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Book Reviews

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving was first published in 1819. It follows a Dutch-American villager in colonial America who meets mysterious Dutchmen, drinks their strong liquor and falls into a deep in the Catskill Mountains. This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Rip Van […]

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Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore

In her sophomore novel, Perfect Fit, Clare Gilmore delivers a charming and insightful exploration of love, ambition, and self-discovery. Perfect Fit follows Josephine Davis, a driven young CEO navigating the complexities of running a fashion brand while unexpectedly reconnecting with Will Grant, her former best friend’s twin brother. The novel masterfully weaves together themes of […]

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Second Chance (Baseball Buddies, 2)

Second Chance (Baseball Buddies, 2) by Aaron Derr Genre: Middle Grade Fiction / Sports ISBN: 9781643713922 Print Length: 160 pages Publisher: Red Chair Press Buy from Amazon Buy from Bookshop Reviewed by Toni Woodruff Pleasant and fun—a lighthearted story of baseball and teamwork  The Manatees are back! Thanks to Coach Joe and an unexpectedly excellent […]

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This Girl’s a Killer by Emma C. Wells

This Girl’s a Killer marks Emma C. Wells’ explosive entry into the psychological thriller genre with a story that masterfully blends dark humor, complex morality, and unflinching violence. This debut novel introduces readers to Cordelia Black, a fascinating anti-heroine whose carefully compartmentalized life straddles the line between normalcy and nightmare. Plot & Premise In the […]

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American Scary by Jeremy Dauber

In American Scary, Jeremy Dauber, a Columbia University professor and cultural historian, presents a fascinating journey through the dark corridors of American horror, from colonial fears to contemporary anxieties. Following his acclaimed works on American Comics and Jewish Comedy, Dauber brings his characteristic blend of scholarly insight and engaging narrative style to illuminate how horror […]

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The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman

In a world obsessed with connection, social media, and the constant pressure to engage, Fredrik Backman’s latest novella “The Answer Is No” arrives as a refreshing counterpoint, celebrating the joy of choosing solitude. The bestselling author of “A Man Called Ove” and “Anxious People” returns with a witty, warm, and surprisingly profound story about a […]

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Book Reviews

Review: Hustling the Mob: The Mafia, Malware and Murder by Don Spillane

Synopsis: What the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?Sara and Joshua are about to find out. Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts. An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In […]

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Book Review: Something More

Something More by Daryl Potter Genre: Nonfiction / Religion / Self-Help ISBN: 9781990388132 Print Length: 370 pages Publisher: Paper Stone Press Buy from Amazon Buy from Bookshop Reviewed by John M. Murray A thoughtful examination of the Bible that helps readers find and pursue their life’s purpose As a lost-and-found man of faith, Daryl Potter […]

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The Debutantes by Olivia Worley

In her sophomore novel, The Debutantes, Olivia Worley crafts a deliciously dark mystery that peels back the pristine veneer of New Orleans high society to reveal the rot beneath. Following her debut “People to Follow,” Worley proves her talent for exposing the dangerous intersections of privilege, power, and secrets through the lens of young women […]

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Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa

Mina’s Matchbox demonstrates once again why Yōko Ogawa remains one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary authors. In this masterfully crafted novel, translated with remarkable sensitivity by Stephen Snyder, Ogawa weaves an intricate tapestry of childhood memories, family dynamics, and concealed pain within the grand setting of a German-Japanese household in 1972 Ashiya. A House of […]