Canter With A Killer

All Mallory wants is to find happiness after her divorce.  She returns to her childhood home in rural Arkansas to set up a horse rescue. But when her wealthy and troublesome neighbor is murdered, her life is thrown into chaos. This being a cozy mystery, of course, she is going to investigate.

A unique setting and a well-plotted mystery with enough suspects to keep me guessing; overall, this was a good story with likable characters. I enjoyed it and would read others by Amber Camp

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an honest review.

Me And Paul

Willie Nelson has written a delightful tribute to his friend of 50+ years, Paul English. This is more a series of escapades than a comprehensive biography. Willie has a way with words, evident in his songs, that is so descriptive you feel like you are just sitting around and talking. The brotherhood they shared is evident in the stories. If you’re a Willie Nelson fan, be sure to read this. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Horizon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Small Game – Blair Braverman

A group of five strangers agree to participate in a survival TV game. They each have their reasons – money, fame, recognition from a daughter, just to prove they can. But the game is not as it first seems. Real danger lurks when the TV crew suddenly stops appearing every day. 

I liked this wilderness adventure/survival story. Braverman has developed interesting characters and plausible situations. I do wish the conclusion was more detailed. Some problems were not resolved, but I hope this means a second book is forthcoming. 

Thanks to Ecco Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publication date: 11/1/22

Battle For The Big Top

This was a fascinating exploration of the history of circuses. The author covers the foundations of the circus worldwide and then concentrates on the United States. Here he details the growth of the three main circus rivals and their ultimate demise. This was thoroughly researched and written in an easy-to-understand manner. You don’t need to have previous knowledge of circus history to enjoy this book. Anyone who is interested in entertainment, American History, or circus lore should definitely read this. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review,

The Cruelest Miles

This was excellent. I learned so much. I kinda knew about the diphtheria outbreak in Nome and serum run from close to Fairbanks, Alaska, – 674 miles – but I never understood the conditions it was carried out in. I now know why Togo and Balto and their owners are considered heroes. It was an epic undertaking. I picked it up because the Iditarod started this weekend and learned that it also follows much of the original route.

A History of the Chicago Portage

I live in the Chicago area and had heard of the Portage, but never really knew its importance or where it was.  This well-researched book cleared up all that for me. The author explains the geography of the area and how the portage was formed, discusses the indigenous peoples who lived in the area, and details the arrival of the French and English explorers who saw the potential for enhancing the fur trade and laid the foundation for Chicago. I frequently found myself saying I’ve been there and never realized its significance. This is a great book for history lovers.

A Solitude of Wolverines

After a breakup and a life-threatening experience in Boston, wildlife biologist Alex Carter heads to the Rocky Mountains in Montana to survey wolverines at an abandoned ski resort turned land trust. She quickly runs into trouble with some of the residents in the area. This fast-paced thriller had a twist I never imagined and left a question unanswered. I have to pick up the next in the series soon.  

A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching

I grew up in a city and was taught pigeons were dirty and disease-carrying birds. This illustrated non-fiction book has changed my view. Pigeons are interesting birds and have a long connection with humans.  I am now fascinated with pigeons and have started looking at them closer. Rosemary Mosco’s art is playful and expresses the delight she finds in the birds. Her writing style is informative and yet still easy to understand for anyone. You do not need a deep knowledge of birds or nature to enjoy this.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers

This short, detailed graphic novel is a good entry point for those who do not remember that horrific day.  It factually looks at the events of the day and their aftermath.  The art is appropriate for the event – dark and muted.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review