying to figure things out in you're head (much like Clare). This novel will leave you guessing. It's crazy and confusing, but fascinating and incredibly hard to put down. It's completely enjoyable and stays with you after you've finished it, going over various plot points. Highly recommend.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 03/07/2017.

You can find my review of Goodman's novel, RIVER ROAD, here.



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On the street of broken dreams: RIVER ROAD.

River Road by Carol Goodman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Nan Lewis is a creative writing professor at a state school in upstate New York. She lives alone after the tragic death of her young daughter, Emmy--an incident which her marriage could not survive. She's recently been denied tenure by her school and is upset and agitated at the university's holiday party. On her way home, she hits a deer, but cannot find the animal when she goes to check on it. Nan eventually makes it back home in a snowstorm, leaving her car at the bottom of her icy, unplowed driveway. But when she wakes in the morning, she learns that one of her prized students, Leia, was killed in a hit-and-run the night before on River Road: the exact road where Nan hit the deer. Because her car was damaged from hitting the deer, Nan is the prime suspect, and she quickly loses the support of her colleagues, who point out that she has become a functioning alcoholic since her daughter's death. Even worse, Nan starts seeing signs that remind her of Emmy's death. Are Emmy and Leia's deaths related? How much did Nan have to drink the night she hit the deer? Will she clear her name before her entire life is destroyed?

I'm honestly not sure why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It had several things working against it: 1) an unlikable narrator who drinks heavily; 2) a storyline that heavily involved dead children and pets (why?!); and 3) an easily guessed villain. Still, I found this one compulsively readable and stayed up far past my bedtime to finish the second half of the book. Nan grew on me, and I found myself almost protective of her. The lead policeman in the novel, Joe, was a favorite of mine. While I figured out the villain fairly early, I didn't understand the motives, so the plot kept me guessing until the end. Goodman weaves several storylines together--which intersect, but loosely--and somehow they all work. There are several supporting characters, including the woman who killed Nan's daughter and a young single mother from one of Nan's classes, who give the novel a surprising depth.

Anyway, despite some of the craziness, I found myself enjoying the book and racing to finish it. I first fell in love with Goodman due to her novel The Lake of Dead Languages. That book was impressive and still sits on my bookshelf to this day. If you haven't read it, I certainly recommend it. However, River Road is a fun thriller and a worthy diversion.



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