Welcome to this week’s Book Talk!
I had a pretty good reading week:
Home Before Night by J.P. Pomare: 4.5 stars. A short read that takes place during a snap Covid lockdown. Opening with an outstandstanding prologue, this twist-filled, fast-paced mystery moves at a breathless speed. The characters are well-drawn and some are quite flawed. The storyline is brilliantly executed with so many surprises that are impossible to predict.
Nine Black Robes by Joan Biskupic: 5 stars. A stunning exposé that provides an insightful look into the shaping of the American Supreme Court. A riveting behind the scenes account that offers a depressing portrait of a deeply flawed system that has been exploited by outside influences. Engaging but does not leave much optimism for changes in the “highest court in the land” any time soon.
Come from Away by Genevieve Graham: 4 stars. Historical novel set in Nova Scotia during World War II. This intriguing novel is well-researched and provides an interesting glimpse into a small coastal town that unexpectedly finds the war has come to its shores. Not only are their young men fighting the Germans overseas, but the enemy’s U-Boats menace their coast. The Baker family worries about the safety of their sons who did not hesitate to sign up to fight while daughter Grace wonders if she is doing enough to help the war effort. She soon finds her loyalties tested by a stranger’s secrets.
Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen: 4.5 stars. An excellent mystery with a speculative fiction element. Seven years after a mysterious illness spreads blindness across the globe, life has still not returned to normal. However, thanks to clever techology, many people are now able to “see”. When a witness to a murder reports the killer was nothing but a dark blob, homicide Detective Mark Owens is reluctant to accept the statement at face value. Before long, he knows the witness is telling the truth, but will be able to convince his fellow detectives? And can Mark find out who is behind the rising murder count and why? Prepare for an exciting ride as this brilliant mystery comes a to twisted conclusion.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilerson: 4.5 stars. This multi-layered generational debut is absolutely riveting. Estranged siblings come together after their mother’s death only to discover their family history is not what they were led to believe. In between stunning revelations, they continue to harbor their resentments toward each other. Will they find healing as they reel from one shock to another? I HIGHLY recommend this superb novel.
Now it’s your turn. What have you been reading lately? Join the discussion by commenting below!
