2 Bloggers 1 Series - Blood Heir

 

Stormi and I were thrilled when we learned there would be more books in the Kate Daniels world.  Even though Blood Heir was released in January, we knew we'd eventually get to it.  So read on to see what I thought of this spin-off  and then  hop over to Stormi's  at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: Blood Heir (Aurelia Ryder #1)

AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews

PUBLISHER: NYLA

PUBLISHING DATE: January 12, 2021

PAGES: 359

SOURCE: Own 

FROM GOODREADS: 

Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival. 

Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit.

If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she’d ever loved could threaten everything. 

One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.

MY THOUGHTS: It's very hard to give this book a proper review without spoiling almost everything that happened in the Kate Daniels series.  So let's be a tad brief.  Julie has returned to Atlanta but for reasons that happened in the time between books, she is almost completely unrecognizable.  An important clergyman has been killed and Aurelia needs to find the person responsible or the entire future of Atlanta, and her loved ones, is extremely bleak.  And she must go undetected while doing it.

It was so much fun to be back in the Kate Daniels world.  I loved seeing some familiar characters and as always, Andrews packed this novel full of action.  Aurelia has changed so much but deep in her heart she's still the same old Julie and it's hard at times for her to separate her feelings from what she knows she must do.  I also think this book opens up the world for lots of future installments - at least I hope it does.  My only issue is that there were some characters we didn't see at all and I really would have liked to have a least a chapter with them.

So if you love this series, chances are you've already picked this book up.  And if you haven't, there's no time like the present.  I don't think you'll regret it!

RATING: 4 Paws

Can't Wait Wednesday (319)

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: It’s 1998 in Hooperstown, New Jersey and people are getting sick. Some citizens blame the local chemical plant. A select few believe something far more terrifying is responsible, a dreadful force that causes nightmarish visions and aberrant illnesses. Bad things are blooming in Hooperstown, and the stench of death is growing stronger...

Standing on the edge of summer break after the longest last day of eighth grade ever, Doug Simms and his two best friends join a group of older kids for an all-night scavenger hunt. It’s supposed to be a celebration, an evening of fun and freedom. But what happens that night will change their summer in the darkest ways imaginable. And not just their summer...but their entire lives.

MALIGNANT SUMMER is a coming-of-age epic where innocence is lost and the path through adolescence is painful. Where dreamscapes merge with reality. Where love seems possible, and the best season feels like it can last forever. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I think this sounds like a perfect summer horror read.  I enjoy coming of age tales and the fact that it takes place in 1998 makes it even better.  I really do hope it's a good read because Meyer must be taking some lessons from King and this one clocks in at 625 pages.

CASSIUS'S PICK:

FROM GOODREADS: Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Joanne Fluke, a bitter discovery is made in a sweet-as-candy town, in Kitt Crowe's Sweet Fiction Bookshop series debut.

Life is sweet when you live in Confection, Oregon. Or, at least, that's how it's supposed to be. But on a summer day, when tourists and locals alike gawk at the majestic mountains, quaint Craftsman houses, and lovely flowers--particularly the renowned Confection Rose--the last thing anyone has come to see is a dead body, unearthed from a shallow grave by a curious dog.

A bathrobe-clad Lexi rushes next door to her neighbor's backyard to find her pooch, Cookie, stalwartly sitting watch over a body in the vegetable garden. Cookie, encrusted in dirt, grips a copper pipe between her teeth. Was this the murder weapon? And was Lexi the murderer? It sure looks that way, seeing as she was spotted squabbling with the victim just the day before. The case becomes all the more perplexing when the real murder weapon turns out to be a garden stake. Then where does the copper pipe fit in? And might a more likely suspect let Lexi off the hook?

All the volumes in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop, and all the specials at Eats n' Treats, prove of little help in jogging Lexi's brain to find a solution. Fortunately, Cookie is not finished digging up clues. As the fur flies, can this trusty border collie mix save sweet Lexi from a bitter end? 

WHY CASSIUS CAN'T WAIT:  It's simple.  Mom likes cozy mysteries and this one features a dog - enough said WOOF WOOF!

top Ten Tuesday - Books That Could Be Crayon Colors

 

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to That Artsy Reader Girl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading.

I'm trying to get back into the weekly Tuesday feature after being hit and miss for a while.  And what do you know, this week's topic involves quotes.  I'm horrible at quote-related things so I've decided to do a recent topic I missed.  

Late, Late at Night - I imagine this being a dark blackish blue.  And hey, I need to reread this soon.  I loved it the first time around and fondly remember seeing Springfield in my concert days.

Discord's Apple - I imagine this a goldish-greenish color.  And boy, I don't remember anything about this book other than I read it sitting in an ER waiting room so many years ago.

Bite Me - A deep reddish-black.  Fitting.  If you haven't read this book, you should. It's hilarious.

Graveminder - I see this as a dark muddy brown/grey.  By far the prettiest crayon in the box but definitely one that's needed.

Red Riding Hood - A nice pinkish red.

Darkwater - A deep blue green, not like this cover at all.  Another book I apparently enjoyed in 2012 but don't remember.

Iced - This would be a sparkly blue silver.  Definitely metallic.

Cinder - A grey/black color which I'm sure probably already exists in the land of Crayola.  Also, will I ever finish this series?

She-Hulk - Neon green of course!

Moon Chosen - I imagine this as a bright yellow-green hue.

So there you have it.  Hope not one cares that I went rogue.  I dug deep in my reading archives for these so I could feature some books that haven't been showcased on the blog much.

Have you read any of these???

What's Happening... (05-22-21)

So once again I'm going to try to make this a regular feature.  I got really bad about updating at the end of 2020.  Hopefully I'll get better at checking in regularly.  As always, I'm linking up with Stacking the Shelves at  Tynga's Reviews and The Sunday Post at The Caffeinated Reviewer.  

So if you saw my post earlier this week, you know we lost Grandpa on May 10th.  He suffered so much at the end that it was really for the best.  And he lived a good long life.  The funeral was a mess because of Stupid Uncle and him not following through with Grandpa's wishes but then I don't know why I was surprised.  For the past 10 years I've pretty much went to his house every Saturday.  When he was feeling good we'd run errands and go eat and then when he started declining, I'd do some household tasks and shopping for him and keep him company.  So the past two weeks I've tried to keep my Saturday mornings busy.

Speaking of, this morning Cassius and Apollo participated in the first Pooch Parade our neighborhood had.  They were about 50 pups of all sizes and many dressed up.  We even had a shark dog.  It was nice and it was early so at least it was still cooler on them.  Cassius also got to see his girlfriend who saw him outside her bedroom window and came and saw him while we "lined" up.  Spoiled dog!

The job is great and I've been reading a lot.  Seems like my library has been getting lots of great new releases so as always, I have too many books out at one.  I've done 3 buddy reads with Stormi this month and with all that's going on, her friendship has been a lifesaver.  I'm so glad I met her and I'm grateful for our friendship.

Here is what I'm focusing on this weekend:

 

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A post shared by Barb (boxermommyreads) Briggs (@boxermommyreads)

I had to pick up a few holds at the library yesterday so here's a few I grabbed. That "new" shelf right when you walk in the door is a disaster waiting to happen!

And in closing, here's a picture of Grandpa throwing out the baseball at a high school game a few years back.  He's was 96 here and still going strong.  Hope everyone is staying safe and having a great weekend!

2 Bloggers 1 Series -

 

So Stormi and I have a few series on the go right now and this month, I'm glad we moved back to a series which is quickly becoming a fave - The Virgin River series.  So read on to see what I thought of book #3 and then  hop over to Stormi's  at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought.

TITLE: Whispering Rock (Virgin River #3)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: May 26, 2007

SOURCE: Library

PAGES: 369

FROM GOODREADS: 

Virgin River has sheltered more than a few lost souls over the years—and there's always room for more… 

Virgin River became a safe haven for Sacramento prosecutor Brie Sheridan after she nearly lost her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she has some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who wants to show her just what it means to trust again. 

A decorated marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty. When he agrees to become Virgin River's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. 

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning..

MY THOUGHTS: Wow this book had a lot going on it but I don't mean that in a bad way.  The previous two books have each centered on a pair of individuals with a few side characters thrown in here and there, this one had two primary characters and some strong side story lines as well.  Maybe it is setting up future installments, as there are quite a few.  Whatever the reason, I really loved Whispering Rock and it was just the read I needed this month.

After being seriously injured while working as a detective in California, Mike Valenzuela has moved to Virgin River and is living in a large camper in back of Jack's bar.  Mike has always been friends with Jack's sister Brie, but when something traumatic happens to her and she visits Mel and Jack in hopes of emotionally healing, the friendship between her and Mike blooms.  Can Brie find happiness with a reformed womanizer and better yet, will Jack allow it and survive Mel's wrath if he doesn't?

Reading books in this series is a lot like visiting an old friend.  It's great to see what everyone has been up to which is why I loved the fact that this installment included so many of the old favorites.  This one even had a minor mystery/investigation going on which I feel added to the tale as well.  I love Mel and Jack as a couple and of course I love Preacher and Paige.  Each book cements their lives in Virgin River and I enjoy being along for the ride.  

If you've ever considered reading this series, I'd say go for it.  I'm not sorry Stormi and I decided to pick them up and I look forward to the next time we decide to pick one up.

RATING: 4 PAWS

Can't Wait Wednesday (318)

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: At the turn of the 20th century, minstrel shows transform into vaudeville, which slides into moving pictures. Hunkering together in dark theatres, diverse audiences marvel at flickering images. This "dreaming in public" becomes common culture and part of what transforms immigrants and "native" born into Americans.

Redwood, an African American woman, and Aidan, a Seminole Irish man, journey from Georgia to Chicago, from haunted swampland to a "city of the future." They are gifted performers and hoodoo conjurors, struggling to call up the wondrous world they imagine, not just on stage and screen, but on city streets, in front parlors, in wounded hearts. The power of hoodoo is the power of the community that believes in its capacities to heal and determine the course of today and tomorrow.

Living in a system stacked against them, Redwood and Aidan's power and talent are torment and joy. Their search for a place to be who they want to be is an exhilarating, painful, magical adventure. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I love Tor publications and this one sounds so intriguing.  Too bad it's such a long wait.

CASSIUS'S PICK:

FROM GOODREADS: The Secret Life of Pets meets Scooby Doo in this hilarious sequel to The Great Pet Heist that follows the furry friends as they hunt down a ghost!

Butterbean is bored. She and the other pets pulled off a heist once, but that was like a million years ago. Nothing exciting has happened since then. That is, until Mrs. Third Floor shows up at their apartment, convinced there’s a ghost in the building.

Mrs. Third Floor’s rental unit is showing signs of paranormal activity—eerie noises, objects moving when no one is there, fish disappearing from the tank overnight. The pets decide to investigate. Soon they’re confronted with a bigger problem than just ghosts: professional ghost hunters who are offering to drive out the spirits for a hefty fee. It’s up to Butterbean and the rest of the gang to save Mrs. Third Floor from losing her life savings to scammers, all while dealing with some really annoying new animals. Can the furry friends uncover the truth in time?

WHY CASS CAN'T WAIT:  Mom needs to get her groove back.  She's had a horrible two months so Cass and I are taking it upon ourselves to put some more fun in her life.  Doesn't this sound fun????  And personally, I love Scooby Doo!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Rest in Peace Grandpa

 

So many of you know I've been pretty MIA the past few weeks.  Grandpa finally passed away after being in the hospital for almost a month.  He fought until the very end which was a horrible thing to be a part of on the sidelines.  I'm grateful for the time I spend with him over the years and the best way I can describe the way I'm feeling is broken.  He was a wonderful man and was the glue that held our disjointed family together. And FYI, Stupid Uncle continued his stupidity right through the funeral services.  I'm worn out but I can say I actually feel like I'm healing so all is good.  Those puppy dog kisses work wonders.  

Jennings Howard “Junior” Stewart, 99, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on May 10, 2021.  He was born on July 13, 1921, in Wirt County, WV.  Junior was a member of Independent Fellowship Church of Ravenswood. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and antique cars, and also enjoyed helping his neighbors and friends. He was a mechanic with the Jackson County Board of Education. Junior was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army where he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Flame Tree Press Tour - Screams From the Void

 

TITLE: Screams From the Void

AUTHOR: Anne Tibbets

PUBLISHER: Flame Tree Press

PUBLISHING DATE: May 18, 2021

PAGES: 256

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS:

For two years in deep space, the freighter Demeter and a small crew have collected botanical life from other planets. It's a lesson in patience and hell. Mechanics Ensign Reina is ready to jump ship, if only because her abusive ex is also aboard, as well as her overbearing boss. It's only after a foreign biological creature sneaks aboard and wreaks havoc on the ship and crew that Reina must find her grit - and maybe create a gadget or two - to survive...that is, if the crew members don't lose their sanity and turn on each other in the process.

MY THOUGHTS:  I absolutely loved this book!  In reading the author's notes, it took a while for this book to get picked up and I do believe Flame Tree Press did the right thing when they decided to publish it.  The action in the book takes off right from the start.  The reader is transported aboard the Demeter and early on, we learn there is a foreign biological creature on the loose which no one knows about.   The ship's Captain does finally manage to hit the Yellow Alert, but by the time the remainder of the crew learns something horrible has happened, the death toll is already quickly rising.  

There are only a few characters on board but I fell in love with quite a few. Raina, the mechanic, is the main protagonist and not only is she trying to escape the creature, she is also trying to make sure her abusive ex doesn't kill her in the process.  Why oh why would you date someone you are with for two years in outer space?  I also loved Tamsin, the innocent gal who is one of Raina's best pals and Chief Officer Pollux was a treat as well.

This book has plenty of action and a kick-ass female cast.  There are a few jerks here and there but that made seeing what eventually happened to them all that more intriguing.  I have discovered that I really enjoy space horror and this may every well end up on a favorite's list at the end of the year.

RATING: 5 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Former TV writer Anne Tibbets is author of The Line Book One and Two: CARRIER and WALLED,and co-authored the first book of the sci-fi series EXTINCTION BIOME: INVASION,and authored the second, EXTINCTION BIOME: DISPERSAL, both as Addison Gunn. When Anne isn’t writing she’s a

Literary Agent.

2 Bloggers 1 Book - Bigfoot in the Bronx

 

Hunter Shea has always been a favorite author of Stormi and myself.  Last year and maybe the year before we did a "Shea in May" feature.  So when he released a new novel, we just knew we had to buddy read it.  So continue on to see what I thought about his latest endeavor and then hop over to Stormi's @ Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! and read her review.

TITLE: Bigfoot in the Bronx

AUTHOR: Hunter Shea

PUBLISHER: Severed Press

PUBLISHING DATE: March 29, 2021

PAGES: 176

SOURCE: Kindle Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: 

The Hunt 

It’s hunting season for best friends Shay and Vito. This year, with a bad economy and Shay out of work, it’s more important than ever to bag a deer so they can feed their families. Tucking their truck in their secret spot outside a state park in the Catskills, they settle down, waiting for a deer to come to them. 

Discovery 

What they get is a giant creature that outruns a speeding deer and savages it with its bare hands and jagged teeth. Someone hidden in the woods shoots it with a tranquilizer dart. Shay knows what the beast at their feet is, and how its discovery can change their lives forever. They load it into their truck and head home for… 

The Bronx 

The drugged Bigfoot awakens in a cramped shed in Shay’s backyard. Confused, terrified, angry, it breaks loose in the middle of the night, seeking refuge in a nearby cemetery. When the bagpipes of a morning funeral drive it into a killing rage, the carnage has just begun. 

Rampage 

From playgrounds to golf courses, apartment buildings to subway cars, the bigfoot is on the move – and it’s not happy. Can Shay and Vito find and recapture the beast before it burns the Bronx to the ground?

MY THOUGHTS: First of all, look at that cover! Isn't Harry adorable?  Yes, I named him and yes, I sort of loved him and damn you Hunter!  So each year Shay and Vito go deer hunting.  Usually it's a good excuse to hang out in the woods and drink beer.  But this year is different.  Shay has been out of work for some time and he is really counting on stocking his freezer with some venison.  But soon Vito and Shay discover that there's more in the woods than deer.  When an old man living off the grid manages to show up and tranquilize bigfoot, Shay and Vito sweep in for all the glory.  Except they think bigfoot is dead and will be perfectly fine in Shay's shed all night.  Boy were they wrong.

This book is a typical Shea creature feature which I consider a good thing.  I'll admit it took a while for the carnage and mayhem to start but once it did, I was thoroughly captivated.  And in typical Shea fashion, he threw in some great characters to boot.  While I liked Shay and Vito and all of their misguided ignorance, I really fell in love with the teenage girl who befriended Harry and wanted only the best for him.  And no, Hunter did not name him Harry, although he did reference Harry and the Hendersons.

So if you love creature features and are like me and eagerly look forward to Shea's next release, then what are you waiting for?  Pick this book up, curl up with a nice cup of coffee, or bourbon if you prefer, and prepare yourself for a treat.

RATING: 4 PAWS

Random Things Tours - The Loch

 

TITLE: The Loch

AUTHOR: Dee Taylor

PUBLISHER: Conrad Press

PUBLISHING DATE: January 6, 2021

PAGES: 224

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: 

‘The Loch’ is set on the shores of Loch Ness. 

It’s a harrowing, unforgettable tale of courage and romance, unfolding between the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and in the murky depths of the loch itself. With drama escalating in suspense, this entertaining and thrilling novel is the story of a former stripper from the Aberdeen clubs emotionally torn between two men: a deep sea diver from the oil rigs and a highlander with a violent and tragic past. 

There is greed and horror in a search for Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite gold within the ever-present menace of the fabled creature of the Loch.

MY THOUGHTS: I've always been very interested in the Loch Ness Monster so when I saw this book involved old Nessie, I couldn't wait to give it a try.  Tina and her boyfriend Jack are camping one night when they believe they have spotted Nessie.  They soon become obsessed and set out to capture a picture and prove the Monster's existence.  However, in learning about the Loch Ness lore, they decide there may be more benefit in finding the Prince Charlie's Jacobite Gold.  

I loved learning about the area's lore and Taylor's book transported me to the Scottish Highlands, a place I've always wanted to visit.  And personally, I'd love to see Nessie.  The Loch is a quick read and while not exactly a thriller per se, the pacing was good and rather chilling at times.  I've not read any other books by this author but would definitely be interesting in checking more out in the future.  And if that cover doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will!

RATING: 3 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dee Taylor is now a professional artist, after spending most of his career in the advertising profession as art buyer at two of London's top ad agencies.

His many artistic achievements include designing a now famous flag for the Romney Marsh area of Kent in south-east England.

Dee’s other passions are angling and Loch Ness.

Random Things Tours - Hit and Run

 

TITLE: Hit and Run

AUTHOR: Maria Frankland

PUBLISHER: Autonomy Press

PUBLISHING DATE: May 5, 2021

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: When secrets and lies are the cogs that keep a family turning

Fiona Matherson is a recovering alcoholic. Fighting to keep her life on track, her world is blown apart by some dreadful news one sunny June afternoon.

Fiona’s insular life becomes lonelier as she gets to know her husband more after his death than when he was alive.

Who can she believe? And who will believe her?

A story that shows the darkness which exists within families, and the damage that people can do to each other. 

MY THOUGHTS: This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go.  As mentioned, Fiona is a recovering alcoholic whose life is turned upside down by her husband's unexpected death.  She is immediately one of the prime suspects and as she learns more and more about her husband, she starts to question their life together. 

There are some truly unlikable characters in this novel which instead of hating, made my reading experience that much more enjoyable.  Frankland really knows how to weave a tale and she had me guessing something different as the book progressed.  While quite a character-driven, the book has a steady pace.  I enjoyed learning everyone's backstory and loved that the author didn't hesitate to create some really flawed individuals. 

If you like domestic thrillers and dysfunctional family dynamics, look no further!  Hit and Run is the book for you!

RATING: 4 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maria Frankland's life began at 40 when she escaped an unhappy marriage and began making a living from her own writing and becoming a teacher of creative writing.

The rich tapestry of life with all its turbulent times has enabled her to pour experience, angst and lessons learned into the writing of her novels and poetry.

She recognises that the darkest places can exist within family relationships and this is reflected in the domestic thrillers she writes.

She is a 'born 'n' bred' Yorkshirewoman, a mother of two and has recently found her own 'happy ever after' after marrying again.

Still in her forties, she is now going to dedicate the rest of her working life to writing books and inspiring other writers to also achieve their dreams too!

Random Things Tour - Don't Ask

 

TITLE: Don't Ask

AUTHOR: Paul Carroll

PUBLISHER: Matador

PUBLISHING DATE: April 28, 2021

PAGES: 336

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: 

A DNA ancestry test opens up a Pandora's Box of secrets. 

When Elsa Watson takes a DNA ancestry test out of idle curiosity she little imagines the devastating consequences she is about to unleash. Two families become reluctantly entwined as inconvenient truths and long suppressed memories resurface. 

A #whodunnit with a difference, Don’t Ask visits the glam rock Seventies, Britpop, Operation Yewtree and #metoo within its alternating past and present chapter structure.

MY THOUGHTS: I was initially drawn to this book because of the music aspect and I have to admit, it has me wondering how many children out their were fathered by musicians taking groupies backstage in their heyday.  Seriously, why aren't more crawling out of the woodwork.  That being said, Don't Ask not only looks at the not-so-glamorous look at fame but also focuses on the ugliness of some of those who have became famous.

As an afterthought, Elsa Watson takes a DNA test after receiving a free one at the photography business where she works.  She's not expecting much but soon she's opening a major case of worms.  Add in with two family's struggling with various issues and some very well-written mental health concerns and you have a book which was definitely not the contemporary/mystery read I was expecting.

There was a lot of things I liked about this book.  I really enjoyed getting to know most of the characters and as mentioned, I always enjoy a good music tale.  I really felt for both families caught up in this DNA disaster and as the story evolved, it took a downright depressing turn.  And let me tell you, Carroll knows how to end a book.  I'm still thinking about the ending.

My main complaint with Don't Ask is that for at least the first 100 pages, I was confused.  There are multiple players in the tale and multiple timelines as well and it often took me a page or two into each chapter to figure out who I was reading about now.  

Other than that, Don't Ask is a fairly hard-hitting book and if you enjoy British novels, glam rock and family drama, then this might just be the book for you.

RATING: 3 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Carroll has been drawn to ink and the written word since launching a rock fanzine in his late teens.  

Born and bred in Leeds, Paul crossed the Pennines in the mid-70s to study English Language and English Literature at the University of Manchester.  

Chasing a job in journalism he stumbled into the world of PR and ten years after starting his career set up his own PR consultancy, Communique PR, in Manchester.

 There he worked on many well-known brands including Boddingtons, Heineken, Thorntons Chocolate, Chicago Town Pizza, Big D peanuts, Co-op Funerals and Manchester Airport. 

These days, Paul concentrates on his writing. 

Paul’s books are full of dark humour and satirical takes.  His writing has been compared to that of Ben Elton, Nick Hornby and Jonathan Coe in tackling serious contemporary issues in a highly engaging and entertaining way.

Don’t Ask (Matador 2021) is Paul Carroll’s fourth novel, following A Matter of Life and Death (Matador, 2012), Written Off (Matador, 2016), and Trouble Brewing (Matador, 2017).