Book Review: Look at Me by Mareike Krügel

 I read Look at Me by Mareike Krügel for the Dymocks Reading Challenge prompt: a translated book. Originally published in German and impeccably translated into English by Imogen Taylor, I felt it still lost some of the humour in the translation.

 

Kat has an old friend coming to visit but first she needs to get through the day alone, again, as her husband is away with  work.

Look at Me plays out over one extremely hectic day in Kat's life as one thing after another goes wrong and she tries to be everything to everyone, whilst at the back of her mind is the lump she found in her breast and the thought of her own mortality.

 

Look at Me is filled with a quirky cast of characters including 11 year-old Helli, recently diagnosed with ADHD, and Heinz and Theo, Kat's transgender neighbours.

Kat calmly deals with one drama after another as she contemplates her life so far.

 

There is humour, most of it dark, mixed with sadness and the chaos of life with children's needs, work phone calls, appliance malfunctions, husband's texts and neighbours' dilemmas.

 

Look at Me is a story about the messiness of life. Mothers will empathise with Kat as she feels unappreciated but also indispensable. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Text Publishing

Publication date: 26th February 2018

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 288 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

This also qualifies for my MountTBR challenge. 

 

 

Book Review: Can't Buy Me Love by Jane Lovering

I read Can't Buy Me Love for the #DymocksReadingChallenge and it also qualifies for my TBR challenge.

 

When Willow's grandfather dies she is in line for a substantial inheritance. Then when an old University crush, Luke, arrives in town and asks her out it seems all her dreams are coming true.

 

Not long after Willow and Luke start dating she meets computer geek Cal, her brother's friend. They get on so well and have the same quirky sense of humour but Cal seems to be hiding something and Luke keeps disappearing for days at a time on vague work meetings. Willow finds herself struggling with who she can trust.

Can't Buy Me Love is such a fun story! Jane Lovering has given her readers characters to love and characters to hate.

I liked that she has included a character with a disability and shown them as smart, capable and fun.

 

There are mysteries surrounding both Cal and Luke and the odd misunderstanding, and of course there is going to be one that you hope Willow will end up with. 

 

Can't Buy Me Love is a fun, easy read filled with heart and humour. Recommended for a lazy afternoon's reading. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication date: 9th May 2017

Genre: RomCom

Pages: 288

Source: own copy 

Book Review: The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin

 Lovers of Greek Mythology will probably get a lot more from this humorously witty story than I did. However, even though I'm not totally clued up on Greek Mythology I still know enough to see how funny The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin was. Google helped me out with some of the gods' back stories.

 

In The Medusa Situation Gabiann Marin places the gods of old in today's world, living out their immortality in Western Sydney whilst watching reality TV. They still have their differences and petty battles but life isn't as luxurious as when they were revered by mortals.

Medusa's head has been stolen and her sisters ask Hera for help to find who stole it. What follows is a hilarious romp through different realms uncovering the regrets, animosity and squabbles of the top echelons of Greek gods.

 

Gabiann Marin uses an omniscient narrative style which is so well executed the story flows effortlessly.

The Medusa Situation is Greek Mythology with a feminist twist. This very witty, humorous and ungodlike satirical take on Greek Mythology will appeal not only to mythology enthusiasts but anyone with a sense of humour.

My rating 4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

Publication date: 1st July 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 260

RRP:AU$36.95 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Ghost Cities by Siang Lu

 Ghost Cities

by

Siang Lu

Publisher: University of Queensland Press

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Ghost Cities

Ghost Cities is narrated through a dual timeline.
Present Day: Xiang Lu is sacked from his translator job with the Chinese Consulate in Sydney when they find out he can’t actually speak Chinese. When the hashtag badchinese goes viral Xiang is picked up by producer Baby Bao who sees the perfect opportunity to exploit Xiang in his new movie set in China’s ghost city.

Imperial China: Emperor Lu Huang Do rules with an iron fist, forever paranoid that everyone is out to kill him.

I totally enjoyed both timelines however I think the story of Lu Huang Do and His loyal subjects drew me in more. It was totally absurd and I loved how it went round and round in circles.

I loved the parallels drawn between the ancient and the modern timelines.

Ghost Cities is an imaginative story about myths, superstitions, power, desire, fear and corruption, wrapped around lashings of humour and pathos.

Perfect for fans of Haruki Murakami

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

 Bookshops & Bonedust

by

Travis Baldree

High fantasy. First loves. Second-hand books.

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Tor

Publication date: 7th November 2023

Series: Legends & Lattes #0

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Bookshops & Bonedust

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel to Legends & Lattes.

I totally enjoyed this cosy fantasy set in a small seaside village.

 

Viv finds herself recuperating from a battle injury in the small seaside town of Murk. All Viv wants to do is get back with her unit and capture the elusive necromancer Varine.

 

Aside from two fight scenes Bookshops & Bonedust is as cosy as they come. Every character is endearing from the potty-mouthed bookshop owner to her pet gryphet named Potroast. Bookshops & Bonedust is filled with plenty of good clean humour and heart.

 

Many reviewers have stated the first book was better but not having read Legends & Lattes I can't compare. I loved Bookshops & Bonedust for what it was, light-hearted and fun. It's a story about friendship and a bit of a journey for Viv to think through what she truly wants from life.

 

I loved the characters' passion for books and a good scone.

You know you've read a great book when you close it wanting to read more from this author.

 

If you've never read fantasy before, Bookshops & Bonedust would be a great place to start.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Downstream by Annika Johansson

 Downstream

by

Annika Johansson

What do you do when your great Australian dream gets washed away?

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Downstream

Inspired by the Lismore floods of 2022 Annika Johansson has written a compassionate and heartfelt story about losing everything, getting out of your comfort zone and finding new meanings to life.

 

Rob and Sal have lost their home, car and every possession in the Lismore floods. People everywhere are looking for accommodation and after sleeping on couches of family for weeks they finally land a unit in Ballina, only to find out it's been double leased. The two couples decide to share the two bedroom one bathroom unit.

 

The story is narrated in the first person by Rob and we could really see how far out of his comfort zone he was living with the other couple who, although around the same age, were much more outgoing and relaxed about life.

At the beginning of the book we are led to think Sal is anxious and somewhat of an introvert however it is soon obvious that Rob is projecting his anxiety on to Sal and in the presence of the other couple she shows her true self; warm and spontaneous. 

 

Annika Johansson includes fact in amongst this fictional tale and it is this, that makes the story come alive on the page. We know hundreds of people did lose everything in the floods and had to fight for compensation.

 

I quite often wondered if Rob and Sal's marriage would survive under the pressure as there were many dark moments as losing everything threatens Rob's sense of self. However, Johansson adds humour through two vastly different couples thrust together and forced to live, get along and struggle through insurance delays and government red tape whilst also living in extremely close proximity. 

 

Downstream is a heartfelt story and an ode to the strength and resilience of humankind. I found this a pleasant, light read with likeable characters, perfect imagery and plenty of humour.

 

Congratulations Annika on a fabulous debut. I'm excited to see what you come up with next!

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Book Review: Fat, Fifty & Fu*ked by Geoffrey McGeachin

 Fat, Fifty & Fu*ked

by

Geoffrey McGeachin

20th Anniversary Edition

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

Publication date: Rereleased on 13th November 2023 

Genre: Crime / Humour

Pages: 232

RRP: $32.95 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Fat, Fifty & Fu*ked

Set in the fictitious small country town of Burrinjuruk, Fat, Fifty and Fu*ked is the quintessential Australian novel. The small town is dying since the main road was diverted and the local bank is the latest business to be closed down. Get ready for the ride of your life with an armed hold-up, murder,  mayhem, benevolent bikies, Government cover-ups and a madcap journey in a sidecar.

 

Martin Carter's life couldn't get any lower. His wife is playing the field, his step-children hate him and the bank he manages is closing today; his fiftieth birthday.

With a mid-life crisis looming Martin decides to hold up the armoured car delivering the payouts for the local miners. He steals a police car and goes on the run. Along the way he meets up with Faith, an ex-librarian ready to have some fun.

Originally published in 2003, and re-released this year by Clan Destine Press, McGeachin decided to stick with the year 2000 setting. It was a simpler time before smartphones, limited social media and the search for the perfect cup of coffee.

It is very easy to like Martin, the underdog, and barrack for him along the way. Faith is also a fabulous character, putting her librarian smarts to use throughout the journey.

Fat, Fifty & Fu*ked is fast-paced, witty, wild and outrageously funny, served with a side dish of romance.

It's a book I found hard to put down wanting to know how Martin and Faith would get out of this mess.

Fat, Fifty & Fu*ked is the funniest book I have read in a while.

My rating 5 / 5  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Book Review: Wild and Crazy Guys by Nick De Semlyen

 Wild and Crazy Guys

by

Nick De Semlyen

How the Comedy Mavericks of the 80's Changed Hollywood Forever

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Picador

Publication date: 11th June 2019

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 336

RRP: $12.99AU (eBook)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Wild and Crazy Guys

I'm sure Wild and Crazy Guys will be enjoyed by anyone interested in celebrity and film trivia.

 

The book follows the careers of well-known Hollywood stars Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy and John Candy from the early days of Saturday Night Live (SNL), an American live television sketch comedy variety show, to the many movies the actors appeared in.

 

Nick De Semlyen provides a no holds barred behind the scenes look at the friendships, the rivalries, the bust-ups and the tantrums as the book covers their careers during the 70's and 80's.

I didn't know any of the 70's movies mentioned but I did know the actors and the 80's movies they starred in and it was interested to learn how the ideas came up for these movies.

The author describes the inspiration behind many of the movies and comedy acts, detailing not only the successes but also the flops. Many of which were conceived in a drug-fuelled haze.

The book is set out like a documentary, with interviews from the stars themselves, flashbacks and pages of colour-plate photos.

If you are after a bit of nostalgia or are just curious to find out what the comedy of the 80's was all about, Wild and Crazy Guys will not disappoint.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Challenges: Non-Fiction reading challenge

                    TBR challenge

Book Review: Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy

 Loving Lizzie March

by

Susannah Hardy

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th June 2021

Genre: Rom-Com

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Loving Lizzie March

I absolutely loved Lizzie March! She was such a ditz and a lot crazy.

Lizzie is desperate to find 'the one' but she always focuses on the wrong guys and rushes in to one night stands then goes all stalkerish calling them and following them.

 

Lizzie is all brazen and out-going on the outside but underneath she lacks self-confidence.

Her life goes from bad to worse before she gets a wake-up call from best friend Clem. Lizzie did make a terrible best friend, everything was always about her, and I was so glad when Clem finally stood up to her.

It was easy to feel empathy for Lizzie. She followed the old adage - know your dream and go for it - instead of just letting life happen she kept pushing for that perfect relationship.

Loving Lizzie March is a lighthearted rom-com that had me laughing quite often throughout the novel. I was glued to the pages wanting to know how Lizzie would turn her life around.

I enjoyed the character development of Lizzie and Clem's dedication to their friendship. It was clearly hard work for her but she was a true friend.

If you are after a story with a great balance of laughs, heartache and romance grab a copy of Loving Lizzie March and settle in for an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Trigger warning (spoiler ahead)

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Miscarriage

About the author

Originally an actor, Susannah Hardy completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of NSW before running away to study acting in Paris. Back in Australia, her work has involved anything from film and television roles to being one of two singing/rollerblading Carmen Mirandas, Tutti & Frutti, and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel. During this time, Susannah discovered a passion for writing, and fourteen years ago, started working freelance, creating feature articles and copy for print and online publications. However, in between writing on parenting and home interiors, Susannah pursued her love of women's contemporary fiction, and now enjoys creating stories about the more comic side of life and love.

Susannah lives in Sydney's inner west with her husband, two young daughters and recently acquired puppy.

Book Review: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay by Susan Duncan

 Sleepless in Stringybark Bay

by

Susan Duncan

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 29th August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Cosy Mystery

Pages: 389

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay

Sleepless in Stringybark Bay was such a pleasure to read! The characters' colloquial Australian language did take a little getting used to but once I settled into the style I could appreciate it being perfect for the narrative.

 

In Sleepless in Stringybark Bay we revisit the offshore community of Cook's basin and the eclectic group of characters that were first featured in The Briny Cafe.

 

Interest is aroused when a group  of retirees move into the bay calling their newly renovated residence GeriEcstasy. When one of the group is found dead a few days after moving in the police pass it off as an accident. However, former journalist Kate feels it's much more and is certain there is a story behind the group moving to The Bay, isolated from society.

At the heart of this endearing story is a close-knit community that is genuine, wholehearted and takes pride in taking care of its own.

I haven't read The Briny Cafe but I immediately loved every character in this engaging story full of heart and humour.

Sleepless in Stringybark Bay features a captivating mystery, a life threatening storm, a bush birth, a picturesque setting and a quirky community of lovable characters. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Susan Duncan took up a cadetship on the Melbourne Sun which led to a 25-year career spanning radio, newspapers and magazines. She quit journalism after her husband and brother died within three days of each other and eventually wrote the best-selling memoir Salvation Creek. Later branching into fiction, she wrote about good communities creating a sense of belonging and leading to contentment.

Susan now alternates between boats on Pittwater and raising cattle at Wherrol Flat with her second husband Bob, writing occasionally for The Australian Women's Weekly.

Book Review: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer

 In a New York Minute

by

Kate Spencer

Their love story has gone viral. But it hasn't even begun.... 

 

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th March 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance / RomCom

 

Pages: 309

 

RRP: $26.99AU (paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of In a New York Minute

I really enjoyed this lighthearted romcom. A meet-cute with a backdrop of New York City.

Just when she thinks she is on the way up and due for a promotion Franny is put off her job. Her life goes from bad to worse when her dress is caught in the subway door and tears wide open. Hayes is on the same train and seeing Franny is now a blubbering mess gives her his jacket to cover up. Franny is mortified when she finds out their encounter was videoed and is now trending on Instagram as #subwayQTs.

"The world's worst meet-cute had been turned into an adorable romantic comedy that everyone was talking about'

Franny hopes to never see the Hot Suit guy again but the universe has a different idea when they keep bumping into each other.

 

In a New York Minute was such a fun read. A slow burn romance with just the right amount of angst. 

Franny is vivacious and outgoing although she harbours insecurity and self-doubt . Hayes is awkward, methodical and a workaholic. This was a perfect opposites attract story!

 

I loved Franny's friends and it's so nice to read about females supporting each other and genuinely happy about each other's successes. Everyone needs friends like Cleo and Lola.

 

New York shines bright in this novel and Kate Spencer's love for the city radiates throughout the book. 

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Kate Spencer is the co-host of the award-winning podcast Forever35 and author of the memoir The Dead Mom's Club. In a New York Minute is her first novel. She writes a bi-monthly column for In Style, and her written work has been published by the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, and numerous other places. Previously she worked as a senior editor and producer at VH1.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.

 

 

Book Review: The Castaways of Harewood Hall by Karen Herbert

The Castaways of Harewood Hall

by

Karen Herbert

 

a devilish dog, a curious cat and skulduggery in the basement...

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st September 2022

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 216

RRP: $32.99AU

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review of The Castaways of Harewood Hall

Harewood Hall is a retirement village home to an eclectic group of residents who believe retirement from paid work doesn't mean retirement from life.

The narrative switches between some of the residents of the village, the manager, staff member Josh and even the resident cat, Harley, gets his point of view in this humorous and quirky tale.

Kind-hearted Josh rescues some research mice and hides them in Harewood Hall basement. Manager Fiona diligently deals with residents concerns about tree trimming, a spike in water usage and an unsafe retaining wall. Drama abounds when some residents decide to fix things themselves. Paul is the mediator, Martin the fixer and Joyce the organiser.

The Castaways of Harewood Hall is a delightful, light read bursting with a whole cast of likeable characters all with their own quirks and pet projects.

The mystery tends to take second stage to the goings on of the characters, human and non human.

I loved Harley's (the cat) point of view as he wandered from resident to resident, aloof but also a huge part of the village.

Missing money, mysterious deliveries  and a couple of red herrings make this novel an entertaining read. In Harewood Hall nothing goes unnoticed.

I've read a couple of retirement village novels that were hugely entertaining but unbelievable with the over-the-top high-jinks. Harewood Hall is tremendously engaging and believable.

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Karen Herbert has worked in age care, disability services, higher education, Indigenous land management, social housing and the public sector, and is a board member of The Intelife Group, Advocare Inc., and President of the fellowship of Australian Writers WA. Born in Geraldton, Karen now lives in Perth with her husband.

 
 

Book Review & Giveaway: A Recipe for Family by Tori Haschka

 A Recipe for Family

by

Tori Haschka

 

Things are about to get messy..... 

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia

 

Publication date:  3rd August 2022

 Genre: Contemporary Fiction

 

Pages: 400

 

RRP: $29.99AUD

 

Format read: Uncorrected paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of DMCPRMedia

 

My review of A Recipe for Family

 

Tori Haschka asks, in A Recipe for Family, what makes a family? Can you bring in a total stranger and make them a family member? 

This is a story about working mother's and the pressure of working two jobs, that of mother and employee, and trying to do it all under the burden of guilt and judgement.

Tori Haschka includes situations and circumstances we may have found ourselves in at times and gives them a humorous twist.

Life is messy and brimming with disasters and Stella and her friends are full of advice for each other. Everyone keeps telling Stella an au pair will solve all her problems. 

A Recipe for Family is a modern story, for our time, where both parents need to work to survive financially. The story follows a group of mums living on Sydney's Northern Beaches but I think mothers everywhere will relate to the theme, and the characters, in some way or another.

I liked the addition of the social media posts in a local Facebook group asking for advice under an anonymous guise, although others new exactly who the posters were. This was funny in its truth. 

I loved all the mentions of food as it brought people together and was used to remember a loved one. I was delightfully surprised, after reading about all those wonderful dishes, that the recipes are all there in the back of the book.

I enjoyed Stella's final reflection that she needed to open up more and I felt her and her peers finally became friends rather than competitors by the end of the novel.

The story is told through the eyes of Stella, Elise, her mother-in-law and Ava, The 18yo au pair. I feel each of these characters will be viewed differently depending on the readers age and circumstances.

A Recipe for Family is an observant novel. A satirical look at family and mothering.

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

(c) Snippets Photography

Tori Haschka is a Sydney based author, food writer and mum of two. Her articles have featured in Grazia, The Times, the Guardian, Mammamia and the Sydney Morning Herald and her blog eatori.com was ranked by Saveur as one of the five best food and travel blogs in the world. Grace Under Pressure is her first novel.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Giveaway

With thanks to Simon & Schuster and DMCPRMedia I have one paperback copy of A Recipe for Family to give away.

 Enter via the form below. (Open to Australian addresses only). Entries close at 6pm (AEST) on Friday 12th August 2022.

 

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Book Review: Bad Habits by Sarah Evans

 Bad Habits

by

Sarah Evans

 

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021

 

Genre: Crime / Humour

 

Series: D.I. Eve Rock #2

 

Pages: 264

 

RRP: $29.95AUD

 

Format read: paperback

 

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Bad Habits

 

Grisly crime, romance and comedy all in one. And it works!

 

With D.I. Eve Rock Sarah Evans has created a likeable and complex character. She is sassy and full of spirit, very feminine but also likes the occasional cigar with her glass of wine.

Eve is currently on leave recovering from injuries sustained when her house and car were blown up and with no place to stay she is lodging at her mother Sister Immaculata's boarding school.

Eve can't stay away from the office for long, it's a good excuse to avoid Christmas lunch with her dysfunctional family, and she is soon back into the thick of it. New cases are mounting up; body parts found in a freezer, a major jewellery heist and an upmarket art gallery theft.

As the team start investigating the body count mounts and her mother, an ex sex-worker turned nun, has been acting very strangely. 

 

Bad Habits is a story rich in humour. Sarah Evans' writing is witty and entertaining. There is a lot going on and Eve is always in the midst of it. Eve Rock attracts trouble, it follows her around. This is the cause of lots of friendly ribbing between workmates, mostly at Eve's expense and she takes it all in her stride.

It's not all laughs, Bad Habits is a grisly tale of murder and butchery however the constant humour lightens an otherwise gruesome tale.

 

The multiple mysteries kept me turning the pages and the sweet romance between Eve and workmate D.I. Quinn Fox had me eager to see where it would go. Quinn is another likeable character, he seemed resigned to Eve's flightiness.

 

Bad Habits is the second book featuring D.I. Eve Rock and there is some backstory included making it read well as a standalone. It did leave me keen to read book 1, Operation Paradise.

 

A gruesomely good story for those that need lots of action in their books!

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

Sarah Evans, an English ex-pat journalist and former home-schooling mum, is the author of a lifestyle / recipe book Seasons and Seasonings in a Teapot, romance and crime novels, novellas, short stories and poetry.

She gives author talks and teaches memoir, creative writing, poetry and song-writing. She lives on a 20-acre hobby farm in rural Western Australia with her family and a menagerie of fur and feather and has added granny duties to her repertoire.

 

 

 

Book Review: The Bone Ranger by Louisa Bennett

The Bone Ranger

by

Louisa Bennett

 

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

Publication date: 18th November 2021

 

Series: Monty Dog Detective #2

 

Genre: Crime / Mystery

 

Pages: 314

 

RRP: $32.95AUD

 

Format read: Paperback 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

My review of The Bone Ranger

 

The Bone Ranger is such a fun read; amusing, enjoyable and a little bit quirky.

 

Detective Rose Sidebottom is suffering from PTSD after a near death experience and is on sick leave. When a woman begs Rose to find her missing friend. Then when a girl is found murdered, Rose can't help but become involved even though her boss has warned her off the case.

 

Rose has a strong connection with her dog Monty, a golden retriever, who even seems to understand her when she talks to him. I loved the connection between Monty and Rose and how Monty could understand Rose and he found unique ways of trying to get her to understand him, even though she didn't get it some of the time.

 

The story is a dual narrative with Monty in 1st person which I found appropriate and Rose in 3rd person. I felt the change between perspectives flowed smoothly. I loved how Louisa Bennett got right into the mind and thoughts of a dog which were quite often amusing and gave me a few chuckles.

As Rose and Monty endeavour to uncover the identity of the murdered girl they come across a mysterious case of missing dogs. This detective duo are joined by a rat named Betty, Dante the magpie and a hyperactive squirrel. The animal community band together to help solve the mystery.

 

Even though the story is light and fun it is still a compelling crime read with captivating mysteries, tension, danger and suspense thrown in to give a read that is engrossing.

 

The Bone Ranger is the second book in the Monty Dog Detective series however reads well as a stand alone. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 About the author

 

Photo credit Goodreads

Louisa studied Literature at the University of London and went on to learn Canine Linguistics from her Golden Retriever, Pickles, which is how she discovered what dogs really get up to when we're not around.

Truth be told, Pickles came up with the story for the Monty Dog Detective Mysteries, and Louisa just transcribed it. She's faster on the keyboard and less easily distracted by food and passing squirrels.

Louisa worked in magazine publishing before her eyes were opened to the world of woofers. She divides her time between London and Sydney, Australia, and runs courses on crime fiction and creative writing

 

Louisa Bennett also writes thrillers a L.A. Larkin 

 

 * I am saddened to add that Louisa's beloved dog Pickles passed away last week aged 12 years - RIP Pickles 💗

Book Review: Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight by Janet Evanovich

Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight

by

Janet Evanovich

 

A Stephanie Plum novel

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 

Publication date: 23rd November 2021

 

Series: Stephanie Plum #28

 

Genre: Crime Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: 32.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review

Although book 28 in a series, Game On is the first Stephanie Plum novel I have read. Stephanie Plum is a bail bond enforcement agent and the protagonist of 27 previous novels by Janet Evanovich. Even though this book is well into a series it reads fine as a stand alone.

As Stephanie chases up a few people who have skipped bail she comes across one that is proving to be quite elusive and very dangerous. Computer hacker Oswald Wednesday manages to stay one step ahead and is playing a cat and mouse game with Plum.

Evanovich's writing is fast paced making the book a quick read. The story is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and tension filled drama.

I loved the banter between Stephanie and Diesel, who is also chasing after Oswald Wednesday. Stephanie and Lula also have a great rapport and I enjoyed the way they bounce off each other.

I'm eager to read the previous books to see where Ranger, Stephanie's protector, and Diesel fit into Stephanie's love life. She is currently living with Detective Joe Morelli however is still enamored with Diesel and Ranger.

In between all the action, Stephanie's assistant Lula and Grandma Mazur add plenty of humorous moments and a good dose of spirit.

I am happy to have been introduced to this engaging series and I enjoyed this book so much I raced out and bought five more books in the series.

A vast array of interesting characters and some well placed one liners make Game On an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Photo credit:Goodreads

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.