THE INSECT FARM by Stuart Prebble

August 4, 2015
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Roger Maguire is mentally challenged, probably somewhere on the Autism spectrum, and as an adult, his childhood obsession with an ant farm grows into a full-blown insect farm housed in buckets, crates and aquariums filling the backyard garden shed. His younger brother Jonathan also has an obsession, his girlfriend Harriet, a musician.

Jonathan knows he will eventually have to take care of Roger, but when his parents die in a house fire, that responsibility comes much sooner than expected. Jonathan and Harriet marry quickly but she remains at college, and they maintain a difficult, long distance relationship, which grows more complicated when Jonathan realizes that another musician is after his wife.

Things come to a head with Harriet, who ends up dead with Jonathan covered in her blood. He has no memory of the murder, but goes into panic mode, hiding the body and plotting ways to throw blame elsewhere. Roger remains in his own world, and Jonathan continues to care for him as events unfurl around them.

This book starts out super creepy, but quickly morphs into an extremely compelling story about brothers. A compelling read.

Copyright ©2015 Booklist, a division of the American Library Association.

8/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE INSECT FARM by Stuart Prebble.  Mulholland Books (July 7, 2015).  ISBN 978-0316337366. 320p.

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THE DEAD GROUND by Claire McGowan

August 3, 2015
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Paula Maguire is a forensic psychologist working with the Missing Persons Response Unit in Ballyterrin, a small town in Northern Ireland’s border country. She usually investigates old cases, but when a newborn baby goes missing from a hospital, Paula is assigned the case.

To complicate things further, she is pregnant and not sure who the father is. Then a woman is ritualistically, brutally murdered, and the pressure becomes intense. Someone in this tight-knit community is taking very young babies and even cutting them, unborn, from their mothers.

Paula follows this bloody trail with little to go on, while she is agonizing over a deeply personal decision. The history and culture of Northern Ireland are explored, along with themes of religion and fanaticism, but at its soul, this is a tale of motherhood and loss. All of the victims are children and pregnant women, which makes for very dark reading.

This is the second book of the series (after The Lost,) and probably should be read in order. While not for the faint of heart, this compulsively readable thriller should appeal to Meg Gardiner or Val McDermid fans.

Copyright ©2015 Booklist, a division of the American Library Association.

8/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE DEAD GROUND by Claire McGowan.  Headline Book Publishing; First Edition edition (April 1, 2014).  ISBN 978-1472218568. 400p.

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NAME OF THE DEVIL by Andrew Mayne

August 2, 2015
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A Jessica Blackwood Novel

A church explosion in Virginia has led some to theorize the devil could be at work. It’s true, there’s little evidence of the cause of the explosion. There’s also no sign of the reported victims. The latter is easily explained, though, as Jessica Blackwood can attest. Called in alongside Agent Knoll to assist in the investigation, Jessica quickly realizes that the search perimeter is too narrow. They find the first victim hanging upside down from a tree just outside their search field. Less easily explainable is the strange symbol etched in blood across the man’s chest.

In this follow up to Angel Killer, Andrew Mayne once again pits Blackwood against a criminal mastermind whose motives and methods are truly baffling and bizarre. But baffling and bizarre are exactly what Jessica Blackwood excels at.

There are just so many things Mayne does so perfectly here – the cases are super odd, Jessica Blackwood is completely unique and kick ass, and all of the weirdness is couched in a premise that ultimately comes across as believable.

As a second in a series, this is also a great follow up because we finally get to meet some of Jessica’s family and learn more about her background. As such, and due to the fact that there are some references to Angel Killer, I would suggest reading these in order. Trust me, they’re worth it.

8/15 Becky LeJeune

NAME OF THE DEVIL by Andrew Mayne. Bourbon Street Books; Uncorrected Proof edition (July 7, 2015).  ISBN 978-0062348890. 432p.

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ANA OF CALIFORNIA by Andi Teran

July 31, 2015
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One of my favorite books is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I read it as a child, and then again when I was in library school taking “History of Children’s Literature.” It was an even better read as an adult, or at least it felt that way to me. So when I heard about this modern retelling, I must admit I was skeptical. But I braved it out and started Ana…and was immediately hooked. I loved how Teran brought this story into the 21st century and kept the charm and spunk of the original.

If you haven’t read the Montgomery book, I urge you to do so. I recently watched the movie and was startled to see that the actress playing Anne was named Anne Shirley, the same name as the character. That caused me to do some digging and apparently she was moved enough by the story (or the studio) to legally change her name to that of this most beloved character. The movie was okay but I would recommend the book over it any day.

Back to Ana…it is absolutely not necessary to have read Anne to enjoy this book. Ana is a 15 year old Mexican American, and a product of the foster care system. Eventually she gets thrown out of one too many homes and is offered a last chance; to work as an intern on a farm further up the California coast. If she can manage to hang on until she turns 16, she will be old enough to become emancipated.

Garber Farm is run by brother and sister Abbie and Emmett. Emmett is all in favor of an intern, but he’s expecting a boy and grudgingly decides to give Ana a one month trial period. Abbie is delighted to have a girl around the house, and Ana quickly finds that she enjoys life on the farm. Things get a little more difficult when school starts and there is boy trouble, friends and drug trouble, and other road blocks to happiness thrown in her path. But slowly she starts making a difference in the lives of those around her.

For fans of Anne, all I can say is some of the most memorable scenes are updated here. Ana has a run in with a neighbor, her best friend’s accidental drunkenness is now a psilocybin mushroom trip, there is a major hair mishap, and so forth. Every one of these scenes felt like finding a little nugget of happiness.

Ana is a charmer and this is a warm, wonderful coming of age story that should appeal to adults and young adults too. Great for book discussions – check out the Reading Group Guide

7/15 Stacy Alesi

ANA OF CALIFORNIA by Andi Teran. Penguin Books (June 30, 2015). ISBN 978-0143126492. 368p.

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YES PLEASE by Amy Poehler

July 30, 2015
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Narrated mostly by Amy Poehler (with help from Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, Kathleen Turner, Mike Schur, Patrick Stewart et al)

Amy Poehler is funny and nice, and apparently a lot of really funny people like hanging out with her. This is one of the best audiobook memoirs because of all the readers – they really add something to the reading experience.

I was not a “Parks & Recreation” fan. We watched the first season, thought “eh” and stopped watching. Apparently (according to friends and family members who LOVE it) it got a lot better after that initial season. So after listening to this book and my friends and family, it is in my Netflix queue.

Amy talks about her life, her friends and her work. She talks about growing up outside Boston, motherhood, SNL, Parks & Rec and more. She also talks about her family, but sadly, she is divorcing (already divorced?) so that was in the back of my mind as she spoke lovingly about her husband.

I couldn’t help compare it to Bossypants (best of the comedic memoirs) and the Mindy Kaling book and frankly, it didn’t quite measure up. Nonetheless, it was definitely an enjoyable read, probably more so as an audiobook.

7/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

YES PLEASE by Amy Poehler. HarperAudio; Unabridged edition (October 28, 2014).  ISBN 978-0062350886. Listening Length: 7 hours and 31 minutes

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ANGEL KILLER by Andrew Mayne

July 29, 2015
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A Jessica Blackwood Novel

Jessica Blackwood is a Special Agent with a unique set of skills. As the youngest member of a well-known family of magicians, she cut her teeth on stage. But, after an incident left her dangerously close to dying, she gave up the limelight to join the police force and then the FBI. These days her job as a forensic accountant may not be all that exciting, but it’s a respectable one that won’t endanger her life. Yet.

Someone calling themself Warlock has hacked the FBI system, leaving behind a clue to a gruesome and bizarre crime scene. The grave of a murdered girl has been desecrated, the body left to appear as though it’s been digging itself out of the ground. But the grave is that of a girl who was murdered two years ago and the body looks impossibly fresh, leaving everyone completely stumped. Given the exceptional circumstances, Jessica’s mastery of illusion and misdirection makes her the perfect choice for the investigating team. And when the media catches wind of her involvement, Warlock notices.

Andrew Mayne kicks off a stand out new series with Angel Killer. Jessica is probably the first ex-magician lead I’ve ever seen in a mystery/thriller (outside of paranormal reads, that is). And while Mayne has certainly established her as the perfect investigator for a crime involving illusion, he does also develop her as an investigator who thinks beyond what those around her do – meaning the series is not boxed in by having to feature cases involving “magic” at all.

7/15 Becky LeJeune

ANGEL KILLER by Andrew Mayne. Bourbon Street Books; Original edition (September 23, 2014).  ISBN 978-0062348876.  368p.

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KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST by J. Ryan Stradal

July 28, 2015
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Let me start by saying this is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It has everything; great characters, terrific setting, a creative premise and mouthwatering meals.

Cynthia and Lars have a baby, she freaks out, has an affair with a sommelier at the restaurant where she works and they run off together. Lars brings up Eva by himself, with the help of some friends.

Eva is an unusual child; really a savant, and her gift is her palate. She will try anything, and as a child grows her own chilies, selling them to neighborhood restaurants. She grows up to become a celebrity chef extraordinaire, opening a pop up restaurant that moves around the country from one spectacular location to another. Foodies pay thousands of dollars for one her meals, and wait years to get an invite.

Eva’s journey is documented chapter by chapter, each focusing on  a different dish and a different character, from lutefisk to cookie bars. Eventually all the strings are tied together, in a memorable meal.

This is a story about fathers and daughters, mothers and daughters, and community. It’s always about the Midwest and the foodie culture that has pervaded America. There are a lot of laughs, poignant moments that brought me to tears, and everything in between. The prose is beautiful, almost poetic at times, but it is the characters that completely stole my heart.

It is a book that begs to be read slowly and savored, and book that craves to be discussed. Don’t miss it.

7/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST by J. Ryan Stradal. Pamela Dorman Books (July 28, 2015).  ISBN 978-0525429142. 320p.

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IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? by Mindy Kaling

July 27, 2015
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Narrated by Mindy Kaling

There is something that is just so likeable about Mindy Kaling, and after listening to this book, that feeling has just been reinforced. She is, or at least appears to be, nice. Not an airhead for sure. Not a Hollywood egomaniac either – or if she is, she hides it well. And I don’t mean that she isn’t self confident because she is, and she definitely is self aware and smart, qualities that I greatly admire. And she’s funny as hell. This book is laugh out loud funny and also really smart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mindy put together a collection of essays from her childhood, when she first started out writing for television, lots of inside info from The Office, and lots more. I loved the stories about her first writing job in Queens, her People magazine photo shoot, her family, Hollywood gift bags and well, pretty much all of it.

This is a fun read, especially to listen to as she reads it herself. Her next book, Why Not Me?, comes out Sept. 15. I am looking forward to it!

7/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? by Mindy Kaling. Random House Audio; Unabridged edition (November 1, 2011).  ISBN 978-0307939807. Listening Length: 4 hours and 37 minutes

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MADAME PRESIDENT by Nicolle Wallace

July 26, 2015
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Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

 

I read Nicolle’s first two books in this series years ago, and enjoyed them. So when I heard about this new one, I tried the audiobook. The reader was good, but didn’t really add much to the story.

The premise is that there is a female Republican president in her second term, with a newish vice president, another woman who is a Democrat. Did I mention this is fiction? It goes from the ridiculous to fairytale; one of the White House staff had a two year affair with the President’s husband. They broke up, the President knew about it and promoted the mistress to Press Secretary. Spoiler alert: The White House Chief of Staff, probably the second most powerful person in Washington after the President (yes, I watched The West Wing) is leaking information to the press. Does he get fired? Of course not. He is just trusted not to do it anymore. Call me a cynic but I just couldn’t get past any of this stuff. Especially the press secretary. Would Hilary make Monica Lewinsky her press secretary? Not on a bet. ‘Nuff said.

The story is centered around a 9/11 style attack on five cities concurrently.  Lots of deaths, lots of sadness, but that’s just the beginning and ending of the book. The middle was just ridiculous.

I like Nicolle on The View. I think she is a smart Republican, and that is not something that often comes out of my mouth. I don’t agree with her politics, or many of her opinions, but I respect her. I am at the point in my life where if I don’t like a book for any reason, I generally put it down and move on. But I kept on going, hoping it would get better, hoping for some kind of reasonable explanation for the unexplainable, but never got it. I stayed with it until the bitter end, and I’m sorry I did.

7/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MADAME PRESIDENT by Nicolle Wallace. Atria/Emily Bestler Books (April 28, 2015).  ISBN 978-1476756899. 352 p.

Audio Book: Listening Length: 9 hours and 18 minutes

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THE TOURNAMENT by Matthew Reilly

July 25, 2015
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Matthew Reilly sets up a unique novel with an unusual plot incorporating two different themes. The first subject is the use of Queen Elizabeth I as a young girl of 13 and the third in line for the crown when her father Henry VIII passes away. During this period of her life, possibly due to the small chance of becoming Queen, little was written about her and Reilly freely postulates her presence at the other event the book is concerned with.

The Sultan of Constantinople (now Istanbul) Suleiman, sends an invitation to  rulers of several nations inviting them to send contestants to a Chess tournament to be held  at his court. King Henry selects an individual to send and invites Roger Ascham, a noted scholar of the period and Elizabeth’s tutor, to accompany England’s contestant.  Elizabeth begs for permission to travel with the group and goes along. While historical records seem to indicate that she never traveled very far from London during her lifetime, Reilly takes a long leap with literary license to chronicle her trip. The adventures the party encountered during the trip as well as those experienced during the visit to Constantinople, if really occurring, would have certainly contributed to Elizabeth’s worldly attitude towards her subsequent rule.

Elizabeth’s friend and companion Elyse goes with her and seems to be seeking sexual adventures at every turn. She manages to capture the imagination of the heir to the Russian throne and sleeps with him, imagining that he will select her as his bride. The unfortunate turn of events in Elyse’s adventure is suggested as being the reason for the  later designation of Elizabeth as the virgin Queen.

The chess tournament is described in a way indicating the deep feelings adherents had about a game that mirrored battles and required skill and not luck. Murders of leading people occur during the tourney and Suleiman asks Roger Ascham to solve the mystery of who the murderers are. Ascham does so and introduces the probability of unethical and certainly evil conduct on the part of the sultan and members of his court.

Obviously there is a free use of literary license Reilly both in the events postulated as well as the interjection of world famous personages such as Michelangelo attending the tourney, but the novel is an entertaining read. It should be read as “possibly” occurring and providing a picture of events and action in 1546 with a young Elizabeth experiencing a set of circumstances which would have molded her later character and actions.

7/15 Paul Lane

THE TOURNAMENT by Matthew Reilly. Gallery Books (July 21, 2015). ISBN: 978-1476749549. 320p.

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