Book Review | THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Judith Rossell

THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS

BY JUDITH ROSSELL | PUBLICATION: MAY 27, 2025
DIAL BOOKS | GENRE: MIDDLE-GRADE MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★✬

"A must-read for middle-grade lovers and anyone who believes in the power of learning and compassion."

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For fans of The Swifts and A Series of Unfortunate Events comes the story of a young orphan at the edge of society who finds herself at the center of a city’s secrets.

Maggie Fishbone is not expecting much when she’s sent to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Wayward Girls—the last resort after causing a ruckus at the orphanage where she was living. Except . . . the Institute isn’t some dreadful, dreary place like she thought.

Instead it’s full of curious girls training to solve mysteries, fight bad guys, and keep the city safe. In between fencing lessons and discovering all the shortcuts in the building, Maggie finds herself making friends at the Midwatch and finally feeling like she’s home. And when a woman goes missing, Maggie’s off on her first assignment, with each step leading her deeper into the secrets of the city.

With gorgeous black-and-white illustrations and pages of “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” (like how send messages in morse code and how to shout extremely loudly), The Midwatch is a whimsical, adventure-filled mystery from internationally bestselling author-illustrator Judith Rossell.

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"Holy Mackerel!"

Judith Rossell’s THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS is a delightful, whimsical mystery that wraps adventure, heart, and empowerment into one beautifully illustrated package. It follows Maggie Fishbone—a spirited orphan who finds herself at a school unlike any other.

Sent to the Midwatch Institute after causing a stir at her previous orphanage, Maggie expects gloom and punishment. Instead, she discovers a vibrant world where girls are trained to solve mysteries, defend the city, and grow into their best selves. With fencing lessons, secret passages, and a missing person case to unravel, Maggie’s journey is one of friendship, courage, and self-discovery.

🌟 What Makes This Book Shine:

• A Joyful Adventure: The story is packed with excitement, warmth, and the thrill of discovery.

• Found Family: Maggie’s bond with the other girls is tender and uplifting—a reminder that belonging can be found in unexpected places.

• Gentle Wisdom: The Institute offers a safe space to make mistakes, learn, and be guided with compassion.

• Empowering Message: Knowledge is the greatest weapon—even the smallest, most frightened characters can rise when armed with understanding.

• Charming Extras: The “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” pages are clever, practical, and full of charm.

• Gorgeous Illustrations: The cover and interior art add depth and whimsy to the reading experience.

This book is a celebration of curiosity, kindness, and courage. It’s a reminder that every child deserves a gentle hand and a safe place to grow. I finished it wanting more—more mysteries, more lessons, more Midwatch.

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About the Author:

Judith Rossell is the multi-award-winning author-illustrator of the bestselling Stella Montgomery series (Withering-by-Sea, Wormwood Mire and Wakestone Hall). Judith has written fifteen books and illustrated more than eighty, including the recent picture books Bogtrotter and Pink!, both written by Margaret Wild. Her work has been published in the US and UK, and translated into more than twenty languages. Before becoming an illustrator, Judith trained as a scientist, and worked for CSIRO, and for a cotton-spinning company. She lives in Melbourne.
Photo from PRH site. No infringement intended.

*Penguin Random House provided the eARC
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BBNYA Book Review | Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan

MADAME ELDRIDGE’S WAYWARD HOME FOR UNRULY BOYS

5th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY BENJAMIN RYAN | AUGUST 1, 2023
GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★✬

“Every chapter pulses with energy, emotion, and intrigue.”

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Deep in the heart of Virginia’s dense backwoods, the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys hides more than just troubled youth. Under Madame Eldridge’s watchful eye, three strict rules govern their behavior

1. What happens here stays here.
2. You must complete all eight steps—no exceptions allowed.
3. Forget your name; you’ll be known only by your problem.

But, there’s one unspoken rule that sends shivers down the boys' never enter the forbidden third-floor bedroom of the boy who vanished, leaving nothing behind but whispers.

When Vandalize and Stealer defy this warning, they uncover a treasure trove of bewitched artifacts, each with a strange and powerful ability. Using these relics, the boys tackle Madame Eldridge’s whimsical—and often bizarre—challenges, only to learn magic always demands its price.

Amidst the chaos, Fibbsy stumbles upon a peculiar object that sends him hurtling back in time, revealing an unfathomable truth about Madame Eldridge, the eerie town, and the missing boy’s fate. But who will trust the words of a liar?

Bound by the house’s darkest mysteries, Fibbsy, Defiance, Slob, and Secret form an unlikely friendship as they race to unveil the shrouded secrets surrounding the Wayward Home. Together, they confront their deepest fears, uncovering that the real magic lies in facing their own personal demons—and each other.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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Benjamin Ryan’s MADAME ELDRIDGE’S WAYWARD HOME FOR UNRULY BOYS is a masterfully woven tale that blends mystery, magic, and emotional growth into a story that’s as quirky as it is profound.

Set in a secluded summer boarding school deep in Virginia’s woods, the novel introduces readers to a cast of troubled boys—each stripped of their real names and renamed after their flaws. Through a series of whimsical and often bizarre challenges, they must confront their personal demons, forge unlikely friendships, and uncover the secrets hidden within the house’s haunted walls. What makes this story shine is its:

• 🌟 Brilliant pacing: Clues are revealed at just the right moments, keeping the mystery alive without ever feeling forced.
• 💫 Inventive magic system: Each enchanted object reflects the boys’ inner struggles, making their growth feel earned and meaningful.
• ❤️ Emotional depth: Themes of trust, friendship, and self-acceptance are explored with nuance and heart.
• 👗 Vivid descriptions: Madame Eldridge’s wardrobe alone deserves its own spotlight—every entrance she makes is unforgettable.
• 🔍 Compelling mystery: From the very first page, readers are invited to solve the puzzle alongside the boys, with satisfying answers and tantalizing new questions by the end.

There are no slow moments in this book. Every chapter pulses with energy, emotion, and intrigue. I was completely immersed in the world Benjamin Ryan created—and I’m already counting the days until the sequel.

A must-read for fans of magical realism, character-driven stories, and mysteries with heart. I can’t wait to return to the Wayward Home.

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

Once upon a time, there was a military brat named Benjamin Ryan, who traveled the world and embraced every unique experience he encountered. Being the new kid in town wasn’t always easy, and as he struggled with weight issues, he also had to deal with the hardships of teasing, male friendship, and acceptance. But, he was determined to find his place in the world and used his love for writing to create adventures that would transport him to a different world, where he could see things from a new perspective. Through his writing, Benjamin Ryan discovered his authentic self and found a way to inspire others. Armed with degrees in Art History, Education and World Religions, he became a New York City public Special Ed teacher, where he uses whimsy, creativity, and acceptance to inspire the youth of tomorrow. And thus, Benjamin Ryan was born—an author that embraces the power of storytelling to inspire and create change. With a deep understanding of the struggles that come with being different, Benjamin Ryan creates content that speaks to the heart and soul of their audience. He is active on twitter in the writing community (@BRClothwrites), hosting writing prompts, engaging with life’s unique perspectives, and inspiring others to create their truths.

*Book copy courtesy of the blog tour host, The Write Reads,
in exchange for this honest review.
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Book Review | THE OTHERWHERE POST by Emily J. Taylor

THE OTHERWHERE POST

BY EMILY J. TAYLOR | PUBLICATION: February 25, 2025
G.P. PUTNAM'S SON | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

"Deliver this book to anyone who loves magic with bite, a heroine with scars, and romance that ignites through ink."

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A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick

The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost her world, her father, even her name. Desperate to escape the stain of her father’s crimes, she lives under a fake name, never staying in one place long enough to put down roots.

Then she receives a mysterious letter with four impossible words Your father was innocent.

To uncover the truth, she poses as an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy—the dangerous magic that allows couriers to enchant letters and deliver them to other worlds. But looking into her father’s past draws more attention than she’d planned.

Her secretive, infuriatingly handsome mentor knows she’s lying about her identity, and time is running out to convince him to trust her. Worse, she begins to receive threatening letters, warning her to drop her investigation—or else. For Maeve to unravel the mystery of what happened seven years ago, she may have to forfeit her life.- PRH

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Deliveries. Lies. Magic. Love.

Emily J. Taylor's THE OTHERWHERE POST brings a masterfully layered story that deserves far more hype—and it's not too late to shout about it.

🌌 Worldbuilding & Magic

• Taylor conjures a universe brimming with intrigue: courier doors to other worlds, scribing magic that pulses with ash and intent, and letters that carry as much danger as they do hope.


• The magic system isn’t entirely new—but it’s brilliantly twisted. Between poisoned Aldervine vines and ink-infused portals, Taylor redefines arcane craft with delicious creativity.

💔 Maeve: A Hero Who Never Pretended

• Maeve’s journey is far from idealized. She’s carved from hardship, not heroism. She's not the chosen one wrapped in prophecy; she’s the one who fights despite trembling fingers and an empty pocket. A girl with nothing but scraps, secrets, and that relentless spark that refuses to go out.


• She lies. She schemes. She nearly dies—more than once. But what makes her unforgettable is her fierce heart. Her loyalty to the few who earn it is absolute.


• Her vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s defiance. She feels deeply and still charges forward.

❤️ Romance & Relationships

• Enter Tristan—the dream boyfriend with ink-stained fingers and a soul full of warmth. Smart, tender, just the right amount of steamy. Their slow burn simmers beneath danger and decoding, until it explodes with emotional and magical resonance.


• The side characters sparkle with depth and wit, giving Maeve reasons to fight beyond herself—and proving that chosen family may be the most powerful spell of all.

Scribbled in ink, sealed with love—THE OTHERWHERE POST delivers danger, desire, and devotion on every page.

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About the Author:

Emily J. Taylor was born and raised in California and has since refused to stay put. She’s lived in four states and on two continents, all of which have conveniently given her an endless amount of story fodder. She currently works as a creative director in Minneapolis, where she spends the long winters dreaming up glittering worlds to spin into dark tales. Follow her @emilycanwrite, or find her at emilyjtaylorauthor.com.
Photo from PRH site, no infringement intended.

*Penguin Random House provided the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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Book Review | I BET YOU’D LOOK GOOD IN A COFFIN by Katy Brent

I BET YOU’D LOOK GOOD IN A COFFIN

BY KATY BRENT | PUBLICATION: APRIL 29, 2025
HQ DIGITAL | GENRE: WOMEN FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

“A family that slays together, stays together”
—that’s not just a line. It’s a vibe.

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Our favourite anti-heroine, Kitty Collins, is back! Expect more wit, sass, and, of course, murder…

My name is Kitty Collins and I'm a serial killer.

I don't want to kill. It's just so hard to resist. Some men really, really deserve it.

Men like Blaze Bundy, an anonymous influencer spreading misogyny online. He's making it very hard for me to control my murderous urges.

Meanwhile I'm in the South of France to watch my mother marry a man I've never met. I should be drinking cocktails and focusing on my tan, not plotting a murder.

But a woman's work is never done. Surely one more teensy little kill wouldn't hurt, would it?

Fans of How to Kill Your Family and Bad Sisters will love this wickedly witty novel from the author of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It and The Murder After the Night Before.

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Justice Served Cold (and in Couture)
Kitty Collins, Book 2

Let me start with this: murder-sobriety is apparently a thing. And somehow, in Katy Brent’s fierce, blood-splashed world, it makes perfect, razor-sharp sense.

Book two in the Kitty Collins series doesn’t just raise the stakes—it arms them with stilettos and sends them marching into the night. Kitty joins Angry Women Anonymous, a group of rage-fueled, justice-starved women who’ve been victimized and are sick of turning the other cheek. It’s not therapy. It’s a powder keg. And Kitty? She’s the match.

The plot is absurd in all the right ways—think Fleabag meets Dexter on a very bad hair day. It’s British dark humor at its finest: twisted, fast-paced, and just grounded enough to make you squirm. It’s like if Batman was an influencer with a killer wardrobe and a moral compass that spins like a lazy Susan. Think vigilante justice, but make it fashion.

What really hit me is how this book flips the murder-mystery genre on its head. As someone who adores traditional mysteries (hi, Alex Cross, Sebastian St. Cyr), Kitty is everything I’m not supposed to root for—and yet I do. Wildly. She’s not your polished detective. She’s your revenge fantasy in designer boots. She’s chaotic, unapologetic, and terrifyingly effective. She doesn’t solve crimes. She finishes them.

The murders? Unapologetically graphic. Weirdly satisfying. And somehow laced with the kind of warped empowerment that makes you question your own moral compass. Which is… unsettling. And brilliant.

Katy Brent’s writing is unrelenting in the best way. Her pacing is surgical, her dialogue could cut diamonds, and her sense of justice is as warped as it is strangely cathartic. You’re not just reading a thriller—you’re reading a manifesto in lip gloss and blood splatter.

And when the laughter fades and the blood dries, the true wound is somewhere quieter—where love meets consequence, and neither walks away unscathed.

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About the Author:
KATY BRENT is a freelance journalist and has been in the industry for over fifteen years. She started work in women’s magazines back in 2005. In 2006, Katy won a PTA award for New Journalist of the Year. More recently she has focused on television journalism. Writing a book has always been her dream and lockdown finally gave the time she kept using as an excuse for not doing it.

*HarperCollinsCA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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BBNYA Blog Tour | THE FALL IS ALL THERE IS by C.M. Caplan

About the Book:

THE FALL IS ALL THERE IS
6th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY C.M. CAPLAN | NOVEMBER 7, 2022
GENRE: FANTASY/ SCIFI

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All Petre Mercy wanted was a good old-fashioned dramatic exit from his life as a prince. But it's been five years since he fled home on a cyborg horse. Now the King - his Dad - is dead - and Petre has to decide which heir to pledge his thyroid-powered sword to.

As the youngest in a set of quadruplets, he's all too aware that the line of succession is murky. His siblings are on the precipice of power grabs, and each of them want him to pick their side.

If Petre has any hope of preventing civil war, he'll have to avoid one sibling who wants to take him hostage, win back another's trust after years of rivalry and resentment, and get an audience with a sister he's been avoiding for five years.

Before he knows it, he's plunged himself into a web of intrigue and a world of strange, unnatural inventions just to get to her doorstep.

Family reunions can be a special form of torture.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

"The world that Caplan has created for this story is a fascinating one and the descriptions we are given make it that much more wondrous."
-Melissa @ Never Enough Books
"This book grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go, making it a standout in the competition."
-GirlLovesToRead

[BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

C.M. Caplan is the author of the SPFBO 9, BBNYA, and Indie Ink Awards Finalist, The Fall Is All There Is. He's a quadruplet (yes, really), autistic, and has a degree in creative writing. If you enjoy his books, you can rate them on Goodreads and Amazon.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication.
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Book Review | PALM MERIDIAN by Grace Flahive

PALM MERIDIAN

BY GRACE FLAHIVE | PUBLICATION: JUNE 10, 2025
AVID READER PRESS | GENRE: FICTION / LGBTQ+
RATING: ★★★★✬

"Despite its melancholic premise, the novel hums with life."

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A rollicking, big-hearted story of long-lost love, friendship, and a life well-lived, set at a Florida retirement resort for queer women, on the last day of resident Hannah Cardin’s life—for readers of Less and The Wedding People.

It’s 2067 and Florida is partially underwater, but even that can’t bring down the residents of Palm Meridian Retirement Resort, a utopian home for queer women who want to revel in their twilight years. Inside, Hula-Hoopers shimmy across the grass, fiercely competitive book clubs nearly come to blows, and the roller-ski team races up and down the winding paths. Everywhere you look, these women are living large.

Hannah Cardin has spent ten happy years under these tropical, technicolor skies, but after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she has decided that tomorrow morning she will close her eyes for the very last time. Tonight, however, Hannah and her raucous band of friends are throwing one hell of an end-of-life party. And with less than twenty-four hours left, Hannah is holding out for one final, impossible thing…

Amongst the guest list is Sophie, the love of Hannah’s life. They haven’t spoken since their devastating breakup over forty years ago, but today, Hannah is hoping for the chance to give her greatest love one last try.

As Hannah anxiously awaits Sophie’s arrival, her mind casts back over the highs and lows of her kaleidoscopic life. But when a shocking secret from the past is revealed, Hannah must reconsider if she can say goodbye after all.

Spanning the course of a single day and seventy-odd years, and bursting with irresistible hope, humor, and wisdom, this one-of-a-kind novel celebrates the unexpected moments that make us feel the most alive.

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"DESPEDIDA"

Some books don’t just tell a story—they unearth something. Like they reach into your ribs and tap your heart in a way that lingers, quietly messing with your perspective.

PALM MERIDIAN has that kind of undercurrent. There’s a strange and beautiful ache that lingers after finishing it. It’s the ache of witnessing a life unfold in quiet, intricate loops—of following Hannah Cardin through her final chapter, and all the ones that shaped it. The way time folds in on itself, how memory and desire blur, and all those silences between the lines that say so much more than the dialogue ever could. When something like that lands hard, it can leave you feeling sort of… hollow and hyperaware at the same time.

The novel’s heart is anchored in 2067 Florida, yet it drifts freely through time, memory, and meaning. Hannah’s decision to meet death on her own terms, refusing to let cancer dictate her ending, is not presented as tragic—but as an act of radical love and clarity. She is surrounded by beautiful people with stories as tender and fierce as her own. Every one of them deepens the texture of this novel like brushstrokes on a canvas.

The pacing is slow, but it’s never aimless. It feels like a constellation drawn deliberately, each moment orbiting the next with intention. The narration is a kind of map —not the kind that gets you from A to B, but one that asks you to stop, look, and feel your way forward.

Despite its melancholic premise, the novel hums with life. Friendship, memory, love found and lost and found again—it’s all here, brimming and bittersweet. In this quietly dystopian future, people still choose to love, to dream, and to walk forward. And when love moves mountains to reach you at the end, what do you do with that? How does the one left behind continue?

PALM MERIDIAN didn’t leave me hollow —it left me full. Of ache, yes. But also, of warmth. Of light. Of a kind of peace.

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About the Author:

Grace Flahive was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She studied English literature at McGill University in Montreal before moving to London, UK, in 2014, where she’s lived ever since. Palm Meridian is her debut novel. © Robin Silas Christian

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE TREASURE HUNTER’S CLUB by Tom Ryan

THE TREASURE HUNTER’S CLUB

BY TOM RYAN | OCTOBER 15, 2024
SIMON & SCHUSTER CA | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★✬

"A twisty tale with a diverse cast and beautiful setting.."

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INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER | Nominated for the Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award

A rollicking mystery about a secret society, nautical charts, cryptic clues, and a fabulous treasure to die for—perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Benjamin Stevenson.

For nearly a century, tourists have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, though locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open.

Peter Barnett is rapidly approaching forty with little to show for his life when a mysterious letter invites him to Maple Bay and the mansion his estranged family has called home for generations.

Seventeen-year-old Dandy Feltzen is isolated and adrift following the death of her beloved grandfather until a tantalizing clue sets her on a mission to solve the mystery he spent his entire life chasing.

Cass Jones has given up on her dream of being a successful author when an unexpected opportunity lands in her lap: a housesitting gig in remote Maple Bay, where she stumbles on the perfect subject matter for her breakout book—and the handsome sailor who might be just the person to help her research it.

Peter, Dandy, and Cass have never met, but they’re on a collision course with each other and the mystery that has defined Maple Bay for centuries. None of them are prepared for the shocking truths that may still be buried there, or the fresh bodies piling up.

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THE TREASURE HUNTER’S CLUB is a slow-burning yet compelling mystery set in the charming seaside town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia—a place rich with pirate lore and deeply intertwined with secrets that span generations. Tom Ryan skillfully combines suspense, intrigue, and local charm to create a tale that draws readers in and keeps them guessing.

While the pacing is deliberate, every event is intentional, contributing to the overall unraveling of the story. The plot twists—entwined with themes of greed, betrayal, guilt, and remorse—ensure that the reader’s patience is rewarded. Ryan also excels in characterization; with a diverse cast of protagonists whose paths converge in unexpected ways. Dandy Feltzen is particularly memorable, her heartfelt quest to honor her grandfather’s legacy grounding the narrative in emotional authenticity.

The book strikes a balance between the thrill of treasure hunting and the danger it entails, with a cozy mystery ambiance underscored by Maple Bay’s close-knit community. It’s this sense of belonging—amid the adventure, danger, and mystery—that gives The Treasure Hunter’s Club its soul.

This twisty tale, brimming with secrets and blackmail, will appeal to lovers of both traditional and unconventional mysteries. And for those familiar with Nova Scotia, the vivid setting adds an intimate, personal connection that’s hard to resist.

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About the Author:

Tom Ryan is the internationally bestselling author of an adult mystery, The Treasure Hunters Club, in addition to the YA mystery Keep This to Yourself, winner of the 2020 ITW Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel, the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for Best YA Crime Book, and the 2021 Ann Connor Brimer Award. It’s currently being adapted for television. His follow-up YA mystery, I Hope You’re Listening, was the winner of the 2021 Lambda “Lammy” Award for Best LGBTQ Mystery. Tom, his husband, and their dog live in Nova Scotia. Photograph © Niki Davison

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S DEATH ON THE RED SEA by C.L. Miller

THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S DEATH ON THE RED SEA

BY C.L. MILLER | FEBRUARY 18, 2025
SIMON & SCHUSTER | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★

"Amateur sleuthing with a grand adventure."

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The next installment in the nationally bestselling The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder series finds antique hunter Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole once again embarking on a journey to recover priceless antiques—this time on a Red Sea cruise.

Freya and Aunt Carole are back! After their successful solve at Coptham Manor, Freya and Carole return to late mentor Arthur Crockleford’s antique shop in Dedham Vale, but after receiving an invitation （and then suspicious disinvitation) from an antiques specialist cruise and a break-in and murder at a local maritime museum, Freya and Carole are back on the case!

The two catch up to their original cruise ship in Cyprus, for a route that will take them through the Suez Canal （with a stop in Egypt) to their eventual destination off the Red Sea in Jordan. The ship has an art gallery filled with stolen antiquities listed in Arthur’s journal. This time, Freya and Carole are on the hunt for a shadowy figure called “The Collector,” who traffics in stolen artifacts, and whom they believe to be on board. But on a ship full of antiques enthusiasts—plus some unexpected familiar faces—will Freya and Carole be able to discover the Collector’s identity before people begin disappearing from the ship? Or are they next?

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C.L. Miller delivers another thrilling installment in The Antique Hunters series with The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea, a cozy yet high-stakes mystery packed with adventure, intrigue, and heart-stopping twists. Though it’s a follow-up to The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, this book stands firmly on its own, making it an excellent entry point for new readers.

Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole return as a dynamic sleuthing duo, brought to life with humor, wit, and charm. Aunt Carole continues to shine as an unforgettable character, her surprising resilience and resourcefulness adding a delightful spark to the narrative. This time, the stakes are elevated, with a glamorous antiques cruise in the Red Sea as the backdrop for a deadly hunt for stolen treasures and a dangerous art trafficker known as The Collector.

Miller’s writing is crisp and engaging, blending the allure of stolen antiquities, ship-bound peril, and the rich cultural setting of the Red Sea. The introduction of new characters, intertwined mysteries, and a fresh treasure hunt keeps the series feeling vibrant and exciting. The plot’s twists and turns keep readers perched on the edge of their seats, while the cozy mystery atmosphere provides a perfect balance to the pulse-pounding action.

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea is a attestation to Miller’s talent for crafting entertaining mysteries with heart. Whether you're a fan of the series or diving in for the first time, this book is sure to captivate and delight.

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About the Author:

C. L. Miller is the internationally bestselling author of The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder and The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea. She started her working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on the Miller’s Antique Handbook & Price Guide and other antiquing guides. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family. Visit her at CLMillerAuthor.com. Photograph © Dan Kennedy

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | GLIFF by Ali Smith

GLIFF

BY ALI SMITH | PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 4, 2025
PANTHEON | GENRE: LITERARY FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

"An affirmation to a word-bending and storytelling brilliance!"

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From a literary master, a moving and genre-bending story about our era-spanning search for meaning and knowing.

An uncertain near-future. A story of new boundaries drawn between people daily. A not-very brave new world.

Add two children. And a horse.

From a Scottish word meaning a transient moment, a shock, a faint glimpse, Gliff explores how and why we endeavour to make a mark on the world. In a time when western industry wants to reduce us to algorithms and data—something easily categorizable and predictable—Smith shows us why our humanity, our individual complexities, matter more than ever.

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This is a late review, and I need to apologize for that. Because how do we review an Ali Smith? It's difficult... But let me try.

Ali Smith's GLIFF reaffirms her genius as a literary powerhouse, blending a near-future dystopian narrative with profound reflections on humanity. The title itself—a Scottish term for a fleeting moment—sets the tone for a story that is transient yet deeply affecting.

Smith crafts a world that feels both familiar and alien, where societal divides grow stark, freedoms erode, and the ominous specter of constant surveillance looms large. Her exploration of our humanity—juxtaposed against the dehumanization by algorithms and industrial powers—creates a poignant commentary on the times we live in. Yet, amidst this unsettling backdrop, Smith threads hope and individuality, reminding us why our complexities matter.

Her manipulation of language is nothing short of magical. Words bend and dance under her pen, forming a visceral connection that draws readers into her narrative. The wordplay, as ever, is quintessentially Smith—challenging, inventive, and unexpectedly delightful.

Gliff stands as a testament to Smith's brilliance in both vision and execution. It's an experience rather than mere storytelling, leaving readers not only captivated but also deeply contemplative. For fans of her work, it's another masterpiece; for newcomers, a profound introduction to her extraordinary world-building and linguistic artistry.

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About the Author:

ALI SMITH is the author of many works of fiction, including, most recently, Summer, Spring, Winter, Autumn, Public library and other stories, and How to be both, which won the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, the Goldsmiths Prize, and the Costa Novel of the Year Award. Her work has four times been short-listed for the Man Booker Prize. Born in Inverness, Scotland, she lives in Cambridge, England.
Photo by Christian Sinibaldi.

*Penguin Random House provided the Netgalley access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Blog Tour | WHILE WE’RE YOUNG by K.L. Walther

About the Book:

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
BY K.L. WALTHER | PUBLICATION: MARCH 4, 2025
HARPER COLLINS | GENRE: YA ROMANCE

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A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day—from the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules!

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"The brilliant writing perfectly encapsulates the meaning of true friendship, the importance of having that unconditional support and the loss keenly felt when it breaks down."
-BookswithDanSamEnd
"The Author did a good job with balancing the character’s views, the lighthearted scenes with the emotional ones which made the story flow nicely with some scenes that felt rushed/under explained."
-A walk In a Book


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About the Author:

K.L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. And listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, of course.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

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BBNYA Spotlight | MY HEART IS HURTING by S.E. Reed

About the Book:

MY HEART IS HURTING
BY S.E. REED | JULY 16, 2023
GENRE: YA FICTION

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Jinny Buffett is lonely…

She’s never had the comfort of a white picket fence with a loving family. Her subsidized apartment in Hollywood Florida echoes with the void of her dead Daddy, and the nights drag long into twilight while her Mama works the block outside the Margaritaville resort.

It’s idealistic Ms. Fleming, who’s brave enough to come knocking first. She wants to see Jinny rise up and use her ace scores to escape the wheel of poverty, convincing Jinny to start a school book club, where she finds the friends and boyfriend she never knew she needed.

But when her Mama spirals out of control and threatens her entire existence, it’s Jinny’s Everglade ancestors who arrive in a mist of magic, bringing the swamp and hope with them.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

S.E. Reed lives in the south and writes strange, haunting, real stories of people and places along old highways.

Winner of the 2024 Florida Book Awards and the 2024 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People.

Additionally, she's been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and won honorable mention twice in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest.

TWITTER | WEBSITE

*Content sent by the BBNYA for this blog's publication.
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BBNYA Spotlight | CURSE OF SOULS by Niranjan

About the Book:

CURSE OF SOULS
15th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY NIRANJAN | JANUARY 19, 2024
GENRE: FANTASY, ROMANCE

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The fates of two nations hang on the balance on a man’s choice between love and an arcane bond.

Philip has been spearheading a rebellion in his country, with Casey, his lover and partner, at his side. The rebellion has snowballed into a civil war and casualties on both sides are mounting. In a desperate attempt for peace, Philip decides to approach Raylan, the second in command of the other side. He has learned that Raylan is not as stubborn as his mentor and that he may be open to negotiations.

The last thing Philip expects is for a soul mate bond to spring to life between him and Raylan, activating an ancient curse that will kill them both if the bond isn’t consummated. Philip has never loved anyone but Casey, and Raylan is a total stranger who he has no feelings for. Yet, the delicate negotiations between the two nations will fail without him and Raylan. Philip’s life is not his own, after all; it belongs to the people he has pledged his service to.

With more than his life at stake, will Philip be able to let go of the love of his life to bring peace to his people?

Curse of Souls is dystopian futuristic fantasy. If you love fantasy tales with high personal and world changing stakes, and protagonists who struggle to make hard choices, you will enjoy Niranjan’s Curse of Souls about people pushed to the limits of their endurance.

Buy Curse of Souls today for a tale of love, sacrifice and redemption that will leave you breathless.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology.

When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fanfiction.

More about them may be found at https://authorniranjan.in/

*Content sent by the BBNYA for this blog's publication.
This is a free ad.

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Book Review | THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS by Son M., Robin Yao

THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS

WRITTEN BY SON M. | ILLUSTRATOR: ROBIN YAO
OCTOBER 22, 2024 | HARPERALLEY
YA GRAPHIC FANTASY | RATING: ★★★

"Stong themes with compelling artwork."

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Enter the world of Muqadas, where the climb to the top of this vertically stacked city—away from disease-ridden waters of the lower levels—is paved with betrayal, secrets, and rebellion in this debut graphic novel from author Son M. and artist Robin Yao.

n Lifelong friends Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah have carved out a place for themselves in their corner of Muqadas, where they dream of climbing from their place in the city’s lowest level, above the limb-snatching, disease-infested waters, to the very top of their vertical city. Young inventors who’ve seen firsthand the havoc the Habar infection causes set out to dazzle the masses with their innovative prosthetics and escape the dangers of Lake Saha.

When their inventions catch the eye of a scout who is on the hunt for new talent to bring to the higher tiers, their dreams are suddenly within reach. But as the wonders of the upper tiers enchant, Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah begin to question why the bounty of Muqadas falls short of reaching Lake Saha's inhabitants.

Behind the beauty of the city's upper tiers lie dark and dangerous secrets—ones that threaten not only everything they’ve worked for but everyone they love. And when Mustafa and Aarfah are cast away for their allegiance to Lake Saha, Basem is faced with the difficult choice: Fight to bring justice to all of Muqadas? Or abandon his friends and fall in line to achieve everything he’s ever dreamed of?

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I recently read THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS by Son M., with illustrations by Robin Yao. This graphic novel caught my attention because of its intriguing concept and the promise of an immersive world.

It is a story with a lot of potential. The concept is intriguing, and the world-building is interesting, though it suffers from a lack of exploration. While the plot was easy to follow, it felt a bit rushed and failed to be immersive. There were several plot points that I failed to grasp. The theme of classism is poignant and carries the story, but it needed more time to fully develop. The rebellion aspect felt like it came in too late. On a positive note, the art is fantastic. I loved the character designs and the color schemes.

Personally, I found it difficult to connect with certain elements of the book. The rushed pacing and underdeveloped plot points made it hard for me to stay engaged. While I appreciated the themes and the fantastic artwork, I felt the story needed more time to breathe and develop fully.

Overall, while THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS wasn't entirely to my taste, I can see how it might appeal to readers who enjoy stories with rich themes and striking artwork. It's a graphic novel that could be appreciated by those who love exploring the dynamics of classism and rebellion in a visually compelling format.

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About the Author:

SON M. is an Algerian-Amazigh, Muslim writer who enjoys creating narratives in both prose and visual mediums. She specializes in horror, science-fiction, action, thriller and mystery.

She is very passionate about comics, games and animation, leading them to create stories in all three mediums. She is afraid of heights and non-productivity. She draws their power from the Sun.

SON is the Studio Director and Creative Director of the indie game studio Perfect Garbage. She is also the writer half of SCSM COMIC. She has written for Z2 Comics, DC Comics, Vault and more.
Image from THE BOGLANDS. No infringement intended.

Robin Yao is a queer Chinese American illustrator who loves to tell stories through environments and world-building—the rich narrative that fills the negative space around the characters in impactful and subtle ways—be it in games, animation, comics, or just about any visual medium that exists out there. Oh, and they have a penchant for horror. See their work at robinyao.com.
Image from Harpercollins. No infringement intended.

*Thanks to HarperCollins for the egalley access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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