Good, not great. I needed a bit of lighter fare after my last few reads, and this fit the bill. Entertaining, far-fetched, and fun, but somewhat forgeGood, not great. I needed a bit of lighter fare after my last few reads, and this fit the bill. Entertaining, far-fetched, and fun, but somewhat forgettable. ...more
As I was browsing reviews and book lists, I didn’t clock that this novel was going to have a magical realism spin. Honestly, I am glad I didn’t noticeAs I was browsing reviews and book lists, I didn’t clock that this novel was going to have a magical realism spin. Honestly, I am glad I didn’t notice, because then I probably wouldn’t have picked up this lovely book which I ended up enjoying very much. Unrealistic, yes, but suspend reality and you have a tale of love and loss, graceful aging, and a powerful coming of age story (no pun intended). ...more
My first 5 star book of the year! So many of my favorite genres & features wrapped up in one: mystery, historical fiction, powerful woman making her mMy first 5 star book of the year! So many of my favorite genres & features wrapped up in one: mystery, historical fiction, powerful woman making her mark, multiple timelines, themes of motherhood, beautiful & compelling setting �. So good!!!...more
3.5 Like touring an overstuffed old house, this book has good bones, but you need to look past all the fluff and distractions to see them. At the core3.5 Like touring an overstuffed old house, this book has good bones, but you need to look past all the fluff and distractions to see them. At the core, I loved the exploration of motherhood and Pen’s coming of age story, however it was easy to become distracted by all of the extraneous subplots.
Started out sooooo strong, but lost its momentum about 2/3 of the way through. Still an excellent story, but I wish the end was as good as the beginniStarted out sooooo strong, but lost its momentum about 2/3 of the way through. Still an excellent story, but I wish the end was as good as the beginning. ...more
I am a fan of Davis’s books, so I was very excited to read this one. The dual time lines and main characters were very intriguing and I enjoyed the exI am a fan of Davis’s books, so I was very excited to read this one. The dual time lines and main characters were very intriguing and I enjoyed the exploration of mother-daughter relationships alongside the drama and mystery of the Egyptian queen. My only gripe with this book (and they reason it is a 4 not a 5) is that it gets all wrapped up a little too neatly in the last 30 or so pages. Especially the last revelation�- that seemed like a far stretch for Annie to deduce with such limited information. ...more
Rounded down from 3.5. I am not sure what the deal is lately with authors throwing in random stuff that does nothing for the plot besides interrupt thRounded down from 3.5. I am not sure what the deal is lately with authors throwing in random stuff that does nothing for the plot besides interrupt the rhythm of an otherwise good read. My last book had a dose of wholly unnecessary magical realism and this one had its flow interrupted by a strange correspondence between the fictional author of the book within the book and a creepy over obsessed beta reader. I am not sure if the author was just trying to be cute or meta or what, but the editor should have slashed this bit. It just felt indulgent. This book would have been a 4 or 4.5 for me otherwise.
As for the actual story, I liked the premise and the characters were likable in that Gen Z way. Cain’s story, in particular, had some compelling aspects and raised questions about redemption and second chances. ...more
I have not read an Agatha Christie in a very long time, but I have read plenty of locked room mysteries. It was very cool to read from the hand of theI have not read an Agatha Christie in a very long time, but I have read plenty of locked room mysteries. It was very cool to read from the hand of the creator of so many of the tropes and “rules of murder mystery� I see in so many other books. ...more
The premise is rather far-fetched, but once reality was sufficiently suspended, I adored both main characters and enjoyed journeying with them on theiThe premise is rather far-fetched, but once reality was sufficiently suspended, I adored both main characters and enjoyed journeying with them on their crazy quest. Both women were exasperating and stubborn and loving in their own ways�- and they made a great match! ...more
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