PRETTY MARYS ALL IN A ROW by Gwendolyn Kiste

Pretty Marys All in a Row by Gwendolyn Kiste

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first heard about this novella on Twitter, where several people mentioned how good it was. So I picked up a copy late last year with the intention of reading it in 2019.

Resurrection Mary. Bloody Mary. Mistress Mary Quite Contrary. Mary Mack. Mari Lwyd. We all know the names from urban legends, nursery rhymes and old myths, but no one knows how they spend their afterlives when they're not haunting.

Well, this is that story.

Rhee spends her time haunting a stretch of highway and grieving over her lost love. Red waits inside a mirror until she's summoned. Mistress plagues the garden with her poisonous plants. Mack is always in the basement building her own coffin. And Lew, from the forgotten Welsh story, carries the skull of her horse with her and drinks too much.

These five Marys live in a house together. They've become sisters and share the fear they've collected from the living at the dinner table. But something strange is happening. There's a darkness seeking them out. One that will surely destroy them...

Wow. This is such a great story!

Not only is the concept amazing--I'm a sucker for urban legends and myths--but the writing style hooked me in from the very beginning.

The story is told by Rhee, and her voice is so haunting and interesting that I got caught up in this unique ghost story so deeply my fingers itched to grab my Paperwhite so I could read a little bit more. To squeeze in another chapter between doing stuff... until I read the last half in one sitting.

I love stories like these. The ones that feature tormented girls and are told in a whimsical manner full of horrific imagery, narrated in such a lyrical way that it becomes eerily beautiful. Tales of forgotten girls, lost and damaged girls, victims of violence so often forgotten. This story captures ALL of that and so much more.

I'm so glad I've finally read this awesome book. I definitely have to read more books written by this author.

And btw, I LOVE the cover.

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Books Read in 2018

THE PRINCESS SAVES HERSELF IN THIS ONE:

Amanda Lovelace

LIBBY IN THE MIDDLE:

Gwyneth Rees

PSYCHO:

Robert Bloch

WE SEE EVERYTHING: (DNF)

William Sutcliffe

DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES

(Wayward Children #2):

Seanan McGuire

THE GIVEN:

Fiona Dodwell

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF DESTRUCTION

(Lois Lane):

Gwenda Bond

A REAL WORK OF ART

(Lois Lane):

Gwenda Bond

BONFIRE:

Krysten Ritter

THE COMPLETE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE STORIES:

Charlaine Harris

EVERLESS:

Sara Holland

MILK AND HONEY:

Rupi Kaur

ENDLESSLY

(Paranormalcy #3):

Kiersten White

ARISTOTLE & DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE:

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

RINGER

(Replica #2):

Lauren Oliver

REQUIEM

(Delirium #3):

Lauren Oliver

ALEX

(Delirium #1.1):

Lauren Oliver

THE BELLES: (DNF)

Dhonielle Clayton

THE POOL HOUSE:

Tasmina Perry

THE DEATH HOUSE:

Sarah Pinborough

GUNSLINGER GIRL:

Lyndsay Ely

THE ABYSS SURROUNDS US:

Emily Skrutskie

SATELLITE: (DNF)

Nick Lake

ODD THOMAS: (DNF)

Dean Koontz

THE WONDER DOWN UNDER:

Nina Brochmann & Ellen Støkken Dahl

FORGOTTEN WOMEN

The Leaders:

Zing Tsjeng

FORGOTTEN WOMEN

The Scientists:

Zing Tsjeng

PRACTICAL MAGIC:

Alice Hoffman

SHE

A Celebration of Renegade Women:

Harriet Hall

AN UNREMARKABLE BODY:

Elisa Lodato

THE EXORCISM OF STEVIE KING:

Jim Mullaney

THE STORY OF TANTRUM O'FURRILY:

Cressida Cowell & Mark Nicholas

FULL DARK, NO STARS:

Stephen King

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MARLON BUNDO:

Jill Twiss & EG Keller

BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE:

Annette Curtis Klause

HAMMERS ON BONE

(Persons Non Grata #1):

Cassandra Khaw

DETECTIVE PIKACHU: Eevee's Case:

The Pokémon Company

THE NOWHERE GIRLS:

Amy Reed

BEFORE YOU SLEEP

Three Horrors:

Adam Nevill

IN THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD:

William Meikle

THE WREN HUNT:

Mary Watson

AMERICAN HOARDER:

Jason Arnopp

AUTO REWIND:

Jason Arnopp

BEFORE YOU WAKE

Three Horrors:

Adam Nevill

Y: THE LAST MAN, Vol. 1

Unmanned:

Brian K. Vaughan & Pia Guerra

GERALD'S GAME:

Stephen King

THE MEMORY CHAMBER: (DNF)

Holly Cave

THE PERFECT GIRLFRIEND:

Karen Hamilton

HORROR STORY:

Carmen Maria Machado

GREMLINS:

George Gipe

A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES: (DNF)

CG Drews

MARVEL RISING #0:

Devin Grayson, Marco Failla & Helen Chen

SLIGHTS: (DNF)

Kaaron Warren

A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE VAMPIRE UPRISING:

Raymond A Villareal

TIGHT LITTLE STITCHES IN A DEAD MAN'S BACK:

Joe R Lansdale

INCIDENT ON AND OFF A MOUNTAIN ROAD:

Joe R Lansdale

STAR WARS EPIC YARNS

A New Hope:

Jack Wang

STAR WARS EPIC YARNS

The Empire Strikes Back:

Jack Wang

STAR WARS EPIC YARNS
Return of the Jedi:
Jack Wang

CICADA:

Shaun Tan

THE OUTSIDER:

Stephen King

EMBASSY OF THE DEAD:

Will Mabbitt

THE UNICORN QUEST: (DNF)

Kamilla Benko

FINAL GIRLS:

Riley Sager

WIDOW'S POINT:

Richard Chizmar & Billy Chizmar

SOME WILL NOT SLEEP:

Adam Nevill

UR:

Stephen King

STAR WARS

Rogue One Mission Files:

LucasFilm

SUPERHERO GIRLS

Date with Disaster:

Shea Fontana

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO WONDER WOMAN:

Matthew K Manning

THE TALL MAN:

Phoebe Locke

ALONE:

Cyn Balog

THE ASTONISHING COLOUR OF AFTER:

Emily XR Pan

THE GRAVE TENDER:

Eliza Maxwell

LET ME LIE:

Claire Mackintosh

WITCHING HOUR THEATRE:

Jonathan Janz

CLEAN:

Juno Dawson

TOOK:

Mary Downing Hahn

THE PRETTY ONES:

Ania Ahlborn

BLOOD AND MAGICK

(Deacon Chalk, Occult Bounty Hunter #3):

James R Tuck

CAREER OF EVIL

(Cormoran Strike #3):

Robert Galbraith

THE BOTANIST'S DAUGHTER:

Kayte Nunn

WONDER WOMAN

Warrior for Justice:

Liz Marsham

THE BOTANIST'S DAUGHTER:

Kayte Nunn

THE SIREN AND THE SPECTRE:

Jonathan Janz

THE 13th WARNING:

RL Stine

TEN:

Gretchen McNeil

THE CRONING: (DNF)

Laird Barron

CREATURE:

Hunter Shea

THE MOUTH OF THE DARK:

Tim Waggoner

THIRTEEN DAYS BY SUNSET BEACH:

Ramsey Campbell

FORGOTTEN WOMEN

The Writers:

Zing Tsjeng

FORGOTTEN WOMEN

The Artists:

Zing Tsjeng

THE BAD NEIGHBOUR:

David Tallerman

THE LIFE AND DEATH PARADE:

Eliza Wass

THE SKY WOMAN: (DNF)

JD Moyer

TEN THOUSAND THUNDERS: (DNF)

Brian Trent

SHUTTER:

Courtney Alameda

BATTLE ANGEL ALITA, Vol 1:

Yukito Kishiro

THE TOY THIEF:

DW Gillespie

GRACE & FURY: (DNF)

Tracy Banghart

IT ENDS WITH YOU:

SK Wright

THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY:

John Everson

LOGAN'S RUN:

William F Nolan

SKYLARKS: (DNF)

Karen Gregory

THE WEIGHT OF A THOUSAND FEATHERS:

Brian Conaghan

THREE LITTLE LIES:

Laura Marshall

TRIGGER:

Courtney Alameda

THE SWITCH HOUSE:
Tim Meyer

LITTLE EVE: (DNF)
Catriona Ward

YEAR ONE: (DNF)
Nora Roberts

SUSPENDED IN DUSK II: (DNF)
Simon Dewar

BROKEN THINGS:

Lauren Oliver

CLOCKWORK CITY

(Delphic Division #2):

Paul Crilley

RITUALS

(Cainsville #5):

Kelley Armstrong

SAGA, Volume 8:

Brian K Vaughan & Fiona Staples

SAGA, Volume 9:

Brian K Vaughan & Fiona Staples

PROVIDENCE:

Caroline Kepnes

THE GIRL FROM THE OTHER SIDE, Volume 1:

Nagabe

SHIVER: Selected Stories: (DNF)

Junji Ito

CLAIRE:

Liz Sower

TRICK OR DEATH:

Calvin Demmer

BELIEVE ME:

JP Delaney

ANNIHILATION:

Jeff VanderMeer

ELEVATION:

Stephen King

ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD:

Avery Monsen

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #1:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE:

Shirley Jackson

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #2:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

THE SORROWS: (DNF)

Jonathan Janz

THINK YOURSELF LUCKY: (DNF)

Ramsey Campbell

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #3:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

NIGHT SHIFT: (DNF)

Robin Triggs

KOSMOS: (DNF)

Adrian Laing

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #4:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

LOOK ALIVE 25:

Janet Evanovich

THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER:

Calvin Demmer

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #5:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #6:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #7:

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #8:
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

FANTASTIC BEASTS
       The Crimes of Grindelwald: (DNF)
JK Rowling

CARMILLA:
J Sheridan Le Fanu

THE VAMPYRE:
John William Polidori

THE GREAT GOD PAN:

Arthur Machen

THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENED:

Kody Keplinger

SONGS ABOUT A BOY:

Chris Russell

THE BAD SEED:

Jory John & Pete Oswald

THE BAD SEED:
Jory John & Pete Oswald

WILLIAM AND MARY:
Roald Dahl

WHERE ARE YOU GOING, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?
Joyce Carol Oates

UGLIES 
Shay's Story:
Scott Westerfeld, Devin Grayson & Steven Cummings

RISK:
Fleur Ferris

HOW TO BUILD A GIRL: (DNF)
Caitlin Moran

THE TENT:
Margaret Atwood

Books Read in 2018: 153/100

( Number of DNF books: 23)

----------------------------------

Number of books read to catch up on series/duology/trilogy: 16

· WAYWARD CHILDREN #2 (ongoing)

· LOIS LANE Prequel #1 (ongoing)

· LOIS LANE Prequel #2 (ongoing)

· SOOKIE STACKHOUSE (all short stories) 

· PARANORMALCY #3 (last book in trilogy)

· RINGER #2 (last book in duology)

· DELIRIUM #3 (last book in trilogy)

· ALEX #1.1 (last short story in series)

· DEACON CHALK, OCCULT BOUNTER HUNTER #3 (last book in trilogy)

· CORMORAN STRIKE #3 (ongoing)

· DELPHIC DIVISON #2 (ongoing)

· CAINSVILLE #5 (last book in series)

· SAGA, Vol. 8 (ongoing)

· SAGA, Vol. 9 (ongoing)

· STEPHANIE PLUM #25 (onging)

· SONGS ABOUT A GIRL #3 (last book in trilogy)

My 2018 reading plans

THE TENT by Margaret Atwood

The Tent by Margaret Atwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this adorable little gem during one of our thrift store adventures. I love The Handmaid's Tale, so I'm always on the lookout for more Atwood stories. And this short book was quite a treat!

It's hard to describe how cool all the fragments within the pages of this hardcover book are, because it's a collection that needs to be experienced. That's the only way to truly appreciate the weight of impact this collection actually packs.

Margaret Atwood has put together some really clever and intriguing small tales, poems and very random pieces of writing. They all sucked me in, kept me glued to the page, and had me nodding along because I found so much of what was written to resonate with me. I also thought the illustrations fit nicely.

There's so much social commentary here, and all of it is told through a wonderful literary voice.

The blurb describes these as fictional essays, but I've been finding myself thinking about this book as a stream of consciousness. It's filled with interesting fragments, random thoughts and lyrical tales that swept me away. Not only did I enjoy them, but I found the writing style to be calming. Sometimes bordering on dreamy narrative with a surreal edge.

I honestly think every author should write at least one book like The Tent. It seems like it would be a cathartic experience. A great way to let your mind run wild, to unexpected places where the norms of storytelling won't restrict the words spilling onto the page.

This really is a great little book!

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THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENED by Kody Keplinger

It's been three years since the Virgil County High School Massacre. Three years since my best friend, Sarah, was killed in a bathroom stall during the mass shooting. Everyone knows Sarah's story - that she died proclaiming her faith. 

 But it's not true. 

 I know because I was with her when she died. I didn't say anything then, and people got hurt because of it. Now Sarah's parents are publishing a book about her, so this might be my last chance to set the record straight . . . but I'm not the only survivor with a story to tell about what did - and didn't - happen that day. 

 Except Sarah's martyrdom is important to a lot of people, people who don't take kindly to what I'm trying to do. And the more I learn, the less certain I am about what's right. I don't know what will be worse: the guilt of staying silent or the consequences of speaking up . . .

I've read several excellent books written by this author, so of course I was looking forward to reading this one.

Three years after a mass shooting took place in Virgil County High School, the survivors are still dealing with the horrific memories of that day.

Each kid has moved on with their lives. One is in college, another is married and the other three are in their last year of school. And then there's the estranged one.

No matter how hard each one tries to move on, what lies beneath the surface still haunts them. For Lee, she also feels the heavy weight of guilt. She knows the story being told about one of the victims--her best friend--isn't right, and her determination to finally tell this truth reveals other, deeper secrets... 

Wow. This is quite a book! A very important book.

I was hooked from the start, and found Lee's journey to be sad, hopeful, and even frustrating at times. The way these kids were treated/judged by others when they dare break the safe narrative their faith forces them to cling to, is awful.

The characters were awesome. Lee's narration takes us deep into how badly her life changed when her best friend was shot. Denny is a fascinating kid with an awesome guide dog and great ideas. Miles is quiet and continually fighting his own personal demons. Ashley has made the most of her life by starting a family, but refuses to face any other truths. Eden might have left town and is now in college, but she's self-medicating and barely keeping it together.

The way this story was written was very cool. Lee is writing a letter, sharing her experience and the truth she's kept to herself for three years. She takes us back to the awful events, and what happened shortly after, and what's going on now. Included are letters from the other survivors, which are really heartfelt. As well as separate sections remembering each of the nine victims seen through Lee's eyes, and others that knew them better.

Put all of this together, and it's an awesome story about surviving a tragedy, overcoming guilt, and learning to trust yourself again after being consumed by the threat of death at every corner.

That's Not What Happened is a very powerful story about a group of strong kids who survived something really horrible. It's a heartbreaking book, but not a downer. I found myself totally captivated by the different experiences each character goes through. It also echoes the many disturbing headlines we see way too often in American schools. It lifts the veil, takes the reader into the scarring aftermath and the awful fallout the rest of us never see.

Asides from the subject matter taking the reader to some very dark places, it's also very well written and kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Looking forward to reading more stories by Kody Keplinger.

That's Not What Happened, September 2018, ISBN 9781444933628, Hodder Children's Books

THE GREAT GOD PAN by Arthur Machen

The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third classic I've read in a row, and I'm glad I did because I'm enjoying these old time horror stories. It's a novella I've had on my Paperwhite for months. Also, one that comes highly recommended by Stephen King himself. So of course I had to read it.

When a doctor decides to perform a bizarre experiment he claims will allow a young girl to see beyond the veil, something truly awful happens. Something so horrifying the effects ripple long after the poor girl is dead...

Okay, so that doesn't even begin to cover what happens in this novella. It's the tip of the iceberg. A tiny percentage of what really happens. Except, most of the awful and terrifying stuff happens off the page because the narration of this book jumps from one person to another. Tumbles from one person's retelling of an account they witnessed, or a strange tale someone else told them. Features memoir snippets and letters, a variety of ways to patch together a dark mystery.

This really is a story within a story, inside a bunch of other stories, tying back to the original one Mr. Clarke introduced about Dr. Raymond and Mary. It's nightmarish and takes root inside your brain. It's surreal and teases with enough imagery for the reader to imagine what isn't shown.

And that might be my only real problem with this story. I REALLY enjoyed it, was hooked instantly and the writing style put everything together well. But sometimes it also dragged a bit and I wanted more actual showing. I needed to know more--so much more--about Helen. Wanted to see things through her POV, because what she was/did turned out to be pretty effed up.

So yeah, this is a great horror novella that does a great job at keeping the dark mystery alive, and keeps the suspense the whole way through. I just felt it was missing something, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars.

I didn't find it scary, but it was definitely freaky, and worth checking out.

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THE VAMPYRE by John William Polidori

The Vampyre; a Tale by John William Polidori

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I watched the Mary Shelley movie earlier this year, and one of the things it featured (of course!) was the fateful getaway which produced one of the best and most influential stories of all-time, Frankenstein.

This story was another that the challenge produced. It was written by William Polidori, Lord Byron's physician. Though at first, the world was led to believe it was Byron's tale, and Polidori had a hard time convincing everyone that it was his story.

Although now that I've actually read it, I don't know why anyone would want to lay claim to such a boring tale.

This story dragged so much. The writing style was blocky and failed to keep my attention. So much I was nodding off a few times and had to force myself back into the narrative. It was a hard story to get through, and I only stuck with it because it was short. If this was a novel, I would've DNFd it for sure.

Ugh. Although I'm glad I read it... who would've thought one of the first vampire stories could be such a bore? The origin story was definitely better than the tale.

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CARMILLA by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had this book on my Paperwhite TBR shelf for AGES. And because I was in the mood to read a shorter book, but definitely one on the creepy side, I thought of Carmilla. The vampire tale that came before Dracula.

The story is told by Laura, a lonely young woman who lives with her father and a bunch of servants. When her friend can't come and stay with her, it just so happens that an accident introduces a mysterious and beautiful woman into their home.

Carmilla is left in their care, and as soon as she arrives people in town start falling ill. Laura starts having strange dreams that Carmilla claims to be experiencing too. But all is not as it seems, and it doesn't take long for the truth to reveal itself...

Well, that was an excellent read! I quite enjoyed this book and was hooked from the beginning. The narrator tells her story, but included within what she shares are tales and the experiences of others.

There were so many ways this could have failed, but it didn't. And as much as the writing and descriptions bordered on too much in some places, everything totally worked. I got so caught up in Laura's story that I didn't want to put it down.

Not to mention that I got carried away by the spooky air of mystery, as well as the vivid description of the gothic location. There's a LOT to like about this book, and the vampire lore is another thing I enjoyed. Carmilla is beautiful and cunning, looks so innocent but is clearly keeping secrets. And doesn't really hide the fact that she is.

Oh, and the attraction/passion between Laura and Carmilla was so obvious. There was no denying that these two wanted to be together, even if Laura was often confused by her need. I loved the natural way Carmilla's sexual preference was presented. No one freaked out. No one judged. They just accepted this was happening and ultimately, the only reason Carmilla is suspected of anything is because she might be a bloodsucker.

I don't know why it took me so long to read this very excellent book, but I'm glad I finally did.

LOVE vampires. Always will. And this satisfied my vampiric craving. For now.

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CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #6 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #6 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I really enjoyed this Salem issue!

I wasn't expecting an origin story, but was totally into it. Actually, what made it even better was that Ambrose's cobra familiars also shared their tale of woe. This was the coolest way of revealing who these familiars were before becoming animal helpers to witches.

Also, how cool was it that The Crucible featured in Salem's life? And how he got his name was super cool, too.

Yep. This was an excellent addition to a comic book narrative I'm already totally invested in. Looking forward to reading more...

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CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oooooooooh.

This issue was SO GOOD!

Sabrina has to face the Witches Council because of what happened to Harvey (cries) and while this is going on, the story flashes back to when her father faced the council for his own supposed crime. And while Sabrina answers questions, Madam Satan forces two young witches from Riverdale (awesome) to help with the case. Things get a lot worse when Sabrina takes part in a dark ritual that will change everything...

Well, I didn't expect THAT to happen! My gosh, this series crosses boundaries all the time, and I love that. I didn't expect that twisted ending and can't help but wonder what this will mean for Sabrina. 😳

I really like how Veronica & Betty keep popping into the story. And although I still want to hate Madam Satan because she's wicked and is making everything worse, I don't.

Oh, and I absolutely LOVE the artwork and covers. Everything is so colourful and pretty, yet gory.

Can't wait to see what happens next.

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THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER by Calvin Demmer

The Sea Was a Fair Master by Calvin Demmer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author of this very cool flash fiction collection was nice enough to send me an eBook copy of this book full of treats (thank you so much!), so I got stuck into it as soon as I could.

But I didn't read the collection in one sitting or even two. I took my time. I grabbed my Paperwhite and squeezed in as many stories as I could during that time in the morning between hubby going to work and my daughter waking up. When morning is still dark and you feel like you're the only person awake.

Yeah, this was the perfect time for these small and varied tales.

Here are my micro thoughts about each one:

ON THE SEVENTH DAY: Creepy & interesting. Great start to this anthology.

RESTROOM FINDS: Ooooh. Loved this one. So much tension & a killer ending.

UNDERNEATH: This was a short tale about an asshole.

YARA: Sweet story about an android missing her human. Loved this one. Heaps!

PEEPER: Predictable, but well-written story.

REVENGE OF THE MYTH: Krampus! Loved this holiday-themed nightmare. Definitely my favourite shortie.

THE ONE: Such a deranged little tale, but not one I enjoyed as much as the others.

FEAR THE CLOWNS: Oooooooh. Love that super creepy ending! One of my faves.

WEST: Interesting shortie with a bit of a twist.

THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER: What seemed like an average tale at sea became so much more after reading the last line.

TRASHCAN SAM: This one made me laugh because I thought the janitorial premise was very clever.

BLIND TEDDY: Oh! This was disturbing af. Not a merry Christmas tale at all. :(

VOODOO CHILD: Loved the creepy kid vibes in this one. Mix in a voodoo doll, and... yeah. Great story.

LETTING THE DEAD GROW: Terrible things happen to people who hate Halloween. This should be a message to everyone. ;)

THE SNAKES OR THE HUMANS? is a sad, sad story about grief and who is the deadliest species? One of my faves.

NOT SUICIDE: Interesting story.

EVOLUTION = CRIME: This one was just okay. Didn't grab me as much as some of the others.

THE GUESTS: Didn't think much of this one...

LIKE A SPANISH GUITAR: I really enjoyed this creepy story about one couple's doom. Definitely one of the best ones.

HANGMAN: My favourite thing about this one was the crafty, murderous use of the hangman game. Otherwise, too predictable.

GRAVES: Loved the twist in this sad tale. One of the top ones for me.

NOISY NEIGHBOURS: Pretty random serial killer shortie. Meh.

SEA ATE NINE: Liked that the sea demands a payment, but the execution was just okay for me.

As you can see, I enjoyed some more than others, but ALL of them were worth my time. There are stories here for everyone. In a variety of genres, with all types of lovely, ambiguous and awful characters. Every story feels different and takes the reader to different places.

Asides from the great storytelling experience, my most favourite thing about this little book was the writing. It's clean, hooked me in and kept me glued to each story until it was over.

Like I said, this book is quite the treat!

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LOOK ALIVE 25 by Janet Evanovich

There's nothing like a good deli, and the Red River Deli in Trenton is one of the best. World-famous for its pastrami, coleslaw, and for its disappearing managers. Over the last month, three have vanished from the face of the earth, and the only clue in each case is one shoe that's been left behind. The police are baffled. Lula is convinced that it's a case of alien abduction. Whatever it is, they'd better figure out what's going on before they lose their new manager, Ms. Stephanie Plum.

I know I say it every year, but reading the latest Plum book is like catching up with old friends. It's an annual event that I look forward to. And when other books let me down, I know I can count on this series to put a smile on my face. 😊

Most days, Stephanie has enough trouble dealing with one job but now her cousin Vinnie has decided to make her the manager of the Red River Deli. She has no idea how to run a deli, but that's not even her biggest problem. 

The thing is, someone is abducting the deli managers and leaving only one shoe behind. So, unless Stephanie can figure out what's going on, she might get beamed up by aliens--which is Lula's theory. 

At least she has Morelli and Ranger to keep her safe, or use her as bait. Add the mysterious and creepy Wulf to the mix, and if she doesn't figure out what's going on soon, she might get herself into more trouble than usual...

Wow. What a fun book! I know it might sound weird saying that when so much danger and mayhem was going on, but it's true.

Even after SO many books, Stephanie & Co. still manage to drag me into their dangerous and hilarious world. The new mystery always hooks me in, and I can't wait to find out what's going on. Not to mention how caught up I get in all the other stuff in her chaotic relationship and family life.

Plus, I care a lot about these characters. I find myself swept away with what's happening to them, laugh out loud at all the crazy shenanigans, and end up on the edge of my seat while the mystery plays out. I also roll my eyes a few times because Stephanie always falls into trouble and mishaps way too easily. And this leads to some very  bizarre consequences. 

Yep. I'm a huge fan of this series for a LOT of reasons.

Look Alive 25 is yet another super fun addition to this very cool and totally awesome series. Every new book adds a little more danger, a certain degree of intrigue, and somehow manages to complicate Stephanie's life a bit more.

And THAT ending! Noooooo. I can't hang on for another year waiting to see what happens to a certain lady who finds her way into trouble even more often than Steph! 😩

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this series. I can't wait to see what's next for Stephanie.

Look Alive 25, November 2018, ISBN 9781472246073, Headline Review

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #4 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacas & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #4 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

O.M.F.G.

I can't believe THAT happened. Honestly didn't see it coming. Although, I should've. Should have known the path this comic book series is heading down gets darker and darker, and that nothing is off limits.

Yikes! I need a sec to process this. Not because of my attachment to the character, but because of Sabrina's.

Anyway, a LOT happens in this issue. And we even have a cameo from some Riverdale guys. Namely, Veronica and Betty, who really get a shock. That Madam Satan's such a kidder. 😜

The imagery in this installment was pretty grisly, especially when dealing with true witches. I seriously can't wait to see where this nightmarish tale ends. Actually, that's probably why I'm enjoying this so much. There's a delirious nightmare quality to the story that really makes it addictive.

And I want more!

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CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #3 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacas & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #3 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm really enjoying how dark this series is, because it's even darker than the TV show. What makes everything that much worse is the fact that it totally feels like a sugary 60s story--even includes the old horn-dog cliché, LOL--while some pretty bad shit is happening.

This issue is about Sabrina getting ready to be baptised on her birthday, which happens to be Halloween AND a blood moon. It flashes back to when she was younger and started asking questions about what would happen. And also concentrates on her relationship with Harvey, who wants to take things to the next level. But of course she can't because she has to be pure in every way.

I also like how Madam Satan keeps manipulating everything. That is similar to the show, but still so different. She's a total asshole, but I can't help but like her. Unlike Harvey, I can't stand this version of him. He's a real douche, nothing like the sweet show-Harvey.

Oh, and how cool was Della, Queen of the Sabbath? That wicked nun was great. Wish they'd added HER to the show.

Well, I'm hooked now and can't wait to see what happens next.

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CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #2 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #2 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly, I just need to say that I LOVE this cover. It's beautiful! And although the majority of this issue doesn't focus on Sabrina, I still think it totally fits.

Madam Satan is finally free of Gehenna, and sets her sights on Edward Spellman. Along the way she finds herself a new face, and leaves chaos in her wake. Her destination was the woman who stole Edward from her, but when she finds out they have a teenage daughter, she makes her way to Greendale and finds the perfect way to get closer to Sabrina...

Yikes. Madam Satan sure is a callous and creepy bitch. Though I did like how she takes care of a particularly bad individual, her cruelty destroys a lot of people in different ways. And now that she's tracked down Sabrina, I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

I'm still loving the artwork. It's just so colourful, so groovy 60s minus the corny factor. Another thing I really like is how well the story is told, and that although this comic book series seems to be pretty narrative heavy, it totally works!

I know the show is supposed to be based on this particular series, but it's SO different. It seems to be taking a similar path but with heaps of differences.

Oh, and Salem actually talks. Cool.

Really enjoyed Madam Satan's story, and can't wait to see what other mischief and mayhem Miss Porter is going to unleash.

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THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, after putting this book aside a few times, I'm SO glad I decided to give it another go. I'm not sure if it was because I changed the reading format (from paperback to Kindle), or if it was watching the very awesome Haunting of Hill House TV show. It could be both things that provided extra incentive.

When Dr. Montague, an occult scholar, invites several people to spend the summer in Hill House, he's hoping to find evidence of a haunting. Three people turn up: Theodora (a free spirit running from a fight), Eleanor (a lonely woman running from her controlling sister), and Luke (the future heir of Hill House).

The house feels strange pretty early on, and it's easy to get lost, but the foursome enjoy each other's company. Sticking together while checking out all the rooms seems to work, but this isn't a normal place. And it doesn't take long for the house to start responding...

Wow. Third time was definitely the charm with this one. Everything I initially found annoying or boring or slow, was exactly what hooked me in. So much that I couldn't put it down, and read it in a few days.

The story is told through Nell's POV and I enjoyed how she let herself get carried away with stories of a better life. I felt so bad for her because her family took her for granted and used her up, turning her into a shy, disconnected woman with too many vulnerabilities. Yet, she was clever and determined.

I also thought the other characters were interesting in their own way, and provided an awesome background for Nell. But the best character was the house. I loved how easy it was to get lost within the corridors, to end up as disoriented as Nell.

The dark imagery was vivid. The writing style so perfect for such an unreliable narrator, and keeps the reader guessing. Because that was another gem--how gradually Nell switches from vulnerable, to troublemaker. Not to mention how cool it was when I realised just what was going on during the night knocking.

And THAT ENDING!

Yeah, I'm really excited about how much I loved this book. It's such a claustrophic psychological horror.

I'm just going to end with how fantastic the TV show adaptation turned out. It took the most impressionable stuff and turned it into a new, yet familiar story. I recognised so many lines taken right from the book. Very cool.

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CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #1 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Robert Hack

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and finding out it was based on this comic book series, I wanted to check it out. So when I found all 8 issues at the Kindle store for a bargain price (99c each) I HAD to buy them!

The story starts with Edward and Diana Spellman. A warlock and a human who fall in love and have a baby. But for some (unknown at the moment) reason, they have to give her up to Edward's sisters, Hilda and Zelda.

The aunties move to Greendale and raise Sabrina in this small town. Here, she gets a familiar--Salem the cat--and goes to a human school. Her mysterious cousin also lives with them and helps her with a lot of the mischief she finds herself in. In this case, wanting the affections of Harvey Kinkle.

But what she doesn't know is that an old foe of her parents has come back, and is ready to seek revenge...

The artwork in this issue--by Robert Hack--is beautiful, and creepy. So very freaky. And I like how the pages are set out. There's quite a bit of narrative and dialogue in this book, which is setting everything up really well.

I also like that it's set in the 60s, and that although the story is very familiar, it's already different from the show. Even the way Sabrina looks defers, as well the lore about familiars.

This issue also contains a classic Sabrina story from Archie's Madhouse Issue #22 (October 1962), which according to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa happens to be her first appearance.

Oh, and the cover of this book has a real Flowers in the Attic vibe.

I really enjoyed this!

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ELEVATION by Stephen King

Castle Rock is a small town, where word gets around quickly. That's why Scott Carey wants to confide only in his friend Doctor Bob Ellis about his strange condition: he's losing weight, without getting thinner, and the scales register the same when he is in his clothes or out of them, however heavy they are. 

 Scott also has new neighbours, who have opened a 'fine dining experience' in town, although it's an experience being shunned by the locals; Deidre McComb and her wife Missy Donaldson don't exactly fit in with the community's expectations. And now Scott seems trapped in a feud with the couple over their dogs dropping their business on his lawn. Missy may be friendly, but Deidre is cold as ice. 

 As the town prepares for its annual Thanksgiving 12k run, Scott starts to understand the prejudices his neighbours face and he tries to help. Unlikely alliances form and the mystery of Scott's affliction brings out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

It's no secret that I'm a Stephen King fan, so of course I couldn't wait to read his latest novella.

Scott Carey lives in the small town of Castle Rock. He's divorced but has a comfortable job working from home, and shares his house with a cat. He also has a peculiar problem. One he decides to share with his friend, a retired doctor.

Scott is losing weight, but still looks the same. No matter what he's wearing, or not wearing, the numbers on the scale don't change. Even when he's holding something!

His other problem is that his new neighbour's dogs keep pooping in his yard. And their owners happen to be a new couple in town--a married gay couple who is finding it hard to get their restaurant business off the ground because of close-minded fools.

But Scott's had enough of staying quiet, and decides to take a stand. While using his condition to his advantage, he hopes for a positive outcome...

He's done it again! King took a simple but mysterious seemingly medical condition, and turned it into an emotional story about friendship, tolerance and acceptance. 

The way so many of today's issues casually form some of the narrative is done well, smoothly layered into the main character's troubled condition. There is a message here, but it doesn't slap you in the face. Instead, it follows one man's decision to change, to deal with bigotry in an honest way. 

I also really liked how Scott speaks up when others judge without thinking, or bothering to get to know who they're badmouthing.

Whenever I pick up a Stephen King book, I know it's going to affect me in a lot of ways. And this story did that. It also swept me away to Castle Rock, and beyond.

Elevation is a short and sweet story that, in typical King style, hooked me in from the beginning. The mystery at the core of the novella is intriguing and freaky, which leads to a heartbreaking conclusion. The way everything turned out was bittersweet, because although it ends on a sad note, it's also nice because of the connections left in his wake.

And I HAVE to mention how beautiful this book is. It's hardback, the cover is lovely, the inside is pretty, and the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are lovely.

Can't wait to see what comes next for this very awesome author.

Elevation, October 2018, ISBN 9781473691520, Hodder & Stoughton

ANNIHILATION by Jeff VanderMeer

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that I've wanted to read for a while, so when hubby found a really nice copy during one of our thrift store adventures, I was super excited.

Area X is cut off from the rest of the world, and has been for a long time. It's why groups of expeditions are sent out to explore. But every time they are, something strange happens. Some expeditions end in murder, others in suicide, the latest were shells of their former selves when they returned. But new groups keep training and new professionals are sent out.

During the 12th expedition, a biologist, surveyor, anthropologist and psychologist are sent. And they're all female. Not that this will make a difference when facing such treacherous terrain...

Whoa. Wow! This is such an intriguing and unique SF story. I was hooked instantly. It's SO intense.

The narrator--the biologist--has such an addictive voice. She kept me riveted to the page because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, exactly what was going on in this world, and just wanted to know how everything was going to turn out.

This is such an intriguing psychological (ecological) thriller. The biologist's voice is strong, yet shy and even standoffish. Not to mention that she often becomes an unreliable narrator. She explains a lot about what she sees and what she's gone through, but conveniently leaves out important bits of information. She also seemed to struggle with emotion and relationships, which comes across whenever she talks about her husband--who was on one of the ill-fated expeditions.

I especially liked how the biologist talks about her surroundings. It makes everything come alive, her words filled my mind with amazing and impossible imagery about a world that is often hard to comprehend.

The mysterious and creepy vibes were addictive. The more I read, the more I got lost in this insane world. A lot of weird shit happens, and the writing style captured everything perfectly. Add a bunch of clever flashbacks to tie in to what the biologist discovers, and there's no way I was putting this book down until I reached The End.

After that ending, I'm really curious about where the other two books in this trilogy will take this story.

Now we can watch the movie. 😊

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BELIEVE ME by J.P. Delaney

Claire Wright likes to play other people. 

A British drama student, in New York without a green card, Claire takes the only job she can get: working for a firm of divorce lawyers, posing as an easy pick-up in hotel bars to entrap straying husbands. 

When one of her targets becomes the subject of a murder investigation, the police ask Claire to use her acting skills to help lure their suspect into a confession. But right from the start, she has doubts about the part she's being asked to play. Is Patrick Fogler really a killer . . . Or the only decent husband she's ever met? And is there more to this set-up than she's being told? 

And that's when Claire realises she's playing the deadliest role of her life .

I really enjoyed THE GIRL BEFORE, so I was looking forward to reading this author's next book.

Claire is an aspiring British actress whose unprofessional behaviour led to her burning all her bridges in the UK. So she moved to New York for a second chance.

Now she's a drama student by day and works for a lawyer firm at night. She doesn't have a green card so her work options are limited, and as low as entrapping married men can be, at least she's earning some money to pay the rent.

When her latest target's wife turns up dead in a hotel room, Claire's world gets turned upside down. The police suspect the husband, and recruit Claire to play the most dangerous role of her life. But when she immerses herself in so many lies, how will she be able to recognise the truth?

This book is incredible. On so many levels. 

One of my favourite things was whenever Claire's POV switched to script format. Not only did it highlight how easily she slipped from real life to pretend, but it amped up the intrigue and heightened the tension.

Claire was such an unreliable narrator. A liar. A con artist. Someone willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. And she's totally obsessed with acting. So much that for her, it's not so much a profession but a way of life.

There were so many reasons to dislike her, but I didn't. Of course I didn't trust her, doubted her every motivation, and even questioned her sanity. But I never disliked her. Never wanted to abandon her story, and desperately needed to follow her to the end.

The other thing I really enjoyed was the use of poetry to base so much of the depravity in the book. As well as the sick individuals so desperate to keep the poet's words alive. “Les Fleurs du Mal” by Charles Baudelaire sure sounds twisted.

Believe Me is an intoxicating, twisty psychological thriller about a bunch of characters who build their lives on lies. Lies to catch criminals, lies to stay in character, lies to hide childhood pain, and lies to justify their shocking actions. But you know what? This made for some riveting reading. The kind that kept me glued to the pages until I got lost in what was happening and questioned my assumptions every step of the way.

There were so many times when I wondered: what the hell is going on? Other times where I caught the shift, and marvelled at how clever the story was. Wow. And the intricate web of lies is only strengthened by the awesome writing, as well as the astonishing conclusion.

I'll definitely be reading more/all the books written by this author.

Believe Me, July 2018, ISBN 9781787472419, Quercus