Hello Book Fiends of Bloglandia!
I’ll be honest, I came across a lot of “meh” books this month and a few downright awful ones.
It was almost enough to make me want to shred my library card.
Kidding, just kidding… That would be sacrilegious to a book nerd!
Luckily, my faith in the book gods was restored with three books that would have risen to the top even if the month had been full of amazing reads.
But enough preamble, let’s get to these highly recommended reads…
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
by Benjamin Stevenson (audiobook)
This was hilarious while also crafting a wonderful keep-you-guessing “locked room” mystery, and was far and way my absolute favorite read of the month.
I have to admit, the title alone was enough to make me read this book. I never even once looked at the description. But if you must know what the basic premise of the story is here you go…
Ernest Cunningham has been summoned to a family reunion at a ski lodge (which gets snowed in). His brother Michael is expected to join them as soon as he gets out of prison (for murder). Then a murdered body turns up in the snow. No one knows who it is, but with a whole family of killers, everyone’s suspect.
I “read” this on audiobook and I would highly recommend it. The narrator does a superb job nailing down the wry wit and dry, dark humor of Ernest (and the Australian accent is fun to listen to as well).
The humor of this is spot on. It is wry and dark and, at times, very tongue-in-cheek, which suits my own sense of humor to a T. The author nails the voice of Ernest throughout the story, making him come to life with both the humor and Ernest’s range of emotions as he grapples with his wacky family.
The mystery is a terrific guessing game with plenty of layers. And, through Ernest’s commentary, you’re teased with little clues as to what’s going to happen in the story, but never enough to give anything away, only enough to ramp up your curiosity…and the humor as well. The plot hole big enough to drive a truck through bit….he’s not wrong.
Basically, this was one of those books I wanted to immediately read again once I was done, and I can’t wait to see more from the author.
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What Happened in London
by Kim M Watt (Indie pick!)
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a paranormal mystery with a cast of unforgettable characters.
The premise: Several kids have gone missing from the area around a festive market in London. When DI Adams chases down a possible suspect, she learns a little more than she bargained for… One, garbage bins aren’t all they seem. And two, homeless people are also going missing from the same area. And since her superiors don’t want to believe or care about what she’s learned, it’s up to Adams to figure out what strange things are really lurking around London.
While this was an utterly compelling story that I couldn’t put down, it is a somewhat slow-paced tale (until the last quarter of the novel when things REALLY ramp up in the most delightful way).
However, don’t be fooled by this slow pace. The whole time, Watt was playing with my curiosity like a cat with a mouse… What’s up with the bins? Where are these missing people going? What’s the deal with the damn toasties!? Combined with the doggedly determined Adams, it made for a story that was easy to get lost in.
This is billed as a prequel novel, but trust me, you DO NOT have to have read any of Watt’s other books to understand and enjoy this highly recommended book.
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A Million Years in a Day
by Greg Jenner
History should NOT be this funny.
From pooping to panties, and showers to champagne, Jenner’s book is filled with the stories and quirky bits of history that brought us the ordinary objects and habits of our daily routine.
And while it’s full of trivia you’ll want to whip out at your next meeting or party, this book is above all hilarious.
It does help if you’ve heard Greg Jenner on his podcasts because I could see some of the parts that are meant to be cheekily silly coming across flat. So be sure to listen to an episode or two or ten of his podcast You’re Dead To Me before cracking this one open and I think you’ll like it all that much more! Because if you can imagine Greg’s voice speaking the sentences, well, hilarity meets history.
Highly recommended if you’re looking to learn some light facts while laughing your bum off.
What did you read last month? Anything surprisingly good? Anything horrible? Any starts to irresistible series? Reply and let me know!
Thanks for popping by and have a great month of reading, everyone!!!
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Coming soon…
The Unwanted Inheritance of the Bookman Brothers
Wills often come with unexpected surprises. This one especially so.
Read a sample, learn more, or pre-order your copy!!
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Tammie Painter 
I’ve just requested the Benjamin Stevenson from the library. Thanks for the heads up. The blurb said it was the book of 2022 and there was a heated Hollywood bidding war for the rights. All that passed me by, so now I am back in the groove!
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I had no idea it might be a movie, but now that I think about it, it would make a great show. I do hope they keep it set in Australia though. I could see Hollywood wanting to set it in the US to “appeal” to an American audience. Hate it when they change things solely for that reason.
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