Author: Aimeeeliz

Let`s Get Cozy! Lighthearted mysteries for every reader

Aimeeeliz

If you’re like me, you like to have some palate cleanser books on hand after you finish a particularly disturbing, heavy or emotionally taxing read. For many, that’s YA or romance. Me? I like a good cozy mystery! (Or, as I explained to a coworker, some “good, lighthearted murder.” I might have a morbid sense of humor…)

I think there’s a cozy mystery out there for everyone – some are funnier than others. Some focus more on the small town setting or bakery/candle shop/bookstore, others focus more on the murder investigation. You may be wondering: what DEFINES a “cozy mystery?” Well, my friends at Kensington Books have a great definition on their cozy mystery website: “Comedic murder mysteries that show you what happens when you put a quilter, a candy shop owner, a baker, a pet sitter or some other wholly inappropriate sleuth on the case to solve a crime.”

Cozies are typically free from gory descriptions (barring very surface-level details), “safe for work” and pretty lighthearted. For a thriller/horror/mystery lover like me, they’re the perfect fluff reads when I need something easy and not-so-nightmare-inducing.

Another great thing about cozies? Most are part of a series, but the books stand on their own. If you want to jump in to the middle of a series, you won’t be too confused (you might read some callbacks to previous books, but most cozies are good at explaining the essential details each time around). Let’s move on to the recommendations! (Each title also includes a link to my review, if you want more in-depth information.)

The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams: This might be the PERFECT start for readers who are very much into thrillers and not-so-much into fluffy books. This is one of the heavier cozies i’ve read so far (but it’s still light and snuggly). It’s incredibly atmospheric and the friendships in this book are heartwarming and realistic.

Sealed Off by Barbara Ross: This is a short little book that packs a punch! Revolving around a family clambake business, this one is heavier on the mystery and a bit lighter on the cozy. Clocking in at less than 250 pages, it’s a great choice for a lazy afternoon.

Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy CoCo: Set in the Pacific Northwest, this cozy features Let It Bee, a shop specializing in beeswax and honey products (i’m honestly a little miffed it doesn’t exist in real life). This one also features a cozy mystery staple – a sleuthing pet.

Cobblered to Death by Rosemarie Ross: Any Food Network or Great British Baking Show fans? This is the cozy for you! When a cooking competition contestant is found dead, it creates a tense and eerie atmosphere on set. This is the first in a series, if you’d prefer to start from the beginning.

An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox: Oh, how I LOVED this one! It strikes the perfect balance between light and dark. Our main character owns a book-themed pub (again, a little salty these places aren’t real!) Another great choice for readers looking to get into cozies, but want to avoid the sugary sweetness that some tend to have.

I have more cozy mystery reviews on the blog – just click the “cozy mystery” tag to find the rest.

COZY MYSTERY REVIEW – Coconut Layer Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Aimeeeliz

{Available February 25, 2020} Coconut Layer Cake Murder continues the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. This is the most recent book, but only my second that I’ve read.

The mystery is good and interesting. However, our characters spend a LOT of time drinking coffee and trying new cookies (this is fine – the book is pure fluff and a great palate cleanser. But it does get a bit repetitive).

I would recommend these if you’re already interested in the cozy genre, and need something super light (and a little silly). If you’re dipping your toe into the genre for the first time, I would suggest starting somewhere else.

Thank you Kensington Books for the ARC!

REVIEW – Rust: A Memoir of Steel and Grit by Eliese Colette Goldbach

Aimeeeliz

{Available March 3, 2020} There’s a lot to say about Rust – this story hooked me right from the beginning. Goldbach is from Cleveland, a resilient city with an industrial past (and present, and future).

I connected with a lot in the beginning of this book. Goldbach and I are both graduates of Catholic all-girls high schools. We’re both from cities in northern Ohio (her from the northeast, me from the northwest). Our cities both have strong foundations in industry – hers in steel, mine in glass and cars. Goldbach and I are roughly the same age (I believe she’s a few months older than me).

I’ve never worked in a factory. I’ve never had to and, honestly, have never considered it an option. Reading Goldbach’s account as a woman in her late twenties (at the time) navigating life as an employee in a steel mill was fascinating. I think many of us can agree that when we picture a “factory worker” or a “steelworker” we do not picture a young, college-educated woman. Goldbach’s account dismantled my idea of what a typical factory worker is like (which makes me sound like an idiot, but i’m not afraid to admit I was biased and I was WRONG).

I felt that this book lost its way a bit at times – it meanders from topic to topic, timeline to timeline, with few line or section breaks (but this could be something that is remedied in the finished copy). However, it’s difficult to place a “review” lens on someone’s life experience. There are moments where I forgot I was reading nonfiction (Goldbach is a great writer! And this memoir felt more like a novel sometimes).

This memoir isn’t just about a young woman finding her way in the steel industry. It also focuses heavily on her struggle with mental illness, and is supplemented by observations and events surrounding the 2016 presidential election.

Content warnings: mental illness, rape, discussion of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

Thank you Flatiron Books for the NetGalley ARC.

REVIEW – The Light After the War by Anita Abriel

Aimeeeliz

“No man can wipe out truth and beauty. Human beings were born to create great things, and they will do so again.”

The Light After the War is a post-WWII account of Vera and Edith, two best friends living in Naples, Italy (and eventually ending up in Caracas, Venezuela). The novel is based on the author’s mother’s story of surviving WWII and her experiences in the years immediately following the end of the war.

“When they were together, Vera felt like she and Edith were two girls on a grand adventure instead of orphans alone in the world.”

There was a lot to like about this book. The writing is incredibly vivid and provides a beautiful, delicious description of Naples, before moving on to warm, colorful Caracas. I felt like I was there right alongside Vera and Edith (and it was wonderful!) I loved that both Vera and Edith had career aspirations – Vera dreamt of being a playwright and Edith wanted to be a clothing designer. Some of the most interesting aspects of the book were the plot points that led each woman down her own career path.

“That was the thing about Edith: she believed falling in love was the answer to everything, even escaping the war.”

This is primarily a historical romance, and honestly I would have found it a bit unbelievable (and a little too fluffy) if not based on a true story. (I guess truth really is stranger than fiction sometimes!) It leaned a little too light and airy at times for my taste, but I think romance lovers will really enjoy this story.

“Death is everywhere, but so is life.”

My favorite part of Abriel’s writing was how she tied events and objects from the “present” timeline in the book, to Vera and Edith’s experiences as children and during the war. It was really impactful to get their backstories in small bits and pieces, even at times when you’d least expect it. Ultimately, it’s a very hopeful book but it doesn’t gloss over the realities and horrors of the war. It strikes the perfect balance between joy and sorrow.

I know many avid readers may think the historical fiction genre is oversaturated with WWII novels, but I would urge you to give this one a try – the war is a key part of the story, but it’s not the main focus.

Thank you Atria for sending me a finished copy of this book!

REVIEW – The Chill by Scott Carson

Aimeeeliz

{Available February 11, 2020} A supernatural thriller blurbed by Stephen King? I knew I had to get my hands on this one. And oh man…this gave me probably the STRONGEST book hangover i’ve had in months. I ended up finishing it sooner than I anticipated because once I passed a certain point in the plot, I couldn’t stop reading.

This book grabbed my attention right from the start. Focused on the Chilewaukee Reservoir (or “the Chill” as the locals call it), the novel revolves around an interesting cast of characters, including a sheriff and his son, a DEP officer and her “sandhog” father, and an engineer/inspector who has come to town to evaluate the state of the dam containing the Chill.

There are some strong supernatural vibes early on in this book, some of which reminded me heavily of The Shining (but in a great way, more of a homage vs a plot point being yoinked from someone else’s work). Add a sprinkle (just a sprinkle) of an old-timey cult, and some chilling (sorry…) descriptions of rushing, relentless waters, with secrets buried beneath the surface.

It’s a little slow-going for a bit, but right at the halfway point it takes an unexpected turn and dives right in to straight up nightmare fuel territory (at least for me. One major thing i’m afraid of? Dark, deep water. Guess we can now add dams to my list of fears). Much like a King novel, the real horrors in this book are grounded in reality. Basically, I ain’t afraid of no ghosts but I AM afraid of things that can actually kill me.

Thank you Atria and Emily Bestler Books for the ARC!

REVIEW – Grace Is Gone by Emily Elgar

Aimeeeliz

From the suspense-filled prologue, to the chilling ending, Grace Is Gone is sure to be a popular thriller.

Murderinos and true crime junkies will have a good idea of where this story is heading (you might be able to figure out from the premise what it’s based on). Not a true crime fan? Then enjoy the ride – it’s full of twists and turns!

The one thing I didn’t love? Jon, one of our main characters, is kind of an idiot. The majority of his problems are self-inflicted, and I found it difficult to feel bad for him.

Even though I knew approximately where this plot would end up, I still enjoyed the book. Elgar’s writing is solid throughout, and even exquisite at times.

Thank you Harper Perennial for the free book!

REVIEW – The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter

Aimeeeliz

“There’s always a moment right before bad things get worse. Split second. Blink of an eye.”

Karin Slaughter is the QUEEN. Full stop. Her writing is incredible; it’s real and it’s well-researched.

“Some people got calm when they were in control. Will had been out of control enough times in his life to find calm in chaos.”

I had only read her standalone books before picking up The Last Widow. It’s the ninth book in the Will Trent series, but the first i’ve read. I immediately fell in love with these characters – ALL of them. Will, Sara, Faith, Amanda. Needless to say, I am so excited that I have eight other Will Trent books to read!

This. Book. I am a relatively calm reader. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, a lot of Stephen King, a lot of murder-y books, I tend to not be too shocked by much. This book had me reacting to it AUDIBLY. And I loved it. Between the “holy shit!” and the “that’s right you dumb…” (well, you know), the story kept me on my toes. The beginning where Sara gets kidnapped (it’s in the synopsis, so no spoilers here) was HORRIFYING. I felt like I was there. The atmosphere in Georgia in the summer, the smells, the sounds, the FEELINGS. Slaughter’s writing is vivid, and I don’t say that superficially. I felt transported inside the story and, at times, almost wanting to Google some of the people and events because it felt that REAL.

I don’t want to say too much because some of the things in this book will hit you hard if you don’t see them coming, and it’s so worth the experience.

I’ll say it one more time. Karin Slaughter is the QUEEN. Believe it. Read her books.

REVIEW – Westering Women by Sandra Dallas

Aimeeeliz

“Being part of our group of women has been the greatest adventure of my life. …I have been part of a remarkable journey with you and the others. We are sisters. We are a band of sisters.”

Westering Women is the story of 44 women (and two ministers) making the journey west on the Overland Trail from Chicago to California. The intent is that the women will find husbands once they reach their destination, but many of the travelers have dark secrets that threaten their lives (and, ultimately, the lives of those traveling with them).

“I do not know the meaning of death, but there is meaning to life.”

The good? The eventual bond between these women is great. They stand up for each other, they protect each other, they keep each other’s secrets. The women are tough and resilient, despite the conditions they face on the trail, including disease, death, violence, rough terrain and harsh weather. Mary, especially, is an incredible character, and I would love to read a book focusing on women like her during that time. She quickly takes on a leadership role for a multitude of reasons, and she’s the shining star in this book despite not being the main character.

The not so good? I found the dialogue to be a bit stilted at times, but this could be a symptom of the time period in which it’s set (I haven’t read many books set in the 1800s so this might be my issue and not the book’s). I also found it to be inconsistent in its approach to hardships – it seemed like some of the issues and events were very brutal and upsetting for the overall tone of the book, but other issues were just kind of brushed aside too easily.

And the problematic? I felt that the story glossed over the role of Native Americans during this time period, and applied a harmful, racist lens overall. Although those traveling to California were attacked by Native Americans on the trail, it seemed like the book did little to dispel the “savage, violent, greedy” stereotype that had incredibly harmful repercussions, the effects of which are still evident today.

I do think this book will go over well with a lot of people – it has enough “grit” that it’s interesting but is also precious and fluffy enough that many readers will still find it palatable.

Content warning: assault, attempted rape/rape (at times involving children), death of children.

Thank you Bibliofinder and St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of this book.

CONSTANT READER REVIEW – Rose Madder by Stephen King

Aimeeeliz

“It’s best to be ruthless with the past. It ain’t the blows we’re dealt that matter, but the ones we survive.”

Let’s get this out of the way – this book is…odd. Bad? No. Up to King’s high standards? Also no. However, there are some great things about this book and some chilling things about this book.

The suspense in this book is palpable. When Rose initially escapes from Norman, my heart was pounding. This impending sense of terror lessened as the story progressed, which is likely why this isn’t a favorite among Constant Readers. If King could have sustained that feeling of doom, this could easily be one of his scariest books.

“Come over here – I want to talk to you up close.”

Norman might be one of the most terrifying villains in King’s writing (well, until a certain point…then he just becomes a bit too exaggerated and a bit too…crazy). Norman is scary because he’s REAL. At least for the first half-ish of the book, he’s just an angry, abusive, power-hungry, psychotic cop with a huge ego and an even bigger temper. He’s an absolute wild card – you never know what’s going to set Norman off, or how far his anger will carry him. The parts inside Norman’s head are horrific.

“The world could be good. She supposed she had known that as a child, but she had forgotten.”

The ladies! Oh, the ladies of Daughters & Sisters. They take a backseat to the larger story, but they are fun and amazing and badass. They are resilient despite their own hardships, and the way they rally around Rose (and each other) is heartwarming. And Gert! Oh, Gert. What an absolute delight!

“Some things call to us, that’s all. It’s as if the people who made them were speaking inside our heads.”

Now…the painting. Of course, the painting is kinda-sorta a huge part of the story, but the scenes involving the painting (especially the initial one) are a little drawn out and a little repetitive. Actually, the book, in general, is a bit repetitive and could have easily been 200 pages shorter (or even a short story).

“And sometimes men had to learn what it was to be afraid of a woman, didn’t they?”

I think overall the idea here is good. It suffers from “too much-itis” – the story is a bit too much. Norman as a villain is a bit too much. Either way, i’m glad I read it and I would still recommend that any King fan give this one a go. It wasn’t an unenjoyable reading experience, it just doesn’t match up to some of his other works.

REVIEW – Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Aimeeeliz

“They don’t have a problem with what i’ve done. Just with who I am.”

As usual, Jodi Picoult has written a book that made me angry, sad and joyful. Picoult’s writing is immersive – her books aren’t short, but they are quick reads. She knows exactly how to weave a story to keep the reader interested and yearning for more.

Small Great Things tackles racism, white supremacist attitudes, everyday prejudices, and even class differences.

I have to be clear, i’m writing my review from the perspective of someone who’s white, and who grew up relatively middle class – I don’t know what it’s like to be discriminated against because of my skin color, and I don’t have to worry about keeping my fridge full or my lights on at home. So I can only approach this review with my own experience.

“It’s easy to believe we’re all in this together when you’re not the one who was dragged out of your home by the police.”

That being said, I think Picoult did a great job of examining racism (whether overt, or unintentional). Ruth’s experiences are frustrating and heartbreaking. They are also real. Nothing in this book felt over exaggerated or unbelievable. Without spoiling anything, I was worried at one point that Ruth was just going to be the book’s punching bag for the entirety of the book.

“It’s pretty terrifying. I mean, what if your next-door neighbor was a white supremacist and you didn’t know it?”

Kennedy’s evolution throughout the book was interesting – she starts to notice racial microaggressions even before taking on Ruth’s case. Most of Kennedy’s character really revolves around the other characters in the book, so I don’t have much to say about her, honestly. It wasn’t a bad choice by Picoult, Kennedy is more of a means to an end. Her interactions with her mom were interesting, but they didn’t add much to the story as a whole.

“He’s pushed up his sleeves while I was out of the room. Running from write to elbow on one arm is the tattoo of a Confederate flag.”

The most intriguing character of this book is, hands down, Turk Bauer. He’s vile – an unapologetic white supremacist with a horrific backstory. I can’t imagine what it was like for Picoult to write from Turk’s perspective. On the flip side, he’s also a grieving parent. It’s an interesting dichotomy – hating him due to his beliefs, but also feeling sympathy for him due to his loss.

Turk is also fascinating due to the current political climate of our country – people who act like Turk, who think like Turk, seem emboldened by the rhetoric coming from the White House and are more vocal, more public with their racist, sexist beliefs.

Is this book perfect? Probably not. I can only comment on what I know. However, it does seem like Picoult did her due diligence – she conducted thorough research, consulted with a number of people who can provide first-hand accounts of the events in the book.

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Dr. MLK, Jr.